• Happy Fourth Of July – Keep Your Pets Safe!

    Posted on July 3rd, 2014
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    Did you know the Fourth Of July is the biggest day of the year that pets get lost?

    The animals shelters receive the most lost and scared pets on the Fourth Of July than any other day of the year.

    Please keep your pets safe at home and read our blog to make sure you are doing everything for your pet’s safety:

    • Don’t leave your pets outside. Even if your pet is used to being outside, the loud noises from fireworks may make them break free from their restraint or jump the fence if they are trying to find safety from the noise.
    • Keep alcohol away from pets. Pets can become dangerously intoxicated, go into a coma or even die from respiratory failure.
    • Leave your pet at home if going to watch fireworks. The combination of too many people and loud fireworks will cause your pet to freak out and do anything they can to seek shelter. Do not lock them in the car either!
    • Microchip your pet and make sure he or she has ID tags. If your pet does manage to get loose, an ID tag with your name and phone number on it will help your dog find his way back home. You also want to make sure your pet is micro-chipped.
    • Never use fireworks around your pet. Lit fireworks will not only scare your pet but they can cause severe burns, trauma to the face or paws and even death. They also contain toxic substances even when unused.
    • Don’t feed your pet from the table. Avoid giving your pet table food while you are barbequing or enjoying a backyard party. Onions, coffee, avocado, grapes, raisins, salt and more are all hazardous to your pets.
    • Oils, citronella candles, insect coils and other insect repellant products are toxic to your pet. Inhaling these toxins can result in respiratory illness such as pneumonia and indigestion which can harm your pet’s nervous system.

    What do you do to keep your pet safe and secure on the Fourth? Comment on our blog.

  • Mouse And Wifi Are Ready For Adoption!

    Posted on June 30th, 2014
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    Have you heard about Mouse and Wifi?

    A Cox Communications employee was shocked after he opened a box at work and found two newborn kittens clinging to life inside.

    The two kittens have now recovered after they were found inside a box packed with fiberglass equipment that arrived from Hollywood and are available for adoption from the San Diego Humane Society!  after they were found inside a box packed with fiberglass equipment that arrived from Hollywood.

    Here’s their latest update:

    Mouse and Wifi are ready to find their new home!

    We’re so happy to tell you that Mouse and Wifi, the kittens who made the treacherous journey from LA to San Diego in a Cox Communications box, are officially ready for adoption! Orphaned, newborn kittens have such a struggle to stay alive, and their rough start made the first weeks of their lives even harder. They have been through many ups and downs as they have grown into the kittens they are today…and they did it together. Both kittens are now happy, healthy and growing strong, and we would like them to be adopted together. They have developed such a bond of friendship and support and it would be a shame to split them up!

    If you’d like to open your heart and home and adopt Mouse and Wifi, please apply in person at our 5500 Gaines Street location in San Diego. We will be accepting applications through Thursday, July 3 at 6 p.m. Please include in your application a paragraph of no more than 250 words about why you would be the best pet guardian for Mouse and Wifi. We will contact the lucky adopter by July 8th.

    Read more about Mouse and Wifi from the San Diego Humane Society.

  • Top Ten Tips For Flea Control

    Posted on June 26th, 2014
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    Summer is here and that means fleas!

    What type of flea treatment do you use for your pets? Here are a few tips to keep fleas at bay during the summer months:

    1. Flea treatments for your pets – There are various treatment options such as flea collars, flea dips, shampoos, spot-on treatments, or oral medications. Treatments are different for dogs and cats. Your Veterinarian can recommend which treatment is best for your pet.
    2. Rid your home of fleas – Not only are fleas jumping off your pets onto your furniture, but their eggs and larvae can be left all over your home. Thoroughly vacuuming floors and furniture and washing all bedding that your pet comes in contact with in hot water will help control or eliminate the infestation.
    3. Groom your pet daily – Use a fine-toothed metal flea comb on your pet to remove fleas and place the fleas you remove in soapy water. This should be done daily to keep the fleas under control.
    4. Use insecticides – You can do the treatments yourself or hire professionals exterminators. Non-toxic insecticides are also available. It is important to cover all food that could come into contact with the insecticide and keep you family and pets out of the house until it is safe to return.
    5. Place eucalyptus leaves around the house – The smell of eucalyptus is not appealing to fleas so the leaves help to keep them away. Place the leaves inside and outside the house in various locations. You can place them in glass jars to add decoration around the house.
    6. Create a set place for pets to sleep – It might be hard to change your pet’s habit, but having them sleep in a specific area can make regular cleaning your pet’s bedding easier. This way you only have to regularly clean one area of bedding instead of trying to find what your pet has been sleeping on.
    7. Avoid dangerous areas – When possible keeping cats indoors and taking your dogs for walks in open areas avoiding thick, long grass can reduce the fleas your pet may be exposed to. Maintaining your own yard can also cut down on the fleas that you and your pets come in contact with outside.
    8. Use natural oils – Many natural oils can keep fleas off of a pet’s fur. Lemongrass or a cut up lemon added to water can be lightly sprayed on their fur to keep the fleas away. Some natural oils that are safe for dogs can be toxic for cats, so always make sure you are using oils that are safe for your pet.
    9. Spray nematodes – For pet lovers who have gardens or spend time outside, using nematodes (worms) outside can reduce the number of flea larvae. Spray nematodes in shady spots outside and moist areas of the garden 2 to 3 times a year. This can reduce the number of fleas brought inside the house.
    10. Prevent year round – California has flea activity year round. The warmer months have a higher activity of fleas compared to the cooler months. Knowing when the activity in your area is the highest can help you to be prepared to prevent fleas. Using methods to control flea infestations year round is the best way to eliminate fleas on your pets and in your home.

    Click here to find out the flea activity in your area.

  • Do People Think You Are A Crazy Cat Lady?

    Posted on June 19th, 2014
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    Do other people know you have cats the minute they walk in your door?

    Cat litter boxes can be offensive to the nose and  can make your home smell like a giant kitty box! If you don’t want to smell like the crazy cat lady, continue reading for a safe and effective way to eliminate cat litter odor.

    It is important for the litter box area to be safe, quiet and away form the hustle and bustle at home. Here are some tips for creating a pleasant environment for your kitty’s sandbox:

    • Keep the litter box in a safe and quiet location. Make sure it is not in a corner with no escape – like the end of the laundry room with one entry/exit.
    • Keep litter box clean…no one likes a dirty outhouse!
    • Keep litter box and the cat’s feeding area in separate places.
    • Don’t place litter box on carpet…often the feel of carpet is more attractive than the litter thus causing accidents.
    • Don’t move the box around and if you have to change the location of it, do it gradually (a few inches a day)
    • The bigger the box, the better.
    • Add Earth Care’s Clear The Air Odor Eliminator to the box every time you scoop the litter box, clean it or you smell it and just don’t have time right then to clean it out.

    If your kitty misses the sandbox or has an accident somewhere else he/she isn’t supposed to, clean up the spot and sprinkle Earth Care on the soiled area. Cat urine is a very strong odor and unfortunately it stays in the carpet if you do not have the proper way to get rid of it. That is why Earth Care works great for cat urine odor. Earth Care draws in odors like a powerful magnet. The odors are adsorbed and neutralized.

    Plus, our products are 100% safe to use around pets and children, even if ingested!

  • Cotton Is Looking For His Furrrrrever Home!

    Posted on June 9th, 2014
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    Cotton – the Purrrrfect Choice!

    Cotton is a “Hidden Gem” at the San Diego Humane Society. Check out his story…he is looking for a forever home. If you or someone you know is looking to adopt a kitty, please consider Cotton from the San Diego Humane Society:

    Look up the word “sweet” in the dictionary and it’s altogether possible that the definition you find will simply read: “Cotton the cat.” Of course, the same can easily be said for any similar such words, e.g. “Lovable,” “Affectionate,” “Loving,” etc. And you could rest assured that you were being given completely accurate information (from a crazy awesome type of dictionary no less).

    You see, this 7-year old Himalayan/Domestic Longhair mix is the epitome of all such words and sentiments. Truly. Like seriously, you have no idea. Cotton has managed to take all of our collective hearts, steal them, and also melt them simultaneously. All he wants is to nuzzle, purr, and affectionately knead his way into your arms.

    Want to hold him like a baby?
    Guess what? He wants you to, too!

    Looking for a feline who isn’t afraid to express his sweeter, softer side?
    Well, you’re in luck because he just so happens to be looking for you, too!!

    Now, it is perhaps worth mentioning that the aforementioned feline is the sweetest and most loving and adoringly adorable kitty you have ever met… just so long as you are a human being. Or at least not another male cat. He seems okay with the ladies. Might even do well with a doggie. He just ain’t too keen on other male kitties so much. But boy-oh-boy with this boy, and the abundance of love he has to share, you will never find yourself lacking in the love department with him by your side!!

    Cotton is also FIV positive. What does that mean? Sound scary?? It really isn’t, it just means that it’s harder for him to fight infection. Many FIV+ cats live long and happy lives! They can live as an only cat or with other FIV+ cats.

    Cotton is currently available for adoption at our San Diego campus but is residing behind-the-scenes, so you will need to be sure to ask for an introduction! His adoption fee of only $65 is such a small price for the ginormous amount of love that he will introduce into your life! It also includes his neuter, current vaccinations, permanent microchip identification, a certificate for a free veterinary exam, and a license if residing in Oceanside or Vista! For more information about this lovable gem of a kitty, or if you’d like to meet him, please contact Customer Service at (619) 299-7012 or stop by our Gaines Campus. Animal ID 140626

  • A Perfect Pair In Need Of A Forever Home

    Posted on May 12th, 2014
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    Juliet & Gellman – the Purrrrfect Pair!

    Check out Juliet and Gellman from the San Diego Humane Society:

    Theirs is a story of friendship, and the special healing that it can bring. You see, both 6-month old Juliet and 1-year old Gellman were painfully fearful when they first came into our care. Each was transferred to us from different local shelters who needed our help in caring for them. Although they came in separately and at different times, their primary caregiver, Shannon, thought they might do well together. Her hope was that they might help each other come out of their shells a little.

    Her idea worked wonderfully – and the two cats took to one another like peanut butter and jelly!

    While both are still a bit nervous at first when being pet, it only takes seconds before they’re leaning into you – eager for more affection. Juliet, in particular, is very playful once she has warmed up and will solicit attention from those she’s closest to, sometimes even bestowing upon them the high honor of giving her cute tummy a rub! She also is very cat-friendly and seems to enjoy the company of a variety of other cats. Oh, and give this girl a special treat (baby food happens to be a favorite) and her heart will be yours!

    Gellman is more the quiet, observant-type. Mellow and sweet, he remains comfortable and relaxed in the presence of people but is a little more hesitant to approach, always glad to have Juliet to “check in with” when he’s feeling a little uncertain. However, if the mood should strike, he’s been known to be quite playful and silly when approached with a wand toy!

    Of course, regardless of their individual personalities, it’s together that these two felines really shine brightest. Many a heart has melted at the sight of the two of them snuggled up together (sometimes squeezing into rather tight quarters just to do so!) or grooming one another sweetly. They have a unique bond, and it has fostered tremendous growth in each of them and helped them share the adorable personalities they always had just hidden beneath the surface. It’s because of this bond that the two BFFs will need to be adopted together into the same loving home. And what wonderful companions they are certain to make! Once they bond to you and feel comfortable in their surroundings, you will quickly see their sweet and incredibly lovable personalities and we’re certain you’ll find yourself wondering how you ever managed without them!

    These phenomenal felines are not currently in public view so if you are interested in meeting the breathtakingly beautiful Juliet and the heartbreakingly handsome Gellman, please contact our San Diego Campus at (619) 299-7012 for more information or to arrange an introduction!

    Help spread the word about me & help me find a home! Click here to print my Furry Flyer and post it around the community!

    Animal IDs 138034 & 139857

  • Why Does My Dog Bark So Much?

    Posted on May 5th, 2014
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    Dog barking can turn into a problem if it continues incessantly.

    Clear The Air would like to share some information from the Animals Friends of the Valleys about the various reasons your dog barks and what you can do to stop incessant barking.

    The first thing you need to do in order to quiet a chronic barker is to figure out why he’s barking in the first place. Is he lonely or bored? Do you spend enough time with him? Remember that dogs are pack animals and prefer the company of other animals and/or humans.

    Most dogs will not be happy sitting by themselves in the backyard with nothing to do (except bark!) Make sure your dog has plenty of toys to occupy his mind and his need to chew. And make sure you spend quality time with him. Take him for walks and bring him inside the house every day for some “family” time. Dogs really love being with their people!

    If your dog barks at night, bring him inside the house or garage. Most dogs prefer sleeping inside anyway (remember, dogs are not solitary creatures by nature.)  Relocating your dog away from immediate neighbors to another area of your yard might eliminate barking. Another good solution is to adopt another animal so your dog will have a companion.

    Bark collars are a wonderful tool in training your dog not to bark. They can be purchased at pet stores or can be ordered online for a lower price. These new age collars do not hurt your dog in any way, they simply reprimand the bark. This may startle your dog at first but after a few times they associate the reprimand with the bark and learn to do their everyday activities without barking.

    In extreme cases, you might consider having your dog “de-barked.” De-barking is a procedure in which the vocal cords are surgically removed. In most cases, the dog will come home the day of the procedure. The barking sound will still be audible but will be more like a whisper. Consult your veterinarian for more information about de-barking.

    Barking is the number one cause of neighbor disputes. Remember, it is unlawful to allow your dog to become a public nuisance. Chronic barking is a serious problem but there are many possible solutions. Investing some time, money, and energy to solving the problem will be well worth the effort, for you and your dog

    For more information visit Animal Friends of the Valleys website.

  • The Tale of the Traveling Kittens

    Posted on April 22nd, 2014
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    Have you heard of Mouse and Wifi?

    Clear The Air would like to share an amazing story from the San Diego Humane Society about a pair of kittens who were found in one of the oddest places and had quite an amazing adventure!

    A Cox Communications employee was shocked after he opened a box at work and found two newborn kittens clinging to life inside. The two kittens are now recovering after they were found inside a box packed with fiberglass equipment that arrived from Hollywood. We named them Mouse and Wifi.

    “They actually came to us with their umbilical cord still attached,” said Jenny Bonomini, Manager of our Kitten Nursery. “What we think happened was the mom had the babies and she put them in a safe spot … and she left. Then they got boxed up and they got shipped.”

As one of the only around-the-clock kitten nurseries in the country, we’re committed providing 24-hour care that newborn, orphaned kittens need. Mouse and Wifi will live in the nursery for a few more weeks, where they will receive around-the-clock care. They will then go to a foster home. When they are eight weeks old, the kittens will be spayed and neutered and will then be ready for adoption.

    Click here to receive updates on their recuperative journey during the coming weeks. We will also send a special announcement when Wifi and Mouse are old enough to be adopted with instructions on how to apply.

  • How To Care For Older Cats

    Posted on April 18th, 2014
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    Is your cat a senior?

    Cats are good at hiding how they feel if they are ill and the older a cat gets, the longer it takes for them to recover from an illness.

    It is important to pay attention to your cat as he ages and catch any problems before they become very serious.

    If you are close with your cat, you can usually tell if something is different or not right with him. Don’t discount that feeling that something doesn’t seem right. Because of the love and close relationship you share with your feline, you have an advantage to knowing when something is wrong.

    In fact, change in behavior is the number one way a cat will tell you he’s not feeling right. Changes in behavior can be sudden or may develop over time. When your cat begins to age, it is important to make important enrichment to his nutrition, grooming needs and home life.

    It is a good idea to keep a log of some of your cat’s normal activities. Since changes in your cat’s behavior are the best sign that he isn’t feeling good, knowing what is normal and abnormal for him will help nip a potentially fatal illness in the bud.

    If your cat normally chases after his toys, make a note of that. If he wakes you up every morning then suddenly stops, this could be an indication of arthritis and it may hurt too much to jump on the bed.

    It is also important to note how often your cat eats and drinks. If he always runs to his food bowl when he hears you pour more in and suddenly stops doing this, something may be going on with  him. Keeping note of his appetite, weight, water intake, urination and defecation, skin and fur, respiration and other habits of your cat will let you quickly identify if he isn’t feeling well.

    If you have any concerns your cat may be sick, take him to the vet immediately. If your cat has accidents in the house, use Clear the Air to eliminate cat urine odor.

  • St. Patrick’s Day Safety For Your Pets

    Posted on March 17th, 2014
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    Happy St. Patrick’s Day to everyone!

    How are you celebrating this holiday? Are you wearing green? We hope so!

    This is a fun holiday filled with lots of food and drink but it is important to make sure your pets stay safe during all the festivities. Take a moment to read the following St. Patrick’s Day safety tips:

    • Don’t give or let your pets have access to alcohol. It is toxic for your pets and it can make them extremely sick.
    • Dress your pet up in green! If you dye your pet green, make sure to use all natural, non-toxic vegetable dye. If you dress your pet up in cute green clothing, make sure it is not too tight and does not constrict any areas of their body.
    • If you are bringing your pet around town or participating in a parade, make sure your dog is not too frightened or overwhelmed and make sure to always have plenty of water available for him or her.
    • If you plan to throw a party, make sure to confine your pet to a smaller area if he or she does not like big crowds.
    • Don’t let your pets get into any party treats or favors. Chocolate is extremely toxic to dogs and can kill them. Make sure to put all snacks up high so animals cannot reach them.