Friday, January 1, 2010
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE
This is the time of the year, we start to make those New Year's Resolutions. Most of us really do not keep them more than a week or two after making them. A few people are really set on keeping them and work very hard to do just that. Most of us just have trouble remembering the New Year that we must write on checks, letters and important paper work for work and home .
I hope everyone has a healthy and prosperuos New Year. Also, I hope everyone remembers their pets over the holidays. Safety is a big issue when it pertains to the playful pets. Dogs and cats alike are very curious about shiney objects that may be harmful to their health. Pease take the time to protect your treasured pet.
Happy New Year and drive carefully when returning from your trips.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Dogs and Hot Summer Days
If you’re having sunny weather it can be oh-so enticing to get outside with your dog and have a good time. There are so many things you can do from throwing a Frisbee or stick to hanging out at the beach. But, are you aware there is a danger that your dog will get sunburn, heat exhaustion or even heat stroke. The good news is that you can prevent these things from happening to your dog.
Sunburn Protection
You might not have even thought it but the sun can burn your dog. Particularly sensitive areas are the nose, ears, and lips. If possible keep your dog in the shade between the hottest hours of the day. These are usually between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. If there is no shade available you can put sunscreen on your dog’s nose and other sensitive areas.
It is not safe to put sunscreen on your dog’s lips. Just keep an eye on them to be sure there is no sunburn. Any blistering needs to be examined by a veterinarian.
Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke
Have you ever left your dog in a parked car? If so, it’s definitely time to stop. In fact, leaving a dog in a car is the number one reason that dogs get heat stroke. They can also develop it if they are too active on a very hot day and don’t have a shady spot to go to.
If your dog is overweight or has a history of lung or heart disease you need to be extra careful. Older dogs are particularly susceptible to getting heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
Leaving your dog in your air conditioned home is best if you are going to be out running errands. If you must take your dog with you, leave them in the car with the air conditioner still running, preferably with a human with them.
Try not to take your dog exercising with you. Some people like to take their dogs power walking, jogging and cycling. Call it a day if your dog falls behind or seems overly hot or tired.
Be especially careful with dogs that live outside, these owners need to provide a shady area for them to go during the day. Ventilated doghouses and umbrellas that can do the trick.
It is best to keep older dogs inside no matter what when it’s very hot. You might even want to keep a fan on your dog to make sure he stays nice and cool.
Finally, keep an eye out for danger zones such as hot, black pavement, the bed of a truck, or beach sand. If you allow your dog to be on these areas he might get blisters. Stick to grassy areas if at all possible.
Water is Essential
Be sure there is clean, cool water available at all times. Giving your dog water is one of the number one way that you can prevent heat problems. This will stop dehydrations and other heat problems in their tracks.
Enjoy The Season But Use Caution
Yes, we all look forward to summer days and enjoying the sun after the chilly days of winter, but it is entirely up to us to use caution and keep our children and pets safe from the dangerous effects of the summer sun.
About the Author: Patricia Ellison is an experienced Chihuahua Breeder and dog lover, her kennel is located in Chiloquin, Oregon. Patricia provides vital dog care and training information to dog lovers worldwide at Patz-Dogs.com Although she exclusively breeds and sells Chihuahua, info is provided on many breeds
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Sunday, September 28, 2008
Tips When Traveling With Your Dog
Traveling with a dog can be tough. Dogs can experience apprehension, over-excitement, dread, nausea and downright fear when they are forced to travel. Some dogs actually are nomadic in nature, and so might love to travel, but bark at people or other animals, are restless, or attempt to escape while traveling. Planning your trip carefully will enable you to relax and enjoy your trip more fully, and enable your dog to be secure and happy for the duration of the ride.
It is always wise before traveling to have your dog seen by a veterinarian. This is especially true if you are traveling across state lines or into other countries. Your vet will check for illnesses, injuries or conditions that might preclude your dog from travel. Upon request, your veterinarian will provide you with a certificate of health, and a copy of your dogs’ Rabies vaccination. These documents are necessary to gain entry into other countries. While receiving vaccinations, you should also ask your vet to vaccinate your dog against Bordatella and parvovirus, as some areas that you may be traveling to may have outbreaks of either or both.
If you will be flying with your dog, it is vital to have a clear understanding of the airline’s regulations concerning dogs. Most airlines insist that you use only airline-approved travel crates, that your dog’s documentation be posted to the side of the crate, and that the crate have 24-48 hours worth of food, and any needed medications. Beware that a large percentage of airlines have the 80 degree rule: if the temperature at any point along the flight is projected to reach eighty degrees or higher, your dog will not be permitted to fly.
Traveling by car with your dog can be a lot of fun. Ensure that you have all documents related to your dog on hand. Whenever traveling, be certain that your dog has a sturdy collar on, with at least one identification tag, and one registration or medical tag. The smart thing for both you and your dog while being transported in a car is for the dog to be secured. This prevents injury to the dog should you have to stop abruptly, and it prevents the dog from becoming airborne and smashing into you. It is not recommended that a dog ride in the back of a pick-up truck unless he is in a crate that is secured to the truck itself. Never leave a dog in a hot vehicle or crate.
Remember that when in the car, your dog should not be allowed to thrust its head out the window, as airborne particles of any nature could cause severe injury to your dog’s nose, eyes, or ears. If your dog is a nervous flyer or rider, you can obtain sedatives that aid in keeping your pet calm and cozy. Throughout the entire trip, make sure to help your dog feel as comfortable as possible; bring their toys and bedding with you, and adhere to their otherwise normal eating, exercise, and bathroom routine.
Do your research- educate yourself on places you may be able to visit with your dog, and also the places that you cannot. Some state parks, for example, do not allow dogs to be admitted. Many hotels, however, are quite pet-friendly, and will even make special accommodations for your dog.
Make certain that, when traveling with your dog, you take frequent breaks. Dogs need to stretch and take time out from being cooped up in the car, just like you do.
About the Author: Geoffrey A. English is the Founder of GundogsOnline.com, the internet's premiere online magazine dedicated to gun dogs. Vistit their site for Innotek dog collars, Tri-Tronics dog collars, and sport dog training collars.
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How Low Cost and Poor Grade Crates Can be Unsafe For Your Pet
By Trevor Price
Cheap dog crates can do more than save you money - they may actually kill or injure your dog. Poorly constructed metal and plastic crates cause over 100 dog deaths every year due to cuts, infections and even strangulation. Before you waste your money and possibly your dog's life on a cheap crate, keep reading.
Not Good Enough for Air Travel
There's a reason most cheap dog crates aren't cleared for air travel - they're unsafe and not suited for air travel conditions. Typically, most air crates need to be easily opened and closed from the outside and provide the animal with enough ventilation and protection. More important, a good carrier needs to be made from heavy-dutyplastic. Last year, over 5 dogs were hurt after cheap plastic dog crates cracked because of pressure changes. The cracked and chipped plastic either cut or hit the animals. Obviously, their injuries were not noticed or treated until well after the plane landed.
Collapsing Crates
Stay away from low-quality, wire crates that are collapsible. Numerous consumers have complained these crates do not hold up and can simply collapse on the animal without warning - ascenario that can be deadly for small puppies. While adult dogs typically won't be severely injured by a collapsed crate, being trapped for possibly hours is stressful and causes anxiety.
Poor Ventilation
Cheap dog crates that are made from plastic or fabric tend to not offer enough ventilation for your animal, making them feel trapped and as though they're not getting enough air. Several years ago, dogs in a California kennel were found dead after being kept in cheap, plastic kennels that were too small. The dogs suffocated.
Another danger associated with poorly ventilated fabric or plastic dog crates is overheating. Without sufficient ventholes, your dog can quickly be overcome by heat on a hot summer day spent inside a plastic crate.
How to Find a Good Crate
Look for a high-quality crate that is easily opened from the outside, provides sufficient ventilation and is large enough for the animal. While high-quality wire crates aren't cleared for air travel, they are great when coupled with a crate mat for the bottom.
Other Crate Safety Rules
It doesn't matter if you're buying a cheap dog crate or the most expensive one in the store. There are some basic safety rules that apply to all:
- Take off the dog's collar before you put it in the crate since the collar could get caught and choke the dog.
- Provide your dog with toys and water while crated.
- Never leave a dog in a crate for more than four or five hours - it's cruel and unhealthy.
It is easy to take a beloved canine for granted and assume that since it's an animal, it will be content in confined and uncomfortable settings. However, the choice of a crate goes beyond mere comfort to your pet's safety and (potentially) survival. You should make your selection on a purchase accordingly.
About the Author: For information on pet supplies, seehttp://www.petsuppliestips.com, a popular site about needs for your beloved pet, such as alternative medicine for dogs -http://www.petsuppliestips.com/alternative-medicine-for-dogs.shtml, pet treatments, and many more!
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