Tips to keep clean animal shelters and how you care your animal s
1. The shelter should have a sufficient number of adequately sized stainless steel food and water bowls to accommodate all animals. Feed puppies and kittens who are six to twelve weeks of age three times a day. Feed puppies and kittens who are twelve weeks to twelve months of age twice a day, and adults at least once a day.
2. Dry food can be made palatable to the greatest number of dogs as follows: Mix one-half can of wet food with one pound of dry dog food for each adult dog, add enough warm water to mix well, mix, and feed.
3. Dry puppy chow and adult dog food may be left in self-feeders.
4. Feed dogs and puppies enough food to meet their nutritional needs. Check food bowls after approximately 20 minutes. If an animal has eaten all her food, place an additional small amount of food in the run or cage.
5. Store all food in air-tight plastic containers to prevent spoilage and to avoid attracting rodents and insects.
6. Evaluate all animals shortly after they come in to the shelter and observe them during their entire stay. Here are some common signs of illness in dogs and cats that may warrant veterinary care:
1. Eyes are watery, appear swollen, or show discharge.
2. Ears appear red or inflamed, show discharge, or have a foul odor.
3. Nose shows discharge (mucous, blood, or pus), or is crusty, congested, or blocked.
4. Gums are swollen or inflamed, teeth are loose or brown, or mouth has a foul odor.
5. Animal is sneezing, coughing, or wheezing.
6. Animal has fleas or ticks, skin shows swelling or lesions, animal limps, or animal is thin or obese.
7 All kennels, cages, and runs must be cleaned daily with hot water and a broad-spectrum disinfectant proven to be effective against various bacteria and viruses common in a shelter environment .
8 Mix disinfectants according to specific manufacturer instructions. After application, allow the disinfectant to remain in contact with the surface for the length of time recommended by the manufacturer before rinsing.
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