Take Care of Your Pets During Winter

It is getting colder outside. From my previous posts, I have list some guidelines to help protect your pets. This article will add to the guidelines.

Did you know that a car can act as a refrigerator in the winter, holding in the cold and causing the animal to freeze to death? Then, you must not leave your dog or cat alone in a car during cold weather. Remember to 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.

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.

My Dog is Barking Excessively

We all know that dogs bark so much. We always hear dogs bark when they want something, they feel pain, they feel frustrated, and even when they are having fun.

However, you must know when your dog barks excessively and you must find out why. According to pet expert, pet owner must know the type of bark your dog is barking. This is basically the first step to reduce your dog’s barking. Here are following guidelines to help you:

1. When and where does the barking occur?
2. Who or what is the target of the barking?
3. What things, objects, sounds, animals or people trigger the barking?
4. Why is your dog barking?

Always consult your vet and know other problems that can cause your dog to bark excessively.

Chocolate, Coffee, Caffeine for Pets

Chocolates, coffee and caffeine contain the substance methylxanthines. This substance is usually found in cacao seeds that is used to make coffee and in the nuts of an extract used in some sodas.

These products should be avoided by your pets because methylxanthines can cause vomiting and diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures and even death. Thus, beware of these products.

Autumn Safety Tips

During autumn season, we should take good care of our pets. Your pet is also welcoming autumn season after experiencing hot and sticky weather. We should take care of our pets because fall is also a time of lurking dangers, from household poisons to cold weather hazards. Here are few autumn safety tips:

During fall, there is the increase use of rodenticides, which are highly toxic pets if ingested and could be fatal. Rodenticides must be used with extreme caution and should be placed inaccessible to your pets. Likewise, you should put your glue sticks, pencils and magic markers to the proper place because these items are considered low toxicity to pets.

Furthermore, fall season are mushroom season also. It is about 99% that mushrooms have little or no toxicity but the 1% that are highly toxic can cause life-threatening problems in pets. Also, autumn is the season when snakes who are preparing for hibernation may be particularly “grumpy,” increasing the possibility of severe bites to those unlucky pups who find themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time. Pet owners should know what kinds of venomous snakes may be in their environment so they can keep pets out of those areas.

Zebra Finches

My niece has Zebra finches. These birds are usually small and hardy birds that are inexpensive. They also have an average life span of seven to ten years. They are known to unsocial with human caretakers. These birds may not be the right pets if you are looking for a buddy or a companion. Zebra finches need company of their own kind. Thus, it is recommended to keep at least a pair.

How Kids Respond to Pets?

As a mother of two kids, I am responsible in monitoring them when they are pending time with pets. As well all know, almost young children are attracted to pets and they want to interact with them. Adults must always monitor infants and toddlers because in this young age, they cannot distinguish between living beings and inanimate objects. It is like pets are the equivalent of moving stuffed toys.

Geographic and Climatic Considerations

If you live in an area that is prone to certain natural catastrophes, such as tornadoes, earthquakes or floods, you should plan wisely so that your pets will be safe. You should plan as follows:

1. Check which rooms offer safe havens. Such rooms should be clear of hazards such as windows, flying debris, and the like.
2. Select easy-to-clean areas such as utility rooms, bathrooms, and basements as safe zones.
3. Check supply of fresh water.
4. Go to the highest location in your home, or a room that has access to counters or high shelves where your animals can take shelter.

The Right Pet for Your Child

I am thinking of getting a pet for my child. And I want to make sure that I will bring home an animal that my child can relate to.

If you have infants you cannot handle or take care of pets for the meantime because you will be busy with your new born child. If you have toddler, make sure that your pet can handle being touched since toddlers are curious and will pull at an animal’s fur, limbs and ears in an attempt to make contact through touching. Make sure that your child cannot grab your pet’s food and water dishes. And remember to supervise your child when playing with animals.

Evacuation Preparation

If you must evacuate your home in a crisis, plan for the worst-case scenario. If you think you may be gone for only a day, assume that you may not be allowed to return for several weeks. When recommendations for evacuation have been announced, follow the instructions of local and state officials. To minimize evacuation time, take these simple steps:

* Store an emergency kit and leashes as close to an exit as possible.
* Make sure all pets wear collars and tags with up-to-date identification. Your pet's ID tag should contain his name, telephone number, and any urgent medical needs. Be sure to write your pet's name, your name and contact information on your pet's carrier.
* The ASPCA recommends microchipping your pet as a more permanent form of identification. A microchip is implanted in the animal's shoulder area, and can be read by scanner at most animal shelters.
* Always bring pets indoors at the first sign or warning of a storm or disaster. Pets can become disoriented and wander away from home during a crisis.
* Consider your evacuation route and call ahead to make arrangements for boarding your pet outside of the danger zone at the first sign of disaster.

Thanks to ASPCA website for sharing this information.

Away From Fertilizer

One way to protect our pets is to keep them away from fertilizer. The fertilizer that keeps our plants healthy and green can wreak havoc on the digestive tracts of our dear pets. Did you know that ingesting large amounts of fertilizer can give your pet a good case of stomach upset and may result in life-threatening gastrointestinal obstruction? That is why it is important to observe the appropriate waiting period before letting your pet run wild outside.

Summer Haircut Style

Your pets deserve to have a good summer haircut during sunny season. Our veterinarian advised to shave down a one-inch length, and never to the skin, so that our dog still has some protection from the sun. If you have cats, it is advised to always brush them more often than usual. This will give them more comfort and can prevent problems caused by excessive heat. And always remember do use sunscreen or insect repellant products on your pets that are labeled specifically for use on animals.

Pets Around The Pool

We all know that not all dogs are good swimmers. That is why it is always safe not to leave our pets or dogs unsupervised around a pool. When you are on boats with your pets or dogs, make sure that your dogs wear flotation devices. You should have introduced your pets also to water gradually.

When your dogs have finished swimming in the pool, make sure to rinse them properly to remove chlorine or salt from his fur. Furthermore, keep your dogs from drinking pool water because contains chlorine and other chemicals can cause stomach upset.

No Pets In a Parked Vehicle

Sunny days of summer really make us all love to spend long summer outdoor activities with our furry companions. However, we should take note some precautions. One precaution we should remember is to never let our pets alone in parked vehicle. Remember that a parked car can become a furnace in no time, which could lead to fatal heart stroke. Indeed, in several states, leaving pets unattended in cars in extreme weather is illegal.

Overheating In Pets

If your pets experienced overheating, excessive panting or difficulty breathing, there is a great possibility that your pets will have an increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor or even collapse. Aside from that, your pets may also experience seizures, bloody diarrhea and vomit. These will usually happen if your pets have an elevated body temperature of over 104 degrees.

Therefore, pet owners must know the symptoms of overheating. As they say, always know the warning signs!

Pet’s Teeth

If your pet has morning breath or all day long, it means that your pet needs a dental care. We all know that plaque, which is particles of food, saliva and bacteria, can build up on teeth and gums that can cause infection. And this could result to tooth decay, which can move into the bloodstream and affect the pet’s heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, bones and joints.

To avoid such problems, consult your veterinarian and ask how you can prevent gum disease of your pet.

Pet’s Weekly Check Up

We all know that a regular check ups are a great way to ensure our pet’s health.
Here are what to check up in weekly check ups:

Check under your pet’s fur for lumps, bumps, flakes or scabs.
Check your pet’s ears and eyes for any signs of redness or discharge.

Furthermore, take note of any changes in your pet’s eating or drinking habits. Call the veterinarian if something seems off.

Pets Must See The Veterinarian

As well know seeing our doctor regularly can ensure us healthy everyday. And so should your pet! If you give your pets annual check up, your veterinarian can check any developing illness and can take care of it right away. Aside from that, the veterinarian can also have the chance to check about your pet’s behavior, eating and exercise habits, and can even check her temperature, pulse and respiratory rate. Furthermore, the veterinarian will also inspect your pet’s gums and teeth, heart and lungs, and assess the health of its internal organs. So make that appointment today!