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August 2016 Newsletter

515 Spur 100, Kerrville TX 78028

830 - 257- 4144

www.freemanfritts.com

Clinic Hours: Monday thru Friday 7:30 - 12 and 1 - 5:30

Shelter Hours: Monday thru Friday

10 - 11:30 & 1 - 4:30

The Animal Welfare Society of Kerr County, Texas is a

501 (c) (3) Non-Profit Organization and relies heavily on donations and support from the local community. All donations are tax-deductible.

Spay/Neuter Surgeries, Bug Bites & Stings, Pets of the Month, Adoptions

FREE Spay/Neuter Surgeries Due to the generosity of a kind donor, the Freeman-Fritts Vet Clinic has a dog and cat spay/neuter fund available. This fund allows us to offer FREE spay/neuter surgeries (including Rabies Vaccination) for your cat. Call for an appointment 830-257-4144. (Any

thank you notes received are forwarded to our donor.)

Some restrictions may apply.

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Treating Your Pet’s Summer Bug Bites & Stings

Insect bites and stings can be devastating for your pet this summer.

Insects such as bees, wasps, fleas, ticks, and ants can inflict pain

and also transmit diseases such as heartworm and the deadly

Chagas disease. Keeping your pets safe is crucial.

Dogs tend to chase bees and wasps, which increases their risk of

potentially deadly attacks. Although the fur on their bodies can

protect, it can also hide bites or stings. Paws, tummies, and mouths can be trouble areas.

“…If your pets show any signs of distress such as trembling, weakness, diarrhea, vomiting, extreme facial

swelling, hives, or trouble breathing, bring it to your vet or

emergency clinic immediately as these can be signs of an

anaphylactic reaction,” says Dr. Stacey West, DVM.

Never use calamine lotion or ammonia-based products on your

pet. These can be dangerous. Ammonia products are corrosive to

the skin and calamine lotion contains zinc which can be toxic if

consumed by cats or dogs.

For stings inside the mouth, offer ice cubes or ice water to reduce

the swelling. Oral stings may also increase the risk of respiratory

problems so make sure your pet is breathing properly by

monitoring closely.

Be on the lookout for an anaphylactic reaction which can be severe in pets. They usually occur within 20

minutes of the sting. This causes a pet’s face, throat, and airways to swell making breathing difficult or

impossible. Anaphylactic shock requires immediate veterinary treatment or your pet may die.

Make sure that your pet is up to date with its flea and tick medication to prevent nuisance bites and

possible infestation of your home by these nasty insects. Your veterinarian can recommend the best

products for your pets*

Many insect stings and bites can be treated at home. If you have any concerns about your pet’s

health, please contact your veterinarian right away.

This article was excerpted from NewsmaxHealth.com, July 7, 2016 and was

written by Lynn Allison.

*Our clinic carries a variety of flea and tick medication.

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In the summer, freeze water with low-sodium

chicken broth, toys, or treats for a fun way to cool

down your pets and keep them hydrated outdoors.

Adopted since last newsletter:

Cats: Rue, Magnito, and Bones Dogs: Billy Bob and Max

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Cat of the Month

I’m Buster. I’m friendly and playful, what more could you want in a feline companion? I may hold back bashfully the first time you meet me, but it doesn’t last. I’ll follow you around like a puppy dog and reach up to gently touch your face with my paw. I’m a people-cat! I’m not afraid to show

my love. Born in 2011, I came here as a baby, and was bottled raised by the vet. I’m a healthy, happy-go-lucky kinda boy. My bags are packed, and I’m ready to go to my forever home!!!

Dog of the Month Coco here! I'm a beautiful lady! I can take a little time to warm up but once I'm comfortable I love my humans! When I do finally come out of my shell, I can be very loving and affectionate. I also have a delightfully silly, playful side. I came to Freeman-Fritts when a Good Samaritan found me. My dream is to find someone who would like to spend quality time with me and someone who can slowly introduce me to the world and maybe show me it's not so scary. Could that be you?

Photos by S J Derby

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