11
Feb 2016
If you are a dog owner and dog lover, you can easily conjure up an image of groups of dogs running freely across a field, fetching sticks or balls, rolling in the grass and playing with one another. In fact, that image probably brings a smile to your face – because, for one thing, you love to see dogs having a good time. But you also probably understand intuitively that off-leash time is a great source of exercise for a well-socialized dog. So how do you know if your dog is appropriate......
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12
Jan 2016
Most people know how they should feed themselves. A healthy human diet is balanced, low in “bad” fats, sufficient in “good” fats, high in protein, and sourced from natural ingredients. Less nutritious treats are ok every once in a while—and even an important aspect of your quality of life—but should be consumed in moderation. Many pet owners don’t apply the same logic to their pet’s diet as they do to their own, causing inadvertent harm. An astonishing 90 percent of the aliments affecting domestic cats and dogs may be related to their......
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28
Dec 2015
When deciding upon a caregiver for your dog, the selection process should be as thorough and careful as choosing a babysitter for your child. Not only should your dog walker be experienced and reliable, but attitudes and beliefs regarding pets and their care are equally important. For instance, Sarah’s Pet Care believes that dogs respond best to positive reinforcement and rewards-based training and care. These methods have proven far more effective and long-lasting, with fewer negative repercussions, than those based in fear or aggression. In fact, when caring for dogs in small......
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26
Sep 2015
Microchipping of Animals FAQ Microchipping of Animals: Information Check the Chip Day Q: What is a microchip? A: A microchip is a small, electronic chip enclosed in a glass cylinder that is about the same size as a grain of rice. The microchip itself does not have a battery—it is activated by a scanner that is passed over the area, and the radiowaves put out by the scanner activate the chip. The chip transmits the identification number to the scanner, which displays the number on the screen. The microchip itself is also......
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14
Aug 2015
Tips to keep cool in the heat Swimming pools, spraygrounds and cooling centers Don’t use fans as primary cooling system Check on your neighbors Don’t leave kids or pets alone, especially in cars If you work outdoors, take frequent breaks Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing Take advantage of discounted public transit Exercise in an air-condition place and drink two to four glasses of cool, non-alcoholic fluids each hour Protect yourself from the sun with suncreen of SPF15 or higher, as well as wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses With high temperatures expected in......
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03
Jul 2015
Humans may “Ooh!” and “Aah!” at the thundering booms of fireworks displays this Fourth of July weekend, but pets are far less impressed. In fact, many dogs and cats are deeply frightened by fireworks displays, and can injure themselves — and even run away — trying to escape the nerve-wracking racket. “The Fourth is the busiest day of the year here because so many dogs get freaked out,” said James Dress, community engagement manager for Sonoma County Animal Services. Dogs left in back yards, for example, can panic at loud sounds they......
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27
Jun 2015
By Barbara Elisse Najar July 9, 2012 Summer is here, and we’ve shed our coats. Dogs and cats don’t have that luxury, but their fur, which keeps them warm in winter, also protects them in the summer by preventing them from taking on too much heat. It’s a fine system until it gets too hot, at which point it can be overwhelmed, with potentially dire consequences.Dogs and cats are homeotherms, meaning they maintain a fairly constant body temperature of 101 to 102 degrees, according to James H. Jones, an expert in comparative animal exercise......
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26
May 2015
Dental care isn’t just for humans. Dogs and cats need it too. “Taking care of our pets’ teeth doesn’t only make them smell better but it contributes to a longer, healthier life,” Dr. Dan Carmichael, a veterinary dentist at Animal Medical Center in New York City, told CBS News. “Not only can dental problems cause pets to have oral pain and infection, but the bacteria from oral disease can spread through the bloodstream to the vital organs,” he explained. Carmichael treats a variety of dogs, cats and even Bronx Zoo animals. He......
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05
Apr 2015
Is YOUR pet rabbit happy? Mammals may be stressed by their hutch-mates and a lack of exercise, study claims Study by the University of Bristol shows rabbits needs are not always met Researchers surveyed 1,254 pet rabbit owners in England Found pets have irregular access to exercise at the wrong time of day While 60 per cent lived on their own, limiting their opportunity to be sociable, a quarter put up with unsuitable, feisty hutch-mates Just over 12 per cent had dental or eye problems, seen in previous studies Just under 60......
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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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27
Jul 2014
Senior Dogs: Common Behavior Changes Puppies have their behavior problems and older dogs have theirs. For older dogs, in many cases it is not that they do not understand the ‘rules,’ but that they may, for many reasons, be unable to follow them. SEPARATION ANXIETY Separation anxiety is one of the most common behavior problems seen in older dogs. A dog who has separation anxiety will become very anxious when he senses his owner is about to leave. When the owner does leave, the dog often becomes destructive, barks or howls,......
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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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26
May 2014
Nutrition Your bird’s diet is one of the most important considerations of its overall care. Adequate feeding plans may be developed from a wide variety of commonly available foods, or formulated diets specially prepared for birds by commercial companies may be offered. Ask your avian veterinarian for recommendations on feeding your bird. Environment Temperature: A healthy bird can tolerate temperatures that are comfortable to its owner. Sudden changes in temperature may be a potential threat to the sick bird. Humidity: Pet birds can adapt to a wide range of humidity levels, although birds native......
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28
Apr 2014
For dogs and other animal companions, toys are not a luxury, but a necessity. Toys help fight boredom in dogs left alone, and toys can even help prevent some problem behaviors from developing. Although cats can be pretty picky when it comes to enjoying particular toys—ignoring a $10 catnip mouse and marveling over a piece of crumpled newsprint—dogs are often more than willing to “play” with any object they can get their paws on. That means you’ll need to be particularly careful when monitoring your dog’s playtime to prevent any “unscheduled” activities. “Safe”......
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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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