Our Education Objectives

2. Educate people about how animals and pets impact our lives. Pets are known to reduce stress, improve our moods and overall health. That is why it is important to keep them healthy as their lives are not as long as humans. 

Our environment in Arizona has several aspects for pet owners to know about. For example:

A) Dogs and cats have to pant to cool themselves and they can overheat very easily in the summer. This can result in collapse, shock or death. Make sure your pets have water, shade and air circulation. Never leave them in a closed car.

B) The pavement in the summer time can burn your pets feet. They need shoes, too. Take walks in the early morning or at night when the temperatures are lower.

C) Make sure your pets are well hydrated in the summertime. If you pinch the skin on their neck or back and it stays, they are dehydrated.

D) Arizona is home to 11 species of Rattlesnakes. Although they help control rodent populations, you and your pet may find yourself in harms way if you are not careful. If your pet is bit by a Rattlesnake, it is important to seek emergency veterinary care immediately.

E) The desert also has the Colorado River Toad which have special glands that secrete poisonous mucus. If your pet licks or bites the toad, you will notice foaming from the mouth, licking the lips, and then can progress to heart arrhythmias, seizures, weakness, vomiting, fever, diarrhea and then death. Rinse your pets mouth immediately with water by pointing the hose from the side of their mouth out the other side so they don’t choke and seek veterinary care immediately. There is no antidote but emergency care can save their life.

F) Watch your pets around pools as they can drown if they fall in and cannot find a way to get out.