Bugs, Bugs, and More Bugs

This post is dedicated to my dog Lexie who decided a nasty slug would be a tasty treat for her to bring in the house and eat on the kitchen floor.

Do you ever ask yourself these questions: Are some bugs worse for my dog than others? Can bugs, when ingested, be toxic? Why does my dog eat bugs? Well here's the scoop on the dreaded bug affair some dogs seem to have with insects and what dog parents need to know.

Slugs:
         Slugs are not dangerous but dogs can catch lungworm through eating slugs and snails which carry the larvae of the parasite.

Wasps, Hornets, and Bees:
         These flying insects not only hurt when they sting a dog, but facial swelling can ensue as well as severe hives and allergic reaction that include vomiting and diarrhea. Always keep Benadryl handy if you are an owner of a bug chaser.

Stinkbugs:
         This smelly creatures are named after the odor they emit when disturbed or crushed, the stinkbug has been known to cause intestinal upset and producing symptoms of vomiting, nausea, excessive salivation and loss of appetite.

Caterpillars:
          These creepy crawlies are a tempting mobile snack for many dogs. Teaching your dog a command like "leave it" is very helpful in these situations. Some caterpillars can be toxic or their bristles can cause irritation in the mouth or GI tract if eaten. The exact type of toxin varies depending on the type of caterpillar, if you fear your dog has eaten a caterpillar, seek veterinary care.

Spiders:
         In our part of the United States, there are both brown recluse and black widow spiders, both capable of potentially fatal stings.

Flies and Mosquitoes:
          Flying insects like flies and mosquitoes are not toxic and generally do not cause a problem for dogs. Flies have been known to carry roundworms, which can be passed to a pet when the insect is eaten, so watch for signs.

Ladybugs:
          These cute little beetles can be toxic if ingested. They cause what amounts to a chemical burn when swallowed.

Ants;
         Ants, especially fire ants, cause stings that product a lot of swelling. And of course, the dog usually encounters a nest of ants, so gets stung by hundreds. seek veterinary care immediately.

Fleas:
        The dreaded fleas carry disease and can be potentially toxie to your furry friend. Fleas can carry tapeworms and can pass them on to pets when ingested while grooming.

Loving & Caring for Your Pets: Pica and Coprophagy Disorder

Loving & Caring for Your Pets: Pica and Coprophagy Disorder: Pets with pica or coprophagy eat substances that are not considered fodo. Pica involves the eating of objects. Dogs may be more likely to ea...

Pica and Coprophagy Disorder

Pets with pica or coprophagy eat substances that are not considered fodo. Pica involves the eating of objects. Dogs may be more likely to eat objects such as rocks and toys, while cats may eat clothing, strings, and kitty litter. Oriental breeds of cats  are more likely to eat fabrics and wool.

Coprophagy is the consumption of feces. It is a natural behavior for nursing mothers to eat the feces of their puppies or kittens. Coprophagy is more common in dogs than in cats, and female dogs are more likely to display this behavior than males. While coprophagy is generally more distasteful than it is harmful to the pet, eating of nonfood objects may result in vomiting, diarrhea, or a blockage in the digestive tract, which may require an emergency surgery or use of an endoscope to retrieve the object while the pet is under anesthesia.

The exact cause of pica and coprophagy is unknown. Some pets chew on objects out of stress or boredom. Dogs may eat feces because they are not being fed enough or if they go too long between meals, but it is usually they are lacking a nutrient in their diet. Dogs that have been punished for defecating in the house may eat their feces to avoid further punishment. Rarely, an underlying condition such as anemia, intestinal parasites, gastrointestinal disorders, or liver disease may lead to an animal eating strange objects.

If there isn't an underlying medical problem leading to the behavior, the best thing to do is to eliminate access to objects the pet likes to eat. Make sure to store clothing, plastics, wool, and linear objects where your pet cannot find them. If your dog eats objects in the yard, consider a basket muzzle. However never leave a dog with a muzzle unattended. You can also try covering the objects with an unpleasant-tasting substance, such as cayenne pepper or bitter apple products, which are available at most pet stores.

For dogs with coprophagy, remove and dispose of feces from the yard immediately. Better yet, increase the number of daily leash walks and reward your dog with a treat after he or she defecates to distract him or her from the feces. Then pick up and dispose of feces appropriately. Some owners may try sprinkling feces with cayenne pepper or bitter apple so the dog experiences an unpleasant taste, but it's generally a better idea to just remove the feces.

Canine Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Excessive Licking, Sucking, Snapping and Running In Circles - The answer you may be looking for to as what is going on.

The first revelation that animals have OCD was made by Dr. Judith Rapoport, a child psychiatrist at the National Institute of Mental Health. She wrote a book about a boy with OCD - The Boy Who Couldn't Stop Washing - and following a national media tour was inundated with messages saying, "My dog does that, too." The dogs referred to were compulsively licking the lower extremities of their limbs, so-called acral lick, and on the surface it did look a lot like canine "hand" washing.

Compulsive disorders are caused by conflict, stress and/or frustration. With each stressful event that your dog encounters, there is a release of neurotransmitters involved with the stress response. When a dog is frustrated or stressed, he may start to perform a normal behavior such as holding a toy in his mouth in order to relieve that stress. If holding the toy in his mouth actually reduces the neurotransmitters involved with the stressful event, the dog is likely to perform that behavior again when he is stressed.

The first thing to do if you think your dog has a compulsive disorder is to go to your veterinarian for help. Because medical conditions can cause signs similar to compulsive behaviors in dogs, it is extremely important to rule out medical diseases such as neurologic, endocrine, gastrointestinal, and orthopedic disorders. Your dog should receive a thorough physical examination as wella s screening lab work before considering treatment for a compulsive disorder.

If your dog is completely healthy and is free of pain, he may have a compulsive disorder. Compulsive disorders are treated with medications to lower arousal and conflict as well as behavior modifications to give the dog an alternate coping strategy outside of the compulsive behavior. Treatment is often prolonged and continues for the life of the dog. If your dog is diagnosed with compulsive disorder you can expect some ups and downs in treatment and in your dog's behavior. Often chronic cases are referred to a board of certified veterinary behaviorist for treatment.

The best thing you can do for your dog if you suspect a compulsive disorder or if your dog repeatedly displays any behavior, even if it seems harmless now, is to seek help from your veterinarion. When compulsive behaviors are treated early and quickly the prognosis is much better than if they have progressed to a chronic state.

Pit Bulls - Myths/Facts

4 Year Old Pit Bull Chevy with
New Puppy Lexie Playing Tug of War

4 Year Old Pit Bull Chevy Sleeping while
Lexie Rest her Head on Him for Comfort.

Let me start off by saying I adore our Pit Bull, Chevy has been around children, adults, elderly, other dogs, cats, gone to crowded area's and loves pet store visits and car rides. Chevy has never in his 4 years showed aggression towards anyone and is a very protective dog which is why I love him so much.

In decades past, the American Pit Bull was a canine icon. Nicknamed "America's dog," and loved for its remarkable loyalty and affability, images of the breed were everywhere. A Pit Bull named Sergeant Stubby won 13 decorations for his service in the trenches of the First World War. Nipper, the dog from the classic RCA advertisements, was a Pit Bull. So was Pete the Pup, canine companion to The Little Rascals. Their affinity and gentleness toward children was so widely known and appreciated it inspired a second nickname: "the nanny dog."

That perception profoundly changed in the 1980s. Dogfighting enjoyed a major resurgence in America in that decade.

The Pit Bull's trademark loyalty combined with it's muscular physique made it a prime candidate for exploitation. The breed quickly came to represent aggression and a perverse idea of machismo, thus becoming the preferred guard dog status symbol for drug deals and gangsters.

Popularity for the breed in low-income, urban areas exploded. Consequently, there were (and still are) a large number of unspayed and unneutered Pit Bulls living in extremely close proximity to one another. It was the perfect recipe for an epic puppy-boom. According to Mid-American Bully Breed Rescue, there are approximately five million registered Pit Bulls in the United States today: a combination of breeds which includes Staffordshire bull terriers, American pit bull terriers, American Staffordshire terriers, or any mix thereof. This figure does not include the substantial number of pit bulls circulating the shelter system and living on the streets. The ASPCA reports that 35 percent of American shelters receive at least one pit bull a day. And in Detroit, where the stray problem boards on epidemical, pit bulls and pit mixes compose 90 percent of the homeless dog population.

Where pit bulls were once ubiquitous in American pop culture, they are now ubiquitous in actuality. And because of overpopulation centers predominantly on low-income areas, the pit bull is arguable one of the least-responsibly cared for breed in the country.


Pit Bulls have locking jaws.
MYTH

• Pit Bulls do not have any special physical mechanism or enzyme that allows them to "lock" their jaws. If you compare a Pit Bull skull to a skull of any other dog breed, you can see with the naked eye that both skulls share the same characteristics and general bone structure. However, one personality of a Pit Bull breed is determination. Whatever Pit Bulls do, they do it with a great deal of enthusiasm and passion, an it is this trait that can make them seem like they have a locking jaw when they bit down on something and are determined not to release it. 

Pit Bulls are all inherently vicious.

MYTH

• This is a STEREOTYPE that is biased toward generalizing and condemning an entire breed based on the actions of a few bad people. The truth is that each dog should be evaluated by his own merits and not by his breed. A corollary truth is that there truly are no bad dogs, only bad people. Yes dogs can be a victim of racial profiling just like humans. But who stands up for them, who marches down streets for them. Think about it.

A Pit Bull that is aggressive toward other dogs will also be aggressive toward humans.

MYTH

• Dog-aggression and people-aggression are two distinctive traits and should not be confused. Unless a Pit Bull has been poorly bred or purposefully trained to attack humans, they generally love people. They are, in fact, one of the most loving, loyal, friendly and dedicated companions you can have. THIS I COMPLETELY AGREE WITH

It is dangerous to adopt a Pit Bull that has an unknown history and parentage from a  rescue or shelter, rather than buying a Pit Bull from a breeder.

MYTH

• Remember: each dog is an individual and should be judged by his current personality and behavior. Certainly he may be influenced by his genetics or history, but after working with several Pit Bulls, I can assert unequivocally that many (if not most) Pit Bulls of unknown parentage that have been horribly abused, neglected, and/or forced to fight still love people more than anything, and still will be loving family pets. Responsible rescues and shelters evaluate dog behavior prior to adoptions, and then adopt out only those Pit Bulls that display the proper temperament toward humans. 

It is better to adopt a Pit Bull puppy instead of an adult.

MYTH

• It's a fact that puppies are adorable and we all love them. But the thing about puppies is, well, they grow up. And as they mature their personality develops and that's when you really find out whether your Pit Bull is dominant or submissive with people, or whether she is aggressive toward some, non or all dogs. Dog-intolerance and dog-aggression are traits that do not develop in some dogs until they are fully mature. It is possible that a cute little puppy you adopt who is friendly with all other dogs may not like other dogs at all later in life, even dogs she has grown up with and lived with for her entire life. Both nurture (environment) and nature (genetics) play a role in determining a dog's mature personality. This doesn't mean that Pit Bull puppies should not be adopted, but if you want to know how big your dog will ultimately be and how she will act around humans or other animals, you may want to consider adopting an adult.

Pets and Floods - Keeping Your Pets Safe

What to do during a flood warning

1. Bring all of your small animals inside and if possible take them upstairs.
2. Move their food, bedding and some fresh water to the safe and dry place you found.
3. Make sure you can locate your portable pet carriers and they are close at hand.
4. Keep familiar toys dry, this will help the animals with their stress as they will welcome something that smells of home.
5. If possible take your animals to a family member or friend who lives outside the flood risk area until the risk has passed.
6. Put all vet records including vaccination records in a sealed water proof bag.
7. If you have horses, be sure to move them to high ground.
8. Keep tack and rugs off the floor.
9. Put your contact details on field/stable gates so you can be contacted in an emergency.

During the flood

1. Leaving your animals behind, even if you think you've created a safe place for them could lead to injury or loss.
2. It could be several days before you can return home.
3. Cats, rabbits and other small animals must be transported in suitable carriers, birds in a secure cage and dogs using sturdy leases.
4. In cold weather put a blanket over the carrier. Do not put water inside the carrier during transportation.
5. Remember to take your animals' food, water, bowls and bedding with you.
6. If you have no choice but to leave your animals behind, leave them shut inside an upstairs room with ample supplies of food and water.
7. Leave notices on external doors saying their are animals inside and contact the RSPCA or your local flood Warden immediately.

Keeping Your Dog Safe, Healthy and Happy

Make sure your dog is identifiable

Make sure your dog has a collar with an ID tag that includes your name, address and telephone number. No matter how careful you are, there's a chance your companion may become lost—an ID tag greatly increases the chance that your pet will be returned home safely. The dog’s collar should not be tight; it should fit so two fingers can slip easily under his collar. 

Have your dog microchipped by your veterinarian. Microchip ID will ensure that your dog will be returned to you if he is lost, even if his collar came off. When scanned by a veterinarian or animal shelter, your phone number, address and other vital information will appear, and you can be contacted.

Follow local laws for licensing and vaccinating

Check with your local animal shelter or humane society for information regarding legal requirements, where to obtain tags and where to have your pet vaccinated.

Keep your dog on a leash

Even a dog with a valid license, rabies tag and ID tag should not be allowed to roam outside of your home or fenced yard. It is best for you, your community and your dog to keep her on a leash and under your control at all times.

Don't let your dog get lonely

A fenced yard with a doghouse is a bonus, especially for large and active dogs; however, dogs should never be left outside alone or for extended periods of time. Dogs need and crave companionship; they should spend most of their time with their family, not alone outside. 

Take your dog for regular check-ups

If you do not have a veterinarian, ask your local animal shelter or a pet-owning friend for a referral on a veterinarian. If you are having trouble paying for veterinary care, you may be able to employ creative options or find sources of assistance.

Spay or neuter your dog

Dogs who have this routine surgery tend to live longer, be healthier and have fewer behavior problems (e.g., biting or running away). By spaying or neutering your dog, you are also doing your part to reduce the problem of pet overpopulation. If you feel you can't afford to have your pet spayed or neutered, we can help you find low-cost options.

Give your dog food and water

Dietary requirements change as dogs get older, and a dog’s teeth need to be cleaned and monitored regularly to ensure she can eat properly. Also keep an eye out for pet-food recalls and foods and plants that can be toxic to you dog. Keep your pets water bowl filled at all times especially during these long hot summers.

Enroll your dog in a training class

Positive training will allow you to control your companion's behavior safely and humanely, and the experience offers a terrific opportunity to enhance the bond you share with your dog.

Give your dog enough exercise to keep him physically fit (but not exhausted)

Most dog owners find that playing with their canine companion, along with walking him twice a day, provides sufficient exercise. Walking benefits people as much as it benefits dogs, and the time spent together will improve your dog’s sense of well-being.  If you have questions about the level of exercise appropriate for your dog, consult your veterinarian.

Be loyal to and patient with your faithful companion

Make sure the expectations you have of your dog are reasonable and remember that the vast majority of behavior problems can be solved. Remember, not all "behavior" problems are just that; many can be indicators of health problems. For example, a dog who is suddenly growling or snapping when you touch his ears may have an ear infection. 

How to Litter Train Your Kitten - Part 3

Keeping Your Kitten Comfortable

Clean the litter box every day
     Kittens do not like to relieve themselves in a dirty area, if you don't change the litter then the kittens will find a cleaner place, like your bed. To clean the litter box just scoop out the waste and throw it away. You can leave a small bit of feces in the litter box, changing it frequently during the first few weeks. This helps the kitten recognize what the box is for.

Clean the entire box frequently
     Once a week you will need to completely dump the contents of the litter pan and give it a thorough cleaning. Once the pan is emptied out, wash it with non-hazardous cleaning solutions, for information on this visit my favorite shopping location www.livingmygreenlife.com. Now rinse the pan, dry it and refill with clean litter. It can be tempting to leave scoopable litter for longer than one week due to the ease of removing, however even scoopable litter needs to be completely emptied and replaced frequently.

Clean accident areas thoroughly
     If your kitten or cat uses the bathroom outside of the litter box, be sure that you completely clean the area, removing traces of urine and feces. This should help reduce repeat accidents.

Consider removing large potted plants from your home
     If you find that your kitten is using the dirt in your potted plants for a toilet, you may need to remove them or cover the dirt with foil during litter training.

Feed the kitten at regular times
     This will help you predict when she will need to use the litter box. Kittens generally feel the urge to go about 20 minutes after they eat. When you think she has the urge, take her to the box and let her climb in.

How to Litter Train a Kitten - Step 2

Place the box in a peaceful location
     Don't put the litter box in a high-traffic area of your house. The ideal location is easily accessible, offers plenty of privacy, and is free of sudden noises and movements. The box should be in an area that the kitten spends a lot of time in. Do not put the litter box in the laundry room, the sudden noises of the washer and drying could cause of fear of using the litter box. If you have to move the litter box while you train the kitten you should only move it a few feet at a time. Do not move the box from room to room.

Place the kitten in the filled litter box.
     As soon as you bring the kitten home, place her in the box so she can get use to the smell and feel of the kitty litter. Let her spend a few minutes in there, even if she doesn't go to the bathroom the first time. Continue to place the kitten in the box after it eats, wakes up or any other time you think she is searching for something. If she squats anywhere other than the litter box please her in the box immediately. Some kittens will understand the purpose of the litter box instantly and require no training, others will need to be placed in box as many as 10 times. Avoid showing our kitten the digging motion that cats use to bury their waste as it may frighten them.

Use praise, not punishment
     As the kitten grows used to the litter box and starts using it as her toilet, praise her each time she goes by petting her. Do not discipline her while she is in the box, or she might start associated the box as punishment. Kittens are not like dogs, they do not respond well to having their noses rubbed in a mess. If she has an accident, let her sniff the mess, then gently lift her and put her in the box. Never spank or yell at a kitten to punish her. It will only make her afraid and cause to her to hiss and bite.

Provide enough litter box.
     If possible, you should have one litter box for each cat in your house, plus an additional litter box.

Consider a confinement period.
     When first introduce a kitten to your home, you may want to confine her to a small area for the first few weeks. This can help her acclimate slowly to her new environment and will giver her easy access to her litter box. Keep the litter box at the opposite end of where the food and bedding are.

How to Litter Train a Kitten - Step 1

Purchasing Supplies

Choose a Large Litter Box

Small litter boxes are available for tiny kittens, but kittens grow up so fast that you'll have to retrain the kitten, so it's better to start with a box you plan to use for a long time. Kittens have no trouble getting into a large litter box, as long as one side is low enough that they can step inside. If you find a great box but aren't sure whether the kitten will be able to climb inside, use a piece of plywood or another flat material with good traction to make a little ramp. Affix it to the side of the litter box using duct tape, and remove it when the kitten has grown big enough to get inside without help.


Choose an Enclosed Litter Box

Some litter boxes have an enclosure around them. The advantage of the enclosed litter box is that it can contain the litter for an enthusiastic cat that likes to kick and dig and it may cut down smells if you have the box in a small area. Some cats even feel more protected in an enclosed litter box. Be sure that the enclosed litter box is large, cats need enough room to comfortably turn around inside the box. Most cats have a behavioral need to sniff their feces and then bury them, and the box needs to allow plenty of room for that. Some cats do not like enclosed boxes when initially introduced to them. You can ease the transition by removing the swinging door until your cat becomes acclimated to the box.

Buy Kitty Litter

There are many types of litter to chose from, and any litter is fine for most juvenile or adults cats (8 months or older.) Select a litter that is as dust-free as possible, since dust can irritate cats' lungs. You might want to keep the following factors in mind as you make your choice.
     - Use unscented litter if possible. Kittens and cats may not like perfumed litter, if the scent is overpowering, they may use the bathroom somewhere else. Additionally, some scents could irritate a cat's nose and eyes or cause problems for cats who are prone to respiratory problems.
     - Consider a scoopable litter. Scoopable litter has become a popular choice, since it makes removing the kitten's waste quite easy. Be aware that there is some concern that a cat could become sick from ingesting scoopable litter, but that there is little or no evidence of this happening.
     - Select a litter that is widely available. Some cats become accustomed to a specific litter and may not recognize the tray as a toilet unless it contains their usual litter.

Purchase a Scooper and Drop Cloth

The last things you need to get ready for litter training your kitten are a scooper for removing waste from the litter box and a drop cloth to place under the box to prevent stray litter from soiling your house.

How to Stop Your Dogs Chewing Problem!

Sooner or later every pet owner  returns home to find some unexpected damage inflicted by his or her dog. Although dogs make great use of their vision and sense of smell to explore the world, one of their favorite ways to take in new information is to put their mouths to work. much like an infant.

Understanding Why Your Dog Chew!

Puppies, like infants and toddlers, explore their world by putting objects in their mouths. And, like babies, they teethe for about six months, which usually creates some discomfort. Chewing not only facilitates teething but also makes sore gums feel better. Adult dogs may engage in destructive chewing for any number of reasons. In order to deal with the behavior, you must first determine why your dog is chewing—and remember, he's not doing it to spite you. Possible reasons for destructive chewing include:

• As a puppy, he wasn't taught what to chew and what not to chew.
• He's bored.
• He suffers from separation anxiety.
• His behavior is fear-related.
• He wants attention.

Teach Your Dog What He is Allowed to Chew

If you don't want it in your dog's mouth, don't make it available. Keep clothing, shoes, books, trash, eyeglasses and remote controls out of your dog's reach. Keep him with you on his leash in the house so he can't make a mistake out of your sight. Confine him when you're unable to keep an eye on him. Choose a "safe place" that's dog-proof, and provide fresh water and "safe" toys. If your dog is crate trained, you may also place him in his crate for short periods of time.

Your dog won't know how to behave if you don't teach him alternatives to inappropriate behavior, and he can't learn these when he's in the yard by himself.

Give your dog plenty of physical and mental exercise.

Give your dog is bored, he'll find something to do to amuse himself and you probably won't like the choices he makes. On the other hand, a tired dog is a good dog, so make sure he gets lots of physical and mental activity. The amount of exercise should be based on his age, health and breed characteristics. If you catch your dog chewing on something he shouldn't, interrupt the behavior with a loud noise. Offer him an acceptable chew toy instead, and praise him lavishly when he takes the toy in his mouth.

Build a toy obsession in your dog.

Use his toys to feed him. At mealtimes, fill a Kong-type toy with his kibble.

Make items unpleasant to your dog.

Furniture and other items can be coated with a taste deterrent (such as Bitter Apple®) to make them unappealing.

Offer your dog a treat in exchange for the item in his mouth.

As your dog catches on to this idea, you can add the command "Give" as his cue to release the object in exchange for the yummy treat.

Don't chase your dog

If he grabs an object and runs. If you chase him, you are only giving your dog what he wants. Being chased by his human is fun! Instead call him to you or offer him a treat.

Your Dog & Arthritis

Some dog arthritis pain relief medication can be bought over the counter. There are several products on the market for which you do not need a medical prescription, but it is recommended to use them in low doses only. If the pain persists, you should consult your veterinarian for prescription medication. Some anti-inflammatory medication that you can buy over the counter can have serious side effects, so if you notice any changes in your dog after administering over the counter medicine, call your veterinarian. Three medicines that you can give your dog are listed below.

• Anti-inflammatory medication (Aspirin)
• Glucosamine and Chondroitin
• Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

Aspirin is the most widely used pain killer. It is often recommended in dogs with arthritis, since it reduces both the inflammation and the pain. However, you should be aware that aspirin can have serious side effects in dogs, such as stomach ulcers or liver toxicity.

It is recommended to administer aspirin with food.

Glucosamine and chondroitin are actually substances to be found in the cartilage of every animal, so administering these drugs works like giving a supplement to your dog. Glucosamine and chondroitin help in dogs with arthritis and can be used as long term treatment since they do not have any serious side effects.

In very rare cases they can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, but these symptoms disappear if the dosage is decreased or if medication is administered with food.

Acetaminophen can also be used, but only in very small doses, or otherwise it can be lethal. Acetaminophen only stops pain and it does not have any anti-inflammatory properties. In order to avoid mistakes in choosing the right pain killer or administer the drugs in incorrect  dosage, it is best to consult your veterinarian and get a prescription.

Besides medication, there are other measures you can take to provide your dog with the comfort he needs such as:

• Changing the diet
• Losing weight
• Warm environment
• Massaging joints and muscles
• Antioxidants and vitamins
• Accupuncture
• Exercise

Feeding high quality food, low in additives, improves your dog’s state of health. Giving up additives, soy, wheat, helps reduce the swelling of the joints.

If your dog is suffering from arthritis pain, you should make some changes in his living space. Make his food and water more accessible to him; put some access ramps so that he doesn’t have to climb the stairs, cover slippery surfaces with carpets.

Warmth works wonders for arthritis pain, so try to keep his bed warm; if need be put a bottle with warm water in the bed.

If your dog is used to staying outside, provide a warm shelter when the weather is wet and cold.

 

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Do You Have a First Aid Kit for Your Pet? Now You Can!

Learn what supplies you'll need to keep your cat, dog, or other pet safe and healthy.

Everyone who shares a home with a pet should have a basic pet first-aid kit on hand. Keep your pet's first-aid kit in your home and take it with you if you are traveling with your pet. One way to start your kit is to buy a first-aid kit designed for people and add pet-specific items to it. You can also purchase a pet first-aid kit from a pet-supply store.

But, like me you can easily assembly your own kit by gathering the items on the list below.

• Pet first-aid book
• Phone Numbers - their veterinarian, nearest emergency vet clinic, poison control hotline
• Paperwork - In waterproof container have their rabies vaccination status, important medical records and a current photo of your pet
• Nylon Leash
• Self-cling bandage
• Muzzle or Strips of Cloth to prevent biting, do not use if your pet is vomiting
• Absorbent gauze pads
• Adhesive tape
• Antiseptic wipes, lotion, powder or spray
• Cotton balls or swabs
• Gauze rolls
• Hydrogen peroxide (to induce vomiting)
• Ice pack
• Non-latex disposable gloves
• Petroleum jelly (to lubricate thermometer)
• Rectal thermometer (your pet's temperature should not rise about 103 or fall below 100)
• Scissors (blunt end)
• Sterile non-stick gauze pads
• Sterile saline solution
• Tweezers
• A pillowcase to confine your cat for treatment
• A pet carrier
• Benadryl
• Ear-Cleaning solution
• Expired credit card or sample credit card to scrape away insect stingers
• Glucose paste or corn syrup for diabetic dogs or those with low blood sugar
• Nail clippers
• Non-prescription antibiotic ointment
• Penlight or flashlight
• Rubbing alcohol
• Splints and tongue depressors
• Styptic powder or pencil
• Temporary ID tag
• Towels
• Needle-nosed pliers
• 
  

How to Care for Your Pet Bird

Get to know your bird - Birds are highly intelligent, social, demanding, so expect to have a close relationship with your bird. This relationship is important, it allows you to be able to assess her likes and dislikes, fears and safety zones. Also, it helps you detect if she/he is not feeling well.

Provide as much out-of-cage time as possible - Birds like humans don't like to be caged all the time. If you have the space, consider dedicating a room in your house as your bird's room so he/she has to spend as little time in their cage as possible. If a room isn't available, commit to having the bird out of the cage, in a safe, always supervised space, whenever possible when you're home.

Let your bird fly - Everything about a bird's physiology is designed for flight. They have wings, hollow bones, and specialized respiratory systems that allows them to use air differently than we do. Because they're prey species, they need flight as a means to feel safe and normal, so don't clip their wings.

Consider adopting more than one bird - Parrots and other birds kept as pets are flock animals. At a minimum they need a close relationship with you, but they'll thrive if they have a good relationship with another bird with whom they live.

Feed your birds well - Your bird should be eating very little see, it is fattening and not health-supporting in high quantities. Most birds should be on a diet of a high-quality, organic pellet and a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, and grains.

4 Tips to Keep Your Rabbit Happy & Healthy

Preparing the Space

• You should have a cage/hutch that is at least 4 feet long, 2 feet wide and 2 feet deep so your rabbit has plenty of room to move around. If you get a pair of rabbits, you'll need more room. 
• If the cage is made of wire, make sure there are plenty of areas where your pet can rest it's feet.
• If the rabbit will be outside, you may have to make weather provisions depending on your climate, or have a place you can bring the rabbit inside when the conditions are not favorable.

Rabbit Diets

• Make sure your rabbit has food and water. The diet should consist of timothy hay, your rabbit will consume a lot of hay daily.
• Dark, leafy green vegetables, including collards, dandelion greens and some lettuce are best. Steer clear of iceberg lettuce and make diet changes gradually. Don't feed those young bunnies their vegetables until they are more than 3 months old and start with small doses.
• Rabbits also enjoy apples, berries, and melons as occasional treats. 
• If you feed pellets, they should be made primarily from timothy hay, other types of pellets contain to many calories.
• Pellets should never be given in place of hay or vegetables.

Rabbit Proof Your Home

• Rabbits like many other animals love to chew, you need to make sure that any areas of access are free from electrical cords, cleaning products and any other chemicals that your bunny could have access to by chewing through the container.
• Put chewable items in the cage and other areas accessed so that the rabbit can chew. 
• Chewing is essential for reducing the length of your rabbit's teeth.

Play and Exercise

• I know when you think about a bunny you think, it will sit in it's cage and look pretty. Not the case at all, rabbits are quite social, and it will be up to you to provide play and entertainment.
• Letting your bunny out of the cage to roam around and interact with you is important, you will find your bunny has favorite spots to be scratched or petted. 
• Petting your rabbit also helps to remove loose hair that can form hairballs when your rabbit is self-grooming.

8 Dog Facts You Didn't Know

The "smell" center of a dog's brain is 40 times larger than humans

• Dogs can smell thousands of times better than we can. Their noses have millions more scent receptors. A human's nose has on average 5 million scent receptors while a German Shepard has about 225 million. Those 225 million receptors makes them useful in sniffing out drugs, dead bodies, bed bugs, explosives, and more.

No two dog noses are the same

• A dog's nose is the equivalent of a human fingerprint, with each having a unique patter of ridges and creases.

Dogs dream like people

• If you've ever noticed your pooch twitching in her sleep, this probably means she's dreaming. Research has found that dogs have similar sleep patterns and brain activity as humans, and that the small breeds tend to dream more than the large ones. 

Dogs are as smart as a two-year-old baby

• A dog can county, understand over 150 words, and even trick people or other dogs to get treats. Intelligence varies based on the breed with Border Collies being at the top of the list.

Dogs only mate twice a year

• Unspayed females only go into heat twice a year, so dog breeders need to plan carefully. If you are not a licensed and responsible breeder, please have your dogs spayed or neutered. 

Tail wagging has it's own language

• Dogs wag their tails to the right when they are happy and to the left when they are frightened. Wagging low means they are insecure; and rapid tail wagging accompanied by tense muscles or dilated pupils can signal aggression.

Puppies are born blind and deaf

• Newborn puppies are still developing, so their ear canals and eyes are still closed. They develop sight and hearing around two-three weeks.

Dogs only have sweat glands in their paws

• Dogs only sweat through the pads of their paws and their main form of cooling down is panting. 

Grooming Your Pet

Grooming is so important and a big part of caring for you pet and keeping him/her healthy. Most animals need some type of grooming, cats and dogs need to be brushed regularly. Animals with long hair should be trimmed and maintained regularly because fur can become matted and cause serious health issues for your pet. Dirt and oil can also accumulate under mats and cause painful skin infections, and the mats themselves can be painful as they pull and stretch the skin underneath.

Animals also require regular bathing, especially dogs, to keep their skin and hair coat clean and healthy. How much you bath them depends on their lifestyle, breed and coat type. Also, always use a shampoo specifically formulated for your animal. Many human shampoos can be too harsh for their skin. If your pet has itchy, red, dry, flaky or oily skin, you should consult your veterinarian.

Pets also require regular nail trims. Long nails can become painful and interfere with your pet's ability to walk. Keeping nails short also helps you protect your floors and furniture from beaching scratched and your clothes from being snagged.

• Dogs
• Before You Clip
• Get your dog use to having his paws handled, my suggesting is to start when they are a puppy.
• Begin speaking softly as you massage each paw, gently separating the toes.
• Your pet may pull away. If this happens, repeat whatever it was your dog didn't like, but do it slowly and gently until he/she begins to accept it.
• When you think your pet is ready, only start with one or two nails.
• Have a treat ready for positive reinforcement.
• For dogs that are nervous or resistant to handling, try having someone assist you with holding your dog still, pet gently and reassure him/her.
• Dogs that are unruly or try to bite should be taken to a groomer or veterinarian for a nail trimming in order to prevent injury to both you and your dog.
• Cats
• Before You Clip
• Most cats hate being restrained so it's best to accustom them to being handled while they are kittens.
• Try the "less is best" approach first when it comes to restrain. Try clipping your cat's nails while he/she is napping or snuggling on your lap.
• Give treats for positive reinforcement.
• Have a friend or family member hold and pet your cat while you are trimming nails.
• If necessary you can wrap your kitty in a towel to prevent him/her from scratching you during nail trimming.
• Cats that are unruly or try to bite should be taken to a groomer or veterinarian for a nail trimming in order to prevent injury to both you and your dog.

• How to Clip Nails
• Use appropriate pet nail trimmer, these are available at any pet supply store.
• Hold the paw in your hand and locate the pinkish part of the nail. This is a blood vessel, often called the "quick", and should be avoided. The nail should be clipped slightly above this area.
• If you cannot see the pinkish part, just clip the very tip of the nail.
• Always have a clotting agent on hand in case you accidently cut below the quick and cause bleeding. This is usually in the form of a powder and is available in any pet store.
• Most pets should have their nails trimmed every 2 to 3 weeks. Some dogs that are frequently walked on paved areas will continuously wear down their nails and may need less frequent trimming.
• If you are unsure or scared of the above process, consult your veterinarian or groomer.

Don't Ignore Your Pets Excessive Panting This Summer

Heat: Panting is the main way a dog cools down when he gets hot. The rapid breathing helps him release excess body heat.

Recent Physical Activity: A dog pants to catch his breath and normalize breathing after a strenuous physical activity like running.

Nervousness or excitement: A dog may also pant in response to anxiety or excitement.

Respiratory Problems: A dog suffering from a respiratory disorder may pant excessively or for no apparent reason. Panting is usually accompanied with other symptoms like cough, noisy breathing, labored breathing, wheezing and discoloration of the tongue and gums.

Cardiovascular Disorders: Excessive panting can also be a symptom of a cardiovascular disorder such as, heartworm (cough,lethargy, anemia, jaundice or swollen abdomen), congested heart failure (chronic dry cough when exercising, loss of appetite) and dilated cardiomyopathy (tire easily, chronic cough, lethargic and refusal to eat).

Cushing's Disease: A dog with Cushing's disease has adrenal glands that are releasing to much cortisol, the symptoms include increased thirst and urination, weight gain (often in spite of a reduction in calories), thinning skin, and a change in skin color from pint to grey or even black, bruising, hair loss, urination accidents, and irritability and restlessness.

5 Fantastic Ways to Spend More Time with Your Pet This Summer!

1. Hikes, Bikes, and Beaches

2. Pet Events

3. Shopping

4. Coffee and Treats

5. Lazy Days in the Sun

Top 10 Pet Care Tips

1. Regular Exams are Vital - Just like you, your pet can get heart problems, develop arthritis, or have a toothache. The best way to prevent such problems or catch them early is to see your vet every year.

2. Spay and Neuter Your Pets - Eight million to 10 million pets end up in U.S. shelters every year. Some are lost, some have been abandoned, and some are homeless.

3. Prevent Parasites - Fleas are the most common external parasite that can plaque pets, and they can lead to irritated skin, hair loss, hot spots, and infection.

4. Maintain a Healthy Weight - Many dogs and cats in the U.S. are overweight or obese. And just like people, obesity in pets comes with health risks that include diabetes, arthritis, and cancer.

5. Get Regular Vaccinations - For optimal health, pets need regular vaccinations against common ills, such as rabies, distemper, feline leukemia and canine hepatitis.

6. Provide an Enriched Environment - An enriched environment is another key to the long-term health and welfare of your canine and feline friends.

7. ID Microchip Your Pet - Lack of identification means as few as 14% of pets ever find their way home after getting lost.

8. Pets Need Dental Care, Too - Just like you, your pet can suffer from gum disease, tooth loss, and tooth pain.

9. Never Give your Pets People Medication - Medicines made for humans can kill your pet, consult a vet if you have questions or concerns.

10. Proper Restraint in a Vehicle - You buckle up for safety when you're in the car, shouldn't your pet? Unrestrained pets in a car are a distraction to the driver, and can put driver and pet at risk of serious injury.