Greenville Humane Society (Greenville, SC) is currently offering adoptions, vaccines and spay/neuter by appointment only.

Adoptions

All adoptions are performed on a first come, first interviewed basis. No appointments can be scheduled for specific animals. Please be prepared to respect the following guidelines during your appointment: (1) Only 2 people may attend your adoption appointment. (2) For your safety and the safety of employees, please wear a mask. (3) Please maintain a safe distance of 6 feet from other customers and staff. View animals and schedule an appointment here: https://www.greenvillehumane.com/adopt/

Vaccines

Vaccines and heartworm testing are available by appointment. Please be prepared to respect the following guidelines during your appointment: (1) Only 1 animal per 15-minute appointment. You may schedule back-to-back appointments for more than one animal. (2) Only 1 person per animal. (2) For your safety and the safety of employees, please wear a mask. (3) Please maintain a safe distance of 6 feet from other customers and staff. (4) Owner will be required to wait in the lobby during services. Vet tech will retrieve pet and take it to the exam room for services. Get more information or schedule an appointment here: https://www.greenvillehumane.com/vaccine-clinic/

Spay/Neuter

Spay/neuter surgery is performed by appointment by 4 licensed veterinarians and 10 highly trained assistants. Hours are Monday through Friday only with drop-off from 7:30 to 9 AM and pick-up from 4:30 to 5:30 PM. For more information including prices or to schedule an appointment, visit: https://www.greenvillehumane.com/spay-neuter/

Dogs are remarkably loyal to humans -- and they also are remarkably similar to humans in the conditions and diseases they share. Among those conditions is the allergic reaction, a common occurrence year round, but especially when trees and grasses send off pollen during the spring.

Keeping your home allergen-free is good for you and your dog, and a handy guide from Everlywell.com offers 18 easy ways to allergy-proof your home. The guide offers room-by-room suggestions and printable checklists as well as an allergy log. It also includes a special section about pets, who may unwittingly bring outside allergens into your home.

Get your free guide here: https://www.everlywell.com/blog/indoor-outdoor-allergies/how-to-allergy-proof-your-home/

Image: Pixabay.com

COVID-19 is still very much a threat to all of us. You probably have a lot of questions about how to keep you dog safe during this global pandemic. Cyberpet has put together a handy infographic with  the answers to twelve of the most common questions concerning pets and coronavirus. You'll find authoritative answers to questions including:

1. Can pets catch coronavirus?
2. Can my dog transmit coronavirus?
3. How can I protect my dog if I am sick?
   ...and 9 more.

You'll find the infographic here: https://www.cyberpet.com/covid-19-and-pets/

This information is provided as a public service and reproduced from https://avltoday.6amcity.com/helping-dogs-adjust-home-alone-asheville/?

By Brook Bolen for AVL TODAY

As we get further along into Phase 2 of the Governor’s three-phase plan to reopen the state, more of us will be venturing outside the home more frequently, and many of us will be returning to the office. How can we best help our dogs avoid the “Back to Work” blues and prepare for added solo time?

I spoke with Pia Silvani, a pet behavioral specialist — also the Interim Director of the Asheville Humane Society’s Behavioral Department — to find out what pet parents can do to make the transition as painless as possible. Here’s what Pia suggests doing ASAP:

• Stop taking your pets with you everywhere (even if that’s just inside your house). “If they’re clingy, and they follow you around from room to room, close the door and leave them alone,” she says. “If they’ve been sleeping in the bed with you throughout quarantine, put them back in their dog bed.”
  
  
• Leave your furkids alone for a few hours each day. Now that we can leave home again, step outside and run some errands. “Little spurts of time away will help them get used to you leaving again,” Pia notes.
  
  
• Stick with a routine. If you’ve been going on lots of walks in quarantine, keep them up, but get up early in the morning so you can fit them in. “It’s very important to make sure your pet gets adequate exercise,” says Pia. Similarly, if you keep music or the TV on during the day, be sure to leave it on for your pooch while you’re gone.
  
  
• Start waking up earlier. If you’ve been sleeping in and lounging in bed, start getting up earlier so your dog gets used to it, too.
  
  
• If you work remotely, then implement some distance at home. Start by shutting the door to the room where you’re working. Even seemingly small changes like this can help your pet acclimate to spending less time with you. 
  
  
• Bring your dog along to the office if you can. Let your pooch join you for half a day and then take them home. 
  
  
• Extend your lunch hour to run errands or other things you might do after work. That way, you can go directly home to see the one(s) who’ve been waiting for you all day long.
  
  
• Talk to your neighbor and see if they can check in on your dog during the day (alternately, hire a pet sitter/walker). These folks can let your dog out to relieve themself and give a few belly rubs. 
  
  
• Keep in touch with your veterinarian. If your dog shows signs of anxiety, there are lots of natural products to help pets feel more calm + comfortable, Pia says. In the event they need something stronger, your vet can prescribe the appropriate medication.

Image: Pixabay.com

As dogs age, they are susceptible to aches, pains, joint inflammation and muscle loss, much like humans. Older dogs may also suffer from various conditions that can make walking around difficult. Writing for PetPlace, veterinarian Dr. Debra Primovic discusses mobility problems in older dogs and what you can do to help with them at home.

She writes that some of the more common reasons for mobility problems include hip dysplasia, osteoarthritis, and intervertebral disc disease, all of which she describes. Among her tips for improving an older dog's mobility at home are:

• Create a regular exercise routine
• Use natural remedies or, when needed, NSAIDs prescribed by a veterinarian
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Be thoughtful about your floors
• Maintain proper hygiene
• Enlist the help of mobility aids.

Check out her helpful article for more details about all of the above. You'll find it here.

Image: Pixabay.com

Did you know that xylitol, a sweetener that may be found in such common items as candy, toothpaste and even peanut butter, is toxic to dogs? Or that grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs? Even milk and cheese can be harmful to adult dogs.

For a very comprehensive updated list of dog toxins reviewed by a veterinarian, check this out from BetterPet: https://betterpet.com/bad-foods-for-dogs/

This list contains 22 people foods that are bad for dogs as well as 29 toxins that are found around the house -- dangers in the bathroom, garage, utility room, laundry room and in other areas, as well as outside in your yard. Plus, as a bonus, you'll find a listing of healthy foods and superfoods that are the healthiest super snacks for your dog.

Want to keep your dog safe and healthy? Read the list!

Image: Pixabay.com

WoofReport.com has published Your Essential Guide to Keeping Your Dog Happy at Home. This handy publication has "top tips for sheltering in place with your dog... and how to prep for what come's next."

The guide includes:

• Tips to keep your dog happy and healthy
• Fun activities to entertain and engage your dog
• At-home activities just for dog lovers.

The guide is loaded with helpful information. Get your free guide here:

https://www.woofreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Woof-Report-Happy-Dogs-at-Home.pdf

Guest Post by Chele

Description: CBD oil has taken the health and wellness industry by storm. It’s natural that healthy-lifestyle loving people would want to share their new-found diet supplements with their pets. And so, CBD oil for dogs appeared.

What Is CBD Oil For Dogs?

CBD or Cannabidiol is a compound found in hemp - a type of cannabis plant. Being legal in 50 states in the US, hemp is unlike its sister compound, marijuana, and does not cause intoxication. CBD was extracted from hemp to create all-natural health products for humans initially, but now you can find CBD oil for dog products as well. There are many benefits that supplementing with CBD oil for dog products can bring to your best friend’s diet. Let’s take a look at what CBD oil is used for specifically.

Benefit 1: Anxiety 

CBD oil for anxiety is a well-known treatment among humans, and it’s no different among canines either. If your little furry friend is a shelter-dog and has a history of abuse (which causes anxiety), CBD oil is likely to be a great treatment. Likewise, if your dog gets stressed about car trips, going on trains, visits to the vet, or anything else - a CBD oil for dogs product is a good choice. It is a well-known fact that CBD oil for dogs supplements can help with general neurological health and emotional well-being. 

Benefit 2: Cancer

Wow, not holding back here, are we? Well, there are whispers that one of the CBD oil benefits is that it can help with the treatment of this serious disease. This is a MASSIVE claim, and definitely too serious for this article (please consult a veterinarian). We’re just reporting that ‘yes, indeed’, using CBD oil for dogs with cancer has been claimed as an option. 

Benefit 3: Immune System

The CBD origin came into the health industry because of its anti-inflammatory benefits and the ability to help stimulate the immune system. So, CBD oil for dogs is great for supporting, healthy heart, joint, and skin function. An all-round winner!

How To Administer CBD Oil For Dogs

Your fur-babies can get their dose of CBD in a variety of ways. There are capsules and droppers as standard, but some dogs might refuse to take the supplement in this way due to taste. Most pet shops stock CBD-infused treats, so you can feed your dog the supplement, like any other medicine. Lastly, there are topical options for CBD oil for dogs. If you’re looking to target their fur, skin, and joints, topical cream or oil might be the best option.

Doses Of CBD Oil For Dogs

Before you even let your pet near any CBD, please consult a qualified veterinarian. Supplying information about dosage sizes for your fur-baby is beyond this article. We’re just providing some general information here so you can kick-off on your own research hunt. Just as with all medicines and supplements, our preference is to start off at a low dosage and increase it slowly over-time.

Side Effects Of CBD Oil For Dogs

Unwanted side effects of all CBD oil products for dogs are rare, but they can occur. Your furry friend might experience dry mouth, vomiting, lethargy, depression, tremors, and lowered blood pressure. Some of these side effects might be initial teething problems as your dog adjusts to the supplement. If side effects continue, it would be advisable to take a SECOND visit to your veterinarian after the initial consultation and agreement with the supplementing.

Final Thoughts On CBD Oil For Dogs

Overall, the jury is still out on how powerful CBD actually is for health benefits - even in humans. Sure, studies suggest that it’s a great anti-oxidant for both humans and dogs - and helps as an anti-inflammatory tool in our bodies.

We’re interested to know, have you started CBD oil for dogs supplementation? And, if so, how’s it going? Has your pet enjoyed any of the positive effects that we’ve described here and none of the negative ones? Reply in the Comments section to let Carolina Mountain Dog know your experiences.

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Chele is a pet shop owner from Blackpool, UK. She writes a weekly newsletter for her online customers and is well-known and liked in the local community. There’s nothing that Chele likes more than going for walks along the Blackpool beach in winter with her dogs.

Image: Pixabay.com

From WoofReport.com:

Petting Petiquette. 

With social distancing to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, you need to stay at least 6 feet away from others, but does the same apply for dogs? The Washington Post reporter Karin Brulliard answers the burning question: Can I still pet other people’s dogs? 

According to experts at the American Veterinary Medical Association, “based on available evidence, there’s little reason to avoid petting” because the virus survives best on smooth surfaces and not “porous materials, such as pet fur." Other experts cited advise “the most conservative approach would be to refrain from touching others’ dogs” since the dog owner may be infected but show no symptoms. (The Washington Post)

Image: Pixabay.com

Most dog lovers consider their pets part of the family. This is great -- until we realize that dogs, like humans, are exposed to real dangers from ordinary things in and around our own home. Of greater concern is that some of the things we as humans take for granted can present serious hazards to dogs.

Did you ever think about the fact, for example, that common household items such as string, rubber bands, electrical wire and the cords from your blinds or window shades could be dangerous to your dog? Have you made sure to secure household cleaners, insecticides, plant fertilizer and antifreeze so your dog doesn't get into them? Did you know some household plants can be toxic to dogs, and that some common drugs can be harmful to drugs?

A site called HomeGuides offers some valuable free advice about "Keeping Pets Safe in the Home," covering the above, as well as providing a room-by-room safety guide, Check it out here: https://homeguides.co.uk/pet-safety/

Image: Pixabay.com

Pet Wants is a new mobile pet food delivery service in the Asheville area. Part of a national franchise, the objective of Pet Wants is to deliver fresh, high quality food directly to the customer's door. According to Pet Wants, "Most commercial pet food is manufactured in mass quantities and sent to a series of distribution warehouses before finally making it onto the shelf at your local store. There it sits…possibly for up to 6-8 months before it’s purchased for consumption. Because pet food loses its nutritional value over time, pets can ultimately end up eating a diet that’s low in nutrition and can ultimately lead to unnecessary sickness, disease and even a shortened life.

"Freshness is the key to good nutrition. We provide our proprietary pet food formula that has been carefully developed over the years and deliver to your home to ensure freshness. Your pets will appreciate a healthy, complete and balanced pet food made from fresh, all-natural ingredients. Since our food is slow-cooked to lock in nutrients and is made in frequent, small batches, we deliver the fresh and highly nutritional food to our customers within weeks, not months, of being made. Our customers appreciate the convenience of our auto-delivery system that they can modify prior to each delivery. This ensures that the best possible food is delivered when they need and only how much they need – delivered right to their door – for the same price as most premium commercial pet foods."

The local owner of Pet Wants, Christian Ray, is a Brevard College graduate and founded the Blue Ridge Flyball Club. Pet Wants makes free, personal delivery of quality pet food to Buncombe County households. For more information, visit: https://www.petwants.com/Asheville/

The H.E.A.R.T. of North Carolina (Humane/Emergency/Adoption/Rescue/Transport) is a service of the Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society.

The 27-animal capacity mobile medical/rescue vehicle allows the humane society to provide low-cost spay/neuter surgeries and vaccination clinics, increase adoptions at off-site events, rescue animals from puppy mills and hoarding cases, and assist first responders with transport and safe refuge for animals in times of natural disasters. With the H.E.A.R.T. of North Carolina, Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society has been designated as an official Emergency Placement Partner by the Humane Society of the United States.

For more information about H.E.A.R.T. services, visit https://www.chhumanesociety.org/heart-of-nc

"Let sleeping dogs lie" is a familiar proverb that actually means not interfering in a situation because you could make it worse. However, in the context of "dogs and sleep," it seems to be just as appropriate. Dogs sleep a lot -- on average as much as fourteen hours per day, according to sleep experts at Tuck -- so it pays to just, well, let them lie.

Tuck discusses other fascinating facts about dogs and sleep in a helpful article that includes information about dog vs. human sleep cycles, dog sleeping positions and things you can do to help your dog get better sleep.

The article on sleep is just one in a series of "pet sleep resources" provided by Tuck. You'll find them here: https://www.tuck.com/pet-sleep-resources/

Interested in learning how genes, lifestyle and environment influence a dog's aging? Then you might like to participate in the Dog Aging Project, a nationally-funded research project run by the University of Washington and Texas A&M University.

The Dog Aging Project brings together a community of people committed to giving dogs the happiest, longest lives possible. Expert veterinarians and scientists will team up with 10,000 dogs and their owners to identify factors critical to improving healthy lifespan.

Dogs and their owners are the heart of the Dog Aging Project. If you nominate your dog, you’ll have the opportunity to partner with the research team as a citizen scientist. They’ll ask you to fill out surveys about your dog’s health and life experience. They’ll provide you with a kit to sample your dog’s saliva for genetic testing. They may ask you to complete special activities with your dog and report back on their performance. The goal is to make the experience easy and fun for you and your dog. The researchers hope you’ll join their team as they work together to accelerate medical breakthroughs for dogs and humans.

For more information about this unique project, visit: https://dogagingproject.org/

The ASPCA has published a helpful "Holiday Survival Guide for Pets & Their People." This one-page overview lists medications that could be dangerous to pets, holiday goodies that are bad for pets, plants that can cause illness, and the five big holiday dangers to pets. You can download this Survival Guide as a PDF at the link below.

Download HolidaySurvivalGuide.

Did you know the ASPCA Spay/Neuter Alliance, a nationally acclaimed spay/neuter clinic, is in Asheville? This is one of the best places in the Carolina mountains to inexpensively spay or neuter your pet.

ASPCA Spay/Neuter Alliance offers high-quality, low-cost spay/neuter services to the communities of Western North Carolina at their state-of-the-art stationary clinic in Asheville, North Carolina. A transport service is available through partnerships with local shelters and rescue organizations in 18 surrounding counties.

For more information or to book an appointment, call (828) 252-2079 or to book an appointment online, visit:
https://www.aspca.org/animal-protection/spayneuter-services/aspca-spay-neuter-alliance#tab-1

Surgical Fees

There is no additional cost for pregnant, in-heat, or cryptorchid animals, or community cat ear tips.

Cash, credit cards, or checks accepted. Financial assistance may be available. Please call for details.

Vaccine Fees

Administered only with surgery.

Required Vaccines

Optional Canine Vaccines

Optional Feline Vaccines

Friends of Madison County Animals (FOMCA) has arranged for a veterinary clinic on alternate Fridays at the FOMCA office, 115 Blannahasset Island Road, Marshall, NC 28753. Services are provided by Dr. Suzanne of French Broad Mobile Vet. You can make an appointment by calling (828) 412-1181, but walk-ins are welcome.

The veterinary clinic schedule for the rest of November and December is on Fridays from 2 to 5 PM on Nov. 29 and Dec. 13 and 27.

Guest Post by Angie Hill

Are you looking for environmentally friendly ideas that you can use as a pet-loving dog owner? Whether you realize it or not, the choices you make as a dog owner have the potential to impact our environment. Dogs are still animals by nature and this means striking the right balance between being eco-friendly and serving the best interests of your four-legged friend. This post will help you learn how you can do your own good work for the environment while also giving your dog a happy, healthy life.

Walk More

Taking your dog for walks is a sure-fire way to keep him or her happy, healthy and content.

You can also use walking with your dog as a great excuse to skip driving to a store or to a friend’s house. Fewer carbon emissions mean you are doing something good for the environment, your own health and your dog’s too, so reach for the leash and take more walks!

Switch to Sustainable Pet Food

According to the American Pet Products Association, $30.32 billion was spent on pet food in 2018 in the U.S. The food you feed your dog should be balanced but protein-heavy. Regular dog food you buy will contain 20-40% protein. A lot of this protein comes from animal sources and just like humans who live on a meat-based diet, there’s a big ecological footprint left as a result.

You don’t have to turn your dog vegan, but if you want to be eco-friendlier you have two other options:

•     Buy sustainable pet food
•     Make your own

If you want to make your own food at home, here are some simple recipes to use: https://themotherhuddle.com/making-your-own-dog-food/

Two valuable dog food tips that can help to reduce your environmental impact are:

Less Processed: Typically, if food has gone through more processing, it has taken more energy to produce. Therefore, try to feed dogs food that is less processed.

Dry & Wet Food: It might not even have crossed your mind, but wet food is heavier due to having more water content - this means that there are higher emissions when wet food is transported, so dry food is better for the environment in this instance.

Your pet’s health comes first and you should consider this before you switch their diets. When deciding on what food to buy, consult your veterinarian before making a big change in your pet’s diet.

Choose Toys Wisely

A large number of toys on the market are made from plastic, and it can be hard to move away from them when you’re on the hunt for a new one for your dog. If you have a pet that is full of life and gets through toys, you will end up tossing them away all the time. Try to choose toys made from recyclable materials or natural fibers as this will have a positive effect, environmentally. You could also try one of these homemade brain games .

Buy Non-Toxic Shampoo

If your dog runs a mile at the mere mention of a bath you aren’t alone! But baths are a necessity, so when it comes to bath time, switch to using a natural, organic dog shampoo. Ensure it is non-toxic and is free from parabens and dyes, too, as this is better for the environment (no excess chemicals end up going down the drain and into the environment) and your dog’s coat and skin.

Your vet will be able to help you make the right choice of shampoo; many companies advertise their products as “all-natural” but they aren’t!

Use Biodegradable Waste Bags

Those little poop bags that often get used to pick up and dispose of a dog’s waste are part of the global plastic epidemic.  They require hundreds of years for them to biodegrade. Avoid this issue by opting to use only compostable bags which take three to six months to fully decompose.

Angie Hill Angie is a dog-loving, outdoor enthusiast who writes for WoofDog.org, a site that offers dog-centered health, food and behavior advice.

Image: Pixabay.com

Greenville Humane Society offers a low-cost, walk-in vaccine clinic open to the public. The Medical Center is located at 307 Airport Road, Greenville, SC, to the left of the Adoption Center.

Hours are:

• Monday - Friday, 9 AM - 4 PM
• 1st Saturday of each month, 9 AM - 12 PM
• 2nd Thursday of each month, 5:30 - 7 PM

This is a walk-in only clinic; no appointments are necessary. The following services are provided:

A low-cost vaccine and microchip clinic will be held on Sunday, October 27 from 11 am to 2 pm at Asheville Humane Society, 14 Forever Friend Lane, Asheville, NC 28801.

This event is for both dogs and cats! No appointment is needed, but please be prepared to wait in line. Availability of vaccines may vary. **CASH ONLY FOR PAYMENT**

If you aren't able to make this event please see details about other community clinics here: https://ashevillehumane.org/resources/low-cost-vaccine-clinics

COST:

Rabies 1 year | (Dogs or cats over 3 months) | $10.00

Rabies 3 year | (Dogs or cats with rabies paper certificate to prove current on rabies) | $10.00

Bordetella - Kennel cough | (Dogs over 2 months) | $15.00

DA2PPV - | (Dogs 6 to 12 weeks or under 25 lbs) | $15.00

DA2PPV + Lepto - | (Dogs 12 weeks or older and over 25 lbs) | $15.00

FVRCP/FELV - Rhinotracheitis, Calici, Panleukopenia and Leukemia | (Cats over 2 months) | $20.00

FVRCP | (Cats over 2 months) | $15.00

FELV | (Cats over 2 months) | $15.00

Microchip | (Dogs or cats over 2 months) | $15.00

**Cash is only accepted form of payment**