Is it safe to take my dog hiking? #ASKHSSA

Yes, but be on guard!

Hiking is one of the most popular outdoor activities in the Tucson area. However, there are some safety precautions to consider. You wouldn’t go hiking in the hottest parts of the year without ample hydration. If you’re taking your dog with you, you’re going to need to bring more water. Simply sharing the amount of water you would take for just yourself won’t cut it.

You don’t hike barefoot; neither should your dog. It’s one thing if you’re going out for a casual stroll on a shady stretch of The Loop, but if you and your dog are headed out into the desert, your dog is going to really need some footwear. Jagged rocks, cactus spines, goat heads, stinging insects – even broken glass – are all environmental hazards that can be easily avoided by protecting your pooch’s paws.

Not all hiking trails are created equal. Always check before hitting the trail head that dogs are permitted in the area. Some trails prohibit dogs and all hiking trails that do allow dogs require the dog to be leashed at all times.

Also, familiarize yourself with the types of wildlife in the area. We offer rattlesnake avoidance training for dogs! You can learn about this vital program here.

Lastly, always keep your dog’s abilities in mind. DON’T take your Chihuahua hiking through miles of the Chiricahua National Monument in 120-degree heat. DO take your Saint Bernard to Summer Haven to enjoy the snow. It all depends on your specific dog!

Did you know? HSSA’s volunteers can participate in our FAST Program allows volunteers to give selected dogs time away from the shelter for activities like jogging, hiking, or even just relaxation and socialization. Learn more at hssaz.org/help/volunteer/

Can my pet be a therapy pet? #ASKHSSA

Good question.

Before we can answer this question, it is important to know that not every pet is suited to being a therapy pet. Therapy pets are introduced to new people and new environments constantly. They must possess a high degree of socialization towards strangers – especially young children. A dog that distrusts new people or is not comfortable being pet, poked, hugged, and played with by children would not make a good therapy pet.

Therapy pets are certified. Some of the requirements for this certification require potential therapy dogs to complete obedience training. Dogs must be comfortable obeying verbal commands and must be curbed of unwanted behaviors like jumping on people or pulling while leashed. Animals that have exhibited aggression towards people or other animals should never be considered for the duties of a therapy pet. Not meeting these criteria doesn’t mean your pet isn’t great, it just means they might not be suitable as a therapy pet.

HSSA’s Pet VIP Program provides all the necessary information and classes to get your pet ready for their lives as therapy pets. Want to learn more about therapy pets and our Pet VIP program? Contact our Pet VIP Coordinator at (520) 327-6088 ext. 153.

Super Bowl Puppy Snacks

Celebrate the big game day with your favorite canines

Whether you're a Patriots fan or you back the Rams all the way, you are sure to be watching on Sunday, February 3rd. Check out these pet friendly treats you can serve up on game day.

-Football cookies for dogs

-Game Day Biscuits

-Peanut Butter Dog Treats (No cooking required!)

Remember kick off is at 6:30pm ET so you'll want to start on these snacks early and make sure everyone is ready to sit, stay, watch!

P.S. You may want to pay close attention to the super bowl commercials...

Keep your eyes peeled for our new Super Bowl commercial featuring foster care animals, our Paws and Pages Literacy program and more!

If you miss the commercial don't worry, we'll be posting it to our Facebook page later this week!

Rats enter retirement

Humane education ambassadors retire to forever homes

Bubbles, Blossom, Buttercup, and Lucy have served the Humane Society of Southern Arizona Education department for the past two years.

They have joined our Education staff in school visits, Summer Camps and Birthday Pawties. These rats helped children learn about gentle animal handling, pet overpopulation and that even the smallest beings deserve respect and care.

We thank these rats for their contribution to our Education department and we look forward to follow up photos from their new, forever families!

Watch the full video here.

Letters from The Kennel: Cutest Halloween Pet Costumes Seen On Reddit

We're still recovering from this year's candy haul,

but managed to waddle over to our desks to gander at the inevitable cavalcade of the cutest pet costumes that users of the popular site Reddit have shared this Halloween. And while the popular subreddit known as r/aww is one of our guilty pleasures year round, Halloween is particularly special. Check out these cutest Halloween pet costumes seen on reddit this year. Maybe these inventive trick’r treaters will inspire your next year’s pet costume, or maybe you’ll just predictably exclaim “aww!” – either way, grab that last candy corn from your Halloween stash and enjoy these costumed critters!

1. The Creepy Crawlies

Posted by reddit user: u/BingoVivaLaLoca

Sometimes, it doesn’t take alot of gimmicky props or fancy wardrobe to make a great Halloween costume. Reddit user u/BingoVivaLaLoca shared this simple-yet-effective idea. Working with the spots rather than against them, a small amount of pet-safe dye transformed this Dalmatian into a real skin-crawler of a costume!

2. The Gourd Dog

Posted by reddit user: u/BuddyCat123

OK, we’ll admit the costume really isn’t doing that much here. Sure, it’s a cute pumpkin outfit, but its this super-adorable pup that’s doing the heavy lifting. Plop this pupper down in a pumpkin patch and, well, you’ve got yourself a ‘gourd dog’!

3. Doe, a female...dog?!?

Posted by reddit user: u/kyvvy

We did a double take over this one, just to make sure it wasn’t an actual deer in the picture. Another great example of how minimal accessories and just a touch of pet-friendly dye can really be effective. Especially if your dog already has the market cornered on looking like a deer.

4. Unbearable

Posted by reddit user: u/bmc2017

With the release of not one, but two, feature-length, live-action Paddington Bear movies, it’s not surprising that there’s been a resurgence in popularity of this lovable character. This living, breathing teddy bear got right into the spirit of the holiday with this slapdash costume and its so cute that its almost unbearable.

5. The Guardian of the Gates of 'Awww'

Posted by reddit user: u/avramce

This one takes it all the way back to the classics. In Greek mythology, Cerberus was the three-headed hound that guarded the entrance to Hades; preventing anyone from escaping. This little fluffball has a better idea. Instead of being a hideous monstrosity, just be so ridiculously cute that nobody would ever want to leave. As a side note, we don’t condone the use of choke chains. In this instance, it’s more of a piece of costume jewelry, and you can see the actual collar underneath.

6. iCute

Posted by reddit user: u/pmartin3002

He’s been portrayed on the silver screen by the likes of Michael Fassbender, Aston Kutcher, and Justin Long, but this little innovator captures that visionary-staring-into-the-future look that Steve Jobs possessed better than any Hollywood A-list actor ever could. He’s probably better at transferring photos to the cloud, too.

7. Out Ridin' Fences

Posted by reddit user: u/chesloctopus

Despite the “this is my life now” look on this cat’s face, we have to applaud the ability of its owner to dress a cat in a costume AND get its picture taken. This buckaroo is the only cat to make the list this year, but if you’ve ever tried to dress up a cat, then you know the struggle. If you did dress your cat up, we’d love to see! Send your costumed cat pics to our Facebook page!

8. Happy Little Trees

Posted by reddit user: u/SassypantRN

Beloved public access t.v. painter Bob Ross was the inspiration for this get up. When your hair-do is as famous as Bob Ross’s curly coif, it only stands to reason that it should be the starting point for a legendary ‘Dog Ross’ (or is it ‘Bob Ruff’?) Halloween costume.

9. Tripod? Tri-pawed? Just say cheese.

Posted by reddit user: e/MaxPickles

Another example of working with what you’ve got, or in this case, what you don’t. This awesome sharpshooter clearly has a leg up on life when it comes to getting subjects to smile for the camera!

10. What did BB8? Lettuce. He ate Lettuce.

Posted by reddit user: u/thuja-plicata

Here we have an interstellar tortoise that we’ll conclude our list of the cutest pet costumes that were found on Reddit.com this year. When the new Star Wars movie launched, fans flocked to stores and online retailers to get their hands on a vast menagerie of BB8 action figures, remote-controlled toys, and even plush stuffed animal versions of the little orange robot. This tortoise tops them all with this fun, hand-made costume that is out of this world, therefore we just had to be include this galactic cutie in our list.

Did you and your pets dress up? Which of the above cutest pet costumes did you like the best? Let us know! You can comment right here on our blog, or share and discuss your cutest pet costumes for Halloween on our Facebook page. And, remember if you need a new collar, leash or harness, a new food bowl or fun new toys for your bright-eyed kitten, you can get all of those things and much more at our retail locations at PAWSH La Encantada and PAWSH Park Place Mall, or come by our Main Campus at 635 W. Roger Road, to do a little tax-free shopping. Remember, it’s never too early to start planning next year’s costumes! Who knows? Maybe we’ll be talking about your cutest pet costumes next time!

How to Fund-Raise for Sweat for Pets

This marks the fourth year for SWEAT for Pets,

our popular dog walk fundraiser. Dogs and dog-walkers take over the University of Arizona’s Campus Mall for a fun, non-competitive bit of exercise! There’s the 3k course for everyone to walk, run and roll through, Geico’s Kids Fun Zone, hydration station, prizes, and there’s even a doggie costume contest. It’s fun for the whole family including your furry canine family. It’s been a very popular event in the past and this year promises to be the best SWEAT yet. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER! As SWEAT for Pets approaches on October 20th, we’d like to take a moment and familiarize everyone with the simple steps on fundraising for HSSA.

Sweat for Pets is your dog’s favorite walk of the year.

So, exactly how does one go about raising funds for the Humane Society of Southern Arizona at SWEAT? That’s part of the fun! If you’ve never participated in a fundraiser before, it’s simple! Start with your own dedication to helping save the lives of homeless pets. Your registration begins your step towards SWEAT for Pets but it doesn’t end there! Your passion spills over into the lives of the people in your life. Your family and your friends all can share in that passion! Ask them to support your cause and contribute $20 or $25 to your fund.

Offer a car wash or maybe a few household chores to convince your friends and family to support you.

As you enlist others to support you at SWEAT for Pets, you start to gain momentum and next thing you know you’ve got yourself several sponsors. Don’t stop there, though! Keep the excitement (and sponsorships) growing and share your enthusiasm for what we do with your coworkers and even your boss. Helping the lives of shelter pets is something everyone can support! Got a favorite coffee shop, barber, church group, or diner? Get them involved, too!

Just because they never get your name right on the cup doesn’t mean your local coffee shop won’t help.

Lastly, you don’t have to do it alone! Make it a team effort and make SWEAT for Pets even better by getting your whole office, softball team, or pottery class involved in fundraising! It’s an incredible feeling when you see so many people in your personal life stand beside you in a cause that you (and they) believe in.

Tons of businesses and organizations come to SWEAT each year!

So, ready to do some fundraising? Great! Click here to register for SWEAT and build YOUR team to help save the lives of shelter pets at SWEAT! And, to make things even easier to get you started, take this handy Sweat for Pets fundraising road map as a resource for your fundraising adventure! SWEAT for Pets kicks off at 8 a.m. on October 20th, we’d love to see YOU there!

The Most Common Mistakes We Make According to Vets

Maybe you’ve been gently chastised by your vet for

letting your cat pack on extra pounds or letting your dog’s teeth get out of hand. But there are plenty of times that veterinarians have held back, keeping their opinions to themselves about how we’re messing up with our pets. When the question was raised in a recent Reddit thread “what common pet care mistakes are we making with our pets?”, veterinarians weighed in with gusto, prompting more than 8,700 comments.

Here’s a look at the most common pet care mistakes that we, as pet owners, make according to the mostly polite, frustrated animal docs.

Listening to other People for Medical Advice

In today’s world, it’s hard to deny that everyone seems to have a different opinion when it comes to pet care. Many vets weighed in about clients who argued against their advice, saying that their breeder, trainer or groomer disagreed and told them to do something else. You can find admittedly passionate (yet still wrong) pet care advice everywhere – not only from breeders and groomers, but also animal trainers, pet stores employees, farriers, your eccentric neighbor, your friend, your parents, some random guy on the street, etc., etc.

Thanks, but we prefer the advice of highly-skilled and educated veterinarians when it comes to the health of our furry family members. You wouldn’t let your barber perform your root canal; why would you listen to pet advice from Barb next door, who burned the casserole for the block party last summer?

Get it together, Barb.

Letting them Get Overweight.

Obesity is another common mistake people make with their pets. Being chubby isn’t cute or a sign of love. Instead, it can lead to all sorts of medical problems. Experts suggest you feed the best quality food you can afford, take guidelines from the bag about how much to feed and then make changes if necessary. Table scraps, junk ingredients, and overfeeding are all very unhealthy pet feeding practices. Luckily, maintaining a healthy diet for your pet is one of the easier pet mistakes to solve. Dogs and cats are fairly simple when it comes to feeding and maintaining weight. Most food manufacturers provide guidance as to how much to feed based on weight. If you follow that and your pet starts gaining weight, then you know to change something.

I can has cheeseburg-NO, YOU CANNOT

Not Taking Care of their Teeth

Vets and vet techs posted a lot about dental care, pointing out that having annual dental checkups as part of your pet’s annual exams was key. But don’t leave it to the vet to take care of your pet’s teeth. Good oral health for your pet should be practiced at home. Brushing every single day with a vet-approved toothpaste is the single most important component of your pet’s oral care. They suggest getting your pet accustomed to regular brushing. If you can’t get your furry best friend to cooperate, try dental rinses and chews.

Waddya mean say "awww"?!? I'm saying "aww"! I'm saying "aww"!

Forgoing Basic Nail Care

Do you clip or grind your pet’s nails? Many pet owners never do this for their pets. Veterinarians urge pet owners to regularly check and clip, or grind, their pet’s nails. Nails that have been left untended can result in serious and painful issues. Ingrown nails are a common and painful problem for animals with unkempt nails. These have to be surgically dug out of the animal’s flesh. Most of the time, an animal with an ingrown nail will give no outward indication that they are in pain. In return, this can cause owners to be unaware of how much their pet is suffering by not trimming their pet’s nails and this in turn can lead to costly and needless vet bills. A $5 pair of pet nail clippers, or $500 surgery? Tough decision, isn’t it?

When you said we were going to get my nails done, I thought you meant at a salon!

Not Socializing Puppies

Puppies need to experience other dogs and meet people early in their life. Puppies go through a socialization period in their development. This window for socialization closes in about fourteen weeks of their young lives. If puppies aren’t properly socialized before approximately their sixteenth week of development, it can have lasting and detrimental behavioral effects.

Socialize me.

Young pups need to be around other dogs and people in safe and controlled environments. We suggest puppy socialization classes, but arranging a play date at a friend’s house, or your own, works great, too. Notice that we are NOT saying to take them to a dog park! Ensure that the dogs your puppies will be around are healthy and vaccinated and make sure they will play nice with your puppies so that it is a positive experience for your pups.

We also encourage you to let your puppies experience as many new things as they can during the socialization phase. Introduce your puppies to humans of all shapes, sizes, and race and let them experience walking on many different surfaces; smooth tile, carpet, steps, bricks, stone, etc. Show them common household items as you use them so that your pups will not be fearful of these items later. Be sure to offer treats and praise and have fun with your puppies while socializing them!

Choosing Unhealthy Breeds

When certain dogs walk in the door, vets sigh and know they can expect a lifetime of health issues. One of the biggest pet care mistakes that many pet owners make is buying dog breeds that have low life expectancy and a proclivity for serious illnesses. Many breeds like bulldogs and other ‘flat-faced’ pet breeds are poorly bred and can be expected to result in routine and costly vet bills. It can be easy to forget that these traits were bred into these dogs and are not a natural part of the dog’s physical characteristics and therefore, not necessary. Research different breeds and consult with a veterinarian to ensure that the breed you want has a reputation for being healthy and long-lived.

Cute? Maybe. Respiratory problems? Definitely.

Skipping the Annual Checkup

Nobody likes being poked and prodded and maybe you don’t want to see your pet uncomfortable either. But it’s worth the yearly trip just to make sure there’s nothing going on with your dog or cat’s health. The health of our pets can change much more rapidly than they do in the human body. This makes sense when you compare the lifespan of your pet to your own. Vets understand that, despite their dedication to the health of your pet, your pet might not share that passion and would rather skip the office visit.

Consider that a fifteen minute visit, once a year, is worth the time and effort to ensure your pet’s continued health. In return, they give you unconditional love. Pretty fair deal, if you ask us.

What it Means to be 'Kennel Reactive'

We recently featured Periwinkle,

an adorable blonde hound who had been waiting in our shelter for over 100 days. We were becoming concerned with his increased kennel reactivity and wanted to make sure that he found a home soon. Periwinkle is a very sweet and gentle dog. We learned that about him quickly. Like many of the animals here, he did not deserve the long wait that he has had with us to find a forever home. His playful attitude and gentle disposition and cute hound dog appearance would seemingly make him a great pet for somebody! Instead he has waited patiently here for adoption while becoming more kennel reactive every day. But what does ‘kennel reactive’, also referred to as ‘barrier reactive’, actually mean?

Watch Periwinkle’s video for an example of kennel reactivity.

How Does a Dog Become Kennel Reactive?

Many dog breeds have evolved over time to become very specialized to capitalize on their genetic traits. Take K-9 dogs, for example. Their job is to sniff out contraband. Routinely tasked with finding this contraband, these dogs can become frustrated and even suffer from depression if they are unable to locate any contraband. To offset these conditions, trainers will provide these dogs with ‘patsy’ contraband to find. The dogs can then successfully feel like they have completed their task and relax. Similarly, many breeds of dogs are not meant to spend extended amounts of time in a kennel environment. It is hard for even the most even-tempered dog to withstand the frustration of seeing people and other dogs continually walk past their kennel door.

An animal shelter is just that -shelter for animals that need it. It is not a home. It is not a pet store. It is, at its best, a temporary solution for animals that need a permanent home. We get attached to the animals that we care for. That goes with the territory. We want the very best for our animals -both while they are here with us, and once they are adopted. Part of safely and humanely housing a large number of animals requires the use of kennels. This is a necessary element to ensuring each animal has safe, comfortable, and adequate housing. This, however, is a double-edged sword.

Symtoms of Being Kennel Reactive

Dogs are social animals by nature and having a barrier between themselves and the rest of the world has a very real emotional and psychological impact on many dogs. This impact on their psyche manifests itself as behavioral changes within the dog. This is the cause of kennel reactivity. Barking, growling, and whining are some of the most common and easily identifiable behaviors that can occur when a dog becomes kennel reactive, though other unwanted behaviors such as aggressive jumping and biting, can also present. It is a very difficult thing to see happening to a dog that you know to be a gentle and generally well-adjusted animal such as Periwinkle.

It also makes it all the more difficult to find a family and a home for a dog that has become barrier reactive. The public at large may not be familiar with the effects of kennel reactivity and assume the dog’s behavior while in a kennel as being indicative of their actual disposition. It is all too common for potential adopters to overlook kennel reactive dogs due to this assumption. After all, who would want to adopt a dog that is going to aggressively bark, growl, lunge? And so, problem of kennel reactivity self-perpetuates. The dog becomes more reactive, and the more reactive it is, the less adoptable it appears, the more time it spends in the kennel, the more kennel reactive it becomes, and so, on and on it goes.

A Solution for Kennel Reactive Dogs

There is a wonderful truth about this, though. Kennel reactivity can be counter-acted. The fix is a simple one. Remove the afflicted animal from the kennel for good. A normal, healthy household is what a dog needs. A loving and active lifestyle that permits the animal to behave naturally. A focus on socialization with other dogs, and properly training these dogs for walking on and off leash around other people and animals can heal a dog of its kennel reactivity. Periwinkle is a great example of this! Our spotlight video featuring him shows both his true nature; running, playing, and happy, as well as how he exhibits reactivity in his kennel. His prolonged stay within our kennels was a growing concern for all of us who have had the joy of interacting with him. We wanted to find him a home, and soon.

UPDATE

Periwinkle has been adopted! He is on his way home and on the road to recovering from his kennel reactivity. We hope more people will become aware of what it means for a dog to be kennel reactive. Behind these symptoms is a dog that simply needs a loving home.

Periwinkle-854254-resize-for-blog-1-300x300

Our New Forever Home, A Big Night Out, and A Look To The Future!

We’ve had a big month!

There’s a lot happening at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona and we want to share in our excitement with everyone. The month of April has seen some significant changes for the HSSA. We’re making history as we strive to make the lives of shelter animals better. Our ten-year trek to our new location is now complete, and we’ve been busy with our annual fundraiser. Now we’re ready to get to work on all the exciting things these big changes will make possible for us in the future!

Puttin' on the Dog 2018

That's a Wrap!

Puttin’ on the Dog, our annual fundraiser at Loews Ventana Canyon has come and gone for another year. This year was our most successful charity auction yet, and the all-white affair was truly a special evening. The 328 items up for auction were incredible, and the food and drink on offer from the 19 vendors and restaurants were delectable!

We were able to raise over $230,000 in funds for our furry family members in need! To everyone involved, from our amazing top-tier donors like the Andrews Family Foundation and Atlas Bioscience Labs, to all those who attended (and looked stunning in white!), to all of our amazing volunteers, we can’t say “Thank You” enough!

We are busy uploading a ton of photos from the event so be sure to check them out here.

We've Moved!

Settling In

The Humane Society of Southern Arizona (HSSA) has worked tirelessly to build a place where animals that need a home, and the people who are looking for an awesome new family member, can come together to make our little corner of the desert a better place for everyone.

We are finally getting settled into our new campus at 635 W Roger Rd. If you haven’t had a chance to stop by and see us at our new forever home, we heartily welcome you to do so! The new facilities allow for us to better care for every animal in our shelter. Our veterinary clinic can deliver excellent medical treatment, our kennels and cateries offer safe, clean, and comfortable spaces for every cat and dog, and our adoption staff allow us to ensure each animal has the opportunity to live a happy, healthy life.

Come by, see the grounds, check out the store on-site, find your next best friend, or just stop by to say “Hi”! Check out this video of the new campus!

What's Next?

Looking Forward

So, what does all of this mean for the future of the Humane Society of Southern Arizona? We are positioned now to provide our services to the people and pets in our community in a better capacity than we’ve ever been before, and are poised to do so for a very long time. Just because we’ve wrapped up our biggest night of the year with Puttin’ on the Dog and moved into swank new digs, we’re not taking the summer off! Tails & Ales, Howling with the Hounds, Dog Days in the Desert Summer Camp, and so much more is happening this summer at the HSSA!

You can look at all of our upcoming events here.

Letters from The Kennel: 10 Pets You Need to Follow on Instagram

At the Humane Society of Southern Arizona,

we love Instagram. It’s a great platform that we use frequently to showcase the homeless pets in our shelter. And, of course, we love scrolling through our feed and seeing so many cute pets, including some great Tucson locals! Follow us on Instagram @humanesocietysoaz for our daily dose of cuteness, and then read this article for 10 pets you need to follow on Instagram.

1. Tinkerbelle @tinkerbellethedog

Tinkerbelle probably travels more than you. She’s also the best-dressed jetsetter out there. This 5-pound Papitese (Papillon/Maltese) is living her best life. Okay, so maybe she’s a little bit of a diva. But she knows it (check out her profile @tinkerbellethedog)!

2. Watson and Kiko @wat.ki

Everybody loves a good dog cuddle, and Watson and Kiko are no exception. These adorable fur brothers love to take naps, cuddle, and spend time outdoors. In case you didn’t know, Watson is the trust fall dog! You gotta check @wat.ki out!

3. Ellie, Layla and Booker @goldens.unleashed

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The Pacific Northwest is the perfect place for these three adventurous, outdoorsy Golden Retrievers. They’re also great models. The perfect mix of serious and smiley, and always featuring fun, colorful bandanas (and the occasional free hugs sign), @goldens.unleashed is a must-follow for a daily dose of cuteness.

4. Tuna @tunameltsmyheart

We love a good underbite, but this overbite has our hearts melting. Tuna is a sweet Chiweenie (Chihuahua/Dachshund) with a goofy overbite and a flair for fashion. If you need a daily giggle, you’ll definitely want to check out @tunameltsmyheart.

5. Darren and Philip @the_blueboys

Darren and Phillip are two sweet blue Pit Bulls with faces you just can’t resist. These fur brothers have a packed schedule of naps, cuddling and fun. They even run their own Instagram account (or so they claim)! Check out @the_blueboys, you’ll love them!

6. Taquito @thelittletaquito

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We just can’t resist a cat named after food, especially if they’re as cute as Taquito! If you love cat naps, you’ll love Taquito’s pictures. Check out @thelittletaquito if you need some warm-fuzzies while you’re scrolling.

7. Sir Thomas Trueheart @sirthomastrueheart

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Sir Thomas Trueheart has earned his knighthood, because he fought and won a huge battle. While living as a stray in the desert of California, someone poured acid on his face, which burned half of it off, including his right eye. Luckily, he was taken in by Milo’s Sanctuary and treated. Once he was healed he was able to find a forever home. Now @sirthomastrueheart is an Instagram star and, more importantly, a spokescat for the abused and forgotten.

8. Hanbit @hanbit_the_one_eyed_cat

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Hanbit is a playful kitten who just happens to be missing an eye. A local animal shelter rescued this sweet boy and removed his infected eye so that he could live a long, happy life with his forever family. Check out @hanbit_the_one_eyed_cat for a little cute and a little funny and a whole lot of love.

9. Oatmeal and Calico @adventuresofcalico

This is the account that you didn’t know you needed in your life. You probably follow lots of cats and dogs on Instagram, but do you follow any hedgehogs? Once you check out @adventuresofcalico, you’ll wonder why you never have before.

10. Exempel @exempelthebunny

This 6 year old mini lop bunny from Sweden is perfect for adding some cuteness and hilarity into your feed. Exempel is another pet you just didn’t realize you needed in your feed. @exempelthebunny is so photogenic and cute, we know you’ll love following him!

Do you have a favorite account that you think we missed? Let us know in the comments below. And if you’re social media savvy, check out How Sharing a Pet on Facebook Can Save Their Life for more information on how following accounts like ours can help homeless pets get adopted.

Letters from The Kennel: 8 Pet Resolutions for the New Year (plus, a giveaway!)

Happy New Year from all of us here at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona!

[read through to the end to win some great prizes!]

It’s 2018, and we are excited for the year ahead of us. In 2017, we found homes for over 6,000 homeless pets.

Soon, we will be moving into our new campus! The new campus will allow us to provide high-quality care for the pets in our shelter, find homes for even more pets, and keep the pets in our care healthier and happier while they wait for their forever homes. After 73 years in our current location, we are so excited for the changes ahead.

New-Campus-From-Above-SMALL-VERSION-760x371

We asked our wonderful staff what they think responsible pet owners should do in the new year to keep their pets healthier and happier in 2018. Check out these eight pet resolutions for the new year.

1. Make sure your pet is getting regular exercise.

Regular exercise helps keep your pet at a healthy weight and can reduce destructive behavior. Going on walks and playing with your pet can even help you bond with your pet and benefit your health! Make time this year to help your pet get the exercise they need.

2. Don't leave your pet unattended with chew toys.

Many chew toys have the potential to pose a choking hazard, and can go from fun to dangerous very quickly. Keeping an eye on your pet while they have a chew toy (especially a new toy) is the best option for your pet’s safety and your peace of mind.

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3. Make sure your pet's vaccines are up to date.

Our pets are family, and we want to keep them safe and healthy. Vaccines are an important part of this. Your pet’s core vaccines help prevent diseases that are easily transferable and/or fatal. Talk to your vet about your pet’s vaccines and make sure you stay on top of the schedule.

4. Get regular veterinary and dental checkups.

Regular checkups are critical to your pet’s health. Untreated medical and dental problems can cause a lot of pain and stress for your pets, and can even be fatal. It’s easy to forget about regular appointments if you are busy, but this year, make the time to get your pet to the vet (talk to your vet about how often they need to see you!). Your pets will thank you.

5. Make a commitment to do the things you've been putting off.

Does your pet need new toys? A potential adjustment of their medication? A new exercise routine? It can be easy to put off certain things that are beneficial to your pet’s well-being, especially if they’re not urgent. This year, make a commitment to take stock of your situation and do the things you’ve been neglecting. You are your pet’s only advocate, so their health and well-being is in your hands.

6. Feed your pet a healthy diet.

Between the countless different types of pet food at the store and the human food that you might give them on a regular basis, the well-balanced diet we’d all like to feed our pets sometimes falls to the wayside. It’s never too late to make necessary changes in your pet’s diet. Read up on some do’s and don’ts and talk to your vet about how to optimize what your pet eats.

7. Get your pet spayed or neutered and microchipped.

If you haven’t already, it’s time to get your pet spayed or neutered. There are a lot of myths about spaying and neutering pets, but the truth is that it is better for them, for you, and for the community. A microchip is another thing every pet should have. This small procedure can mean the difference between a lost pet coming home…or not.

8. Train your pet.

There’s no doubt about it, it would be great to have a perfectly well-behaved pet who can do neat tricks. However, most of us don’t. Start small this year by training your pets at home, or find a professional. Training can improve communication, reduce or eliminate behavior problems, builds confidence, and can even save your pet’s life.

When in doubt, you can always talk to your veterinarian about your pet’s health and well-being. They can give you some great pointers on small changes you can make today to make a big impact on your pet’s life!

Enter for your chance to win: Let us know your pet resolution for the new year in the comments below for a chance to win one of two 2018 calendars or a set of crocheted cat butt coasters (we have FOUR sets, generously donated by Geekirumi!). Six lucky winners will be chosen at random. This giveaway ends January 12th!

Letters from The Kennel: Why Your Local Animal Shelter Is Thankful for You

The holiday season is well under way, and the Humane Society of Southern Arizona (HSSA) is feeling the holiday spirit.

It is a time of gratitude, and we are especially thinking about how thankful we are for you. To those of you in Tucson and the surrounding communities, and to those of you who are outside of Arizona who still love and support HSSA, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We’ve put together this list of reasons why your local animal shelter is thankful for you.

Because you adopt!

Adoptions are what makes us who we are! As a Humane Society, the most well-known aspect of what we do is taking in animals in need and finding them loving forever homes. Each year, we see more than 5,000 animals come through our doors and leave with their forever families. This is all thanks to people like you! Thank you for continuing to open your hearts and homes to animals in need.

Because you donate!

Did you know? As a nonprofit organization, we rely completely on the support and generosity of people like you to continue doing what we do. Many people think that we receive funding from the government, but that is not true. Your generous donations help us continue to provide care for the homeless pets in Southern Arizona.

Spotlight: We recently received wonderful gifts from Arabella and Vivianna, two special girls who each chose to donate their birthdays to us by collecting items and money for pets in need instead of asking for birthday gifts. We love seeing the next generation step up to help make a difference in the lives of pets in need.

Because you "like" us!

We know we would be in the Dark Ages if we weren’t on social media. But, all jokes aside, social media is a BIG way we get our message out there! Although you may think it seems like a small effort on your part, your likes, comments, and shares make a big difference in the lives of the pets in our care. Check out this article to read more about How Sharing a Pet On Facebook Can Save Their Life. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram! And next time you click that “like” button, remember: your interactions with us on social media can mean the difference between a pet getting adopted quickly or staying in our shelter for a long time, so thank you!

Because you volunteer!

What would we be without our amazing volunteers? Collectively, our volunteers donate more than 150,000 hours a year to our organization! Our volunteers are dedicated to the well-being of the pets in our care. They show up early to make sure every dog gets to go on a walk, and they stay late to make sure each cat gets the individual attention they deserve. They make cat houses and dog blankets so the pets in our care are comfortable. Our caring Fosters make sure our vulnerable foster animals have a good environment in which to grow or heal while they wait for their forever homes. Overall, our volunteers help ensure that many aspects of our shelter run without problems. We love our volunteers. If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer, check out www.hssaz.org/volunteer.

Because you talk about us!

A large part of why HSSA is able to continue serving the pets and people of the Southern Arizona community is the wonderful reputation we’ve earned and continue to earn in our community. One of the ways you show us how much you love us is by voting for us in Best of Tucson! This year, for the fourth year in a row, HSSA won Best Place to Donate Your Time/Money. We were also runners up for Best Charity Event, for Puttin’ on the Dog, and Best Animal Supply Store, for our PAWSH stores! Another great way you show us you love us is when you talk about HSSA with your friends, family, and even people you don’t know. The more you talk about us, the more people will get to know who we are. And the more people who know who we are, the more animals have a chance at finding their forever homes.

The support you provide HSSA is indispensable, and we are so thankful for each and every one of you. Without you, we would not be able to provide the high quality of care that we provide for homeless pets and the people who love them. Our vision is a community in which all pets are cared for and loved, and you help make that dream a reality. From all of us here at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona, thank you, and happy holidays.

Letters from The Kennel: 15 Best Pictures of Dogs with Santa

Christmas is coming up, and you know what that means…Santa Claus is coming to town!

Here at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona, we’ve already had not one, but two Santa sightings so far this year! On the weekend of December 18th and 19th, we hosted Pet Santa photos here in Tucson. These 15 best pictures of dogs with Santa include some of the best, funniest, and cutest pics we snapped!

1. When you're just so darn excited that you got to meet Santa!

2. When Santa says you can lead the reindeer pack this year!

3. When you realize that Christmas is in three weeks and you haven't started shopping for presents yet.

If this is you, check out our Holiday Gift Guides for Pets and the People Who Love Them to get some ideas!

4. When Santa is a little bit jealous of how good you look in your Santa hat.

5. When you have so much holiday spirit inside you that you can't help but dress up!

6. When you just told Santa what you want for Christmas and he said he can make it happen!

7. When the photographer tells you to smile.

8. When you know you're the perfect gift

9. When you got the role of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer in the school play and you want to start rehearsing right away.

10. When you stole Santa's line and he doesn't know what to say now.

11. When you thought you would be nice and cozy but you live in Arizona and it's still 70 degrees outside, so you're hot.

12. When you have to do a couples costume for the Christmas card.

13. When you took one good, serious picture and you're ready to be goofy again.

14. When everyone else got to dress up as Santa's Little Helpers but you have to have a bow around your neck.

When you know you're stealing Santa's job next year.

We hope you enjoyed these 15 best pictures of dogs with Santa. If you want more pictures of dogs with Santa, check out Rover’s 12 Best Dog/Santa Pics Ever, and these dogs who can’t wait for Santa Paws to come to town.

6 Peanut Butter Dog Treat Recipes

November is National Peanut Butter Lovers Month!

Both humans and dogs alike can appreciate this delicious, protein-packed spread. Here are 6 peanut butter dog treat recipes for you to try! We won’t judge you (or tell your dog) if you eat a couple of them, too. Show your dog you are thankful for them this Thanksgiving by giving them high-quality, handmade treats, made, of course, with a secret ingredient called “lots of love”!

Word of warning: make sure that the peanut butter you buy DOES NOT contain sweeteners or xylitol, which can be toxic for dogs.

Peanut Butter Coconut Oil Dog Treats from Golden Barrel

This might be the easiest recipe you ever make.

Ingredients:

1 cup of coconut oil
1 cup of peanut butter
1 tsp cinnamon

Melt the three ingredients together on the stove, pour into a mold or ice cube tray, freeze until set, and you’re good to go! Dogs love these yummy treats. Make sure you store them in the fridge, as they begin to melt very quickly.

Honey Oat Peanut Butter No-Bake Dog treats from DogVills

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The no-bake treats are perfect for the kids to help make.

Ingredients:

1 cup of oats
1/2 cup of peanut butter
1/3 cup of honey
1/3 cup of peanuts

Stir all the ingredients together in a large bowl, then chill for half an hour. Once chilled, roll into 1-inch balls. Store these treats in your fridge!

Homemade Peanut Butter Dog Treats from Damn Delicious

These treats are perfect for Thanksgiving week, since you can use for any of that leftover pumpkin puree that you used in your pumpkin pie.

Ingredients:

2/3 cup of pumpkin puree (do NOT use pumpkin pie mix, as that can cause ill effects in dogs)
1/4 cup of peanut butter
2 large eggs
3 cups of whole wheat flour

Preheat the oven to 350°. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. Mix pumpkin puree, peanut butter, and eggs on medium-high in an electric mixer until well combined. Gradually add 2 1/2 cups of flour at low speed, until incorporated. Then add an additional 1/4 cup of flour at a time until the dough is no longer sticky. On a lightly floured surface, knead dough 3-4 times until it comes together. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Using a cookie cutter (Damn Delicious used super cute dog bone cookie cutters), cut out desired shapes and place onto baking sheet. Bake 20-25 minutes, until edges are golden brown.

Homemade Peanut Butter Banana Dog Treats from Munchkins and the Military

Dogs love bananas, and bananas can be used as a binder in lieu of eggs, so if you’ve got these three simple ingredients lying around, you’re set to go!

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups of uncooked oats
1 large banana
1/2 cup of peanut butter

Preheat the oven to 350°. Using a food processor or blender, grind the oats until they’re powder. In a bowl, beat together the banana and peanut butter until smooth (a few chunks of banana is okay). Pour the ground oats into the peanut butter banana mixture and mix until combined. On a floured surface, roll the dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Using a cookie cutter, cut into desired shapes and place on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes or until edges start to brown.

Peanut Butter and Applesauce Cookies for Dogs from the Everyday Dog Mom

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These awesome cookies are a hit with commenters on The Everyday Dog Mom. Applesauce and olive or coconut oil make these super nutritious for dogs!

Ingredients:

3 cups of whole wheat flour
2 cups of quick-cook oats
1 cup of peanut butter (creamy or chunky, your choice)
1 cup of unsweetened applesauce
1/4 – 1/2 cup of olive or coconut oil (this is optional)
1 tsp of baking powder

Preheat oven to 350° and cover two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a mixing bowl, combine all ingredients well. At this point, if the dough is loose and crumbly, you can add 1/4 – 1/2 cup of oil. Use a rolling pin to roll the dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into shapes with cookie cutters or, if you don’t want to use cookie cutters, roll into balls. Place cookies on baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes, or until lightly browned.

Homemade Peanut Butter Dog Treats from Eating Bird Food

This recipe has the added nutrition of veggie, chicken, or beef stock. Unfortunately, that means the humans in the house probably won’t want to eat these treats.

Ingredients:

1 cup of whole wheat flour
1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana
1/4 cup of vegetable, chicken, or beef stock

Preheat oven to 350°. Combine flour, peanut butter, and applesauce in a large bowl. Add stock and stir until well-combined. Once combined, use your hands to press the dough into a ball. Place dough on a flat surface and roll out to 1/4-inch thickness with a rolling pin. Use a cookie cutter to cut into desired shapes and place on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake for 18 minutes or until golden brown.

Happy Thanksgiving, happy cooking, and of course happy Peanut Butter Lovers Month, from all of us here at HSSA.

Letters from The Kennel: Holiday Gift Guide for Pet Lovers

The holidays are coming up, and it’s time to start thinking about presents.

If you’re prepared, you may already be done with your holiday shopping. Unfortunately, some of us haven’t even thought about holiday shopping yet! We’ve put together this holiday gift guide to help you shop for the pet lovers on your list. Plus, check out the Holiday Gift Guide for Pets to get some gift ideas for your four-legged friends.

If you’re looking for an item you saw in Humanely Speaking, look for the items with an asterisk (*) next to them!

*Dog Bowl Water Bottle

Created by Gary Ross and distributed by Uncommon Goods, these Dog Bowl Water Bottles are perfect for any dog on the go. If you’ve ever gone hiking, walking, or running and found it difficult or messy to get your dog some water, this is the perfect item. Just squeeze the bottle and water dispenses into the bowl attachment. Any remaining water drains back into the bottle, minimizing waste.

Pet Odor Exterminator Candles

Pet Odor Exterminator Candles are professional strength scented candles that combat and mask pet odors. These candles come in a wide variety of scents, including holiday-specific scents like Pumpkin & Spice. If you’re in Tucson, you can pick up these candles at PAWSH La Encantada, PAWSH Park Place, or our Main Campus.

*Personalized Deginition of My Pet Pillow

These personalized pillows from Personalization Mall are a great way to show off your dog’s personality. When making your pillow, you select a silhouette picture and give three “definitions” of your dog. These awesome pillows will be the envy among your friends! Bonus, they have Definition of My Cat pillows, too!

Lupine Collars and Leashes

Lupine Pet is dedicated to making high-quality pet collars, leashes, and harnesses. They come with a lifetime guarantee, “Even if Chewed”! Lupine offers a wide variety of colors, designs, and styles, including their Eco Collection, which is made from recycled plastic bottles. If you’re in Tucson, you can pick up their products at our PAWSH La Encantada store.

*Cat Butt Coasters

These quirky Cat Butt Coasters by Geekirumi! are sure to the be the talk of the town. They are perfect for any cat lover, or anyone who has a good sense of humor. Geekirumi! crochetes each coaster with 100% cotton yarn. We love them!

GoLine Kids Night Light

This adorable nightlight is perfect for anyone on your list who has kids. Unlike most other nightlights out there, the GoLine Cat LED Nightlight is the perfect mix of cute and functional. With dual light modes, tap light control, and an adorable kitty face, this nightlight will keep the kids in your life (or you, because nightlights can be for adults, too!) feeling safe and happy all night. Also, it’s rechargeable!

Cool Cats Calendar or Hot Dogs of Tucson Calendar

We love these calendars (we know we’re biased)! This is the perfect way to support the Humane Society of Southern Arizona while also getting something you or your gift recipient will use all year! We have two options this year, the Cool Cats calendar and the Hot Dogs of Tucson calendar. You can grab these in our Square store, or, if you’re in Tucson, at any of our retail locations and our main shelter. They’re only $10 each, or $12 if you buy online.

*Pooch Selfie

Pooch Selfie is perfect for anyone who loves taking selfies with their dog. We all know it can be hard to get a good picture of a pet, since they’re very easily distracted. Pooch Selfie knows that, and came up with a great way to focus their attention. This handy smartphone attachment comes complete with a Pooch Selfie tennis ball. This is a must-have for the iPhone photographer.

Pop Your Pup

Pop Your Pup is a very unique gift idea. However, we think it’s perfect for any pet lover. It’s an easy process: first, you send in a picture of your pet (and although it’s called Pop Your PUP, you can send in any kind of animal). Next, a real artist creates unique pop art featuring your pet. You go in, review and finalize the artwork, and then wait. Pop Your Pup will send you a creative, quirky shirt for you to wear everywhere! These t-shirts will elevate you to EXPERT pet owner status.

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*I Could Pee on This

Francesco Marciuliano is the genius behind I Could Pee On This, a collection of hilarious poems from the perspective of your cat. I Could Pee On This imagines what your cat is thinking, and it’s exactly what you’d expect. As an added bonus, there is a dog version of this book, too!

Will you get any of these gifts for your animal-loving friends (or yourself) this holiday season? Are there any must-have gifts you think we missed? Let us know in the comments.

Happy holidays from HSSA!

Letters from the Kennel: Holiday Gift Guide for Pets

Now that Halloween is over, it’s time to start thinking about the holidays!

Maybe you already have your shopping under way, or maybe you haven’t even thought about it yet. Chances are, when putting together a list of who you need to buy gifts for, your pets don’t make the initial cut. But they’re family, and we know you’ll get them a gift sooner or later. If you’re thinking about getting a gift for your cat or dog, this holiday gift guide for pets is perfect for you. Plus, check out the Holiday Gift Guide for Pet Lovers to get some gift ideas for your human loved ones (or even for yourself)!

If you’re looking for an item you saw in Humanely Speaking, look for the items with an asterisk (*) next to them!

For Dogs:

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*Cactus Dog Toy

This cute, squeaky cactus toy is perfect for a desert dog! No need to worry about prickers with this one, either. Made by Purplebone, a lifestyle boutique based in London, England, this toy is best for dogs who like to hold toys in their mouth but not chew them. Bonus: you could win this toy in our Holiday Raffle! You can enter at www.hssaz.org/HolidayRaffle.

*Nozzle Nectar

Keep your dog’s dry nose hydrated this winter with Nozzle Nectar. This all-natural, 100% organic, and fragrance-free nose balm is safe for humans too, so you can rest assured that you’re putting a high quality product on your dog’s nose! This is a great item for your pet first aid kit!

West Paw Toys

These great dog toys come in a wide variety of styles, from tough, utilitarian toys for dogs who love intense play, to adorable, classic toys that your dog will have a blast with. West Paw is committed to making safe, high quality, sustainable dog toys. If you pride yourself on being environmentally friendly, this is a great brand for you, since every dog toy in their Zogoflex and Zogoflex Air lines can be infinitely recycled! If you’re in Tucson, you can grab these toys at our PAWSH La Encantada store!

Sedona Natural Liver Chips

Made right here in Arizona, these all-natural treats have one ingredient only: beef liver. Sedona Natural uses USDA grade meat from local butchers to make these healthy, real meat dog treats. We gave them to some of our shelter dogs, and they certainly were a hit! If you’re in Tucson, you can pick up these treats at our PAWSH La Encantada store!

GoDog Toys

If your dog is a chewer, you might love goDog’s unique toys. These toys are made with Chew Guard technology, which means they have a super tough, durable liner inside that’s built to withstand tough play and outlast regular plush toys. Plus, they are cute as can be, and you can get designs such as dinosaurs, dragons, monkeys, and more! GoDog guarantees their Chew Guard toys, and will provide a one-time replacement if they don’t outlast your standard plush toys. If you’re in Tucson, you can pick up these toys at our PAWSH La Encantada store!

For Cats:

*Catnip Toys from Feline Fun

We just love these cute catnip toys from Feline Fun, an independent Etsy shop in Canada. These toys come in a wide variety of creative designs. Each toy is handmade. In addition, the certified organic catnip and eco-friendly felt make for an overall high-quality product! Bonus: you could win one of these toys in our Holiday Raffle! Enter today at www.hssaz.org/HolidayRaffle.

*Original Kitty Cot

Touted as the “World’s Best Cat Perch,” the Original Kitty Cot is perfect for a cat who likes a view from high up. Made with strong, durable materials and high-quality, giant suction cups, this in-window cot will be your cat’s new hang out spot. Kitty Cot guarantees their product, because they know you and your cat will love it.

Goli Design Toys

Goli Design, LLC is a great company. Based in Portland, Oregon, Goli works with impoverished third world countries to provide alternative forms of income to villages. Their cat toys (dog lovers, they have dog products, too!) are beautiful and interesting, and cat approved, of course. They have a wide variety of products, including catnip toys and collars. If you’re in Tucson, you can pick up some of their cat toys at our PAWSH La Encantada store!

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Go Cat Feather Toys

Go Cat Feather Toys have already been HSSA cat approved. Check out our review of Da Bird! These awesome hand-crafted toys come in a wide selection of colorful and interesting designs. Your cats are sure to love them! If you’re in Tucson, you can pick up these toys at our PAWSH La Encantada store!

We know your pets will love these toys and products, and we know you will love the excitement your dog expresses when they “unwrap” these great presents. Will you buy any of these products for your pet? Are there any must-have products you think we should have included? Let us know in the comments.

Happy holidays from HSSA!

Letters from the Kennel: 5 Pet Safety Tips for a Happy Halloween

Tomorrow is Halloween. It’s the spookiest night of the year, and if you have a pet, it has the potential to get even spookier.

The holidays are generally a happy time. Halloween is tons of fun for humans, and dressing up in a creative costume, visiting haunted houses, and eating lots of free candy is a once-a-year experience. But with pets, this fun holiday could turn sour in a matter of seconds. The following 6 pet safety tips can help ensure that Halloween goes well for your family.

1. Keep the candy out of reach.

Halloween candy is exciting for humans, and it’s exciting for pets, too. However, you shouldn’t let your pets eat Halloween candy. Most candy given out on this holiday contains at least one of two very dangerous ingredients: chocolate and xylitol. Both of these ingredients can be potentially fatal for pets. In addition, while a little bit of sugar is not harmful for your pets, feeding them treats like candy can contribute to obesity, diabetes, pancreatitis, and dental problems. Cats’ and dogs’ bodies process glucose (a form of sugar that comes from the food we eat) in a similar way as humans’ bodies, but since they are smaller, their bodies have to work harder than ours to process extra glucose. You can avoid health problems by making sure your pet has a balanced diet and doesn’t gorge on easy-to-reach Halloween candy.

Make sure you are properly disposing of candy wrappers, too, as they can cause choking or intestinal obstruction.

2. Make your pet's comfort your top priority.

If you’re thinking about taking your dog with you when you go trick-or-treating, make sure you’ve given it some serious thought. There will be lots of people, lots of commotion, and many scary costumes. Halloween can be overwhelming for dogs, and it’s easy for a dog to get excited or agitated with everything going on around them. If you take them out, make sure you know that they’ll be comfortable on this unique evening. Also, make sure you keep them on a leash at all times. And if you’re not sure, just leave them home! You can walk them before all the festivities get started, if you’re concerned.

If you take your dog trick-or-treating, make sure you keep a close eye on them. There may be candy that has fallen to the ground, and your dog will be interested in getting a bite of it.

3. Give your pet a safe space in the house.

Opening the door for trick-or-treaters all night long is an invitation for your pet to escape! If you’re going to be answering the door every time someone comes a-knockin’, make sure your cat or dog is restrained behind a gate or even in their own quiet room. The repeated knocking at the door or ringing of the doorbell, loud children, and spooky sound effects can be very stressful for pets, and even if the commotion doesn’t make its way inside, it can be too much. You could even put on some calming music in their room, to mask the excessive noise. Make sure your pet has proper identification, just in case they do slip by.

Halloween is a good night to keep your pets indoors. Unfortunately, there will be pranksters who are focusing on the “trick” part of trick-or-treat. Keeping your pet indoors will ensure that they are safe from anyone who may take advantage of the fact that they are unsupervised.

4. Keep decorations out of reach.

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Although humans know that the decorations are there to look at, dogs may think they’re there for eating. Make sure your dog can’t access any of your decorations, especially electrical cords, anything that could be a choking hazard, and seasonal plants that could be toxic (for Halloween, think pumpkins that have been sitting out for days and are starting to rot!). Use battery operated candles in your jack-o-lanterns to avoid your dog accidentally knocking them over and either setting something on fire or getting burned.

5. Make sure your dog's costume is safe

If you’re dressing your dog up for Halloween, make sure their costume fits properly and is comfortable, ensuring that it will not interfere with their breathing or movement. Their costume should not have any small, easily chewed off pieces that could be a choking hazard. Monitor your dog while he is in costume, just in case. If you’re going to be leaving your dog unsupervised for a while, it’s best to take the costume off for that time.

From all of us here at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona, we wish you a happy and safe Halloween!

Are there any safety tips you think we missed? Leave us a comment below and let us know.