I have heard dog owners complain that their dogs eat sticks, grass, leaves, shoes and other assorted items so why bother with good dog food? They will eat anything and often do.
First of all, puppies should have a baby-proofed house and yard and be supervised. Surgery is sometimes required to retrieve items puppies have ingested.
Secondly, providing your animal with an appropriate and good diet is essential to long life and good health. It is similar to allowing your children to eat what they want rather than what you know is good for them.
Owners have told me, “My dog or cat won’t eat good food. They like the cheapest, smelliest and poorest quality food out there.” That is like saying “My child will only eat Big Macs, Snickers and Sugar Frosted Flakes!” You are in control of what your animal gets to eat.
Dogs have a sweet tooth. That is why they have been known to lick anti-freeze off of a parking spot. It is poisonous. Be careful of what you are allowing your pet to eat everyday.
If you want to be a responsible pet owner you can learn what to look for in buying your pet’s food.
Do look for meat or fish as the first ingredient listed on your pet’s food bag.
Do look for rice, oatmeal and beet pulp for fiber.
Do look for Omega 3 and Omega 6 oils.
Do look for essential amino acids – Methionine and Lysine.
Do look for natural minerals and vitamins.
Do require Glucosamine to be included.
But, Don’t risk buying pet food with:
Artificial colors.
Chemicals like ethoxyquin as a preservative.
BHA or BHT – possibly Cancer causing preservatives
Crude Fiber such as peanut hulls, rice bran, soy hulls or wheat bran which can damage the digestive tract.
Dyes
Soy
Sweeteners
You can buy quality pet food that will see your animal through all stages of his life. You should find a highly digestible, nutrient dense food that your pet will love. Back yard clean should be easier with a quality food, too.
Find a good quality food, feed it to your pet on a consistent basis and you will notice a better coat, less digestive problems and overall better health.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
TIPS FOR TRAVELING IN CARS WITH DOGS
Even though summer is almost over, most dog owners take their dogs in the car all year long. The following are tips for car travel that includes some insight into why some dogs react the way they do.
Dogs vomit more readily than humans. Motion sickness and nervousness can cause some dogs to be sick almost as soon as they get in the car. Some veterinarians recommend not feeding your dog for at least 4 hours before taking him on a trip. Anti-nausea medication or natural or prescription tranquilizers can help. Always keep a towel handy.
Dogs can be injured when they ride in cars, unrestrained or crated. Especially dangerous to our animal friends are dogs riding in the back of pickup trucks without being tethered.
Dogs shouldn’t be allowed to hang their heads out of car windows as you drive. I know dogs love this but they are in danger of falling or jumping out the window and their eyes can be badly damaged by the whipping wind and foreign matter.
Always bring a container to share your bottled water with your dog.
Dogs are ready to get out of the car as soon as it stops. Leash your dog before opening the door or stopping if your car windows are down.
Most important of all, be very careful leaving a dog alone in a parked car. Dogs can be stolen and even worse, they can become overheated and experience serious illness or death due to heat prostration. This can happen very quickly!
Know where the emergency veterinarian hospitals in your area are and keep your vet’s number programmed into your phone.
Dogs vomit more readily than humans. Motion sickness and nervousness can cause some dogs to be sick almost as soon as they get in the car. Some veterinarians recommend not feeding your dog for at least 4 hours before taking him on a trip. Anti-nausea medication or natural or prescription tranquilizers can help. Always keep a towel handy.
Dogs can be injured when they ride in cars, unrestrained or crated. Especially dangerous to our animal friends are dogs riding in the back of pickup trucks without being tethered.
Dogs shouldn’t be allowed to hang their heads out of car windows as you drive. I know dogs love this but they are in danger of falling or jumping out the window and their eyes can be badly damaged by the whipping wind and foreign matter.
Always bring a container to share your bottled water with your dog.
Dogs are ready to get out of the car as soon as it stops. Leash your dog before opening the door or stopping if your car windows are down.
Most important of all, be very careful leaving a dog alone in a parked car. Dogs can be stolen and even worse, they can become overheated and experience serious illness or death due to heat prostration. This can happen very quickly!
Know where the emergency veterinarian hospitals in your area are and keep your vet’s number programmed into your phone.
TIPS FOR ENJOYING YOUR NEW PUPPY
Now that you brought home that new puppy, are you experiencing some problems that you didn’t anticipate? Probably, so I hope the following ideas from an old hand with puppies will help you understand and be able to enjoy this time with your new pup.
Baby-proof your house and yard. Remove any small items that might be ingested by a curious puppy. Eliminate any poisonous plants.
Use a dog crate to potty train. Also, use the crate for “Time-Outs.” Instead of yelling or spanking when the puppy does something wrong, take the puppy to the crate or a small room where he can be alone for a few minutes.
Use another word, like “Enough” or “Ah-Ah” instead of constantly using NO!
Establish a structured routine. Eating, walking, playing, quiet time.
Feed 2-3 times a day (divide the portions accordingly) at about the same time. Dogs are social and like to eat when the family is eating. Eating smaller portions will be helpful in digestion and metabolism.
Be aware of over-stimulation before and after eating. Don’t throw the ball or take the puppy out for exercise right before or right after eating.
Be sure you have all the puppy’s shots before you introduce him to dogs outside of the family. Don’t go to the dog park and expose him to strange dogs before your veterinarian has completed his series of puppy shots protecting him from serious diseases.
Take him to a local puppy training class with a group or hire a personal trainer to help you teach your dog to learn - sit, stay, down and how to walk on a leash.
Make a “Shaker” out of a soft drink can or a plastic bottle filled with a few pennies. This simple device is invaluable in correcting inappropriate behavior. Catch him in the act and shake the shaker. He is distracted and stops doing what he is doing. It is a noisy and startling attention-grabber.
Use lots of talking and praise with your pup. Use treats, a squeaky toy or clicker to train him to do tricks and understand that by pleasing you he will be rewarded with your loving attention and maybe a special, tasty treat.
Enjoy your new best friend.
Baby-proof your house and yard. Remove any small items that might be ingested by a curious puppy. Eliminate any poisonous plants.
Use a dog crate to potty train. Also, use the crate for “Time-Outs.” Instead of yelling or spanking when the puppy does something wrong, take the puppy to the crate or a small room where he can be alone for a few minutes.
Use another word, like “Enough” or “Ah-Ah” instead of constantly using NO!
Establish a structured routine. Eating, walking, playing, quiet time.
Feed 2-3 times a day (divide the portions accordingly) at about the same time. Dogs are social and like to eat when the family is eating. Eating smaller portions will be helpful in digestion and metabolism.
Be aware of over-stimulation before and after eating. Don’t throw the ball or take the puppy out for exercise right before or right after eating.
Be sure you have all the puppy’s shots before you introduce him to dogs outside of the family. Don’t go to the dog park and expose him to strange dogs before your veterinarian has completed his series of puppy shots protecting him from serious diseases.
Take him to a local puppy training class with a group or hire a personal trainer to help you teach your dog to learn - sit, stay, down and how to walk on a leash.
Make a “Shaker” out of a soft drink can or a plastic bottle filled with a few pennies. This simple device is invaluable in correcting inappropriate behavior. Catch him in the act and shake the shaker. He is distracted and stops doing what he is doing. It is a noisy and startling attention-grabber.
Use lots of talking and praise with your pup. Use treats, a squeaky toy or clicker to train him to do tricks and understand that by pleasing you he will be rewarded with your loving attention and maybe a special, tasty treat.
Enjoy your new best friend.
Pet Responsibility: “Are you a good owner?”
When you decide to bring home that shelter dog or darling kitten or puppy, are you ready to assume the responsibility that decision entails? A few considerations are in order and I sincerely hope you are ready to adopt a pet and allow all that love and devotion into your life. Pets depend on their human parents to keep them safe from harm and to make their lives as pleasant and comfortable as possible.
Neuter your pet to prevent unwanted puppies and kittens.
Be sure to count on veterinarian costs for an annual physical, teeth cleaning, vaccinations and other visits that might be necessary. Watch for tummy upsets, head shaking, severe itching/scratching, or limping. Your pet can’t ask for help. You will need to be observant and caring.
Licensing for dogs – making sure that the dog collar is worn at all times.
Keeping cats indoors to prevent them from becoming a tasty treat for coyotes.
Keep your yard and kitty litter box, scrupulously clean.
Keeping your yard safe – a secure gate closure system to prevent a dog from leaving the yard. Make sure there is shade and shelter from the heat/cold and rain.
Making sure your dog is invited in, regularly. An outside dog doesn’t become a part of the family.
Be responsible by planning ahead with car restraints or cages, calming tablets for thunder and lighting, and recognizing when your devoted pet
experiences health changes.
Make sure your pet food is the best you can buy. Read the labels and compare.
Thank you for being a responsible and caring pet owner.
Neuter your pet to prevent unwanted puppies and kittens.
Be sure to count on veterinarian costs for an annual physical, teeth cleaning, vaccinations and other visits that might be necessary. Watch for tummy upsets, head shaking, severe itching/scratching, or limping. Your pet can’t ask for help. You will need to be observant and caring.
Licensing for dogs – making sure that the dog collar is worn at all times.
Keeping cats indoors to prevent them from becoming a tasty treat for coyotes.
Keep your yard and kitty litter box, scrupulously clean.
Keeping your yard safe – a secure gate closure system to prevent a dog from leaving the yard. Make sure there is shade and shelter from the heat/cold and rain.
Making sure your dog is invited in, regularly. An outside dog doesn’t become a part of the family.
Be responsible by planning ahead with car restraints or cages, calming tablets for thunder and lighting, and recognizing when your devoted pet
experiences health changes.
Make sure your pet food is the best you can buy. Read the labels and compare.
Thank you for being a responsible and caring pet owner.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
HOW TO FIND A MISSING PET
Because we are always focused on dogs in our family, we notice dogs that seem to be running loose. You can easily spot the dog that is confident and enjoying a run in the neighborhood. Although, that is very dangerous and totally irresponsible that is not the dog that we are talking about. The dog that is running, hot and wild-eyed is a dog in big trouble. Oftentimes, that dog will cross busy streets, narrowly escaping cars and trucks with no idea how to get back home.
Cats that are allowed to roam free will sometimes not return home. Who knows where they might be? Sometimes they get trapped in garages that they are visiting when the owner comes home and locks up for the night. Other times they are frightened and hiding in silence.
We highly recommend getting a microchip inserted into your pet. Then, register your pet and keep your contact information current. Shelters scan every pet brought to their facilities. Contact your veterinarian for this easy and inexpensive procedure. Dogs and even cats that wear collars can lose them and this additional level of ID offers you a better chance of getting back your faithful companion.
Here are some good suggestions for finding a lost pet:
Search your property – An indoor cat that escapes might be very close by. Start looking around the escape point and in the nearby bushes. Call the pet’s name or use a squeaky toy, electric can opener noise or even shake their pet food bowl that’s filled with dry food.
Canvas the Neighborhood – For dogs, go door-to-door asking neighbors if they’ve seen your dog and then trace the progress and focus your attention in following the trail. For cats, ask permission to search yards in a five-house radius. Check carefully in what might be hiding places, with a flashlight.
Update your voicemail – Make sure your callers hear a detailed message about your pet’s situation. Leave your cell-phone number for a faster contact.
Make Posters – Write “Reward” on top in large, black letters and lost dog/cat at the bottom with a picture of your pet. Make it easy to contact you. Post the signs wherever you can. For sure, include major intersections in a one-mile radius of your home.
Place an Ad – Take out ads, immediately in local newspapers. Post listings online with local rescue groups and at shelter Web sites.
Check the Shelters in your area – It is imperative to check and check again, for a pet that might be yours.
Know your community policy on where to report or check for a lost pet – We found and rescued an old, collared with no tags, one-eyed dog that was loose one rainy night, heading for a 6-lane highway. She spent the night with us and we called the local police department the next morning. The owner had left his information and we were able to reunite the happy pair within a few hours.
You can also check out the website of a former pet detective: www.lostapet.org.
Keep your pets safe and be responsible in making sure they can return home.
Cats that are allowed to roam free will sometimes not return home. Who knows where they might be? Sometimes they get trapped in garages that they are visiting when the owner comes home and locks up for the night. Other times they are frightened and hiding in silence.
We highly recommend getting a microchip inserted into your pet. Then, register your pet and keep your contact information current. Shelters scan every pet brought to their facilities. Contact your veterinarian for this easy and inexpensive procedure. Dogs and even cats that wear collars can lose them and this additional level of ID offers you a better chance of getting back your faithful companion.
Here are some good suggestions for finding a lost pet:
Search your property – An indoor cat that escapes might be very close by. Start looking around the escape point and in the nearby bushes. Call the pet’s name or use a squeaky toy, electric can opener noise or even shake their pet food bowl that’s filled with dry food.
Canvas the Neighborhood – For dogs, go door-to-door asking neighbors if they’ve seen your dog and then trace the progress and focus your attention in following the trail. For cats, ask permission to search yards in a five-house radius. Check carefully in what might be hiding places, with a flashlight.
Update your voicemail – Make sure your callers hear a detailed message about your pet’s situation. Leave your cell-phone number for a faster contact.
Make Posters – Write “Reward” on top in large, black letters and lost dog/cat at the bottom with a picture of your pet. Make it easy to contact you. Post the signs wherever you can. For sure, include major intersections in a one-mile radius of your home.
Place an Ad – Take out ads, immediately in local newspapers. Post listings online with local rescue groups and at shelter Web sites.
Check the Shelters in your area – It is imperative to check and check again, for a pet that might be yours.
Know your community policy on where to report or check for a lost pet – We found and rescued an old, collared with no tags, one-eyed dog that was loose one rainy night, heading for a 6-lane highway. She spent the night with us and we called the local police department the next morning. The owner had left his information and we were able to reunite the happy pair within a few hours.
You can also check out the website of a former pet detective: www.lostapet.org.
Keep your pets safe and be responsible in making sure they can return home.
10 Tips for getting the Dog that you want
Because many households will choose to buy or adopt a new dog for the holidays, it is important to make the best choice for your family. Consider your animal adoption to be as important as welcoming any new member into the family.
Be sure your family is committed to having a dog in the house. An outside-only dog is asking for trouble as the dog doesn’t become a part of the family.
Get a commitment from all family members as to what they want to do with the dog. Who is going to clean the yard? Who is going to walk him? Who is going to groom him? Who will be responsible for his food? Who will pay for his veterinarian visits?
Always neuter or spay your dog, as he or she will be healthier, less aggressive, and incapable of adding to over-population.
Choose a dog that fits with your family. Do you want a high-energy dog that needs lots of aerobic exercise like a Border Collie or do you want a Basset Hound that takes it easy?
Plan to spend time with your new dog even if he isn’t a puppy that you adopt. Don’t adopt a dog and then immediately leave him in the backyard as everyone in the house leaves for work and school. Spend time with training and leaving/returning in short intervals to avoid separation anxiety and unwanted behavior. Make sure he wears a sturdy name/address tag and a license.
Don’t roughhouse play. Avoid tug of war or hand wrestling with your dog. This can lead to aggressive behavior.
Select a dog food that is nutritionally dense, has no by-products or artificial preservatives. It will be healthier for your dog and it will make the yard clean up easier.
Plan to attend dog-training classes or to hire a trainer. It is important to factor in this cost if you are unable or not experienced in dog behavior and dog training. An inexpensive audio collection is offered through an animal welfare center, St. Hubert’s in Madison, NJ. Two audio tapes called, “Dogs will be Dogs” is $15.95. Their website is www.sthuberts.org. You can also get info at www.unclematty.com.
Plan on being the boss. Control access to the couch, his food bowl and his toys. Use simple commands and let your dog earn his treats for sit and stay.
Be patient and enjoy a friend for life. Your diligence in the beginning will create a safe, happy and loving environment that will enrich your life and his.
Be sure your family is committed to having a dog in the house. An outside-only dog is asking for trouble as the dog doesn’t become a part of the family.
Get a commitment from all family members as to what they want to do with the dog. Who is going to clean the yard? Who is going to walk him? Who is going to groom him? Who will be responsible for his food? Who will pay for his veterinarian visits?
Always neuter or spay your dog, as he or she will be healthier, less aggressive, and incapable of adding to over-population.
Choose a dog that fits with your family. Do you want a high-energy dog that needs lots of aerobic exercise like a Border Collie or do you want a Basset Hound that takes it easy?
Plan to spend time with your new dog even if he isn’t a puppy that you adopt. Don’t adopt a dog and then immediately leave him in the backyard as everyone in the house leaves for work and school. Spend time with training and leaving/returning in short intervals to avoid separation anxiety and unwanted behavior. Make sure he wears a sturdy name/address tag and a license.
Don’t roughhouse play. Avoid tug of war or hand wrestling with your dog. This can lead to aggressive behavior.
Select a dog food that is nutritionally dense, has no by-products or artificial preservatives. It will be healthier for your dog and it will make the yard clean up easier.
Plan to attend dog-training classes or to hire a trainer. It is important to factor in this cost if you are unable or not experienced in dog behavior and dog training. An inexpensive audio collection is offered through an animal welfare center, St. Hubert’s in Madison, NJ. Two audio tapes called, “Dogs will be Dogs” is $15.95. Their website is www.sthuberts.org. You can also get info at www.unclematty.com.
Plan on being the boss. Control access to the couch, his food bowl and his toys. Use simple commands and let your dog earn his treats for sit and stay.
Be patient and enjoy a friend for life. Your diligence in the beginning will create a safe, happy and loving environment that will enrich your life and his.
Pet Safety Tips for Summer
As the summer weather approaches, it is important to remember to protect our pets from the sun and the heat As the kids are home from school and responsibilities are reassigned, it is a good time to go over pet safety.
SUNBURN:
Dogs and cats with white fur and pink skin are as susceptible as babies to sunburn. If your animals are left outside, add sunburn protection to your pet’s daily routine and be sure they have shade available. Pink noses and tender ears are as likely to get skin cancers as fair skinned people. Also, be aware of walking an animal on a hot day. Tender foot pads will burn on hot asphalt or concrete.
BEE/WASP STINGS:
Nosy animals poking around in bushes will often encounter a bee or wasp. An allergic reaction to a sting can be a swollen muzzle or a more dangerous reaction can be a restricted airway. Keep the Veterinarian’s Number prominently posted!
PET FOOD:
Don’t leave pet food out. Besides ants, the food can draw small animals like possums, rabbits and rats. These animals can attract coyotes to your yard.
FLEAS:
The simplest and most easily corrected problem can result in expensive veterinarian visits. Unless you plan to vigilantly watch your pet for fleas, you can quickly turn a dog or cat into an itching, miserable mess. Frontline and Advantage, applied monthly during the Spring and Summer months eliminates fleas and ticks. Check your supply.
CAR TRAVEL:
Don’t risk your pet’s life by taking him with you to run errands during the summer. The temperature in the car can quickly turn deadly if your animal is left in the car on a summer day with the windows just cracked for “fresh air.”
PESTICIDES AND STORED CHEMICALS:
Anti-freeze is an especially appealing, sweet-tasting, deadly poison to animals. Garden insecticides used by your gardener or the gardeners maintaining the community association greenbelts can affect your pet’s health. Verify and know if pesticides are used and insist on notification be given to the residents.
“DOG TREATS:”
It might seem funny or fun to watch the dog catch grapes or chase raisins. But, these foods can be toxic to some dogs. Warn the Kids. Don’t feed the dog – milk, chocolate, onions, garlic, macadamia nuts, tomato leaves and stems, broccoli, raisins and grapes.
WATER:
Make it a mandatory rule that someone checks the animal’s water bowl everyday at least twice. Dogs and cats need sufficient water to carry nutrients through the body and to flush out waste. The bowls should be of sufficient size and be Tip- Proof. Preferably, they can be located in a shady spot.
POOL SAFETY:
If you leave a dog or dogs unsupervised and you have a pool that is available for them, please be warned. Dogs that swim and can get out of and into the pool, can also drown if they are unsupervised. You may want to restrict access when no one is home.
Take good care of your pets. They are counting on you to protect them. Have a safe and fun Summer.
SUNBURN:
Dogs and cats with white fur and pink skin are as susceptible as babies to sunburn. If your animals are left outside, add sunburn protection to your pet’s daily routine and be sure they have shade available. Pink noses and tender ears are as likely to get skin cancers as fair skinned people. Also, be aware of walking an animal on a hot day. Tender foot pads will burn on hot asphalt or concrete.
BEE/WASP STINGS:
Nosy animals poking around in bushes will often encounter a bee or wasp. An allergic reaction to a sting can be a swollen muzzle or a more dangerous reaction can be a restricted airway. Keep the Veterinarian’s Number prominently posted!
PET FOOD:
Don’t leave pet food out. Besides ants, the food can draw small animals like possums, rabbits and rats. These animals can attract coyotes to your yard.
FLEAS:
The simplest and most easily corrected problem can result in expensive veterinarian visits. Unless you plan to vigilantly watch your pet for fleas, you can quickly turn a dog or cat into an itching, miserable mess. Frontline and Advantage, applied monthly during the Spring and Summer months eliminates fleas and ticks. Check your supply.
CAR TRAVEL:
Don’t risk your pet’s life by taking him with you to run errands during the summer. The temperature in the car can quickly turn deadly if your animal is left in the car on a summer day with the windows just cracked for “fresh air.”
PESTICIDES AND STORED CHEMICALS:
Anti-freeze is an especially appealing, sweet-tasting, deadly poison to animals. Garden insecticides used by your gardener or the gardeners maintaining the community association greenbelts can affect your pet’s health. Verify and know if pesticides are used and insist on notification be given to the residents.
“DOG TREATS:”
It might seem funny or fun to watch the dog catch grapes or chase raisins. But, these foods can be toxic to some dogs. Warn the Kids. Don’t feed the dog – milk, chocolate, onions, garlic, macadamia nuts, tomato leaves and stems, broccoli, raisins and grapes.
WATER:
Make it a mandatory rule that someone checks the animal’s water bowl everyday at least twice. Dogs and cats need sufficient water to carry nutrients through the body and to flush out waste. The bowls should be of sufficient size and be Tip- Proof. Preferably, they can be located in a shady spot.
POOL SAFETY:
If you leave a dog or dogs unsupervised and you have a pool that is available for them, please be warned. Dogs that swim and can get out of and into the pool, can also drown if they are unsupervised. You may want to restrict access when no one is home.
Take good care of your pets. They are counting on you to protect them. Have a safe and fun Summer.
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