PET TIP - Did you know that when you adopt a pet from the Bangor Humane Society that they will be spayed and neutered. They will also have been evaluated for temperament, will have had a thorough examination by a veterinarian and will be updated on any necessary vaccinations. Getting your pet from the Bangor Humane Society is not only a great value, but you are also providing a forever home to your new best friend and by doing so, saving a life. If you’re looking for a new pet, there is no better place to start than the Bangor Humane Society.

You can find more information on dogs and cats at our website, www.greenacreskennel.com  or at the Green Acres Kennel Shop FaceBook page.

PET TIP - Attending a well-designed puppy class is one of the most important things you can do for a puppy that is 8 to 16 weeks of age. This is a critical time for a puppy, one where they are most open to new experiences. That ability doesn’t end at 16 weeks but acclimating to new places, things, people and situations becomes significantly more difficult. This is also a great time to start training so that you can avoid letting yourself and your pup develop bad habits which then need to be changed. A puppy class will discuss puppy socialization and also typically address typical puppy issues such as; play biting, chewing inappropriate items, jumping up on people, housetraining, and general puppy management and training.

You can find more information on dogs and cats at our website, www.greenacreskennel.com  or at the Green Acres Kennel Shop FaceBook page.

PET TIP - Whether you have a smooth coated lab, or a double coated husky, a thick coated Newfoundland or a Yorkie with long hair, your pet needs to be brushed regularly. A thorough brushing has several benefits in addition to keeping your pet clean and matt free. Brushing also stimulates your pet’s skin and circulation and helps get the natural oils throughout the coat. It is an ideal opportunity for you to inspect your pet for lumps, fleas, ticks and other irregularities. Different types of coats require special brushing techniques and different tools. Feel free to come into Green Acres Kennel Shop and we can show you the right tools and techniques for your pet!

You can find more information on dogs and cats at our website, www.greenacreskennel.com  or at the Green Acres Kennel Shop FaceBook page.

PET TIP - Investing your time and energy into a dog training class taught by a certified professional dog trainer is one of the best things that you can do for the relationship between your dog and your family. Sadly many dogs never have the benefit of attending a training class and they often develop behavioral issues. This often results in a dog ending up homeless and at an animal shelter hoping for a new home. Taking a class so you can better understand your dog and learn how to manage his behaviors and teach him basic manners will benefit you both and in the right class will also be a great deal of fun.

You can find more information on dogs and cats at our website, www.greenacreskennel.com  or at the Green Acres Kennel Shop FaceBook page.

Pet Tip - It happens everywhere. In every community and in every state, there is a pet overpopulation problem resulting in a high number of homeless animals. In the U.S., there is an estimated 6-8 million homeless animals entering animal shelters every year. Only half of these animals are adopted, according to the ASPCA (the Animal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals). The reality is there just aren’t enough homes for all these pets. This puts an overwhelming strain on shelters, forcing them to make hard decisions, like ones often resulting in euthanasia. Please spay and neuter your pets.

You can find more information on dogs and cats at our website, www.greenacreskennel.com  or at the Green Acres Kennel Shop FaceBook page.

In recognition of National Pet Dental Health Month, we talk with Dr. Mark Hanks about the importance of dental care for dogs and cats. We discuss what you can do at home to keep your pets teeth at their best.     http://bit.ly/HjrFE0

PET TIP - All pets will need a nail trim, will benefit from brushing and will need a bath someday. Even if your puppy or kitten will never require a haircut or fancy grooming, it is still worth taking the time to get them accustomed to what will be their routine grooming before they are 16 weeks old. In the long run this can make a world of difference for the comfort and well-being of your pet. Get your pet used to being groomed while they are young both at home and in the grooming salon. If you are unsure how to do this, give us a call and make an appointment with one of us for a free "grooming Headstart.

PET TIP - Even short haired cats may have difficulty keeping their own coats healthy and tangle free. As cat’s age, gain weight and /or have underlying health issues, their ability to groom themselves diminishes. Over weight cats are often unable to groom their back, resulting in matting along the spine and by the tail. They may also experience feces getting trapped in the hair on their rear end. Unhealthy cats may shed more, causing excessive hairballs as they groom themselves. Elderly cats may display the same concerns as overweight or unhealthy cats. If your cat starts to have accidents around the litter pan, check for fecal matter on the rear end and if none is noticed, consult your veterinarian.

PET TIP - Keeping our pets teeth clean and healthy is an important part of owning a pet, but I’ll be the first to admit that I am not as good at brushing their teeth on a regular basis as I should be. Fortunately there are a number of products available to help. Everything from enzymes you can sprinkle on your pet’s food, to supplements you can add to their water as well as special gels and toys that all help keep your pets teeth clean. If you need suggestions, our staff at Green Acres would be glad to help you find the product that will best help your pet and best fit your budget.

PET TIP - Cats, even those declawed in the front, need regular nail inspections on at least a monthly basis. Overlong cat nails begin to curl and cannot be completely retracted. This can cause the cat to become hooked to carpeting or other fabrics by a toenail, sometimes resulting in nail loss as well as destruction to your clothing and household items. Those ultra-sharp nails, if curled around a paw pad, can slice deeply and actually grow into the pad, resulting in a puncture and possible infection. If the nails look like fish hooks, you know it is time for a trim. We can trim your cat's nails at Green Acres or we can show you the tools you'll need and how to do it yourself at home.