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.
Signs your pet may need a dental checkup sooner include bad breath, broken or discolored teeth, abnormal chewing or drooling, reduced appetite, mouth pain, 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 show early signs of periodontal disease, which 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 Mowgli
Meet Mowgli!
This lovable 2.5-year-old Staffordshire Terrier/Australian Shepherd mix weighs approximately 90 pounds and is ready to find his forever home!
Mowgli’s superpowers include being completely housebroken and crate trained—no accidents here! He gets along well with both dogs and cats, though he may bark at new dog friends at first. With a little time, he warms right up! He’s also easily redirected and responds well to “no” and “leave it”, making him highly trainable. In fact, Mowgli already knows a few commands and is eager to learn more—especially if treats are involved! He loves playing with toys and, of course, enjoys a frozen peanut butter Kong.
With high energy levels, Mowgli would thrive in a suburban home with a fenced-in yard where he can run and play freely. He’d also love an active family to play catch with him and keep him engaged.
Despite his playful side, Mowgli is also a sweet snuggle bug who loves attention and praise. He makes friends daily and, with a little guidance and a lot of love, will be an amazing companion. Are you ready to bring Mowgli home?
Mowgli is currently being fostered in Ewing, 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 EnzymaticFor 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 CatsFor 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 & HammerAdoption 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.
Jan 3
Louie’s Legacy will be at PetSmart, 2656 Hylan Blvd, Suite 240, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.mSICAW will be at PetSmart, 1525 Forest Ave., from 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Jan 4
SICAW will be at Petco, located at 165 Bricktown Way, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.Louie’s Legacy will be at PetSmart, 1525 Forest Ave., from 12 p.m. to 2 p.mStaten Island Animal Hope Rescue will be at Petco, located at 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, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., and Wednesday through Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For general information on adopting from ACC and other community-based programs through ACC, go to www.nycacc.org.
You can also visit ACC to register and purchase a NYC dog license from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Meet Cleo
Meet Cleopatra, affectionately known as Cleo, a stunning three-year-old female tabby with a heart of gold.
Cleo’s incredibly loving personality shines bright, thanks to her resilient spirit. Once a cherished house cat, Cleo was unfortunately abandoned outdoors when her family relocated. Fortunately, we were able to welcome her into our rescue and place her with a wonderful foster family.
Cleo is now thriving in her foster home, showing her beautiful personality and affectionate nature. She adores human interaction, often rubbing against legs and snuggling on laps.
Cleo’s playful side is also emerging, as she enjoys exploring her new tunnel and learning to play with toys.
Her foster family reports that she demands attention with a regal gaze, reminiscent of a princess.
Cleo also loves chin and ear scratches, land birdwatching through the window. Cleo loves to lay on her foster dad‘s laptop and has changed his password a couple of times Cleo is slowly being introduced to the resident cat in her foster home to evaluate how she is with other cats due to her history being a mystery. Cleopatra is ready to shine in her forever home.
She is vaccinated, spayed, microchipped, and FIV/FELV negative.
If you’re ready to welcome Cleo into your life, please apply online to meet and adopt this lovely lady.
https://www.statenislandhopeanimalrescue.org/applications (Courtesy/StatenIslandHopeRescue)StatenIslandHopeRescueGifts for animal lovers
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 Serge…
Meet Serge, a 3-year-old, 54 pound, wonderful Black Mouth Cur mix. He is friendly and gets along with other dogs well!
If you would like to adopt this dog, please email rescue@pupstarzrescue.orgor visit www.pupstarzrescue.org for an application!
www.pupstarzrescue.org
Please Follow us on Instagram: @pupstarzrescue
Like us on FaceBook! www.facebook.com/PupStarzRescue
PupStarz rescue cannot guarantee the breed, size, temperament, or age of any dog. (Courtesy/PupStarz)PupStarzHiking trailsDog-friendly parks
· Allison Park, off-leash area, 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, the open field above the 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, 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 N. 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: Dogs are permitted on the 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 on 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.
For more information on rules and regulations, visit nycgovparks.org/facilities/dogareas.
Meet Jovie…
Meet Jovie, a 3-month-old (as of 12/17) is a tiny bundle of sweetness with a big, lovable personality. The smallest of her litter, she may be petite, but she’s incredibly friendly and full of charm. Jovie loves to play with toys, enjoys treats, and is always happy to soak up pets and cuddles whenever they’re offered.
She has that perfect kitten mix of playful energy and cozy couch-potato vibes—zooming around one moment and curling up close the next. Jovie gets along well with other cats, is litter box trained, and does great with kids and adults alike. If you’re looking for an adorable, affectionate little kitten who will steal your heart in no time, Jovie is ready to do just that.
If you would like to give this wonderful cat a home, please email rescue@pupstarzrescue.org or visit www.pupstarzrescue.org for an application!
**We cannot guarantee the age, breed, or size of a cat.
www.pupstarzrescue.org
Please Follow us on Instagram: @pupstarzrescue
Like us on Facebook! www.facebook.com/PupStarzRescue
(Courtesy/PupStarz)PupStarz
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.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION
To contact an environmental conservation police officer or report suspected violations, contact the DEC Law Enforcement Dispatch Center at 844-DEC-ECOS (844-332-3267) or dec.ny.gov/.