Chicken Soup for the Pet Lovers Soul™

2008-10-13T05:28:00.001-07:00

Protect your Pet from Pet Nappers

In recent months the American Kennel Club has reported that pet napping numbers are up. They believe that because of the struggling economy, desperate criminals are looking for other ways to make money fast. These petty criminals are targeting expensive looking breeds, purebreds and puppies. Pet thieves are using many different techniques to get their hands on expensive breeds. Many will snatch dogs tied up outside of a local business while the owner is inside running errands. Other thieves will pose as potential buyers of puppies so they can get a layout of the home, only to break in later. Some will even steal pets out of people’s yards

Puppies can fetch a good price on the “black market”. People will steal pets and sell them at flea markets, out of cars or even through online classified ads. Many people don’t know that these pets are stolen or simply ignore the fact because the pet will be a gift and the price is right.

Authorities say that the main reason pets are targeted is that it is a crime of opportunity. Most thieves don’t wake up in the morning expecting to steal a pet. In most cases the thief will see a pet left alone with no one watching, so they steal it.

Things you can do to prevent pet theft include the following:
• ID your pet with a microchip or a tattoo
• Beware of suspicious persons loitering around your home or neighborhood
• Never leave your pet unattended in your car or tied up in front of a store while conducting business inside
• Be suspicious of people coming into your home to buy puppies

2008-09-26T05:23:00.000-07:00

Getting ready for Winter

Before we know it, winter will be here. In most states the temperatures are dropping and the leaves on the trees are even starting to change color. This means it is time to prepare our pets for some of the dangers that these colder months pose. With a little extra caution and these words of wisdom, you can be sure you and your pets stay safe and warm this winter season.

Be more cognizant of leaving your pets outdoors when the temperature drops. These drops in temperature can have a drastic effect on your pet. Pay particular attention to young, old and shorthaired animals. If they must be outside for an extended period of time such as for exercise or a walk, you can use a doggie sweater or coat to help aid them in keeping warm.

If you have a working dog, or one that primarily lives outdoors, there are certain things you should do to help him stay warm. Provide a shelter with extra blankets that they can retreat too. It is also important to give them extra food. Keeping warm in the winter takes extra energy and more food will give them the energy they need to stay warm. Don’t use metal food or water dishes. The metal could freeze and then stick to your dogs tongue. Also make sure that the water has not frozen. Check it often and if the water is constantly freezing, this is a good sign that it is even too cold for your dog to be out there.

Be aware of the chemicals you use to melt ice and to keep your car working. Salt and deicer can irritate your animal’s paws and they may lick to clean them. When they lick, they can transfer the chemicals to the mouth causing more problems. To prevent this, wipe your animals paws with a damp cloth when they come in from outside. Another potentially deadly chemical is antifreeze. This chemical has a sweet taste that can attract animals and even children. Clean up spills quickly and keep bottles out of reach or out of areas where your pets and children can get to them.

Warm engines in parked cars can attract small animals including cats. To avoid problems, bang on the hood of your car before starting it the next time you go out. This should scare any beings taking a nap in the engine compartment.

2008-09-19T07:36:00.001-07:00

Rabies Prevention

While rabies in domestic animals in North America is mostly extinct, it is still rampant in other parts of the world. 55,000 deaths are related to rabies each year worldwide. A majority of these cases come from Asia and Africa. North America reports the least amount of cases with about 10 each year. Children are the most common victims. World Rabies Day is put on each year to remind us of the dangers of rabies

World Rabies Day happens in September of each year and is meant to raise awareness of this preventable disease. Information is disseminated and ideas are traded to make people more aware. This is a world wide organization so you can look for local events to help you become more informed. For more information please visit www.worldrabiesday.org.

Rabies is still a concern in North America because of the interaction between domesticated pets and wildlife. Rabies is most common in raccoons, foxes, skunks and bats. An unvaccinated dog can still contract this disease and infect humans. Because of this, many areas make it the law to have your pets vaccinated each year. If you suspect that a rabid animal has taken residence near your property, contact authorities immediately. Never attempt to handle a rabid animal on your own. Be sure to have your pet checked each year and make sure their vaccinations are up to date. For more information contact your local veterinarian.

2008-08-29T07:17:00.001-07:00

Purebred Rescue Clubs

For those looking for a more specific breed when it comes to adopting a pet, a purebred rescue club might be the perfect alternative to a breeder or a local shelter. These rescue clubs work hard to find purebred animals in shelters and adopt them out to the best possible owners. In many cases, the clubs will send volunteers to shelters to remove specific breeds. These purebred rescue clubs then put prospective owners through a long and detailed interview process. During this process, members will often do a home visit to make sure that the would-be adopter has the right setting for the breed.

Because of this detailed process, rescue clubs often have a higher adoption success rate than traditional rescue shelters. These clubs are devoted to finding the right owner for the right breed. They hope and strive to make the adoptions final.

These specialized rescue clubs are for more than just dogs. There are clubs for horses, birds, cats and other exotic pets. For more information on adopting purebred animals from these clubs, you can contact your local vet or turn to the internet. To search on the internet, use Google and type in your breed preference + your local area + “rescue” and you should see a list of area clubs.

2008-08-15T05:11:00.000-07:00

Natural Disaster Preparation for Pet Owners

Each year many pets are lost due to natural disasters and not returned because they are not properly identified. Many pets can also be injured or become sick during natural disasters. Knowing this information, it is important to put an emergency plan into action so you can protect your pet and make it easier for them to be returned to you if they become lost

Here are some other tips that can help in preparation for a natural disaster

Do not leave your pet if you have to evacuate. If you must evacuate, leave enough food and water for 48 hours, and post a note for rescue workers
Have a leash and pet carrier available
Keep the names and numbers of emergency vet care handy
Keep the names and numbers of local shelters. Call these first if your pet does get lost
Have your pet micro chipped and well identified
Pack a pet first aid kit. Include the following items in this kit

Vaccine records
Pet food and water
Any prescriptions your pet is taking
Adhesive tape, bandages, cloth and gauze
Muzzle for dogs

These tips should cover most natural disasters but it is a good idea to get more information about the natural disaster that is most prevalent in your area. For more information contact your local vet or Humane Society. You can also visit www.avma.org, the site of the American Veterinary Medical Association, for more tips on pet safety.

2008-08-08T06:55:00.000-07:00

Swimming Basics for Dogs

With the summer heat in full swing, many owners and their dogs are taking to the water for some cool relaxation. Whether you will be hitting the beach or the pool in your backyard, you need to make sure your dog can swim. Not all breeds are meant to be swimmers, but with a little encouragement and practice, you can teach your dog to keep up with the best of them. Below are some tips for training your dog to swim.

- To help keep your dog calm, start in a quiet place with little distraction. Some dogs will be nervous around the water and few distractions will help keep them calm and their attention on you and swimming.

- Use a happy, upbeat voice to keep encouragement positive. Use a favorite toy or treats to aid in the encouragement process.

Photo Credit: http://www.ewashtenaw.org/news/2007/assets/doggie_swim2_in.jpg

- Don’t throw your dog in the water. This can traumatize him and make him more reluctant to learn. Gradually expose your dog to the water. If they don’t want to go in at that time, don’t force him. Positive reinforcement will help your dog learn the basics. Use treats and toys when necessary

- Safety is key – Purchase a dog life vest to help with the learning process. This vest should also be worn by the dog while on boats, docks and other places the dog may go near the water. For teaching purposes, the life vest can be used for support and to get the dog out of the water easily.

- Once your dog becomes proficient, it is still important to watch your dog while he is in the water. Try to be in the water with him so you can help if he gets into trouble.

With a little practice and positive encouragement you and your dog will be enjoying many summer swimming outings for years to come.

2008-08-01T05:51:00.001-07:00

Teen Detects need for Pet Car Alarm

A 13 year old Canadian boy is working with local businesses and technology agencies to develop a pet car alarm. The alarm will alert pet owners to dangerous heat and humidity levels for cars. Brian Larson is trying to reduce the number of pets that suffer from heat stroke and die in cars that become too hot. Larson first had the idea two years ago when his aunt and uncle lost two Chihuahuas to heat stroke. He said the windows and vents were open, but the heat was too much.

Larson will be conducting research all summer to determine what temperature and humidity levels can reach in the interiors of cars. He will use this information to produce the prototype pet car alarm. The alarm will have two separate parts. The first part will be an electronic temperature gauge installed in the car. The second part will be a device carried on the key ring that receives signals from the electronic temperature gauge. When temperatures reach dangerous levels, the gauge will send a signal to the owner alerting them that the heat levels are increasing and may not be safe for pets. Once the research is complete, they anticipate that the prototype should take two months to build.

Hot cars and pets don’t mix, so until this product is available to the general public, here are a few things you can practice to ensure your pet’s safety this summer.

· Have extra water available

· Never leave a pet in a car unattended, even with the windows down

· If your pet is acting unusual because of the heat, get them to a vet immediately as it might be the first signs of heat stroke

· If your pet becomes overheated, get them to a cool area and wet them down with water or a cool sheet or towel

2008-08-01T05:50:00.001-07:00

Microchipping your Pet

Recently, the Today Show featured a story about a Beagle named Rocco who had been returned to his family after being lost. The reason this story is so incredible is because Rocco was found 850 miles away from where he was lost, 5 years later. In 2003, Rocco slipped under a fence in New York City. The Villacis family placed posters and signs around their neighborhood and surrounding area in hopes that someone would return Rocco. Some time passed and Rocco wasn’t returned. While they feared Rocco was lost forever, now 11 year old Natalie never gave up hope that Rocco would come home.

On July 5^th, 2008, the Villacis family received a call from Liberty County, Ga., Animal Control. The family was surprised to learn that the shelter said they had their dog. The Villacis family didn’t believe it at first, but when the shelter revealed the name of the dog, two members of the family hopped a plane to go retrieve him. Rocco is reunited with his family. Because he was microchipped, the shelter was able to access his data from a database and contact the family.

This goes to show you how important it can be to microchip your pet. The process is virtually painless and for a small subscription fee, you can have the peace of mind that your pet can be returned if lost. A unique ID number is assigned to each chip which is readable by scanners provided to shelters and vet offices.

For more information about microchipping your pet, contact your local shelter or veterinary office.

2008-07-18T06:48:00.001-07:00

With economic hardship affecting most of the United States, pet owners are making some really tough choices. With a little thought and more effort, pet owners can save some green so it will be easier to afford having a pet. Below are some topics discussed in the past, but are now more relevant than ever.

Food – It is important to feed your pet the right kind of food. Don’t skimp on this. Buy the largest bag that the food comes in and put half in the freezer if you have a small dog or a cat. With so much hardship, many shelters and pet food banks are giving food away for free. Contact your local vet or shelter for more information.

Toys – Pets really don’t care what kind of toy they play with. Get your dog a shiny new tennis ball and a cheaper toy from the store. Rotate between the two to increase longevity and keep your dog interested in both. It has been my experience that cats like rubber bands and feathers more than anything purchased from a pet store. You can find cheap feathers at craft stores and rubber bands in the junk drawer. Just make sure not to leave the rubber bands around for your cat to chew on and swallow, as this can lead to an expensive trip to the veterinarian.

Pet Care – Vet visits are important to make sure your pet is healthy. Keeping your pet healthy with regular visits to your veterinarian will help avoid an expensive visit because of a preventable illness. Another way to save some money is to eliminate grooming visits, or learn how to do it yourself. Groomers can charge $40 or more per visit, and many times it is not necessary for the health of the pet.

Getting a new pet – If you are in the position to get a new pet, but want to save some money, consider adopting a pet from a shelter instead of purchasing a purebred. Most shelters will include spaying/neutering in the adoption fee and will provide you with some food and discount coupons for pet products. If you must have a purebred, research many different breeds to determine possible health costs in the future. Purchasing pet health insurance may help alleviate some of these costs as well.

While these tips are only a few ways to save, there are many others that can help save money. With a little creative thinking and some research, you can save lots of money on pet ownership.

2008-07-07T05:14:00.000-07:00

Preparing Your Pets for Hurricane Season

With Hurricane season in full swing, you are probably prepared to take care of your family in the event you have to evacuate. Have you taken your pets into consideration? For those who have pets, there are a few more steps that must be taken when preparing for hurricane season. Hurricane season officially begins June 1^st, and Ends on October 31^st. During this time, families should be prepared to evacuate with just a few days notice. Below are some tips families with pets can use to help prepare for hurricane season.

Have a pet disaster kit ready – This kit should include enough food and water to last two weeks as well as medical information and any medication that your pet receives. It should also contain extra bowls, leashes, collars, toys and a picture of your pet. Keep this kit handy during the season so you can grab it on your way out.

Have a crate or pet carrier – Shelters will be more accepting of your pets if you can contain them. Be aware that some shelters will not accept pets even if you have a crate or not. Most notably, Red Cross shelters will not accept pets.

Make prior arrangements – Make arrangements with friends or family to take your pet if you cannot take him/her to a shelter with you. You may also be able to make a reservation at a kennel in advance. Some hotels and motels will accept pets, so it is good to check around before you have to evacuate. Check with many different accommodations and get information regarding how many pets are allowed, as well as fees.

Miscellaneous tips – Make sure your pets have secure collars with updated information. If they should get lost, it will help people to locate you so they can return your pet. Also consider having your pet microchipped by your veterinarian in the event that your pet does get separated from you. Shelters and veterinary hospitals have readers for microchips and will be able to reunite you. If a storm is approaching, bring your pet inside well before it hits. This will ensure that you don’t have to search for them if you need to leave quickly. The last thing you want to remember is to be calm. If you can remain relaxed, it will help your pet relax as well.

2008-06-23T05:08:00.000-07:00

Pets Help us Live Longer, Healthier Lives

Pets can have an incredible affect on their owners, no matter what type they are. Be it a fish, bird, cat or dog, they can help people to live longer and healthier lives. For anyone who has owned a pet, you understand the benefits to having a pet in your life.

Shelters are bringing animals into nursing homes and hospitals because of the incredible healing power of the animals. Doctors are amazed at the impact animals have on patients. Some unresponsive patients have become responsive just because an animal is in the room. Researchers say this is because of less complex communication between animals and humans, as well as the unconditional love that animals give. This relationship can also help to reduce stress and lower the heart rate and blood pressure in patients.

Having a pet as a companion can also help elderly people live longer. In cases where a person has out-lived a spouse, a pet can help ease the loneliness, giving that person a reason to live longer. The pet gives them someone to care for and interact with, thus giving more meaning to life.

If you are interested in adopting a pet, contact your local Humane Society or animal shelter. There are many animals in these places that need your unconditional love and would like to be a part of your family.

2008-06-17T05:15:00.000-07:00

Help Pets Cope with Fireworks

Your pets can have a hard time during Fourth of July celebrations with loud fireworks and other commotion. These loud fireworks can have lasting effects on your pets if you don’t handle the situations and their reactions correctly. Below are a few tips to help you and your pets make it through another loud Independence celebration.

Exercise your pet during they day when it is less likely that there will be fireworks going off. Take your dog for a walk in the morning or have some vigorous play time with your cat.

Never walk or let your pets out while fireworks are being set off. The loud noises could startle them, making them very nervous and hard to control. If your dog gets off the leash while walking, they may start running for cover which could put them into more danger. If you have an outdoor cat, keep it inside, as it too could run off.

While your pets are inside, keep your windows and curtains closed to block out the view of the fireworks. This will help to not alarm them when the fireworks light up the sky. It is also good to keep your TV on, or have music playing to drown out the loud noise of the fireworks.

Don’t get angry if your pet wants to hide in a corner or under furniture. This is natural protective behavior that should not be broken. Never try to coax your pet out of their hiding spot, as they may become defensive.

If your pet is having a very difficult time coping with the added excitement, you can contact your vet. There are many options when it comes to helping your pet relax, but you don’t want to give them over the counter pet medication unless you have talked to a professional.

2008-06-09T06:32:00.000-07:00

Pet Safety and Household items

Keeping your pet safe is the most important aspect of pet ownership. Our pets depend on us to keep things that can be harmful to them away from their curious paws. Each year the animal poison control center reports on the most common calls they receive due to pet poisoning. Below are several reasons that the animal poison control center receives phone calls.

Human Medications – These items can be extremely dangerous for your pets. Human medications are formulated for the size and ailment of the person taking it. Since animals are much smaller, even tiny amounts of human medications can have toxic effects. Although veterinarians prescribe some human medications for pets, certain medications like Tylenol are very toxic, especially for cats. Keep these medications out of reach or in a safe place. This is the most common reason the animal poison control center is called.

Insecticides – Chemicals that are used to get rid of bugs are very harmful to pets. Keep flea, tick and ant killers on high shelves in the garage to be sure that your pet cannot get into them.

Veterinary Medicines – While these are specially made for your pets needs, an overdose can be harmful. Be sure you are giving your pet only the amount that the vet prescribes, and keep the medicine out of reach when not in use. This is critically important for flavored medications that may be appealing to your pet as a treat, causing them to ingest a very large quantity.

Household Plants – Pets eating common household plants leads to frequent calls to the poison control center. Plants such as Mistletoe, Aloe Vera, Hydrangea and others can be very harmful. For localized poisonous plant information, contact your vet.

Cleaners, Chemicals and household products – Items such as kitchen cleaners, paint, glues and other common products can be very harmful to pets. Keep these items high in a cupboard or in a garage so your pet doesn’t have easy access to them.

Antifreeze – Most people are aware of the dangers of antifreeze but many do not realize that it requires only a very small amount to be ingested before toxic effects occur. Clean up any spills immediately and keep bottles of antifreeze out of the access area of your pets.

If your pet should get into any of the items above, seek medical attention immediately. Call the poison control center and get to your emergency vet as soon as you can. For more information on the Animal Poison Control Center please visit www.apcc.aspca.org/ or call (888) 426-4435

2008-06-05T12:59:00.000-07:00

Human treats are not the best form of reward.

We all like to treat our pets. Sometimes we even give them a little taste of what we humans are eating. Be careful, even natural fruits and vegetables contain toxins that pets can not tolerate. Grapes, raisins and onions contain toxins that will build up in a pet’s system over time and have very harmful effects. Eating grapes and raisins can lead to kidney failure and onions can destroy the red blood cells leading to anemia, weakness and breathing difficulties. These effects can be seen shortly after consumption of grapes or raisins in some cases so be careful not to share this fruit with your pet.

Chocolate and candy can be especially dangerous for pets. Theobromine in chocolate can elevate the heart to beat very rapidly which could cause death if your pet is exercising or overly active. Many varieties of gum contain a chemical called Xylitol, which is a common sweetener. This additive can cause a sudden drop in the animal’s blood sugar which can lead to seizures and loss of coordination. If left untreated, the pet could die. It can also cause liver failure. Many people carry these types of gum in their purse, which is often left accessible to dogs. Safeguard your pet’s health by keeping this out of reach.

Not all human foods are bad for pets. There are some foods that make very good treats for your pets. Below is a common list of human foods that are ok for your pet. As always, it is still a good idea to get your vet’s approval before feeding human food to your pet.

Vegetables
• Carrot sticks
• Green Beans
• Cucumber slices

Fruit
• Apple slices
• Bananas
• Watermelon with no seeds

Grains
• Plain cooked bread with no nuts or raisins
• Plain cooked pasta
• White rice

**White rice and boiled lean chicken is often recommended when your pet has temporary gastrointestinal problems

2008-05-27T05:45:00.000-07:00

Cool Summer Pet Products

Summer is here and with that brings more time outside and much hotter days. While you still want to play with your dog outside, it is also important to keep your dog cool. Below are a few favorite pet products that will keep your dog entertained and cool at the same time.

A favorite summer toy is your standard throwing dummy. These have been in use by dog trainers for years. You simply give it a toss into a body of water and your dog takes over. The dummies float and are highly visible. They are a great way to give your dog exercise and training, and this activity keeps them very cool. These durable dummies can take the abuse for many years. Dummies can be purchased at most pet stores or from training professionals

The next product has more than one purpose. The Chilly Bone is a canvas, water absorbent chew toy that can be frozen time after time. Simply soak it in water, place it in the included re-sealable bag and freeze for one hour. After an hour, it is ready to be enjoyed by your pup. Not only will it keep your dog cool, but it stimulates the gums and helps keep the teeth clean. The Chilly Bone can be found online and in most pet retailers.

The last product on the list is a bit pricey, but there is no better way to keep your dog cool on the hottest of summer days. The Cooling Dog Pool from Orvis is the ultimate backyard pool for your dog. Simply hook up your hose and let the cooling fun begin. Anytime your pooch gets hot, he can cool off by lounging in the pool. For more information check out Orvis.

2008-05-23T05:09:00.000-07:00

Pet Laparoscopy Patients feel less Pain

Technology that has been used in human surgeries is now being used for more routine pet surgery procedures. This minimally invasive procedure uses a combination of smaller incisions, cameras and fiber optics to perform surgeries that once caused more pain and longer recovery times in pets. The use of smaller incisions and cameras has helped surgeons to better visualize the internal organs which can prevent mistakes during procedures.

The routine surgeries that Laparoscopy is used for include Spaying, biopsies and to help alleviate “bloat” in large breeds of dogs. Surgeons that perform the Spay procedure report that recovery times are decreased and pets need less pain medication after they leave the hospital. In the past, certain biopsies needed the pet patient to be under full anesthesia. When Laparoscopy is used, there is only a need for a local anesthetic because the incisions are smaller and less invasive, making them quicker and more accurate. Bloat is a common stomach problem in large breeds of dogs, which can cause serious discomfort and in worst case scenarios, death. Laparoscopy is being used to attach the stomach wall to the abdomen wall which stops the twisting of the stomach and reduces the possibility of bloat.

It is important to speak with your vet before deciding to have Laparoscopy performed for your pet’s next surgery. It is more expensive than standard methods and still has limited availability is some areas, but is an excellent alternative to consider.

2008-05-15T07:09:00.001-07:00

Celebrating National Pet Week

National Pet Week takes place in May every year. It was created in 1981 by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the Auxiliary to the AVMA and is meant to promote responsible pet ownership, the human-animal bond and to promote awareness of veterinary medicine. During this week pet owners are encouraged to take their pets to the vet for check-ups. To encourage owners to bring pets in, many vets and animal hospitals are discounting their rates. At this time the vet can make suggestions about diet, exercise and other health related issues.

National Pet Week is also a time to bring awareness to animal shelters. Each day, many stray pets are brought to shelters across the country. National Pet Week encourages people to visit shelters to adopt pets and help in any way they can. Many shelters and adoption organizations reduce adoption fees during the week to make it easier for people to adopt. If you can’t adopt, you can still help by volunteering at your local shelter.

The main goal of National Pet Week is to encourage responsible pet ownership by educating kids and adults. Because pets bring so much pleasure to peoples lives, it is important that we recognize them and share the experience of pet ownership with others.

2008-05-09T06:38:00.001-07:00

Eco-Friendly Pet Ownership

Green living is a very popular subject these days. People are looking for ways to make their lifestyle more eco-friendly and reduce their footprint on the Earth. One industry that is doing their part is the pet products industry. Now more than ever you can find “green” pet products everywhere you turn.

Companies are making pet toys from recycled materials and more organic products are popping up all over the place. One example is cat litter. This cat litter is made from combinations of whole kernel corn, green tea and sawdust. It is estimated that nearly 2 million tons of cat litter are put into trash dumps each year. This new green cat litter can help take some of that tonnage out of landfills.

Other companies are using recycled plastic bottles to make beds, toys and other pet products. It is estimated that companies using the recycled bottles save 30 million plastic bottles from going into the landfills each year.

Even city government and local organizations are helping pet owners to go green. In some cities, local governments are providing biodegradable pet bags so owners can clean up and dispose of waste properly. San Francisco and other cites in the Bay Area are on the forefront of this initiative by recycling pet waste into bio fuel and striving to help eliminate the impact of pet waste on landfills by 2010. Cities like these this are setting a great example by providing the necessary tools pet owners need and want to live a greener lifestyle, especially with their pets.

For more information about pet green living, check with your local city organizations, your vet, the web and other pet owners. There are many ideas that can help you and your pet live a green lifestyle.

2008-04-30T05:09:00.000-07:00

Tips to help your pet live a longer and healthier life

Healthy pets are happy pets, and happy pets live longer. Keeping your pet healthy is the key ingredient to having your pet live a long life. There are many aspects to keeping your pet healthy and if you don’t start off in the right way, it can be a lot of work getting back on track. Below are some suggestions you can practice with your pet. By starting at a young age to insure that your pet will live a long and happy life.

Proper diet – Giving your pet the proper nutrients and amount of food it needs is an integral part of healthy living. Conduct research on the breed and size of your pet to make sure that you are giving it the right food it needs. You can speak with your vet, read books on the breed, or even source the internet for information on your pet.

Exercise – This can come in a variety of forms, and is different for the type of pet you have. For dogs it can be daily walks, playing ball, or letting them run at the park. Cats can be exercised by playing with them with their favorite cat toys. Getting them to jump and run will help keep them fit. If you have other more exotic types of pets, consult your vet or other owners for exercise routines.

Training – Taking a trainable animal to obedience school can help keep your pet healthy by keeping them safe. You will be able to teach them the proper behavior to be around other people and pets and to listen to you when needed. In addition, you will be educated on how to handle your pet. A well trained pet is less likely to run off or do something unexpected and if they do, you will know how to react.

Vet Visits – Annual check ups for your pets will ensure that they are getting the proper attention they need. These annual visits will help discover any illnesses and get your pets the proper vaccinations to stay healthy and prevent other ailments.

Follow these important tips and consult your vet for more to help your pet live a long and happy life.

2008-04-10T05:17:00.000-07:00

Pets in Wheelchairs

Disabled pets can live a normal, active life with the assistance of custom-made wheelchairs. Primarily used for dogs that have weakened or paralyzed hind limbs, these wheelchairs can also be used for front limb lameness or paralysis.

Degenerative myelopathy, seen most often in large sporting breeds such as German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers, leads to weakness of the hind limbs and difficulty getting around. Disc disease can lead to weakness of the hind limbs and is often seen in dogs that have long backs and short legs, such as Dachshunds and Corgis. These medical problems often lead to euthanasia, especially for large dogs that can’t be lifted and carried easily. This is a heartbreaking decision, as many of these dogs are otherwise healthy. The purchase of a wheelchair can allow these dogs to continue to live happy and ambulatory lives.

Eddie’s Wheels is a company that was begun by a couple after they fashioned a cart for their own dog, Buddha. Their veterinarian was impressed by their handiwork and began sending other clients to the Grinnell’s to help other dogs (and cats) too. You can read their story on their website and see photos of dogs using these special wheelchairs to get around a live life. (http://www.eddieswheels.com/html/our_story.html)

2008-04-04T07:35:00.000-07:00

Cool Tips for Summer Pets

With summer coming, people and pets will be spending more time outside enjoying the sun and heat. With the increased outdoor activity comes some extra care in keeping your pet comfortable and cool. Below is a list of Do’s and Don’ts you can follow to aide in keeping your pet safe.

Provide more water and shade in the summer months. With increased activity comes increased heat. Make sure you provide your pet with plenty of water and shade to keep comfortable and regulate their body temperature. A great treat in the summer can be ice cubes.

Don’t

Leave your pet outside all day. While this can be tempting because of the nice weather, if the pet does not have a place to cool off it can be very dangerous. If you are going to leave your pet outside, provide shade, extra water and DON”T leave them alone. Monitor them often and bring them indoors from time to time.

Don’t

Leave your pet in a car even if for a few moments. In a matter of minutes, the interior heat of the car can skyrocket to over 100 degrees. Even if the windows are down, there will not be sufficient airflow to keep your pet cool. While on the subject of autos, it is also good to note that if you have a pick up, you shouldn’t drive with your pet in the bed. In many states this is illegal. Too many bad things can happen if you leave your pet back there.

Provide exercise, but do it in the morning or late evening. These times of day are cooler and more comfortable for your pet. When exercising your pet, be sure to provide extra water and a way for them to cool off. A good idea is to fill a baby pool or small tub with water. When your pet gets too warm, they can go to the water to cool off.

Be aware of heat stroke and heat exhaustion. Symptoms include: heavy panting, glazed eyes, rapid pulse, unsteadiness, staggering gait, vomiting and a deep read or purple tongue. If you notice any of these symptoms, it is crucial to treat it immediately. Wet your pet with cool (not cold) water in small amounts. It is also good to drape cool, wet towels around the head, neck and body. Provide small amounts of water or ice cubes to lick. Most importantly, seek professional attention from your vet.

For more ways to keep your pet cool in the summer, speak with your vet. They will have the information you need to keep your pet cool and comfortable all summer long.

2008-03-21T07:23:00.001-07:00

Save Money on Pets when times are tough

In many cases when an economic downturn occurs, we will curb our spending, set budgets and try to save as much money as we can. For those of us who own pets, it can be even tougher to cut the budget because of the required care our pets need. With the list below, it will help you to provide your pet with the things they need without breaking the bank.

Buy items in bulk – This can include pet food and kitty litter. If you compare the price of larger bags of food to the smaller ones, you will find that the price per pound can be substantially less. This is also true when it comes to cat litter. Buying in bulk is a good deal. When shopping for food and litter, purchase the biggest bag you can. If you have room in the freezer, you can rebag portions of the food into Ziploc bags and store in your freezer for a longer shelf life.

Save on Routine checkups and procedures – If you need to have your pet spayed or neutered, contact your local shelter instead of your vet. In many cases they will offer a discount on the procedure. Another way to save is on routine vaccinations. Veterinary professionals are now recommending that you have pets vaccinated every 3 years instead of annually. If you follow this recommendation, this can save money annually. Some states do require annual rabies boosters for pets to be licensed. Make sure that you are providing all vaccinations that are necessary.

Consider searching for Surgeries – Going to your local vet for a scheduled surgery may not be the best idea when it comes to cost savings. By doing some research outside of your area, you may be able to find the same services at a fraction of the cost. It is not uncommon to save hundreds of dollars by traveling outside of your area to have these services performed. If you have a long-standing relationship with your veterinarian, they may be able to offer a payment plan for you. CareCredit is a payment plan that is available through many vet clinics and helps spread the payments over a longer period of time.

Forgo the Groomer Trip – Groomers can charge up to $45 or more for appointments. For most breeds it is not necessary to have your pet professionally groomed. To save money, purchase over the counter pet shampoo and wash your pet at home. If you do not have the room or resources, look for do-it-yourself pet washing services. These will be more than doing it at home, but still less than having a professional groom your pet.

Save on Dental – Dental care for pets is very important for health. This can be a very expensive procedure due to anesthesia costs. Make sure to prevent dental disease by brushing your pet’s teeth or providing dental chews to avoid the necessity of a dental prophylaxis.

There are many ways to save money and still take care of your pet. Budget accordingly, use common sense and talk to your vet for more ways to save some money.

2008-03-12T14:00:00.000-07:00

So Your Pets Can Play While You’re Away

As much as children (and even some adults) enjoy playing with toys, your pets also love to play with things that roll, bounce, squeak, or simply smell good. It's helpful to keep in mind that, just like in choosing which toys your children play with, it's also important to choose which toys your pets play with.

It may seem like a luxury to give your pet a toy, but having toys helps to alleviate boredom and gives your pets an outlet for their natural behaviors. It also helps toward preventing destructive behavior in pets that are left home alone during work hours. By providing your dog or cat with something acceptable to chew on, your sofa cushions will be (hopefully!) in one piece when you get home. For dogs, it is best to confine them during the day while you are gone. Puppies can get into a lot of trouble while you are out and can become quite ill or injure themselves. A comfortable crate is the best option for keeping your pup safe now and into adulthood.

While cats tend to be somewhat fussy with what they like to play with, dogs tend to want to play with anything and everything that captures their interest. Cats generally prefer to interact with a toy that has movement, as this triggers their prey-chasing behavior. Dogs are basically interested in toys that have a taste or smell that appeals to them. It may be easier to think of your pets as being forever in the toddler stage: if something smells or tastes good or otherwise catches their attention, then in the mouth it will go.

Common household items that are the most attractive or interesting to your pets are often the most dangerous! Items such as string, ribbon, rubber bands, plastic milk jug rings, paper clips, pins, needles, coins, erasers, pens, even dental floss are easily ingested by your pets. Try to pet-proof your home just as you would child-proof your home.

To occupy your pets while you are at work or even while you are at home, make toys available to them. Here are some things to keep in mind when considering which toys to give to your pets:

Toys should be appropriate for your pet's size. You wouldn't give a Chihuahua a basketball and you wouldn't give a Great Dane a marble! Toys that are too small can easily be swallowed or become lodged in your pet's throat.
If a toy has parts that can be chewed and/or ingested, avoid it. Things like ribbons, strings, doll eyes, buttons, or other removable parts can choke your pet or lead to stomach upset, or worse, internal blockage or lacerations.
If a well-loved toy becomes well-worn, throw it away. Broken or torn toys present the same dangers as toys with removable parts.
A good rule of thumb is to go by any child safety labels. If the toy is labeled as being safe for children ages three and under and doesn't contain a dangerous filling, then it is safe to give to your pet. Dangerous fillings include nutshells and polystyrene beads, but be cautious with so-called safe fillings as well.
When it comes to chewable toys, like rawhides, always check with your veterinarian as to which ones are safe for your pet. Chewable toys should only be played with under your supervision. A safer alternative are very hard rubber toys. Not only are they safer, but they last longer as well. Just remember that cats generally do not like hard toys.
For the “squeaky” toys, always remember that when alone and bored, the noisemaker at the center may be am unavoidable challenge. A determined pet may destroy the squeaky toy just to get at the noisemaker and your pet may wind up ingesting it. Squeaky toys are another play thing that should be used under your supervision.

Choosing the right toy for your pet can not only give them a good source of entertainment while you are at work, but can also offer a fantastic bonding experience for you and your pet.

2008-03-07T13:48:00.000-08:00

Common Household Treatments For Your Pets

Not every course of treatment recommended by your veterinarian is going to be a veterinary prescription – there are many common household medications that can be used to treat your pets’ symptoms. Your medicine cabinet or even your pantry may be stocked with solutions for ailments ranging from stomach upset to itching. Many of the prescription medications that veterinarians prescribe are also the same medications that your doctor might prescribe to you for various ailments. However, this does not mean that you should attempt to treat your pet without a veterinarian’s expert advice, as dosages and frequencies are often VERY different for pets than for us humans.

The following are examples of items that may be used in relieving your pet’s illness:

Buffered aspirin (for pain relief – not recommended for cats. Additionally, only buffered aspirin should be used for pain relief and never ibuprofen or Tylenol)
Vitamin B (to stimulate the appetite)
Benadryl (for allergic reactions and itching)
Dramamine (car sickness)
Pepto Bismol (used for diarrhea, vomiting, and as an antacid)
Mineral oil (helps with constipation)
Kaopectate (relieves diarrhea)
Canned pumpkin (relieves constipation)
Pepcid (used as an antacid)
Robitussin DM (for coughs -- this is not recommended for cats)
Imodium AD (relives diarrhea – this is also not recommended for cats)

You should always contact your veterinarian at the first sign of illness or discomfort. Your veterinarian can immediately prescribe a course of action and can also advise you on whether or not a readily available treatment may be found in your home. Your vet is also your best reference as to whether or not common human medications are still considered safe and acceptable based on the latest findings. In addition, your vet can tell you the correct dosages and give you peace of mind by informing you of what to watch for and how long your pet may feel ill.

With the help of your vet and an everyday item from your medicine cabinet, your pet can be well on the way to a speedy recovery.

2008-02-25T13:50:00.001-08:00

Feline Heartworm Disease.

You may not know that heartworm disease can be found in cats. Though not as prevalent as in dogs, it still poses a real threat. While the reasons are not exactly known, indoor cats seem to be more susceptible to the disease than outdoor cats. Heartworms in cats are often hard to diagnose because the symptoms bear a resemblance to many other diseases. Traditional tests may not detect the worms because there may be only one. Feline heartworm is most often misdiagnosed as feline asthma because the symptoms are very similar. Heartworm symptoms don’t show up in cats until 2-3 months after they have been infected. At this time there is no approved treatment for cats if they do contract heartworms. The only way to prevent this disease is through monthly doses of oral or topical medication which can be prescribed by your vet.

Symptoms of Feline Heartworm:

Coughing
Wheezing
Difficulty breathing
Anorexia
Vomiting
Lethargy
Weight loss
Some cats show no signs at all, but die suddenly

Adult heartworms can live between 2-3 years in cats and when they die can cause an embolism in the cat. This can be fatal to the cat.

If your cat should show signs of any of the symptoms listed above, contact your vet for further evaluation. If it is found that your cat does have heartworm, your vet will want to monitor your cat’s condition over time. The vet will recommend 6-12 month checkups to watch the progress of the disease.

If you have any questions please contact your vet for more information.