12
Jan 2015
Experts consider puppyhood, particularly the first three to four months, the most important period of a dog’s life. In that short window, a dog’s experiences shape his opinions about what’s safe and what’s scary — opinions that can be hard to change later on. During puppyhood, your dog will: Learn how to get along with other dogs, if he has lots of positive interactions with them. A dog who misses out on these interactions — part of what trainers call socialization — can grow up to be fearful or aggressive around other canines. Learn how to be safe and......
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03
Jan 2015
It’s very common for dogs to become upset and frightened during loud thunder, lightning, and heavy rain or snow. Dogs are especially sensitive to changes in barometric pressure and can often sense a coming storm before you can and may begin to act strangely in the hours leading up to a major weather event. Despite the natural inclination to sit with your dog and speak soothingly in an effort to calm them down, this may actually reinforce their anxiety in the long run. Instead, try these techniques to help ease your dog’s......
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27
Oct 2014
Pets come in all shapes and sizes with their own unique quirks. While many furry friends are adopted as happy additions to loving families, there are some animals that are overlooked at shelters because of certain “less adoptable” traits. Senior pets, pets with special needs, adult cats and pit bull-type dogs don’t always receive the love that their counterparts do, and can take about four times longer to get adopted than the average pet, according to adoption database Petfinder.com. This year, “Adopt-a-Less-Adoptable-Pet Week,” first launched by Petfinder.com, is being held from Sept. 21-27 to show that every pet......
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30
Sep 2014
Bloat is a life-threatening emergency that affects dogs in the prime of life. The mortality rate for gastric volvulus approaches 50 percent. Early recognition and treatment are the keys to survival. Anatomy of Bloat Bloat actually refers to two conditions. The first is gastric dilatation,in which the stomach distends with gas and fluid. The second is volvulus, in which the distended stomach rotates on its long axis. The spleen is attached to the wall of the stomach, and therefore rotates with the stomach. Gastric dilatation may or may not be complicated by volvulus. If volvulus......
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14
Jul 2014
Cats will chew on plants. And, because they love to climb and explore, it is difficult to keep plants out of their reach. Therefore, if you are going to have plants in your house, or if you let your cat out in your yard, you need to be able to accurately identify the plants to which your cat will be exposed. When in doubt, however, it is best to remove the plant from your home. If a plant is poisonous, assume all parts of the plant are poisonous — though some parts......
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16
Jun 2014
LA-based company Pet Center, Inc. is voluntarily recalling their Lamb Crunchy’s dog treats due to Salmonella contamination. The treats were sold in California, Colorado, Washington, and Wisconsin. Colorado health authorities found the contamination during routine sampling of the all-natural treats. No illnesses have been reported. Symptoms of poisoning include lack of appetite, nausea, vomiting, (bloody) diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever. If you have handled and your pet has ingested these treats, please monitor yourself and your pets’ health closely. The company is encouraging consumers to return the treats to the store of......
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02
Jun 2014
Although it can be irksome for owners, being branded finicky could ultimately be a boon for cats — especially when it comes to ingesting potentially dangerous foods. “The main drivers of palatability for cats are protein and fat content, with moisture and texture being important too,” says Dr. Sally Perea, DVM, DACVN, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist at P&G Pet Care in Ohio. Some “people food” is safe for cats in small amounts, but certain items — like raw fish and eggs — are definitely hazardous. Dr. Perea lists the top seven no-no foods for kitties:......
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01
Feb 2014
Most of us overindulge a little over the festive period and start January with a diet and detox – but what about our pets? A recent survey from Melton’s Town & Country Petfoods, owners of the HiLife brand of high quality pet food, revealed that 60 per cent of respondents plied their animals with special treats. But while it’s tempting to give your pet scraps from the table, you may be doing them more harm than good. Recent findings from the PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report show that a massive 18.5 million......
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13
Jan 2014
When a beloved pet seems a bit “off,” it might be more than just a bad day; it could be a sign of mild sickness or a more serious illness. Here are some tips for recognizing the symptoms of sickness in pets and getting your pet the care he needs to recover. Keep in mind that animals will generally attempt to mask signs of illness. This behavior is a natural instinct that is used for protection in the wild, where any animal showing signs of weakness is likely to be shunned by......
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28
Jun 2013
. . . But just follow these safety tips from the ASPCA to make it less stressful! For many people, nothing beats lounging in the backyard on the Fourth of July with good friends and family—including the four-legged members of the household. While it may seem like a great idea to reward Rover with scraps from the grill and bring him along to watch fireworks, in reality some festive foods and products can be potentially hazardous to your pets. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center offers the following tips: Never leave alcoholic......
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05
Jun 2013
We all love spending the long, sunny days of summer outdoors with our furry companions, but being overeager in hot weather can spell danger, ASPCA experts warn. “Most people love to spend the warmer days enjoying the outdoors with friends and family, but it is important to remember that some activities can be dangerous for our pets,” said Dr. Camille DeClementi, Senior Toxicologist at the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center. “By following a few simple rules, it is easy to keep your pet safe while still having fun in the sun.” Take......
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06
Apr 2013
Traveling can be highly stressful, both for you and the four-legged members of your family. But with thoughtful preparation, you can ensure a safe and comfortable trip for everyone. The ASPCA urges pet owners to think twice about flying their pets on commercial airlines, especially if they plan on checking them in as cargo. Unless your animal is small enough to fit under your seat and you can bring him or her in the cabin, the ASPCA recommends pet owners to not fly their animal....
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