Into the Woods Pet First Aid+CPR

03/09/2026

Stay clear. Smoke inhalation can affect your pet just as it does you.

🔥 Why is there smoke at Sassafras NRMA?

If you’re near the Sassafras Natural Resources Management Area tomorrow, March 10, you might notice some smoke in the air. Don’t panic...we’re working hard to keep the land healthy!

The Department of Natural Resources and our partners at the Natural Lands Project (Washington College) are conducting a prescribed burn on 46 acres. While fire can seem intimidating, it is a vital tool for a thriving ecosystem. This early spring burn helps us:

Boost Biodiversity: It invigorates fire-adapted plants and creates a "mosaic" of habitats.

Fight Invasives: It helps control woody and invasive vegetation that crowds out native species.

Protect Wildlife: We time these burns carefully before nesting season, giving local wildlife plenty of time to safely move to nearby areas.

We’ve got the best teams on the ground managing the process to ensure everything goes exactly according to plan. Thanks for your patience as we work to keep our natural areas wild and healthy! 🌿

03/08/2026

03/08/2026

Don't forget to change your clocks, check your fire alarm batteries and make sure you get the appropriate sleep.

02/25/2026

To top off previous post about the rabid raccoon... If you are near Abingdon and need to get your pet vaccinated there will be a low cost Sat. 28th

Don't miss this low-cost opportunity to vaccinate your pets!

The Humane Society of Harford County, together with the Harford County Health Department, is hosting a microchip & pet vaccination clinic on Saturday, February 28, 2026 from 10am-2pm at the Abingdon Volunteer Fire Company. Appointments are not required.

02/25/2026

Make sure you and pets stay away from wild animals, keep your pets it’s on their rabies vaccine and if you think you or you pet have come in contact with a rabid animal contact your vet or health dept.

On Tuesday, February 24, 2026, the Harford County Health Department received confirmation from the Maryland Department of Health that a raccoon submitted by Harford County tested positive for the rabies virus.

Although this raccoon was found near the 600 block of Mahan Road in Churchville, Maryland, it may have exposed other persons and pets in the surrounding area. Witnessing a raccoon is not cause for alarm, but if you or your pets have had contact with a raccoon in this area, please contact the Harford County Health Department at 410-877-2300 for follow up.

This office would like to remind the citizens of Harford County of the following ways to protect themselves and their pets:
1) Always keep pets leashed when out for walks and closely monitored in your backyard.
2) All cats, dogs, and ferrets should remain up to date on their rabies vaccinations through their vet office or local rabies vaccination clinic.
3) Cover trash cans and do not leave pet food outside.
4) Avoid feeding, petting, or interacting with wildlife in any way.
5) Notify Harford County Animal Control at 410-638-3505 if you observe a stray animal showing abnormal behaviors such as excessive affection, aggression, lethargy or disorientation.

02/23/2026

Certain breeds physical attributes put them at higher risk for different injuries. Short faced breeds (brachycephalic) have a harder time cooling themselves in the heat, cannot tolerate intense exercise and are prone to eye injuries. Its important knowing how to avoid dangerous situations and what to do if an injury occurs.

Research reveals more short-snouted dogs besides pugs and bulldogs that struggle with breathing. Pekingese and Japanese Chins topped the study's list.

02/22/2026

Next Pet First Aid and CPR course will be in Cockeysville, MD on March 28th.

02/13/2026

Happy Valentine's Day Weekend! remember sweets and flowers are for the humans not the pets... dont spend the day in the Hospital

02/09/2026

Many medications used for human use are very dangerous to our pets. This one is becoming popular with us but dangerous to them.

Pet owners should be careful handling minoxidil, as this popular hair loss topical can be severely toxic to cats and dogs, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. Minoxidil, a blood pressure medication and vasodilator, is FDA-approved for the treatment o...

02/01/2026

This also means you are going to see more animals on the trails and in your neighborhood. Keep your pets safe from wildlife interactions by using a leash and having a strong “come” and “leave it command”.Watch wildlife from a distance.