Heart of Texas SPCA
A "No-kill" Dog Shelter and Rescue
We are located at:
28730 IH 10 West, Exit 546
Fair Oaks Ranch, TX 78015
ph: 830-981-2300
hotk9res
Because our shelter has become a key resource in our city, we try to help everyone any way we can. Educating the community on proper pet care, the humane treatment of animals, pet safety and pet health are common subjects with frequently asked questions. Though we do not claim to be experts we do have many years of experience in the field and have many medical professional resources. If we don't know the answer maybe we can point you in the right direction.
City ordinance states that a puppy or kitten cannot be adopted out until it is 8 weeks of age. If someone is trying to adopt a puppy or kitten younger than that, they are breaking the law, call 311.
Spay or neuter your pet, it is a good way to keep them healthy, happy and safe. It will also help with the pet overpopulation problem in our city.
Puppies and Kittens need to start their vaccinations and deworming at 6 weeks of age and will continue to get a series of vaccinations until they are approximately 18 weeks old. Your veterinarian can make vaccination recommendations.
Canine Parvovirus:
Canine Parvo is one of the biggest killers of puppies. Please get your puppy vaccinated before taking them out to public places, letting other puppies you don't know around them or exposing them to possible contamination.
PARVO is an infectious disease that is highly contagious and should be taken seriously. It is a virus that attacks the gastrointestinal tract of puppies and dogs. It can cause severe dehydration, diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, lethargy, and if gone untreated, death. If you suspect your puppy or dog has this virus please take them to a veterinarian immediately.
Canine Bordetella:
Also known as "kennel cough", Bronchiseptical is a virus that attacks the upper respiratory system in puppies and dogs. It is highly contagious and usually spread when a pet comes in contact with another dog that is infected. Kennel cough symptoms can appear within 2-14 days of exposure and can consist of a dry hacking sound or cough, watery discharge from the nose, fever and lethargy. If your pet is showing signs of this virus take them to a veterinarian immediately.
Panleukopenia (feline distemper)
A highly contagious virus that invades cells in the body and is transmitted when a susceptible cat has contact with an infected cat or that cats environment. It can cause diarrhea, vomiting, fever, low white blood cell count, dehydration and seizures. Cats or kittens that have symptoms like these should be taken to a veterinarian immediately.
Many shelters have mixed breed pets and pure breed pets. There is no need to go to a pet store.
Shelters are not quiet places. If a dog barks as you pass, realize, he/she is just responding to all of the other dogs.
Don't stick your fingers or hands in any cages without checking with a shelter worker.
Pets may behave differently at the shelter than they will in a home. So make sure you spend ample time visiting with them before making your decision.
Try to avoid the "rush hour" at a shelter. The more action going on the more excitable pets are and you may not see the real them. Make an appointment.
Some dogs have smiling faces and will actually smile because they are happy to see you. These are called "submissive grins" and considered a sign of a sweet dog. Sadly, sometimes these grins are misunderstood.
Older pets can also be left homeless due to divorce or death. They too make great companions and are sometimes less work.
Cute does not always mean perfect. Some of the shelter pets became shelter pets for one reason or another. Make sure you ask a shelter worker what they know about each pet.
Most shelter animals know they are being rescued and will give you unconditional love for the rest of your life. All they ask in return, is yours.
Reasons you should spay and neuter pets:
Letting a female have one heat cycle before spaying her is a myth.
Spaying reduces the risk of uterine infections, cancer, pyometra and unwanted puppies or kittens. It can also prevent aggressive behavior or other behavior problems.
Neutering reduces the risk of prostate problems, testicular tumors, aggressive behavior as well as other behaviors, mounting things, leg-lifting/marking, the drive to escape and unwanted puppies and kittens.
We are located at:
28730 IH 10 West, Exit 546
Fair Oaks Ranch, TX 78015
ph: 830-981-2300
hotk9res