October is Love Large month at Long Beach Animal Care Services! Big dogs take up a lot of space at shelters, and it’s not because of their size—it’s that there are so many of them! Big dogs are as cuddly as any dog, and that describes Barbara, a 4-year-old boxer-type girl. She’s as friendly as that smile of hers suggests! Shelter volunteers say that she’s a great dog and wonderful with people. Adoption fees for big dogs are waived until Oct. 31, and you can speed the process to adopt or foster Barbara and any of our other pets by emailing PetAdopt@longbeach.gov or petfoster@longbeach.gov. You can also call (562) 570-4925. Even better, stop by during our new open walk-in hours every Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Our shelter is located at 7700 E. Spring St. Ask for ID#A684311 to meet Barbara.

Steady, man! If you’re familiar with the husky breed, you’ll know that they require above-normal levels of activity, and if they don’t get it, are notorious escape artists and will likely find adventure on their own! They also shed an unimaginable amount of fur! Then, there’s the good stuff! They’re devoted, spirited, adventure-seeking and playful dogs! They’re chatty and will provide a lifetime of camera/video ops of their hysterical expressions, crazy vocals and amusing antics. Steadman, 4 years old, is all that and more, including gorgeous! He loves playing in the shelter’s kiddie pool, as you can see. If you’re an active, fun-loving person with the time and love to devote to Steadman, he’ll be the best adventure wingman and will bring so much joy into your life. You can speed the process to adopt or foster Steadman and any of our other pets by emailing PetAdopt@longbeach.gov or petfoster@longbeach.gov. You can also call (562) 570-4925. Even better, stop by during our new open walk-in hours every Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Our shelter is located at 7700 E. Spring St. Ask for ID #A674834 to meet Steadman. We’re at capacity, and everyone needs homes!

May we introduce you to Mamma June? This little tricolor beauty of a tortie is a 4-yr-old stray who came to us in April. Her tipped ear indicates that she may have been a TNR kitty. She was quite feisty when she came in but now has a fun personality! She greets us at her kennel door, and once it’s open, she zips to her side cubby and falls on her side, waiting for some loving and treats. She prefers pets only on her head and shoulders—otherwise, look out! She sure is ready for a loving home. Could it be yours? Shelter hours are Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at 7700 E. Spring St. at the entrance to El Dorado Park (no parking fee for shelter visitors). You can email PetAdopt@longbeach.gov to speed the process for adopting or fostering Mamma June. Ask for ID#672858).

(This rescue encouraged by the usual suspects.)

Jason Bowwoa said he’ll give up his chance to marry Lisa Bone-et if you’ll take him home with you! Jason’s a 1-year-old German shepherd boy, young enough to bond and become the loyal friend his breed’s known for. He’ll defend you like Conan the Bark-barian! You can speed the process to adopt or foster Jason and any of our other pets by emailing PetAdopt@longbeach.gov or petfoster@longbeach.gov. You can also call (562) 570-4925. Even better, stop by during our new open walk-in hours every Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Our shelter is located at 7700 E. Spring St. Ask for ID#A682405 to meet Jason. We’re at capacity, and everyone needs homes!

Right out of the saddest storybook you could read to your kids hopped Agustus. The poor little guy was found lost and confused in the outdoors, where no house rabbit can defend themselves. Luckily, a kind soul brought him to the shelter. He’s neutered and is friendly and social—he absolutely loves people! At only 2 years old, he’s ready for a long life and a happy ending! You can speed up the process to adopt or foster Agustus and any of our other pets by emailing PetAdopt@longbeach.gov or petfoster@longbeach.gov. You can also call (562) 570-4925. Even better, stop by during our new open walk-in hours every Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Our shelter is located at 7700 E. Spring St. Ask for ID#A605387 to meet Agustus. We’re at capacity, and everyone needs homes!

(This rescue encouraged by the usual suspects.)

We all want to give our pets a safe and happy home. But we’ve mostly been there with pet accidents and they are not fun! Whether it resulted in a soft bandage boot, the introduction of a leash, or in-home training, our pets have had us worried about their condition at one point or another. 

Needless to say, we don’t always know what to do when our pets get injured. But worry not! We’ve got you covered! Here are a few important things that you may not know about taking care of pet first aid:

• When your pet is hit by a car

We all hope to keep our pets safe inside or leashed when they are outside. However, there are one too many moments where your pet may break free and run away. When this happens, your pet may possibly run into a busy road or oncoming car. 

If they get hit, you’ll need to perform basic first aid. Slowly approach your pet- even though they know you, they may bite or get defensive out of pain. Thereafter, minimize their movement so they don’t further injure themselves. 

Slowly move them from the road and cover them with a warm blanket. In case there’s a lot of blood flow, apply pressure on the bleeding area and take them to the vet’s office for a checkup. 

• Accidents when playing

Pets are active and they like playing with sticks, balls, and other toys.  Unfortunately, these toys also pose a safety threat. For instance, if a dog gets the stick stuck in its mouth then it may not be easy to remove it. 

You’ll need a second party’s help to help hold the dog so you can remove the object from its mouth. In case your pet can’t breathe because a toy or a stick is lodged deeply in their throat, perform a quick compression behind their last rib as this will dislodge the toy, and then call the vet immediately. 

• When poisoning occurs

On the off chance that your pet comes into contact with poisonous material, then you should call the vet or poison control center immediately. No matter how much you pet-proof your home, you can’t protect your pet from everything. 

They may eat a poisonous plant or even consume food that’s not meant for pets, such as chocolate. Remember not to induce vomiting, unless your vet recommends it. 

What Should Your Pet First Aid Kit Have?

Just like you require a first aid kit at home or inside your car in case an accident occurs, your pet first aid kit will come in handy when your pet gets hurt. Ideally, your first aid pet kit should include all the following:

• Activated charcoal for poisoning incidents
• A basic first aid book that will help you navigate 
• Disposable gloves
• Steril;e gloves and bandages
• Tweezers
• Emergency phone numbers
• Antibiotic ointment

There you go! Everything you need to help your pet stay on the safe and narrow- no pun intended! Remember to always act fast when your pet has an accident. A minute early will always make the difference!