Pet Loss Information

This article I read from ASPCA site and I would like to share this information to my readers. Thank you ASPCA.

Our companion animals are family members with whom we share a unique bond. It is difficult to imagine our lives without them. Sadly, companion animals do not live as long as people do. Sooner or later, everyone who cares for a pet must face the illness, old age or accidental death of their beloved animal friend. We may have to deal with the difficult decision of whether or when to euthanize a very sick animal to spare him or her further suffering and provide a dignified, peaceful death. Or, because of our financial circumstances, we may be torn about what medical procedures should be done for an animal who has given us loyalty and love. These decisions are some of the hardest we may ever have to make, and are often fraught with confusion and guilt. It is important to be well informed and aware of all humane options in order to make the best possible choice on behalf of a pet.

It is as natural and necessary to grieve for the loss of an animal friend as it is for any loved one who dies. And it is important to have compassion and support in one's time of grief. A pet's illness, accident, death or need for euthanasia can trigger powerful emotions. At such times, many individuals feel confused, frightened, angry, guilty and sad. These emotions are all normal. The ASPCA can help if the animal you love has died or if he or she is ill, injured or elderly.

Pet parents can receive help from the ASPCA Pet Loss Support program with the following issues:

* Assistance with the decision to euthanize.
* Comfort and support at the time of euthanasia.
* Help with grieving the loss.
* Advice on dealing with children, the elderly or disabled individuals who are facing a death of a companion animal.
* Helping the surviving animals in the household to cope.
* Assistance in establishing a relationship with a new pet.

For further information about the ASPCA Pet Loss Support program, call our Pet Loss Hotline at (877) 474-3310.

Pets on Car Travel

Keeping your pets safe is very important consideration whether you are going around the block or across the country. You should place your pets in a well- ventilated crate or carrier. And make sure that this cage or carrier is large enough for your pet to stand up, sit, lie and turn around in. Keep also in mind to not allow your pet to ride with his head outside the window because this can subject him to inner ear damage and lung infections, and he could be injured by flying objects. Never feed your furry friend in a moving vehicle, even if it’s a long drive. And always carry a gallon thermos of cold water, or bring along a two-liter plastic bottle of water that you’ve frozen the night before.

Safety Tips

Remember these safety tips when you have a child and some pets in the house:

1. When your child and pet are first getting to know each other, create games that require your child to rely on words and toys rather than on direct physical contact with your pet. This will minimize the risk that your child or pet will be accidentally injured because one or the other is overexcited.

2. Teach both your child and pet rules for each game, helping each to have positive, controlled interactions with each other. For example, when playing a game involving dog treats or toys, teach your dog that he must sit before earning his reward—if he jumps up or grabs at it, he does not get the reward and the game ends. This is important because many dogs will jump up on or grab at objects that kids are offering and may knock over or accidentally bite the child in their enthusiasm. This can scare or injure the child, while at the same time teach the dog that he can get what he wants simply by taking it.

3. Show your child that he can get your pet to listen by using rewards. This will reduce his feelings of frustration.

4. If anyone gets upset during play, a brief time-out is effective for both children and animals. Establish safe areas where your child and your pet can spend time by themselves, separately, for a brief period. For pets, 30 to 60 seconds is a reasonable time-out period. One minute for every year of age is the general rule for children. However, you may wish to consult with your pediatrician to determine an appropriate time-out period.

I thank ASPCA for this information I got from them. I just would like to share this with my readers.

Bird’s Housing

I love pets and I usually visit ASPCA website (www.aspca.org) to know more knowledge about pets and other animals. Recently, I have visited their website and I would like to share about their idea on bird’s housing:

Always buy the largest, most well-constructed cage you can afford. No matter the species, your bird will need a cage that’s large enough for her to stretch her wings and fly short distances. A typical cage for small birds should be about 25 inches tall and 25 inches from front to back. To prevent escape or injury, the bars on the cage should only be .4 inches apart—a little larger than the tips of your fingers. Note that canaries and finches prefer a cage that’s wider than it is taller, while parakeets and cockatiels like tall cages with horizontal bars they can climb. And don’t forget perches, please! You’ll need to install several, at varying heights—and do make sure that one is level with the food dishes.

Line the bottom of the cage with plain paper or paper bags cut to size. Newspaper is fine, as long as it’s been printed with non-toxic, soy-based inks. You’ll need to change the paper daily.

Where should you set up your bird’s new home? Location is everything. Place the cage in a warm, bright part of the house, close to where the action is but away from all drafts and direct sunlight, and off the floor. Avoid setting up the cage in or near the kitchen at all costs. Birds are extremely sensitive to fumes, and those from self-cleaning ovens and Teflon-coated cookware, if overheated, can be fatal.

Thank you ASPCA for this information.