Tag: pet health

Heroes in Action: HSU Rescues Elderly Dog from Hot Car

Posted on by Maddie Cushing
A sign in the parking lot of the Humane Society of Utah reads, "Warning! Do not leave children or pets in car"

On an 80° day, the temperature of a car in the sun can rise to nearly 105° in 10 minutes. This is just one of the reasons why it’s so dangerous for pets to be left in the car, even for just a few minutes, especially on a hot day.

However, accidents happen, and when one patron mistakenly locked her keys in a hot car with her elderly dog at the Humane Society of Utah, our staff jumped into action to help.

The Hot Car Rescue Begins

Time was of the essence to rescue the pup before he suffered heatstroke. HSU staff quickly radioed both maintenance and medical employees to come to the scene.

Most cars are equipped with safety glass, which theoretically reduces the risk of injury should the glass break. However, this does not mean there is a 0% chance of the broken glass causing lacerations or other injuries. The elderly pup was tangled in his leash in the footwell of the front passenger seat. Due to the dog’s location, maintenance staff decided it would be safest to break the rear window. In rather dramatic fashion, HSU staff shattered the window and quickly removed the pup from the hot car.

The Dangers of Heatstroke

Once the dog was out of the hot car, our medical team wasted no time checking for signs of overheating. Heatstroke in pets happens extremely quickly, sometimes leading to fatality in just a few short minutes. Pets especially vulnerable to heatstroke include those who are brachycephalic (such as bulldogs or Persian cats), overweight, young, or elderly. As the dog in question was a senior, his risk of overheating was heightened.

HSU medical staff provided supportive care for the pup, bringing him into the air conditioning, covering him with cooled towels, and monitoring his core temperature. They kept an eye out for signs of heatstroke, including excessive panting, difficulty breathing, and a red tongue and gums. Luckily, it seemed the pup was in good shape.

While the medical team cared for the elderly dog, maintenance vacuumed the glass out of the car to keep both him and his guardian safe on their journey home. Once our medical team cleared the dog, we gave the go-ahead for him and his guardian to be on their way. She expressed relief and gratitude that we were able to help her pup, and our staff celebrated a successful rescue!

A graphic from the ASPCA outlines the dangers of leaving pets in a hot car

Hot Car Safety for Your Pets

It is very important never to leave an animal unattended in a vehicle, but this is doubly true on warm or hot days. Even in the shade or with the windows cracked, cars still trap heat. It takes just minutes for this heat to become dangerous to both humans and pets alike. If you see a pet left in a car, contact local authorities for help immediately.

Keep an eye out for signs of overheating in pets, which include:

  • Excessive panting
  • Labored breathing
  • Drooling, especially if the drool is thick
  • Bright red tongue and gums
  • Lethargy, dizziness, or stupor
  • Seizures or muscle tremors

If you observe any of these symptoms in your pet, rush them to the nearest vet immediately. Heatstroke can be deadly, and occurs quicker than you may think.

For additional information, check out our blog on Hot Car Safety here!

Care In Every Paw: A Day At The St. George Clinic

Posted on by Margaret Langworthy
grey cat getting a vet exam

At the Humane Society of Utah, we want to see all animals safe, happy, and healthy. This is true for the adoptable animals in our care as well as family pets throughout our state! That is why the services at our St. George and Murray clinics are so vital to our mission. We offer essential care like vaccinations and spay/neuter surgeries at an affordable cost for local pet guardians. We know families in Utah love their pets, and we can give them the resources to avoid preventable and costly ailments. It may seem like a basic service, but access to preventative care can make all the difference in keeping an animal with their loving family. With the ‘Care in Every Paw’ campaign, we are expanding services at the St. George clinic so even more pets in southern Utah can get the care they need!

Staff members at the St. George clinic have witnessed first-hand the incredible impact of these services in the community. Their hard work and dedication are apparent as we explore a day in the life of the St. George clinic.

A Day In The Life

A typical day at the St. George clinic is full of activity. Between patient check-in, surgery hours, vaccinations, rechecks, and consultation appointments, there is rarely a dull moment. Not to mention all the cleaning and prep work for the following day! It sounds like a lot, but the staff are efficient and hard-working so they can help as many animals as possible. Taylor Flanagan, the Senior Veterinary Assistant Manager explains, “Every day we do up to 25-30 spay/neuter surgeries and countless vaccines and every day people from the community tell us how needed this has been.” Think of all those local pets who are safer and healthier after a visit to the St. George clinic! 

The numbers are impressive, but we know there is always more work to do. Rising costs are making pet guardianship more expensive than ever. More families in southern Utah are seeing the benefit of a low-cost resource, like the St. George clinic, for their basic veterinary needs. With the help of generous donors, we are rising to meet the needs of our community. The ‘Care in Every Paw’ campaign aims to increase hours of operation, surgery appointments, and veterinary staff at the clinic. With these expanded services, we can reach more families and pets who rely on our essential care each year. Community members can support pet health in St. George by donating to the campaign!

Small dog at a vet appointment

Meaningful Work

Chat with the St. George clinic staff, and you can tell how much they care about their work and its impact. Veterinary Assistant, Kayleigh Swensen, sees how her work is helping animals in St. George – not just for today but for their whole lives. She tells us, “I love being able to help the community and their pets with our low-cost prices, giving animals the services they need to live a long and healthy life.”

The St. George clinic helps local guardians and their pets, as well as homeless and vulnerable animals in the community. Another Veterinary Assistant at the clinic explains, “Our ‘Catnip’ service is also very important in keeping the feral cat population controlled.” This program helps prevent overpopulation with effective and humane Trap Neuter Release (TNR) methods. The clinic also works with local rescue groups to provide low-cost services for the adoptable animals in their care. Between routine visits, special-case emergency care, and low-cost services for local rescues, the HSU clinic is making a real difference for all animals in St. George!

Care In Every Paw: Growing Impact

If you feel inspired by these stories of care and service to the community, please consider donating to the ‘Care in Every Paw’ campaign! Your contribution helps more animals have access to essential care. With the expanded capacity supported by this campaign, we estimate around 3,000 more St. George families will have access to pet care in 2025. These services keep pets healthy and prevent overpopulation, so fewer animals end up in a shelter. This vital work is about keeping pets and people together because they are part of the family! Lead Receptionist, Riley Pew, explains it perfectly – “I would say my favorite thing each day is when owners come to pick up their animals and to see them get so happy and excited to see their people…it’s very heartwarming to see.”

Small black dog getting a hug

More than a Bonded Pair: Bumblebee and Ladybugs’ Story

Posted on by Maddie Cushing
Bonded pair of persian cats Ladybug and Bumblebee pose in a room in Kitty City.

The Humane Society of Utah is no stranger to aiding with hoarding cases. However, taking in these large groups of pets often presents unique challenges. Hoarding pets are oftentimes undersocialized and display fearful behaviors when interacting with new people. Many times, these pets also have medical concerns that need to be addressed.

When seven Persian cats ended up in HSU’s care due to a recent hoarding case, their physical state was notably worse than is typical. Most of the cats were severely matted, and a few had untreated open wounds. Nearly all the Persians needed moderate to severe dental services. Some had teeth so decayed that most, if not all, of their teeth would need to be extracted.

Various teams at HSU jumped into action to give each of the cats the care they needed. After medical care had been provided, several of the Persians were placed in foster homes to recover before being put up for adoption. Bumblebee and Ladybug were two of these cats.

A Bonded Pair Emerges

Bumblebee and Ladybug were two of the cats in the worst shape out of the seven. Both had undergone severe dental treatments and extractions, with Ladybug needing to have all of her teeth removed. Bumblebee had an open wound on his chin and most of the fur on his back formed a massive mat. The duo was sent to the same foster home for their respective recoveries.

When the time came for Bumblebee and Ladybug to return to HSU and take up residence on the adoption floor, their foster let HSU staff know just how close the two had become during their stay. They said that Bumblebee and Ladybug comforted and leaned on one another and appeared to have a very special relationship. Ladybug and Bumblebee were determined to be a bonded pair.

A bonded pair consists of two animals who have developed a relationship so strong that it would be distressing for them to be separated. Small mammals such as rabbits and guinea pigs most commonly form these types of bonds, but occasionally cats and dogs do as well. HSU honors these relationships by exclusively adopting bonded pairs out to homes where they can go together. This would be the case for Bumblebee and Ladybug.

Persian cat Bumblebee looks through the railing of the stairs in his new home with the other half of his bonded pair, Ladybug.

Finding Forever Together

Bumblebee and Ladybug were in HSU’s care for over a month while they waited to find their new family. A bonded pair to their core, the cats boosted one another’s confidence in Kitty City. They warmed up more to new people each day. HSU’s staff worked hard to spread awareness about the two kitties, and their desire to go home together. Finally, on one fateful August morning, their wait was over.

Nadia and her boyfriend always wanted Persian cats, but they both advocated for rescue and were determined to adopt rather than buy. The couple had a strong understanding of the work and needs associated with the Persian breed. They also had experience owning cats with medical issues. When they came across Bumblebee and Ladybug on HSU’s social media, it felt like fate.

“It was rather spontaneous,” Nadia said. “my boyfriend is the one who says, ‘no,’ and I’m the one who always comes home with kitty surprises. But this time, when I showed him [Bumblebee and Ladybug], without hesitation he said, ‘Let’s go to the Humane Society and meet them!'”

Nadia’s boyfriend did have one condition— he had always wanted to adopt a bonded pair and name them “Guts” and “Gore.” Nadia laughed as she recounted that if her boyfriend was on board with adopting two more cats, she could no longer refuse him the names he loved so much.

Ladybug (now Guts) sits in her favorite chair in her new home with the other half of her bonded pair, Bumblebee (now Gore).

More than a Bonded Pair

It didn’t take long for Guts and Gores’ personalities to shine through in their new home. Nadia describes the joy the pair have brought into her life with a smile. She said she and her boyfriend will look at the Persians, and the Persians will stare back, and they’ll burst into happy laughter. The cats were assigned their respective names as their individuality emerged.

“Ladybug is now Guts. We decided to name her Guts rather than Gore because she’s all GUTS! She’s so adventurous and wanted to skip the 3-day separation period (from other pets). After the first night, she kept wanting to run out of the bathroom to play with the rest of the gang and explore the house! We love that about our Gutsy girl. She’s brave and seems to just want to soak up the sun and enjoy life, which is amazing given what she’s been through. 

That left Bumblebee with the name Gore and it actually suits him! We call him ‘Gore Bore’ because he just loves sitting in his heated bed, not doing anything. He allows the rest of the busy world go by, and he totally deserves the slow life if he wants it! We also call him Gorebee to honor his past self.”

Nadia says she is grateful to have adopted Guts and Gore together and to see their special bond. Guts brings Gore out of his shell, and they’ve both helped Nadia and her boyfriend to “slow down.” She recounts the time period before the bonded pair’s elevated dishes had arrived. She and her boyfriend would sit hold the cat’s bowls while they ate to help them breathe better.

Take the Plunge

When asked what she would say to those considering adoption, Nadia did not hesitate to answer.

“Just do it. You are missing out on so much joy. My boyfriend was always frustrated that I’d bring a new friend home, then they’d always end up liking him more than me, and now he can’t live without them! Definitely make sure your heart is in the right place as you are their everything. They’re all a lot of work, but moments like this morning when they’re all lying in the sun and napping together, and you’re the reason they’re so happy and at peace, is what makes it so worth it. You truly are their everything and it is such an honor to care for these sweet babies.”

All the adoptable pets at the Humane Society of Utah can be viewed at utahhumane.org/adopt. Your purr-fect someone, or maybe even a bonded pair, is just waiting to meet you!

Ladybug and Bumblebee) now Guts and Gore) curled up in their new home together with their new family.

Lending a Community Cat a Helping Paw: Lady’s Story

Posted on by Maddie Cushing
Community cat Lady lies on a yellow blanket in a cat carrier.

Community cat Lady was in trouble. She had found herself tangled in barbed wire underneath a mobile home in the Southern Utah summer heat. Luckily for the 3-month-old kitten, she was rescued from her dangerous hiding spot and taken to One More Chance, a rescue group dedicated to providing TNR and other lifesaving services to stray cats in the St. George area. Unluckily, her back leg and paw were badly injured from the wire.

A Community Cat’s Uphill Battle

Team members at One More Chance knew they had to seek urgent help for Lady if there were to be any chance of saving her paw. When the Humane Society of Utah’s St. George Clinic got the call, we were immediately on board to help Lady.

The sweet community cat arrived onsite at HSU St. George on the morning of 6/13/24. Under anesthesia, HSU’s vets discovered a very infected wound that wrapped entirely around Lady’s leg. Her foot was extremely swollen, and one of Lady’s toes appeared to be necrotic. After removing the decomposing digit and debriding lacerations, the St. George team cleaned and bandaged Lady’s leg.

Although Lady was on the road to recovery, she wasn’t out of the woods just yet. She would have to undergo daily bandage changes until the swelling of her leg was reduced. If the swelling subsided, there was a chance that Lady would only lose her toe. However, if Lady’s leg continued to swell, her entire limb would need to be amputated.

Lady was facing an extra challenge in her recovery as a community cat— she was not used to human interaction. This meant that changing Lady’s bandages and keeping her wound clean could be difficult. However, the rescuers at One More Chance are used to working with skittish felines, and they were up to the challenge!

A green cast is applied to community cat Lady's injured leg

An Unexpected Twist

Lady’s caregivers at One More Chance were dedicated to saving as much of Lady’s leg as possible. However, it was Lady herself who contributed the final puzzle piece to her recovery! Lady turned out to be quite a friendly community cat and was open to help from her human friends. She allowed her daily bandage changes, handling from rescuers, and even enjoyed some cuddles.

By the time Lady returned to HSU’s St. George Clinic on 6/27/24, she was basically a brand new cat! The circumferential wound on her leg had almost entirely healed, and all the swelling had dissipated. In fact, Lady had full function of her hind leg and foot! This meant HSU’s veterinarians were able to save Lady’s leg, sans a single toe. Lady headed back to One More Chance that night, good as new.

However, the best news was yet to come! Because Lady had become so friendly and accustomed to handling during her recovery, she was able to be put up for adoption! A community cat no longer, Lady would be able to find a family to call her very own.

Community cat Lady looks up at the camera with her beautiful golden eyes

We are so grateful to have been a part of Lady’s journey, and her happy ending! To learn more about our St. George clinic and the services we offer, visit utahhumane.org/stg today.

Dangers of Foxtail Grass – Protecting Your Pets from Hidden Hazards

Posted on by Guinn

Summer brings sunshine and outdoor adventures for pets, but also hidden dangers of foxtail grass. This common weed’s barbed seed awns can burrow into fur and skin, causing severe health problems.

Understanding Foxtail Grass

Foxtail grass has a bushy, spike-like seed head that resembles a fox’s tail. The grass awns, designed to burrow and plant seeds, can also burrow into a pet’s skin, causing pain and infections.

The Dangers of Foxtail Grass

Unlike typical grass blades, foxtail awns are barbed and don’t dissolve. They can penetrate a pet’s skin, eyes, ears, nose, or other openings. The barbs prevent them from backing out, allowing them to move deeper and cause serious injuries and infections. Left untreated, they can even reach internal organs and become fatal.

Symptoms of Foxtail Embedding

Be aware of signs your pet might have a foxtail awn embedded:

  • Persistent licking or biting at a specific area, especially paws.
  • Swelling, redness, or limping.
  • Sneezing, coughing, or nasal discharge (if inhaled).
  • Head shaking or ear scratching.
Collage image of three. One image is a dog's leg x-ray showing embedded foxtail. Another image is a picture of a dog's paw with swollen toes showing where the foxtail is embedded into skin. Third picture is of foxtails seeds.

Preventing Foxtail Grass Problems

The best defense is avoidance. Here’s how to protect your pet:

  • Yard: Remove all grasses with barbed seeds.
  • Leash walks: Keep your dog leashed in areas with potential foxtail grass, avoiding fields, overgrown paths, and tall, dry grass.
  • Regular inspections: After walks, thoroughly check your pet’s paws, ears, and between toes.
  • Grooming: Regularly groom and trim fur, especially around the feet, to prevent foxtails from attaching.
  • Protective gear: Consider dog booties or body suits for frequent walks in foxtail grass areas.
Beware of Foxtails safety tips infographics by Red and Howling.

If Your Pet is Affected

If you suspect a foxtail awn embedment, seek veterinary care immediately. Depending on the location, removal often requires sedation or surgery. Early intervention is crucial for a quick recovery and to prevent complications.

“Spring” into Prevention! Warm-Weather Safety for Dogs

Posted on by Maddie Cushing

Ahhh, birds are singing, flowers are blooming, and you’re ready to return to the great outdoors with your pup at your side. But how do you ensure that your number-one companion stays safe and healthy as you venture back into the beautiful nature that Utah has to offer? Follow these tips and tricks to prepare for warm-weather adventures with your dog!

Up-to-Date? Vaccinate!

As the frost begins to thaw, so do many nasty illnesses that call the soil home. This combined with heavier foot traffic outdoors makes having up-to-date vaccinations more crucial than ever. Cases of Leptospirosis and Lyme disease in particular increase in the warmer months, but don’t fear! Our Murray clinic has an “Adventure Dog” vaccination package for this exact purpose.

Watch for Water Wellbeing

We know how tempting it is to dust off the old life jackets and get right back into water activities as soon as temperatures warm. However, Utahns must remember that spring snowmelt causes lakes, rivers, and streams to rise. Be extra cautious of even lazy-looking waterways, as they are likely faster and higher than they appear.

Check the ‘Chip

More trips to the great outdoors mean more chances for your dog to wander off and potentially get lost. Studies show that lost pets who have microchips with accurate information are more than 50% more likely to be reunited with their two-legged family members. Don’t have a microchip? Stop by our Murray clinic to snag one!

Thorns Among the Roses

Among all the beautiful foliage that blooms in the spring, there are bound to be a few weeds. Unfortunately, a few of these fauna are doggo-dangerous. Foxtails and burrs are just a couple of the harmful plants that dictate some extra warm-weather safety protocols. Be sure to thoroughly examine your pup following outings and remove seedlings from their paws, fur, noses, and other extremities.

Keep their Heart Healthy

Unfortunately, many creepy crawlies like to enjoy the warmer weather, too! Pest-related ailments become more common as spring rolls around, including issues with fleas, ticks, and worms. Increase your pet’s defenses against parasites with heartworm medication! Our Murray clinic is proud to offer monthly tablets to help boost your pup’s warm-weather safety.

Spring into prevention! Find more information about all the spring safety services our Murray clinic offers at utahhumane.org/clinic-locations/murray-clinic.

Wissy’s Story: A Dog’s Health Journey

Posted on by Margaret Langworthy
Small dog health check-up

There is nothing scarier than watching a beloved pet endure a medical emergency. All you want to do is help your pet, but it is difficult to know where you can turn in a crisis. That is where the Humane Society of Utah’s St. George Clinic came in when Wissy the small dog needed urgent health care. We never want to see an animal suffer, and we never want to see a family lose their pet because medical care is not available. We are honored to provide a service in the St. George community so animals like Wissy can get the care they need. 

Wissy the chihuahua at the clinic

A Small Dog’s Big Health Scare

Sweet senior Chihuahua Wissy was in bad shape when she arrived at HSU’s St. George Clinic in December 2023. She suffered from a protrusion in her groin that was painful and inflamed. Desperate for assistance, her guardian contacted Susan Barrett with Angel Network. Susan runs a rescue group and helps connect Southern Utah pet guardians with animal resources. When she visited Wissy, Susan saw a sweet, incredibly loved, and cherished senior dog. She also noticed that Wissy needed immediate medical attention for her injury. Wissy’s guardian was tearful as she pleaded with Susan for assistance to save her beloved dog. 

Susan brought Wissy to our clinic in St. George. Although we are not a full-service clinic, we do our best to provide care when a pet guardian needs extra assistance. Our goal is to keep animals with their families who love and care for them whenever we can. We know that most people love their pets and just want the best for them. But with inflation and medical costs increasing, more and more pet guardians struggle to afford emergency procedures like this one. When we can help relieve that financial burden and keep a pet in their loving home, nothing is more rewarding! In Wissy’s case, we performed the mass removal, blood work, dental work & spay surgery for a minimal cost, which Angel Network covered.

Wissy’s Road to Recovery

Our St. George Clinic staff wasted no time getting Wissy into surgery to save her life. With older animals like Wissy, there is always a greater risk of complications. However, our experienced veterinary staff performed a successful surgery and guided the sweet old girl through her recovery. Susan and the clinic staff were thrilled to watch Wissy bounce back splendidly! She arrived at the clinic sick and in pain. By the time she left, she was practically prancing back to her loving guardian. 

Susan is pleased to report that she has since followed up with Wissy’s family, and the small dog is in great health! Her recovery went smoothly, and she is back to her happy self. Stories like this remind us of the important service we provide for pet guardians throughout the state of Utah. Without the intervention of Angel Network and our St. George Clinic, Wissy’s story might have ended very differently. When we can save an animal’s life and send them back to a family who loves them, we know we are making a difference for both the animals and the humans in our community. 

Stories like this are possible thanks to our skilled clinic staff and our rescue partners in the community, like Angel Network. And of course, all of our lifesaving programs are possible because of community support and individual donors. We can’t thank our supporters enough for choosing to save lives every day!

Protect Your Pets: Pet Poison Prevention Month

Posted on by Guinn

March is National Pet Poison Prevention Month, a time to spotlight the importance of safeguarding our pets from the unseen dangers lurking in our homes. Pets, with their curious natures, often stumble upon items that, while harmless to humans, can pose severe threats to their health. The key to pet poison prevention lies in awareness and proactive measures. Simple steps, such as storing hazardous substances out of reach, can significantly reduce the risk of pet poisoning.

Household Hazards to Watch Out For

Sweet Danger: Xylitol

Found in many sugarless gums​, candies,​ and toothpaste, xylitol is a common culprit in pet poisonings, especially in dogs. A small amount can be dangerous. Symptoms like vomiting, weakness, and seizures are red flags for xylitol poisoning.

Infographic by the ASPCA for Pet Poison Prevention Month. The many hiding places of Xylitol. Medications, Dental Health Products, Food, personal Care Items.

Medication Mishaps

Medicines that heal humans can harm pets. NSAIDs, acetaminophen, and antidepressants are particularly hazardous, leading to a range of issues, from stomach ulcers and kidney failure to severe neurological problems. Keeping medications out of reach can prevent accidental ingestions.

Floral Foes

The arrival of spring brings blooms that, while beautiful, can be deadly to pets. Lilies, for instance, are highly toxic to cats and can cause kidney failure with minimal exposure. Dogs aren’t immune to the dangers of spring bulbs either, with tulips and daffodils causing severe gastrointestinal distress.

nfographic by the ASPCA for Pet Poison Prevention Month. Identifing Poisonous Lilies for cats.

Chocolate: A Bitter Risk

Chocolate is a well-known hazard for pets, particularly dogs. The toxicity level increases with the darkness of the chocolate, with baker’s and dark chocolate being the most dangerous. The symptoms of chocolate poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and even heart failure.

Garden Products: Hidden Dangers

Fertilizers may keep our gardens lush but can be deadly to our four-legged friends. Some contain harmful chemicals that can lead to drooling, seizures, and even death if ingested. Similarly, pest control products that eliminate rodents or snails can be fatal to pets, causing severe health issues without prompt veterinary care.

Prevention and Preparedness

By taking these precautions and educating others about the risks, we can make our homes safer for our beloved pets. Remember, a little effort in pet-proofing can go a long way in preventing emergencies and ensuring our pets lead happy, healthy lives. Let’s use this opportunity to spread awareness and take action to protect our furry family members from these preventable hazards.

If you suspect your pet has gotten into something toxic, please contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center or your emergency veterinarian.

Priceless Patients: Supporting Cat Health

Posted on by Margaret Langworthy
Black and white cat laying down

Odin is a large cat with an even larger personality. The Humane Society of Utah (HSU) staff and volunteers describe him as “the sweetest, most loveable kitty who adores having his ears and chin rubbed.” He is playful, good with kids, and will say hello to just about anyone. You will notice all of this if you visit with Odin. You may not notice that Odin needs a special diet to treat urinary crystals. He is one of many cats who come to HSU yearly with special dietary needs or other health challenges.

Thanks to a generous gift from our friends, Doctors Laurel & David Fedor, we are thrilled to announce our ‘Priceless Patients’ special through March 31st. This contribution from the Fedors will help cover adoption fees and medical care for some of our cats who need extra help but still deserve loving homes!

Odin the cat receiving a health assessment

Let’s Talk About Cat Health

At the Humane Society of Utah, we understand that, much like humans, animals can face various health challenges. Some temporary ailments will go away with the proper medication or procedure. Other long-term conditions will always be a part of the animal’s life in one form or another. Some of our favorite adoptable cats have chronic conditions requiring a special diet or ongoing treatment. But often we find that, like Odin, these cats are also sweet, goofy, and lovable!

When looking for a new companion, seeing a medical condition on a cat’s profile can be scary. Questions might go through your head like: “will this animal have a shorter lifespan?”, “will this animal always be sick or uncomfortable?”, or even “how much will this cost?” These concerns are all valid and understandable! We want all the animals in our lives to be happy, healthy, and comfortable. However, many cats with chronic conditions are excellent companions who lead comfortable and fulfilling lives with the proper treatment. Sometimes, a special diet is all that is needed to keep symptoms under control. Other cats may need regular medication or additional visits to the vet. Our counselors are prepared to discuss any health needs or ongoing treatment. We want to address potential concerns so adopters can make an informed decision.

A Generous Gift For Our Priceless Patients

In times of need, we all appreciate a helping hand, and our animals are no exception! We are so fortunate to have caring donors who continually make it possible to provide for our animals. Esteemed donors, Doctors Laurel & David Fedor, wanted to do something meaningful for the cats at HSU. Laurel & David are longtime supporters and avid cat lovers themselves! Over the years, some of their own beloved cats struggled with health conditions. As Laurel describes, “The extra care and attention these cats need has actually increased my bond with them, making them even more special to me.” She hopes that other adopters will consider animals with special health needs so they can “experience the unconditional love and joy of caring for these special furry friends.”

Doctors Laurel & David Fedor at the Humane Society of Utah Gala

In December 2023, the Fedors made a generous donation of $10,000 designated for the medical care and adoption fees of our ‘Priceless Patients’. With their background in medicine, it is fitting that they chose to support the medical needs of our animals! This contribution has a profound impact on the lives of our cats. Diagnosis and treatment can cost hundreds of dollars for each cat. By funding these expenses, the Fedors make it possible for homeless cats to remain healthy and find homes faster. Adopters can look for the ‘Priceless Patient’ kennel cards to find adoptable cats with fees covered by this generous contribution. 

Our goal is to remove as many barriers to adoption as possible so we can connect animals with loving families who want to give them homes. At HSU, we perform the bloodwork, diagnosis, and treatment for cats showing any sign of illness while in our care, so those expenses are not passed on to the adopter. Thanks to the Fedors’ generous donation, we can provide medical services for even more cats who will end up in loving homes as a result! Cats like Odin, who finally found a home after 3 months of waiting!

Smile Bright: Celebrating Pet Dental Awareness Month

Posted on by Guinn

February is Pet Dental Awareness Month. This is a time to spotlight the importance of your pet’s dental health and how it impacts their overall well-being. The Humane Society of Utah is thrilled to join this cause, emphasizing the value of dental care in pets’ lives. With the introduction of affordable dental services at our Murray Clinic, you can ensure your pet’s smile is as healthy as their tail is waggy.

The Importance of Pet Dental Health

Dental health is a crucial component of a pet’s overall health. Neglecting dental care can lead to more than bad breath; it can cause periodontal disease, tooth loss, and even affect the heart, liver, and kidneys. Understanding the signs of dental problems and seeking prompt care can protect your pet from unnecessary pain and potential systemic health issues.

Learn more about the importance of pet dental health from the American Veterinary Medical Association.

A close up photo of human fingers picking up a dog lip to show pet dental health.

Dental Care Tips for Pet Owners

While professional veterinary care is paramount, there are several steps pet owners can take at home to maintain their pet’s dental health:

  • Regular Brushing: Like humans, pets benefit significantly from regular tooth brushing. Use a pet-safe toothpaste and start slowly to get your pet accustomed to the process.
  • Dental Treats and Toys: Many products are designed to help reduce plaque and tartar buildup. Always choose products approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC).
  • Routine Check-Ups: Regular veterinary check-ups can help catch dental issues before they become severe.

A Healthy Pet is a Happy Pet

This Pet Dental Awareness Month, we invite you to prioritize your pet’s dental health. Whether it’s scheduling a dental check-up, starting a new tooth-brushing routine, or learning more about pet dental care, every step you take makes a difference.