STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Dental health is essential to your pet’s overall well-being, and dental problems can cause and be caused by other health issues, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). They recommend having your pet’s teeth and gums checked by a veterinarian at least annually to identify early signs of problems and keep your pet’s mouth healthy.
Some signs that your pet may need a dental checkup sooner include bad breath, broken or discolored teeth, abnormal chewing or drooling, reduced appetite, pain around the mouth, and irritability. Pets with dental problems may bite, so owners should be careful when evaluating their pet’s mouth.
The most common dental issue in dogs and cats is periodontal disease, which affects the structures supporting the teeth. By age 3, most pets have some early evidence of periodontal disease that will worsen without preventive measures. Advanced periodontal disease can lead to severe pain and is associated with other health problems like kidney, liver, and heart disease.
Meet Phish…
Meet Phish!
Phish is a very handsome one-year-old, 75-pound Husky mix full of love and joy.
This fun-loving, happy and friendly guy is looking for his forever home! Phish is friendly with everyone he meets across all age groups and very friendly with dogs. He is a versatile pup and would do well in the city or suburbs as long as he can be active with his family.
Phish is incredibly intelligent and picked up on house training within 24 hours. He aims to please and will pick up on more training and tricks in no time!
While inside, Phish loves to cuddle, play and complete interactive treat puzzles! He also has a great superpower of enjoying a full night of sleep.
If you're looking for a dog that is all love, appreciative and flexible, this guy is for you! He will be a wonderful addition to any family!
Phish is currently being fostered in Carteret, NJ. His adoption fee is $425.
To adopt this animal, please visit https://www.louieslegacy.org/adopt (Courtesy/Louie’sLegacy)Louie’sLegacy
At home, regular tooth brushing is the most effective way to maintain your pet’s oral health between professional cleanings. Daily brushing is ideal, but even a few times per week can help. Many products claim to improve pet dental health, but not all are effective, so ask your vet for recommendations. Here are a few ideas.
For cats and dogs: Ventoquinol
Vetoquinol Enzadent Enzymatic Poultry Flavor Dog & Cat Toothpaste
*Features an enticing poultry flavor!
*Features beneficial ingredients like poultry extract, purified water, calcium lactate, potassium thiocyanate, zinc gluconate, and vitamin E.
*Specifically designed with safe to swallow ingredients.
*Easy to use, no rinsing required!
*Suitable for daily use for both dogs and cats.Vetoquinol Enzadent Enzymatic
For Cats: Sentry Petrodex
Sentry Petrodex Veterinary Strength Enzymatic Malt Flavor Cat Dental Kit
Benefits
*Expertly formulated to meet your feline companion's dental health needs, this dental kit provides potent veterinary strength.
*Helps reduce tartar & plaque buildup with a hydrogen peroxide-producing enzymatic formula.
*Cleans teeth & freshens breath.
*Easy to use: cats love the malt flavor, and the toothpaste doesn't foam so there's no need to rinse.
*Veterinarian-developed toothbrush helps remove plaque and food debris with ultra-soft bristles for gentle application.
*Included finger brush gently removes plaque and food debris while massaging gums (great for kittens)Sentry Petrodex Advanced Enzymatic Malt Flavored Dental Kit for Cats
For Dogs: Arm & Hammer Clinical Gum Health
Arm & Hammer Products Clinical Gum Health Chicken Flavored Enzymatic Dog Toothpaste
For a toothpaste for dogs and puppies, this Arm & Hammer Enzymatic toothpaste is safe and gentle. The toothpaste contains baking soda, which cleans and deodorizes while the included-enzymes fight tartar. With other natural ingredients, this toothpaste also eliminates bad breath and brightens teeth, as well as soothe sensitive and inflamed gums.Arm & Hammer
Adoption Events
If you want to adopt, please remember that there are loving senior and disabled pets who need your care and attention, too. If you cannot adopt, please consider fostering or sharing the information with someone who could use some good company.
Feb. 22
- Louie’s Legacy will be at PetSmart (Woodbridge, NJ) – 863 St. George Avenue. 101, Woodbridge, NJ 07095., from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m
Feb. 23
- Louie’s Legacy will be at PetSmart, 1525 Forest Ave., from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m
- Louie’s Legacy will be at PetSmart (East Brunswick, NJ) – 300 NJ-18, East Brunswick, NJ 08816., from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m
- Staten Island Animal Hope Rescue will be at Petco, 165 Bricktown Way, from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Animal Care Centers of New York City is open for adoptions of dogs, cats, guinea pigs, and rabbits at 3139 Veterans Road West on Monday and Tuesday (12 pm – 4 pm) and Wednesday – Sunday (11 am – 5 pm).
For general information on adopting from ACC and other community-based programs through ACC, go to www.nycacc.org
You can also come into ACC to register and purchase a NYC license for your dog each day from 10 am to 5 pm.
Meet Taffy…
Meet Taffy, the sweetest, most delightful treat you’ll ever meet—just over a year old and ready to find her forever home. Taffy’s like a piece of candy—you’ll need a little patience to unwrap her, but once you do, she’s sure to melt your heart!
Taffy’s an independent kitty who enjoys doing her own thing, but don’t let her shy, timid nature fool you—this girl has got the potential to be a loving, calm companion once she’s comfortable in her new environment. She thrives in quiet, low-traffic spaces, and would do best in a home with only adults. With time and patience, Taffy will come out of her shell and show you what a sweet and gentle soul she really is.
She’s had some experience living with other cats (both male and female), and she got along great with them! While she might take a little while to warm up to her new family, once she feels safe, Taffy enjoys quiet play and affectionate moments with those she trusts.
If you’re looking for a gentle, reserved companion who needs an experienced and patient adult-only home, Taffy could be the purr-fect addition to your life. With time, she’ll be the kind of cat that curls up beside you, quietly sharing her affection and enjoying a peaceful life with you.
Taffy is ready to go home today—are you the one to help her bloom? Come meet this little treat, and you just might discover the sweetest companion in the world!
If you would like to visit me, stop down to the Staten Island Animal Care Center – 7 days a week from 12pm to 5pm or you can search and see all the other adoptable animals in our Care Centers here: https://nycacc.app/#/ (Courtesy/ACC)ACC
Ongoing
1. Low-cost or free spay and neuter: The ASPCA’s free and low-cost mobile spay and neuter van travels to every neighborhood in the five boroughs.
Low-income pet owners in the five boroughs with proof of public assistance, such as welfare, Medicaid, Medicare, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), disability, food stamps, TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), or public housing qualify for free spay/neuter services for their cat or dog. If you have a pit bull, pit-bull mix, or certain large breed dogs, it’s also free.
For the exact times the van will be in your area and pre-visit instructions, visit aspca.org/pet-care/spayneuter or call 877-SPAY-NYC (877-772-9692).
2. Apply for a dog license. Save time and postage by applying online. For an application or more information, visit nyc.gov/doglicense. View the flyer in the gallery above.
Gifts for animal lovers
Julie Forlenza, a former teacher at I.S. 7 and PS 62, and manager at Woof and Tails Lodge , took action after Hurricane Ian to help animals in shelters. She is the owner of Black Dog Portrait. Her passion for helping animals is exceptional. Check her out on Facebook or Instagram.
Stellar Villa is a New York City-based artist who recently raised over $11,500 for pet shelters after she single-handedly created 1,252 custom pieces of art of people’s pets over 21 days. Now, she is working to create ongoing partnerships with local animal shelters to continue raising money. If you’re looking for a gift for a dog lover, check out Stellar’s work.
Sophia Di Meglio wrote and illustrated A Big Life for Buddy, a children’s book that offers a lighthearted look at an exceptional dog and teaches children about growing older, belonging, and the fact that loss is a natural part of life.
Meet Tears for Fears…
Tears for Fears is an absolutely AWESOME little fella. This adorable 2.5-month-old, 10.8-pound (as of 2/17) Labrador Retriever/Shepherd mix is truly a dream come true. He can be super playful, but he can also be total relaxed and chill. The best of both worlds!
Super friendly, the minute you say hi to this golden nugget, he comes running right over to you. Tears For Fears adores kids, adults, the elderly, and of course, other dogs. He is extremely affectionate and will nuzzle into any nook or cranny of his human. When Tears For Fears isn’t busy kissing and cuddling, he loves to play with toys, especially chew toys or anything that has a squeaker. He also really digs horsing around with other pooches.
Tears For Fears is still too young to go out on leash walks, but he enjoys being carried around outside in a sling, and he rides the subway like a pro. Unfazed by the hustle and bustle of urban life, he seems to take everything in stride.
Smart as a whip and obsessed with treats, Tears For Fears is a quick learner and a hungry hippo. He is pad trained, crate trained, and he knows the meaning of sit, come, and no. With additional training, this cute-pie can really go places!
If you’ve been waiting for that perfect ‘lil pupper to come along, Tears For Fears is ready to rock your world.
If you would like to adopt this wonderful dog, please email rescue@pupstarzrescue.org or visit www.pupstarzrescue.org for an application!
www.pupstarzrescue.org
Please Follow us on Instagram: @pupstarzrescue
Like us on Facebook! www.facebook.com/PupStarzRescue
**Puppies are hard work. If you are not ready for a ‘new baby' please adopt an adult or senior who needs you! In addition, we cannot guarantee the breed, size, temperament or age of a puppy.** (Courtesy/PupStarz)PupStarz
Hiking trails
Dog-friendly parks
· Allison Park, off-leash area in the field at the end of the trail bordered by Prospect Avenue, Sailors Snug Harbor Cemetery and the pond
· Amundsen Trail, off-leash area between Amboy Road and Hylan Boulevard
· Arthur Von Briesen Park, off-leash area, lawn area, mid-park on the right side
· Bloomingdale Park, dog run, Maguire Avenue behind athletic fields closer to Ramona Avenue
· Clove Lakes Park, off-leash area in the open field above picnic area near Royal Oak Road and Rice Avenue
· Clove Lakes Park, off-leash area, Brookside Avenue between Alpine Court and Kingsley Avenue (lawn area)
· Clove’s Tail Park, off-leash area in lawn area, corner of Victory Boulevard and Little Clove Road
· Conference House Park, dog run, Clermont Avenue and Massachusetts Street
· Cozzens Woods Park, off-leash area, Page Avenue between Hylan Boulevard and Amboy Road
· Crescent Beach Park, off-leash area, Tennyson Drive, and Glover Avenue; located in the meadow area leading to the beach
· Evergreen Park, off-leash area, Greaves Avenue and Evergreen Street
· Father Macris Park, off-leash area, lawn beyond ball field
· Ida Court Playground, dog run, Ida Court between North Railroad Street and Drumgoole Road East
· Lemon Creek Park, off-leash area, the bottom of Seguine Avenue at Johnston Terrace; just below the playground
· Siedenburg Park, off-leash area, Greaves Avenue, and Evergreen Street
· Silver Lake Park, dog run, Victory Boulevard below the pavilion, across from the Parkview Apartments
· South Beach Park, off-leash area. Note: On sand only after Labor Day and before Memorial Day
· Willowbrook Park, off-leash area, Archery Range Field
· Wolfe’s Pond Park, dog run, to the left of Cornelia Avenue
For more information, rules and regulations, visit nycgovparks.org/facilities/dogareas.
Dogs cannot enter any bathing facilities, including those at New York City beaches. However, from Oct. 1 through May 1, leashed dogs are allowed on the sand and boardwalk at Midland Beach and South Beach.
Leashed dogs are allowed on the boardwalk/promenade at Midland Beach and South Beach.
Pet poison helplines
If you think your pet may have ingested a potentially poisonous substance, contact the Pet Poison Hotline at 855-764-7661 or petpoisonhelpline.com, or contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 or aspca.org.
As the seasons change, keep in mind the plants that are poisonous to animals: https://www.rover.com/blog/poisonous-plants/
To report animal cruelty
To report an incident of animal abuse, call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS or visit www.nypdcrimestoppers.com.
