Fourth of July Pet Safety Tips!
WOOF! America’s loudest holiday is just around the corner Did you know that more animals get lost on the Fourth of July than any other day of the year? BARCS is no exception to this annual occurrence. Fireworks may be fun for people to watch, but the booming noises can spook our beloved furry family members. So, what can you do to make sure your pets stay safe? Before the fun begins, be sure that your pet is microchipped …
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Why Your Pet Needs Flea and Tick Prevention
To ensure the continued health and safety of pets in our community, our skilled and caring medical team recommends the use of flea and tick prevention year-round. Every animal in your home should be protected. If one animal is not, fleas and ticks can still infest your home. The only exception is if you own cats that are indoor-only; however, if your indoor-only cats live with outdoor/indoor animals, they too should be protected. Usage Guidel…
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All About Microchips
Let’s talk about microchips! There’s a lot of confusion and misinformation about these tiny, helpful, and often lifesaving, pet identification tools. We’ve gathered our most frequently asked questions about microchips, how they work and what pet owners need to do right now to ensure their pet is covered. What is a microchip? Microchips are an identification device that is inserted under the skin on the back of the animal&rs…
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COVID-19 Preparedness: Checklist for Pet Owners
With the rise of COVID-19 in the Baltimore community, you may be wondering the best ways to protect the ones you love, including your furry family members. The CDC recommends that, in case you fall ill and are unable to care for your pets, you create a pet preparedness kit. This kit should include key documents, food and medications, and other necessary supplies along with detailed instructions on how to take care of your pets&rsquo…
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Cold Weather Tips for Outdoor Cats
Brrrr—it's cold outside! The following guidelines will help you protect outdoor cats in your community. 1. If you suspect there are outdoor cats in your neighborhood, check under your car to make sure there are no sleeping cats visible near your engine. During winter months, outdoor cats often climb into car engines to seek warmth from the elements. 2. If you check under your car and don't see any cats,&…
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Indoor Pet Activities for Cold Days
With an expected windchill factor of -20°F tomorrow in Baltimore, it is simply too cold for pets to be outside for extended periods of time. We are asking pet owners to limit outdoor activity to quick potty breaks only, please! We know that minimal outdoor exercise can mean stir-crazy pups, so we put together a list of fun activities you and your dog can do indoors to keep busy during the big freeze: 1. The “w…
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Harmful Thanksgiving Foods
Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends and feasting--which means, naturally, there will be lots of food around for pets to potentially munch on. To keep your pet healthy and happy during the holiday season, make sure to know what foods your pet can and cannot have. Here is a list of Thanksgiving foods that can be potentially harmful or toxic to your pets. 1. Grapes or Raisins: Grapes and raisins can lead to sudden kidney failur…
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Thanksgiving Pet Safety Tips
Here are 10 tips for keeping your pets safe and happy this Thanksgiving! 1. Thanksgiving can mean a lot of activity in the home, which can be overwhelming for some pets. Be sure to provide a quiet room where your pets can retreat to for relaxation during Thanksgiving festivities. 2. There is usually a lot of food sitting around at this time of year, some of which could be potentially harmful or toxic to your pet. Research ahead of time w…
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Emergency Preparations for Pets
The first step in keeping pets safe in the wake of an emergency or natural disaster is to simply have a plan. For those in the potential path of Hurricane Florence, now is the time to sit down with your family/household and make a list of the items you need to care for your animals. Build a Kit: Include basic survival items and items to keep your pet happy and comfortable. • Food. At least a three-day supply in an airtight, wate…
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Fourth of July Pet Safety
Did you know that one of BARCS' busiest days of the year is July 5? This is because more animals get lost on the Fourth of July than any other day of the year! Each year, our intake numbers spike with stray dogs—many of whom got spooked by the loud noise of fireworks and escaped their yard or leash. We don’t want to see your pet at BARCS, so please follow these simple tips for your cats and dogs safety during this fu…
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