Before picking out a pet, really look at your lifestyle. Are you gone most of the day? Do you enjoy walks? Are you racing here and there on the weekends? Do you have a big house or a small apartment? Life is a lot more fast paced today. Make sure you will have enough time to take care of the pet you decide to bring home.
Pets often become our best friends. Here are a few things to think about before you get your pet.
Don't buy on impulse
Don't buy a pet simply because you walked by the local pet store and saw the animals through the window. Your pet will be a long-term member of your family. You need to make sure the pet is going to fit your lifestyle.
Shop around
Take your time to learn the different breeds. Each breed has their own special qualities. One breed is going to fit your family better than the other. You need to take into consideration the size of the pet, hair type and personality traits.
Spend a little time doing your research before you pick out your new best friend.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Monday, January 29, 2007
Manage Your Pets Weight
If your pet is gaining weight, you need to look at how much food and exercise they are getting. If they are not getting enough exercise and are eating too much food, they will put on excess weight.
Extra weight on your pets can cause all kinds of health problems, such as arthritis, liver and heart disease. Your pet can also become diabetic. If your pet does develop any of these problems, you will need to work closely with your vet in order to control the disease.
If your pet is overweight, gradually decrease their food portions while you are increasing their activity level. You could also switch to a reduced calorie food. Gradual food reduction is the recommend method for decreasing their food intake.
It is always a good idea to check with your vet first before putting your pet on any kind of diet.
Extra weight on your pets can cause all kinds of health problems, such as arthritis, liver and heart disease. Your pet can also become diabetic. If your pet does develop any of these problems, you will need to work closely with your vet in order to control the disease.
If your pet is overweight, gradually decrease their food portions while you are increasing their activity level. You could also switch to a reduced calorie food. Gradual food reduction is the recommend method for decreasing their food intake.
It is always a good idea to check with your vet first before putting your pet on any kind of diet.
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Toilet Training Your Cat
Most cats can be successfully toilet trained with a lot of patience. Cats have a very short attention spans, so you'll want to keep the training sessions short or the cat is going to get bored. Younger cats are going to be easier to train because they have not gotten into the habit of using a litter box. But even older cats can be trained, it will just take a little longer.
You can purchase a kitty whiz trainer, which is a special potty training device for cats. The kitty whiz training device sits on the toilet seat.
Potty training your cat is going to be a gradual activity, it is not going to happen overnight. Cats are taught by their mother to scratch their stool into sand, litter or soil. Breaking this habit and thought process will take some time.
You can purchase a kitty whiz trainer, which is a special potty training device for cats. The kitty whiz training device sits on the toilet seat.
Potty training your cat is going to be a gradual activity, it is not going to happen overnight. Cats are taught by their mother to scratch their stool into sand, litter or soil. Breaking this habit and thought process will take some time.
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Choosing A New Cat
Before you decide on which type of cat you would like to have as your four-legged furry friend, do a little research on the different types of cats.
Different breed of cats will have different health issues, different personalities, and different temperaments. After researching the different breeds, you will be able to select the cat that will fit best into your family lifestyle.
You will also want to look at how big the cat will be when they are full grown and their hair length.
Start your research online. You can also ask family and friends who already have cats. Talk to your vet and see if any one particular breed has more problems than another. Next, you might want to attend a cat show and talk to the breeders.
Once you have done all your research, you can make your choose of the perfect furry friend for your home.
Different breed of cats will have different health issues, different personalities, and different temperaments. After researching the different breeds, you will be able to select the cat that will fit best into your family lifestyle.
You will also want to look at how big the cat will be when they are full grown and their hair length.
Start your research online. You can also ask family and friends who already have cats. Talk to your vet and see if any one particular breed has more problems than another. Next, you might want to attend a cat show and talk to the breeders.
Once you have done all your research, you can make your choose of the perfect furry friend for your home.
Friday, January 26, 2007
Dogs Can Learn New Tricks
I have 3 labrador retrievers. Timber, a 4 year old chocolate male; Willow, a 3 year old yellow female; and Drake, a year old black male.
These dogs have learned a new trick today. We have a sliding glass door that leads to the back yard. When I put them out to play, they know as soon as they come back up on the deck and look through the glass door, I will let them back in the house.
Today as I'm working on the Internet, they let me know that they needed to go outside.
Now for the new trick the dogs have learned. The minute I get to the door to let them back in. They throw their head back and take off running out into the yard. I can see them out there just laughing and thinking, "this is so much fun." We made Mom stop working and come to the door again. I wonder how many times we can do this before we get into trouble.
So, there you have it. You can teach a dog new tricks.
These dogs have learned a new trick today. We have a sliding glass door that leads to the back yard. When I put them out to play, they know as soon as they come back up on the deck and look through the glass door, I will let them back in the house.
Today as I'm working on the Internet, they let me know that they needed to go outside.
Now for the new trick the dogs have learned. The minute I get to the door to let them back in. They throw their head back and take off running out into the yard. I can see them out there just laughing and thinking, "this is so much fun." We made Mom stop working and come to the door again. I wonder how many times we can do this before we get into trouble.
So, there you have it. You can teach a dog new tricks.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
The Right Pet For Your Home
Dogs and cats are not right for every household. Problems such as allergies, apartment restrictions or moving issues should be discovered before adopting a new pet.
Large dogs may be too strong or active for small children. Small pets may be too delicate for children.
Once you find a dog or cat that's right for you, obedience train your dog, and make an effort to really understand cat behavior. Basic training helps you communicate better with your pets and strengthens the human-animal bond.
Large dogs may be too strong or active for small children. Small pets may be too delicate for children.
Once you find a dog or cat that's right for you, obedience train your dog, and make an effort to really understand cat behavior. Basic training helps you communicate better with your pets and strengthens the human-animal bond.
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Pets Are Not Disposable
Pets are not articles of clothing to be thrown out once they are no longer in style. They are capable of bonding deeply with their families and they deserve the same devotion from you.
Adding a four-legged family member means making a lifelong commitment, which can easily be 10-15 years for dogs and up to 20 years for cats.
Adding a four-legged family member means making a lifelong commitment, which can easily be 10-15 years for dogs and up to 20 years for cats.
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Safe Toys For Your Pets
There are plenty of toys on the market to keep your favorite pet entertained for hours on end, but there are also a number of things to consider when purchasing toys for your pet. Safety should be the most important consideration when purchasing a new toy for your pet.
Be sure not to give your pet toys that can be broken up and potentially stuck in their throats! Dog toys, like dogs themselves, come in various shapes and sizes. Dog toys should be durable, fun, and safe. Hard rubber toys such as the “Kong" line of products can provide your favorite dog with endless hours of chewing fun.
Rope dog toys and rubber rings are always a bit hit with dogs that love to play fetch or tug-of-war. Playing “Frisbee" can also provide hours of entertainment for dogs and owners alike!
Dogs may also enjoy stuffed and furry toys, but be sure your pet cannot get at the stuffing inside as it can be a serious choking hazard. Toy birds and mice have traditionally proven to be very entertaining for cats. They especially seem to like the ones attached to string that you can pull and entice your furry feline to chase about!
They also seem to love simple cardboard boxes, tin-foil balls, and scrunched up newspaper! The feather-and-pole type of toy is also very popular. Scratching posts are excellent forms of entertainment for cats, and they provide your cat something other than your furniture to dig their claws into! Hint: try sprinkling catnip on the post!!
There is also a series of catnip-stuffed toys and pillows that your cat will love.
There are literally hundreds of pet toys on the market, just be sure to put safety first!
Be sure not to give your pet toys that can be broken up and potentially stuck in their throats! Dog toys, like dogs themselves, come in various shapes and sizes. Dog toys should be durable, fun, and safe. Hard rubber toys such as the “Kong" line of products can provide your favorite dog with endless hours of chewing fun.
Rope dog toys and rubber rings are always a bit hit with dogs that love to play fetch or tug-of-war. Playing “Frisbee" can also provide hours of entertainment for dogs and owners alike!
Dogs may also enjoy stuffed and furry toys, but be sure your pet cannot get at the stuffing inside as it can be a serious choking hazard. Toy birds and mice have traditionally proven to be very entertaining for cats. They especially seem to like the ones attached to string that you can pull and entice your furry feline to chase about!
They also seem to love simple cardboard boxes, tin-foil balls, and scrunched up newspaper! The feather-and-pole type of toy is also very popular. Scratching posts are excellent forms of entertainment for cats, and they provide your cat something other than your furniture to dig their claws into! Hint: try sprinkling catnip on the post!!
There is also a series of catnip-stuffed toys and pillows that your cat will love.
There are literally hundreds of pet toys on the market, just be sure to put safety first!
Friday, January 12, 2007
Beware of Abusive Dog Trainers
Dog owners often seek professional advice when it comes to training their animal companion and there are many options available. From DVDs, books and television programs, to local dog trainers offering private lessons and group classes, consumers have choices about the methods and styles in which they want to raise their pup.
Are you supposed to be your dog's parent or pack leader? Do you want your dog to be an obedience champ or do you just need him to stop jumping on strangers? What are the boundaries you want set?
If you do choose to work with a trainer, you must be sure that the trainer's methods are safe.
Red Flags:
Trainers should never use electronic aids like shock collars which will hurt your dog and can damage your bond with him.
Rubbing your dog's nose in the mess if they should have an "accident" will never work and will only confuse your dog. This method is harmful, unnecessary, unsanitary, and shows your dog that you do things to him that are scary and unpleasant.
Screaming is not training. While a confident tone of voice is helpful, yelling may work against you by instilling fear in the dog. Dogs will learn better when they feel safe and secure. Screaming takes that feeling away.
If your dog is afraid of a trainer, you should be too. A dog who is not normally fearful should not be cowering or whimpering around a trainer. If your dog is not comfortable, the training will not be successful and you should stop the session immediately.
Never let a trainer dominate you or your dog. People who try to physically dominate their dogs may get bitten. Trainers should never sit on, kneel on, or otherwise force your dog onto his back. Do not let anyone talk you into doing this. Your dog may try to bite or could get seriously injured from this process.
Choking is not training. Always avoid the use of choke-type collars and trainers who would lift a dog off of the ground by his collar. Recent scientific studies show that choke collars cause injury. Even if the trainer uses a regular collar or harness, they should never yank your dog around on the leash.
"Don't worry, he's fine," is something a trainer should never have to say. If your trainer is constantly reassuring you that their methods are safe, it's time to look for another trainer.
Physical violence is unacceptable. This may seem obvious, but never let a trainer hit or kick your dog. Such methods are ineffective, dangerous, and possibly illegal. Training should never be abusive.
Bleeding is bad. Your dog should never bleed, vomit, or foam at the mouth as the result of a training session. If any of these things occur, contact your veterinarian immediately. Injuries should not be a part of a training session.
Trust your instincts. If you are ever concerned or uncomfortable with anything that your trainer is doing to your dog, end the session. Your dog depends on you to keep him safe, and you have an obligation to speak up to protect him.
Are you supposed to be your dog's parent or pack leader? Do you want your dog to be an obedience champ or do you just need him to stop jumping on strangers? What are the boundaries you want set?
If you do choose to work with a trainer, you must be sure that the trainer's methods are safe.
Red Flags:
Trainers should never use electronic aids like shock collars which will hurt your dog and can damage your bond with him.
Rubbing your dog's nose in the mess if they should have an "accident" will never work and will only confuse your dog. This method is harmful, unnecessary, unsanitary, and shows your dog that you do things to him that are scary and unpleasant.
Screaming is not training. While a confident tone of voice is helpful, yelling may work against you by instilling fear in the dog. Dogs will learn better when they feel safe and secure. Screaming takes that feeling away.
If your dog is afraid of a trainer, you should be too. A dog who is not normally fearful should not be cowering or whimpering around a trainer. If your dog is not comfortable, the training will not be successful and you should stop the session immediately.
Never let a trainer dominate you or your dog. People who try to physically dominate their dogs may get bitten. Trainers should never sit on, kneel on, or otherwise force your dog onto his back. Do not let anyone talk you into doing this. Your dog may try to bite or could get seriously injured from this process.
Choking is not training. Always avoid the use of choke-type collars and trainers who would lift a dog off of the ground by his collar. Recent scientific studies show that choke collars cause injury. Even if the trainer uses a regular collar or harness, they should never yank your dog around on the leash.
"Don't worry, he's fine," is something a trainer should never have to say. If your trainer is constantly reassuring you that their methods are safe, it's time to look for another trainer.
Physical violence is unacceptable. This may seem obvious, but never let a trainer hit or kick your dog. Such methods are ineffective, dangerous, and possibly illegal. Training should never be abusive.
Bleeding is bad. Your dog should never bleed, vomit, or foam at the mouth as the result of a training session. If any of these things occur, contact your veterinarian immediately. Injuries should not be a part of a training session.
Trust your instincts. If you are ever concerned or uncomfortable with anything that your trainer is doing to your dog, end the session. Your dog depends on you to keep him safe, and you have an obligation to speak up to protect him.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
General Pet Care
To most people, a companion dog or cat is considered as much a family member as a child. The health of a pet then is of utmost importance to its owner. Illness can be stressful for both the owner and animal, causing worry, financial burden, and often some degree of inconvenience. It is now common to emphasize preventative health care as a means of preventing disease if possible, rather than treating the outcome. With advances in medicine, there are many ways that you and your veterinarian can ensure your pet is in optimal health.
Annual Physical Exam
A yearly visit to the veterinarian is perhaps the most important thing you can do to ensure your pet’s well-being. Your veterinarian will perform a complete physical exam to look for early signs of abnormalities. Vital functions, such as circulatory, cardiovascular, and respiratory status will be assessed.
Your veterinarian will look for signs of infections throughout the body, including the eyes and ears if the animal will allow it. An assessment of dental hygiene will be performed to determine if dental disease or tooth abnormalities are present.
Your pet’s weight will be assessed, usually for obesity, and a nutritional program can be designed. Finally, the animal will be checked over for lumps and bumps, both on the surface of the body and within the abdomen. This check-up can be extremely useful to catch diseases in their early stages, allowing for prompt treatment if necessary and usually better outcomes.
Vaccinations
Annual vaccinations are paramount in preventative care for your pet. These vaccinations include: Rabies, Canine Distemper Virus, Adenovirus Type 2, Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus for your dog. Optional vaccines include Canine Leptospirosis, Kennel Cough, Lyme Disease, and Giardia. For your cat, annual vaccines required are Rabies, Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia. If your cat is allowed outdoors, Feline Leukemia is also recommended. Vaccines are important to provide protection against highly contagious and serious diseases. Although it may seem expensive to vaccinate every year, treating these diseases (if even possible) when serious, is much more costly and may not result in a cure. It is highly recommended that your pet be up to date on vaccines so that these diseases will not be of concern.
Spay / Neuter
It is recommended that your pet be spayed/neutered at the age of six months or slightly earlier. This practice is important for several reasons, including unwanted puppies/kittens, pet overpopulation issues, and the future health of your animal. A litter of puppies or kittens are not only a lot of work, but also expensive to care for. They need constant care for at least eight weeks, before they are able to be adopted out. As well, there are many health benefits to fixing your pet early in life. For females, spaying decreases or eliminates the risk of mammary, ovarian, and uterine cancer. It also greatly decreases the risk of pyometra, a life-threatening infection of the uterus. In males, early castration eliminates the risk of testicular cancer, and greatly decreases the incidence of prostate disease. There can also be positive behaviour changes, such as decreased aggressiveness in dogs and urine spraying in cats.
Heartworm Testing & Prevention
Heartworm is a parasite endemic to many parts of North America and is transmitted by mosquitoes. When an infected mosquito bites a dog, the parasite travels to the bloodstream and eventually matures in the heart, producing offspring. If you live in an area where heartworm is present, basically anywhere with mosquitoes, testing and prevention is important. In areas where heartworm is endemic, for example the southern United States and some select areas in Canada, annual testing for heartworm disease is extremely important. In other areas, annual and bi-annual testing is used as a screening too to check for early infections. Because infection with heartworm can lead to heart failure and requires costly treatment, early detection of disease results in a better prognosis. Monthly prevention of heartworm with medication is now a regular practice, with the medications being extremely safe and effective. They come in a variety of formulations (topical or oral), and can include protection against fleas and worms. It is important to remember to administer the medication regularly once a month to ensure the best protection.
Wellness Testing
As your pet gets older, organ systems such as the liver and kidneys may begin to diminish in function. Wellness testing refers to checking all the internal body functions for changes that may indicate disease. Your veterinarian will collect blood to check for changes in blood parameters and organ function. This can allow for early detection of diseases before symptoms are present, leading to earlier treatment, which in some cases may slow down the progression of a disease. If your pet’s bloodwork is normal, this can provide a baseline for future wellness tests. Your pet’s urine can also be tested, in conjunction with blood, for changes in kidney function, often leading to earlier diagnosis of kidney disease.
Dental Cleaning
If there was only one thing that most dogs live for, it would be food. That is why dental hygiene for our pets is so important. It is ideal to start brushing your pet’s teeth when they are still young, so that they can grow accustomed to the procedure. A toothpaste that is specially formulated for pets and a soft bristled dog tooth brush should be used (both available online or at your local pet store or veterinarian’s office). If necessary, your veterinarian can perform a total dental examination and cleaning under general anesthesia. Your pet’s teeth will be scaled and polished, and the teeth and gums will be examined thoroughly, with problem teeth extracted if necessary. Keeping your pet’s teeth clean can prevent painful dental problems that can also lead to blood-borne infections of the heart.
In summary, preventative medicine for your pet is as important as seeing your veterinarian when your animal is not feeling well. Many common problems, especially in older animals, can be treated more effectively or even prevented when a prevention program is in place for your pet.
Annual Physical Exam
A yearly visit to the veterinarian is perhaps the most important thing you can do to ensure your pet’s well-being. Your veterinarian will perform a complete physical exam to look for early signs of abnormalities. Vital functions, such as circulatory, cardiovascular, and respiratory status will be assessed.
Your veterinarian will look for signs of infections throughout the body, including the eyes and ears if the animal will allow it. An assessment of dental hygiene will be performed to determine if dental disease or tooth abnormalities are present.
Your pet’s weight will be assessed, usually for obesity, and a nutritional program can be designed. Finally, the animal will be checked over for lumps and bumps, both on the surface of the body and within the abdomen. This check-up can be extremely useful to catch diseases in their early stages, allowing for prompt treatment if necessary and usually better outcomes.
Vaccinations
Annual vaccinations are paramount in preventative care for your pet. These vaccinations include: Rabies, Canine Distemper Virus, Adenovirus Type 2, Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus for your dog. Optional vaccines include Canine Leptospirosis, Kennel Cough, Lyme Disease, and Giardia. For your cat, annual vaccines required are Rabies, Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia. If your cat is allowed outdoors, Feline Leukemia is also recommended. Vaccines are important to provide protection against highly contagious and serious diseases. Although it may seem expensive to vaccinate every year, treating these diseases (if even possible) when serious, is much more costly and may not result in a cure. It is highly recommended that your pet be up to date on vaccines so that these diseases will not be of concern.
Spay / Neuter
It is recommended that your pet be spayed/neutered at the age of six months or slightly earlier. This practice is important for several reasons, including unwanted puppies/kittens, pet overpopulation issues, and the future health of your animal. A litter of puppies or kittens are not only a lot of work, but also expensive to care for. They need constant care for at least eight weeks, before they are able to be adopted out. As well, there are many health benefits to fixing your pet early in life. For females, spaying decreases or eliminates the risk of mammary, ovarian, and uterine cancer. It also greatly decreases the risk of pyometra, a life-threatening infection of the uterus. In males, early castration eliminates the risk of testicular cancer, and greatly decreases the incidence of prostate disease. There can also be positive behaviour changes, such as decreased aggressiveness in dogs and urine spraying in cats.
Heartworm Testing & Prevention
Heartworm is a parasite endemic to many parts of North America and is transmitted by mosquitoes. When an infected mosquito bites a dog, the parasite travels to the bloodstream and eventually matures in the heart, producing offspring. If you live in an area where heartworm is present, basically anywhere with mosquitoes, testing and prevention is important. In areas where heartworm is endemic, for example the southern United States and some select areas in Canada, annual testing for heartworm disease is extremely important. In other areas, annual and bi-annual testing is used as a screening too to check for early infections. Because infection with heartworm can lead to heart failure and requires costly treatment, early detection of disease results in a better prognosis. Monthly prevention of heartworm with medication is now a regular practice, with the medications being extremely safe and effective. They come in a variety of formulations (topical or oral), and can include protection against fleas and worms. It is important to remember to administer the medication regularly once a month to ensure the best protection.
Wellness Testing
As your pet gets older, organ systems such as the liver and kidneys may begin to diminish in function. Wellness testing refers to checking all the internal body functions for changes that may indicate disease. Your veterinarian will collect blood to check for changes in blood parameters and organ function. This can allow for early detection of diseases before symptoms are present, leading to earlier treatment, which in some cases may slow down the progression of a disease. If your pet’s bloodwork is normal, this can provide a baseline for future wellness tests. Your pet’s urine can also be tested, in conjunction with blood, for changes in kidney function, often leading to earlier diagnosis of kidney disease.
Dental Cleaning
If there was only one thing that most dogs live for, it would be food. That is why dental hygiene for our pets is so important. It is ideal to start brushing your pet’s teeth when they are still young, so that they can grow accustomed to the procedure. A toothpaste that is specially formulated for pets and a soft bristled dog tooth brush should be used (both available online or at your local pet store or veterinarian’s office). If necessary, your veterinarian can perform a total dental examination and cleaning under general anesthesia. Your pet’s teeth will be scaled and polished, and the teeth and gums will be examined thoroughly, with problem teeth extracted if necessary. Keeping your pet’s teeth clean can prevent painful dental problems that can also lead to blood-borne infections of the heart.
In summary, preventative medicine for your pet is as important as seeing your veterinarian when your animal is not feeling well. Many common problems, especially in older animals, can be treated more effectively or even prevented when a prevention program is in place for your pet.
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Keeping Your Cat Safe At Home
Be aware of the plants you have in your house and in your yard, if your cat is permitted outside. The ingestion of azalea, oleander, easter lily, or yew plant material by a cat could be fatal.
When cleaning your house, never allow your cat access to the area where cleaning agents are used or stored. Cleaning agents have a variety of properties; from those that could just irritate the gastrointestinal tract to those that have a corrosive action and can chemically burn the sensitive mucous membranes of the mouth, esophagus, and stomach.
When using rat or mouse baits, ant or roach traps, or snail and slug baits, place the products in areas that are inaccessible to your cats. Most baits contain sweet smelling inert ingredients, which can be very attractive to your cat.
Never give your cat any medications unless under the directions of veterinarian. Many medications that are used safely in humans can be deadly when used inappropriately. One extra strength acetaminophen tablet (500mg) can kill a 7 pound cat.
Keep all prescription and over the counter drugs out of reach of your cats. Pain killers, cold medicines, anti-cancer drugs, antidepressants, and diet pills are common examples of human medication that could be potentially lethal even in small dosages.
Never leave chocolates unattended. Approximately one half ounce of baking chocolate per pound body weight or less can cause clinical signs of toxicity.
Many common household items have been shown to be lethal in certain species, including felines. Miscellaneous items that are highly toxic even in low quantities include pennies, mothballs, potpourri oils, fabric softener sheets, automatic dish detergents, batteries, homemade play dough, winter heat source agents like hand or foot warmers, cigarettes, coffee grounds, and alcoholic drinks.
All automotive products such as oil, gasoline, and antifreeze should be stored in areas away from cat access. As little as one teaspoon of antifreeze can be deadly in a 7lb cat.
Before buying or using flea products on your cat or in your household, contact your veterinarian to discuss what types of flea products she/he would recommend for your pet. Read ALL information before using a product on your cat or in your home. Always follow label instructions. When a product is labeled "for use in dogs only" this means that the product should NEVER be applied to cats. When using a fogger or a house spray, make sure to remove all cats from the area for the time period specified on the container.
When treating your lawn or garden with fertilizers, herbicides, or insecticides, always keep your cats away from the area until the area dries completely. Discuss usage of products with the manufacturer of the products to be used. Always store such products in an area that will ensure no cat exposure.
When cleaning your house, never allow your cat access to the area where cleaning agents are used or stored. Cleaning agents have a variety of properties; from those that could just irritate the gastrointestinal tract to those that have a corrosive action and can chemically burn the sensitive mucous membranes of the mouth, esophagus, and stomach.
When using rat or mouse baits, ant or roach traps, or snail and slug baits, place the products in areas that are inaccessible to your cats. Most baits contain sweet smelling inert ingredients, which can be very attractive to your cat.
Never give your cat any medications unless under the directions of veterinarian. Many medications that are used safely in humans can be deadly when used inappropriately. One extra strength acetaminophen tablet (500mg) can kill a 7 pound cat.
Keep all prescription and over the counter drugs out of reach of your cats. Pain killers, cold medicines, anti-cancer drugs, antidepressants, and diet pills are common examples of human medication that could be potentially lethal even in small dosages.
Never leave chocolates unattended. Approximately one half ounce of baking chocolate per pound body weight or less can cause clinical signs of toxicity.
Many common household items have been shown to be lethal in certain species, including felines. Miscellaneous items that are highly toxic even in low quantities include pennies, mothballs, potpourri oils, fabric softener sheets, automatic dish detergents, batteries, homemade play dough, winter heat source agents like hand or foot warmers, cigarettes, coffee grounds, and alcoholic drinks.
All automotive products such as oil, gasoline, and antifreeze should be stored in areas away from cat access. As little as one teaspoon of antifreeze can be deadly in a 7lb cat.
Before buying or using flea products on your cat or in your household, contact your veterinarian to discuss what types of flea products she/he would recommend for your pet. Read ALL information before using a product on your cat or in your home. Always follow label instructions. When a product is labeled "for use in dogs only" this means that the product should NEVER be applied to cats. When using a fogger or a house spray, make sure to remove all cats from the area for the time period specified on the container.
When treating your lawn or garden with fertilizers, herbicides, or insecticides, always keep your cats away from the area until the area dries completely. Discuss usage of products with the manufacturer of the products to be used. Always store such products in an area that will ensure no cat exposure.
Saturday, January 06, 2007
Ten Cold Weather Tips
Brrrr…it’s cold outside! The following guidelines will help you protect your pets when the mercury dips.
1. Keep your cat inside. Outdoors, felines can freeze, become lost or be stolen, injured or killed. Cats who are allowed to stray are exposed to infectious diseases, including rabies, from other cats, dogs and wildlife.
2. During the winter, outdoor cats sometimes sleep under the hoods of cars. When the motor is started, the cat can be injured or killed by the fan belt. If there are outdoor cats in your area, bang loudly on the car hood before starting the engine to give the cat a chance to escape.
3. Never let your dog off the leash on snow or ice, especially during a snowstorm—dogs can lose their scent and easily become lost. More dogs are lost during the winter than during any other season, so make sure yours always wears ID tags.
4. Thoroughly wipe off your dog's legs and stomach when he comes in out of the sleet, snow or ice. He can ingest salt, antifreeze or other potentially dangerous chemicals while licking his paws, and his paw pads may also bleed from snow or encrusted ice.
5. Never shave your dog down to the skin in winter, as a longer coat will provide more warmth. When you bathe your dog in the colder months, be sure to completely dry him before taking him out for a walk. Own a short-haired breed? Consider getting him a coat or sweater with a high collar or turtleneck with coverage from the base of the tail to the belly. For many dogs, this is regulation winter wear.
6. Never leave your dog or cat alone in a car during cold weather. A car can act as a refrigerator in the winter, holding in the cold and causing the animal to freeze to death.
7. Puppies do not tolerate the cold as well as adult dogs, and may be difficult to housebreak during the winter. If your puppy appears to be sensitive to the weather, you may opt to paper-train him inside. If your dog is sensitive to the cold due to age, illness or breed type, take him outdoors only to relieve himself.
8. Does your dog spend a lot of time engaged in outdoor activities? Increase his supply of food, particularly protein, to keep him—and his fur—in tip-top shape.
9. Like coolant, antifreeze is a lethal poison for dogs and cats. Be sure to thoroughly clean up any spills from your vehicle, and consider using products that contain propylene glycol rather than ethylene glycol.
10. Make sure your companion animal has a warm place to sleep, off the floor and away from all drafts. A cozy dog or cat bed with a warm blanket or pillow is perfect.
1. Keep your cat inside. Outdoors, felines can freeze, become lost or be stolen, injured or killed. Cats who are allowed to stray are exposed to infectious diseases, including rabies, from other cats, dogs and wildlife.
2. During the winter, outdoor cats sometimes sleep under the hoods of cars. When the motor is started, the cat can be injured or killed by the fan belt. If there are outdoor cats in your area, bang loudly on the car hood before starting the engine to give the cat a chance to escape.
3. Never let your dog off the leash on snow or ice, especially during a snowstorm—dogs can lose their scent and easily become lost. More dogs are lost during the winter than during any other season, so make sure yours always wears ID tags.
4. Thoroughly wipe off your dog's legs and stomach when he comes in out of the sleet, snow or ice. He can ingest salt, antifreeze or other potentially dangerous chemicals while licking his paws, and his paw pads may also bleed from snow or encrusted ice.
5. Never shave your dog down to the skin in winter, as a longer coat will provide more warmth. When you bathe your dog in the colder months, be sure to completely dry him before taking him out for a walk. Own a short-haired breed? Consider getting him a coat or sweater with a high collar or turtleneck with coverage from the base of the tail to the belly. For many dogs, this is regulation winter wear.
6. Never leave your dog or cat alone in a car during cold weather. A car can act as a refrigerator in the winter, holding in the cold and causing the animal to freeze to death.
7. Puppies do not tolerate the cold as well as adult dogs, and may be difficult to housebreak during the winter. If your puppy appears to be sensitive to the weather, you may opt to paper-train him inside. If your dog is sensitive to the cold due to age, illness or breed type, take him outdoors only to relieve himself.
8. Does your dog spend a lot of time engaged in outdoor activities? Increase his supply of food, particularly protein, to keep him—and his fur—in tip-top shape.
9. Like coolant, antifreeze is a lethal poison for dogs and cats. Be sure to thoroughly clean up any spills from your vehicle, and consider using products that contain propylene glycol rather than ethylene glycol.
10. Make sure your companion animal has a warm place to sleep, off the floor and away from all drafts. A cozy dog or cat bed with a warm blanket or pillow is perfect.
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