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Tag: pet care

House Hazards and Pets During the Holiday Season

During the holidays, there are always extra knick-knacks around, including objects such as collectibles made of ceramics, mistletoe, Christmas tree (fake or real), wreaths, and much more. We tend to become abundantly festive this time of year, and become in the holiday spirit mood. However, there are items that pets become endangered around. Check them out and remember to keep your pets safe:

  • Aromatic candles/potpourri– Candles can be knocked over, starting a fire, and birds can die from inhaling scents from candles and/or potpourri.
  • Chocolate and nuts– Always keep chocolate away from pets and should never be left out (even if it’s for Santa), and inhaling nuts can cause paralysis and other detriment’s to your pet’s body.
  • Holiday plants– Poinsettia’s are not likely to be harmful to your pet, but lilies can be deadly, along with mistletoe (keep both very far away from your pet).
  • Baubles and/or ribbon– Cats and kittens love to play with string, such as ribbon, tinsel, and any other material thing that’s dangling and piques their curiosity. However, this type of curiosity can really be deadly, so please keep all loose items on the tree away from their reach.
  • Tree needles– Pick out a pet-friendly tee, such as a white pine or Douglas fir, because their needles won’t stick in your pet’s paws, and tree needles that fall off of trees can be easily ingested and very harmful, especially to puppies.

Source: http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/weekend/living/2013/11/29/pet-safety-holiday-hazards/3783743/

Read these Tips For Traveling with Pets During the Holidays

During the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it’s easy to try and get things scheduled and planned as fast and easiest as possible. If you plan to include your pet(s) in your travels, it’s best to acknowledge their comfort and safety for their and your benefit. In my family, we travel with our pets, and during these cold months, we have to leave the windows down on our truck for our German Shepherd, Lucy, who’s loving the cold weather while looking at the pretty scenery and watching the traffic drive by too. We, on the other hand, are bundled up in several layers of clothing because we love our girl!

While you may not have or want to travel this way, there are several helpful tips and suggestions  to consider while traveling with your pet, whether it be by plane or car. Read on:

Traveling with Dogs:

  • Secure your dog in the backseat with a seat-belt, crate or open area, and DO NOT let them roam about, as that is a hazard to passengers and driver. 
  • Keep blankets or dog beds on the floor to keep pets comfortable.
  • You can even have a dog gate built specifically for your dog to defer them from running freely throughout the vehicle.

Traveling with Cats:

  • Cats HATE traveling, and I speak from experience. They’re more comfortable in their usual home, in their same comfortable spot on the couch, lounge area, etc. 
  • If your cat likes to travel, or your pet has to travel with you during this holiday season, keep your cat in an animal carrier, secured with a seat-belt that’s placed around the carrier’s front.

By plane:

  • Make sure the plane accommodates pets.
  • Check to see what the weight limits are.
  • Bring less food and water because you can get more and what you need at your destination.

Never:

  • Let your cat or dog ride shotgun. It’s dangerous and can cause harm to your pet.
  • Let them stick their head out of the window; this is common among many pet owners and see this happen often, and have been guilty of this myself, but am more conscious now.
  • Sticking their head out the window can be very harmful because of flying debris, and other hazards.

Are you planning to travel with your pets this year, or have you traveled with your pets every year, and you have some helpful tips to share with our readers. Let us know!

Source: http://www.onegreenplanet.org/lifestyle/tips-for-traveling-with-pets-around-the-holidays/

Helpful Tips to Keep Your Pets Warm During Cold, Winter Months

Did you know that when you’re cold, your pet is more than likely cold as well? They crave warmth just like we do during cold, frigid months of possible ice, wintery and blustery air, and other uncomfortable cold elements. There are also machine and object dangers that can be hazardous to your pet if kept outside, or happen to escape from their warmth surroundings. Follow these simple tips to keep your pets warm and safe during the cold winter:

  • Always keep your pets indoors– If taken outside for exercise, always supervise your pet. Smaller or older dogs would probably benefit from a small sweater.
  • If your dog prefers or wants to spend time outside– Make sure they are protected by adequate shelter with enough shavings, straw and that there is enough room to sit and lie down, and should be faced away from the wind. There should also be plastic or waterproof burlap covering the doorway.
  • During winter months, there are a lot of outdoor cats (stray or feral), and other wildlife– When you start your engine in your car in the morning, tap the hood before you do so, because many cats crawl up on tires to seek warmth, so make sure they are safe from being injured.
  • Provide plenty of water– Always maintain fresh water for your pet, and keep your pet hydrated as keeping warm causes your pets to lose energy. Use plastic, as your pet’s tongue can stick to metal during very cold weather.
  • Protect paws from salt– Salt and chemicals used to melt snow irritate pet’s paws, so wipe them clean before they lick them, to keep from further irritation around the mouth, etc.
  • Avoid antifreeze– Antifreeze is a major culprit in the winter months because it’s a necessity for cars, yet deadly for our pets. It is a poison with a sweet taste, so keep it and other cleaning supplies and chemicals out of reach or stored away not easily accessible.

Source: http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/protect_pets_winter.html

Give Your Pet a Thanksgiving Feast Too

Did you know that you can feed your pet several ingredients that you’ll eat on Thanksgiving too? Does that make you feel better knowing that your pet can have some of the same foods that often times you think they can’t have, and you feel bad when the aroma reaches their nose and their smelling the air and looking at you like “Why can’t I have any?” Many animal lovers and owners don’t want to feed their pets from the table, or have them making a meal out on the food we eat, but with this Thanksgiving meal for your pet, you can’t go wrong.

According to veterinarian and owner of six dogs, Dr. Jyl Rubin, states that your pet can enjoy their own special meal on Thanksgiving. How easy is it? All you need is:

  • Crockpot
  • Ground Turkey Burgers
  • Lowfat Organic Turkey
  • Salmon
  • Celery
  • Sweet Potatoes
  • Butternut Squash
  • Zucchini
  • Cranberries

Why are these ingredients good for our pets? Says Dr. Rubin, “the way we eat is the way our pets should eat — organic, nice and whole fresh foods.” The benefits of some of the ingredients are:

  • Fiber
  • Urinary health
  • Omegas

However, Dr. Jyl does suggest and warn a few notable points; be sure to skin the salmon and meat (ensure skin is off), use low-fat meat in case of any gastrointestinal issues, and pets who have arthritis should not give their pets rhubarb, eggplant or tomatoes.

Do you feed your pets special meals on Thanksgiving? Let us know in the comments below!

Source: http://www.boston.com/community/pets/blogs/pet_chatter/2013/11/how_to_cook_a_hot_meal_for_you.html

Do-It-Yourself Creative Gadgets for Your Pets

In a recent and interesting article featured in Popular Science magazine, there was a detailed article about several do-it-yourself gadgets that will help pets care for themselves when you’re away. Many of these gadgets are incredible and unique designs that seem to work by those who created them for their purposes. They use social media, VCR and other electronics to emit the response wanted for the pet. However, as with any product, check with your veterinarian before utilizing any of them.  They are as follows:

  • Water Warden– “Designed by Eloy Salinas to automatically keep the water dish brimming for his dog. It sends a tweet when the reservoir runs dry.” Via makezine.com
  • VCR Cat Feeder– This device uses the programmable timer already built into a VCR to schedule delivery of cat kibbles. Via makezine.com
  • (A) tiny Fish Feeder– This device employs an ATtiny85 or ATtiny45 micro controller, and requires some enclosure-building chops as well as electronics skills. For more information, check out Instructables.com.
  • Twitter-controlled Pet Feeder– “Amanda Ghassaei hacked an off-the-shelf automated feeder to dispense dry pet food in response to a tweeted command. The device utilizes Arduino as the controller, adding an Ethernet shield to receive Twitter data.” Via Instructables.com
  • Frankenfeeder– “This project builds off Amanda Ghassaei’s original design. It utilizes a Raspberry Pi instead of Arduino in order to include additional features, such as a wireless WiFi connection, taking commands via a Gmail account, and “feedback” via camera surveillance of the feeding pooches.” Via http://locgt.blogspot.com/
  • Crittergram Capture Cam– This device snaps a photo each time it senses movement, so that you can see what your pet’s up to when you’re not there. Via Makezine.com

Know of any other cool and innovated technology products that enhance the care for your pet while you’re away? Let us know!

Source: http://www.popsci.com/gallery/6-diy-gadgets-will-care-your-pet-while-youre-away/

Be Careful Administering Pain Medications to Your Pets

When your pet gets sick or has other health ailments that require a visit to the vet, and your vet therefore prescribes a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, how do you respond? It is important to know that NSAIDs are the most commonly prescribed pain relievers for animals. Why? They work by blocking the production of chemicals produced by the body that play a role in inflammation.

“Scientists consider NSAIDs the cornerstone of osteoarthritis therapy in dogs,” says Melanie McLean, D.V.M., a veterinarian at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Some NSAIDS are also used to manage pain after surgery in both dogs and cats. No NSAID has been approved for long-term use in cats.

Like many other prescription medications, there are benefits and risks. To be sure your pet can ingest NSAIDs properly and effectively, they need to undergo a complete physical examination, thorough review of their medical history and for the medication’s side effects and potential and very important to discuss also.

Risks & Side Effects of NSAIDs in Pets

  • Blood tests need to be conducted on a regular basis.
  • vomiting
  • decline in appetite
  • decline in energy level
  • diarrhea
  • blood in feces
  • tar-like stools
  • whites of eyes
  • yellow gums

Call your vet as soon as possible if any of these begin to take effect in your pet, including stomach and intestinal ulcers, intestinal perforation, kidney failure, liver failure and even death. These side effects and risks are increased when your pet is given two NSAIDs at the same time. Gastrointestinal toxicity can become gravely increased. These risks are detailed on the enclosed inserts with the NSAID prescribed medication.

There are several OTC human pain relievers with NSAID that can be harmful, including deadly, in pets. Many pet owners think that they can give their pets the same OTC drugs and sometimes it’s too late. Always check with your veterinarian before you give your pet any OTC human drugs.

What to Chat with your Vet about Before Giving Your Pet an NSAID:

  • Know what your pet is being prescribed, exact dosage and how long to administer.
  • Always discuss side effects and symptoms.
  • Explain your pet’s medical history, especially past intestinal problems, including stomach ulcers or any surgeries in that area.
  • Tell your vet about other medications, vitamins and supplements your pet is currently on.

Source: http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm373009.htm

Save Money with your Pets by Reducing Pet Care Myths Cost

Are you subjected to purchasing items you don’t need for your pet because you’ve heard certain stigmas attached to it that you think are true? Well, you’re not alone. We all do it, but many myths are just heresay, passed down from generation to generation, and often become distorted or “old wives tales” that bear no alliance of truth whatsoever. Recently, a local news station in Kansas City provided a brief summary of those pet care myths that are the most common to believe among pet owners. They are as follows:

  • Do you really need to purchase hypoallergenic shampoos and other pet products? These shampoos might reduce the amount of shedding (but nothing eliminates it), because all dogs and cats shed, although different breeds shed more than others.

 

  • Are baths not needed for pets? Baths are needed at least weekly to reduce shedding and help them smell better. Plus, it’s good for their hygiene, like it’s good for the owner too. 

 

  • Do you really need a specific pet shampoo? Yes, human shampoo is not good for your pet’s coat, as you will more than likely end up at your vet’s office asking them how to relieve your pet’s skin rash and dander. Pet shampoo is specifically made for their fur. Quite simple: human shampoo damages their fur. 

 

  • Can cats really clean their own teeth? No, because their teeth can rot down the road, and relieving rotting teeth can be much more expensive than providing proper dental care for your pet. 

 

Listen to your vet and their recommendations. They know what’s best for your pet in the long run, and can save you thousands of dollars, along with time.

Do you know of any other pet care myths that you’ve believed or know others have before? Share with our network so they can save additional time and money!

Source: http://www.kshb.com/dpp/money/consumer/dont_waste_your_money/pet-care-myths-that-can-cost-you-money

Holidays and Pet Safety; Make It a Priority

With Halloween upon us, and the holiday season in full effect, with upcoming Thanksgiving and Christmas, it is essential to keep your pets safe and out of harm’s way with all the hustle and bustle that occurs during the holiday season. There’s much more food, candy, and other trinkets around the home that can easily harm or cause other hazardous health problems, including death. Listed below are several, important tips that are not only effective on Halloween, but throughout the holiday season and year.

  • Always make sure pets are in a secure area that they are comfortable with.
  • Keep pet license and/or ID tag visible and available at all times. It will aid heavily if your pet gets lost.
  • If you have an outside pet unattended, it’s best to bring him inside to a safe area.
  • Keep away from loud noises and children, teenagers and adults in costumes (it can and does startle them).
  • Keep chocolate out of reach and sight, as it can cause nerve damage and death if injected.
  • Always throw away candy wrappers because your pet can choke on them if they attempt to swallow them.
  • Keep decorations, candles, etc in hard-to-reach places for your pets because they can knock them over causing burns, and other potential hazards.
  • If you dress your pet up for the holidays, make sure your pet is accustomed to it and the costume won’t restrict their breathing, vision, hearing or movement. Costumes also should not have small accessories that your pet can easily ingest.

Have any more tips to share with us that you’ve experienced with your pet during the holidays? Share in the comments below!

Source: http://bit.ly/Hi8CwL

Why Fostering a Pet Is Good For You and Them

 

 

Fostering a pet can be a lot of work, but the rewards are worth the effort for many homeless pets that have been vetted and rescued, needing a cozy and warm home to rest before they arrive at their forever home. Of course, fostering can place an emotional toll on those who get especially attached to those they foster, but you’ll never regret saving a life or two. When you foster, you’re helping another pet get a chance at life, and you are helping the pet you’re fostering learn valuable social skills to easily be adopted.

“The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals makes more than 1,000 foster placements a year,” said Gail Buchwald, the ASPCA’s senior vice president of adoptions.

There are times when a foster will adopt the pet their fostering, although shelters have to begin locating new fosters. Of course, saying goodbye is the hardest part, but here are some tips that may help with carrying a lighter burden:

  • You are saving not only one, but several lives. Pets are euthanized less the more fosters there are.
  • Remind yourself that your helping pets find loving, permanent homes.
  • Encourage a successful adoption and be happy!
  • Never feel saddened or guilty that you’re giving your foster pet to another home. As long as they’re treated with love and kindness, they will continue to adapt to their new family.
  • Join a foster network or community.
  • Don’t constantly foster; take a breather every now and again.
  • You have great memories of saving lives; never forget them.

There are no statistics about how much nationwide data there is available referencing fosters in shelters. Even high kill shelters have foster programs. Be resourceful and do some research on the shelters in your community to inquire how you can be involved in your wanting to foster a pet.With the economic decline, there are more and more pets without homes, ending up in shelters. Sadly, many of them are euthanized, but with incredible foster individuals and families, some of them get a second chance at life.

Do you foster a pet? What do you love the most about it?

Source: http://www.abqjournal.com/279210/living/foster-pet-care-has-many-rewards.html