Amazon Cat Products We Recommend

New kitten? Don’t know where to start? TCAP has you covered!

Check out these five Amazon cat products we recommend as an animal welfare organization.

3 Summer Safety Tips for Your Dog

Summertime, while fun, can pose various health risks to your dogs. From the scorching heat to the increased prevalence of certain diseases, it’s crucial to ensure your furry friend’s safety. This involves vaccinations, heartworm prevention, and flea/tick prevention. Let’s delve into these three essential summer safety tips for your dog.

1. Ensure Comprehensive Vaccination with TCAP's Affordable Services

Summer months often see a rise in diseases such as distemper, parvovirus, rabies, canine influenza, and kennel cough due to increased activity and exposure at places like dog parks, groomers, and boarding facilities. Vaccinating your dog not only shields them but also contributes to community health by preventing disease transmission. At TCAP, our experienced vets guide you through the vaccination process, ensuring your dog gets the necessary protection.

2. Guard Against Heartworms

Heartworm disease, a serious condition caused by parasitic worms transmitted through mosquito bites, can be fatal for dogs. These worms can severely damage your dog’s heart, lungs, and blood vessels. The risk increases during summer due to heightened mosquito activity and more frequent outdoor excursions. Regular use of preventive medications like Tri-Heart Plus or Trifexis is crucial to keep your dog safe from this silent threat.

3. Stop the Itch: Flea and Tick Prevention

Fleas and ticks are more than just an annoyance – they can cause significant health issues. Fleas can lead to allergic reactions, skin irritations, and diseases like Bartonella. Ticks can transmit dangerous illnesses like Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and anaplasmosis. Flea and tick preventions, available in various forms like topical treatments and oral medications, can protect your dog from these parasites’ discomfort and potential health risks.

Securing Your Dog's Summer Health

By taking these summer safety tips for dogs to heart, you’re not just ensuring a fun-filled season for your furry friend, but also a healthy one. Regular vaccinations, consistent heartworm prevention, and diligent flea and tick protection are all crucial elements of your dog’s summer health regimen. Remember, the best care is preventive care. By being proactive, you’re providing your dog with a lifetime of happiness and good health, no matter the season. Don’t let the potential risks of summer overshadow the joy this season can bring to your dog. Stay prepared, stay informed, and most importantly, stay safe.

Summer Pet Care: Hydration and Heat Safety Tips

As the summer heat intensifies, prioritizing the well-being and safety of our furry companions becomes increasingly important. Just as humans need to take extra precautions during hot weather, pets also require special summer pet care to stay hydrated and cool.

In this article, we’ll delve into the importance of regular preventative care, hydration, and heat safety tips to ensure your pets are healthy and ready to tackle the summer heat.

Preventative Care for Summer Pet Care

Regular preventative care is vital in maintaining your pet’s overall health, especially during the summer season. Ensuring your pet is current on vaccines and flea and tick prevention can help your pets stay healthy during the summer.

Proper blood circulation is necessary to maintain a cool body temperature. Fleas and ticks remove much-needed blood from your pet’s body, which can cause issues as they try to regulate their temperature.

Texas Coalition for Animal Protection (TCAP) offers low-cost vaccinations and flea/tick control during our walk-in vaccine hours. Flea and tick preventions start as low as $12 for a one-month dose.

Hydration Tips for Summer Pet Care

Proper hydration is paramount for your pet’s well-being, particularly during hot weather. When temperatures rise, animals are at risk of dehydration, which can lead to serious health complications.

Access to fresh water: Always ensure your pet has access to clean and fresh water throughout the day. Monitor the water bowl regularly and refill it as needed to prevent dehydration.
Portable water on-the-go: When taking your pet on outdoor adventures or walks, carry a portable water container and offer water breaks regularly. This practice helps maintain hydration levels and prevents overheating.
Frozen treats and ice cubes: Treat your pet to frozen treats or ice cubes made from pet-friendly ingredients. These tasty refreshments not only keep your pet hydrated but also provide a cooling sensation.

Heat Safety Precautions for Summer Pet Care

Alongside hydration, taking precautions to protect your pet from excessive heat is crucial.

Avoiding midday heat: The sun is at its peak intensity during midday, making it essential to limit outdoor activities during these hours. Schedule walks and playtime in the early morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler.
Providing shade and cool areas: Create shaded spots in your backyard or patio where your pet can seek relief from the sun. Consider setting up a canopy or using umbrellas to provide ample shade.
Never leave pets in parked vehicles: Even on seemingly mild days, the temperature inside a parked car can rise rapidly and become life-threatening for pets. Never leave your pet unattended in a vehicle, even temporarily.
Paw protection: Hot pavement or sand can cause burns and discomfort to your pet’s paws. Opt for walks on grassy areas or invest in booties to protect their sensitive paw pads.

During summer, it’s essential to prioritize the well-being of our furry friends by implementing proper hydration and heat safety measures as part of our summer pet care routine.

Regular preventative care can ensure your pet is healthy and ready to face the challenges of the summer heat. By following these tips, you can ensure your pet enjoys a safe and enjoyable summer season.

Exploring Convenient North Texas Locations for Pet Care

Pet Care in North Texas

North Texas is a thriving region with a vibrant community of pet owners prioritizing the well-being of their furry friends. Finding high-quality, affordable pet care that’s also convenient can be a challenge.

That’s why Texas Coalition for Animal Protection is committed to providing accessible and affordable pet care services to communities across North Texas. With eight DFW area locations and more than 40 offsite travel locations, our team will surely visit a neighborhood near you.

The Advantages of Multiple Pet Care Locations

Having affordable pet care in your area means local expertise about nearby disease outbreaks, less time traveling to get your pet’s annual vaccines, and more money in your budget for other household needs.

Pet owners who visit TCAP have convenient access to professional services, regardless of their location within the region. This convenience saves time and effort, allowing you to quickly find the care your pets need.

TCAP has eight DFW-Area locations to serve your pets

Allen: 111 N Greenville Ave. Suite A
Arlington: 2400 SE Green Oaks Blvd.
Burleson: 344 SW Wilshire Blvd. Suite E
Denton: 713 Sunset St.
Fort Worth: 2401 Westport Parkway Suite 140
Garland: 1235 Northwest Highway
Hurst: 1856 Precinct Line Rd. Suite 108
Weatherford: 1302 S. Main Street Suite 144

Travel/Transport Locations

In addition to eight convenient locations, TCAP brings its low-cost spay/neuter and vaccine/wellness program to communities across North Texas. By partnering with area shelters, city municipalities, and local businesses, TCAP can set up pop-up-style clinics where it lacks a permanent location.

Regarding vaccines and wellness events, pet owners have access to low-cost vaccines, flea and tick prevention, heartworm testing and prevention, and more at more than 40 locations across the metroplex. New sites are added often, so the best way to find an event near you is to visit our vaccine clinic calendar.

Currently, travel spay and neuter city locations include Hillsboro and Azle.

Additionally, TCAP offers convenient spay/neuter transport services whereby pets are picked up at a partner business location and transported to the nearest TCAP facility for their spay/neuter. Pets are returned to the drop-off location at the end of the day for pet owners to pick up. Transports leave from Granbury and Cleburne.

Texas Coalition for Animal Protection Launches Veterinary Surgical Externship Program

The Texas Coalition for Animal Protection (TCAP) is proud to announce the launch of its best-in-class Veterinary Student Surgical Externship Program. This initiative aims to invest in the next generation of veterinary doctors – providing hands-on experience and inspiring more veterinarians to take an interest in shelter medicine.

As a leading 501(c)3 nonprofit organization providing low-cost spay/neuter, vaccine, and essential wellness services, TCAP recognizes the importance of fostering the next generation of compassionate and skilled veterinary professionals.

"We are thrilled to launch our Veterinary Student Surgical Externship Program, as it embodies our mission to end pet overpopulation and improve community animal welfare. By providing aspiring veterinarians with an immersive, hands-on surgical experience, we empower them to positively impact animal health and welfare in our community."

Katelyn McGuire | TCAP Director of Operations

TCAP’s five-day Veterinary Student Surgical Externship offers participants a unique opportunity to work alongside highly qualified and experienced veterinary surgeons in TCAP’s state-of-the-art surgical training facility. Under the guidance of these seasoned professionals, externs will gain practical experience in various high-quality, high-volume procedures, including spay and neuter surgeries, vaccinations, basic wellness care, and more.

The program, open to fourth-year veterinary students, is designed to enhance participants’ technical skills, increase their confidence in the operating room, and deepen their understanding of sterilization surgical techniques.

During the program, externs will also have access to educational resources, engage in lectures and discussions surrounding various animal welfare topics, participate in case discussions, and learn from elite instructors specializing in HQHV community animal care.

Interested individuals can find more information about the TCAP’s Veterinary Student Surgical Externship Program, including application details and requirements, by visiting the externship information page.

Vacunas asequibles para mascotas en Texas: una guía para mantener a su mascota sana con un presupuesto ajustado

En TCAP, entendemos la importancia de mantener a tu amigo peludo sano y feliz. Una de las formas más esenciales de garantizar su bienestar es a través de las vacunas periódicas. Vacunar a su mascota no solo la protege de enfermedades, sino que también ayuda a prevenir la propagación de enfermedades a otros animales e incluso a humanos. Las vacunas son vitales para las mascotas de todas las edades, ya que ayudan a desarrollar inmunidad contra enfermedades potencialmente mortales. En este artículo, proporcionaremos una guía de vacunas accesibles para mascotas en Texas, para que pueda mantener a su mascota saludable sin gastar mucho dinero.

¿Por qué debe vacunar a su mascota?

La vacunación es una medida preventiva y no una cura. La administración de vacunas a su mascota mejora en gran medida su sistema inmunológico al estimularlo para que forme células y proteínas que combaten enfermedades (conocidas como anticuerpos) para proteger contra la enfermedad.

¿Qué vacunas necesita mi mascota?

Algunas vacunas se consideran vacunas básicas y deben administrarse a su mascota todos los años, mientras que otras vacunas pueden o no ser necesarias según el estilo de vida de su mascota. Nuestros paquetes de vacunas están diseñados para facilitar la compra de los servicios básicos de vacunación y bienestar que su mascota necesita.

Guía de vacunas para perros:

Cachorros (3 rondas de vacunas para cachorros)

6-8 Semanas: Vacunas DAPPv y desparasitante General

9-11 semanas: DAPPv Booster, vacuna de Bordetella y desparasitante General

12 a 15 semanas: vacuna contra la rabia, refuerzo de DAPPv, vacuna de Bordetella y desparasitante general

Perros adultos (cada año)

6 meses de edad (o más): vacuna contra la rabia, vacuna DAPPv y vacuna de Bordetella

Guía de vacunas para gatos:

Gatitos (2 rondas de vacunas para gatitos)

9-11 semanas: vacuna FeLV, vacuna FHCPCh y desparasitante general

12 a 15 semanas: vacuna contra la rabia, refuerzo de FeLV, refuerzo de FHCPCh y desparasitante general

Gatos adultos (cada año)

6 meses de edad (o más): vacuna contra la rabia, vacuna FeLV y vacuna FHCPCh

Empezando

Como dueños de mascotas, es nuestra responsabilidad mantener a nuestros amigos peludos sanos y seguros.

Las vacunas son una de las formas más críticas de hacerlo, pero el costo de las vacunas para mascotas puede aumentar rápidamente. Afortunadamente, TCAP hace que vacunar a las mascotas sea fácil y accesible durante nuestro horario de vacunación sin cita previa. Durante las clínicas sin cita previa de TCAP, los pacientes son atendidos por orden de llegada.

Al aprovechar estos recursos y mantenerse al día con las vacunas de su mascota, puede protegerla de enfermedades potencialmente mortales y garantizar que tenga una vida larga y saludable. Con un poco de esfuerzo y planificación, puede mantener a su mascota saludable y feliz a un bajo costo.

Best in DFW: TCAP A Finalist for Best Animal Nonprofit

TCAP is a finalist for the Dallas Morning News People’s Choice Awards in the category Best Animal Nonprofit.

Your vote can help us secure this prestigious award, and contribute to the welfare of countless animals across the region. We’ve compiled a list of four reasons you should vote for TCAP!

1. TCAP Impact:

Texas Coalition for Animal Protection is dedicated to improving the lives of animals through its 8 DFW-area spay/neuter clinics. Since opening in 2002, TCAP has provided more than 700,000 low-cost, or free, spays and neuters to community pets in need. Reducing the number of unwanted litters helps prevent pet overpopulation and its associated challenges, such as overcrowded shelters, abandoned animals, and the unfortunate need for euthanasia. TCAP has also provided essential low-cost wellness services such as vaccinations, heartworm prevention, and more to pets in need.

2. Empowering the Community:

In addition to crucial spay/neuter services, actively engages with the community to promote responsible pet ownership. Utilizing educational programs, we equip pet owners with the knowledge and resources needed to provide proper care and create a loving environment for their furry companions. By empowering each other, we can foster a culture of compassion and ensure a brighter future for animals in DFW.

3. Uniting Animal Lovers:

TCAP has built a vibrant and supportive network of animal lovers who share their vision for a better world for animals. By voting for Texas Coalition for Animal Protection as the Best Animal Nonprofit in DFW, you not only help us gain recognition (which can help us win grant dollars for our programs) but also contribute to strengthening the animal welfare community. Together, we can raise awareness, inspire others, and create lasting change for animals in need.

4. It’s Easy:

Here’s how you can show your support for TCAP and help us win the title of the Best Animal Nonprofit in DFW:

Visit the website before June 30, 2023
Select “Texas Coalition for Animal Protection”
Submit your ballot
Return tomorrow and vote again (you can vote once each day).

Remember, every vote counts, and your support will directly impact the lives of animals in DFW.

Texas Pet Owners: Are You Properly Managing Your Pet’s Medications?

As a pet owner in Texas, it’s important to understand that managing your pet’s medication can be a crucial part of ensuring their health and wellbeing. Whether it’s giving them medication for a chronic condition or providing temporary relief for a short-term illness, proper medication management can make all the difference in your pet’s quality of life. Here are some tips to help you properly manage your pet’s medications:

Follow The Instructions: The first and most important step in managing your pet’s medications is to follow the instructions provided by your veterinarian. Make sure you understand how often to give the medication, how much to give, and how to administer it correctly. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to ask your veterinarian for clarification.
Keep Track of Doses: It’s important to keep track of when you give your pet their medication and how much you give them. You can use a calendar or a reminder app to help you remember when it’s time for the next dose. This is particularly important if your pet is on multiple medications or if you have a busy schedule.
Store Medication Properly: Medications should be stored in a cool, dry place out of reach of pets and children. Make sure to follow the storage instructions provided by your veterinarian or on the container holding the medication. Please note, you should never store medication in a place that is not temperature-controlled (such as a car, garage, or storage shed) and some medications may even require being refrigerated. Never give your pet medication that has expired.
Monitor for Side Effects: Some medications can have side effects that can be harmful to your pet. Be sure to monitor your pet for any changes in behavior or symptoms that could be related to their medication. If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian right away.
Don’t stop medication without consulting your veterinarian: It’s important to never stop giving your pet their medication without first consulting with your veterinarian. Even if your pet seems to be feeling better, stopping the medication too soon could lead to a relapse or other complications.

At Texas Coalition for Animal Protection (TCAP), we understand that managing your pet’s medication can be overwhelming at times. That’s why we offer low-cost veterinary services to help make it easier for you to keep your pets healthy and happy. From vaccinations to heartworm prevention, flea and tick prevention, deworming, microchipping, and high-quality dental cleanings, we’re here to help you give your pets the care they need. Contact us to learn more about our services 940-566-5551.

Pet Allergy Testing: A Guide for Pet Owners in Texas

As a responsible and caring pet owner, you want to ensure that your furry friend is as comfortable and healthy as possible. One of the challenges many pet owners face is figuring out what is causing their pet’s allergic reactions, and how to manage them effectively. If you suspect that your pet is suffering from allergies, getting an allergy test can help you identify the underlying cause and take appropriate steps to manage it.

At TCAP, we do not diagnose or treat pet allergies, but we understand the importance of providing pet owners with information and resources to help them care for their pets. In this post, we will provide an overview of pet allergy testing and what you need to know as a pet owner in Texas.

Common Allergy Symptoms and Causes
There are several signs and symptoms that your pet may be experiencing allergies, including:

Itching and scratching
Red, irritated, or inflamed skin
Frequent licking or biting at paws or other areas of the body
Chronic ear infections
Sneezing, coughing, or wheezing
Runny nose or eyes
Vomiting or diarrhea

Allergies in pets can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

Environmental factors such as pollen, dust, and mold
Flea bites
Food ingredients such as grains, dairy, and proteins
Chemicals and additives in grooming products and cleaning supplies

It is important to note that not all pets will have the same symptoms or react to the same allergens, so it is important to work with your veterinarian to properly diagnose and treat your pet’s allergies.

What is Pet Allergy Testing?
Pet allergy testing is a process that helps identify the specific allergens that trigger an allergic reaction in your pet. The test involves taking a blood sample or performing a skin test to expose your pet to a variety of potential allergens. The sample is then analyzed to determine which substances your pet has an allergic reaction to.

There are two primary types of pet allergy tests: blood tests and skin tests. Blood tests involve taking a small sample of your pet’s blood and analyzing it for antibodies to common allergens. Skin tests involve applying a small amount of a potential allergen to your pet’s skin and monitoring for a reaction.

Why Should You Consider Pet Allergy Testing?
If you suspect that your pet is suffering from allergies, it’s important to get them tested. Identifying the specific allergens that trigger your pet’s reactions can help you take steps to manage their symptoms effectively. With allergy testing, you can:

Pinpoint the exact allergens causing your pet’s reactions
Develop a targeted treatment plan to manage your pet’s allergies
Avoid unnecessary treatments and expenses by focusing on the specific allergens causing your pet’s reactions

Pet Allergy Testing in Texas
If you’re in Texas and interested in pet allergy testing, it’s important to work with a licensed veterinarian. TCAP does not provide allergy testing, but we recommend working with a reputable veterinarian who can provide this service. Your veterinarian can discuss your pet’s symptoms, perform the appropriate tests, and develop a customized treatment plan to manage your pet’s allergies.

In conclusion, pet allergy testing can be an essential tool for identifying and managing your pet’s allergies. If you’re in Texas and suspect that your pet is suffering from allergies, we recommend consulting with a licensed veterinarian who can perform the necessary tests and provide customized treatment options. And as always, TCAP is here to support you and your furry friends with our low-cost spays and neuters, vaccinations, heartworm prevention, flea and tick prevention, deworming, microchipping, and high-quality dental cleanings.

To learn more about our low-cost preventative services, call

(940) 566-5551.

Navigating Pet Nutrition: What You Need to Know for Your Texas Pets

As a pet owner, you want to provide the best possible care for your furry friend, and nutrition is a crucial component of that care. Choosing the right food and feeding your pet a healthy diet can help prevent a range of health problems and ensure that your pet stays happy and energetic. But, with so many pet food options on the market, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you navigate pet nutrition.

Understand Your Pet’s Nutritional Needs
Before you start looking at pet food options, it’s important to understand your pet’s nutritional needs. Different pets have different requirements based on their age, breed, weight, and activity level. For example, a senior cat may need a different type of food than

Look for Quality Ingredients
When it comes to pet food, quality is key. Look for brands that use high-quality, whole food ingredients and avoid those that use fillers and artificial preservatives. Ideally, the first few ingredients on the label should be whole meats, fruits, and vegetables. You can also look for foods that are labeled “human grade” or “USDA certified organic” to ensure that the ingredients meet strict quality standards.

Consider Your Pet’s Lifestyle
In addition to age and breed, your pet’s lifestyle can also affect their nutritional needs. If your pet is highly active, they may require a food with a higher protein content. If they are more sedentary, they may need a food with fewer calories to prevent weight gain. Consider your pet’s lifestyle when selecting a food and look for options that are tailored to their needs.

Avoid Fad Diets and Trends
Just like in the human nutrition world, there are many pet food fads and trends that come and go. While some may have merit, many are not backed by scientific evidence and may not be appropriate for your pet’s nutritional needs. It’s important to stick with well-established brands and consult with your veterinarian before making any major changes to your pet’s diet.

Consult with Your Veterinarian
Speaking of veterinarians, they can be an invaluable resource when it comes to pet nutrition. They can help you understand your pet’s unique nutritional needs and make recommendations based on their health history and lifestyle. They can also offer guidance on choosing the right food and supplements for your pet.

At Texas Coalition for Animal Protection (TCAP), we offer a range of preventative care services to keep your pets healthy, but we do not sell food or provide nutritional counseling. However, we believe that proper nutrition is an essential component of preventive pet health care, and we hope this guide helps you make informed decisions about your pet’s diet.