McKinney Pets

Peanut

America

Peanut is an eight-year-old female Shepherd mix who is all alone in the big shelter. Her previous owner moved and surrendered her to the SPCA of Texas on July 17. As you can see from her ear-to-ear grin, she is friendly, outgoing and full of life! Plus, in her previous home she was housetrained. Peanut loves long walks, lots of love and thrives on attention. Please come visit her today at the SPCA of Texas in McKinney. #2754326
 
America was surrendered by her previous owner because there were too many animals in the house. She was brought in on July 12 and is ready to go to her new home and cuddle up with her new family. She is a nine-year-old Domestic Shorthair with no allergies or medical problems. She is litter trained and is a quiet, mellow companion. She would do best in a family of adults in which she is the only cat. Stop by the Perry Animal Care Center in McKinney to visit America today. #5425917
 
Peanut and America are waiting for you at the SPCA of Texas Perry Animal Care Center in McKinney, 8411 Stacy Road/FM 720. Regular adoption fees are $185-$285 for puppies 0-6 months, $95-$195 for adult dogs 6 months or older, $75 for senior dogs 7 years or older, $50 for VIP dogs, $125 for cats, $95 for kittens, $75 for senior cats 7 years and older and $50 for VIP cats. Fee includes spay/neuter surgery, all age-appropriate shots, a heartworm test for dogs 6 months and older, a feline leukemia test for cats 4 months and older, a microchip and a free leash or cat carrier. Call 214-742-SPCA (7722) or visit www.spca.org.

Dallas Pets

Baby Girl

Betty

Baby Girl is a sweet, affectionate and friendly little girl who would like nothing more than to find a family that she can love. She is a one-year-old Shepherd mix weighing in at only 25 pounds. She was part of a large rescue effort in which 83 dogs were seized from a property in Marion County due to inhumane living conditions. Thanks to the SPCA of Texas and the Marion County Sheriff's Department, this little girl no longer has to live without appropriate shelter and water supply. For all that she has been through, it has not seemed to faze her. Her favorite part of the day is giving and getting hugs from her human companions and sticking close by their sides. Baby Girl is a true treasure just waiting to be found at the SPCA of Texas in Dallas. Come visit her today and expect lots of love and kisses.  #5435641

Betty is a 10-pound, seven-year-old female Domestic Shorthair mix. She lets you know what she likes with a soft meow. One of the things she likes is to have her head scratched. Check out her Torbie coat — she is a collage of beautiful colors. She was adopted previously but returned on Aug. 9 because her owner traveled too much and was not able to handle the responsibility of a cat. She hopes this time she is adopted for keeps! You can get to know Betty at the SPCA of Texas Dealey Animal Care Center in Dallas. #4058496

Baby Girl and Betty are waiting to meet you at the SPCA of Texas Dealey Animal Care Center in Dallas at 362 South Industrial Blvd near downtown. Hours are noon to 6 p.m. seven days a week. Regular adoption fees are $185-$285 for puppies 0-6 months, $95-$195 for adult dogs 6 months or older, $75 for senior dogs 7 years or older, $50 for VIP dogs, $125 for cats, $95 for kittens, $75 for senior cats 7 years and older and $50 for VIP cats.  Fee includes spay/neuter surgery, all age-appropriate shots, a heartworm test for dogs 6 months and older, a feline leukemia test for cats 4 months and older, a microchip and a free leash or cat carrier. Call 214-742-SPCA (7722) or visit www.spca.org.

Pet Tip: Cats have allergies, too

We all know what it's like to suffer from allergies. That runny nose, those puffy eyes, and that stuffy head can bother us all year ‘round, but did you know that your cat could have allergies too? In fact, 15 percent of all cats in the U.S. suffer from one or more allergies. 

The causes fall into several categories:

1. Inhalant allergies caused by airborne articles that irritate the nasal passages and lungs
2. Contact allergies derived from prolonged contact with an irritating substance
3. Food allergies that result from the grains, meats and dairy products included in cat food
4. Drug allergies from antibiotics and anesthesia
5. Flea allergies, the most common of all.

Symptoms can include irritation of the skin, which leads to severe itching, excessively oily skin, ear inflammation, hair loss, vomiting and diarrhea.

To help your cat cope with these allergies, the SPCA of Texas suggests asking your veterinarian for treatment options. Some cats might need to be medicated. At home, try using a different kitty litter, vacuuming more frequently using a very good filter, and switching to a food formulated for allergies. No matter what, make sure to remove all human drugs and oily-leafed plants from your cat's reach.

With time and loving care, cats can be freed from the discomfort of allergies. After all, we all feel better with a fully functioning nose!

For more information, call the SPCA of Texas at 214-742-SPCA (7722) or visit www.spca.org.

About the author: Maura Davies is senior director of communications for the SPCA of Texas. She is based in Dallas.