Dog and Cat Shop

Flea and Tick Medicated Collars for your Pets

2011-04-24T14:01:00.000-06:00

Fleas and ticks are pesky little insects that can make your dog or cat's life miserable. Not only do their bites cause extreme itching but the bites can also have serious consequences that can make both you and your pet sick. The insects can pass on other diseases and germs they may be carrying or the saliva of the insects can cause your pet to have an allergic reaction which could be deadly for some pets. Flea and tick medicated collars for your pets can help prevent and control these nasty insects.

Several important features to look for in a tick and flea medicated collar are that it is easy to use, safe for your pet and available at a reasonable cost. There are collars available that will treat or prevent more than one problem at a time, for example, a single product that will treat fleas, ticks and mosquitoes. If you are unsure which product would be best for your pet, ask your veterinarian for recommendations.

Before giving any medication to your pet, carefully read the label instructions to make sure the product is appropriate for your pet's age and weight. Most medicated collars will come in a variety of choices based on an animal's age and weight to make it safer to choose the right dosage for your pet. The collars are made for both dogs and cats. However, do not use a collar made specifically for a dog on a cat and visa versa.

If your pet enjoys being outdoors during the warm months of the year (as most pet's do), you will need to protect them from fleas and ticks. Medicated collars could be an excellent option to help control and eliminate the possibility of fleas and ticks making a home on your pet.

Most tick and flea medicated collars are not water proof so it is recommended that you remove them when you give your dog or cat a bath. Also if your pet loves to swim and enjoys getting in water on their outdoor adventures you will need to replace the collars more often.

If your pet has allergies or sensitive skin, you should check with your veterinarian before using any medicated collars because side effects can occur. These collars are an insecticide product and should only be used on healthy pets. When you are handling the collar, make sure you do not get any of the collar powder in your pet's eyes or mouth and wash your hands thoroughly after handling the collar.

Flea and tick medicated collars are a small investment to make in order to protect your pets from insect bites and they can enjoy a safe and itch free life.

Fun Facts About Cats

2010-04-20T19:43:00.000-06:00

Here are a few fun facts about cats:

You can calm a frightened cat by letting him bury his head in your armpit or by putting your hand over his eyes and forehead.
Only approximately 80% of cats respond to catnip; the other 20% don't have the specific gene that causes them to react.
Domestic cats are the only species able to hold their tail vertically while walking.
Domestic cats can breed up to 4 times per year, while wild cats breed only once per year.
Who do you think cats respond better to -- men or women? In fact, it's women, perhaps because they have a higher pitch to their voice.
Signs that your cat trusts you include snoring and rolling over on his back to expose his belly.

Fun Facts About Dogs

2010-04-20T19:12:00.002-06:00

Here are a few fun facts about dogs:

The Lhasa Apso was used by monks to guard temples.
The Doberman breed was created in the 1860's by Louis Doberman, a German tax-collector who created the dog to protect him while he worked.
Most people think that dogs sweat by salivating, but they actually sweat through the pads of their feet.
The name Pug is believed to have been derived from this dog's resemblance to the pug monkey.
Contrary to popular belief, dogs are not color blind but can see color. However, their color scheme is not as vivid as ours and can be likened to our vision at twilight.
You might expect that a Great Dane can eat a lot of food. In fact, they can eat up to 8-1/2 pounds a day.
Cats can see a lot better than dogs. In fact, dogs first distinguish objects by movement, then brightness, and finally by shape.

Cat Treats - Beef and Veggie Broth

2010-03-22T15:42:00.000-06:00

A great cat treat recipe to tempt your favorite kitty.

1/2 cup raw trimmed beef
A few tablespoons of beef broth (preferably not the canned or cubed)
2 tablespoons cooked oatmeal
1 tablespoon dried barley grass powder (get this at your local pet food store)
1 cooked minced veggie (your cat's favorite - carrots are often a favorite for cats)

Cook raw trimmed beef in just enough broth to cover it, over medium to low heat. When beef is cooked through shred it with a fork and mix with the broth in which it was cooked in. Add the minced veggie and the barley grass powder. Stir well. Last add the oatmeal to achieve the consistency that your cat likes. This is a good cat treat recipe for indoor pets.

Cat Treats - Better Than Grass Salad

2010-03-22T15:25:00.000-06:00

This is an easy cat treat you can make in minutes for your feline friend.

1 small carrot peeled and grated
1/4 cup peeled and grated zucchini
1/2 cup chopped alfalfa sprouts
1 tsp. finely chopped parsley
1/8 cup chicken stock
1/4 tsp. dried or fresh catnip

Combine veggies in a medium bowl. Add chicken stock and toss. Sprinkle with catnip and serve at room temperature. Store this leftover cat treat in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Introducing a New Dog

2010-03-21T20:37:00.001-06:00

Many dogs live peacefully with other animals, such as cats, rabbits, birds, and rodents. Not all dogs, however, are suited for a multi-species household. Introducing a new dog to a small animal is potentially risky and needs to be planned carefully.

Your Best Bet
You can be more confident that a dog will accept other animals in the home if the dog has lived with other animals in the past. Puppies who were raised with cats or other small pets are much less likely to prey on them. For instance, if your puppy grows up with rabbits, as an adult he will be less likely than a dog who did not grow up with them to chase and kill a rabbit. However, some dogs will learn to accept a particular rabbit, but not other rabbits. There are also dogs who are completely trustworthy with the family cat, but would chase and kill any other cat.

Warning Signs
Watch for certain behaviors in the dog that indicate he might not be compatible with small animals:

The dog has killed another animal.
The dog is aggressively possessive over food, toys, chew bones, or even the water bowl.
When on walks, the dog is obsessed with chasing squirrels, rats or rabbits.
When excited, the dog becomes unruly, uncontrollable, and doesn’t listen.
When on walks, the dog stares intently at other animals, and perhaps even stalks them.

Introduce Gradually
When introducing a new dog, the general rule is to proceed slowly! Enlist the assistance of a family member or friend so there is a person to control each animal in the room. If you don’t have someone to help, confine the small pet (cat or other small pet) in a cage or behind a secure gate. Have the dog on a 4- or 6-foot leash. Have tasty treats (chicken, liver, cheese, etc.) for the dog within reach. Practice each step for a minimum of 10-15 minutes. Remain at this level until the dog is able to stay relaxed and focused on you for at least five minutes at a time. If the dog is unable to remain calm do not progress to the next step.

1. Have the small pet settled in one room, at the far end from the door, attended by your assistant. Bring the dog in the room and remain by the door. Sit down on the floor with the dog and engage the dog to interact with you. Ask the dog to sit, stay down, and any other commands he might know. Keep his interest. Praise him for paying attention to you. Stroke him if this helps him to relax. If the dog is more interested in the other pet and will not attend to you, use treats to entice the dog to turn away from the pet to face you.

2. With the dog paying attention to you, have your assistant entice your small pet to walk a few feet back and forth. If the pet will not move willingly, the assistant can support the animal comfortably and hold him just above the floor. Move the animal a short distance. Permit the dog to look, and then try to redirect the dog back onto you. Use treats if necessary. Help the dog to stay calm and relaxed, even while watching the pet move about.

3. Move the dog one to two feet closer to the pet. See that the dog stays calm for five minutes, and then have the pet move around a bit. The dog should look at the pet while remaining calm, and then, turn and listen to you while you talk to him. Praise and/or offer him a treat. Allow the dog to look at the pet again and gain his attention back to you. Continue until the dog is comfortable looking at the pet and looking back at you, all the while remaining calm and controlled.

4. If possible, allow the pet to move freely about the room. Do not do this if the pet is inclined to approach you. Can the dog still remain calm and relaxed? Can the dog see the animal moving about and still switch his attention back to you? If so, great! If not, stay at the previous step longer. If, at any time, the pet attempts to approach within the dog’s range, have the assistant move the pet away. To be safe, you do not want the dog and pet sniffing for the first time while the dog is sitting or lying next to you, especially if he knows there are treats nearby.

5. Stand up and allow the dog to move to the end of his leash. Continue to speak to him intermittently to be sure he will pay attention to you. If the pet approaches the dog, allow them to sniff noses. Keep the dog’s leash loose so he doesn’t feel that he is restrained. However, be very vigilant because if the dog lunges at the animal, you need to be close enough to pull the dog away before contact is made. If the other pet is so small or fragile, and/or the dog so large or powerful that the dog could kill it or inflict serious damage with one bite, have the dog wear a muzzle when they first meet. While the dog is sniffing the pet, call him to you. If he turns and comes away from the pet, fabulous! If he needs a bit of coaxing, that’s okay--as long as he is able to focus on you once you get his attention. If the dog becomes totally engrossed in the animal and won’t come away, then go back to a previous step and work at that level a bit longer before trying this step again.

6. The final step is to allow the animals to interact more freely. Begin with short periods of time together, especially after the dog has been well exercised. Keep a close eye on the dog. To be absolutely risk-free, muzzle the dog until you are confident that he will not harm the other pet. As you gain more confidence, give the animals more time together. Make sure there are plenty of escape routes and safety refuges for the small pet, such as kitty condos, shelves and areas behind furniture to which the dog cannot reach.

7. We’ve heard numerous anecdotes of dogs who were fine with a small pet until the animals were left alone together. We recommend that you keep the dog crated or otherwise confined away from the other pet during your absences. It is not sufficient to keep the small pet caged and the dog loose. The dog could harass and frighten the pet, or even break into the cage.

Dog Behavior

2010-03-05T19:51:00.000-07:00

Dogs need to be stimulated, both mentally and physically. Most breeds of dogs were developed to perform specific jobs for people, such as guarding, herding and hunting—work that demands great physical stamina and intense mental concentration. Without a “job” to do every day, our companion canines can become bored—at the very least. In general, a stimulated dog is a better-behaved dog. If the dog is physically spent, he is much less likely to engage in a variety of problem behaviors.

Physical Exercise:
Most dogs benefit from a minimum of two outings a day. If the dog is trained to come when called, it’s ideal if you can exercise him off-leash in a safe area. The first outing of the day should be 45-60 minutes, early in the morning, especially if the dog is going to be left alone all day. The second outing can be shorter, around 30-45 minutes. Strenuous aerobic exercise is best, such as off-leash running/play with other dogs, running alongside a bicycle, swimming, playing fetch games, accompanying a jogger, or running on a treadmill. (Yes, there are treadmills specifically made for dogs, but canines can also be trained to run on human treadmills.)

If your dog is a habitual couch potato, check with your veterinarian before staring an exercise program. You’ll need to build your dog up gradually, the same as you would with a person unaccustomed to exercise. Puppies who are still growing should never be made to do any exercise or activity in which they are forced to keep moving. Playing with other puppies or people is the best exercise for a puppy. If your dog has hip dysplasia or some other type of physical problem that limits his ability to exercise, swimming is an excellent option.

Mental stimulation:
Dogs enjoy searching and working for their food, so rather than simply giving your dog his food in a bowl, give him his dinner in a Kong, a Goodie Ship, or a Buster Cube. Hide small containers of food around the house and let him find them. Take his bowl of food and toss the kibble into the backyard so he has to snuffle around in the grass to find it.

Training is another excellent way to stimulate a dog’s brain. You can practice basic obedience behaviors, teach tricks, or set up a few obstacles in your backyard for your dog to navigate. Short sessions of 5-10 minutes once or twice a day are best. Keep it light and fun for the dog, with plenty of rewards for good behavior. There are unlimited activities that you and your dog can become involved in together, such as agility, flyball, tracking, search and rescue, pet visitation, clicker training, herding, freestyle dancing, etc. Ask your local Certified Professional Dog Trainer for guidance.

Tips For Feeding Your Adult Cat or Dog

2010-02-25T19:49:00.000-07:00

Adult cats and dogs require sufficient nutrients to meet energy needs and to maintain and repair body tissues. The amount you feed your adult dog or cat should be based on the animal's size and energy output. Activity levels vary dramatically between pets, and will play an important role in determining caloric intake. Here are some tips:

1. House pets vary widely in their activity levels. An animal with a "normal" activity level should receive what we call "maintenance" energy. A pampered lap dog may require ten percent below maintenance, while an active pet who regularly exercises outdoors may require maintenance plus 20 to 40 percent.

2. Show dogs and cats must be fed a balanced diet with the correct amount of energy, since deficiencies may be quickly reflected in coat quality. While on the show circuit, the pet's energy requirement may increase by 20 percent or more. The pet should be fed maintenance amounts when not on the show circuit.

3. The dietary needs of working canines, such as police dogs, guide dogs and cattle dogs, will depend on their occupations. Energy needs will increase with the work level and/or stress. A dog with a moderate work load may require an energy increase of 40 percent compared to maintenance, whereas a dog with a high work load may require an extra 50 to 70 percent. An animal recovering from surgery or suffering from a disease may have an increased nutritional requirement for repair, healing and fighting infection.

4. Environment influences energy needs. Extreme hot or cold weather can increases a pet's energy needs. Both keeping warm and keeping cool require extra energy expenditure.

5. An animal recovering from surgery or suffering from a disease may have an increased nutritional requirement for repair, healing and fighting infection.

6. Dogs and cats may be fed successfully in a number of ways that meet both the owner's and the animal's needs and circumstances. Pet owners should consult with their pet's veterinarian to determine the best feeding schedule and types of foods for their pets.

7. First up is portion-control feeding. You will measure your pet's food and offer it as a meal, thereby controlling the amount of food that can be consumed. This method is used for weight control programs and for animals who might overeat if fed free-choice. Food can be provided in one or more meals daily.

8. We generally recommend that all dogs be fed twice daily. Simply divide the amount suggested on the label of your pet’s food into two meals spaced eight to twelve hours part. Puppies, kittens, and animals recovering from certain medical conditions often require more than two meals per day.

9. Free-choice feeding is also known as "ad lib" feeding or "free feeding." Food is available at all times, as much as the pet wants, whenever the pet wants. Most lactating pets are fed by the free-choice method, and free choice is an accepted method for the feeding of cats. This method is most appropriate when feeding dry food, which will not spoil if left out.

Some dogs and cats, however, will overeat when fed free-choice, which can result in:

a) Obesity. If your pet eats free-choice and has put on too much weight, you will need to switch to portion-control feeding,

b) Developmental Bone Diseases. If you have a large- or giant-sized puppy of a breed susceptible to OCD, hypertrophic osteodystrophy, or hip dysplasia, do not free-feed your pet. He may overeat, which can lead to rapid growth and a greater incidence of bone diseases. Large- or giant-breed pups should be fed with the portion-controlled or timed-feeding methods.

10. The timed feeding method involves making a portion of food available for the pet to eat for a specified period of time. For example, the food can be placed in the dog's bowl for a period of thirty minutes. After that time, if the pet has not consumed the food, it is removed. This can be a good feeding method for puppies, particularly just after weaning. A standard guideline would be to offer food to your puppy for 30 minutes, two or three times per day.

Tips for Choosing a Dog Groomer

2010-02-20T15:07:00.000-07:00

Following are a few tips for choosing a dog groomer for your pet.

Ask your veterinarian, friends or family for recommendations.
Check with the Better Business Bureau to see if there are any complaints against the groomer
Visit the facility before you take your dog. Is it clean? How are they handling the dogs? Is there a lot of barking and other disruptions.
Ask about the dog groomer's experience and how he or she learned to groom dogs. Is the groomer certified? Was the groomer educated by a master groomer?
Does the grooming allow the owner to be present during grooming? Typically a dog is going to be more relaxed if their owner is present.
Make sure the facility requires that all dogs are up-to-date on vaccinations

Following these few tips for choosing a dog groomer should make it easier for you to choose the perfect dog grooming for your pet and will make your pet more relaxed with the entire grooming process.

Dog Behavior

2010-02-09T18:25:00.001-07:00

Dogs need to be stimulated, both mentally and physically. Most breeds of dogs were developed to perform specific jobs for people, such as guarding, herding and hunting—work that demands great physical stamina and intense mental concentration. Without a “job” to do every day, our companion canines can become bored—at the very least. In general, a stimulated dog is a better-behaved dog. If the dog is physically spent, he is much less likely to engage in a variety of problem dog behaviors.

Physical Exercise:
Most dogs benefit from a minimum of two outings a day. If the dog is trained to come when called, it’s ideal if you can exercise him off-leash in a safe area. The first outing of the day should be 45-60 minutes, early in the morning, especially if the dog is going to be left alone all day. The second outing can be shorter, around 30-45 minutes. Strenuous aerobic exercise is best, such as off-leash running/play with other dogs, running alongside a bicycle, swimming, playing fetch games, accompanying a jogger, or running on a treadmill. (Yes, there are treadmills specifically made for dogs, but canines can also be trained to run on human treadmills.)

If your dog is a habitual couch potato, check with your veterinarian before starting an exercise program. You’ll need to build your dog up gradually, the same as you would with a person unaccustomed to exercise. Puppies who are still growing should never be made to do any exercise or activity in which they are forced to keep moving. Playing with other puppies or people is the best exercise for a puppy. If your dog has hip dysplasia or some other type of physical problem that limits his ability to exercise, swimming is an excellent option.

Mental stimulation:
Dogs enjoy searching and working for their food, so rather than simply giving your dog his food in a bowl, give him his dinner in a Kong, a Goodie Ship, or a Buster Cube. Hide small containers of food around the house and let him find them. Take his bowl of food and toss the kibble into the backyard so he has to snuffle around in the grass to find it.

Training is another excellent way to stimulate a dog’s brain. You can practice basic obedience dog behaviors, teach tricks, or set up a few obstacles in your backyard for your dog to navigate. Short sessions of 5-10 minutes once or twice a day are best. Keep it light and fun for the dog, with plenty of rewards for good behavior. There are unlimited activities that you and your dog can become involved in together, such as agility, flyball, tracking, search and rescue, pet visitation, clicker training, herding, freestyle dancing, etc. Ask your local Certified Professional Dog Trainer for guidance.

Frostbite and Hypothermia in Cats and Dogs

2010-02-09T16:58:00.000-07:00

It is wise to prepare our pets for the cold winter temperatures. It is a misconception to believe that cats and dogs and withstand cold temperatures because they have fur. Some large dog breeds are well equipped for the winter months and love to be outdoors while others like small breed dogs are more sensitive and have no tolerance for the cold. Even a quick moment outside to do its business is all it takes for a little Dachshund's paws to freeze up and have him shivering. Providing your Dachshund or other small breed with a coat and boots is a smart move.

Cats usually don't stay outdoors for long when it's very cold. They might make a quick pounce and come right back into the house. Always make a note of the upcoming forecast before letting your cat out. It might be colder the next day and if kitty hasn't come home he or she will be more at risk to developing frostbite and hypothermia especially if they are hurt.

If you are not going to be home to let your cat back into the house, don't let it out. Don't leave a cat or dog out in cold temperatures! The consequences could cost it its life.

What is Frostbite?

Animals have ways of dealing with cold temperatures but when exposed to extreme freezing temperatures for an extended period these same mechanisms that work to keep them warm and alive can actually cause damage and death to the tissues of their extremities (tips of ears, tail, foot pads.) more commonly know as frostbite.

When a dog or cat is exposed to cold temperatures its body reacts in stages:

Your pet's fur provides insulation just like us wearing a coat. Its hairs, when exposed to cold air undergo pilo-erection. This is like you and I getting goose bumps. The hairs "stand up erect" trapping the air in that layer. This air is warmed by the body and adds additional insulation.
When the body's core temperature decreases, an involuntary reflex by the skeletal muscles know as "shivering" is triggered to generate heat and warm you up. Animals like humans experience this same reaction.
When the body is really getting cold and the animal's life may be at risk, the body responds by vasoconstricting the peripheral tissues. This means the body is being selective in where it is sending warm blood.
The organs are the most important to keep an animal and human alive so blood is circulating in the core of the body (heart, liver, kidney, lungs) and shuts down temporally by constricting blood vessels to the extremities until the body's normal temperature is reached.
By this stage if a cat or dog has not received First Aid or warmth on it's own, frostbite will develop. Tissues that have frozen due to this response, die. Cats and dogs often experience frostbite on the tips of their ears, tails, face, foot pads, legs and the genitalia in male dogs.

Signs of Frostbite

Symptoms to look for if your pet has been outdoors and you suspect it may be suffering from frostbite.

Ice on body and limbs
Shivering
Tissues are bright red followed by pale color to black color (death of tissue/sloughing of skin)

First Aid

Warm the affected area rapidly with warm water using towels or warmed ice packs.
If it is a limb or paw that is frozen, soak it only in a bath or bowl of warm water.
Dry gently after you have warmed the area.
Do not rub or massage the frozen tissue.
Do not apply snow or ice.
Do not immerse your pet completely in a bath because this will cause the body temperature to decrease and cause hypothermia.

Prevent Self-Trauma

When the tissues are warmed it may cause some discomfort to your pet. The same also occurs when tissues are dead.

Wrap you pet in a blanket to prevent self-trauma and keep him or her warm.
Seek Veterinary care. Secondary infections can sometimes result from gangrene tissues.

What is Hypothermia?

Hypothermia is an abnormal lowering of the body's temperature. This is a serious condition that can cause unconsciousness, shock and even the death of a pet. Pets that are outdoors in cold or subzero temperatures can become hypothermic.

If your pet shows signs of frostbite he or she may be also experiencing hypothermia. However, do not rely on frostbite alone as an indication of hypothermia, as it can occur without the presence of frostbite.

Signs of Hypothermia

Low body temperature. Take your pet's temperature rectally! A lubricated electronic thermometer is easy to use.

Shivering
Weakness

First Aid

Warm your pet.
Use blankets.
Put warm water in plastic bottles then wrap them in towels to prevent burns.
Use plastic zip lock bags filled with uncooked rice that you warm in the microwave for 1-2 minutes then wrap them in a towel.
Microwave ice packs that have not been frozen and wrap them in a towel.
If you use a heating pad, never put the animal directly on the pad. Always use several towels. A weak animal will not be able to move and will suffer burns.
A hair dryer on medium warm is a quick start to warm up your pet while someone else is preparing blankets and water bottles.

Monitor your pet's rectal temperature every 10-15 minutes

When his or her body temperature is back to normal, stop warming.
Seek Veterinary care even if it looks like your pet is fine after you have warmed them. Kidney and bladder problems are common in pets that have been exposed to cold temperatures.

An animal that has been hypothermic and/or has frostbite is in danger for his or her life. Veterinary care is a must.

Puppy Training

2009-06-13T20:55:00.003-06:00

Puppies are very social and enjoy being around humans. Start your puppy training when your new puppy first arrives in your home. Make a game of sitting on the floor and calling your puppy to you, once your pup gets to you, make a big fuss. If you make coming to you an enjoyable and rewarding experience, you will see the benefits when your puppy gets older.

The next step in your puppy training is going to be to teach your puppy not to jump on you or other people. All puppy's love to jump up when they are greeting people. Rather than reprimand the pup, simply ignore the behavior and wait until they settle down and are not jumping and then give them the attention they want. It's important to train them not to jump before they get bigger.

You need to decide what is going to be acceptable and what isn't when your puppy is young. Don't allow the puppy to sit on your lap when you are sitting on the couch if you don't want them to use the couch as an excellent dog bed. If the couch is going to be off limits, then set their dog bed right next to the couch when you are sitting on the couch and encourage them to sleep there.

During your puppy training session, remember that your pup will have a short attention span. The important part of early training with your puppy is to establish a good bond and mutual trust. If your puppy trusts you then they won't rebel against later when you start with more specific types of training.

Keep Your Pets Safe During The Holidays

2008-12-15T18:34:00.004-07:00

We love to celebrate the holiday season with parties, friends, family and our favorite sweet treats. Several popular holiday treats are toxic to pets. Any candy containing the sweetener xylitol can be poisonous to dogs. Even a small amount of xylitol can be dangerous because it can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar, which leads to depression lack of coordination, seizures and even liver failure.

Dark chocolate and baker's chocolate can also be potentially poisonous to dogs. Symptoms your dog might display if they've had a significant amount of chocolate are vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity and increased thirst and urination, as well as abnormal heart rate/rhythm and even seizures.

Cats love to play with candy wrappers, but ingesting aluminum foil or cellophane can pose a choking hazard or cause intestinal blockage.

If you have a real Christmas tree in your home, cover the Christmas tree water so that your pets can't drink it. Christmas tree water may contain fertilizers which, if swallowed, can cause stomach upset. Stagnant tree water can also act as a breeding ground for bacteria, and if swallowed, your pet could end up with abdominal discomfort, vomiting and diarrhea.

By taking just a few precautions, this holiday season can be a safe, joyous time for both you and your pet.

Thanksgiving and Your Pets

2008-11-21T20:32:00.003-07:00

Thanksgiving is a time to get together with your family and friends. Changes in household routines can cause stress for your pets. Make this Thanksgiving season a safe and stress free occasion for your pets.

Don't feed your dog any turkey bones. They are soft and can splinter easily which creates a choking hazard. Raw and undercooked turkey may contain salmonella bacteria and can cause your pet to become extremely sick.

Give your pets an extra treat inside their favorite treat toy. This will keep them occupied (and not begging for food) while you and your family are enjoying your Thanksgiving dinner.

Sage is an excellent spice for seasoning your dressing, but it contains oils and resins that can cause your pets to suffer an upset stomach and possibly depress their central nervous system.

Please don't leave any batteries they you use for cameras, radios and other battery operated electronics laying around where your pet could get to them. If your pet swallows a battery it can cause choking or become lodged in their throat. If your pet should bite and puncture the battery, the chemical in alkaline batteries can cause burns to their mouths and esophagus.

If you think your pet has eaten something that could be potentially dangerous, contact your vet immediately.

Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving.

Kitten Kindergarten

2008-09-24T21:12:00.003-06:00

Kindergarten classes are no longer just for puppies. There are now kitten kindergarten classes. Improving social skills for your cat is important to make sure they are properly socialized. This is especially important if your kitten is waiting to be adopted. New owners will like the fact that their newest family member is well socialized.

In the kitten kindergarten classes, you and your cat will be learning. Owners are taught how to correct problems in their pets before they become permanent and they will learn how to play and interact with their kittens. Kittens will be taught good manners and social skills during kitten kindergarten.

It is recommended that you enroll your kitten when they are seven to eight weeks old. Younger kittens will adjust much faster in a positive way than when they are older. You will need to make sure that your kitten is current on their vaccinations before you can enroll them in the kitten kindergarten classes.

During the class sessions, owners will learn how to properly place their kittens on their backs, touch their paws and bellies, and pick them up and hold them. Tips will also be given on how to check inside your kittens mouth, brush their teeth, clean their ears, trim their nails, giving them pills and walking on a leash. Just like when you are training puppies, you will want a good supply of treats on hand for rewards which will motivate your kitten to perform in a positive manner.

Whether you decide to attend a kitten kindergarten class or to perform the training yourself, remember to have a lot of patience and fun when you are training your kitten.

Cat Body Language

2008-08-23T20:34:00.003-06:00

Never pick up a cat by the scruff of the neck or by the front legs. To pick up your cat, place one hand behind the front legs and another under the hindquarters. Treat your cat as a friend and it will be one to you. Cats can form attachments to their owners if given the chance, and will reciprocate the love they’re shown. Cats are more intelligent than people give them credit. They have individual personalities. Owners can get to know their cat and bring out the best in them by playing with them whenever possible. Cats are known for doing certain activities without being taught or trained. Cats were domesticated sometime between 4,000 and 8,000 years ago in Africa and the Middle East.

Just like humans, cats have their own way of expressing themselves without ever opening their mouths. A healthy, confident and alert cat walks straight with its tail extended and its eyes narrow. Angry cats usually vigorously swish or wag their tails when they are irritated.
A wagging tail doesn't mean a cat is friendly or happy to see you. Each cat will establish its own way of communicating with you. You may also notice that its ears point downward and point toward the back of its body, that means it’s ready to fight. An angry cat shows his aggression by pointing his ears forward at an angle.

If your cat sits focused on you in front of you in an upright and perky position for a long period of time, perhaps it wants to be fed. An irritated or sick cat has whiskers that are pulled back more tightly towards the face. If a cat rubs against you with its body or the sides of its face, it's only marking its territory. One of the favorite body languages an owner has for its cat is when it arches its back, seems to stretch out a bit, curls its tail upward loosely and puts its head down.

Summer Tips For You and Your Pets

2008-07-17T21:56:00.002-06:00

Summer is the time when you and your pets can have fun and enjoy the sunshine and the great outdoors. Summertime can also pose dangers to your pets. Take a few minutes and read through these tips to keep your pets save this summer.

Safe Pet Tip #1:
Even though it is extremely tempting to take your dogs with you when you are running your errands, remember that the inside of your car can reach 120 degrees in just a matter of minutes, even if you do park in the shade. Dogs and cats can't perspire and can only get rid of heat through panting and the pads of their feet. Pets left in hot cats even for a short period of time can suffer from heat exhaustion, heat stroke, brain damage and can even die. Do your pet a favor and leave them at home where they are cool and comfortable on hot summer days.

Safe Pet Tip #2
It can be dangerous and even illegal in some states to drive with a dog in the back of a pick-up truck. Debris flying up from the road can cause serious injury. Also if the driver of the truck suddenly hits the brakes, swerves or is hit by another car, your dog can be thrown into traffic. On a hot summer day, the back of the truck can become so hot that it can damage the pads of your dogs feet. Either let your dog ride in the cab of the truck or in a secured crate in the bed of the truck.

Safe Pet Tip #3
Summer is a time when you want to get out and work in your garden and fertilize your lawns. Be aware that some plant food, fertilizer and insecticides can be fatal to your pet if ingested. There are also over 700 plants that can be extremely danger to your pet if they should eat them. Check your plants and make sure they are safe before you plant them in an area where your pet could come in contact with them.

Remember to provide plenty of fresh water and shade for your pets to keep them cool during the summer and both of you will enjoy the outdoors.

Pets - Summer and Hot Weather

2008-06-21T19:20:00.002-06:00

Remember that your dogs and cats can suffer from overheating, dehydration and even sunburn just like humans do. There are some simple precautions you can take in order to keep your pet happy and healthy.

Don't let your dog stand on hot asphalt when the temperature is very hot. Their sensitive paw pads can easily burn and their body can heat up quickly. Walk your pet either during the early morning hours or later on in the evening when the temperatures are cooler.

Good grooming can also help keep your pets cool during the summer. Cats should be brushed often and if you decide to clip your dogs hair make sure you don't shave it all the way to the skin. Leave at least an inch of hair to protect them from the sun.

Never, ever leave your pet in a parked vehicle during the summer. The inside of a car can become a furnace in a very short period of time.

Watch your pet for signs of overheating such as excessive panting, drooling and mild weakness along with an elevated body temperature.

Pet Preparedness In An Emergency

2008-06-09T21:08:00.001-06:00

At any time, an emergency or natural disaster may require you to evacuate your home for an extended period of time. While it is not possible to prevent a natural disaster from occurring, pet owners can provide for their animals by planning ahead of time and being prepared in the event of an emergency.

Most public shelters will not allow pets due to health and safety reasons so pet owners need to research safe places to take their pets during an evacuation. Some hotels will allow animals, and your veterinarian can provide you with information on preferred kennels or veterinary hospitals with boarding facilities.
No matter where you decide to go during an evacuation, it is absolutely essential that you always evacuate with your pets. Unforeseen circumstances during a disaster can turn a brief evacuation into a much longer stay away from home. Remember, if it is not safe for you to be home, it is not safe for your animals either.

Training Your Dog - Body Language

2008-05-28T19:41:00.003-06:00

Image you and your dog are out on a walk and another individual with a dog is coming towards you. The other dog starts barking and jumping around the closer they get to you. The owner assures you that the dog is friendly and only wants to play. The other dog’s body language is playful and sociable. However, your dog doesn’t understand that the other dog is playing when the other dog slams into him and starts slobbering all over his neck. Your dog will most likely start to snap and snarl at the dog and then won’t understand why he is getting yelled at.

In many households, dogs learn they get whatever they want whenever they want it, without seeking permission or first offering an appropriate behavior (such as sitting). Train your dog to ask permission before they are allowed to play or get what they want. Proper social interaction deals with the use of space, the speed of entering a space, and the cues that say contact is or isn’t okay. There is a misconception among dog owners that believe every dog will get along given enough time and will work out any problems. Dogs are like people, there are some dogs they like and get along with and there are some they don’t like and will never get along with.

Always ask permission before allowing your dog to approach another. This is easier if the following training is in place:

Train your dog to approach other dogs only with permission.
Train your dog to sit calmly as other dogs pass by, feeding them many small treats quickly so that your dog focuses on you.
Honor dog body language, and decline of break off any matchups if either dog appears uncomfortable or responds badly.

Body language that shows dogs are interacting appropriately when they first meet are:

Relaxed bodies and faces on approach
Wiggly bottoms or at least neutral tail positions (not too high, not tucked to their belly)
Curved body motion as the dogs get close
Brief face-to-face greeting that quickly becomes an investigation of the head and rear
Continual movement by both dogs during investigation

After the dogs have started to play, here is some body language to look for to make sure everything is going well:

Activity shifts, where dogs move from one type of play (boxing, jaw wrestling, chasing, tug) to another
Role reversal, where dogs take turns being on the bottom or being chased
Atmosphere cues, where dogs use play bows, happy play faces, and bouncy or inefficient movement to indicate “whatever I do next, I’m only playing”.

Feline Heartworm Disease

2008-05-20T20:06:00.001-06:00

Many people do not realize that cats can get heartworm disease. Heartworm disease is not just a canine disease. Cats are getting heartworm far more often than was previously believed. During a recent study, it was found that 26% of the cats tested had been infected with heartworm larvae at some point in their lives.

Indoor cats are not impervious to heartworm infection. A North Carolina study found that 27% of cats diagnosed with heartworm were indoor-only cats. It only takes one mosquito to cause an infection, and because mosquitoes can get indoors, both indoor and outdoor cats are at risk.

The name “heartworm disease” is a misnomer for cats, as it mostly affects their lungs, not their heart. Because cats are unique in their respiratory reaction to heartworms, a new title has been given to this particular set of symptoms: heartworm-associated respiratory disease, or HARD. Cats that suffer from HARD can have difficulty breathing and can die from the disease. However, even in the late stages animals often exhibit no symptoms.

Unlike dogs, cats do not need an adult heartworm to exhibit clinical signs; in fact, larvae are a main cause of the problems. Studies show that 50% of cats infected with heartworm larvae have significant damage of the small arteries that supply blood to the lungs.

Diagnosis is much more difficult for cats than it is for dogs. If your cat is exhibiting signs of heartworm disease (ie., coughing, difficulty breathing, vomiting), talk to your veterinarian.

Dog Training - Do's and Don'ts

2008-05-08T19:23:00.004-06:00

When you start training your furry friend, he or she has no clue on earth what you are saying. Animal obedience training begins with the owner. Pet training can be taught by an obedience instructor, or you can do the friend training yourself. Dog training with an obedience instructor can vary in price and it usually takes place in a class. If you decide to do the puppy training yourself, it is free and you can do it from your own home.

It is really important to make a shy laid back animal feel super great during training sessions as this can only improve your chances of continuing successful training. Pet training - basic obedience, house and potty training are essential and imperative to a animal's education.

Don't nag your dog by constantly giving them orders; you will probably only confuse them and then both of you become frustrated.
Don't punish your pet with the lead or any instrument of training or anything he should associate with duty or pleasure.
Don't lose patience with a puppy younger than six months.
Don't grab your dog or reach for him quickly.
Don't chase your pet to catch him; he must come to you or run after you.
Don't jump to the conclusion that your animal is dumb.
Don't permit everyone to give commands to your pup.
Don't punish a pup be stepping on his paws needlessly.
Don't punish your pup while you are angry or lack control of yourself.

Always use praise instead of punishment with pet training. Your furry friend will recognize your moods and associate them to their behavior by your tone of voice. In my opinion, the best way of rewarding good behavior is through offering toys or treats.

Obedient dogs make the best companions. Remember keep the sessions short but do not sacrifice content. Like people, pets have unique personalities none of which are the same, and it is a good trainer that will take the time to figure out the friend before trying to figure out how to best approach introducing basic obedience.

Positive attention is best, but if negative attention is all they can get from you, they'll try to obtain that. Others may disagree with this statement, but through my experience with my own pup and others around me, I have found that rewarding good behavior can only aid in maintaining that behavior.

Consistency is a chief virtue in dog training. A poorly trained dog can embarrass its owner and offend other people - or even make them feel threatened.

Tips For a Healthy Dog

2008-04-28T20:49:00.003-06:00

Health
Your pet should see the veterinarian for a full examination, shots and a heartworm blood test every year, and right away if he is sick or injured.

Dental Well-Being
While many of us may object to our dog's foul breath, we should focus on to what it may be telling us. Bad breath is most commonly an indication that your pet is in need of a dental check-up. Dental plaque caused by bacteria results in a foul smell that requires experienced treatment. After a knowledgeable cleaning, the teeth and gums may be maintained in a well-beingy state by brushing the teeth regularly, feeding a specially formulated dental diet and treats, and avoiding table scraps. Your veterinarian can give you more tips on minimizing dental disease and bad breath.

You can clean your canine’s teeth with a puppy toothpaste or a baking-soda-and-water paste once or twice a week. Use a child's soft toothbrush, a gauze pad or a piece of nylon pantyhose stretched over your finger.

Some dogs are prone to periodontal disease, a pocket of infection between the tooth and the gum. This distressful condition can result in tooth loss and spread infection to the rest of the body. Veterinarians can clean the teeth as a regular part of your puppy's fitness program.

Bad Breath
While bad breath caused by dental condition may not be too serious if caught early enough, some odors may be indicative of fairly serious, chronic problems. Liver or intestinal conditions may cause foul breath, whereas a sweet, fruity smell may be indicative of diabetes. If your puppy’s breath smells like ammonia or urine, kidney disease is a possibility. Any time you notice your pet has bad breath accompanied by other signs of ill health, such as loss of appetite, vomiting, weight loss, depression, excessive drinking or urinating, schedule a visit to the veterinarian.

Fleas and Ticks
Daily checkups of your pet for fleas and ticks during the warm seasons are absolute. Use a flea comb to find and remove fleas. There are a few new methods of flea and tick control. Contact your veterinarian about these and other options.

Heartworm
This parasite lives in the heart and is passed from puppy to pup by mosquitoes. Heartworm infections can be deadly. Your friend should have a blood test for heartworm every spring this is essential for detecting infections from the previous season. A once-a-month pill given during mosquito season will protect your pup. If you travel south with your pet during the winter months, your animal should be on the preventive medicine during the trip. In some warmer regions, veterinarians recommend preventive heartworm medication throughout the year.

Medicines and Poisons
Never give your pup medication that has not been prescribed by a veterinarian. For example, did you know that one regular-strength ibuprofen tablet can cause stomach ulcers in a ten-pound puppy? Keep rat poison and other rodenticides away from your pet. If you believe that your animal has ingested a poisonous substance, call your veterinarian.

Your Cat's Body Language

2008-04-20T18:32:00.003-06:00

Cats are capable of forming life long attachments to people and communicating their needs and wants.

Notice your cat's body language to understand what your cat might be thinking. A straight tail, held rigidly vertical, with the tip also straight, is an intense show of happiness. A submissive tail resembles an angry tail in its wagging motion, but it is usually held lower to the ground. Dilated pupils indicate a cat that is frightened and about ready to become aggressive. An angry cat shows his aggression by pointing his ears forward at an angle. When a cat kneads, it is happy and comes natural to cats as early as just a few days old.

Cats are known for doing certain activities without being taught or trained. The best cat owners devote most of their at-home time to their cat. Owners can get to know their cat and bring out the best in them by playing with them whenever possible.

New owners will want to get to know their cat, much the same way they get to know a new person. Be aware to what the cat does – when in no time you will understand your cats different moods and how to deal with them.

Have Fun When You Train Your Dog

2008-04-15T21:15:00.003-06:00

Having fun is a big plus! Remember to be consistent. It is important that you remain the "leader of the pack," and obedience training helps with that. When you start training your animal, he or she has no clue on earth what you are saying. A poorly trained puppy can embarrass its owner and offend other people - or even make them feel threatened.

Don't over-train your puppy. Remember, a one-season old pet is, effectively, the same as a seven-year old person. It is a good rule of thumb to keep reminding yourself would I expect a three, four, five or six-season old child to accomplish some of the tasks I am asking of my pup?
If you do choose to do the pet training yourself, it is best to get educated on puppy training. Puppy training - basic obedience, house and potty training are essential and imperative to a pet's education. Obedient dogs make the best companions.

Don't lose patience with a puppy younger than six months. Don't nag your pet; don't be giving orders to him constantly; don't pester him with your shoutings. Don't expect your pup to be a wonderful pet after a few weeks of training; four months to a season may be necessary in order to make the master proud of him, but the work is worth the effort.

Make sure you also use a positive tone. Dogs respond best to positive training, rather than negative. All positive commands should be spoken sharply and distinctly during training.

Don't jump to the conclusion that your pup is dumb. Don't permit everyone to give commands to your friend. Don't train your pup right away or soon after he has eaten.

Training your pet allows him orher to employ that instinct to follow someone else, and makes them feel more secure. Like people, pets have unique personalities none of which are the same, and it is a good trainer that will take the time to figure out the pup before trying to figure out how to best approach introducing basic obedience. Training for a animal is similar to going to work for a human; if you do not get anything good out of it, you will stop working.

Don't sneak up on your puppy or grab him from the rear. Don't punish your pet while you are angry or lack control of yourself. Don't punish a dog by stepping on his paws needlessly.

Others may disagree with this statement, but through my experience with my own puppy and others around me, I have found that rewarding good behavior can only aid in maintaining that behavior. Secondly, all training should be positive.

Teaching your puppy some manners is just common-sense. Dog training can be taught by an obedience instructor, or you can do the pup training yourself. Training never ends.

A Cat's Body Language

2008-04-12T22:03:00.004-06:00

A wagging tail doesn't mean a cat is friendly or happy to see you. One of the body languages an owner has for its cat is when it arches its back, seems to stretch out a bit, curls its tail upward loosely and puts its head down. New owners will want to get to know their cat, much the same way they get to know a new person. Pay attention to what the cat does – when and where does she or he like to sleep? Cats can form attachments to their owners if given the chance, and will reciprocate the love they’re shown.

Cats are known for doing certain activities without being taught or trained. The second instinct a cat obtains is the one to knead. Your cat can easily be trained to playing with toys by offering the toys, and when your cat loses interest, give a treat and a cuddle.

A submissive tail resembles an angry tail in its wagging motion, but it is usually held lower to the ground. You may also notice that your cats ears point downward and point toward the back of its body, that means it’s ready to fight. A cat that is on alert to be defensive and aggressive toward another cat or person either points its tail straight upward or lowers it to the ground, it perks its ears, and perhaps the hair on its back stands straight up.

The most popular felines of all are non-pedigree—that includes brown tabbies, black-and-orange tortoiseshells, all-black cats with long hair, striped cats with white socks and everything in between. Emotional and intellectual stimulation are the way you relate to your cat.

Successful Dog Training

2008-04-09T21:35:00.003-06:00

It is really important to make a shy laid back animal feel super great during training sessions as this can only improve your chances of continuing successful training. Training time is important, the more sessions you set up the more productivity you can expect in the long run. When you start training your pet, he or she has no clue on earth what you are saying. Training never ends.

Training your pet doesn't mean extinguishing their unique personality, it is simply a means of setting boundaries-something that makes dogs feel secure. Time spent training your pet will repay you with a pet that is deeply bonded to you, respects you and is a joy to have around. Consistency is a chief virtue in pup training.

Don't consider tricks the chief end or the chief part of training. Don't permit everyone to give commands to your dog. Don't nag your puppy; don't be giving orders to him constantly; don't pester him with your shoutings.

In my opinion, the best way of rewarding good behavior is through offering toys or treats. Others may disagree with this statement, but through my experience with my own pet and others around me, I have found that rewarding good behavior can only aid in maintaining that behavior. Positive attention is best, but if negative attention is all they can get from you, they'll try to obtain that.

Don't expect your animal to be a wonderful puppy after a few weeks of training; four months to a year may be necessary in order to make the master proud of him, but the work is worth the effort. Don't praise a animal for doing a certain act, then at a later time, scold him for doing the same act. Don't work your dog without some short rest or play periods during training.

Obedient pets make the best companions. When working with your pet try to use the same approach each time. A poorly trained pet can embarrass its owner and offend other people - or even make them feel threatened.

Don't punish a puppy by stepping on his paws needlessly. Don't trick or fool or taunt your animal. Don't punish your animal with the lead or any instrument of training or anything he should associate with duty or pleasure.

Make sure you also use a positive tone. Dogs respond best to positive friend training, rather than negative.

Remember keep the sessions short but do not sacrifice content. If your pet is very lively, take advantage of that! During training sessions, be lively yourself! Match your pets enthusiasm, when your happy, your pet will be happy and your dog will be very happy come training time.

Puppy Training

2008-04-07T20:39:00.002-06:00

If your dog is very lively, take advantage of that! During training sessions, be lively yourself! Match your pets enthusiasm, when your happy, your pet will be happy and your pet will be very happy come training time. There's a popular saying among puppy trainers: "There's no such thing as a bad animal." When you start training your animal, he-she has no clue on earth what you are saying. Understanding the puppy that is being trained is a vitally important talent of a good trainer.

Never pitch or kick a puppy nor lift him by the head or leg or skin of the neck. Try to make sure your puppy is entertained adequately for short but frequent intervals during the day. Puppies can deceive you into thinking they are ready for training but will ultimately rebel against discipline as they get older.

Teaching your friend some manners is just common-sense. A well-train puppy usually leads a happier and healthier life and its owner also can enjoy a trouble-free life long companion. The first part of pup training is to guide your pup to sit.

Don't bait your pet to you and then turn upon him with the whip. Don't punish a animal by stepping on his paws needlessly. Don't train your pup immediately or soon after he has eaten.

In my opinion, the best way of rewarding good behavior is through offering toys or treats. Positive reinforcement is the key to training your puppy. Make sure you also use a positive tone.

Training your friend doesn't mean extinguishing her unique personality, it is simply a means of setting boundaries-something that makes pets feel secure. Like people, dogs have unique personalities none of which are the same, and it is a good trainer that will take the time to figure out the pup before trying to figure out how to best approach introducing basic obedience. A poorly trained pet can embarrass its owner and offend other people - or even make them feel threatened.

Compensate your pet for correct behavior and always end your obedience training sessions on a positive note. Your pet will recognize your moods and associate them to their behavior by your tone of voice.

Puppy training - basic obedience, house and potty training are therefore essential and important to a pet's education. Instead of forcing your pup into a sit position, bring a tasty goody above and then back over his head until he sits back to get it. While you are training him, he must be a one-man pup, depending on you alone to feed him and care for him.

Dog Training - Training Sessions

2008-04-04T20:29:00.003-06:00

While you are training your pet, he must be a one-man pet, depending on you alone to feed him and care for him. A well-train puppy usually leads a happier and healthier life and its owner also can enjoy a trouble-free life long companion. It is important that you remain the "leader of the pack," and obedience training helps with that. Take your time, play to your puppy''s strength, praise, respect, keep sessions short and compact, and have fun!

The first word the puppy should learn is their name. Don't try and over-train your puppy. Remember, a one-season old dog is, effectively, the same as a seven-season old person. It is a good rule of thumb to keep reminding yourself would I expect a three, four, five or six-year old child to accomplish some of the tasks I am asking of my pup? I suggest that before you start training verbal commands that you understand your puppy's personality.

If your dog is very lively, take advantage of that! During training sessions, be lively yourself! Match your pets enthusiasm, when your happy, your pet will be happy and your dog will be very happy come training time. A five-minute rest for every fifteen minutes of training is desirable. Dog obedience training begins with the owner.

Don't train him in feats requiring much strength or endurance until he is at least six months old. Don't punish your pet while you are angry or lack control of yourself. Don't train your animal right away or soon after he has eaten.

Rewarding your friend's behavior accomplishes two things: it makes her want to repeat the behavior to reap the reward and establishes you as her leader. Positive reinforcement is the key to training your animal. Positive attention is best, but if negative attention is all they can get from you, they'll try to obtain that.

Don't work your dog without some short rest or play periods during training. Don't nag your dog; don't be giving orders to him constantly; don't pester him with your shoutings. Don't grab your friend or reach for him quickly.

Training time is imperative, the more sessions you set up the more productivity you can expect in the long run. Animal training can be taught by an obedience instructor, or you can do the animal training yourself. The first part of animal training is to teach your friend to sit.

Don't praise your pet for doing a certain act, then at a later time, scold him for doing the same act. Don't consider tricks the chief end or the chief part of training. Don't jump to the conclusion that your puppy is dumb.

All training should be positive. All positive commands should be spoken sharply and distinctly during training. Remember keep the sessions short but do not sacrifice content. When working with your dog try to use the same approach each time. Training for a pet is similar to going to work for a human; if you do not get anything good out of it, you will stop working.

Training An Aggressive Dog

2008-03-31T20:41:00.003-06:00

Your goal in correcting an aggressive dog is to surprise and get across your message - you’re not trying to hurt or punish the dog. You must be firm with your commands, a wimp isn’t going to be affective at dog training aggressive behavior out of a dog, you must be the one in control. When you don’t allow your dog to be as active as he or she wants to be, this can lead to aggressive behavior problems.

Training aggressive dog techniques require touch, but not hitting - you never want to hit any dog, but certainly not an aggressive dog. Dogs need guidance - they need a leader.

While you are training him, he must be a one-man dog, depending on you alone to feed him and care for him. There are 3 basic things your dog should learn through basic dog training; they are - sit, stay, and come. Training your dog doesn't mean extinguishing her unique personality, it is simply a means of setting boundaries-something that makes dogs feel secure.

Communicate With Your Cat

2008-03-27T19:30:00.003-06:00

Emotional and intellectual stimulation are the way you relate to your cat. Cats are capable of forming attachments to people and communicating their needs and wants. When a cat kneads, it is happy and comes natural to cats as early as just a few days old.

There are other different breeds of cats--from the hairless Sphynx and the fluffy Persian to the silvery spotted Egyptian mau. The best cat owners devote most of their at-home time to their cat. New owners will want to get to know their cat, much the same way they get to know a new person. Focus on to what the cat does – when and where does he or she like to sleep?

Watch your cats body language. A straight tail, held rigidly vertical, with the tip curled down to one side, indicates a cat that is curious or interested in something. Frightened or defensive cats flatten their ears against the side of their heads as a sign of submission. An angry cat shows his aggression by pointing his ears forward at an angle. Happy cat ears are up and always moving, rotating in the direction of every little sound.

Basic Dog Training Tips

2008-03-25T20:39:00.002-06:00

There's a popular saying among dog trainers: "There's no such thing as a bad pup." If you do the animal training yourself, it is usually free and you can do it from your own home. Time spent training your puppy will reward you with a pet that is deeply bonded to you, respects you and is a joy to have around. If you do choose to do the pet training yourself, it is best to get educated on animal training.

Unfortunately, behavior that is cute in a puppy often becomes annoying in an adult pup. Never scold a puppy when you have not caught them in the act. It will make the puppy lose trust in you rather than want to correct their error because they do not associate the act with your mood and commands.

Animal training can be taught by an obedience instructor, or you can do the puppy training yourself. Having fun is a big plus! Remember to be consistent. First of all, understand that dogs have an attention span of no more than ten minutes.

Don't punish your animal with the lead or any instrument of training or anything he should associate with duty or pleasure. Don't jump to the conclusion that your puppy is dumb. Don't nag your animal; don't be giving orders to him constantly; don't pester him with your shoutings.

All training should be positive. Remember that you will get more cooperation when you are positive and patient. Reward your puppy for correct behavior and always end your obedience training sessions on a positive note.

Don't praise your pup for doing a certain act, then at a later time, scold him for doing the same act. Don't call your pet to you and then turn upon him with the whip. Don't chase your puppy to catch him; he must come to you or run after you.

Pet training with an obedience instructor can vary in price and it usually takes place in a class. Training for a animal is similar to going to work for a human; if you do not get anything good out of it, you will stop working. Take your time, play to your friend''s strength, praise, respect, keep sessions short and compact, and have fun!

Don't grab your friend or reach for him quickly. Don't trick or fool or taunt your puppy. Don't permit everyone to give commands to your friend, you need to be the "big dog" in the relationship.

Others may disagree with this statement, but through my experience with my own pet and others around me, I have found that rewarding good behavior can only aid in maintaining that behavior. Remember to always keep praising them when they obey a command and make sure they feel rewarded.

Since dogs are social animals, they are interested in doing whatever gets them attention. Remember keep the sessions short but do not sacrifice content. Instead of forcing your animal into a sit position, bring a tasty snack above and then back over his head until he sits back to get it.

Communicate With Your Cat

2008-03-19T20:59:00.003-06:00

Talk to your cat. Cats were domesticated sometime between 4,000 and 8,000 years ago, in Africa and the Middle East. Treat your cat as a friend and it will be one to you. When humans saw cats up close and personal, they began to admire felines for their beauty and grace.

Cats are capable of forming attachments to people and communicating their needs and wants. A wagging tail is a warning sign that a cat is ready and willing to attack, so always treat wagging tails with caution. When a cat kneads, it is happy and kneading comes natural to cats as early as just a few days old.

A submissive tail resembles an angry tail in its wagging motion, but it is usually held lower to the ground. A cat that is on alert to be defensive and aggressive toward another cat or person either points its tail straight upward or lowers it to the ground, it perks its ears, and perhaps the hair on its back stands straight up. Each cat will establish its own way of communicating with you.

The most popular felines of all are non-pedigree—that includes brown tabbies, black-and-orange tortoiseshells, all-black cats with long hair, striped cats with white socks and everything in between.

Traveling With Your Pet

2008-03-12T21:41:00.003-06:00

If you are going to be traveling with your pet then you will need to make some preparations in advance.

First you need to consider whether your pet is comfortable when traveling. If your pet is not used to traveling, you might want to take them on short trips to get them used to the change in their routine. Some animals, like some people, function better in familiar surroundings. Having a car-sick animal is going to make the trip miserable for everyone. If your dog or cat is ill or physically impaired they might not withstand the rigors of travel. If this is the case, discuss options such as using a reliable pet-sitter or a clean, well-managed boarding facility with your veterinarian.

If you will be staying with friends along the way, ask them if they mind if you bring your pet with you, be considerate. The last thing you want to happen is arriving at your destination and finding out that your hosts do not want pets in their home. The same goes for hotels, motels, parks, and campgrounds. Always check whether pets are allowed or kennel facilities are available. Most motels will charge an additional fee for pets. If the pet must be left alone in a hotel room, place a "Do Not Disturb" sign on the door and inform the maid and the front desk. Consider bringing along a portable kennel for use in hotel rooms or the homes of friends or relatives who are not comfortable with your pet loose when no one is home.

Make sure your pet has a current tag or a microchip. Grooming (bathing, combing, trimming nails) before a trip, plus having its favorite food, toy(s), and dishes available will make your pet more comfortable. If you are crossing state or international borders with your pet, have both proof of rabies vaccination and a current health certificate with you.

Check to see what veterinarian facilities are available along your travel route. If your dog or cat is on medication, take an ample supply with you.

Before undertaking any trip, consult your veterinarian to be sure that all required vaccinations are up-to-date and to receive a health certificate within ten days of travel.

Dogs - Cats and Human Food

2008-03-08T19:11:00.002-07:00

You're at the dinner table and your pet looks at you with those big pleading eyes and you just casually slip them a piece of your dinner. Most of us justify this action thinking that a little bit won't hurt or we don't know that a particular food could be fatal to our pets. It is important for you to know that certain foods are harmful to your pets and you should avoid feeding them to your pet.

Chocolate and other foods containing caffeine
Caffeine contains a chemical called theobromine. Theobromine acts as a cardiac stimulant and a diuretic, which can cause a heart attack or problems with the nervous system in your pet.

Onions and Garlic
Both onions and garlic contain thiosulphate, which damages the red blood cells and can cause anemia in cats and dogs. Onions are the most toxic out of the two and as little as one serving can cause anemia.

Milk
Many dogs and cats are lactose intolerant so avoid giving your pet milk. If a lactose intolerant pet consumes milk and milk products it could result in vomiting and diarrhea.

While some human foods cause only mild digestive upsets, others can be fatal. The best thing to do is avoid feeding your pet human food.

Puppy Training

2008-03-01T18:38:00.003-07:00

Teaching your puppy some manners is just common-sense. The first part of puppy training is to instruct your animal to sit. Instead of forcing your puppy into a sit position, bring a tasty treat above and then back over their head until they sit back to get it. Be consistent, changing training methods mid session will only confuse your animal even more than he-she already is. There's a popular saying among pet trainers: "There's no such thing as a bad puppy."

Don't over-train your puppy. Remember, a one-year old puppy is, effectively, the same as a seven-year old person. It is a good rule of thumb to keep reminding yourself would I expect a three, four, five or six-year old child to accomplish some of the tasks I am asking of my pup? Too often the only time the puppy hears his or her name is when they have done something naughty.

If you have a new puppy, you may be interested in getting some basic friend training.
Consistency is a chief virtue in puppy training. If your puppy is very lively, take advantage of that! During training sessions, be lively yourself! Match your dogs enthusiasm, when your happy, your dog will be happy and your pet will be very happy come training time. Since pets are social animals, they are interested in doing whatever gets them attention.

Don't grab your puppy or reach for him quickly. Don't work your pup without some short rest or play periods during training. Don't expect your pup to be a wonderful pup after a few weeks of training; four months to a year may be necessary in order to make the master proud of him, but the work is worth the effort.

Rewarding your pup's behavior accomplishes two things: it makes her want to repeat the behavior to reap the repay and establishes you as her leader. All positive commands should be spoken sharply and distinctly during training. Others may disagree with this statement, but through my experience with my own pup and others around me, I have found that rewarding good behavior can only aid in maintaining that behavior.

Don't praise a pup for doing a certain act, then at a later time, scold him for doing the same act. Don't jump to the conclusion that your animal is dumb. Don't trick or fool or taunt your puppy.

Most experienced trainers recommend using both a verbal commands and hand signals to communicate with your dog. A well-trained dog usually leads a happier and healthier life and its owner also can enjoy a trouble-free life long companion.

Don't chase your puppy to catch him; he must come to you or run after you. Don't sneak up on your dog or grab him from the rear. Don't consider tricks the chief end or the chief part of training.

Positive attention is best, but if negative attention is all they can get from you, they'll try to obtain that. All training should be positive. Obedient dogs make the best companions. If you do choose to do the pet training yourself, it is best to get educated on dog training. Training your pet doesn't mean extinguishing their unique personality, it is simply a means of setting boundaries-something that makes pets feel secure.

Dog's Dental Care

2008-02-27T17:57:00.003-07:00

Your pet should see the veterinarian for a full examination, shots and a heartworm blood test every year, and right away if he is sick or injured.

While many of us may object to our dog's foul breath, we should focus on what it may be telling us. Bad breath is most commonly an indication that your pet is in need of a dental check-up. Dental plaque caused by bacteria results in a foul smell that requires experienced treatment. After a knowledgeable cleaning, the teeth and gums may be maintained in a well-being state by brushing the teeth regularly, feeding a specially formulated dental diet and treats, and avoiding table scraps. Your veterinarian can give you more tips on minimizing dental disease and bad breath.

You can clean your canine’s teeth with a toothpaste made specifically for pets or a baking-soda-and-water paste once or twice a week. Use a child's soft toothbrush, a gauze pad or a piece of nylon pantyhose stretched over your finger.

Some of our furry friends are prone to periodontal disease, a pocket of infection between the tooth and the gum. This distressful condition can result in tooth loss and spread infection to the rest of the body. Veterinarians can clean the teeth as a regular part of your puppy's fitness program.

While foul breath caused by dental condition may not be too serious if caught early enough, some odors may be indicative of fairly serious, chronic problems. Liver or intestinal conditions may cause foul breath, whereas a sweet, fruity smell may be indicative of diabetes. If your dog’s breath smells like ammonia or urine, kidney disease is a possibility. Any time you notice your pet has bad breath accompanied by other signs of ill health, such as loss of appetite, vomiting, weight loss, depression, excessive drinking or urinating, schedule a visit to the veterinarian.

Cat Signals

2008-02-18T17:51:00.002-07:00

The most popular felines of all are non-pedigree—that includes brown tabbies, black-and-orange tortoiseshells, all-black cats with long hair, striped cats with white socks and everything in between. Treat and talk to your cat as a friend and it will be one to you.

Their hissing, purring, meowing, and snarling is an absolute part of their lives and the way they interact with others. A wagging tail doesn't mean a cat is friendly or happy to see you.

Owners can get to know their cat and bring out the best in them by playing with them whenever possible. Never pick up a cat by the scruff of the neck or by the front legs.

Frightened or defensive cats flatten their ears against the side of their heads as a sign of submission. Your cat will develop its own body signals when it wants different things from you. An irritated or sick cat has whiskers that are pulled back more tightly towards the face.

Cats like watching other animals, as well as anything bright, colorful, and rapidly moving. New owners will want to get to know their cat, much the same way they get to know a new person. Pay attention to what the cat does – what are their likes and dislikes?

Cats Like Us

2008-02-13T19:38:00.004-07:00

Cats like watching other animals, as well as anything bright, colorful, and rapidly moving. Cats were domesticated sometime between 4,000 and 8,000 years ago, in Africa and the Middle East. Stimulate your cat's natural intellect with toys, games and training. Emotional and intellectual stimulation are the way you relate to your cat.

So you think you have what it takes to be a good cat owner. Your cat is a friend and it will be one to you. Just like humans, cats have their own way of expressing themselves without ever opening their mouths.

If your cat sits focused on you in front of you in an upright and perky position for a long period of time, perhaps it wants to be fed. Dilated pupils indicate a cat that is frightened and about ready to become aggressive. You may also notice that its ears point downward and point toward the back of its body, that means it’s ready to fight.

By merely relating to your cat as you go about your day; talking to it when you enter the room, calling it for food or bed; your cat will become attentive to you. When a cat kneads, it is happy and kneading comes natural to cats as early as just a few days old.

Puppy Training Tips

2008-02-12T14:01:00.000-07:00

Remember keep the training sessions short but do not sacrifice content. Understanding the pet that is being trained is a vitally important talent of a good trainer. Teaching your dog some manners is just common-sense. A poorly trained dog can embarrass its owner and offend other people - or even make them feel threatened.

Too often the only time the puppy hears his or her name is when they have done something naughty. Don't over-train your puppy. Remember, a one-year old friend is, effectively, the same as a seven-year old person. It is a good rule of thumb to keep reminding yourself would I expect a three, four, five or six-year old child to accomplish some of the tasks I am asking of my pup?

Training for a puppy is similar to going to work for a human; if you do not get anything good out of it, you will stop working. Obedient dogs make the best companions. It is imperative that you remain the "leader of the pack," and obedience training helps with that.

Don't bait your friend to you and then turn upon him with the whip. Don't grab your friend or reach for him quickly. Don't nag your puppy; don't be giving orders to him constantly; don't pester him with your shoutings.

Remember to always keep praising them when they obey a command and make sure they feel rewarded. Dogs respond best to positive dog training, rather than negative. Compensate your pup for correct behavior and always end your obedience training sessions on a positive note.

Don't expect your friend to be a wonderful animal after a few weeks of training; four months to a season may be necessary in order to make the master proud of him, but the work is worth the effort. Don't consider tricks the chief end or the chief part of training. Don't work your animal without some short rest or play periods during training.

Consistency is a chief virtue in pet training. Having fun is a big plus! Remember to be consistent. Like people, dogs have unique personalities none of which are the same, and it is a good trainer that will take the time to figure out the dog before trying to figure out how to best approach introducing basic obedience.

Don't praise a puppy for doing a certain act, then at a later time, scold him for doing the same act. Don't trick or fool or taunt your pup. Don't chase your animal to catch him; he must come to you or run after you.

Your puppy will recognize your moods and associate them to their behavior by your tone of voice. Positive reinforcement is the key to training your friend.

The first part of friend training is to instruct your puppy to sit. Pup training - basic obedience, house and potty training are essential and important to a friend's education. A well-train puppy usually leads a happier and healthier life and its owner also can enjoy a trouble-free life long companion.

Dog Training

2008-02-10T17:21:00.000-07:00

If your dog is very lively, take advantage of that! During training sessions, be lively yourself! Match your pets enthusiasm, when your happy, your dog will be happy and your pet will be very happy come training time. While you are training him, he must be a one-man pup, depending on you alone to feed him and care for him. It is really important to make a shy laid back dog feel super great during training sessions as this can only improve your chances of continuing successful training. First of all, understand that dogs have an attention span of no more than ten minutes.

Never scold a puppy when you have not caught them in the act. Unfortunately, behavior that is cute in a puppy often becomes annoying in an adult pup. The first thing you'll want to teach your puppy is their name. The puppy's name will be with them for life, make sure they know it by associating it with all things pleasant and fun.

Remember keep the sessions short but do not sacrifice content. When you start training your dog, he-she has no clue on earth what you are saying. Instead of forcing your pet into a sit position, bring a tasty snack above and then back over his head until he sits back to get it.

DON'T chase your friend to catch him; he must come to you or run after you. DON'T jump to the conclusion that your puppy is dumb. DON'T consider tricks the chief end or the chief part of training.

All positive commands should be spoken sharply and distinctly during training. Finally, remember that you will get more cooperation when you are positive and patient. All dog training should be positive.

DON'T sneak up on your animal or grab him from the rear. DON'T train him in feats requiring much strength or endurance until he is at least six months old. DON'T trick or fool or taunt your puppy.

A five-minute rest for every fifteen minutes of training is desirable. It is important that you remain the "leader of the pack," and obedience training helps with that. The first part of friend training is to teach your dog to sit.

DON'T punish your puppy with the lead or any instrument of training or anything he should associate with duty or pleasure. DON'T lose patience with a puppy younger than six months. DON'T train your dog promptly or soon after he has eaten.

Rewarding your animal's behavior accomplishes two things: it makes her want to repeat the behavior to reap the compensate and establishes you as her leader. Remember to always keep praising them when they obey a command and make sure they feel rewarded.

Puppy training - basic obedience, house and potty training are essential and imperative to a puppy's education. There's a popular saying among trainers: "There's no such thing as a bad dog. Since pets are social animals, they are interested in doing whatever gets them attention.

Your Dog's Health

2008-02-03T20:01:00.000-07:00

Your pet should see the veterinarian for a full examination, shots and a heartworm blood test every year, and right away if he is sick or injured.

Dental Well-being
While many of us may object to our dog's foul breath, we should focus on what it may be telling us. Bad breath is most commonly an indication that your pet is in need of a dental check-up. Dental plaque caused by bacteria results in a foul smell that requires experienced treatment. After a thorough cleaning, the teeth and gums may be maintained in a well state by brushing the teeth regularly, feeding a specially formulated dental diet and treats, and avoiding table scraps. Your veterinarian can give you more tips on minimizing dental disease and bad breath.

You can clean your canine’s teeth with a soft toothpaste or a baking-soda-and-water paste once or twice a week. Use a child's soft toothbrush, a gauze pad or a piece of nylon pantyhose stretched over your finger.

Some pets are prone to periodontal disease, a pocket of infection between the tooth and the gum. This distressful condition can result in tooth loss and spread infection to the rest of the body. Veterinarians can clean the teeth as a regular part of your puppy's fitness program.

Bad breath caused by a dental condition may not be too serious if caught early enough, however some odors may be indicative of fairly serious, chronic problems. Liver or intestinal conditions may cause foul breath, whereas a sweet, fruity smell may be suggestive of diabetes. If your puppy’s breath smells like ammonia or urine, kidney disease is a possibility. Any time you notice your pet has bad breath accompanied by other signs of ill health, such as loss of appetite, vomiting, weight loss, depression, excessive drinking or urinating, schedule a visit to the veterinarian.

Fleas and Ticks
Daily checkups of your pet for fleas and ticks during the warm seasons are absolute. Use a flea comb to find and remove fleas. There are a few new methods of flea and tick control. Contact your veterinarian about these and other options.

Heartworm
This parasite lives in the heart and is passed from animal to animal by mosquitoes. Heartworm infections can be deadly. Your puppy should have a blood test for heartworm every spring. This is essential for detecting infections from the previous season. A once-a-month pill given during mosquito season will protect your pup. If you travel south with your pet during the winter months, your animal should be on the preventive medicine during the trip. In some warmer regions, veterinarians recommend preventive heartworm medication throughout the year.

Cold Weather and Your Pets

2007-12-10T21:36:00.000-07:00

Here are some cold weather tips that can keep your pets safe:

The best way to keep your cat warm is to keep them inside. Cats who allowed outdoors in the winter can freeze, become lost or get injured. They can also be exposed to infectious diseases and could be attacked by other cats or dogs.

Antifreeze is very dangerous to your pets. If you should spill any antifreeze, thoroughly clean up the spill. You might consider using products that contain propylene glycol rather than ethylene glycol.

Wipe off your dog's feet, legs and tummy after they have been playing outside or after a walk. They can come in contact with antifreeze, salt and other chemicals used on the sidewalks during the winter. Your pet could be in danger if they should come in contact with these substances and then lick their feet.

Make sure your pet has a nice warm place to sleep. A nice dog or cat bed with a warm pillow and away from drafts would be the best solution.

Our Dog’s Personalities

2007-11-16T20:44:00.000-07:00

The great thing about pets is that they each have such a unique personality.

We have 3 Labrador Retrievers. The oldest is Timber, a chocolate lab, then we have Willow, she’s a yellow lab, and the newest addition is Drake, he is a black lab.

Timber, also affectionately know as “The Big Bear”, is a gentlemen to his very core. He is an excellent “babysitter.” He has helped us (raise) train his little sister and brother. They do embarrass him once in awhile though with their wrestling around and rough housing. Timber just has such a dignified manner about him. When you give him a treat, you have to hold the treat so he can take 2 or 3 bites of it, thoroughly savoring each bite. Timber likes to hook your leg with his to say, “Hi.” One of his favorite pastimes when he was a puppy was to sit on his Dad’s lap. He still tries to get on his Dad’s lap once in a while which is not an easy task since he tips the scale at right around 100 pounds and the recliner really isn’t big enough to hold them both comfortably.

Willow is our “pretty little princess.” She was the runt of the litter, about 1/3 of the size as the rest of the puppies in the litter. She is still quite small for a Lab, but she is definitely “Daddy’s Little Girl.” My husband will sing a pretty little princess song and she starts to prance and do figure 8’s around his legs. She is also the fishermen out of the group. She’ll watch the end of the fishing pole and the minute she sees it go down, she’s watching the water. Once she sees the fish, she jumps into the water to retrieve it for you. My husband will be yelling, “Back, Willow, back” and she’s out there trying to get the fish to the boat.

Drake is the clown of the group. He’ll jump into the truck first and when the other two dogs try and get in, he stands in their way clicking his teeth together. That’s the way he lets Timber and Willow know that he wants to play. If Willow is in the house and Drake wants her to come outside and play he’ll stand at the back door and rear up on his hind leg, spread his front legs out and click his teeth. I personally think he has watched too many shows about lions and tigers on the Discover channel. Drake is also our cuddle bug. His favorite way to start the day is to cuddle up with his Dad on the big bed. He loves each and every day and enjoys it to the fullest.

Having a herd of Lab’s is a very rewarding experience.

Dogs and Allergies

2007-11-02T21:06:00.000-06:00

Recently when my husband went fishing he took our labs with him. We have one of each color, chocolate, black and yellow. Our chocolate Lab, Timber, has suffered from allergies his whole life. He is allergic to bees, wasps, some types of dog food and some types of plants. Well, when he went fishing with his dad the other day, he found a new plant that caused his allergies to flare up.

Timber developed a “hot spot” on the side of his neck and started getting bumps on top of his head. This is a sure sign of an allergic reaction for Timber. We keep antibiotics on hand from past experiences with him. We’ve worked closely with the vet for years because of Timber’s allergies and knew we needed to start treating Timber with antibiotics and benadryl.

If your dog develops symptoms of an allergic reaction such as small bumps, hives, severe itching, coughing and wheezing, red rashes or swelling around the face, contact your vet immediately. More serious reactions can include shock or sudden death. Allergies in pets can be treated effectively if caught in time.

Dog Beds - Choose The Right Size

2007-10-24T14:28:00.000-06:00

Is your dog a bed hog? Does the loud snoring coming from your dog keep you awake at night? Maybe it's time to get your dog their own bed.

Consider the following when choosing a bed for your dog.

1. First, consider the size and breed of your pet. Do you own a small dog, such as a Shih Tzu, then you want to look for a small-sized dog bed. If your dog is a large breed, such as a Great Dane, then you'll want to purchase a large-sized dog bed. (And I'm not talking about getting rid of your queen-sized bed and upgrading to a king-sized bed to share with your dog.)

2. Make sure the bed you choose has enough room for your dog to easily move around. The bed should be big enough for the dog to stretch out as well as curl up, depending on how they prefer to sleep.

3. Knowing how your dog likes to sleep will make the purchasing process easier. Some specialty stores allow you to take your pets in the store. Take your dog shopping with you and let them try out the bed before you purchase. That way you'll have a good idea on whether the size of the bed is going to work for your dog.

Here's to a good night's sleep without your dog snoring in your ear and drooling on your pillows.

Protect Your Pet Before Disasters

2007-03-16T12:49:00.000-06:00

Your pets should be wearing up-to-date identification at all times. Also include the phone number of a friend or relative outside your immediate area if your pet is lost, you'll want to provide a number on the tag that will be answered even if you're out of your home. Ask your veterinarian about permanent identification that can't slip off, such as a tattoo or imbedded microchip. Carry an updated photograph of your pet to help in locating them if you become separated.

Medical Records and Medication

Include copies of your pets medical records in a Pet Travel Kit and make an additional copy to leave with a family member.

Food & Comfort: Your Pet Travel Kit should have all ready packed packages of food and water and any medication necessary, an extra leash and something comforting to the pet such as a blanket or bedding they are familiar with. Don't forget a bowl and a can opener.

Find a Safe Place Ahead of Time

Because most evacuation shelters generally don't accept pets (except for service animals), you must plan ahead to ensure that your family and pets will have a safe place to stay.

Don't wait until disaster strikes to do your research.

Make a list of boarding facilities and veterinary offices that might be able to shelter animals in emergencies; include 24-hour telephone numbers. Ask your local animal shelter if it provides foster care or shelter for pets in an emergency. This should be your last resort, as shelters have limited resources and are likely to be stretched to their limits during an emergency.

Contact hotels and motels outside your immediate area to check policies on accepting pets. Ask about any restrictions on number, size, and species. Ask if "no pet" policies would be waived in an emergency. Make a list of pet-friendly places and keep it handy. Call ahead for a reservation as soon as you think you might have to leave your home. Check with friends, relatives, or others outside your immediate area. Ask if they would be able to shelter you and your animals or just your animals, if necessary. If you have more than one pet, you may have to be prepared to house them separately.

Keep Your Pets Safe During Spring Cleaning

2007-03-08T19:06:00.000-07:00

With the arrival of warmer weather, many pet owners will start on do-it-yourself projects around the house.

Certain construction glues may produce only mild stomach upset, while others can cause significant irritation to your pets. Some expanding glue products can result in a potentially life-threatening intestinal obstruction.

Paint thinners, mineral spirits, and other solvents can result in severe irritation or chemical burns to the skin, eyes and mouth. In halation could lead to pneumonia.

If you suspect your pet has gotten into any of these products, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Choosing Your Family Dog

2007-03-03T12:02:00.000-07:00

There are many different dog breeds to choose from. The things you need to keep in mind are your lifestyle, your hobbies and your present and future situation.

Do you want a pet or do you want a show do? Is it better to adopt a small dog or large breed dog. How much outside space do you have for a large dog if you decide you want a bigger pet?

Do you like crossbreed or purebreds? Is it important to you if your dog is AKC registered? Do you want a puppy or an adult dog?

There are benefits in getting an adult dog. They are already house broken and they probably aren't going to chew up a lot of your shoes and other things. If you decide on acquiring an adult dog, try a couple of tests to be sure of its disposition and personality. Try walking it near another dog, near a child that the dog has never met before and see how it reacts.

Puppies still have a lot to learn and are easily influenced and impressionable. Though still young each and every puppy has its own distinctive personality. The shy puppies stay close to their mothers or hid in corners, while the more sociable puppy will go right over to you and want to play.

As you can see, there is a lot to making the right choice for your family dog.

Be Responsible - Spay And Neuter Your Pets

2007-02-25T09:46:00.000-07:00

1. Your female dog or cat will live a longer, healthier life. Spaying—the removal of the ovaries and uterus—is a veterinary procedure performed under general anesthesia that usually requires minimal hospitalization. Spaying a female cat or dog helps prevent breast cancer. Breast cancer can be fatal in about 50 percent of female dogs and in 90 percent of female cats. Spaying your pet before her first heat offers the best protection from these diseases.

2. There are major health benefits for your male animal companion, too. Besides preventing unwanted litters, neutering your male dog or cat—the surgical removal of the testicles—prevents testicular cancer, if done before six months of age.

3. Your spayed female won't go into heat. While cycles can vary greatly, female cats usually go into heat four to five days every three weeks during breeding season. In an effort to advertise for mates, they'll yowl and urinate more frequently—sometimes all over the house. Unspayed female dogs generally have a bloody discharge for about a week, and can conceive for another week or so.

4. Your male dog won't need to roam away from home…An intact male in search of a mate will do just about anything to get one! That includes digging his way under the fence just to escape from the house. And once he's free to roam, he risks injury in traffic and fights with other males.

5. Neutered cats and dogs focus their attention on their human families. On the other hand, unneutered dogs and cats may mark their territory by spraying strong-smelling urine all over the house. Indoors, male dogs may embarrass you by mounting on furniture and human legs when stimulated. A neutered dog protects his home and family just as well as unneutered dog--and many aggression problems can be avoided by early neutering.

6. Spaying or neutering will DOES NOT make your pet fat. Lack of exercise and overfeeding will cause your pet to pack on the extra pounds—not neutering. Your pet will remain fit and trim as long as you continue to provide exercise and monitor food intake.

7. Spaying or neutering is highly cost-effective. The cost of your pet's spay or neuter surgery is a lot less than the cost of having and caring for a litter. It also isn't as expensive as the cost of treatment when your unneutered cat escapes and gets into fights with neighborhood strays…or the cost of cleaning the carpet that your unspayed female cat keeps mistaking for her litter box!

8. It's good for the community. Stray animals pose real problems in many parts of the country. They can prey on wildlife, cause vehicular accidents, and scare children.

9. Your pet doesn't need to have a litter for your children to witness the miracle of birth. Anyone who has seen an animal euthanized in a shelter for lack of a home knows the truth behind this dangerous myth. There are countless books and videos available to teach your children about birth in a responsible manner.

Millions of cats and dogs of all ages and breeds are euthanized annually or suffer as strays. These high numbers are the result of unwanted, unplanned litters that could have been prevented by spaying or neutering.

Overweight Pets

2007-02-21T06:34:00.000-07:00

It started with a little treat between meals. Then a couple more treats between meals. And pretty soon those little treats began to add up, and that little spare tire around the middle just keeps getting bigger and bigger. I’m talking about your pet’s spare tire.

Recent research studies found about 25% of our furry friends are obese or overweight.

Why is it a problem if your pet is overweight? Because obesity decreases your beloved pet’s lifespan, and may lead to diabetes, arthritis, heart complications, endocrinal diseases and bad joints. Somehow “fat and happy" is beginning to sound a little less jolly, isn’t it?

How do household pets become overweight in the first place? You might want to step in front of a mirror and take a good look, nine times out of ten, you are the reason your pet is overweight. We’re all guilty of over-indulging our pets at some time in their lives. It’s hard not to. One look at their cute little faces begging at the table and us humans melt.

But, now, it’s time for a little discipline – for us and for them. They will stop their begging at the table if we don’t give in to them in the first place. You see, they continue their sad-sack, “if you loved me, you would give me some of that pork chop" look because it works. It’s time for it to stop working.

Table scraps, of course, isn’t the only reason for your pet being overweight. Some people have a tendency to overfeed them with their own pet food, or leave food out for them at all times so they don’t go hungry. It’s always a good idea to take a look at the recommended amounts on the cat or dog food bags to see what the suggested amounts are, or follow your vet’s recommendations. Then, stick to those amounts, no matter what pathetic little faces they make.
There are plenty of diet pet foods to choose from, available online or at the local pet store. Be sure to ask your vet if your pet requires diet food, and make the changeover from the regular food to the diet food gradually. Put a little of the diet food in with the regular food at first, then gradually increase the amount until the diet food is the only food your pet is eating.

Another reason for pet obesity is lack of exercise. For a dog the solution is to take the dog for more walks during the week. If you can’t walk the dog yourself due to your work schedule, do your dog a favor and hire a dog walker to walk your dog on a regular basis. Not only will this benefit your dog’s weight, but will also give him/her numerous other health benefits, as well as just contribute to your dog’s overall happiness. Many dog walkers will walk your dog for $10 to $15 a visit. That may seem like a lot to pay (especially for several walks a week), but if it adds quality time to your dog’s life, it’s worth it.

As for indoor cats, you’re going to have to get your cat to play more. And that may require some time and energy on your part. Provide your cat with plenty of toys for individual play, as well as balls and wands for you and your cat to play with together.

How can you tell if your cat or dog is overweight? Take a look at the rib cage of your pet. The ribs should not be visible to the eye, but should be easily felt without pressing. If you have any doubts, consult with your vet, who will recommend food portions or special foods, as well as give exercise suggestions.

Your pet doesn’t have to suffer from health problems relating to obesity. With feeding discipline and added exercise, you can help ensure that your pet will truly live “a dog’s life" – even if she is a cat.

Teaching Your Dog To Come

2007-02-18T08:48:00.000-07:00

One of the most important training exercises to teach your dog is to "come" when called. The primary goal is that your dog always stops what it is doing and returns to you.

Since your dog can easily get hurt or into trouble in many different circumstances (like chasing after another animal) it is critical that you teach your dog this command as soon as possible. It is up to you to ensure your dog is safe.

The key to training your dog is consistency and an immediate positive reward. Your dog must always get a positive reward every time you say "come" and they come over to you. You can reward your dog with either a food treat, one of their favorite toys or a good petting. Tell them "good dog" with an enthusiastic tone of voice. In other words, make a big deal over it.

Two Cats - Double The Fun

2007-02-16T10:36:00.000-07:00

Two cats can be better than one!

With two cats in your home, your family will be able to enjoy the true social nature of cats and their relationship with each other. Having a playmate provides companionship and active stimulation during your absence and keeps both cats more playful and youthful in their later years. But how you prepare for the new cat’s arrival and how you manage the transition is very important.

Cats, most of the time, are very cautious of new places and things. They don’t like change in their lives, and it will take time–the amount will vary with each individual cat – for your new cat to adjust to unfamiliar surroundings. A kitten is usually easier to integrate into the household with a full-sized adult. Cats of opposite sexes usually get along better.

Here are a few tips to help provide a friendlier transition:

• Set the new cat up in a small “safe room," a bathroom with a tiled floor or a confined space he can call his own for a week or so. Get new food and water bowls, a litter box, scratching post/pad and bedding. Visit him frequently with interactive toys, special treats and lots of hands-on loving during the first week.

• Feed your resident cat and the newcomer on opposite sides of the door of the “safe room" so they can smell each other and associate the new cat smell with an enjoyable experience. Gradually move the food dishes closer to the door until they are eating calmly directly opposite each other.

• Switch scents by switching their beds between the new cat and the resident cat so they have a chance to become accustomed to each other’s scent. Another option is to rub a small towel on each cat and place the towel from the opposite under the food dish of the other cat.

• Begin an exchange of living space once your new cat is settled in and eating regularly in the confined room. Let the new cat have some free time in the house while you confine the resident cat in the “safe room." This is another way the cats can experience each other’s scents without meeting face-to-face. It also helps the new cat get comfortable with her new surroundings without experiencing the other cat.

• Securely prop the door open a crack so they can safely see each other for the first time when the cats seem to be relaxed with everything you have done so far. Place treats on each side of the door and connect two toys with several inches of string slipped under the door so they can try playing with each other.

• When the cats seem to be calm in each other’s presence, it’s time to open the “safe room" door and let her out for a few minutes. The length of time should be increased gradually. Always allow the new cat an escape path back to her “safe room" if needed.

This process may take a few weeks or a few months depending on the personalities and territorial needs of the cats. If from time to time your cats become hostile or fearful, return the newcomer to the “safe room," close the door and let them calm down. Back up one stage in this process and begin again. Minor setbacks don’t ruin a growing friendship, but an aggressive encounter will be remembered a long time and should be avoided. The time you spend slowly orchestrating a proper introduction of your cats will eventually be rewarded with years of harmonious habitation and loving companionship.

Training Your New Puppy

2007-02-13T17:35:00.000-07:00

One of the key elements to training your new pup is consistency. You will be able to train your pup much quicker by using the same command each and every time than you would if you chopped and changed between single word commands.

Remember a pup is much like a young child and therefore has a reasonably short attention span, try not to train for more than ten to twenty minutes at a time and always try to make it fun.

Your pup is never too young to start learning the basics and the first things you’ll want to start them with are sitting, staying and coming when called.

Teaching your puppy to stay will require a little extra effort but is very much worth it.

Find somewhere where your pup will not be easily distracted and tell it to sit. Once it has assumed the sitting position, make eye contact with your pup and slowly start backing way, your pup’s first reaction will probably be to follow you. As soon as you see it start moving say “Stay," and get it to sit again. This will take a lot of effort and patience.

Initially don’t make it stay for too long, once it has followed the command call it to you, using whichever command you choose ("here," "come," and your puppies name) when it reaches you again praise profusely and offer treats. This is also part of teaching your dog to come when it’s called so always use the same command, even when playing around.

When your pup does this to your satisfaction, make it a little harder by turning your back on it and walking away. Again if your pup gets up to follow, say “stay," and start over again. As soon as you’ve reached a set distance turn and call your pup to you.

Two other handy tips when training your new pup, make sure all members of the family know which commands you are going to use, and they follow through and use the same commands; it can be too confusing for a young pup if one family member uses one command and another something else.

And always remember, your pup wants to please you, praising for achievement rather than punishing for failure will make your puppy training a rewarding experience for both you and your pup.

Bad Foods For Dogs

2007-02-11T08:48:00.000-07:00

Here are just a few common foods that are bad or poisonous for your dog.

Alcohol - Do not give your do sips of any alcoholic beverage. Ingestion can lead to injury, disorientation, sickness, urination problems or even coma or death from alcohol poisoning. Some dogs may be attracted to alcoholic drinks so don't leave one setting where the dog can reach it.

Apples - The seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides which can result in cyanide poisoning.

Apricots - The seed pit contains cyanogenic glycosides which can result in cyanide poisoning.

Avocado - Avocado contains a toxic element called persin which can damage heart, lung and other tissue in many animals. The seed pit is also toxic and if swallowed can become lodged in the intestinal tract.

Baby Food - Before feeding any baby food to your dog check the ingredients to see if it contains onion powder, which can be toxic to dogs.

If you suspect that your dog might have eaten any food that might be toxic, contact their vet immediately.

Protect Your Pet From Poisonous Things

2007-02-10T21:06:00.000-07:00

There are so many ways that your pet can be poisoned. Poisons can be ingested (eaten or drank), absorbed through the skin, or inhaled. While some poisons act immediately, some take days for symptoms to appear which can make a diagnosis difficult because the symptoms of poisoning are similar to other medical problems.

When signs like tremors or seizures begin to show your main objective is to get your dog to a veterinarian as quickly as possible. Try to bring with you a sample of the vomit or better yet the poison in its original container.

If for any reason you suspect your pet has been poisoned the sooner you seek veterinary treatment the better your pet's chances for survival, hopefully with no long term side effects or organ damage.

Cat Toys

2007-02-06T07:08:00.000-07:00

Cats are easy to amuse. There is very little that could not serve as a cat toy in a pinch. In many households, commercial cat toys gather dust while the cat enjoys everyday items they find around the house.

What may be considered garbage to you, such as bottle caps, paper bags, and boxes, can be an exciting toy to your cat.

You do need to pay special attention to the household items your cat is playing with. Make sure that bits and pieces item can't get chewed off and swallowed because they could become lodged in their mouth or throat. You also need to make sure that small pieces don't get caught on their claws and prevent them from retracting. If you have doubts about the household item your cat has chosen to play with, discard it to avoid problems.

Look carefully at the commercial cat toys you purchase. Make sure that the toy fits the cat's personality and your cat can have hours of safe play time.

Cat Furniture

2007-02-04T17:41:00.000-07:00

Your cat is a special friend and deserves the best in cat furniture.

There is the kitty fun house boot and bed, which is a kitty boot made of a plush padded fabric for a cozy bed and numerous holes to have a great play time.

There is also kitty bed that is shaped like a slice of cheese. It has many entrances and is loads of fun or a nice place to snooze.

Sometimes a cat can seem to be very independent but at the end of the day if they have nice comfortable furniture to cuddle up in, they will always be purring.

It is nice to provide furniture to make your cats lives more comfortable. Cat furniture is designed for the sole comfort of your cats. Cats come in many sizes and shapes and so does the furniture to accommodate them.

Puppies and Chewing

2007-02-03T09:36:00.000-07:00

Chewing is a normal and healthy part of any puppies development. However, you need to train them on what is acceptable and unacceptable to chew on. You also need to remove temptation out of their reach. Don't leave your $200 designer shoes on the floor where the puppy can get them. Make sure you have plenty of good dog toys available for the puppy. I keep a basket of toys by the back door that holds their favorite toys.

Puppies learn about the world through chewing. They want to taste it. For this reason, you will want to make sure that you have puppy proofed your home. Remove possible threats from their reach, such as electrical cords, poisonous houseplants, household chemicals, and chocolate. You must protect your puppy from dangers.

If you do catch your puppy chewing on things they are not supposed to, say NO in an affirmative tone. Be consistent in your NO command training. Your puppy will learn NO early and respond to it instantly. When you are taking the unacceptable item away from your puppy, don't play tug of war with them. They will think this is a new game. Instead offer the puppy a dog toy and show them that is acceptable to chew on. Before long you will notice that your puppy is only chewing on his toys and not your designer shoes.

Giving Pills To Your Pets

2007-02-02T15:28:00.000-07:00

Your pet is probably not going to want to take a pill and if you have to handle the pet with force, than they will resist you. Try to use as little force and restraint as possible and be quick about giving the pill.

Place your thumb and index finger just behind your pet's upper jaw behind the canines and tilt their head upwards. This allows the mouth to open and you can quickly insert the pill with your other hand. You want to place the pill near the base of the tongue.

Once you've got the pill in, close their mouth shut and hold it for a few seconds to make sure they don't spit it out. Sometimes if you blow gently on their nose it will force them to swallow.

If you have a dog or cat that just refuses to let you give them their pills, try hiding the food in a small amount of food or their favorite treat. There are also "pill guns" that are sold which can make it easier to give your pets their pills.

The Right Pet For You

2007-01-31T06:03:00.000-07:00

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.

Manage Your Pets Weight

2007-01-29T18:34:00.000-07:00

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.

Toilet Training Your Cat

2007-01-28T08:53:00.000-07:00

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.

Choosing A New Cat

2007-01-27T08:54:00.000-07:00

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.

Dogs Can Learn New Tricks

2007-01-26T16:34:00.000-07:00

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.

The Right Pet For Your Home

2007-01-23T05:50:00.000-07:00

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.

Pets Are Not Disposable

2007-01-21T15:39:00.000-07:00

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.

Safe Toys For Your Pets

2007-01-20T08:19:00.000-07:00

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!

Beware of Abusive Dog Trainers

2007-01-12T15:10:00.000-07:00

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.

General Pet Care

2007-01-10T19:07:00.000-07:00

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.

Keeping Your Cat Safe At Home

2007-01-09T22:10:00.000-07:00

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.

Ten Cold Weather Tips

2007-01-06T12:50:00.000-07:00

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.

Tips on What - And How - To Feed Your Puppy or Kitten

2006-12-30T17:37:00.000-07:00

Newborn kittens and puppies receive complete nutrition from their mothers’ milk for the first four weeks of life. As they gradually begin to eat on their own, they will be fully weaned after a few more weeks. During the first weeks of life, body weight may double or triple, and this rapid growth will continue—although at a gradually decreasing rate—until maturity. Large amounts of energy and nutrients are required in balanced quantities to support this spectacular growth.

Here are some tips for feeding puppies and kittens:

1. Kittens are best fed mom's milk; it's 100-percent perfect for their needs. However, if the mother is ill or doesn’t produce enough milk, or if the kittens are found as orphans, it is necessary to feed them a commercial milk replacer.

2. Generally, orphaned or hand-fed kittens can be offered moistened kitten food at about three weeks of age. Use a commercial milk replacer to moisten the food, and gradually reduce the amount of milk replacer you use, until the kittens are eating dry kitten food at about five or six weeks of age.

3. At first, curious kittens will probably want to play with their food rather than eat it, but the youngsters will soon catch on as they watch mom eat. By the time kittens are five to six weeks old, they should be nibbling on dry food consistently. This process of gradually introducing kitten food is important in training the cats to eat when they are weaned.

4. After weaning, kittens can be fed free-choice—dry or nutrient-dense kitten-formula canned food. Make sure fresh water is available at all times.

5. Most mama cats will suckle their kittens until about eight weeks of age. By this time, 80- to 90-percent of the kitten's total nutrient intake should be from kitten food. Kittens need large amounts of energy—about two to three times that of an adult cat. Kittens also need about 30 percent of their total energy from protein. Make sure the food you offer is specifically formulated for kittens; your pet will need to eat kitten-formula food until she reaches maturity, at about one year.

6. Canines generally begin eating puppy food at about three or four weeks, and are completely weaned by seven or eight weeks. They require up to twice the energy intake of adults and, depending on the breed, will need to have 25- to 30-percent protein.

7. As with kittens, puppies should have puppy food available prior to weaning. These meals should begin when the pups are three to four weeks old; start with small quantities. Puppies often play in their food when it is first introduced, but they will quickly learn what to do with it! By the time the pups are ready to wean at six to eight weeks old, they should be eating their dry food consistently.

8. Small breeds of dogs reach mature body weight in nine to twelve months, while giant breeds may not be mature until they reach their second birthday.

9. Just who are we calling SMALL? Small-breed dogs are 20 pounds or less. As pups, they can often be fed free-choice. When food is readily available, most small-breed dogs will develop good eating habits and not become overweight. If you have other pets, you should probably feed your small-breed dog by the portion control method.

10. Most medium-breed puppies (adult size between 20 and 50 pounds) and all large or giant breed pups (more than 50 pounds as adults) are best fed with the portion control method.

BONUS! Special Concerns about Feeding Large- and Giant-Breed Puppies
If puppies are allowed to overeat, they may consume too many calories and too much calcium, grow too rapidly and develop bone growth problems. In breeds that are prone to these diseases, such as many large and giant breeds, overfeeding can lead to an increased frequency of hypertrophic osteodystrophy (HOD), osteochondrosis (OCD) and hip dysplasia.

Clinical signs often seen with bone growth disease include bowing of the front legs. Sometimes, these signs are misdiagnosed as calcium deficiency (also known as rickets). Radiographs are crucial for an accurate diagnosis. Adding more calcium to the diets of dogs with HOD, OCD or hip dysplasia will actually worsen the condition—and may result in permanent damage.

It is important to aim for a slower rate of growth with large and giant breed puppies. Do not overfeed, or try to push the growth rate too fast. Controlled feeding of a balanced diet specifically made for large- and giant-breed puppies facilitates optimal skeletal development. Remember, the adult size of a dog is determined genetically—not by how fast the animal grows.

Liquid Potpourri Packs A Painful Punch

2006-12-29T10:11:00.000-07:00

Want a fresh and fragrant home? Before setting out that delicious-smelling potpourri simmer pot, please take heed. Many liquid potpourris contain essential oils and detergents that could prove hazardous to your furry companions, based on an analysis of calls to the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center.

According to the ASPCA’s Dr. Steven Hansen, veterinary toxicologist and senior vice president, the essential oils found in many of these products can cause irritation of the skin, gastrointestinal tract and mucous membranes. More significant injuries are typically a result of thermal burns or exposure to a specific type of detergent. Says Hansen, “A class of detergents known as cationics is usually responsible for severe ulceration of the membranes of the mouth, throat and gastrointestinal tract. Where there is contact with the skin, redness, swelling and extremely painful lesions can appear.” Symptoms of these exposures include drooling, vomiting, depression, metabolic disturbances and difficulty breathing from fluid on the lungs.

Although 10 percent of the liquid potpourri poisoning cases managed by the ASPCA since 2001 have included life-threatening effects, most animals make a full recovery if treated promptly. “However, it is important to note that treatment can be very extensive and may involve a lengthy hospitalization,” says Hansen.

And feline caretakers, please take note—cats are more likely to be at risk than dogs. “This is most likely because cats have greater access to the simmer pots, which are usually kept on countertops or other high-level surfaces,” explains Hansen. Most exposures occur when cats lap up heated liquid from the simmer pot, or when liquid spills on their fur from a leaky container.

To avoid exposing your pet to the dangers of liquid potpourri, ASPCA experts offer the following tips:

- Place potpourri simmer pots and unused liquid in rooms where pets cannot gain access.

- Consider using relatively safer alternatives, such as plug-in or solid air fresheners. (Do take care to use these in out-of-reach locations as well.)

- If you suspect your pet has been exposed to liquid potpourri, please call your veterinarian or the APCC's emergency hotline at (888) 426-4435 for round-the-clock telephone assistance.

New Dog In The Home

2006-12-28T12:44:00.000-07:00

Today's domestic dog must be part of a stable family and feel safe. Most behavioral problems occur when the dog is confused about how to act or behave in different situations such as in your home or out on a walk.

It is recommended that you keep your dog confined (in a crate or in a room) no matter his age for at least the first month in your home. This will allow him to settle in more comfortably and adapt to your lifestyle. At the same time, confinement or crate training will reduce such misbehaviors as chewing and separation anxiety.

Here are a few general rules to help prevent misbehaviors when you bring your dog home:

HOUSEBREAKING - Almost all dogs are naturally clean animals, meaning that the dog will not eliminate where he sleeps. If you keep your dog in a cage or room that is too large, he will eliminate in one corner and sleep in another. With this in mind, keeping your dog in a confinement area large enough to turn around and lie down in, he will be motivated to hold it.

ELIMINATING FREQUENCY - The general rule for elimination is the dog's age plus one. (For example - the dog is 3 months old. This means that he can technically hold it for 4 hours.) The dog will need to eliminate 15 to 20 minutes after eating, as soon as he wakes up and during or after playing. Most dogs can hold it for up to 10 hours after the age of 1.

FEEDING - A dog should only be fed twice a day, morning and evening. Feeding your dog table food could give him health problems, such as diarrhea, as well as behavioral problems, such as begging for food at the table.

CREATING THE LEADER ROLE IN YOUR HOUSE - To become the Alpha leader in your house, you must practice some basic commands with your dog:

1. You must always enter the house before your dog.
2. You must always eat before your dog.
3. You must always sleep at a higher level than your dog.

GAMES - Play biting or puppy nipping should not be allowed or encouraged. This allows the biting to become harder and more painful as the dog gets older. Fetch is a highly recommended game. Keep two balls on you. Throw one of the balls. When the dog comes back with the first ball, show him the second ball so he will drop the first ball. When the first ball is dropped, you may throw the second ball. Repeat as often as you like or until the dog begins to show signs of boredom. When the game is played this way, the game will not turn into a game of tug of war, therefore creating less of a chance of developing possible behavioral problems in the future.

DISCIPLINE - Disciplining your dog 2 seconds after the misbehavior is too late. You must catch him in the act. You must never hit the dog. Hitting the dog may make him more aggressive toward strangers or other members of your family.

CHEWING - The dog should have many different bones and toys to chew on. If you see your dog chewing on an inappropriate item, simply say "No" and direct his attention to an appropriate toy or bone.

2006-12-18T14:20:00.000-07:00

Pets As Presents

The following guidlines are provided by the ASPCA to use when choosing pets for your children:

Under 3 - Focus on introducing Baby to your current pets. It's not appropriate to bring in a new pet at this point.

3 to 5 - Guinea pigs are a good choice, as they like to be held, seldom bite and will whistle when excited or happy. Your child can help fill the water bottle or food dish.

5 to 10 - Choose shelf pets such as mice, rats or fish. Kids can help clean cages with adult help, though you should always check to ensure that pets have food and water and cages are secured.

10 to 13 - Your child is now ready for the responsibility of a dog, cat or rabbit. Your child can help feed the pet, walk the dog, clean the rabbit cage and clean the cat litter, but you should always check to be sure pets have everything they need. Participation in dog training classes is an excellent learning opportunity for children.

14 to 17 - You child may have more activities competing for his or her time and less time to spend with a pet. Certain species of birds or aquariums are a good choice. Remember, you will have the pet once they leave home to go to college.

Teaching Your Dog To Retrieve

2006-12-01T17:08:00.000-07:00

Many dog trainers and breeders believe the healthiest and most beneficial exercise for a dog is retrieving. Not only that, but both dogs and their owners appear to greatly enjoy "playing fetch." The most common image of this mutally pleasurable game is the dog furiously and happily racing after a thrown stick, rubber ball or frisbee.

Generally, there are three methods of training a dog to retrieve. One, which is more widely used and accepted by pet owners is through general playing. The second method is called the "forcing method" and the third is a combination of these two. Dog owners will have to judge for themselves which method works best for their individual dog.

Also remember that retrieval training should not be the first step of dog training. Long before you attempt this kind of discipline, you should have already housebroken your dog and taught him to "sit," "come," "stay" and the other basics. If these have not been mastered at an early stage, then trying to teach the animal to retrieve will only tend to frustrate you and confuse the dog.

Pet Exercises

2006-11-26T09:59:00.000-07:00

Is Fido looking flabby? Is there a Garfield in your life?

Here are some exercises you can do with your pet. Just make sure he or she gets plenty of water.

1. Take your dog on two brisk 20-minute walks a day. Build up endurance gradually.
2. Play chase with your dog around the house once a day.
3. Keep sneakers and a spare leash in the car.
4. Use a tennis racket to bounce a ball around with your dog for five minutes outside.
5. Put cat treats at top and bottom of stairs.
6. Tie your cat's toy mouse to a shoelace and drag it as you run up and down the hallway.

German Chowita Takes Best In Class

2006-11-26T09:50:00.000-07:00

I am pleased to announce that my son's puppy, Ace, has graduated from Puppy 1st Grade with Honors. Ace learned all of the obdience skills required in the class. After all the puppies in the class ran through their skills, the puppies got to play a modified version of musical chairs.

The first puppy that sat or laid down on command advanced to the next round. Ace (my grandson) won both of these games.

Ace is a designer dog. He is part German Shepard, Chow and Akita, which makes him a German Chowita. Ace is 8 months old and smarter than most puppies his age.

We are very proud of him. We will be picking out a college for Ace to attend just as soon as he learns how to drive.

Miss Sadie

2006-11-26T09:44:00.000-07:00

Miss Sadie’s time with us was much too short. She was with us from March 2003 to July 2006. She spent her time with her Mom and Dad, Don and Jymme Snider, helping them run their motel, Snider’s Rustic Inn, in Thayne, Wyoming. Sadie was a chocolate Labrador with the most adorable personality. She had a heart that was as big as she was and made of pure gold. Sadie was born with severe elbow and hip dysplasia. Because her legs never grew to their full height and were bowed, some people thought she was a mix between a Labrador and a Pit Bull so her sister gave her the Designer Dog name of “Bullador.” Sadie became famous as the motel guest greeter. She loved everybody and everybody loved her, she never met a stranger and everybody was her friend. Sadie hardly ever barked and had the best manners. She was the perfect motel dog. She would welcome each guest as they checked in. Her favorite sleeping position was on her back in her blue recliner. Even though Sadie, the famous “Bullador”, had a tough time walking during her life here, she’s running with the big dogs now.

World's Wealthiest Pets

2006-11-26T09:31:00.000-07:00

Recently, a list of the world's wealthiest pets hit the media and caused a stir bigger than a coronation. Think your pet has it made? Check out these lucky animals:

Gunther IV, an Alsatian (that's a German Shepherd in the United States!) said to be worth $320 million. Unconfirmed reports state that this incredible sum of money was left to Gunther's canine father by Countess Karlotta Libenstein when she passed away in 1992.

Kalu, a chimpanzee, became the main beneficiary of a trust amounting to some $95 million "big bananas." Owner Patricia O'Neill replaced her husband, Australian Olympic swimmer Frank O'Neill - the former beneficiary - with Kalu while Frank was at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney.

Toby Rimes, a dog of unknown breeding, lapped up approximately $80 million when his owner, Ella Wendel, suddenly passed away. Word is that Toby, a New York City native, has become an instant celebrity around his Central Park stomping grounds.

Teaching A Dog A New Behavior

2006-11-23T22:19:00.000-07:00

When first teaching a dog a new behavior it is important to let him know when he has done the right thing and when he has done the wrong thing. Offering your dog their favorite treat or toy when they do the right thing will teach them to repeat that behavior when asked.

It is also important to let them know when they have done the wrong thing. Saying the word "No" and guiding them into the proper behavior each time can correct the wrong behavior. By saying "No" and guiding your dog instead of physically correcting the dog, will teach them to follow the correct behavior every time they hear the word "No".

This type of training is positive reinforcement and works very well.

Did You Hear That?

2006-11-19T09:26:00.000-07:00

Both cats and dogs can hear things we cannot, which is one reason dogs make such terrific home alarm systems. Cats can hear sounds several times higher than we can, which is useful when they hunt. If your cat leaps up, hisses and scoots out of the room - seemingly unprovoked - he might have been startled by something you couldn't hear.

This suggests that the inexplicable behaviors we may observe in our pets shouldn't be dismissed as simply nutty. The world they live in is different from ours - but we are growing closer and learning from each other every day.

The Nose Knows

2006-11-19T09:16:00.000-07:00

Your nose is like an old static-filled, black-and-white TV compared to a dog's high-definition, state-of-the-art TV. If you laid out all our smell receptors (about 5 million), they would fill your average postage stamp. A dog's receptors (about 220 million) would cover an average handkerchief.

Humans have learned how to harness that smelling power and put the canine nose to work. Dogs are trained to pinpoint gas leaks in underground pipes; locate people under water, snow or collapsed buildings; and sniff out illegal drugs, foods and plants entering the country. Criminals may try to hide their illegal cache in something strong-smelling, but dogs can find the contraband as easily as we can pick a rose out of a bunch of daisies.

With their extraordinary ability to detect some odors at as much as one part per trillion, canines are even becoming medical diagnosticians. Researchers trained household dogs to detect cancer on a patient's breath. The research found that dogs detected lung cancer with 97% accuracy and breast cancer with 88% accuracy.

Cat Treat Recipe

2006-11-12T18:13:00.000-07:00

Terrific Kitty Treats
Makes 12 treats

1 6-ounce can of tuna
1/4 cup water drained from tuna
3 tablespoons cooked egg white, chopped
1/4 cup cornmeal
1/2 cup whole wheat flour

1. Heat oven to 350F. Spray cookie sheet with nonstick cooking spray.

2. Combine tuna, water and egg white. Add cornmeal and flour and blend to form dough. Knead into a ball and roll to 1/4" thickness.

3. Cut into 1" sized pieces and place 1/2" apart on greased cookie sheet.

4. Bake for 20 minutes. Let cool. Store in an airtight container.

Dog Treat Recipe

2006-11-12T18:07:00.000-07:00

Dog Biscuits
Makes 30-40 treats

3/4 cup hot water
1/3 cup margarine
1/2 cup powdered milk
1 teaspoon salt
1 egg, beaten
3 cups whole wheat flour

1. Heat oven to 325F. Spray cookie sheet with nonstick cooking spray.

2. In a large bowl, pour hot water over margarine. Stir in powdered milk, salt and egg. Add flour, 1/2 cup at a time.

3. Knead for a few minutes to form stiff dough. Pat down or roll out to 1/2" thickness. Cut into bone shapes and place 1" apart on cookie sheet.

4. Bake for 50 minutes. Let cool. (They'll dry out quite hard.) Store in an airtight container.

Should I Get A Cat?

2006-11-11T11:41:00.000-07:00

Cats are wonderful pets if you get to know them, spend time with them, and treat them right.

There are a number of reasons for choosing a cat as a pet:

Cats are fairly quiet pets in comparison to dogs
Cats are smaller animals
Cats bury their own waste and thus don't need to be walked or let outside
Cats require less grooming than dogs
Cats are fairly independent animals, although they welcome and thrive on your attention and will grow and blossom in a home where they are cuddled and talked to often
Cats are fairly non-aggressive
Cats are less costly than dogs Cats can live in smaller, inside places like apartments or condos
Cats require little exercise when compared to dogs
Cats require minimal training

There are a few questions that you need to ask yourself before adopting a cat or kitten. If you answer no to any of them please think long and hard about adopting. Don't adopt if you can not properly take care of your pet, as it is very cruel to that animal!

Is there enough room in my home? - Although cats require less room than dogs they still need ample room to roam, run, jump and play.
Can you deal with a litter box and potential accidents? - Although cats are very clean animals and instinctually bury their waste, you still need to clean out their litter box. And as your cat is adjusting to his/her box, if your cat is stressed, if something changes about his/her box (placement or litter type) or if your cat gets ill; he/she may have an accident or two. Are you willing to deal with potential accidents that are bound to occur at some point in your pet's life?
Can you afford a cat? - Cats are cheaper pets than dogs but you will still need to afford the following: food, treats, bowls, litter, litter box, scooper, scratching post, cat bed, toys, cat carriers, brushes and grooming tools, collar, identification tag, and medical care.
Do you have time to spend at least 2 hours a day with your pet? - Cats need quality time with you and need to play, be nurtured and be exercised. Plan on spending a minimum of 2 hours a day with your cat. If you are the type that will never be home or will be gone every weekend, don't get a cat.
Can you deal with training your cat and possibly a few bad behaviors? Cats are fairly easily trained and many cats come to us already knowledgeable about how to act, use a litter box, use a scratching post etc.; however, you may need to spend some time training your pet and/or dealing with the consequences of bad behaviors if you don't train your pet. If you can't deal with this and will get angry at the cat rather than disliking the behavior and fixing that then you need to think long and hard about getting any pet.
Can you deal with pet hair? - Cats are hairy and they shed. As with any pet the idea of keeping your house immaculate, although possible, will take a little more work.
Can you keep your cat indoors? - Of course you can take your cat out on walks, or create a fenced in area in your backyard for your cat to play in, but for the safety and longevity of your pet it is best to keep him/her as in indoor animal.
Can you deal with your furniture potentially getting clawed or damaged? - You can and should train your cat to not claw furniture (rather than getting your cat declawed which is considered cruel by many veterinarians and cat lovers), however, if you don't train your cat properly this can happen.

Cats can bring so much in to your life. They are wonderful, intelligent, expressive creatures who can bring you vast amounts of joy and happiness. It is shown that people (especially seniors) with pets have lower blood pressure, are happier, and live longer. However, if you answered no to any of the above questions we recommend NOT getting a cat. As with any new roommate in your home there are compromises that will need to be made. If you are not willing to deal with some of the compromises with a cat then you should not get one.

Before Purchasing A Dog

2006-11-11T11:19:00.000-07:00

Dogs truly can be a person’s best friend with their unconditional love and nonjudgmental nature. They are always ready to play, but if the moment is not right, they are just as happy to sit quietly by your side. Dogs don’t ask for much – a warm place to sleep, food so they don’t go hungry, some fresh air and green grass, and a friend who will look out for them. Despite seeming like the perfect addition to your life, a dog is not for everyone.

While some are a little more high maintenance than others, proper care for any dog requires time, patience and money.

The purchase of a dog is just the beginning in terms of money that will be spent. Food, treats, toys and grooming are costs that will add up over a lifetime. Also, veterinary visits are an important part of maintaining your pet’s health.

The basics of health care include spaying/neutering, annual vaccination and testing to prevent diseases. Expect at least one major problem to arise that will involve extensive medical treatment.

Dogs require a lifetime commitment. Dogs can be expected to live for at least 10-12 years depending on the breed. Time is required for daily walks, socializing, and grooming activities such as tooth brushing. Puppies have much more energy than older dogs and need plenty of time for playing and training. A dog is not suitable for someone who doesn’t spend a lot of time at home.

You also need to consider your living situation. Do you have room for a large dog? Or is a small lap dog what you are looking for? If you live in an apartment, you don’t want a large dog that would require a lot of room to exercise. Caution must always be taken with pets if there are small children in the house. Even the most laid back dog can be frightened by high pitched squeal and over enthusiastic playing or hugs. If you have other pets in the household, make sure they are compatible.

Once you have decided that a dog will fit into your life, there are many careful decisions to be made. Do you have the time and patience for a puppy? Or are you looking for an older, more mature dog? Puppies of course are cute, but remember that they have unlimited energy and will require lots of training.

No matter which dog ultimately goes home with you, remember that each is an individual with his or her own unique personality and will require a lifetime of unconditional love.

It's Raining Cat - A Short Story

2006-11-10T12:24:00.000-07:00

As raindrops fell on that spring afternoon, Ralph sat in his living room reading the newspaper, refusing to acknowledge the desperate pleas. The same ones he had been hearing outside his front door every day for the past two weeks.

"Meeooooow. Meeooooow. Meeooooow. Meeooooow."

He made the mistake on the first day by giving that stray cat a little leftover tuna. Now, the cat wouldn't leave him along.

"Meeooooow. Meeooooow. Meeooooow. Meeooooow."

Ralph couldn't take it anymore. He got up, opened the front door and addressed his tormentor.

"Whaddya think this is, a cat restaurant!?!? Scram!"

The cat looked up meekly and, realizing it was a lost cause, rambled off into the April shower with its tail between its legs.

Seeing that pathetic little cat walking away in the rain made Ralph even angrier.

"Now stop trying to make me feel guilty. It's not my fault you don't have any place to go."

Like the thundering skies above, Ralph stormed away and returned to his paper. But all he could think about was that darned cat.

"Doggone cat!"

He stomped back and opened the front door. Outside, he found the cat shivering and looking absolutely pathetic.

"All right, get in here."

The cat ran in gleefully, wiping itself off on Ralph's drapes, sofa - anything upon which it could dry itself. Ralph just rolled his eyes.

"Why don't you make yourself at home."

The cat ignored his sarcasm and continued frolicking.

"Suppose you're hungry, too."

"Meeooowww."

Ralph went to the kitchen and opened a can of tuna. He also poured a little milk in a bowl and set them both on the floor. The grateful cat devoured the feast.

After eating, the freeloader trotted back into the living room to join Ralph, who was once again immersed in the newspaper.

"Meeooowww."

Ralph peered over his paper as the cat jumped up into his recliner and lay next to him. He thought about tossing the cat back on the floor, but seeing the cat's hopeful eyes, he reconsidered.

"Don't make yourself too comfortable. When the rain stops, you're outta here."

Three hours later, the skies cleared (along with Ralph's memory, apparently). Because this story took place eight years ago, and Ralph and the cat are still together.