by: Larry Chamberlain
Just what do you say to your kids when they ask for a pet? It is perfectly true that growing up with a family pet can teach children responsibility and to develop their social skills. Also cultivating good feelings towards pet animals helps kids to develop a sense of self esteem and help them to establish trusting relationships with other human beings. But before you give in to your kid's demands for a pony, rabbit, salamander, kitten, boxer, python, or macaw, there is plenty for you to consider.
The first thing to keep in mind is that no matter how much your kid promises that she or he will be the one to take care of the pet, some if not all of that responsibility will fall upon you. That is an inevitable, inescapable fact. No matter how good the child's intention is, there will be some, and perhaps many, occasions when other things take priority in their minds and the pet is unintentionally neglected. That is, the pet would be neglected if you were not there to step in, because somebody has to.
Secondly a child may sincerely believe that the thing that they most want in the world is a cute little black and white kitten, just like their best friend of the moment has. The child has really convinced themselves that they want a kitten, and a kitten will hold their interest for ever and ever. And so it would, until their new best friend of next week gets a pet lizard which is just sooo cool. So you will want to make absolutely sure that the pet that your child is demanding will be a long term passion, and not just a fleeting interest.
It will be a good idea to discuss the idea with the whole family. How do they feel about yapping dogs, hair shedding Persian cats, squawking parrots? If one of your children is allowed their very own pet hamster, will all of the child's siblings demand a pet of their own too? Does anybody in the family suffer with an allergy that would make sharing their home with a certain animal intolerable?
Is the type of animal your child is asking for suitable for your family, and your family's life style? A dog that needs two trips to the park every single day may not be suitable for a family who is away from the house all day. And no matter how much the child promises that they will walk the dog, there will be times that they will fail to do so, (and times that you may not want them to, after dark for example). Choosing pets for kids is not easy, often the type of pet that they plead for would not be the best match for their age and experience with animals.
You should also consider cost. Not only the cost of acquiring a pet, but more importantly the cost of taking care of it. All animals involve a financial commitment, food, vet bills, pet care products etc. You don't want to acquire a pet for your kid only to find that you don't have the financial means to keep it. Small pets for kids often have less costs involved in looking after them than larger pets do.
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Friday, November 30, 2007
Dogs and Chocolates
by David the Dogman
Chocolate made for human consumption can cause death in dogs. Dogs are sensitive to a class of chemicals called methylxanthines. Caffeine and theobtomine are members of that family. Dogs simply cannot metabolise and excrete methylxanthines as efficiently as humans. The half life of those compounds in the human body is in the order of 2 to 3 hours, in the dog it is more like 18 hours.
In a dog the compounds are taken up by the liver and transmitted via the bile into the intestine. They are then converted back into the original methylxanthines for another circuit through the animal. This repeats itself a number of times and instead of getting rid of the substances the dog keeps repoisoning itself-
There are many formulations of chocolate with varying amounts of caffeine and theobromine. The lethal dose of sweet milk chocolate for a dog is 2 oz per kilogram of bodyweight. For a 5 kilogram dog this would be about 280 grams. A lethal dose of milk chocolate for a 25 kilogram would be about 1.4 kilograms.
Dark chocolate is at least 10 times as lethal. A 25 kilograms dog could die from the methylxanthines in 5 ounces.
Symptoms include vomiting, hyperactivity, restlessness, hypersensitivity to touch ( a dog will jump when touched very rapid heartbeat and rapid breathing rate. A loss of control of leg muscles, muscle tremor seizures, general weakness, coma and finally death follow.
In my humble opinion it would be a tragic mistake to encourage a dog to develop a taste for chocolate. A small dog left alone in a house with a box of chocolates might well follow his nose to the goodies and commit suicide by poisoning.
Chocolate made for human consumption can cause death in dogs. Dogs are sensitive to a class of chemicals called methylxanthines. Caffeine and theobtomine are members of that family. Dogs simply cannot metabolise and excrete methylxanthines as efficiently as humans. The half life of those compounds in the human body is in the order of 2 to 3 hours, in the dog it is more like 18 hours.
In a dog the compounds are taken up by the liver and transmitted via the bile into the intestine. They are then converted back into the original methylxanthines for another circuit through the animal. This repeats itself a number of times and instead of getting rid of the substances the dog keeps repoisoning itself-
There are many formulations of chocolate with varying amounts of caffeine and theobromine. The lethal dose of sweet milk chocolate for a dog is 2 oz per kilogram of bodyweight. For a 5 kilogram dog this would be about 280 grams. A lethal dose of milk chocolate for a 25 kilogram would be about 1.4 kilograms.
Dark chocolate is at least 10 times as lethal. A 25 kilograms dog could die from the methylxanthines in 5 ounces.
Symptoms include vomiting, hyperactivity, restlessness, hypersensitivity to touch ( a dog will jump when touched very rapid heartbeat and rapid breathing rate. A loss of control of leg muscles, muscle tremor seizures, general weakness, coma and finally death follow.
In my humble opinion it would be a tragic mistake to encourage a dog to develop a taste for chocolate. A small dog left alone in a house with a box of chocolates might well follow his nose to the goodies and commit suicide by poisoning.
Jumping Up 2
by David the Dogman
Teach your dog to sit whenever you ask him to. Sit at the kerb when you cross the road. Sit in front of you. Then when he runs at you, or anyone else, if told sit he will sit.
BUT it has to be practised, and used constantly, not just now and then.
When he sits as you have asked reward him with a titbit...a very tiny one.
Sit while his food is being prepared.
Lying down is another skill that is useful. Lie down, I am busy. Lie down, I want to watch TV. Lie down, while we eat.
If you say DOWN when he jumps up, the word does not mean lie down on the ground and keep still...it means stand on four legs and dont jump up. So you need to use another word, like LIE, or FLAT, for him...
Also QUIET is often the noisiest word in the English language for dog owners ...and all it does is make him think you are helping him bark. So WHISPER "quiet."
When he is excited and jumps at you, turn round and walk away. Pretend you cant see him. Don't speak or shout at him as that is still acknowledging him and he wants your attention. Only speak when he has settled down...it will take time at first but he ought to learn that jumping up is useless as nothing nice happens when he does it...or nasty for that matter. Nothing at all happens.
If he asks to be petted, DON'T. Keep your hands away. Don't sit and stroke him absent mindedly as that gives him too much attention and makes him feel much more important than you are. When he goes away from you, then you can call him and YOU pet him, not because he has forced you to, but because you want to. I have petting times...when I call my dog and make a fuss of her...not too much or she will over excite.
If he asks to play, dont play. Ignore him. Then a few minutes later, IF it is convenient, you call him and start to play.
Pack leaders eat first, and you are the pack leader...he isn't...so he has to learn that...but just eating before him will show him you are boss.
Pack leaders go through doors first...so he must not rush through in front of you.
His change of diet ought to help, but it wont happen overnight...it will take about six weeks, as he will still have the elements of the old food in his system. Many foods on the market have the same effect as those that excite hyperactive children. I had help with this from someone who works with them in the NHS. One Smartie can cause a problem if red is what triggers a child. The same with the dogs. Can be colouring, preservatives or content.
Teach your dog to sit whenever you ask him to. Sit at the kerb when you cross the road. Sit in front of you. Then when he runs at you, or anyone else, if told sit he will sit.
BUT it has to be practised, and used constantly, not just now and then.
When he sits as you have asked reward him with a titbit...a very tiny one.
Sit while his food is being prepared.
Lying down is another skill that is useful. Lie down, I am busy. Lie down, I want to watch TV. Lie down, while we eat.
If you say DOWN when he jumps up, the word does not mean lie down on the ground and keep still...it means stand on four legs and dont jump up. So you need to use another word, like LIE, or FLAT, for him...
Also QUIET is often the noisiest word in the English language for dog owners ...and all it does is make him think you are helping him bark. So WHISPER "quiet."
When he is excited and jumps at you, turn round and walk away. Pretend you cant see him. Don't speak or shout at him as that is still acknowledging him and he wants your attention. Only speak when he has settled down...it will take time at first but he ought to learn that jumping up is useless as nothing nice happens when he does it...or nasty for that matter. Nothing at all happens.
If he asks to be petted, DON'T. Keep your hands away. Don't sit and stroke him absent mindedly as that gives him too much attention and makes him feel much more important than you are. When he goes away from you, then you can call him and YOU pet him, not because he has forced you to, but because you want to. I have petting times...when I call my dog and make a fuss of her...not too much or she will over excite.
If he asks to play, dont play. Ignore him. Then a few minutes later, IF it is convenient, you call him and start to play.
Pack leaders eat first, and you are the pack leader...he isn't...so he has to learn that...but just eating before him will show him you are boss.
Pack leaders go through doors first...so he must not rush through in front of you.
His change of diet ought to help, but it wont happen overnight...it will take about six weeks, as he will still have the elements of the old food in his system. Many foods on the market have the same effect as those that excite hyperactive children. I had help with this from someone who works with them in the NHS. One Smartie can cause a problem if red is what triggers a child. The same with the dogs. Can be colouring, preservatives or content.
Friday, October 19, 2007
Bloat in dogs
by:Larry Glickman
Several times a week I receive a phone call from someone whose dog has died of bloat. Usually my role is to provide a sympathetic ear and assure the callers that there was nothing they could have changed to prevent the incident. Our current knowledge of bloat does not allow us to identify specific events that trigger an acute episode in susceptible dogs, although some form of "stress" was probably involved. One of our long-term research objectives is to better define what constitutes stress for dogs and to measure their physiological response to it. However, the primary goal of the research is to determine why some dogs are more susceptible to bloat than others, i.e., what are the risk factors for bloat. This has led to studies of the physical conformation of dogs, their diet, vaccination histories, and even to new ways to evaluate a dog's temperament and personality.
The overall bloat fatality rate approaches 30% for dogs with a dilated, rotated stomach. Approximately half of the dogs that die with a rotated stomach will do so before veterinary medical or surgical treatment is obtained. Dogs may be found dead or die on the way to the hospital, or may be euthanized by the veterinarian because of their poor prognosis or the owner's financial considerations. In contrast, dogs properly treated have [greater than] 80% probability of surviving a bloat episode and then leading a normal life. Veterinarians over the past 2 decades have reduced dramatically the postoperative fatality rate from gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) from [greater than]50% to [less than]20% by using improved therapy for shock, safer anesthetic agents, and better surgical techniques.
Too often, however, owners of dogs that died of bloat tell me that they had recognized that the dog had a serious problem and rushed the dog to a veterinarian, only to be told that it was probably only a "belly ache," or that the dog's stomach was dilated, but not rotated. Sometimes the veterinarian recognized dilatation, but not a rotation (volvulus, torsion), passed a stomach tube to relieve the pressure, and sent the dog home. Or the dog was diagnosed as having dilatation and rotation, and a stomach tube was passed to relieve the pressure, but surgery (gastropexy) to permanently correct the rotation was delayed, either because the dog was thought to be too ill to withstand the surgery, or the veterinarian was not adequately equipped or prepared at the time to perform the operation. The latter may occur if the veterinarian is in the midst of busy office hours or if -- especially at night -- there is insufficient technical help available to properly perform the surgery, which requires careful administration of anesthesia, appropriate fluid therapy, and close monitoring of the dog's vital signs. Numerous clinical reports from Europe and the United States show that gastropexy to prevent gastric rotation should be performed as soon as possible following stomach decompression on all dogs with gastric dilatation, whether or not the stomach is thought to be rotated at the time. The recurrence rate of gastric volvulus in dogs treated for bloat conservatively, i.e., without surgery, approaches 100%, whereas the recurrence rate following gastropexy is [less than]5%. The stomach of a dog that has had a gastropexy can still dilate, but it is unlikely to rotate, so if dilatation does occur after gastropexy, it can probably be treated conservatively.
What does all this mean to you? If your dog suddenly develops a distended abdomen, appears uncomfortable, and gets progressively worse, rush the dog to a veterinarian, preferably one equipped to do emergency surgery. Gastric distention is a life-threatening condition, even if the stomach has not rotated. Immediate decompression is required to relieve pressure on blood vessels and to restore circulation to the heart, because shock can occur within minutes of the first clinical signs. Fluid therapy is indicated to treat shock, and drugs may be needed if the heart rhythm is irregular. This should be followed as soon as possible by surgery to reposition and immobilize (gastropexy) the stomach before it is irreversibly damaged. The best indicators of how well the dog will do postoperatively are its physical condition (state of shock) prior to surgery and the appearance of the stomach during surgery (since dead or dying stomach tissue implies a very poor prognosis). Intensive monitoring is usually required for several days postoperatively in case complications occur.
If you suspect your dog has bloat, but the veterinarian dismisses it as a minor problem, inquire about radiographs to rule out GDV. If dilatation with or without volvulus is diagnosed and the stomach is decompressed, either by passing a stomach tube or by piercing the stomach with a large needle (trochar) passed through the body wall, the dog should be considered as a candidate for immediate surgery, unless its condition is too unstable to tolerate anesthesia. If the veterinarian recommends that surgery be delayed for any other reason, seek a second opinion immediately. Delay in surgery will increase the chance of the stomach rotating if it hasn't already, or will decrease the chance of the dog surviving if rotation has occurred.
Following is an excerpt of a letter that illustrates some of these points. "I noticed Kelly [an Irish Setter] attempting to vomit with nothing coming up. Grass? Chicken bone? I watched her and we continued to walk. She was happy and greeted people, wagging her tail, ... and had fun. We went home and Kelly went upstairs where she attempted to vomit several times. I immediately called my vet. Kelly and I arrived at the veterinarian's office within five minutes of the phone call. I told the veterinarian that Kelly had vomited two or three times with nothing coming up. I said that she looked a little broad around the ribs. The veterinarian did a physical examination and concluded that Kelly's problem was just a "stomach ache." ... I was directed to give her Pepto Bismol®. I took Kelly home and she lay down on the bed. About 45 minutes later she went out to the back yard. When I went out 10 minutes later, I found her bloated up. I grabbed her, took her back to the veterinary hospital, but she died on the operating table." (Comment: There is no guarantee that if radiographs had been taken during the first veterinary visit, Kelly's outcome would have been different. However, radiographs might have confirmed the presence of gastric dilatation or volvulus, and thus the need for immediate gastric decompression and surgery.) Be prepared -- Teamwork between you and your veterinarian is your dog's best hope when it comes to bloat.
For more information on the early signs of bloat, talk with your veterinarian. Ask what treatment he/she recommends for bloat, and if their hospital has a 24-hour emergency service.
Several times a week I receive a phone call from someone whose dog has died of bloat. Usually my role is to provide a sympathetic ear and assure the callers that there was nothing they could have changed to prevent the incident. Our current knowledge of bloat does not allow us to identify specific events that trigger an acute episode in susceptible dogs, although some form of "stress" was probably involved. One of our long-term research objectives is to better define what constitutes stress for dogs and to measure their physiological response to it. However, the primary goal of the research is to determine why some dogs are more susceptible to bloat than others, i.e., what are the risk factors for bloat. This has led to studies of the physical conformation of dogs, their diet, vaccination histories, and even to new ways to evaluate a dog's temperament and personality.
The overall bloat fatality rate approaches 30% for dogs with a dilated, rotated stomach. Approximately half of the dogs that die with a rotated stomach will do so before veterinary medical or surgical treatment is obtained. Dogs may be found dead or die on the way to the hospital, or may be euthanized by the veterinarian because of their poor prognosis or the owner's financial considerations. In contrast, dogs properly treated have [greater than] 80% probability of surviving a bloat episode and then leading a normal life. Veterinarians over the past 2 decades have reduced dramatically the postoperative fatality rate from gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) from [greater than]50% to [less than]20% by using improved therapy for shock, safer anesthetic agents, and better surgical techniques.
Too often, however, owners of dogs that died of bloat tell me that they had recognized that the dog had a serious problem and rushed the dog to a veterinarian, only to be told that it was probably only a "belly ache," or that the dog's stomach was dilated, but not rotated. Sometimes the veterinarian recognized dilatation, but not a rotation (volvulus, torsion), passed a stomach tube to relieve the pressure, and sent the dog home. Or the dog was diagnosed as having dilatation and rotation, and a stomach tube was passed to relieve the pressure, but surgery (gastropexy) to permanently correct the rotation was delayed, either because the dog was thought to be too ill to withstand the surgery, or the veterinarian was not adequately equipped or prepared at the time to perform the operation. The latter may occur if the veterinarian is in the midst of busy office hours or if -- especially at night -- there is insufficient technical help available to properly perform the surgery, which requires careful administration of anesthesia, appropriate fluid therapy, and close monitoring of the dog's vital signs. Numerous clinical reports from Europe and the United States show that gastropexy to prevent gastric rotation should be performed as soon as possible following stomach decompression on all dogs with gastric dilatation, whether or not the stomach is thought to be rotated at the time. The recurrence rate of gastric volvulus in dogs treated for bloat conservatively, i.e., without surgery, approaches 100%, whereas the recurrence rate following gastropexy is [less than]5%. The stomach of a dog that has had a gastropexy can still dilate, but it is unlikely to rotate, so if dilatation does occur after gastropexy, it can probably be treated conservatively.
What does all this mean to you? If your dog suddenly develops a distended abdomen, appears uncomfortable, and gets progressively worse, rush the dog to a veterinarian, preferably one equipped to do emergency surgery. Gastric distention is a life-threatening condition, even if the stomach has not rotated. Immediate decompression is required to relieve pressure on blood vessels and to restore circulation to the heart, because shock can occur within minutes of the first clinical signs. Fluid therapy is indicated to treat shock, and drugs may be needed if the heart rhythm is irregular. This should be followed as soon as possible by surgery to reposition and immobilize (gastropexy) the stomach before it is irreversibly damaged. The best indicators of how well the dog will do postoperatively are its physical condition (state of shock) prior to surgery and the appearance of the stomach during surgery (since dead or dying stomach tissue implies a very poor prognosis). Intensive monitoring is usually required for several days postoperatively in case complications occur.
If you suspect your dog has bloat, but the veterinarian dismisses it as a minor problem, inquire about radiographs to rule out GDV. If dilatation with or without volvulus is diagnosed and the stomach is decompressed, either by passing a stomach tube or by piercing the stomach with a large needle (trochar) passed through the body wall, the dog should be considered as a candidate for immediate surgery, unless its condition is too unstable to tolerate anesthesia. If the veterinarian recommends that surgery be delayed for any other reason, seek a second opinion immediately. Delay in surgery will increase the chance of the stomach rotating if it hasn't already, or will decrease the chance of the dog surviving if rotation has occurred.
Following is an excerpt of a letter that illustrates some of these points. "I noticed Kelly [an Irish Setter] attempting to vomit with nothing coming up. Grass? Chicken bone? I watched her and we continued to walk. She was happy and greeted people, wagging her tail, ... and had fun. We went home and Kelly went upstairs where she attempted to vomit several times. I immediately called my vet. Kelly and I arrived at the veterinarian's office within five minutes of the phone call. I told the veterinarian that Kelly had vomited two or three times with nothing coming up. I said that she looked a little broad around the ribs. The veterinarian did a physical examination and concluded that Kelly's problem was just a "stomach ache." ... I was directed to give her Pepto Bismol®. I took Kelly home and she lay down on the bed. About 45 minutes later she went out to the back yard. When I went out 10 minutes later, I found her bloated up. I grabbed her, took her back to the veterinary hospital, but she died on the operating table." (Comment: There is no guarantee that if radiographs had been taken during the first veterinary visit, Kelly's outcome would have been different. However, radiographs might have confirmed the presence of gastric dilatation or volvulus, and thus the need for immediate gastric decompression and surgery.) Be prepared -- Teamwork between you and your veterinarian is your dog's best hope when it comes to bloat.
For more information on the early signs of bloat, talk with your veterinarian. Ask what treatment he/she recommends for bloat, and if their hospital has a 24-hour emergency service.
Thursday, October 04, 2007
Protecting The Smallest Member Of Your Family: A Step-By-Step
by:Burke Jones
Let’s face it – Fido and Fluffy are an important part of your
family. Do you want to have to assign a dollar value to them if
they become sick or injured?
That may well be the case if you don’t have pet health insurance.
Rising veterinary costs mean that pet owners can pay hundreds –
and even thousands – of dollars for their pets’ health problems.
As the bills stack up, uninsured pet owners must determine how
much they are willing to spend on their animal friend. It can be
a heartbreaking decision to make.
Much like insurance for health, cars and homes, pet insurance
helps people put a little money away now to avoid a major payout
later. Coverage and cost vary, so it’s important to thoroughly
research the options if you decide to insure your pet.
Step one: Determine if Pet Insurance is Right for You
When people decide to get a pet, they often don’t consider how
they will deal with the inevitable unexpected illnesses or
accidents. Keeping a pet indoors by no means eliminates all the
hazards. They can still swallow foreign objects, ingest a poison
or injure themselves. As well, living indoors does not make a pet
immune to disease and infection – particularly those that are
common to their breed. Pets with access to the outdoors have even
more opportunities to pick up a disease or get hurt.
Don’t have a dog or cat? Insurance companies are starting to
offer plans that meet the needs of a variety of pet owners. Some
now offer coverage for birds and exotic animals.
Not all owners are good candidates for pet insurance, however.
Pet insurance is ideal for owners who deeply love their pets and
are willing to spend a significant amount of money to keep them
healthy and extend their life. They buy their cherished
companions the best food and care they can afford, sometimes even
putting their pets’ needs before their own. For this type of
owner, pet insurance can be a smart investment that can prevent
considerable costs and bring peace of mind.
Pet insurance is not a good investment for owners who don’t have
a strong emotional tie to their pet. Owners who would rather have
their pets euthanized than spend money on vet bills are not good
candidates for pet insurance.
Step two: Decide What Type of Coverage You Want
Most pet owners will weigh two main considerations when shopping
for pet insurance: budget and coverage. Peace of mind can also be
an important factor, but far more difficult to quantify.
Pet health insurance is still relatively new in the United States
and Canada, so the options available are fewer than for other
forms of insurance. That said, North American pet owners can
choose from a variety of coverage choices, ranging from
injury/accident-only to all-inclusive.
As with all insurance products, the cost of pet insurance
increases as the coverage improves. As a pet owner, you must
decide what is the right balance between affordability and the
care you want for your pet.
- Coverage
When choosing pet insurance coverage, first consider what kind of
insurance customer you are. Do you prefer all-inclusive coverage
that pays for everything from routine checkups and vaccinations
to accidents and chronic illnesses, or are you comfortable with a
lesser degree of coverage that just kicks in during emergencies?
Perhaps you prefer a flexible plan that offers discounts on a
wide range of services, from veterinary care to training. This
decision will lay the groundwork for your final choice.
Some issues to consider:
Make sure to check for coverage of pre-existing conditions as
well as breed-specific genetic ailments, such as hip dysplasia
for large dogs. Some plans refuse to cover these conditions.
Some plans place limits on annual, per-incident, per-illness or
lifetime costs.
How old is your pet? Coverage usually starts at eight weeks, but
some plans won’t cover pets over a certain age (usually between
six and 10 years old, depending on the breed, type of animal and
other factors).
- Cost
Payment options for pet insurance include flat fees or
deductibles and/or co-payments. Not surprisingly, plans with
lower monthly premiums come with higher deductibles and/or larger
co-payments.
Some issues to consider:
Insurance premiums are affected by the age, health and breed of
your pet, as well as the type of animal.
Some plans offers discounts for multiple pets.
Plans generally require customers to pay the vet bill first and
then submit receipts for reimbursement.
Find out if the insurance premiums will increase as your pet
ages.
Depending on the plan you choose, the monthly premiums can range
from less than $10 to about $40.
Step three: Choose an Insurer
You’ve determined what you can afford to spend and the amount of
pet insurance coverage you want.
Before selecting an insurer, here are some final considerations:
Make a list of your questions and priorities in advance. Make
sure to answer or check off each item when reviewing plan
options.
Research the insurer thoroughly. Review its website and sales
materials, read its testimonials, talk to other pet owners and
look for on-line reviews. How long has the company been in
business? Are its customers satisfied? Make sure you feel
comfortable about everything you hear or read.
Compare the plan’s benefit schedule with your vet’s fees to
determine to what degree the plan will cover the actual treatment
costs.
Find out how quickly the insurance company reimburses customers’
claim payments and if it has claim deadlines.
Read the fine print. Make sure you completely understand the
plan’s benefits and, more importantly, the limitations. If
something isn’t clear, ask – and get the answer in writing.
Otherwise, you might find you don’t have the coverage you need if
an accident occurs.
Start a file for your pet. Use it for all receipts and insurance
paperwork so you can keep on top of your claims and make sure you
are maximizing your insurance investment.
Your responsibility as a pet owner doesn't end with food, shelter
and affection. Pet health insurance can give the smallest member
of your family a longer and healthier life – and provide you with
more time to enjoy the unconditional love it so willingly offers
to you.
Let’s face it – Fido and Fluffy are an important part of your
family. Do you want to have to assign a dollar value to them if
they become sick or injured?
That may well be the case if you don’t have pet health insurance.
Rising veterinary costs mean that pet owners can pay hundreds –
and even thousands – of dollars for their pets’ health problems.
As the bills stack up, uninsured pet owners must determine how
much they are willing to spend on their animal friend. It can be
a heartbreaking decision to make.
Much like insurance for health, cars and homes, pet insurance
helps people put a little money away now to avoid a major payout
later. Coverage and cost vary, so it’s important to thoroughly
research the options if you decide to insure your pet.
Step one: Determine if Pet Insurance is Right for You
When people decide to get a pet, they often don’t consider how
they will deal with the inevitable unexpected illnesses or
accidents. Keeping a pet indoors by no means eliminates all the
hazards. They can still swallow foreign objects, ingest a poison
or injure themselves. As well, living indoors does not make a pet
immune to disease and infection – particularly those that are
common to their breed. Pets with access to the outdoors have even
more opportunities to pick up a disease or get hurt.
Don’t have a dog or cat? Insurance companies are starting to
offer plans that meet the needs of a variety of pet owners. Some
now offer coverage for birds and exotic animals.
Not all owners are good candidates for pet insurance, however.
Pet insurance is ideal for owners who deeply love their pets and
are willing to spend a significant amount of money to keep them
healthy and extend their life. They buy their cherished
companions the best food and care they can afford, sometimes even
putting their pets’ needs before their own. For this type of
owner, pet insurance can be a smart investment that can prevent
considerable costs and bring peace of mind.
Pet insurance is not a good investment for owners who don’t have
a strong emotional tie to their pet. Owners who would rather have
their pets euthanized than spend money on vet bills are not good
candidates for pet insurance.
Step two: Decide What Type of Coverage You Want
Most pet owners will weigh two main considerations when shopping
for pet insurance: budget and coverage. Peace of mind can also be
an important factor, but far more difficult to quantify.
Pet health insurance is still relatively new in the United States
and Canada, so the options available are fewer than for other
forms of insurance. That said, North American pet owners can
choose from a variety of coverage choices, ranging from
injury/accident-only to all-inclusive.
As with all insurance products, the cost of pet insurance
increases as the coverage improves. As a pet owner, you must
decide what is the right balance between affordability and the
care you want for your pet.
- Coverage
When choosing pet insurance coverage, first consider what kind of
insurance customer you are. Do you prefer all-inclusive coverage
that pays for everything from routine checkups and vaccinations
to accidents and chronic illnesses, or are you comfortable with a
lesser degree of coverage that just kicks in during emergencies?
Perhaps you prefer a flexible plan that offers discounts on a
wide range of services, from veterinary care to training. This
decision will lay the groundwork for your final choice.
Some issues to consider:
Make sure to check for coverage of pre-existing conditions as
well as breed-specific genetic ailments, such as hip dysplasia
for large dogs. Some plans refuse to cover these conditions.
Some plans place limits on annual, per-incident, per-illness or
lifetime costs.
How old is your pet? Coverage usually starts at eight weeks, but
some plans won’t cover pets over a certain age (usually between
six and 10 years old, depending on the breed, type of animal and
other factors).
- Cost
Payment options for pet insurance include flat fees or
deductibles and/or co-payments. Not surprisingly, plans with
lower monthly premiums come with higher deductibles and/or larger
co-payments.
Some issues to consider:
Insurance premiums are affected by the age, health and breed of
your pet, as well as the type of animal.
Some plans offers discounts for multiple pets.
Plans generally require customers to pay the vet bill first and
then submit receipts for reimbursement.
Find out if the insurance premiums will increase as your pet
ages.
Depending on the plan you choose, the monthly premiums can range
from less than $10 to about $40.
Step three: Choose an Insurer
You’ve determined what you can afford to spend and the amount of
pet insurance coverage you want.
Before selecting an insurer, here are some final considerations:
Make a list of your questions and priorities in advance. Make
sure to answer or check off each item when reviewing plan
options.
Research the insurer thoroughly. Review its website and sales
materials, read its testimonials, talk to other pet owners and
look for on-line reviews. How long has the company been in
business? Are its customers satisfied? Make sure you feel
comfortable about everything you hear or read.
Compare the plan’s benefit schedule with your vet’s fees to
determine to what degree the plan will cover the actual treatment
costs.
Find out how quickly the insurance company reimburses customers’
claim payments and if it has claim deadlines.
Read the fine print. Make sure you completely understand the
plan’s benefits and, more importantly, the limitations. If
something isn’t clear, ask – and get the answer in writing.
Otherwise, you might find you don’t have the coverage you need if
an accident occurs.
Start a file for your pet. Use it for all receipts and insurance
paperwork so you can keep on top of your claims and make sure you
are maximizing your insurance investment.
Your responsibility as a pet owner doesn't end with food, shelter
and affection. Pet health insurance can give the smallest member
of your family a longer and healthier life – and provide you with
more time to enjoy the unconditional love it so willingly offers
to you.
Monday, September 24, 2007
A Pet is Part of the Family
by David the Dogman
A Pet is Part of the Family and has the following rights.
1. We have the right to be full members of your family. We thrive on social interaction, praise, and love.
2. We have the right to stimulation. We need new games, new toys, new experiences, and new smells to be happy.
3. We have the right to regular exercise. Without it, we could become hyper, sluggish...or fat.
4. We have the right to have fun. We enjoy acting like clowns now and then; don't expect us to be predictable all the time.
5. We have the right to quality health care. Please stay good friends with our vet!
6. We have the right to a good diet. Like some people, we don't know what's best for us. We depend on you.
7. We have the right not to be rejected because of your expectations that we be great show dogs, watchdogs, hunters, or baby-sitters.
8. We have the right to receive proper training. Otherwise, our good relationship could be marred by confusion and strife and we could become dangerous to ourselves and others.
9. We have the right to guidance and correction based on understanding and compassion, rather than abuse.
10. We have the right to live with dignity...and to die with dignity when the time comes.
A Pet is Part of the Family and has the following rights.
1. We have the right to be full members of your family. We thrive on social interaction, praise, and love.
2. We have the right to stimulation. We need new games, new toys, new experiences, and new smells to be happy.
3. We have the right to regular exercise. Without it, we could become hyper, sluggish...or fat.
4. We have the right to have fun. We enjoy acting like clowns now and then; don't expect us to be predictable all the time.
5. We have the right to quality health care. Please stay good friends with our vet!
6. We have the right to a good diet. Like some people, we don't know what's best for us. We depend on you.
7. We have the right not to be rejected because of your expectations that we be great show dogs, watchdogs, hunters, or baby-sitters.
8. We have the right to receive proper training. Otherwise, our good relationship could be marred by confusion and strife and we could become dangerous to ourselves and others.
9. We have the right to guidance and correction based on understanding and compassion, rather than abuse.
10. We have the right to live with dignity...and to die with dignity when the time comes.
Monday, September 10, 2007
The Top Five Tips For Finding A Dog Friendly Hotel
Before you set out on a trip with your dog, you should gather all the information you can about possible hotels, motels, or bed and breakfasts at your destination. Currently there are 65 million dog owners in the US and approximately 19% take their pets with them when they travel. According to AAA, more than 13,000 hotels nationwide are now pet friendly.
Some hotels require the owner to sign an agreement to pay for any damage that the dog may do, while others require a refundable damage deposit. The larger hotel chains won’t charge extra for the pets stay, while others charge $10.00 to $50.00 extra per pet per day, so it pays to shop around. Most of the hotels surveyed prefer smaller dogs, (less than 30 pounds), but many have no weight limit, so again, do your homework before you go. The list of amenities for pets is growing, especially in the larger hotel chains. A short list includes, “doggie daycare”, walking services, pet play areas, grooming services including “pawdicures”, and even special pet menus that include foods prepared by the hotels chef, served in a special doggie bowl, placemat, bottled water, and a complimentary chew toy. You can do much to make your dog popular with the management. Inquire at the time you register where you can take him for a walk and all pet policies that apply. The following tips can make the difference between being invited back and being asked to leave:
-Be respectful toward other guests and always keep your pet on a leash when you leave your hotel room -Keep identification on your pet, and some hotels require proof of vaccinations. -After walking your pet always clean up after him -Keep your pet contained in the bathroom or in a crate if he is left alone in the room -Always take your pets personal items such as his food bowl, chew toys, bed or blanket to help him in strange surroundings -Avoid messes on the carpet by having your pet eat in the bathroom
Most dogs are excellent travelers, better behaved than some children. The strange environments and experiences will make your pet feel more dependent on you. He will stick closer to you and obey you more promptly than he does at home. So the responsibility for his good behavior rests on your shoulders. You will have no problems if you simply anticipate your dog’s needs and provide for them.
Some hotels require the owner to sign an agreement to pay for any damage that the dog may do, while others require a refundable damage deposit. The larger hotel chains won’t charge extra for the pets stay, while others charge $10.00 to $50.00 extra per pet per day, so it pays to shop around. Most of the hotels surveyed prefer smaller dogs, (less than 30 pounds), but many have no weight limit, so again, do your homework before you go. The list of amenities for pets is growing, especially in the larger hotel chains. A short list includes, “doggie daycare”, walking services, pet play areas, grooming services including “pawdicures”, and even special pet menus that include foods prepared by the hotels chef, served in a special doggie bowl, placemat, bottled water, and a complimentary chew toy. You can do much to make your dog popular with the management. Inquire at the time you register where you can take him for a walk and all pet policies that apply. The following tips can make the difference between being invited back and being asked to leave:
-Be respectful toward other guests and always keep your pet on a leash when you leave your hotel room -Keep identification on your pet, and some hotels require proof of vaccinations. -After walking your pet always clean up after him -Keep your pet contained in the bathroom or in a crate if he is left alone in the room -Always take your pets personal items such as his food bowl, chew toys, bed or blanket to help him in strange surroundings -Avoid messes on the carpet by having your pet eat in the bathroom
Most dogs are excellent travelers, better behaved than some children. The strange environments and experiences will make your pet feel more dependent on you. He will stick closer to you and obey you more promptly than he does at home. So the responsibility for his good behavior rests on your shoulders. You will have no problems if you simply anticipate your dog’s needs and provide for them.
Thursday, August 09, 2007
Natural Food for Dogs and Cats
by: David the Dogman
I have discovered that when it comes to feeding dogs that many owners are blinded by myths and misconceptions. Many owners insist that their dogs are practically human and so should get along fine on the same food that the rest of the family is eating. The irony here, of course, is that most human meals are not all that nourishing. What may be healthy enough and appropriate for humans may be not be suitable for a dog or cat. I can understand that many owners will not give their dogs and cats conventional pet food. For those who are looking for a healthy diet I offer the following diet, which is on the basis that I have witnessed sick dogs that have been on steroids and strong drugs scratching and licking themselves, failing to put on weight that have completely changed after a few weeks on this diet. The food has to be naturally fresh, but for food to be fresh and alive it must not be sterile and neutral in biological form. The food must not have any chemical contamination or additives. The first rule of this diet is that no food can be cooked in a microwave. Bear in mind that dogs and cats are hunters and need fresh food, and it should be varied and always balanced. Meat and fish should be served raw but vegetables and cereals should be cooked lightly. Exercise your pet every day and only give this diet once a day preferably after exercise in the morning. Cats may have two meals a day.
THE MEAL OF THE DAY
Cook for 2 minutes in boiled water 3 to 4 vegetables (6/800 grams) with brown rice, or oats, pasta cereals, whole wheat bread.
Raw meat or fish approx.
* 200 grams of beef, stomach, heart, jaw chuck (The least expensive meat)
* Give only horse meat if the dog is to have long periods of exercise and training.
* Chicken: Heart, stomach, no liver or kidneys.
* Never give your pet pork or pork products.
Every seventh day no meat or fish, only vegetables with cereals.
Include every day two tablespoons of one of the following: - olive oil, wheatgerm, cod liver oil, brewers yeast, seaweed, honey.
Never give your dog any snacks of sugar, sweets, and chocolates. Raw fruit or vegetables, raw cereals, nuts avocado, olive, carrot, apple.
I have discovered that when it comes to feeding dogs that many owners are blinded by myths and misconceptions. Many owners insist that their dogs are practically human and so should get along fine on the same food that the rest of the family is eating. The irony here, of course, is that most human meals are not all that nourishing. What may be healthy enough and appropriate for humans may be not be suitable for a dog or cat. I can understand that many owners will not give their dogs and cats conventional pet food. For those who are looking for a healthy diet I offer the following diet, which is on the basis that I have witnessed sick dogs that have been on steroids and strong drugs scratching and licking themselves, failing to put on weight that have completely changed after a few weeks on this diet. The food has to be naturally fresh, but for food to be fresh and alive it must not be sterile and neutral in biological form. The food must not have any chemical contamination or additives. The first rule of this diet is that no food can be cooked in a microwave. Bear in mind that dogs and cats are hunters and need fresh food, and it should be varied and always balanced. Meat and fish should be served raw but vegetables and cereals should be cooked lightly. Exercise your pet every day and only give this diet once a day preferably after exercise in the morning. Cats may have two meals a day.
THE MEAL OF THE DAY
Cook for 2 minutes in boiled water 3 to 4 vegetables (6/800 grams) with brown rice, or oats, pasta cereals, whole wheat bread.
Raw meat or fish approx.
* 200 grams of beef, stomach, heart, jaw chuck (The least expensive meat)
* Give only horse meat if the dog is to have long periods of exercise and training.
* Chicken: Heart, stomach, no liver or kidneys.
* Never give your pet pork or pork products.
Every seventh day no meat or fish, only vegetables with cereals.
Include every day two tablespoons of one of the following: - olive oil, wheatgerm, cod liver oil, brewers yeast, seaweed, honey.
Never give your dog any snacks of sugar, sweets, and chocolates. Raw fruit or vegetables, raw cereals, nuts avocado, olive, carrot, apple.
Thursday, August 02, 2007
Dog and Cat Allergies
by: David the Dogman
There is no breed of dog not even a Poodle or Chihuahua that will not trigger sneezes, rashes or asthmatic reactions. Allergic reactions can vary from dog to dog or cat to cat according to Jonathan Corren Clinical Professor of medicine and Director of the Allergy Research Foundation at the University of California.
It is the Dander and top skin and certain proteins in saliva and urine that cause people allergic problems according to Emily Rothstein a resident in dermatology at Cornhill College of Veterinary Medicine. Any dog or cat that urinates or licks has the potential to be an allergic-type breed.
Most research on pet allergies has centered on allergies to cats, maybe this is no surprise because they are twice as likely to make their owners sneeze as dogs. Longer haired cats tend to shed less allergen and consequently owners with allergies have fewer reactions. Cats that are short haired traditionally give off more allergen, it is not known if this is true for dogs.
HOW TO BEAT PET ALLERGIES
Research has shown that if a cat or dog is washed about once a week the airborne allergens are cut drastically. It is recommended that dogs should be kept outdoors at night. Dogs and cats that live indoors should not spend any time in the allergic person's bedroom and never allowed on beds.
Dander collects in the carpets. upholstered furniture and bedding so for those suffering allergies it is better to be without carpets and have wooden furniture or leather. Bedding should be encased in plastic and if it is impossible to remove carpets then these should be steamed cleaned every three months to remove allergens. It is also advisable to wash walls and floors.
Animal allergens are very small and very sticky and once they are secreted they dry on the animals fur, become stuck on fur and become airborne during petting and grooming. According to Bonnie Eiche a spokeswoman for the Asthma and Allergy Foundation "They are so small that they can stay airborne for a long time and because they are sticky, they adhere to walls, clothing, and heating and cooling ducts."
About 9 years ago I gave up smoking and noticed that I was coughing and choking when handling dogs. After a few tests I was duly informed " Mr. Dogman you are an asthmatic and allergic to dogs" "No not me....not possible thats my job" but sadly I now have to take all kind of things to help control my allergic symptoms from medication to inhalers and most important I wash my hands more than a surgeon and change my clothes about three times a day and wash my dogs every week.
But with all my allergies I could not live without dogs because I feel that dogs enhance our quality of life and are worth having around.
There is no breed of dog not even a Poodle or Chihuahua that will not trigger sneezes, rashes or asthmatic reactions. Allergic reactions can vary from dog to dog or cat to cat according to Jonathan Corren Clinical Professor of medicine and Director of the Allergy Research Foundation at the University of California.
It is the Dander and top skin and certain proteins in saliva and urine that cause people allergic problems according to Emily Rothstein a resident in dermatology at Cornhill College of Veterinary Medicine. Any dog or cat that urinates or licks has the potential to be an allergic-type breed.
Most research on pet allergies has centered on allergies to cats, maybe this is no surprise because they are twice as likely to make their owners sneeze as dogs. Longer haired cats tend to shed less allergen and consequently owners with allergies have fewer reactions. Cats that are short haired traditionally give off more allergen, it is not known if this is true for dogs.
HOW TO BEAT PET ALLERGIES
Research has shown that if a cat or dog is washed about once a week the airborne allergens are cut drastically. It is recommended that dogs should be kept outdoors at night. Dogs and cats that live indoors should not spend any time in the allergic person's bedroom and never allowed on beds.
Dander collects in the carpets. upholstered furniture and bedding so for those suffering allergies it is better to be without carpets and have wooden furniture or leather. Bedding should be encased in plastic and if it is impossible to remove carpets then these should be steamed cleaned every three months to remove allergens. It is also advisable to wash walls and floors.
Animal allergens are very small and very sticky and once they are secreted they dry on the animals fur, become stuck on fur and become airborne during petting and grooming. According to Bonnie Eiche a spokeswoman for the Asthma and Allergy Foundation "They are so small that they can stay airborne for a long time and because they are sticky, they adhere to walls, clothing, and heating and cooling ducts."
About 9 years ago I gave up smoking and noticed that I was coughing and choking when handling dogs. After a few tests I was duly informed " Mr. Dogman you are an asthmatic and allergic to dogs" "No not me....not possible thats my job" but sadly I now have to take all kind of things to help control my allergic symptoms from medication to inhalers and most important I wash my hands more than a surgeon and change my clothes about three times a day and wash my dogs every week.
But with all my allergies I could not live without dogs because I feel that dogs enhance our quality of life and are worth having around.
Monday, July 30, 2007
Many Forms of Dog Beds
by: James Hunt
In today's society animals are sometimes being treated better than humans are. One of the latest ways people have created to pamper their pets are pet beds. These beds come in many forms many forms and for many animals. The most popular form of pet beds is dog beds. Dog beds are very popular among pet owners. In most cases the people who spend a great deal of money on a bed for their dog are those who could be considered upper class. Other people may possibly make their dog beds.
Dog beds take many forms. Traditionally dogs were given a box with a blanket, if they were permitted to stay inside the house. In most cases the dog was placed outside in the yard in a doghouse, which once again had a blanket. The box and the blanket was the easiest and simplest form that a dog bed could take. As years went on and people became more and more aware of animal rights and what classified as animal abuse, they began treating their pets better and tried to find more comfortable places for their dogs to sleep. People exchanged boxes and blankets for pillows. People either made or purchased oversized pillows for their dogs to sleep on. At first the pillows were thin and not really fancy. There were made out of whatever materials were available. Today however, people are willing to spend hundreds of dollars for a large pillow for their dog. These pillows or dog beds can be purchased at most pet supply stores or in pet stores in general. You may also find some form of dog bed at the vets office. If you live in certain parts of the United States there are people who specialize in making dog beds. These designers of dog beds make them in a variety of shapes and sizes. They are made out of variety of materials. For example you could have dog beds that are made out of silk or you could have bed made from a more simple material such as flannel. You can also find dog beds online at some dog supply stores. Here you will be able to browse through the selection of dog beds that are available. The prices of the dog beds will vary depending on make and size and of course material. There may be an additional cost for shipping and handling when you order your dog beds online.
In today's society animals are sometimes being treated better than humans are. One of the latest ways people have created to pamper their pets are pet beds. These beds come in many forms many forms and for many animals. The most popular form of pet beds is dog beds. Dog beds are very popular among pet owners. In most cases the people who spend a great deal of money on a bed for their dog are those who could be considered upper class. Other people may possibly make their dog beds.
Dog beds take many forms. Traditionally dogs were given a box with a blanket, if they were permitted to stay inside the house. In most cases the dog was placed outside in the yard in a doghouse, which once again had a blanket. The box and the blanket was the easiest and simplest form that a dog bed could take. As years went on and people became more and more aware of animal rights and what classified as animal abuse, they began treating their pets better and tried to find more comfortable places for their dogs to sleep. People exchanged boxes and blankets for pillows. People either made or purchased oversized pillows for their dogs to sleep on. At first the pillows were thin and not really fancy. There were made out of whatever materials were available. Today however, people are willing to spend hundreds of dollars for a large pillow for their dog. These pillows or dog beds can be purchased at most pet supply stores or in pet stores in general. You may also find some form of dog bed at the vets office. If you live in certain parts of the United States there are people who specialize in making dog beds. These designers of dog beds make them in a variety of shapes and sizes. They are made out of variety of materials. For example you could have dog beds that are made out of silk or you could have bed made from a more simple material such as flannel. You can also find dog beds online at some dog supply stores. Here you will be able to browse through the selection of dog beds that are available. The prices of the dog beds will vary depending on make and size and of course material. There may be an additional cost for shipping and handling when you order your dog beds online.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
The Royal Shih Tzu It's Origins and Characteristics
by:Richard Cussons
The Shih Tzu (pronounced “Sheet-sue”) has a lot of spunk and is a very alert and resilient dog. Like all dogs in the Toy dog group, Shih Tzus have a lot of character and are courageous for their size. Throughout history they were raised as pampered pooches in the Imperial Chinese Court. Bred in the forbidden city of Peking, the Shih Tzu didn’t leave China until the early 20th century when they first appeared in Britain. Today they are a popular breed worldwide.
Shih Tzus are good watchdogs and eagerly alert their owners to the approach of strangers. He does enjoy barking, but rarely does so without reason. He is very clever and responds well to persistent training. Without training the Shih Tzu will become extremely overprotective of their owner and aggressive towards other people.
Children and Shih Tzus get along famously as long as the child understands how to play with the dog. A Shih Tzu will not tolerate teasing young children and will snap at them. The Shih doesn’t mind the presence of other family pets, but his true joy is when he is in the company of his human family.
One of the aspects about Shih Tzus that surprise many owners is the fact that this breed is very active despite his small size. At his tallest, the Shih Tzu only stands 11 inches, and weighs no more than 16 pounds. Nevertheless, although this breed can be really active when it wants to be, they can also be quite lazy and will lie in their favorite spots whenever they have the chance. Therefore, it is important that the Shih Tzu receives the exercise he needs to make sure he doesn’t become overweight.
Due to the fact that Shih Tzus are small dogs and they are relatively inactive indoors, they make fantastic apartment dogs and wonderful dogs for seniors. Furthermore, the Shih Tzu is an ideal dog for anyone who has allergies as his coat does not shed. Of course, the down side to most non shedding dog is the required daily grooming of their coat – the Shih Tzu is no exception.
The Shihs coat is available in almost every color and bi-color combination. If kept long, the coat will need to be brushed a few times a day to keep it free from mats. His eyes will need to be cleaned to discourage the build up of discharge that can lead to eye infections. The owner will also need to make sure the hair on top of the Shih Tzus head is kept tied up and out of the dog’s eyes to avoid aggravating them. The Shih Tzu should have a bath every month, and should be trimmed every few months to keep the desired look.
As with any pet, owning a dog is a huge commitment that must be met for the entire life of a dog. The average lifespan of a Shih Tzu is 15 years or more. Considering he has a decent life expectancy for a canine, it should come as no surprise that this breed does not suffer any major hereditary health defects. Nevertheless, no dog is perfect. The Shih Tzu is still susceptible to illnesses. The health issues that appear to be the most common in the breed include ear, eye, respiratory, back and teeth problems.
The Shih Tzu will bring plenty of joy and happiness to anyone willing to share their life and affection with this regal and loving dog.
The Shih Tzu (pronounced “Sheet-sue”) has a lot of spunk and is a very alert and resilient dog. Like all dogs in the Toy dog group, Shih Tzus have a lot of character and are courageous for their size. Throughout history they were raised as pampered pooches in the Imperial Chinese Court. Bred in the forbidden city of Peking, the Shih Tzu didn’t leave China until the early 20th century when they first appeared in Britain. Today they are a popular breed worldwide.
Shih Tzus are good watchdogs and eagerly alert their owners to the approach of strangers. He does enjoy barking, but rarely does so without reason. He is very clever and responds well to persistent training. Without training the Shih Tzu will become extremely overprotective of their owner and aggressive towards other people.
Children and Shih Tzus get along famously as long as the child understands how to play with the dog. A Shih Tzu will not tolerate teasing young children and will snap at them. The Shih doesn’t mind the presence of other family pets, but his true joy is when he is in the company of his human family.
One of the aspects about Shih Tzus that surprise many owners is the fact that this breed is very active despite his small size. At his tallest, the Shih Tzu only stands 11 inches, and weighs no more than 16 pounds. Nevertheless, although this breed can be really active when it wants to be, they can also be quite lazy and will lie in their favorite spots whenever they have the chance. Therefore, it is important that the Shih Tzu receives the exercise he needs to make sure he doesn’t become overweight.
Due to the fact that Shih Tzus are small dogs and they are relatively inactive indoors, they make fantastic apartment dogs and wonderful dogs for seniors. Furthermore, the Shih Tzu is an ideal dog for anyone who has allergies as his coat does not shed. Of course, the down side to most non shedding dog is the required daily grooming of their coat – the Shih Tzu is no exception.
The Shihs coat is available in almost every color and bi-color combination. If kept long, the coat will need to be brushed a few times a day to keep it free from mats. His eyes will need to be cleaned to discourage the build up of discharge that can lead to eye infections. The owner will also need to make sure the hair on top of the Shih Tzus head is kept tied up and out of the dog’s eyes to avoid aggravating them. The Shih Tzu should have a bath every month, and should be trimmed every few months to keep the desired look.
As with any pet, owning a dog is a huge commitment that must be met for the entire life of a dog. The average lifespan of a Shih Tzu is 15 years or more. Considering he has a decent life expectancy for a canine, it should come as no surprise that this breed does not suffer any major hereditary health defects. Nevertheless, no dog is perfect. The Shih Tzu is still susceptible to illnesses. The health issues that appear to be the most common in the breed include ear, eye, respiratory, back and teeth problems.
The Shih Tzu will bring plenty of joy and happiness to anyone willing to share their life and affection with this regal and loving dog.
Basic First Aid
by David the Dogman
As an ardent reader of the Collins Dog Photoguide I came across this article, which I feel, might be of interest to readers.
Traffic Accidents
A traffic accident is probably the most common cause of serious injury to a cat or dog. Always approach the animal with caution, it may react aggressively because of the pain.
Move the dog as little as possible, but if you must move it, it is probably best to use a blanket, sliding it underneath the dog. Seek the assistance of another person and lift the dog gently to safety. Check for heartbeat and any haemorrhaging. Attempt to stem excessive bleeding by holding a clean pad or clean handkerchief over the wound, binding it tightly with a makeshift bandage. Call the nearest vet's surgery to warn of your arrival.
Burns
The only recommended first aid is to clean off the offending substance and immerse the body part under cold running water for as long as possible. Seek professional advice immediately.
Heat Stroke
This occurs most commonly when a dog has been left alone on a hot day without ventilation. If your dog has not already collapsed it may be panting, vomiting or frothing at the mouth.
Remove froth and lower the dog's temperature as soon as possible by placing or dousing the animal in cold water. Take the dog to the vet immediately where it will be treated with drugs and more cold water.
Poisoning
Signs of poisoning may include collapse, muscular twitching, vomiting, bleeding or convulsion. Do not hesitate to contact the vet. Take some of the noxious substance to the vet with you if you know what it is. If the dog has recently swallowed the poison, try to make it vomit. Salt and mustard in water will usually work quickly, or a small piece of washing soda (sodium carbonate pushed down the throat.
Drowning
It is a popular misconception that all dogs can swim, but this is not always the case. You must attempt to empty the dog's lungs of water as soon as possible. You must attempt to empty the dog's lungs of water as soon as possible. Place the dog's head lower than its body, open its mouth and begin to pump the chest by pressing down on the ribs and releasing the pressure immediately. Repeat at five-second intervals.
Choking
Sometimes a piece of stick, bone or small rubber ball may get stuck in a dog's throat. Your dog may be unable to breath as a result and swift action is necessary.
Open the dog's mouth carefully and see if you can see the object. Pumping the chest, as in the case of drowning (see above) may dislodge the foreign body, get your dog to the vet as soon as possible where the object can be removed under anaesthetic.
Commitment, Firmness, but kindness.
As an ardent reader of the Collins Dog Photoguide I came across this article, which I feel, might be of interest to readers.
Traffic Accidents
A traffic accident is probably the most common cause of serious injury to a cat or dog. Always approach the animal with caution, it may react aggressively because of the pain.
Move the dog as little as possible, but if you must move it, it is probably best to use a blanket, sliding it underneath the dog. Seek the assistance of another person and lift the dog gently to safety. Check for heartbeat and any haemorrhaging. Attempt to stem excessive bleeding by holding a clean pad or clean handkerchief over the wound, binding it tightly with a makeshift bandage. Call the nearest vet's surgery to warn of your arrival.
Burns
The only recommended first aid is to clean off the offending substance and immerse the body part under cold running water for as long as possible. Seek professional advice immediately.
Heat Stroke
This occurs most commonly when a dog has been left alone on a hot day without ventilation. If your dog has not already collapsed it may be panting, vomiting or frothing at the mouth.
Remove froth and lower the dog's temperature as soon as possible by placing or dousing the animal in cold water. Take the dog to the vet immediately where it will be treated with drugs and more cold water.
Poisoning
Signs of poisoning may include collapse, muscular twitching, vomiting, bleeding or convulsion. Do not hesitate to contact the vet. Take some of the noxious substance to the vet with you if you know what it is. If the dog has recently swallowed the poison, try to make it vomit. Salt and mustard in water will usually work quickly, or a small piece of washing soda (sodium carbonate pushed down the throat.
Drowning
It is a popular misconception that all dogs can swim, but this is not always the case. You must attempt to empty the dog's lungs of water as soon as possible. You must attempt to empty the dog's lungs of water as soon as possible. Place the dog's head lower than its body, open its mouth and begin to pump the chest by pressing down on the ribs and releasing the pressure immediately. Repeat at five-second intervals.
Choking
Sometimes a piece of stick, bone or small rubber ball may get stuck in a dog's throat. Your dog may be unable to breath as a result and swift action is necessary.
Open the dog's mouth carefully and see if you can see the object. Pumping the chest, as in the case of drowning (see above) may dislodge the foreign body, get your dog to the vet as soon as possible where the object can be removed under anaesthetic.
Commitment, Firmness, but kindness.
Friday, April 27, 2007
How to Protect Yourself When you Walk Your Dog
by:Dennis Fetko
Be careful when you walk your dog. A few years ago I worked with the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department on a case. Evidence indicates the fellow was walking his dog in a rural area when 5 dogs belonging to a new neighbor attacked his small dog. To prevent injury to his dog, the fellow picked it up. The loose dogs caused so much damage to his body that he died.
I was recently retained in a similar case. Since the bite victim survived, we know what happened. A young woman was walking her dog when it was attacked by a loose dog. She picked it up to hold it away from the attacker, and she sustained severe injuries resulting in loss of hand use and permanent disfigurement. People, DO NOT PICK UP YOUR DOG TO SAVE IT FROM ATTACK. Not only will this act NOT stop the attack, it will include YOU as a target. It’s hard to stand by while your dog is being attacked, but picking it up or getting between the attacker and your dog will likely lead to severe injury to you.
I always carry a deterrent when I walk dogs off my property. An ultrasonic transducer, a citronella spray device, even just a coach’s whistle to startle an approaching dog is better than nothing. I also DO NOT TOLERATE loose dogs. If you do, shame on you. You invite an incident.
If you have no deterrent and a dog attacks, drop the lead and stay away from the fracas. I KNOW how hard this is to do. But if you leave your property with NO deterrent, you’ve already chosen to be impotent in case of attack. I don’t know why you’d choose to be unable to defend yourself or your dog against attack, but if you make that choice, do not blame only the aggressing dog.
For all you know, he was just defending his territory against your dog’s intrusion. He may be defending puppies or a new baby in the home. Since you cannot know whether or not this is true, be prepared. But DO NOT PICK UP YOUR DOG. The only thing worse than having your wonderful dog injured or killed is to have you injured, disfigured, or killed. You can take steps to prevent that. Please do so.
Be careful when you walk your dog. A few years ago I worked with the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department on a case. Evidence indicates the fellow was walking his dog in a rural area when 5 dogs belonging to a new neighbor attacked his small dog. To prevent injury to his dog, the fellow picked it up. The loose dogs caused so much damage to his body that he died.
I was recently retained in a similar case. Since the bite victim survived, we know what happened. A young woman was walking her dog when it was attacked by a loose dog. She picked it up to hold it away from the attacker, and she sustained severe injuries resulting in loss of hand use and permanent disfigurement. People, DO NOT PICK UP YOUR DOG TO SAVE IT FROM ATTACK. Not only will this act NOT stop the attack, it will include YOU as a target. It’s hard to stand by while your dog is being attacked, but picking it up or getting between the attacker and your dog will likely lead to severe injury to you.
I always carry a deterrent when I walk dogs off my property. An ultrasonic transducer, a citronella spray device, even just a coach’s whistle to startle an approaching dog is better than nothing. I also DO NOT TOLERATE loose dogs. If you do, shame on you. You invite an incident.
If you have no deterrent and a dog attacks, drop the lead and stay away from the fracas. I KNOW how hard this is to do. But if you leave your property with NO deterrent, you’ve already chosen to be impotent in case of attack. I don’t know why you’d choose to be unable to defend yourself or your dog against attack, but if you make that choice, do not blame only the aggressing dog.
For all you know, he was just defending his territory against your dog’s intrusion. He may be defending puppies or a new baby in the home. Since you cannot know whether or not this is true, be prepared. But DO NOT PICK UP YOUR DOG. The only thing worse than having your wonderful dog injured or killed is to have you injured, disfigured, or killed. You can take steps to prevent that. Please do so.
Friday, March 23, 2007
How to help your pet with discount pet medication?
by:pills assistant
Who would not like a nice cuddly pet to play with, take walks with in the park or just rest next to after a long hard day? Pet owners who have imagined having a pet in this idyllic way often have a very unpleasant surprise when realizing how much care such a pet needs. Proper pet care means not only time and patience but sometimes a lot of money which needs to be spent on pet meds, as well.
Pet owners who have deficits in their savings because of pet medication soon learn that there is a cheaper way to procure the necessary pet meds. Discount pet medication can be bought via mail-order or online as long as they are USDA or FDA-approved pet meds made by a well-known, trustworthy company. This way one can be sure of the quality of the offered pet medication and the safety of the pets.
Of course discount pet medication is not a solution for every problem. In emergency situations doctors recommend expensive pet meds, which can be considerably more effective. In these cases, one can not profit from discount prices, only from comparisons between offers. The same pet meds can cost less in different online shops, but there are few chances to find these bargains unless you visit a site like discountpetmedication.net which can help you in your search. This site can be a true blessing for those who want to compare prices because this is exactly what it does. It offers the tools to check the most affordable pet meds for you.
None the less pet meds must always be adapted to the needs of your pet and discount pet medication cannot substitute for a doctor. Before acquiring discount pet medication, or any medication for that matter, one must always consult a doctor first as not all pet medication is suitable for all pets. The veterinarian might even have a different opinion than yours, but it most likely he is right and your pet’s interest is your priority. The discount pet medication you may think appropriate for your pet might not really be, but this is what the doctor is for: to confirm or infirm your opinion and prescribe the pet with what’s best for it.
Once the doctor has determined the type of illness that needs to be treated, you can order the discount pet medication. However, you must be very careful to follow the prescription accurately. Orders are usually honored the same day they arrive, so you will be able to have your pet meds as soon as two days tops. Another important step is that of receiving the ordered pet meds. You must check whether the discount pet medication that you just received matches the doctor’s prescription and you mustn’t forget the expiration date either as the pet meds you buy can be harmful if expired.
The easiest way to order the prescribed pet meds or pet products (like shampoo or flea powder) is the Internet. There are many websites specialized in selling pet medication via this medium. This enables you to order without ever leaving the house and without wasting time. Most of these websites also offer quality pet meds at a cheaper price than the local stores. You also get a chance not to empty your wallet, by comparing online prices with the help of a site like discountpetmedication.net.
As your pet depends on you, “responsibility” is the first thing you have to learn. You have to care at all times and make efforts to offer your pet a healthy and loving environment. This means you have to know your pet and notice changes in his behavior in order to treat any possible illness with the proper pet meds. You mustn’t hesitate to ask questions or advice from the veterinarian as he is best prepared to let you know what pet medication is needed and when. Even if there are no signs of illness and no pet meds are needed, you must still take care of your pet and schedule it for a routine checkup at least every six months. You will see that such diseases as ear infections, irritated eyes or skin problems are very common among pets. Animals suffering from these diseases need constant caring, which means spending a lot on pet meds. A cheaper alternative to pet meds is however at hand because of the discount pet medication offered online.
So, you can love your pets and show it by caring for them and still save a lot of money and time with discount pet medication or comparison searches done by online websites. Pet meds shouldn’t be a worry for you as long as you love your pet and choose with great care the help you think it’s best for it.
Who would not like a nice cuddly pet to play with, take walks with in the park or just rest next to after a long hard day? Pet owners who have imagined having a pet in this idyllic way often have a very unpleasant surprise when realizing how much care such a pet needs. Proper pet care means not only time and patience but sometimes a lot of money which needs to be spent on pet meds, as well.
Pet owners who have deficits in their savings because of pet medication soon learn that there is a cheaper way to procure the necessary pet meds. Discount pet medication can be bought via mail-order or online as long as they are USDA or FDA-approved pet meds made by a well-known, trustworthy company. This way one can be sure of the quality of the offered pet medication and the safety of the pets.
Of course discount pet medication is not a solution for every problem. In emergency situations doctors recommend expensive pet meds, which can be considerably more effective. In these cases, one can not profit from discount prices, only from comparisons between offers. The same pet meds can cost less in different online shops, but there are few chances to find these bargains unless you visit a site like discountpetmedication.net which can help you in your search. This site can be a true blessing for those who want to compare prices because this is exactly what it does. It offers the tools to check the most affordable pet meds for you.
None the less pet meds must always be adapted to the needs of your pet and discount pet medication cannot substitute for a doctor. Before acquiring discount pet medication, or any medication for that matter, one must always consult a doctor first as not all pet medication is suitable for all pets. The veterinarian might even have a different opinion than yours, but it most likely he is right and your pet’s interest is your priority. The discount pet medication you may think appropriate for your pet might not really be, but this is what the doctor is for: to confirm or infirm your opinion and prescribe the pet with what’s best for it.
Once the doctor has determined the type of illness that needs to be treated, you can order the discount pet medication. However, you must be very careful to follow the prescription accurately. Orders are usually honored the same day they arrive, so you will be able to have your pet meds as soon as two days tops. Another important step is that of receiving the ordered pet meds. You must check whether the discount pet medication that you just received matches the doctor’s prescription and you mustn’t forget the expiration date either as the pet meds you buy can be harmful if expired.
The easiest way to order the prescribed pet meds or pet products (like shampoo or flea powder) is the Internet. There are many websites specialized in selling pet medication via this medium. This enables you to order without ever leaving the house and without wasting time. Most of these websites also offer quality pet meds at a cheaper price than the local stores. You also get a chance not to empty your wallet, by comparing online prices with the help of a site like discountpetmedication.net.
As your pet depends on you, “responsibility” is the first thing you have to learn. You have to care at all times and make efforts to offer your pet a healthy and loving environment. This means you have to know your pet and notice changes in his behavior in order to treat any possible illness with the proper pet meds. You mustn’t hesitate to ask questions or advice from the veterinarian as he is best prepared to let you know what pet medication is needed and when. Even if there are no signs of illness and no pet meds are needed, you must still take care of your pet and schedule it for a routine checkup at least every six months. You will see that such diseases as ear infections, irritated eyes or skin problems are very common among pets. Animals suffering from these diseases need constant caring, which means spending a lot on pet meds. A cheaper alternative to pet meds is however at hand because of the discount pet medication offered online.
So, you can love your pets and show it by caring for them and still save a lot of money and time with discount pet medication or comparison searches done by online websites. Pet meds shouldn’t be a worry for you as long as you love your pet and choose with great care the help you think it’s best for it.
Good Things To Know About Siamese Cats
By: Dalvin Rumsey
Siamese cats are the favorite pets for people whishing to get a companion they can show off with. This breed originates in Siam, which is Thailand today. They were the pets of the royal family and were brought from Great Britain to the United States in the late 19th century.
The Siamese cats have a very elegant appearance. They have light colored bodies with darker areas on their legs, tail and face. There are many colors the Siamese cats can have. But the dark spots on the tips of Siamese cats, which are called “points”, are darker than the color of their body. Siamese cats always have blue eyes. The interesting thing about kittens in this breed is that they are completely white when they are born. They get the Siamese cats’ specific body color only after a week or even two into life. As a Siamese cat ages, the points become less pronounced as the body darkens a bit in color. The hair of the Siamese cats can be either short or long and their bodies are very muscular. Their legs and tails match the long, slender body to make for a very sleek look for this breed of cats. Siamese cats have very triangular faces, so their ears look larger than those of other cats.
These cats are very intelligent, so that they can even learn to walk on a leash or play fetching games. They have the most lovable intent to please their owners, to such a point that they are much like dogs than like cats in what their personality is concerned. Siamese cats bond very strongly to their people and do not do well when left alone for a long time.
The health problems are mostly due to some genetic flaws, that some Siamese cats inherit. Strabismus can make the cat cross-eyed, but there are no other problems associated with it. Other cats might have a bent tailbone, which causes them a permanent kink in the tail. Another thing about their health is the fact that Siamese cats often get hereditary heart disease that weakens the valves of their hearts, but this is not an issue until later in life.
Some Siamese cats will attach themselves very strongly to one person and not think much of everyone else around. This is the reason why Siamese cats do not like to have other cats surrounding them in their home. They are very territorial and possessive towards their owner!
Siamese cats are the favorite pets for people whishing to get a companion they can show off with. This breed originates in Siam, which is Thailand today. They were the pets of the royal family and were brought from Great Britain to the United States in the late 19th century.
The Siamese cats have a very elegant appearance. They have light colored bodies with darker areas on their legs, tail and face. There are many colors the Siamese cats can have. But the dark spots on the tips of Siamese cats, which are called “points”, are darker than the color of their body. Siamese cats always have blue eyes. The interesting thing about kittens in this breed is that they are completely white when they are born. They get the Siamese cats’ specific body color only after a week or even two into life. As a Siamese cat ages, the points become less pronounced as the body darkens a bit in color. The hair of the Siamese cats can be either short or long and their bodies are very muscular. Their legs and tails match the long, slender body to make for a very sleek look for this breed of cats. Siamese cats have very triangular faces, so their ears look larger than those of other cats.
These cats are very intelligent, so that they can even learn to walk on a leash or play fetching games. They have the most lovable intent to please their owners, to such a point that they are much like dogs than like cats in what their personality is concerned. Siamese cats bond very strongly to their people and do not do well when left alone for a long time.
The health problems are mostly due to some genetic flaws, that some Siamese cats inherit. Strabismus can make the cat cross-eyed, but there are no other problems associated with it. Other cats might have a bent tailbone, which causes them a permanent kink in the tail. Another thing about their health is the fact that Siamese cats often get hereditary heart disease that weakens the valves of their hearts, but this is not an issue until later in life.
Some Siamese cats will attach themselves very strongly to one person and not think much of everyone else around. This is the reason why Siamese cats do not like to have other cats surrounding them in their home. They are very territorial and possessive towards their owner!
Swimming Pool Alarms: Protect Your Children, Neighborhood Children and Pets
by:Mtyte.info
There are a large number of pool accessories. Lots of them are designed for fun, but others can be lifesaving. If you own a pool, regardless of whether or not you have kids, you need a pool alarm. Many people mistakenly believe that pool alarms are only needed for families with small children. However, families with small kids are not the only ones who may benefit from swimming pool alarms.
Not only could that alarm help to protect your guests, but it could also protect children that just wander into your backyard.
Swimming pool alarms come in a wide variety of different styles. However, they all have the same purpose. That purpose is to keep young, unattended children away from a swimming pool. If they do make it near a swimming pool, the pool alarm will alert you or other adults, immediately. As you can see, pool alarms are not just a pool accessory, but a lifesaving device.
If you visit your local pool supply store or review the available merchandise online, you will find underwater pool alarms, above water pool alarms, or gate alarms.
Gate alarms are the most popular of all pool alarms. The alarm is positioned on the gate of your pool fence. Depending on the model you buy, the largest part of gate alarms will sound when someone passes through the gate unnoticed or if the gate door was left open.
Gate alarms are the most effective pool alarms available. By properly using a pool gate alarm, your child will never even make it to the pool.
If you do not have a pool fence, you can examine other types of alarms. One of these types is a surface alarm, also called an above water alarm. It is designed to sound when someone comes too close to the pool. Lots of these alarms come with a predetermined barrier. That barrier may only be a foot, but it may also be up to four.
The problem with surface alarms is that they can be easily setoff. Whether an animal enters the area or the wind blows debris past the alarm, your alarm will sound.
Underwater pool alarms are similar to surface alarms. They detect motion in the interior of the pool. You will be notified whenever something enters the water. So, if your child falls into the pool, your pool alarm will automatically sound.
There are a large number of pool accessories. Lots of them are designed for fun, but others can be lifesaving. If you own a pool, regardless of whether or not you have kids, you need a pool alarm. Many people mistakenly believe that pool alarms are only needed for families with small children. However, families with small kids are not the only ones who may benefit from swimming pool alarms.
Not only could that alarm help to protect your guests, but it could also protect children that just wander into your backyard.
Swimming pool alarms come in a wide variety of different styles. However, they all have the same purpose. That purpose is to keep young, unattended children away from a swimming pool. If they do make it near a swimming pool, the pool alarm will alert you or other adults, immediately. As you can see, pool alarms are not just a pool accessory, but a lifesaving device.
If you visit your local pool supply store or review the available merchandise online, you will find underwater pool alarms, above water pool alarms, or gate alarms.
Gate alarms are the most popular of all pool alarms. The alarm is positioned on the gate of your pool fence. Depending on the model you buy, the largest part of gate alarms will sound when someone passes through the gate unnoticed or if the gate door was left open.
Gate alarms are the most effective pool alarms available. By properly using a pool gate alarm, your child will never even make it to the pool.
If you do not have a pool fence, you can examine other types of alarms. One of these types is a surface alarm, also called an above water alarm. It is designed to sound when someone comes too close to the pool. Lots of these alarms come with a predetermined barrier. That barrier may only be a foot, but it may also be up to four.
The problem with surface alarms is that they can be easily setoff. Whether an animal enters the area or the wind blows debris past the alarm, your alarm will sound.
Underwater pool alarms are similar to surface alarms. They detect motion in the interior of the pool. You will be notified whenever something enters the water. So, if your child falls into the pool, your pool alarm will automatically sound.
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Using Praise And A Positive Attitude To Train Your Dog
by:Randy Jones
Praise is the power in the training of your dog. In training, it is to be applied in liberal doses, at any and all opportunities. It is used when the dog does something right, and when he does something wrong. Don’t fall into the “easy” solution of giving him tidbits or snacks as rewards for his performance. The food will work, but eventually it will have to stop and then you’ve got a problem.
Praise when he does right needs little explanation. When he is first learning, give him praise when he has done something, even if you have had to guide, shove and haul him into it every step of the way. All the work in the beginning stages may have been yours but praise him as though he’d done something colossal. When he gets an idea of what you want and tries it experimentally, praise him to the skies.
Praise him with your voice, telling him “Good Boy!” and “Good Dog!” and even “Well done.” This is one case where there is no reason to stick to a single word or phrase – the tone of your voice will tell him all he wants to know. And praise him with your hands. Pat him, stroke him, fondle him, and scratch him. But let him have your touch as a reward and assurance that all is well.
Praising him when he has done something wrong may be a bit harder to understand, but it is perhaps more essential than praise for good work. It follows a good constructive correction first to straighten out whatever he has or hasn’t done. Then use praise to take his mind off the fact that is was you who did the correcting. The correction must always in the dog’s mind be a natural outgrowth of the wrong, or of the failure to perform whatever is wanted.
When you correct him, come in immediately with praise; it lets him know that you are still on his side, still love him, and that all is well in the world. Correction, done fairly and firmly, will earn you his undying respect, if followed by praise and unaccompanied by any display of displeasure or lack of affection. Take this as another firm and basic rule of training – always praise after correction.
Play is important in training too. While he will probably never think of it as an actual reward, the play will establish completely friendly relations between you. While the training period should be kept businesslike, the play puts things back on the right footing – he will forget about the corrections, but the lessons will still be there.
Praise is the power in the training of your dog. In training, it is to be applied in liberal doses, at any and all opportunities. It is used when the dog does something right, and when he does something wrong. Don’t fall into the “easy” solution of giving him tidbits or snacks as rewards for his performance. The food will work, but eventually it will have to stop and then you’ve got a problem.
Praise when he does right needs little explanation. When he is first learning, give him praise when he has done something, even if you have had to guide, shove and haul him into it every step of the way. All the work in the beginning stages may have been yours but praise him as though he’d done something colossal. When he gets an idea of what you want and tries it experimentally, praise him to the skies.
Praise him with your voice, telling him “Good Boy!” and “Good Dog!” and even “Well done.” This is one case where there is no reason to stick to a single word or phrase – the tone of your voice will tell him all he wants to know. And praise him with your hands. Pat him, stroke him, fondle him, and scratch him. But let him have your touch as a reward and assurance that all is well.
Praising him when he has done something wrong may be a bit harder to understand, but it is perhaps more essential than praise for good work. It follows a good constructive correction first to straighten out whatever he has or hasn’t done. Then use praise to take his mind off the fact that is was you who did the correcting. The correction must always in the dog’s mind be a natural outgrowth of the wrong, or of the failure to perform whatever is wanted.
When you correct him, come in immediately with praise; it lets him know that you are still on his side, still love him, and that all is well in the world. Correction, done fairly and firmly, will earn you his undying respect, if followed by praise and unaccompanied by any display of displeasure or lack of affection. Take this as another firm and basic rule of training – always praise after correction.
Play is important in training too. While he will probably never think of it as an actual reward, the play will establish completely friendly relations between you. While the training period should be kept businesslike, the play puts things back on the right footing – he will forget about the corrections, but the lessons will still be there.
Thursday, February 01, 2007
Car Travel with Pets
by: Car Accessories
You really need to wear heavy leather gloves (the kind that go up to your shoulder) if you are going to try to get my cat Eddie into the Mini-Van, but many pets love to drive, almost more than their owners. While I've only had to take Eddie for a ride a few times, he has taught us a great deal about what can happen to the inside of a car, with a pet.
Pets are a joy to have with us, but they do have special needs to help them stay comfortable and us happy.
Pet Hair
Hair is the hardest item to clean off upholstery and carpeting. Trying to vacuum it up is a waste of time for the most part. The fibers weave into the carpeting and fabrics of our car, and grip.
What gets hair off the carpet and fabrics fast and easy is rubber or latex gloves. There is a product out there called the Pet Sponge, which works great too, but it is really made from the same substance. Just put on a glove, get it a little damp and run your hand across the pet hair area. Your glove will fill with pet hair, effortlessly. Rinse off, and go in for another swipe.
You might consider getting a Pet Pad for your traveling pet.
Heat
If you are traveling with a pet, get a sun shield. Seriously. I know we sell them, and this looks like a great place to put an ad, but the facts are, cars heat up way too fast, and much hotter than we realize.
From a cool just-air-conditioned state, it takes a car less than 20 minutes to reach 120 degrees sitting in the sun, even with the window 'cracked' open for fresh air. In summer times, or hot days, the interior can reach 150 degrees in the same amount of time.
Well made, reflective sun shields can reduce your car's temperature by 50 degrees. Leaving the window 'cracked' is still a good idea, but keeping the interior heat level down is much better.
Urine
Don't ask.
Getting the Urine out of the interior carpeting is a bit of a chore. Start with baking soda. Just pour it on dry and let it sit over night. Vacuum and repeat, letting the baking soda sit again. Vacuum up the last layer and then pour into the affected area Hydrogen peroxide. Let this evaporate, and then vacuum.
This won't remove any stain or discoloration, but it will get the odor out and neutralize the urine itself. From this point you can use a carpet or upholstery cleaner to remove any stain that might remain.
Comfort
Keeping pets comfortable and safe inside the vehicle is sometimes a creative challenge. We do have several car accessories for pets which can help you with some of the details.
Cargo Area Travel Liner: This is full comfort. The padded liner is cushioned and slip resistant, and allows your pet full access to the cargo area of your min-van. The liner is water resistant and tear resistant. Your pet can walk around on the textured fabric without slipping and sliding. The rear of your vehicle can get warm, so the fabric is breathable to keep your pet comfortable in any season.
Seat Covers: Same idea as the cargo liner, just a smaller space. The fabric and comfort are the same, and so is the ease of cleaning and the protection provided to your interior.
Pet Barriers: These barriers limit your pets movement, and with many pets this is a good idea. It also adds to their safety.
With pet barriers, windows can also be let down a little more, providing cooler conditions when you have to leave your pet in the vehicle while traveling. (it is still a very good idea to also use the sun shield I talked about earlier).
Organizer: Pets need stuff! Feeding dishes, snacks, leashes, collars, scoopers, and so much more. Pets need a lot of stuff, and keeping it organized is a good thing when traveling with your four legged partner. Leashes get tangled and "lost" quickly. Having a place to store these required items, for easy access, allows you more fun and less hassle.
You really need to wear heavy leather gloves (the kind that go up to your shoulder) if you are going to try to get my cat Eddie into the Mini-Van, but many pets love to drive, almost more than their owners. While I've only had to take Eddie for a ride a few times, he has taught us a great deal about what can happen to the inside of a car, with a pet.
Pets are a joy to have with us, but they do have special needs to help them stay comfortable and us happy.
Pet Hair
Hair is the hardest item to clean off upholstery and carpeting. Trying to vacuum it up is a waste of time for the most part. The fibers weave into the carpeting and fabrics of our car, and grip.
What gets hair off the carpet and fabrics fast and easy is rubber or latex gloves. There is a product out there called the Pet Sponge, which works great too, but it is really made from the same substance. Just put on a glove, get it a little damp and run your hand across the pet hair area. Your glove will fill with pet hair, effortlessly. Rinse off, and go in for another swipe.
You might consider getting a Pet Pad for your traveling pet.
Heat
If you are traveling with a pet, get a sun shield. Seriously. I know we sell them, and this looks like a great place to put an ad, but the facts are, cars heat up way too fast, and much hotter than we realize.
From a cool just-air-conditioned state, it takes a car less than 20 minutes to reach 120 degrees sitting in the sun, even with the window 'cracked' open for fresh air. In summer times, or hot days, the interior can reach 150 degrees in the same amount of time.
Well made, reflective sun shields can reduce your car's temperature by 50 degrees. Leaving the window 'cracked' is still a good idea, but keeping the interior heat level down is much better.
Urine
Don't ask.
Getting the Urine out of the interior carpeting is a bit of a chore. Start with baking soda. Just pour it on dry and let it sit over night. Vacuum and repeat, letting the baking soda sit again. Vacuum up the last layer and then pour into the affected area Hydrogen peroxide. Let this evaporate, and then vacuum.
This won't remove any stain or discoloration, but it will get the odor out and neutralize the urine itself. From this point you can use a carpet or upholstery cleaner to remove any stain that might remain.
Comfort
Keeping pets comfortable and safe inside the vehicle is sometimes a creative challenge. We do have several car accessories for pets which can help you with some of the details.
Cargo Area Travel Liner: This is full comfort. The padded liner is cushioned and slip resistant, and allows your pet full access to the cargo area of your min-van. The liner is water resistant and tear resistant. Your pet can walk around on the textured fabric without slipping and sliding. The rear of your vehicle can get warm, so the fabric is breathable to keep your pet comfortable in any season.
Seat Covers: Same idea as the cargo liner, just a smaller space. The fabric and comfort are the same, and so is the ease of cleaning and the protection provided to your interior.
Pet Barriers: These barriers limit your pets movement, and with many pets this is a good idea. It also adds to their safety.
With pet barriers, windows can also be let down a little more, providing cooler conditions when you have to leave your pet in the vehicle while traveling. (it is still a very good idea to also use the sun shield I talked about earlier).
Organizer: Pets need stuff! Feeding dishes, snacks, leashes, collars, scoopers, and so much more. Pets need a lot of stuff, and keeping it organized is a good thing when traveling with your four legged partner. Leashes get tangled and "lost" quickly. Having a place to store these required items, for easy access, allows you more fun and less hassle.
Saturday, January 13, 2007
How to Make Your Pets Healthier and Happier
by: Robin Mastro
Pets are family members and should be treated as such. The design of your home has a dramatic affect on their health and well-being. When your environment is in harmony with nature, it will have a positive influence. If not, behavior al and health problems will show up in your animals in subtle and not so subtle ways. By applying the environmental science of Vastu Shastra, you can create harmony and balance in your home that will support your pets. Vastu Shastra was written some 7,000-10,000 years ago in India by rishis, or men of great wisdom. Over a period of thousands of years, these wise scholars studied and chronicled the strong influence that the physical environment has on all living things. Through these observations, an exact science was formulated, which established the principles behind some of the world’s most enduring structures.
My wife and I have experienced firsthand the benefits that some simple corrections using Vastu can have on pets. Our dog had a variety of skin and bladder control problems. Our cat was aggressive and territorial, fighting with the dog and bringing into the house anything she could carry. It always surprised us how she could get adult rabbits and baby crows through the cat door, but she managed! Small but effective changes using Vastu, reduced these problems significantly.According to the science of Vastu Shastra, all five elements (earth, water, fire, air and space) have an impact on your pets. Vastu balances the five elements and promotes harmony within the environment. When there is harmony, stress is reduced and animals can find their equilibrium. Due to their size, pets are far more susceptible to the consequences of poor air quality and indoor pollutants than their caretakers. Flooring, decorating materials, mattresses, molds, toxic gases, pesticides and electronic equipment can all degrade the air you and your pet breath, even if you are seemingly unaffected. These are examples of the dangers lurking in your home, unbeknownst to you. In this situation, what you can’t see can harm both you and your pets. Knowledge is power. Becoming aware of what you can do to protect your pets is the best preventative measure there is. We can’t emphasize enough the importance of reading all labels carefully to determine the safety of any materials that you use in your home. Another factor that we’ve seen affect pets as well as humans is Geopathic Stress. This occurs when radiation follows lines of underground utilities and streams. Electrical wiring in the home can also disrupt the balance of the five elements if improperly placed. Such conditions have been scientifically proven to influence the health and disposition of your pets. Indoor environmental testing for geopathic stress can build your peace of mind and protect you and your pets.
Pets are family members and should be treated as such. The design of your home has a dramatic affect on their health and well-being. When your environment is in harmony with nature, it will have a positive influence. If not, behavior al and health problems will show up in your animals in subtle and not so subtle ways. By applying the environmental science of Vastu Shastra, you can create harmony and balance in your home that will support your pets. Vastu Shastra was written some 7,000-10,000 years ago in India by rishis, or men of great wisdom. Over a period of thousands of years, these wise scholars studied and chronicled the strong influence that the physical environment has on all living things. Through these observations, an exact science was formulated, which established the principles behind some of the world’s most enduring structures.
My wife and I have experienced firsthand the benefits that some simple corrections using Vastu can have on pets. Our dog had a variety of skin and bladder control problems. Our cat was aggressive and territorial, fighting with the dog and bringing into the house anything she could carry. It always surprised us how she could get adult rabbits and baby crows through the cat door, but she managed! Small but effective changes using Vastu, reduced these problems significantly.According to the science of Vastu Shastra, all five elements (earth, water, fire, air and space) have an impact on your pets. Vastu balances the five elements and promotes harmony within the environment. When there is harmony, stress is reduced and animals can find their equilibrium. Due to their size, pets are far more susceptible to the consequences of poor air quality and indoor pollutants than their caretakers. Flooring, decorating materials, mattresses, molds, toxic gases, pesticides and electronic equipment can all degrade the air you and your pet breath, even if you are seemingly unaffected. These are examples of the dangers lurking in your home, unbeknownst to you. In this situation, what you can’t see can harm both you and your pets. Knowledge is power. Becoming aware of what you can do to protect your pets is the best preventative measure there is. We can’t emphasize enough the importance of reading all labels carefully to determine the safety of any materials that you use in your home. Another factor that we’ve seen affect pets as well as humans is Geopathic Stress. This occurs when radiation follows lines of underground utilities and streams. Electrical wiring in the home can also disrupt the balance of the five elements if improperly placed. Such conditions have been scientifically proven to influence the health and disposition of your pets. Indoor environmental testing for geopathic stress can build your peace of mind and protect you and your pets.
There are several things you can do yourself to make changes in your environment for positive results. Here are some actions you can take today that will make a world of difference:
Fresh air is extremely important for pets. Many houses are so tightly built that household pollutants build up in the interior air if windows are not open. Having a window open, even a quarter of an inch, will help eliminate toxins that can accumulate and circulate in the air. Also, be aware that pets like the room temperature a little cooler than we do. Too much heat (fire) can make them lethargic and shorten their life span. Changing their water twice a day is also essential since water absorbs many of the air born toxins. Make sure to give them purified water rather than tap water. Tap water can contain bacteria and chemicals that aggravate a variety of sensitivities.
These are just a few steps that you can take to create proactive support for your pets. According to Vastu Shastra, all five elements need to be considered and balanced properly to experience the full advantages of Vastu. We suggest having your home analyzed by a qualified Vastu professional. Because they are sensitive by nature, you will be delighted by how quickly pets respond to an environment that has been balanced in harmony with Nature using the science of Vastu Shastra.
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