6 Tips to Raising a Healthy Companion Animal – Dr. Weil’s Tip

February 22, 2010 by · Leave a Comment

I just read the following tips from Dr. Weil’s website and thought them to be a worthwhile reminder.

Companion animals deserve our attention and affection just like other family members. As a caretaker, you can help reduce the risk of health concerns such as obesity, diabetes and heart disease in your pets with a few simple steps:

  • Daily walk or exercise. Our companions need to move and explore. Fresh air, new experiences and regular exercise all contribute to pet health.
  • Regular vet visits. Create a relationship with your vet, and stick to scheduled annual exams.
  • Pay attention to your animal(s). By taking in an animal, you make an unspoken agreement that you will provide for its emotional needs, as well as physical.
  • Spay or neuter, if you don’t have plans to breed your animals.
  • Feed a vital diet. If you want a healthy, vital companion, you must feed your pet canned or dry pet foods made from natural, whole foods. Dogs can also receive modest amounts of fresh fruit, vegetables, grains and proteins.
  • Maintain optimum weight. A healthy weight is indicated by being able to easily find your dog or cat’s backbone underneath its coat, but its ribs should not be visible. If you cannot feel ribs under its coat, you likely have an overweight animal that needs more exercise. Adjust their feeding routine to cut calories and move their weight in a healthy direction.

Source: Dr. Weil

Filed Under: Animals, Cats, Dogs, Pet Health, pets · Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Pets in search of Adoption

February 17, 2010 by · 2 Comments

There is a chronic need for pet adoptions daily. And fortunately some well known organizations and people are involved in bringing greater awareness of this need. This past weekend there was a “National Pet Adoption Weekend” sponsored by PetSmart Charities which was very successful.  More than 16,500 dogs, cats and small animals are no longer homeless.  The next adoption weekend is scheduled for April 30th-May 2nd, so mark your calendars!

Currently Martha Stewart is supporting the “Purina ONE Tour for Heroes”, February 3rd-26th. The “Tour” is stopping at local animal shelters to help pets in need with temporary food banks and adoption events.  From January 15th- March 31, 2010 go to MarthaStewart.com/pet-adoption find an adoptable pet and share it with Facebook friends. Each time you do, Purina ONE will donate $1 worth of pet food to food banks across the country to help feed pets in need (up to $50,000 worth of pet food). You can also help with pet adoptions through “Twitter a Critter”.

I received an email last week from a former neighbor who moved to Key West with her husband and dog, Kate. Unfortunately Kate passed away at the age of 12 about a month ago.  She lived a good full life and had loving parents. My friend Sue informed me that her husband, Bob just happened upon an adorable pup from a rescue in Miami. Sue still mourns the passing of Miss Kate but they now have an adorable pup named, Lucy. Not sure how anyone could resist Lucy!

I think everyday of how fortunate I am to have the gift of an animal companion. Miss Mia, my cat who is from a local animal shelter provides among other things unconditional love, companionship and demands for my time and attention. As other pet owners can attest to there are so many rewards to pet ownership. Having said that with the passing of Valentine’s Weekend perhaps those animal lovers who have considered getting a cat or dog would stop by at your local shelter and see if there is a cat or dog that tugs at your heart….

Other Resources:

Petfinder

American Kennel Club

Filed Under: Animals, Cats, Dogs, Pet Adoption · Tagged With: , ,

Who is the "Top Dog"?

February 4, 2010 by · Leave a Comment

The Holidays have come and gone…and Spring is just around the corner (I hope!).  Instances when many folks get a new dog or puppy. The following are some important steps to take ensuring that you in fact are the “Top DOG”.

1. Establish a routine of regular walks.  Discuss exercise regimen for your puppy with your vet.

2. Rules, boundaries and limitations are important mental exercises. Affection given is then perceived as a reward.

3. Maintain leadership role by walking out the door ahead of your dog.

4. Make sure your dog is behind or beside you, not in front of you while walking. You the owner are in command.

5. Give a command, like sit or down before sharing food, water, toys or affection.

6. As with a puppy’s mother having strict rules for behavior so should you the owner.  Be gentle but firm during bedtime if they leave their bed, whine or start chewing due to anxiety of being left alone.

7. Include money for unforeseen medical bills and training in your budget.

SOURCE The Dog Whisperer, by Cesar Millan

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Dental Hygiene for Pets at Home

February 3, 2010 by · Leave a Comment

This month of February is Pet Dental Health Month.  As with us humans the importance of dental hygiene for our beloved pets cannot be overemphasized. There should be awareness year round not just in February. Miss Mia (The Princess) of course is not thrilled with the prospect of me prying her mouth open. And I cant wait…yikes!

8 out of 10 pets over the age of 3 have periodontal disease. Warning signs are bad breath (dogs), tuna breath (cats of course), and discolored teeth. If not treated properly these warning signs can evolve into liver, kidney, heart and lung disease.

Dental hygiene is true maintenance for the health and well being of your pet. Think of it as preventative medicine prolonging their quality of life.  And in the long run saving on vet bills and your pet’s long term discomfort.

Filed Under: Cats, Dogs, Pet News, pets · Tagged With: , , , ,

Pets and Plunge in Temperatures

February 1, 2010 by · 1 Comment

It’s important to remember the safety and well-being of our pets during extreme drops in temperature. My cat, (Miss) Mia, “The Princess” has been non too pleased with the weather as of late. The combination over the past few weeks of freezing temps, rain, sleet and snow have gotten her in a twirl. But then there are my pooch pals who just love romping in the snow.

Whether you have a canine or a feline please consider the following:

1. Hazards of fur

Our furry friends are not insulated from extreme temps.  Toes, noses and ears are susceptible.  Short haired pets in particular are most vulnerable.  In door spaces need to be warm, dry and draft free with plenty of food and water.

2. Dressing for weather

Coats for cats during winter should be avoided.  Cats of course usually wont allow such an embarrassment.  That includes my Princess, Miss Mia.

Dogs should be monitored if wearing any apparel.  If their clothes get wet there is risk of frostbite, or suffocation while trying to wrangle out of wet clothing.

Puppies pads can quickly freeze after a short time. Salt strewn roads can irritate pooches paws by burning them.  If you want booties for protection try baby socks first.  And make sure dog boots are not too tight to prevent cutting off circulation resulting in frostbite.

3. Young’uns & Seniors

Kittens, puppies and older dogs and cats should be kept indoors.  They all lack the fat, metabolism, or the full fur coat they need to stay warm when temperatures plunge.

3. Cats and the cold weather

Miss Mia has been stir crazy as with other cats used to the great outdoors.  They require stimulation to include regular play, cat toys, trees and catwalks.

4. Outdoor only cats

When nighttime temps are below 40 degrees cats should be indoors. Although of course there are abandoned and feral cats.

#1 Some times cats will seek shelter under a car or in engine compartment as was recently reported.

#2 Anti-freeze is highly toxic and deadly

  • As with a child make sure your anti-freeze containers are securely closed and out of sniffing distance.
  • Is your car leaking anti-freeze?

#3 The days are fortunately getting longer but until Spring pooches should wear reflective collars and/or leashes.

#4 If your pet has eaten something toxic or harmful contact Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or your vet immediately.

For canine friends who spend much time outdoors: Care is like that of outdoor-only cats.

  • warm, dry, draft-free, covered shelter
  • check to make sure bedding in shelter is dry
  • keep water fresh & unfrozen
  • adequate food is available

In extreme weather your pet should be brought inside.

Potty breaks with deep snow and extreme temperature drops

  • Shovel a small area where the snow is not too deep
  • Purchase pet booties which also keep house cleaner
  • Wait by the door
  • Indoor options: pet pee pads, indoor pee patches, litter box training for smaller dogs

Be Aware of Signs for Hypothermia and Frostbite

  • violent shivering, followed by listlessness
  • weak pulse
  • lethargy
  • muscle stiffness
  • problems breathing
  • lack of appetite
  • rectal temperature below 98°F
  • coma
  • cardiac arrest

Hypothermia Treatment

Wrap your pet in a warm blanket or coat

  • Bring your pet into a warm room.
  • Mix four teaspoons honey or sugar dissolved in warm water to drink.
  • Place warm, towel-wrapped water bottles against your pet’s abdomen or at her armpits and chest, then wrap her in a blanket.
  • Call your veterinarian immediately.

Hypothermia can be avoided by maintaining a warm and dry shelter for pets when they are outside.

Frostbite Signs in Dogs and Cats

Frostbite occurs when a part of your pet’s body freezes.

Watch for:

  • pale, gray, or blue skin at first
  • red, puffy skin later
  • pain in ears, tail, or paws when touched
  • skin that stays cold
  • shriveled skin

Frostbite Treatment

  • Apply warm (not hot) water for at least 20 minutes to the frostbitten area; no hairdryers, heating pads, or electric blankets
  • Handle the affected areas very carefully; don’t rub or massage them as you could cause permanent damage.
  • Call your vet immediately.

Remembering these tips will help maintain health and well being of your pet during the winter months.

Sources: http://pets.webmd.com

http://www.aspca.org/

Filed Under: Cats, Dogs, Pet News, Pet Safety, pets · Tagged With: , , ,