Pets
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"FREE"
-SINGLE SOURCE
SOLUTIONS-
You are welcome to download from
our site for your personal use.
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| Pets offer a therapeutic and non-threatening strategy to reduce stress. |
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| Provide fresh water. Leave the water out so that your pet may
drink whenever he or she likes. Do not use metal dishes outside
for your dog or cats food in the winter. Their tongue could stick to
the frozen metal. |
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The information in this "Pets" category is
derived from Periodicals, Associations and pier reviews and is not a
substitute for veterinary care of your pet.
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A
Network of Resources & Information for Pet Lovers
| CATS AND NATURE |
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| A female cat
is called a "Queen" and a male is call a "Tom" The cat is a hunter by nature. It also is quite proud of it's catch, or what is left of it. It's your cats way of showing you that it is protecting it's territory. So when the remaining vitals (yuck) are on the steps, as hard as it is, praise your cat and say "thank you". You have made it's day, then proceed with the burial services. They have a better sense of balance than humans, mainly because they have a tail which they use in the same way that a tightrope walker uses a pole. Contrary to many people's belief, cats cannot see in the dark any better than we can, but their eyes are more specialized and are useful for gathering every scrap of light. Their vision works best at dawn and dusk, perhaps because this is the time when their prey are either waking up or retiring and so are not at their most alert. In addition cats have a wider field of vision than man, consequently they see more movement on their periphery.
Cats are built as natural hunters but unlike their wild cousins they don't often hunt out of hunger, although they do occasionally eat their catch. Basically they are in it for the sport, perhaps instinctively seeing it as entertainment or a form of exercise. The way a cat toys with its prey may seem quite cruel to us, as the victim is rarely killed immediately. this is simply another way for a cat to hone its hunting skills. If it can bounce a bird into the air and catch it in its claws it has a better chance of success when it must pluck one of the air to satisfy hunger. Similarly, kittens usually start with household spiders and flies, honing their own skills before progressing to mice, birds and other furing things. |
| CAT MOVING TIP | |
| When moving
to a new city or country, get all city, state and national rules
regarding importation of animals, including health requirements. Do be aware that if you are moving to another state,
that State may require proof of feline inoculations. All but
four states require dogs to have rabies inoculation, and a number have
the same regulation for cats. State and local laws usually stipulate
that the rabies tag be securely attached to the pet's collar. Make sure your pet's collar is comfortable. Whether you are traveling across town or across the country, always have them wearing their collar, with proper identification, it will be the surest way of getting your pet back if it becomes lost You want your pet's name and your name, address, and telephone numbers on it. While traveling with a pet keep vaccination records handy, also have records indicating any major medical problem and medications your pet is currently taking. This will be helpful if your pet needs to see a veterinarian while on the road or needs a prescription refilled.
Cats tend to become more attached to their environment rather than to people. When relocating with a cat, it is necessary to prepare in advance. Show your cat plenty of attention and constantly reassure it with familiar items and scents so the move does not come as a shock. Cats may not be as familiar traveling in cars as dogs are. Several weeks prior to the move by car, it is recommended that you take your cat on short trips in the car around the neighborhood. Most cats are frightened of car travel, but usually become accustomed to it quickly. Some persons allow the cat to find its own niche in the car as long as it does not interfere with driver or passengers; others feel that the cat is better off in its own special carrier. On moving day, confine your cat in its favorite room along with its favorite bed and toys. This is to make sure that it won't run away. Seeing everything packed and empty may make the cat feel unstable. Pack a travel case for your cat and count on numerous rest stops. Your pet will need the food, water dishes, plenty of food for the move, and a blanket or bed. But don't forget medications – bring extra, toys – to fight boredom, litter box and litter for the cat, and a picture of your pets for identification should they become lost or stolen. Your cat should be the last thing you "pack up", when you move to your new location, put your cat in a large carrier, one that it can stand up in and turn around, also put something familiar in the carrier. NEVER, let your cat out of the car at a rest stop, unless it is on a leash and no dogs or children are anywhere around. If it gets away, it is good-bye kitty. There are just too many potential things to spook your cat. It is must when traveling with a cat to place your cat in its carrier prior to your getting out. Your cat could bolt at the first opportunity, no matter how tame you think it is. Cats spook real easy. When traveling with your cat, be very careful to protect them from the heat. Always park your car in a shaded area. Heat in a car can reach over 110 plus degrees very quickly, this could take your cats life very fast. If you must exit the vehicle without your pet, open the windows (just enough "about 2 inches each" for airflow) to allow cross flow ventilation. Also, never place your cats traveling cage in direct sunlight. Always shield the cage with a towel or place a sun screen over the window(s). If you do allow your cat to roam freely in the car while traveling, place it back in its cage when you exit the vehicle, and never let the car windows (any window for that matter) down to far, as a cat does not have a collar bone, thus allowing it can squeeze through the smallest of openings. If left alone in a motel or hotel room, it might disturb others, chew on furniture, have an "accident," or escape when the maid opens the door to clean the room. When you arrive at your new home, consider that your *cat will encounter many of the same problems you will encounter in moving to a new place: a new house and neighborhood, unfamiliar sounds, strangers, different water, and a colder or warmer climate. it may be best to keep your pet confined until it realizes that this is the new home and that the family is going to stay, or it may wander off and try to return to the old home. This is especially true of cats. To make a pet feel more at home, use its familiar food and water dishes, bed, blanket, toys, etc. Try to put them in the same sort of location they had in the old homeplace your cat in a room with something familiar, of course, that could be the furniture. Do not let your cat out of that secure room for at least a few days, or your cat will attempt to "Go Home". Visit your cat as often as possible and comfort it. It will take a little time for it to adjust to it's new home. *If you have a couple of cats, pay attention to how they interact before you move. Are they bitter rivals that only behave nicely to avoid getting in trouble? Do they tolerate, but basically ignore each other? Are they buddies? Each of these types of interactions require different methods of introduction to your new home. It's a good idea to get some specific advice from your
vet before you move regarding how to deal with each of them attempting
to use the new environment as an opportunity to finally establish
dominance over the other. A good rule of thumb is to keep everything as
equal as possible. Introduce each of your pets to the new home with one
person for each animal. That way, if a problem arises, each person only
needs to deal with one animal. If it's possible to do safely, try to
have them enter the home at the same time, even if you have to use
separate doors. Once they are both inside, they can be taken through
the house at the same time, but on separate pathways. Pets that tolerate but ignore each other also benefit from a separate but equal first exposure to a new home. The concern over one trying to establish dominance over the other isn't usually as high, but introducing them to the home at the same time with one person each helps encourage them to continue their civil tolerance of each other in the new environment. Pets that are best friends are easiest, of course. You can
just bring them into your new home, one in each arm and they will
usually transition quite easily. Travel by Air: Security procedures do not prohibit you from bringing a pet on your flight. You should contact your airline or travel agent, however, before arriving at the airport to determine your airline's policy on traveling with pets. Major airlines require that the pet be examined by a veterinarian no more than ten days prior to the date of travel so be sure to bring current health and rabies vaccination certificates. If you are planning to bring an animal on-board the plane with you, you will need to present the animal to the security checkpoint screeners for screening.
Note: Pet owners who are considering air transportation for the family pet are cautioned to carefully consider the use of tranquilizers or sedatives. Transport crates are available from most airlines or pet shops, and should be purchased in advance so your pet can become acclimated to the crate prior to travel. The crate must:
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| DISASTER READY |
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The best way to protect your family from the effects of a disaster is to have a disaster plan. If you are a pet owner, that plan must include your pets. Your being ready could save your pets life.. Different disasters require different was of responding to your pets safety, whether the disaster is a wild fire, flood, hazardous spill or a hurricane, you and your pet may be required to evacuate. In the event of a disaster, if you must evacuate, the most important thing you can do to protect your pets is to evacuate them, too. Leaving pets behind, even if you try to create a safe place for them, is likely to result in their being injured, lost, or worse. Be prepared for the day when you and your pets may have to leave your home in a hurry. It may be difficult, if not impossible, to find shelter for your animals in the midst of a disaster, so plan ahead. Do not wait until disaster strikes!
Your pet disaster supplies kit
should include
-Ready
for the Emergency
Should you be away at the time of evacuation, do you have a trusted neighbor would be willing to take your pets and meet you at a prearranged location? This person should be comfortable with your pets, know where your animals are likely to be Do be ready well in advance. Planning and preparation will enable you to evacuate with your
pets quickly and safely. Your pet will react differently under stress.
Outside your home and in the car, keep dogs securely leashed. Transport
cats in carriers. Don't leave animals unattended anywhere they can run
off. Pets are creatures of habit and anything that disrupts their usual
routine can cause even your normal trustworthy pets to panic, hide, try
to escape, or even bite or scratch. |
| Approximately 2/3 of all households in the United States have a pet. |
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 Picture of Health?Healthy dogs eat well. They get all the enzymes they need to help properly digest even the best brand name dog foods. They get the nutrients they need to help, promote and maintain their good health.Healthy dogs have soft healthy coats, sweet breath, and sunny dispositions. Healthy dogs don't itch, scratch, shed, stink or keep you up all night licking their paws. Healthy dogs rarely need creams, lotions, ointments, antibiotics, or steroid shots! Isn't that what you want? A healthy, happy dog? Order Dinovite® Dog Supplement Today |
| DOG BUSINESS (Aka Pooping Business) |
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If our are patient and praise your dog when they do their
business outside, you will win them over much faster. Do not scold
them. When he does pee or poop where you don't want him to, quietly
clean it up in a matter-of-fact way. This isn't a time to talk either
loving or annoyed talk to him; essentially ignore him while you do the
cleanup. Certainly never yell or physically punish him in any way. In order to have consistent potty training for a dog, it is imperative that you keep him on a schedule that is regular. Take your dog to the same
area each time your dog goes outside go with it. Take the
puppy on a lead so you can be sure it goes to the same area of the yard
each time. This way the puppy can smell itself and know what it's
supposed to do. Only give your puppy about 10 minutes to potty, if it
doesn't go, then bring it in and put it back in the crate, wait 15 - 30
minutes and take it back outside. Don't let the puppy play until it
potties. Playing is a reward, don't reward bad behavior. Puppies are
just little kids, they go outside, get excited, and forget why they
went outside in the first place. It helps to give a command to potty,
that way it learns a little faster what is expected, and later in life,
if your running late, you can give the potty command and your dog will
potty and be done with it. Take the dog out first thing in the morning every day and the
last thing at night every night. Ensure that your dog learns to follow
the schedule by keeping it at the same time. Most likely, he will pick
it up fast and very soon he will pull you by your clothes to take him
out for the intended job. Feeding the dog at a fixed time each day will
also assist in potty training for a dog because when the dog eats on a
regular schedule, his bowel movements will follow that schedule too.
Only feed him and give him water when you can take him outside right
away. Especially in a hot or dry climate, you would normally never let
dogs be without access to fresh water, but for the weeks that you are
training, this limitation will speed up the potty training process for
your dog. There will be fewer accidents and so the dog will more
quickly learn what you want. While dog or puppy house training or housebreaking puppy takes a commitment from you, it's not something that's complex or difficult to do. Understand that the whole point of training your doggie, no matter if they're a new puppy or an older dog is to socialize them to be a reliable member of your family. Housetraining a puppie or even older dog is not difficult. It takes a commitment from you to be consistent in working with your pup until they associate what you want done with pleasing you. While puppy potty training isn't a two week effort, you must admit that seeing and being around a well trained animal is a joy. If you were hoping that a few puppy potty training tips are enough to successfully housetrain your dog, you are in for a surprise. There are many more roads to travel with your dog. After a while you will catch on and your dog will be very proud of your progress. With adult dogs and older puppies who are not housebroken, you often have more of an uphill battle because they have some undesirable habits to unlearn. The key to success is the timing of how long after they eat.
Young puppies take in food or water and usually within 15 or 20
minutes, they pee or poop. So you want to be on-time, when your dog is
ready to relieve themself. Your puppy should be in the crate while you are at work, sleeping, or anytime you are not able to watch it. Dogs are den animals so being in a crate is natural for them. Puppies will cry and want to be released at first, but be patient; it will get used to being in the crate and come to enjoy it. Make the crate a happy place, not a punishment. Teach your puppy a command when going in the crate, for example, kennel or go to your room; this will make it easier then trying to force or push the dog into the crate later. Also, dogs are pack animals so it's helpful if you keep the crate in the bedroom where the rest of the "pack" is sleeping. This is a tough one in the beginning because the puppy will cry and you will be tempted to let it out. Tough love, if the puppy is loose in the house then it will have the opportunity to potty anywhere it pleases. Keep the puppy crated at night until it can be trusted in the house. Praise, Praise and praise again. Your Dog thrives on Praise. |
| DOG
FACTS |
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Dogs
were first domesticated from wolves at least 17,000 years ago, The dog traces its ancestry back to a
five-toed, weasellike animal called Miacis, which
lived in the Eocene epoch about 40 million years ago. This animal was
the forebear of the cat, raccoon, bear, hyena, and civet, as well as of
the wolf, fox, jackal, and dog. Miacis did not leave direct
descendants, but doglike canids evolved from it. They are highly
social animals and this similarity in their overall behavioral pattern
accounts for their trainability, playfulness, and ability to fit into
human households and social situations. This similarity has earned dogs
a unique position in the realm of interspecies relationships. The
loyalty and devotion that dogs demonstrate as part of their natural
instincts as pack animals closely mimics the human idea of love and
friendship. Many dog owners consider their pets as full fledged family
members.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes six groups: sporting dogs, hounds, working dogs, terriers, toys, and non-sporting dogs. Sporting dogs hunt, locate (point), and retrieve game birds. Hounds hunt all game except birds. Working dogs can do such jobs as herding farm animals, pulling sleds and carts, and guarding life and property. Terriers were once bred to ferret out rodents but are now bred as house pets. Toys are tiny dogs bred mainly as pets. Non-sporting dogs are those *purebreds not included in the other categories. When a person decides to own a dog, he should be prepared to care for it properly. For a dog to stay healthy it must be correctly fed and adequately groomed, and its medical needs must be met. For a dog to be well-mannered it must be properly trained. It should never be ill-treated or mishandled
Medical studies have shown that dogs seem to be able to sniff out melanomas and bladder cancer. The idea is not outrageous. Cancer patients have been shown to have traces of chemicals – like alkanes and benzene derivatives– in their breath, and other studies have shown dogs can detect chemicals in concentrations as small as a few parts per trillion. Dogs are very unique in that they can be trained to detect epileptic seizures. Law enforcement agencies also rely on the dog's acute sense of smell to uncover illegal drugs. And specially trained dogs serve as the "eyes" of the blind, guiding the steps of their sightless masters around obstacles and hazards.
Dogs love to be petted and they also love praise. Brush them daily, bathing them weekly. *To be a purebred dog, its sire and dam (father and mother) both must be of the same breed, as must its ancestors dating back to the establishment of the breed. Kennel clubs set their own standards. |
| DOG KINDNESS |
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: Your dog will forever love you,
simply provide it with
" Love, Patience
and Exercise".
We
never expect our pet to get lost but all too often it happens and the
sad reality is that most pets without identification will never be
reunited with their family.
Countless dogs
live their life on chains in their owners' yards. Despite being
inherently social animals, too many dogs are relegated to this empty
life. Dogs who live tethered outside often become lonely, unhappy,
neurotic, bored and anxious. In many cases, they can develop
territorial and aggressive behaviors.
When dogs live
on chains, it creates problems for the entire community. Studies have
shown that chained dogs are more likely to bite. Don’t chain or tether your dog. Chaining
allows no opportunity for exercise and socialization, and when done for
long periods of time can lead to behavior problems. Instead, set aside
time every day to walk or play ball with your dog. Chained
dogs may unintentionally hang themselves if they are tethered too close
to a fence and attempt to jump it. Chained dogs are also subject to
attacks by other animals and cruel humans
More Kindness: Spend quality time with your pet daily. Never kick, hit, or spank a pet. Provide pets with plenty of exercise. Make sure they have constant access to shade in the summer, heat in winter, and a place that's always dry. Provide nutritious food and constant fresh water for your pets. Keep pets away from toxic household chemicals. Make sure they always wear up-to-date ID tags. Heat stroke can be fatal for pets as well as people.
The safest place for pets to stay is indoors out of the heat or in a covered shaded and cool location. Pets can get sunburn too! Use sunscreen on their nose and ears as necessary. Pets with light-colored noses or fur are especially vulnerable to sunburn and skin cancer. It is very dangerous, and in some states illegal, to drive with a dog in the back of a pick-up truck. Not only can flying debris cause serious injury, but a dog may be unintentionally thrown into traffic if the driver suddenly hits the brakes, swerves, or is hit by another car. Sudden stops or evasive maneuvers can cause them to be thrown out, or they may jump out and be seriously injured or hit by another car and killed. Dogs should ride either in the cab or in a secured crate in the bed of the truck. Teach your dog how to get out of your pool. Like people, many dogs like cooling off in pools. Even if your dog can swim, tragedy can occur if he/she does not know how to exit the pool. This can be prevented by showing your dog how to enter the pool via the stairs and guiding him or her back out. Also, do not force your dog into the water if he/she is frightened. Some dogs do not like to swim. Be sure all pool chemicals are stored safely out of reach. Loud thunder or fireworks may frighten them and cause them to panic and dig out of the yard and get run away. Just as the hot ground can burn your feet, it can also burn the pads of your pet causing swelling and possible bleeding of their feet. So limit the amount of time your pet spends on hot asphalt or concrete. |
| DOG MOVING |
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When moving
to a new city or country, get all city, state and national rules
regarding importation of animals, including health requirements.
All but four states require dogs to have rabies inoculation, and a
number have the same regulation for cats. State and local laws usually
stipulate that the rabies tag be securely attached to the pet's
collar. Also, while traveling with your dog keep vaccination records
handy, also have records indicating any major medical problem and
medications your dog is currently taking. This will be helpful if your
pet needs to see a veterinarian while on the road or needs a
prescription refilled.
Schedule a thorough check up with your veterinarian about 10 days before traveling. If moving out of the US, let the vet know so that you dog can get the appropriate shots. Have the vet provide you with a dated health certificate indicating that your pet is in good health and has received all required vaccinations. Dogs are easier to move with than cats because dogs become more attached to their owners as opposed to their environment. In fact, unlike cats that prefer the routine, dogs welcome a change in the environment and even thrive in it. Dogs may become a little upset on moving day when they see all of the unusual activity. You should confine the dog in its favorite room along with its favorite blanket and toys. Your dog will need the obvious – food/water dishes, plenty of food for the move, and a blanket or bed. But don't forget medications – bring extra, toys – to fight boredom, and a picture of your pets for identification if they become lost. Do not feed or water the pet just before starting. Feed it only once a day, preferably by evening. Try to keep to established walking and feeding routines. A few treats will do for snacks during the day. Plan stops at regular intervals to give your pet a drink and a short run. Take a container of fresh water along, a sudden change in drinking water may cause a temporary upset in some dogs. A dog should be taught to sit or lie quietly in its own place, to keep its head inside the car, not to annoy the driver or passengers, or bark at passing vehicles. If you must leave pet in the car on a warm day, park in the shade, open all the windows an inch or two for cross ventilation, leave water, and check on pet every hour or so. If the day is hot, it is best not to leave pet in the car at all. Heat can quickly become excessive in a parked car even if it is in the shade, and animals can suffer from heat prostration. Take extra caution when at rest stop with your dog. Hold onto the lease with extra care, as your dog has been cooped up in the car and ready for some running, especially if it see a squirrel or any other animal for that matter. Always attach the leash before opening the car door and detach it after the pet is back inside and the door closed. Take care when stopping at filling stations and restaurants. Do not give an excited pet a chance to bolt and become lost it may be gone forever in spite of identification tags. Many a sad tale has been told as to the plight of a family pet that broke got loose and ran away at a rest stop, only to be hit by a vehicle, or never seen again. If left alone in a motel or hotel room, it might disturb others, chew on furniture, have an "accident," or escape when a cleaning person opens the door to clean the room. As soon as you move into your new home, return your dog to its daily feeding and exercise schedule. Your pet will adjust more quickly. Set up your pet's bed, toys and bowls in a location similar to your former home. This will provide the animal with a reference point while you arrange your new living space. Travel by Air: Security procedures do not prohibit you from bringing a pet on your flight. You should contact your airline or travel agent, however, before arriving at the airport to determine your airline's policy on traveling with pets. Major airlines require that the pet be examined by a veterinarian no more than ten days prior to the date of travel so be sure to bring current health and rabies vaccination certificates. If you are planning to bring an animal on-board the plane with you, you will need to present the animal to the security checkpoint screeners for screening.
Note: Pet owners who are considering air transportation for the family pet are cautioned to carefully consider the use of tranquilizers or sedatives, many pets have died due to being tranquilized or sedated. Do check with your vet and he will provide you with the possible ramifications.. Transport crates are available from most airlines or pet shops, and should be purchased in advance so your pet can become acclimated to the crate prior to travel. The crate must:
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| DOG TRIVIA |
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Just a few Facts!
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| DYSPLASIA |
| DOG TRAINING |
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A dogs brain is much smaller than a human, especially in the upper part of the brain called the cerebrum - the portion of the brain associated with intellectual functions such as speech, memory, consciousness, and logical and emotional thought. Dogs are capable of linking ideas together, but are totally incapable of linking actions that are separated by time. They do not have the capacity to understand human language, thusly, it is important to use sound patterns, intonation, facial and body language as a form of communication. A dog wants to please and all learning should be based on positive reinforcement.Any young dog can be trained to understand commands and to do simple tricks. When correctly trained, it is conditioned to respond to your commands, noises, or gestures. Once an owner decides to train his puppy, however, he must be willing to stick with the job until the puppy learns the task. First, the owner should select a simple "call" name for the animal. The call name should be used frequently so the puppy can learn to recognize the sound of it. A training session is best begun when the puppy is hungry because it is more alert at that time. Also, the owner can reinforce the dog's correct responses to commands with a dog biscuit or meat tidbit. The hungry dog is more apt to associate the correct performance of a task with a food reward. To get the puppy into a collar at first, entice it to you by extending your open hands, pet it and say "good dog" (and include its name) when it comes, and finally slip the collar around its neck. Then attach a leash to the collar. If the puppy has confidence in you, it will walk along with you even though it is wearing the leash. A metal chain leash is usually best because the puppy will not be able to chew and play with it. Wait until a puppy is at least six months old before trying to teach it tricks, but do teach it the meaning of "no" at an earlier age. The young dog must be corrected vocally each time it does something that you disapprove of. If you are consistent, it soon learns by your tone of voice what pleases you and what displeases you. Formal training sessions should entail no more than ten minutes of work at a time, and they should never tire the dog. To teach the command "sit," keep the dog on your left side and pull up on its leash with your right hand while gently but firmly pushing its hindquarters to the floor. While doing this, say the command "sit" with authority. Reinforce its correct actions with a tidbit. To teach the command "stay," work with the puppy after it has learned to sit. While it is sitting, raise your palm to the dog and order it to "stay." It will probably try to get up, so tell it "no." Whenever it remains in the sitting position after you have given the "stay" command, reward the dog with a tidbit. More effort might be needed to teach the command "come." When
the dog has learned to stay, command it to "come" and call it by name.
When it comes to you, lavish the dog with praise and give it a snack. A
very stubborn dog might have to be pulled with a cord tied around its
collar while the command is given. If this is necessary, be firm but
accompany the command with a friendly hand gesture. Many tugs may be
necessary until the reluctant dog learns the meaning of "come." Do not
be impatient with a puppy when teaching it simple tricks, and never get
angry. If the training sessions are not going well, break them off and
resume them later in the day or even on another day. In addition, give
praise and tidbits to the dog only when they are earned. Barking. When your dog barks, go see what your dog is barking at. If its for a good reason, like a stranger at the door or near your property, praise the dog and then tell him to be quiet. If its barking for no apparent reason other than a neighbors cat or a chipmunk, tell the dog to be quiet. The dog will soon see that sometimes barking is acceptable, but not always. The dog will learn to bark for the ‘good’ reasons. If the dog sees a neighbors pet or a chipmunk nearby, he will still bark, but not continually. Instead, he will bark once or twice to scare the nearby visitor and be satisfied. Chewing. Puppies love to chew, especially while they are teething. It feels good on raw gums, and very young puppies use their mouths to explore their world, tasting as they go. This is both natural and unavoidable, so prevention is the best cure for chewing. Dog-proof your home by moving harmful items like wires, power cords, and other small objects out of your dog’s reach. Have plenty of acceptable chew toys on hand. For teething puppies, freeze a baby’s teething ring or even a knotted rag for quick, inexpensive relief. So long as your dog has sufficient acceptable toys to chew, he will not chew on unacceptable items, Whenever the dog is in his crate or in a room, there should always be chew toys for him. If you see your dog chewing on something he shouldn't, correct him by saying “No,” and give him one of its toys instead. Digging. Dogs usually dig either out of boredom, or to make a nice spot to lie down. Digging is natural for dogs. If you have the room to do so, make an acceptable spot for your dog to dig, like a sandbox. Place the sandbox in an area that is cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Place your dogs toys or treats in the box and encourage your dog to dig in that location, keep in mind that this does not always work, Sometimes you have to experiment with different solutions and locations. Jumping. Jumping is a dogs expression of happiness. If you do not mind your dog jumping, train your dog to jump only when its ok, Otherwise, it will equate jumping as ok any time, including when guests that do not own a dog enter your home. Correct the dog immediately when he is about to jump. Praise him when he does not jump and stays on the ground. Start early on teaching your dog, that jumping on guest is not ok. Puppy piddling. Puppies are like toddlers. Until such time that you have potty trained them, they will have accidents. On top of that they are very excitable and unfortunately this leads to piddling. They will outgrow it in time, so just be patient and wipe up their piddling. . Walking with your dog on a leash. If your dog that does not walk properly on a leash, then it will require some training. When the dog is about to apply any tension to the leash, immediately stop and be firm. When the dog turns to see what has happened to you, praise him for noticing and simultaneously move him back into his heel position. So long as the dog remains next to your leg, continue to praise him and give him rewards if necessary. Right next to you should be the most fun place for him to be. If he loses concentration and is about to put any tension on the leash again, stop without warning and repeat the sequence. |
| EXERCISE |
| CATS: Cats need exercise and a lot of mental stimulation. Without it, they can get bored and develop behavior problems. Cats like to chase things because they are natural hunters. So why not challenge and excite them by inventing games in which they can hunt imaginary prey? The best toy have feathers, streamers, or other items attached
to it with a string. Make sure the object doesn't have any loose parts
that the cat can choke on. Mimic the movements of a bird or insect
flying overhead or a small animal scurrying across the floor by moving
the toy in short, jerky motions. Make sure you allow your cat to catch
the "intended prey" now and again. Otherwise, they could lose interest
in the game. -"Some" cats enjoy the challenge of sneaking up on you. The first few times they may not understand the game, but after a few sessions, you will find if you walk around a corner and then wait for your pet, and then step out they will pickup on the game, attempting to sneak up on you. Make certain that they know this is a game, Don't forget to laugh. It will do wonders for you emotionally and physically. Your cat will pick up on your good mood and everyone will have a good time. - Use your interactive toy around
a tall, sturdy scratching post to encourage your cat to scratch. This
causes a full stretch, which helps tone the muscles in the shoulders
and back. -Invest in a multi-tiered cat tree so your cat can jump from one perch to the other during play. This exercise improves balance and coordination. - Plastic caps from milk jugs
make great hockey pucks. Drop one on the kitchen floor to work on your
cat's speed and coordination. DOGS: Although fenced yards provide a safe, handy place in which your dog can play and relax, every dog still deserves at least one walk a day beyond the yard.Walk time together, especially active time, provides an opportunity for dog and guardian to interact and establish mutual communication and a strong bond of affection. Dogs on a walk also get to socialize with other dogs. This is especially beneficial for puppies, who learn the rules of canine social interaction from meeting older dogs. The majority of dogs will not run around a fenced yard enough to get the exercise they need. If you and your dog walk a mile or more a day, you'll both benefit by building strength and endurance, burning calories, breathing fresh air, and enjoying your dogs discoveries. Most dogs enjoy games of catch which is a good exercise for your dog. But you should be careful about using soft objects or tennis balls to avoid harming the dog's teeth. Long walks in the woods, parks or on the beach will also make your pet happy. Jogging is great way to spend time with each other and it is beneficial for both of you. There are some things that you should be careful about during these activities - Avoid jogging or biking with your dog if it has any pre-existing health problems. - Take notice if the dog seems to be tired. - Take water along for your dog, too. - On hot summer days, you should go out early in the morning or late evening when it is cooler. Dogs enjoy playing with Frisbees on land or in water. Also you can play a simple game with a rope. You can get a rope and let your dog take one end and you the other, then you both pull away. Swimming also is an enjoyable activity for your dog. Exercising with your dog creates a human-dog bond. It is a great way to show that you care about your dog and make it happy. Tired dogs are the happiest ones. Yard bound dogs get bored from lack of variety in their lives. Walk past a fenced yard and watch the resident dog race along the fence line, press its face through the links, bark, pant, whimper; and danything to get your attention. Imagine being able to see a park, alley, or vacant lot from your yard but never getting the chance to explore it. Small wonder they get frustrated and act out.If you are going to keep your Dog in a yard kennel, make certain that you exercise your pet at least once a day, and twice if possible. The other option of keeping your pet enclosed. Install a buried (Invisible fence) electric fence. It's great for your dog, as it will experience freedom and still remain in the safety of your yard. Rarely after they are schooled in the use of the roaming area, that they will go beyond it's border. You still have to walk your dog, if you want a happy dog. |
| Feed your Pet dry food or kibbles. They are nutritionally balanced, the least expensive and most convenient food, and it helps to keep teeth and gums healthy. If your pet is really a finicky eater, try mixing a little canned pet food with the dry food. |
| FAMILY
PET |
|
9 out of 10 of pet owners report
feeling 'very close' to their pets, interestingly, almost as many as
report feeling close to their families! Pets as companions can positively influence child development. Studies have revealed greatly improved social competence and self-esteem in children with pets compared to those without. Children can learn about responsibility, gentle handling, animal behaviour and death by living with a pet. One very positive effect in having a campanion pet is that children learn to care for something other than themselves. Approximately 37% of households in the U.S. own a dog. A close second--35% of U.S. households own a cat. Your pet provides you with much joy, and your home wouldn't be the same without them. Do not expect any animal come to come willingly if you are raising your voice or if they think they are going to be punished. The cat will take off and the dogs tail with be under its body. |
| HEART DISEASE |
| <>Dog owners usually do
not realize that their pets are
susceptible to many forms of heart disease. In most cases, heart
disease can be successfully managed with early detection and treatment". Heart disease in dogs, as in people, can be either present at birth or acquired, often developing during middle age. (Acquired heart disease is more common, affecting many older dogs). There are two common types of heart disease in dogs:
Heart failure is major threat to your dog's health. Of the dogs in the United States examined annually by a veterinarian, over 3 million have some form of acquired heart disease and may be in heart failure. Heart failure results from the heart's inability to pump blood at a rate required to meet the body's needs. While continuing to work harder to pump blood, further heart damage can occur. Although some of the early stages of heart failure in dogs have no visible signs, heart failure can be diagnosed through a clinical evaluation by a veterinarian. Dogs with mild to moderate heart failure typically experience heart enlargement, coughing, lethargy and difficulty breathing. Severe heart failure is characterized by difficulty breathing (even at rest), fainting ( yes, dogs faint), profound intolerance to exercise, loss of appetite and weight loss. <>Regular veterinary visits are important for early detection of health problems. Your veterinarian may ask you for specific information about your dog before performing a thorough physical examination. If indicated, blood and urine tests, X-rays, an EKG or other tests may be ordered. Regular testing is important for early detection of heart disease in dogs."Too often, dog owners do not take their dogs to visit the veterinarian until they are displaying severe signs of heart failure, and by then it may be too late. When heart disease is detected in your dog, your veterinarian can recommend a schedule of regular visits and discuss a treatment plan that can help. There is no cure for most heart disease in dogs, new treatments are available. Success of treatment depends on various factors, but early detection is always best. By following your veterinarian's recommendations, you can help your dog live a longer, more comfortable life. |
| HEARTWORMS |
Heartworms are very real, "they can make your pets cough",
and they can kill your pet. Dogs and cats are at an increased risk of contracting heartworm in the summer. Heartworms are passed by mosquitoes Every time a mosquito bites your dog or cat, it may pass tiny little worms into the blood of your pet. These tiny baby worms travel in your pet's bloodstream all the way to the heart. When the worms get to the pets heart, they settle in and grow into adult worms, and start having families of their own. Once the heart gets filled up with worms, it can no longer properly pump blood , when the restriction becomes large enough due to more worms in the pumping area, your pet will start feeling sick. many times, he will have a cough because when the heart can't pump blood the right way, liquids can get "backed-up" in the lungs. occasionally the heart get to overwhelmed with the worms, that they will move into the lung, which will bring on coughing.. Should your pets heart get to crowded with heartworms, sadly, there is not much you can do. It is a must that pet owners begin a program prescribed by your vet early on to prevent heartworms from the start! It is something that is so easy to do, and it can save your pets life! All you have to do is give your pet heartworm medicine once a month. It is that easy. You just need to know about how much your pet weighs to get them heartworm medicine. If your pet is older than six months and has never had heartworm medicine, you should talk to your veterinarian about heartworm testing and what you should do. Taking monthly heartworm medicine prevents most other kinds of worms that your pet can get. Consequently this will keep your pet feeling good, and will keep them from carrying other kinds of worms that they can pass to people and other animals. This is one of the best ways to show them how much you love them. |
| PET
IN HEAT |
| CATS: Spaying/neutering decreases the incidence of some tumors and reproductive infections. A male cat should be neutered if it will be a house pet because the strong urine odor of unneutered males will make your cat an unacceptable housemate. There are clear behaviour changes that you will notice with a cat in heat (also known as 'oestrus' and being in 'season'). These are:
A female cat is most fertile between 3 to 4 days during the week she shows signs of being a cat in heat, and she is ready for mating when she raises her rear end off the ground when touched. Mating triggers ovulation, and cats will mate
several times to try to ensure fertilisation. If given free reign, a
female cat will mate with several Toms over 3 to 4 days, and so a
single litter can contain kittens from a variety of male cats. If she comes into heat again in 2 to3 weeks time,
then she is not a pregnant cat. DOGS: Should a female dog in your neighborhood comes into heat, you will need to be sure your intact male is kept safely within the confines of your house and property, so he does not wander off in pursuit of female dogs in heat. Female dogs in heat could present potential distractions, should they meet up with a male, they will have intercourse anywhere, anytime, and they do not care who is watching. Male dogs have been known to follow the scent of a female dog in heat for miles, so be sure to keep your dog on leash or in a fenced area to prevent him from escaping. An unsprayed female dog will come into heat for the first time when she is around 6-12 months old and will come into heat about twice a year thereafter. Her heat cycle will last for approximately 3 weeks. During this time she is receptive to mating with male dogs and they will come from far and near to try to gain access to her. eaving female dogs in heat alone outdoors is a poor idea. During the three or so weeks she is in heat your female dog releases pheromones which male dogs detect and follow to your female, The distance that the scent travels is surprisingly far, bringing dogs from blocks around.This can create real problems and can be dangerous if large or aggressive male dogs are attracted to your neighborhood. Male dogs may dig under or jump over fences in attempt to mate with female dogs in heat. You should keep your female dog indoors while she is heat. Even so, you may find male suitors waiting on your doorstep if they have been attracted by pheromones left in her urine when she eliminates outdoors. If you chose not to spay your dog, keep your
female dog indoors during her 3-week heat cycle. Only allow her outside
for supervised playtimes and walks. Of course, she will create a lot of
attention from any and all dogs, small and large, so Try to stay near
your own home, if at all possible. |
| HOME
ALONE |
| Cats: It is not
wise to leave your pets alone in your home for more than a few
days. In order to avoid your cat from doing destructive things
when you're away; climbing the curtains, ripping up furniture,
unrolling toilet paper or scattering things off coffee and end tables.
This happens because your cat needs to be with you - and needs to play.
Perhaps your cat is used to chasing a toy around that you dangle in
front of him or her. But when you're away, your cat has to amuse him or
herself by playing with a toy that's not as exciting as when you drag
it around. Many people believe that cats don't mind - or actually like - being alone. There is a popular myth that cats are antisocial animals, but many cats absolutely enjoy and want company. Cats will actually seek out other cats as friends. They'll sleep together, groom each other, and cry for their companion if he or she is missing. A cats' sense of smell is one of their most important senses, and they are most comforted by the smell of people and things they are familiar with. Leave several of your old unwashed t-shirts or pieces of sweatshirts permeated with your scent in your cat's bed and in other corners and nooks where she might sleep during the day. Make it a point to wear some old t-shirts before leaving, to make sure your scent is well-embedded in them. If you can stand to go without deodorant for a few hours all the better. Your cat will be comforted by your unseen, but scented "presence" during your absence, and you'll feel better with that thought. Make sure your cat has access to a window so he or she can watch birds. To keep your cat safe, before you leave cat proof your home. Remove all breakables on counters, shelves, dressers and tables that your kitty could possibly knock over. Accidents can happen, so it's best to do everything possible to insure your cat's safety. Don't leave any cleaning products or the like out. Put everything away. Shut all closet doors and cabinets. Make sure there aren't any potential dangers waiting to endanger your pet. Cats usually do very well when left alone for a few days. However, putting out an extra litter box, (you can buy disposable ones that come with the litter in it) and use one of those food and water dispensing bowls - So they do not knock over the water. Make sure you have a back up plan if you get delayed in coming home - someone you can call to go and check on the cats, and replenish food and water and another litter box if need be. Cats, unlike dogs, will usually eat just enough food that they are satisfied. A dog will usually inhale all of its food at a sitting. It really is a good idea to have your pet(s) checked on every few days, if possible by a friend. Some pet owners suggest turning on the radio softly, playing soft rock or classical, this appears to provide company and comfort to their pet. Before you go, make your house "Cat-Safe" 1. Don't leave medications, household cleaners and other toxins where the cat can get to them. 2. Remove all strings, yarns, rubber bands, etc that the kitten may chew on or ingest - can cause serious intetinal blockages 3. Make sure all windows and doors are securely locked and kitten-proofed 4. Make certain that you place door stoppers in doors that could trap your pet. Many a owner has found their pet trapped in a room for days. Don't be one of them. Dogs: Every dog that tears up the house when the owner is away is not suffering with separation anxiety. Most dogs with separation anxiety will panic within 30 minutes of your leaving the house. These dogs are truly panicked. They are not being spiteful and they are not mad at their owners; they are panicking. Possible problems of Separation Anxiety:
Bored dogs can overeat just as bored humans do, so leaving out food for them is not good for their health. Dogs should have drinking water available any time they want it. Try leaving a bowl or two of water for him. If you can afford it, use a water dispensing product. Dogs are intensely social and they need to be trained to tolerate isolation. Some dogs are fearful of things that might get them when they are left alone. And some dogs are over-attached to their owners and cannot cope with being parted from them even for short periods of time. With dogs you need to get a sitter (or take them to the kennel) because they need to go outside and must go on walks. If your dog is an outdoor dog, leaving it alone all day is a terrible idea. Due to loneliness it guarantees problems with the neighbors and behavior problems. |
| PET
ILLNESS You should use caution In administering any medication to a pet, because too much may be toxic, the medicine may not be tolerated, or it can cause an upset stomach or ulcers in the animal. |
|
|
| LOST PET |
| This
can be a traumatic experience for your pet as well as you! Keep a color photo of photos of your pet taken from the front and from the side It is always a good idea forn your pet to wear an I.D. tag With your current phone numbers w/ area code. - Over 35% of lost dogs are found over ten miles from their home. -Dogs are much more likely to get lost if they are not spayed or neutered. -You should only use stretch collars for cats in case they should become tangled. -The moment you realize that your pet is gone, begin looking, the sooner you start, the better the chance of finding it. -Call your pets name, Hearing your voice may encourage your pet to answer you, also check any places that it usually goes first, then begin enlarging the circle, also tell your neighbors. -A freightened pet will usually hide, sometimes it can take a few days before they get hungry enough to come out. This is no reason to delay looking for them. A pet will often hide during the day, so use a flashlight and call your pets name. The flashlight serves different uses, it helps you in the dark, it provides you the ability to see your pet among things and last, it can help to see their eyes due to the flashlight. -Sometimes your pet can become trapped, such as in a garage, or in a basement, or even in or under a car., for cats, if they are chased, that is the place they usually go, and they can stay up there for days, until found. -Use your pet's photo to make "lost pet" signs. Put them up in your neighborhood and in post offices, pet supply stores, veterinary offices, and grocery stores. Inform your veterinarian and that your pet is lost in case they hear something, both in your area and surrounding areas. Your pet could be injured and picked up by car and taken out of the area in any direction for some distance. -Contact your local animal shelter every day. Physically visit, don't just call. Many animals are difficult to describe over the phone, and only you really know what your pet looks like. -Watch the found ads. Respond to any that might be close to your pet's description. Occassionally they may look terrible after a few days in hiding, a week of wandering the streets can make white pets look drab gray, and the ad's description might not exactly fit. -Contact your local animal control agencies, this would include those in surrounding communities. Don't forget your local mail carrier and delivery people. -Place ads in local newspapers and offer a reward in case someone found your untagged pet.(another really good reason to tag your pet, as people are less apt to keep your pet, if they know they have an owner). -Consider the idea of having a microchip implanted (just under the skin, and painless) in your pet, it is alway a wise idea. Make certain with all ID tags to check the tags every few months to see if the information is wearing away. If so replace tags immediately. Many animals at shelters have tags but they are so worn that the tags cannot be read and sadly the owner cannot be contacted! Lastly, animals who have been lost for months have reunited with their owners. |
| MULTIPLE PETS |
| When your
home becomes a multiple cat-cat or dog-dog home, or all of the
preceding, it's important that you give each pet the same amount of
affection. When it comes to dominance, they will deal with it between
themselves, when establishing who's the boss, avoid showing favoritism. When you have Cats, Getting two or more cats to live under the same roof peacefully is not always easy. When raising multiple cats in a single household it is important to remember that it takes time. Although cats enjoy each others company they are still individuals who value their privacy and territory. Explore what it takes for multiple cats to live together without daily fights, and territorial disputes.. If you already have a cat in your home it is important to remember that it is his or her home first. If you plan on binging another cat in prepare ahead of time by setting up a spare room or bathroom with all the necessities that your new cat will need. This includes a litter box, somewhere soft and warm to sleep, food and water dishes, and last but not least some toys. The toys will help the new cat not feel trapped and gives them something to do. Another thing to keep in mind is that with multiple cats diseases will spread. Be aware of certain signs in your cats of illness. These can include, but are not limited to, lethargy, sneezing, watery or runny eyes, seeming depressed or staying away from the other cat(s). If you see anything like this in your cat please be sure and get him checked out with your Veterinarian. If the illness can be treated with medication, your Vet may be able to treat all of your other cats as well to prevent the spreading of disease. Remember also to get your pets vaccinated. Your Veterinarian will also send out yearly reminders when your cat is due for another vaccine. Fleas and flea infestation can also become a big problem within multiple cat households. Again your Veterinarian can recommend some useful products which can be used once a month. Some of these products also work on ticks. There are several things to keep in mind when dealing with fleas. If you see a flea or two on your cat, don't ignore this. Just one female flea can lay over 500 eggs in a few months; within a multiple cat household these new fleas will have plenty of food. With a good food supply a flea can go from egg to adult in about two weeks. The early treatment of your pet as well as your house and yard can help to control and eliminate the fleas. While there are many issues to consider, the joys of owning
more than one cat greatly outnumber the challenges. Cats are a lot like
people in that they each have a distinct personality. When you have
multiple cats running and playing in your house you will never be
lonely for company or entertainment. There are also a few things for the humans in the household to consider. A new kitten means having to go through all of the frustrations of litter box training all over again. In addition, don't forget about the expense of vaccinating and neutering your kitten. Adding an older cat to the family can also be a challenge, as the cat will have to adjust to a new home and may develop behavioral or health problems. Although some people feel that their cats will be more at home with a cat from the same breed, rest assured many cats are quite happy to hang out with other cat breeds. When it comes to dogs, Owning multiple dogs can be expensive, especially with the cost of veterinary care, food and toys being quite costly. It's important to keep in mind the cost of routine immunizations and office visits which can add up over time even. Before adding a second dog, it's important to make certain that you can afford an additional dog, so you'll be prepared for any unexpected expenses. Some neighbors will be quite tolerant of a single dog living next door, but may balk at multiple dogs. Adding a second dog can mean a higher noise level as the two dogs will often up-one-another, when it comes to barking at a perceived threat. When you add a second dog to your household, compatibility can be a problem. This is usually less of a problem if your second dog is opposite in sex and is a breed that is known for being tolerant of other animals. Having your dogs spayed and neutered can also help to control any dominance issues. You can expect some personality problems until your dogs have adjusted to its place in the hierarchy. Animals, such as dogs, live in social groups establish a social structure within the group called a Alpha-Beta dominance hierarchy. This dominance hierarchy normally serves to maintain order, reduce conflict and promote cooperation among group members. Conflicts arise between household dogs when there is instability in the hierarchy, that is, when the ranking or social position of each dog is not clear or is in contention. Initially, dogs may only snarl, growl or snap without injuring each other. Sometimes, however, the conflict may intensify into prolonged dangerous fighting which may result in one or both dogs being injured, no matter who is the dominant. Dogs normally establish their dominance hierarchies through a series of ritualized behaviors that include body postures and vocalizations that don’t result in injury. One dog may "stand over" another by placing his paws or neck on the shoulders of the other. Unfortunately you cannot choose which dog you want to be dominant. The dogs will establish this between themselves, and any attempt on your paprt to interfere may result in increased conflict. Where each dog ranks in the dominance hierarchy is determined by the outcomes of interactions between the dogs themselves. Determining which dog is dominant: Individual personality, as well as breed characteristics, are important factors. The dog that demands to be fed first, petted first and through the door first is usually the dominant dog. |
| PNEUMONIA |
| Pneumonia actually means “lung
inflammation of some sort.” Pneumonia is separate from “bronchitis”
which means “inflamed airways of the lung” but these two conditions
commonly go together to created what is called “bronchopneumonia.”
Pneumonia is an inflammation in deep lung tissues where oxygen is
absorbed into the body and waste gases are removed. It can be
life-threatening regardless of its cause. Usually caused by an
infection , but not always. Coughing is the main symptom, though certainly not all coughing pets (or even most coughing pets) have pneumonia. Bacterial pneumonia does not just happen; it is virtually always caused by something else so some kind of diagnostics will likely be needed to determine what led to the bacterial pneumonia if it is not readily apparent. Causes of Pneumonia: -Alllergic Pneumonia -Bacterial Pneumonia (often secondary to severe Kennel Cough) -Fungal Pneumonia (which is a very difficult fugi to treat). -Parasitic Pneumonia -Viral Pneumonia (usually the result of Canine Distemper Virus Infection or a Feline Upper Respiratory Infection) Pneumonia is often also accompanied by a bacterial component, in which case treatment must also involve bacterial management a regime of Antibiotics, which are usually given for at least three weeks, but that can go longer depending on the dog's clinical results. Treatment of pneumonia will depend on the pet's condition. At-home treatment can be given to pets who, though coughing, are otherwise stable and eating well. If your pet is to stay at home in lieu of a hospital stay, your pet will have to stay mainly indoors and avoiding prolonged exposure to extreme wet or cold weather, using a vaporizer several times a day, light exercise is important , but do not allow your to get short of breath during exercise/activity. Use a harness instead of a collar; this is less restricting to the neck, and will allow your dog to breathe easier, Avoid cough suppressants as the material in the chest needs to be coughed up, (Coughing may be annoying but it is therapeutic and when it comes to pneumonia, you want to encourage it, not suppress it). In addition, the pet will need repeat visits to your vet for progress on his lungs. Hospitalization will be required for pets who are inactive, unstable and have poor appetites, while oxygen therapy and 24-hour care may be required for critical pets unable to get sufficient oxygen into their systems. Hospitalization for pneumonia may also include intravenous fluid therapy, antibiotic therapy, nebulization, and physical therapy. The goal during hospitalization is to get the pet stable and eating well in order to be discharged and sent home for at-home treatment Cats can develop pneumonia, but only from getting sick due to a severe upper respitory illness (URI) from feline viruses or by inhaling particles or wet fluid into their lungs. |
| NEUTERING |
|
Spaying is the surgical
sterilization of a female cat by removing the ovaries, oviduct, and
uterus.
Both surgeries are safe when done by a qualified veterinarian. And not only are they safe, having your pet spayed or neutered also has significant health benefits. The other compelling reason to
spay or neuter your pet is the very real fact that there are not enough
loving homes available to adopt all the needy pets. Humane societies,
animal shelters, dog pounds, rescue foundations ... they are all forced
to humanely euthanize animals simply because no homes were available. Besides the obvious need to control the number of unwanted stray cats, altering your cat will, in the case of both sexes, make them less territorial and aggressive. Overall, altered cats are better listeners and they also tend to have longer life spans. Some owners think it is best to let a female go into heat, or to even wait until after she has had her first litter of kittens before having her spayed. This is simply rubbish. With millions of unwanted cats destroyed every year and millions more dying from abandonment, there is simply no reason to let your cat bear a litter of kittens. The cost of the surgery can vary, it's a good practice to call around for quotes. You'll find the cost can range from a low of twenty dollars, to a high of over one hundred-fifty. A rule of thumb is that if your cat is eating well, and uses the litter box regularly, as well as displays general alertness and activity levels he/she is ready to have the procedure done. Your cats regular habits should return to normal within a day after the operation. It's not good practice to have the cat de-clawed at the same time. Some vets recommend declawing the cat "while she is already asleep” but there are complications that can arise. Also do not get the cat vaccinated at the same time you have your cat spayed or neutered. This is a lot for a kitten to go through, so keeping their activity level low for two or three days is important. Don't coax him into playing or running around. If your cat is an outdoor kitty then you should probably keep him in for one or two weeks, to ensure the stitches heal, and reduce the chance of infection. During this recovery period monitoring their food intake, and litter box usage will help you pick up on any abnormal activity. Any change in habits could be the sign of an infection, should you suspect anything notify your vet right away For Dogs: If never spayed or neutered, a female dog, her mate, and their puppies could product over 66,000 dogs in 6 years! Reason enought! Male dogs know nothing of fatherhood; they do not recognize pups as their own. Spaying is a surgical technique by which the uterus and the ovaries of the female dog are removed. If you want to spay or neuter your dog, first get an opinion of a veterinaria Similarly, neutering a dog means removal of testicle by means of castration in case of male dogs. If proper antibiotic coverage is not maintained in both spaying and neutering, then the dogs may suffer from infections. Hence, when you want to spay or neuter your dog, cost factor needs analysis. When you want to spay or neuter your dog, you have to understand that these irreversible operations pertaining to the spaying and neutering in dogs have definite impact on reproduction. When you want to spay or neuter your dog, general anesthesia is often chosen. When you want to spay or neuter your dog, there are certain advantages that come along with these activities. For example, as one of the dog spaying effects, the female dog may not wander. here and there or in roads, in search of male dogs. Further, the animal may not wander. Further, if spaying is done, the inclination towards roaming behind the eligible males will get reduced. Effects of progesterone and estrogen hormones get highly minimized. Dog neutering makes a dog to have less roaming characters behind the female and during the two to three days after the operation, the animal may not eat properly. When you want to spay or neuter your dog, you should know that after 3 or 4 days of operation, the operated site may reveal swelling and this is normal with most of the surgical interferences. Try to educate the dog owner on spaying and neutering. Whenever you want to spay or neuter your dog, see that they have attained age of at least of 4 to 6 months. |
| ODEDIENCE TRAINING Training opens up a line of communication between you and your dog. |
|
A dog’s social system has a pecking order. The leader of the pack is the Alpaha. In the wild. He/She gets the best and first of everything – the best food, the best place to sleep, everything. All the other dogs in the pack respect the alpha dog’s wishes. An alpha dog doesn’t ask for what he wants, he demands it. He lets you know in no uncertain terms that he wants his dinner, that he wants to go out, that he wants to play or be petted and that he wants these things right now. Your family is your dog’s pack.Most dogs fit easily into the
lower levels of their human pack’s pecking order and don’t make
trouble. They do what they’re told and don’t challenge authority. Other
dogs don’t fit in quite as well. Some are natural leaders. These dogs
can become problems to an unsuspecting family that’s not aware of their
natural pack instincts. Some families treat their dogs as equals, not
as subordinates. They let them get away with disobeying . Dogs need – and want – leaders. They have an instinctive need
to fit into a pack. They want the security of knowing their place and
what’s expected of them. Most of them don’t want to be alpha – they
want someone else to give orders and make decisions. Your dog needs to
learn how to be a subordinate, not an equal. He was born a subordinate
and his mother made it clear, who was who. she being the Alpha. It is
manditory that your dog know that he/she is not the Alpha. Before you can remove your dog from his alpha position, you must become alpha and earn his respect. Alpha is an attitude. It involves confidence, dignity, intelligence, an air of authority. A dog can sense this attitude almost immediately – it’s how his mother acted toward him. They’re gentle but firm, loving but leave little or no room for challange. Most dogs are immediately submissive towards this type of personality because they recognize and respect alpha when they see it. Stand up straight with your shoulders back. Walk tall. Practice using a new tone of voice, one that’s deep and firm. Do not ask your dog to do something, tell him. There’s a difference and he knows it! Always make it clear that you are the alpha, Your dog understands that instinctively. This will be a shock to his system at first but you’ll be surprised how quickly he’ll catch on and that he’ll actually become eager to please you. One of the first thing in obedience it to teach your dog to Sit. Thereafter every time your dog wants something – his dinner, a trip outside, a walk, some attention, anything – tell him (remember don’t ask him, tell him) to sit first. When he does, praise him and give him whatever it is he wants as a reward. If he refuses to sit, walk away and ignore him. No sit, no reward. If you don’t think he understands the command, work on his training some more. If he just doesn’t obey, ignore him, don’t give him what he wants or reward him in any manner. Alpha dogs are used to being fussed over. In a real dog pack, subordinate dogs are forever touching, licking and grooming the alpha dog. It’s a show of respect and submission. Until your dog’s attitude has improved, cut down on the amount of affection he gets. When he wants attention, make him sit first, give him a few kind words and pats, then stop. Do not get down on the floor or on your knees to pet your dog. That, too, is a show of submission. Give praise, petting and rewards from a position that’s higher than the dog. If you follow these suggestions in obedience your initial program of who is Alpha will be successful, your dog should start looking to you for directions and permission. He’ll show an eagerness to please. Watch how your dog approaches and greets you. A dog that accepts humans as superiors will approach you with his head slightly lowered and his ears back or off to the sides. Their entire body will have signs of submission. Your goal should be to incorporate your obdeience training, as it becomes part of your dog's favorite activities. A correct reprimand is short, sharp and immediate. Don't continue to reprimand him unless you catch him in the act. Never hit, kick, slap or spank your dog. This type of punishment always creates more problems and usually makes existing problems worse, such as barking, chewing dog, fear or aggressive. No dog should ever be corrected until you are sure he understands the command. Every dog should be given every opportunity to be successful. <> The single most important aspect of training is rewarding your dog for good behavior. The more times the dog is rewarded, the quicker he will learn. Therefore, it's essential that you set up situations repeatedly in order for your dog to get plenty of practice at doing the right thing. It's equally as important that you always praise your dog for good behavior instead of taking it for granted. It's easy to forget to praise good behavior because it goes unnoticed. |
| PET DRUG/FOOD RECALL |
|
The Latest: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) continue their comprehensive investigation of pet food contaminated with melamine and melamine-related compounds, and the feeding of contaminated pet food scraps to hogs and chickens. Melamine (Melamine is a small, nitrogen-containing molecule that has a number of industrial uses, including as an industrial binding agent, flame retardant, and as part of a polymer in the manufacture of cooking utensils and plates) is an industrial chemical that has no approved use as an ingredient in animal or human food in the United States. (Both FDA and USDA agree that the consumption of pork, chicken, domestic fish, and eggs from animals inadvertently fed animal feed contaminated with melamine and melamine-related compounds is very unlikely to pose a human health risk.) Note:This compiled list represents all pet food
recalled since March 2007. If and when new information is received,
this list will be updated. The “Information Current as of…” date
provided above indicates when this Web page was updated; it does not
indicate the date when the pet food recalls listed below were
initiated. Once listed, each of the recalled pet food products remains
listed, even if there are no new recalls associated with that product.
Although we have taken care to make sure the information is accurate,
if we learn that any information is not accurate we will revise the
list as soon as possible. FDA has issued an import alert that stops all shipments of all vegetable protein products—not just wheat gluten and rice protein concentrate—from all of China. No product can enter the United States until the importer proves to FDA, through results from an independent laboratory, that the product is free of melamine and related compounds. The import alert includes the following vegetable protein products:
Search for Pet Food Recalls:http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/petfoodrecall/http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/petfood.html The FDA has no evidence to suggest that any of the imported products labeled as wheat gluten or rice protein concentrate that were contaminated with melamine and melamine-related compounds were used as ingredients in human food. |
| PET GROOMING |
| CATS: To be healthy and happy, your companion animal needs basic grooming, too. You as your pets caregiver can handle the brushing and other simple grooming procedures yourself. This type of regular grooming helps build a close bond between you and your pet, and keeps you informed of the condition of his fur, skin, teeth, nails, and ears. In fact, it is not uncommon to discover lumps, infections, and other problems during a thorough grooming routine. Should you take your pet to a professional groomer? The answer depends on the type of pet you have and your comfort level. For example, many people feel comfortable grooming their short-haired cats, while owners of long-haired dogs prone to mats opt for professional grooming. If you fall into the latter category, this need not be a "hair-raising" experience for you, your pet, or the groomer. The key is finding the right groomer to provide quality grooming care for your pet. Grooming requires more than simply getting a hair cut. It may include bathing, combing, brushing, clipping nails, cutting or shaving mats, cleaning ears, and controlling external parasites.You may not have the time, tools, experience, or physical ability to adequately groom your pet. Or a pet may require regular or seasonal clipping, medicated or flea baths, removal of skunk odors or harmful substances, or removal of matted fur. Typically, a trained professional can more safely and humanely handle tricky procedures and temperamental or frightened animals. (Removing severe mats should always be done by an experienced groomer to avoid accidental cuts.) Keep in mind, however, that professional groomers aren't miracle workers; it's up to you to stay on top of your pet's grooming needs. Prior to introducing your pet to a groomer. Groom him briefly when you're both relaxed. For example, begin by gently massaging his coat each morning as you feed him. Gradually introduce a brush or comb. Each day, increase the grooming time and work on different areas. Reward your pet for cooperating. The more comfortable your pet feels with home grooming and around strangers, the better he'll tolerate professional grooming. Your cat’s coat, it should be shiny and free from dandruff. It is a good indicator of your cat’s general health. Ungroomed fur which is abnormally sticking up, is a sign of ill health. By grooming your cat, you can encourage growth and shine in their hair. Most cats when they are happy and content will groom several times a day. It keeps their fur clean and free from any loose fur or debris that may have got caught in it. The cats tongue is covered with long barb like hairs which is an excellent tool for washing with. Cats are naturally clean animals, so your cat may not need you to groom her very much, particularly if she has short hair. Long-haired cats, on the other hand, need to be groomed more regularly, usually once a day. If your cat is used to being groomed, you will both enjoy this time together. Most cats purr when they're brushed, because it feels like they're being patted. For first time grooming, let your cat become familiar with comb or brush, this will aid in limiting their anxiety. Groom all the dead hair out of your cat's coat using a comb or soft bristle brush. Be particularly gentle when you're combing her head, then groom down her body, tail, and legs. Finally, go back over her coat with the brush to remove all loose hairs. While grooming your cat, be alert for cuts, lumps, fleas and rashes. If you come across some, contact your vet. The hair of long-haired cats and kittens can easily become matted. Once that happens, the tangled hair has to be removed before you can groom the cat properly – and unfortunately, this is not a happy moment for most cats, it might require the sedating of your cat and having the hair clipped by a professional cat groomer or your vet. Be sure to seek expert advice if your cat's hair becomes matted. If your cat is dirty, do not use soap, just wipe her down with a clean, damp cloth. Cats should not be bathed too often as it removes the natural oils from the skin that help with waterproofing and insulation. Always use a specially formulated cat shampoo to reduce this risk. DOGS: Bathing dogs outdoors in warm weather may be the best place, because it is the messy part in dog grooming. Use a mild dog shampoo and start bathing the dogs body and legs. The dogs head should be shampooed last, paying particular care to ensure that no shampoo gets into his eyes, ears, and nose. Cover the dogs eyes with your hand while pushing the head down. You can try using cotton in the ears, or cover the ear hole with your thumb while bathing the dog. Leave the shampoo three or four minutes on the dog and then rinse, rinse, rinse. This removing of the shampoo is the most important part in bathing dogs. When you are done bathing, towel dry the dog by blotting and pressing the towel against the coat. Once again, comb the coat through before drying to make sure there are no tangles or mats. Always brush or comb your dog against the lay of the coat. You'll be surprised at how fluffy the coat will look.Brushing dogs is the most time intensive part in dog grooming. Do not press too hard with your wire slicker brush to avoid scraping the skin and giving your dog brush burn. If you encounter a mat, hold the mat close to the skin, insert the end tooth of the comb into the mat, and try working the mat loose. If this is not possible I would consider to cut out a mat than cause the dog any unnecessary pain. Once your dog is matt-free, comb down to the skin. A puppy should be housebroken as soon as possible. When the puppy takes its first water or food, note how long it takes for the puppy to urinate or defecate. When you discover the schedule, take the pup outside when the prescribed time has elapsed after feeding or drinking. Soon, the puppy will associate the outdoors with its relieving function and will no longer soil the house or the newspapers that have been spread around its living are Young puppies should not be excessively groomed. A daily brushing with a soft brush is sufficient to remove surface dust and dirt. Some authorities believe that to conserve its natural skin oils a pup should not be completely bathed until its first birthday. Mud and deep dirt in its coat, however, can be removed with a damp, warm washrag. Afterward, the puppy should be completely dried with a rough towel. A dog can then have a complete bath when it is old enough, but it must be kept in the house until thoroughly dry, especially during winter. Dog nails should be trimmed periodically. Cut only the transparent part of the nail past the foot pads. Close clipping can cut into the "quick"--the portion of nail that has nerves and blood vessels--and hurt the animal. Special clippers can be purchased for trimming dog nails. |
| PET HEALTH / First Aid |
|
| Your dog should
see the veterinarian for a full
check-up, shots and a heartworm blood test every year, and immediately
if he is sick or injured. If you pet has cuts or bite marks (puncture wounds) Carefully clean the area with warm water. Car accidents. Your pet is likely to be in shock; try to keep her quiet and warm, and try to stop any bleeding. Take your pet to the vet immediately - use a blanket or a board to get her there. Be very careful ... your gentle sweet pet may bite if she is frightened or hurting. Use great caution when moving a injured dog. If they are hit by a vehicle, there is always the chance that their back is broken. If they are moving their legs and tail, the chances are it is not broken. If your pet is in an accident, you must take care in lifting it, if at all possible improvise a stretcher. Lifting them up, could cause more harm. Bee or wasp stings. If you can see the stinger, take it out. Then wrap the affected area in a cool damp cloth. Watch for severe reactions - most pets should recover fairly quickly, but call your vet if yours does not. Eye problems. If your pet is squinting and seems unable to open his eye, consult with your vet. The sooner, the better - eyes are a delicate organ and you don't want your beloved pet going blind or losing his eye! Heat stroke. Watch for symptoms like uncontrollable panting, collapse, a blank or "fixed" stare, or even unconsciousness. Move your pet to a cool, quiet area and offer him or her some water. Poison.
If you suspect your pet has been poisoned, call your vet immediately. Do
not induce vomiting with your pet!! Provide all the information you
can. For example, if you know your pet has ingested a poison, tell the
vet what it was, how much, and when it occurred.
To protect your dog against giardia, two initial vaccinations, two to four weeks apart, are usually given. This is followed by an annual vaccination. This vaccination appears to provide a greater degree of protection over natural immunity for a longer period of time. This is important, because giardia is notorious for reinfecting animals on a regular basis. A vaccinated animal that tested negative for giardia would not contribute to the pool of cysts in our environment, potentially infecting human hosts. Giardia vaccination has also been used to try to treat symptomatic animals that do not respond to conventional antibiotic treatments. Since vaccination boosts the immune system in a different way from natural immunity, sometimes this has been effective to clear up the intermittent episodic diarrhea suffered by these animals. Consult your veterinarian about this new vaccination and if it would be beneficial to you and your pet. There is also a giardia cat vaccination available in the United States Shock.
If your dog is hit by a car, and it is not responsive,
press firmly against the dog's gums until they turn white. Release and count
the number of seconds until the gums return to their normal color. If
it is more than 2-3 seconds, the dog may be going into shock.
Failure to return to the reddish pink color indicates that the dog may
be in serious trouble and needs immediate assistance. Prevention is the medicine. Have your pet fully vaccinated every year; supervise your pet; and provide your pet with a proper diet and adequate exercise. While it can be difficult to know when to call the vet, below are a few tips for recognizing a problem with your pet.
CATS: Your cat’s eyes should be bright and clear. There should be no redness, discharge or excessive blinking. If your cats third eye membrane ( the haw) does not fully retract and can be seen, there could be an eye infection or foreign body caught in it. A cats coat should be shiny and free from dandruff. It is a good indicator of your cat’s general health. Ungroomed fur which is abnormally sticking up, is a sign of ill health. Any serious wound or wound that won't stop bleeding needs immediate veterinary attention. If direct pressure doesn't stop bleeding in a couple minutes -- or if the wound is spurting blood -- your cat is in grave danger. Take your cat directly to the vet, and continue to apply pressure and bandages until you can get her there. Bite wounds should be treated by a vet, too, since they can become infected easily. Sometimes bites or other wounds will close up with some dirt or germs inside, causing an abscess -- a painful, swollen pocket of infection. If the site of a wound swells, leaks pus, or is sensitive to the touch, or if your cat suddenly begins to run a fever, call your vet right away. Link: How to treat a bleeding cat. Your cats ears should be clean and should not contain dark brown wax, which could be a sign of ear mites. Also check for cuts or loose plant seeds. Unsual behavior, like that of aggression in a normally happy cat, or a usually outgoing cat becoming quiet and timid are signs that all is not right. |
| PET INSURANCE |
|||
| Your are
looking for a plan that is a possible solution to your veterinary bills
so that you
can focus on providing your pet optimal health. You could consider Pet
Insurance. Typically pet insurance providers use one of two methods in determining reimbursements: a benefit schedule, which identifies how much is available per incident, or “reasonable and customary fees,” which can change based on the insurers discretion. Veterinary Pet Insurance offers you a financial solution to managing your veterinary costs by reimbursing your eligible expenses for accidents, illnesses and routine preventive care, including office visits, lab fees, X-rays, surgeries, diagnostic testing, prescriptions, hospitalization and much more. To be competitive and give you more choices, each pet insurance company offers slightly different plans. And that's the single biggest reason that you need to carefully compare the options to make an educated decision. Things to think about and what to ask the insurer before you sign up for your pet are: Ask your Vet if he recommends any specific one? Make certain that the insurance company is licensed in your state. If in doubt, call your states Insurance Commissioner.Choosing a higher deductible will lower your monthly premium, but means your out-of-pocket will be higher each time your pet requires medical treatment. Choosing a lower deductible will increase your monthly premium, but means your out-of-pocket costs will be lower. Also, is there a penalty for changing plans and deductibles? You should be able to make those changes to maintain your pet's coverage in times of financial hardship. Modern veterinary medicine can be sophisticated and extensive, which can make low per incident limits (or low lifetime limits) unrealistic. Choose a plan that covers the true costs of unexpected illness and accidents. Look for plans that cover illnesses, accidents, and optional routine care.
Below are the most misunderstood and most important part of your pet insurance coverage. It is calculated in one of two basic ways:
The actual reimbursement as a percentage of a benefit schedule can be as little as 30% of your vet bill. Avoid surprises by knowing what you're paying for. Find out how your reimbursements will be determined. Some companies pay a percentage of your veterinary expenses, while others pay only a fixed amount based on a benefits schedule. Look for plans that allow you to visit your vet of preference.:
Amazingly, there are pet insurance companies who will not list
treatments and conditions that are not covered by their policies. Be
sure you ask for specifics about what is and is not covered by your
policy so that you know which treatments are available for your pet. Typically the policies cover the following: (But many more
coverage's are available).
|
| PET NUTRITION | |
|
| RABIES |
|
Prompt and appropriate treatment, after being bitten and before the disease develops, can stop the infection and prevent the disease in people. <>Human rabies cases in the United States have occurred after close exposure to a bat without an obvious sign or recollection of a bite and beware, not all rabid animals foam at the mouth or appear mad. Some infected animals can appear calm and tame.Fortunately improved rabies vaccination and animal control programs and better treatment for people who have been bitten have dramatically reduced the number of human rabies cases in this country. The majority of recent human cases acquired in the United States have resulted from exposures to bats. Most cases of rabies occur in wild animals, mainly skunks, raccoons, bats and foxes. Controlling Rabies:
<>Should you be bitten, "Don't panic", but don't ignore the bite either. Wash the wound thoroughly and vigorously with soap and lots of water. If possible, capture the animal under a large box or can, or at least try to identify it before it runs away. Don't try to pick the animal up. Call the local animal control authorities to come and get the animal. If it is a wild animal, try to capture it if you can do so safely without being bitten again. If the animal cannot be captured and it must be killed to prevent its escape, don't damage the head. The brain will be needed to test for rabies. Call your physician immediately. Explain how you were bitten and follow the physician's advice. Report the bite to the local health department. If Your Pet Has Been Bitten
Should your pet bit someone, make sure the victim to sees a physician immediately and to follow the physician's recommendations. Check with your veterinarian to be sure your pet's vaccinations are up-to-date. Report the bite to the local health department and animal
control authorities. If your pet is a cat, or dog, they will confine
the animal and watch it closely for 10 days. Home confinement may be
allowed. Immediately report any illness or unusual behavior with your
pet to your local health department and veterinarian. Don't let your
pet stray, and don't give your pet away. The animal must be available
for observation by public health authorities or a veterinarian. It's extremely important that you notify your family physician immediately after an animal bites you. Your physician can find out if the animal has been captured. Capture and observation of the animal can affect the treatment decisions of your physician. If necessary, your physician will give you the anti-rabies treatment recommended by the United States Public Health Service; and if necessary, will also treat you for other possible infections that could result from the bite. |
| PET SAFETY |
| Do not
leave your dog unattended on a choke
chain. It can get caught and strangle the dog. This is for
walking/training purposes only! not a full-time collar. The author while driving through a parking
lot, happened upon a horrific sight. There hanging over the bed of a
pick-up was a beautiful
female boxer, hanging down by
the leash (that apparently had gotten shortened) and choker, her rear
feet did not touch the ground. she had clawed the side of the truck in
vain to get back up, but it was useless. The author jumped out of the
car, ran over, and quickly lifted the animal back into the bed of the
truck. Finally the owner returned, and fortunately the pet had not
choked to death. Obviously, when the owner went into the store, the dog
attempted to run after her. That Boxer was so grateful to the author,
she hung her head on his arm and would not move. A very fortunate
animal, still alive, due to just-in-time circumstances.
Hopefully, you that leave your dogs in the back of pick-ups will take
note. Next time there may not be a good samaritan around and in-time. Collars do not expand, and if you do purchase one, it is not going to stay there long. In the case of puppies and kittens they grow very quickly! If not loosened, collars can literally grow right into your pet's neck, creating an terrible and constant pain. Check your pet's collars at least every week until it is full-grown (that can be more than a year for really large breeds of dog). You should be able to easily slip two or three fingers between the pet's collar and their neck. Safety vests are a must for the working dog or if you take your dog jogging in poorly lit areas. Also essential for hunting dogs. Besides being constructed of reflective material higher end safety vests generate light and may have a flashing light for added visibility.
Cats have an instinctual desire to stalk anything that moves. They like string, thread, yam, Christmas tree tinsel, ribbon, even shoelaces. This can be great fun to encourage if you supervise their play. Never
allow your dog to roam free; even a well-trained dog may, for some
unknown reason, dart into the street-and the result could be tragic. When
you walk your dog, leash him first so that he will be protected
from moving vehicles. Pet's
safety of your is your responsibility Dogs
in Open Trucks.
Keeping your dog from running off and becoming injured when playing around off leash, is reason enough to look for practical solutions aThere are numerous wireless pet fence manufacturers to choose from: Innotek and Petsafe are 2 very good brands. This form of containment makes it possible for you to create invisible boundaries on your property, so that your dog doesn’t run off. How does it work? A transmitter (usually housed in the garage or basement) sends a radio signal through a concealed wire buried along the perimeter of the "fenced in" area. Your dog wears a special collar with a receiver that alerts him with a warning tone when he’s approaching the edge of the safe area, followed by a minor shock if he gets too close. Additional training, usually 7 – 14 days, is necessary to assist your dog in understanding and learning the boundaries of the fence. It is important to note that while invisible fences work well with most dogs, they are not 100 % effective, especially if your dog is older, stubborn and not well trained. If you think this might be the case with your pet and you want to try this product, make sure you are on guard for a reasonable trial period to make sure your dog doesn’t figure out he can ‘jump’ the fence and run off. . Another disadvantage to this type of fence is that it does not keep other animals out. For this reason people often use this type of fence in conjunction with a standard fence to keep the dog out of a garden or pool. |
| CAT
SCRATCHING POST |
|
Never make the mistake of trying to "show her how" to scratch
anything. You'll only offend her. She knows pefectly well how to do it.
She just reserves the right to scratch when and where it suits her.
Even at an early age, cats refuse to be coerced into doing what they
don't want to do. A cat scratching post can be a cat owners best friend. If you have a cat that scratches your furniture, you can usually solve your problem with a cat scratching post. There are many varieties of cat scratching post and cat
furniture. To find the type of cat furniture that fits your cat's
needs, whether a cat scratching post, a cat perch or a cat condo, may
require a bit of research. Your cat is doing what comes naturally, looking for a strong and stable surface to scratch. Your chair or couch is the best available option! Cats have a territorial instinct that prompts them to place
their mark and establish their territory. Since their paws have scent
glands that leave adistinctive scent, cats scratch surfaces in your
home to let other cats know that they’re wandering into marked
territory – even if you don’t have any other cats, your pet doesn’t
know when one might show up! Cats also scratch simply because it feels
good. Sisal scratching posts are ideal for releasing Kitty’s primal
urges. This is a material she can shred to pieces with great
satisfaction. I am referring to the sisal textile material, not the
sisal rope. Sisal material has a perfect texture and grain for kitty to
shred, and that is what she wants to do. (Studies have shown most cats
prefer to mark their territory with vertical shredding marks, sisal
textile provides the perfect surface for this behavior.) Be sure not to
throw it away when it is shredded, since that’s when she’s broken it in
satisfactorily, and she will not appreciate your concept on house
cleaning. Also, a good post should be tall enough for your Kitty to
fully stretch her body, usually at least 28 inches tall, and should be
very stable. If your cat continues scratching the furniture, sprays like a
natural
orange air freshener, bitter apple, actual orange peels and double
sided tape are good deterrents on the furniture sometimes work, at
least according to some who say they rarely find a cat on a
freshly sprayed area. Another method is to try "squirting
her with a squirt gun" or spray bottle set on
stream.
Another option is a safety whistle or other noise-maker, an empty pop
can also can do the trick. You must employ these deterrents while she
is scratching for them to be effective. The point is to establish an
aversion to the spot you don't want her to scratch. "Do not let your
pet know that you are the one squirting them or creating the noise",
crazy as it seems, you want it to seem coming from an unknown preditor.
On the light side, you will delight at the response of a kitten being
shot with a squirt of water, they jump and look very around for the
enemy. Keep in mind that this is a determent, not a cruel tool to tease
your pet with. If you are starting with a kitten, consider yourself fortunate. It's much easier to initiate good habit patterns than to correct undesirable ones. From the beginning teach your kitten the appropriate place to scratch. Use the methods already described, especially playing around the scratching post to capture your pets interest. Take advantage of your kitten's desire to play and attach toys to the post. If she starts to scratch an inappropriate object, immediately
place her in front of her scratching post and begin petting her. Some
cats will begin kneading when petted, thus digging their claws into the
desired surface and establishing this as a fine place to scratch. Cats are creatures of habit. |
| TAIL WAGGING |
| The Dog and Cat.
When a dog wag's it tail,
it's telling all, (the bigger the dog, the more danger to nearby items
on the coffee table), that it is happy. A cat's tail has various
meanings, as it's tail is an extension of it's feelings, as well as a
warning of the cats intentions. Normally the higher the tail, the
better the mood. A happy cat will hold it's tail straight up, while in
fear, it will tuck the tail between the lets, just like a dog does. A broad swishing indicates annoyance, while twitches are a sign of curiosity and excitement, as when it is ready to pounce on prey. For example, the cat who decides it's had enough petting will signal by swishing the tail in impatience. If you continue, a bat with the paw generally follows. The batting is an act of aggression indicating your cat's agitation. Really agitated cats will move their tails rapidly back and forth from the base, a clear, threatening signal, Beware! those bites and scratches can really hurt. If your cat does scratch you and draw blood, put your wound up to it's nose, sometimes this smell of your blood will cause them not to do this again, maybe?A cat will yawn for the same reason as humans. Because they're relaxed and content. On the other hand a yawning dog is actually stressed out. If you're petting a dog and he starts to yawn, stop. You're annoying him. depends on the wag. Your dogs temperament is usually shown by its tail, If it's low and swinging, that's a sign of happiness and excitement. If it's high and stiff, that's actually a warning sign that you should back off. Flat ears are a dog's way of saying either, "I'm scared" or "I'm sorry". Like if your dog digs up the garden and you catch him and tell him no, his ears will likely lie flat. For a cat, flat ears mean "I'm ready to rumble!" A cat folds its ears back so they don't get scratched in a fight. When a Dog rolls over, it is saying "submission, and your the boss". It's a submissive move and your welcome to rub his/her belly. On the other hand, a cat that exposes it's stomach does not want a tummy rub unless your in the mood for a wrist bite. Should you see your pet's hair standing on end. For both cats and dogs it means, "I'm feeling threatened". It's an urgent signal to back off! Some Safety Tips. Things to Remember with Dogs (and All Animals)
The friendship of a dog can be wonderful for children's emotional and physical health. But children - especially those ten and under - are most at risk for dog bite injury. As well as disease and disfigurement, dog bites can bring about long term emotional trauma. It is well known that stray dogs can be a danger. However, most bites are inflicted by dogs known to the victim often their own or a neighbor's dog. Dogs Bite
Because Most children’s dog bite injuries occur
during play with a dog they know. A dog that is excited or nervous can
bite by mistake. Children should be taught not to play fight, tease,
yell at, or chase dogs or other animals. |
| TOXIC
FOODS |
|
Avoid Feeding these toxic foods to
Your Pet
Alcoholic
beverages, Apple seeds, Apricot pits, Avocados, *Candy, Cherry pits,
Chocolate (any forms), Coffee & Tea (any forms), Fatty foods,
Garlic, Hops (used in home beer brewing), Macadamia nuts, Moldy/Spoiled
foods, Mushroom plants, Mustard seeds, Onions, Peach seeds, Potato
leaves and stems (green parts), Raisins and Grapes, Rhubarb leaves,
Salt, Tomato leaves and stems (green parts), Walnuts, Yeast dough,
Products sweetened with ZylitolCheck the food you are sharing
carefully. Many of these ingredients are tucked away in cookies, bread,
cake, preserves and other processed foods. It is really important to be
aware of what you are feeding your canine companion so that you can
avoid these problem foods.
*Candy (particularly chocolate, which is toxic to dogs, cats and ferrets, and any candy containing the sweetener Xylitol) Alcohol: can cause vomiting, diarrhea, lack of coordination, poor breathing, abnormal blood acidity, coma and death, just like in humans. The difference is that dogs are much smaller and are more susceptible to intoxication. Macadamia
Nuts: The toxic compound is unknown but the affect of macadamia
nuts is to cause locomotory difficulties. Dogs develop a tremor of the
skeletal muscles, and weakness or paralysis of the hindquarters.
Affected dogs are often unable to rise and are distressed, usually
panting. Some affected dogs have swollen limbs and show pain when the
limbs are manipulated. Milk: owing to the lack of lactase,
consumption may lead to bloating, gas, diarrhea and other digestive
upsets.
Onions and Garlic: Onions and garlic are other dangerous food ingredients that cause sickness in dogs, cats and also livestock. Onions and garlic contain the toxic ingredient thiosulphate. Onions are more of a danger. Pets affected by onion toxicity will develop haemolytic anemia, where the pet’s red blood cells burst while circulating in its body. At first, pets affected by onion poisoning show gastroenteritis with vomiting and diarrhea. They will show no interest in food and will be dull and weak. The red pigment from the burst blood cells appears in an affected animals urine and it becomes breathless. The breathlessness occurs because the red blood cells that carry oxygen through the body are reduced in number. Raw
or undercooked meat and eggs: While there is controversy
surrounding the role of raw meat in a dog's diet, studies have shown
that raw
meat has a higher likelihood of harboring harmful bacteria than
cooked or prepared dog food. As with humans, care needs to be taken in
handling raw meat and eggs to avoid the possibility of contamination
with Salmonella bacteria and E. coli. Raw eggs contain an enzyme
(avidin) that can lead to skin and coat problems for a dog.
Salmon
and trout: frequently have a parasite that cooking does not
kill. It is fine for humans but can harm dogs.
Xylitol:
this can lead to liver failure through the over-release of insulin,
vomiting, lethargy and loss of coordination. It does not take long to
see signs of nearing liver failure - only a few days. Be very careful
as this substance in a wide range of products, such as candy, chewing
gum, toothpaste and baked goods.
Yeast dough: this refers to the dough prior to cooking. The yeast can continue to rise in the dog's stomach and cause painful bloating, gas and even rupture of the intestines or stomach. On top of this your dog will appear to be in a state of drunkenness. |
| TREATS |
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| If you have any questions
about how many and what kinds of treats are right for your pet, consult
your veterinarian. There's nothing wrong with feeding your pet the occasional treat. Small amounts of tasty food can be used if your are attempting to motivate your pet while training. These rewards are great to positively reinforce good behavior. These kinds of rewards can increase the bond between pets and owners, and some treats can even help your pet stay healthy Snacks and treats for pets are implicitly intended to be offered on an occasional basis, and by no means should be fed as the mainstay of the diet. Although pet treats must meet all the other FDA and state regulations for labeling of pet foods, they are exempt from the need to include an nutritional adequacy statement. "Biscuits" are not exempt, unless they are identified as a "snack" or "treat" as well. Regardless, some treats and biscuits are formulated to be nutritionally complete, and some are not. -A good rule of thumb to follow, 80% of your pet’s diet should come from a high quality pet food and the other 20% can come from good treats. -Purchase treats made specifically for your type of pet. Many stores now offer treats formulated treats that are designed to taste good to your pet without upsetting Their stomachs. -Try giving your pet treats that benefit her health. Pet stores now provide just about anything necessary for your pets diet, to include dental treats that clean teeth; cat treats that prevent hairballs; treats with added vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. -Do not provide treats for your pet at meal times. They should consume their nutritional food first. -Dogs often love veggies like baby carrots, broccoli, and green beans, which are low in calories and high in vitamins and healthy fiber. You'll have to use some care, however, some produce that people love can be harmful to dogs. Do check with your Vet prior to providing those vegetable treats beyond what is described above. -Do not allow your pet to overeat. Keep them on a healthy diet.Treats are often salty and fatty, and once again, they can make your pet fat. Minimize snacks from the human table. It encourages poor manners from both the dog and the human and it blurs the line between what is good food for the animal and what is not. Start out right and keep it right. Rawhide Dog chews are great. Also, snacks and dog treats are a great way to praise and reward your dog. Dogs value many high value treats such as filled bones, marrow bones, pig ears, etc. Any treat should only be given when the dogs are alone in separate separate rooms, and never serve special treats unless you're right there to supervise all interaction. Never throw down new chew toys and then leave for work, leaving your dogs loose. Variety in their diet is important and plenty of treats and food can be given to our pet, so long as they don’t have allergies or additional health problems. l. If your pet is not lactose intolerant, then dairy products in moderation is perfectly fine as a treat. Many dogs love baby carrots, bananas, pumpkin
Some Suggestions for your Cats treat: Tuna Treats : Great tuna taste: ingredients: Whole wheat flour, tuna, cornmeal & parsley Salmon Treats : Cats love these salmon treats : ingredients: Whole wheat flour, salmon, parsley, eggs, water, sesame seeds & flax seeds Catnip Krunchies : Just the right treat for the cats that like catnip: ingredients: Whole wheat flour, wheat germ, milk powder, eggs, water, catnip, vegetable oil & molasses Sardine Cookies : Has all the favorites that cats love: ingredients: Whole wheat flour, oat bran, beef liver, green beans, sardines, oatmeal, eggs & garlic Liver & Parsley Snack : For the cats that love their meat: ingredients made with whole wheat flour, beef liver, liver broth, vegetable oil & parsley Some Suggestions for your Dogs treats: Bacon Bites : Dogs love the taste of bacon. ingredients: Whole wheat flour, wheat germ, milk powder, cornmeal, bacon, eggs & bacon fat. Bowser Biscuits (tarter fighter): Filled with grit to help keep the tarter off their teeth: ingredients: Whole Wheat Flour, Cracked Wheat, Beef Broth, Wheat Germ, Milk Powder, Cornmeal, Honey, Canola Oil & Eggs.. Garden Veggie Biscuits: Great tasting vegetarian treat: ingredients: Whole wheat flour, veggie broth, spinach, carrots, garlic, eggs & canola oil. |
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