BOOMER’S TURNING TO GRANDPUPPY LOVE.

      More American households these days have dogs at home as opposed to children. With birth rates down in the US, and young adults having fewer children, and for many, later in life, boomer parents are turning their love during the absence of grandkids to another well deserving group; Man’s best friend.

Want unconditional love? Companionship? Want a  death-do-you-part devoted friend? These are the blessings that we all know and love about the dog’s in our life, past and present.

See video: "Grandpuppy Love" on CBS.

http://alturl.com/te6pi

Please... Don't Get a Dog!  Not everyone is cut out to be a dog owner. And those who stumble blindly into the relationship... or with unrealistic expectations about what it takes to raise a healthy dog... often wind up banishing their pet to a lonely backyard existence. Or worse. Learn why "outside dogs" make miserable pets... and see if you have what it takes to be a responsible dog owner.

Emergency Pet Care:

Unfortunately, accidents do happen. When a medical emergency befalls our furry friends, pet parents may find it difficult to make rational decisions, especially if something occurs during the middle of the night. That’s why it’s crucial to have an emergency plan in place—before you need it.  Here's how............

How Do I Find 24-Hour Emergency Care for My Dog?

Talk to your veterinarian about an emergency protocol. Does your vet provide 24-hour service or does he or she work with an emergency clinic in the area? Some practices have multiple veterinarians on staff who rotate on-call services after hours. Check to see if your primary care vet has partners who might answer an emergency call.

It’s also a smart idea to keep the name, number and address of your local emergency pet-clinic tacked to the refrigerator or stored in your cell phone for easy access.

When Does My Dog Need Emergency Care?

Your dog may need emergency care because of severe trauma caused by an accident or a fall, choking, heatstroke, an insect sting, household poisoning, or other life-threatening situation.

What Are Some Signs That My Dog Needs Emergency Care?

•  Pale gums

•  Rapid breathing

•  Weak or rapid pulse

•  Change in body temperature

•  Difficulty standing

•  Apparent paralysis

•  Loss of consciousness

•  Seizures

•  Excessive bleeding

What Should I Do if My Dog Needs Emergency Care?

Dogs who are severely injured may act aggressively toward their pet parents, so it’s important to first protect yourself from injury. Approach your dog slowly and calmly; kneel down and say his name. If the dog shows aggression, call for help. If he’s passive, fashion a makeshift stretcher and gently lift him onto it. Take care to support his neck and back in case he’s suffered any spinal injuries.

Once you feel confident and safe transporting your dog, immediately bring him to an emergency care facility. It’s also a smart idea to ask someone—a friend or family member—to call the clinic, so the staff expects you and your dog.

What Are Some First Aid Treatments I Can Perform on My Dog?

Most emergencies require immediate veterinary care, but first aid methods may help you stabilize your pet for transportation.

•  If your dog is suffering from external bleeding due to trauma, try elevating and applying pressure to the wound.

•  If your dog is choking, place your fingers in his mouth to see if you can remove the blockage.

•  If you’re unable to remove the foreign object, perform a modified Heimlich maneuver by giving a sharp rap/push to the chest, which should dislodge the object, .

Should I Perform CPR on My Dog?

CPR may be necessary if, you remove the object your dog is choking on, but he is still unconscious. First check to see if he’s breathing. If not, place him on his side and perform artificial respiration by extending his head and neck, holding his jaws closed and blowing into his nostrils once every three seconds. (Ensure no air escapes between your mouth and the dog’s nose.) If you don’t feel a heartbeat, incorporate cardiac massage while administering artificial respiration—three quick, firm chest compressions for every respiration—until your dog resumes breathing on his own.

What Should I Do If My Dog Eats Something Poisonous?

If you suspect your pet has ingested a toxic substance, please call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center’s 24-hour hotline at (888) 426-4435. 

Trained toxicologists will consider the age and health of your pet, what and how much he ate, and then make a recommendation—such as whether to induce vomiting—based on their assessment.
For more on pet first aid.....

The First Aid Companion book for Dogs & Cats (Prevention Pets) [Paperback]

Guide For New Dog Owners:

Getting acquainted with your new family member

and understanding their needs.

You‘ve decided you want a loving and faithful companion, one that exhibits unconditional love, devotion, and friendship. Should you search for a puppy, or rescue a shelter dog? There are issues to consider for either.

Mature Shelter Dogs:

Many people adopt a truly grateful shelter dog, and soon after, may either regret their decision, or return the animal. This is usually a result of not choosing the right animal, or of not being aware of what to expect when bringing Fido home. By adopting the right dog, one that can adapt to your lifestyle and fit into your family‘s expectations is critical. Receiving prior introduction to the pros, and cons of choosing the right dog and what to expect when placed in your home can make your decision to keep and cherish your new companion, a most joyful and lasting relationship. 
If your are thinking of adopting a mature dog,  remember that they have lived with others and may have adopted some bad habits or, may have been abused, mistreated, chained up, or generally neglected. Some may be none of the above, and are calm and loving from a caring previous owner. Knowing what to expect before you choose a dog will hopefully prepare you for the few tough times until the dog matures into your acceptable standards. Many people return dogs because they simply were never prepared for such responsibility, or degree of tolerance and commitment. 

Many shelters will allow you to spend some time, and take dogs for walks around the grounds before you commit to that special one. It is a great way to get acquainted, and you’ll soon know if this dog is the one for you. Please remember that, unhappy pet owners are prone to abuse and neglect of their dog. A dog is a precious living being with emotional feelings. Please make a wise choice before you commit to a loving companion.

Helping you choose the perfect dog for you.
There is nothing more rewarding and fulfilling than receiving unconditional love, loyalty and affection from your special canine friend and companion. The gender of the dog you choose should definitely be considered. Men will usually find that: 

• Male Dogs are normally more of the MACHO character type, that traditionally   
   likes to play rough, and is not usually afraid of anything. At first.

• Female dogs however, are somewhat more suited to the ladies due to their more  

   sensitive nature, and are traditionally more timid and cuddly.

Dogs are also responsible for bringing comfort, companionship, healing, and happiness to their owner/s who may often be devoid of these simple pleasures. A special relationship exists that goes far beyond just sharing a home together. It’s proven that many health benefits can be derived from our happy-go-lucky furry companions such as, reducing stress, anxiety, including stress related conditions such as depression, heart attacks, anxiety, and even blood pressure.

Puppies:

If you bring a puppy home (3 to 14 mos. old), they will require much more patience, understanding, commitment, and a lot of forgiveness. House training will be your first priority. Those initial days before they are full potty-trained can be exasperating. During the house-breaking period, and when you’re away, a simple new device called the "Potty Patch," that looks like a patch of grass with a catch-tray beneath, will help keep your home safe from unwanted accidents. 

Dog's desperately want to please you, so a little effort and patience will produce happy results. Don’t expect them to understand why you’re angry at their puppy-misdeeds of mess & destruction. It’s easy to get discouraged when returning home only to find your shoes/clothes or other household items chewed up or otherwise damaged beyond repair. This is common with young bored unattended dogs, especially puppy’s. The teething process  (usually from 6 mos. to 14 mos.) can be infuriating for dog owners. Being aware of your dogs needs and teething habits can save a lot of grief, and  including your relationship. 

If your pup is chewing-up your home while you sleep, or your auto while unattended, a simple muzzle gently slipped over their snout during these times will do wonders for your relationship. And, by simply affording them a few minutes of calm, patient training each day will also quickly pay-off. It doesn’t take long, as dog's are always eager to please you. Unruly dogs are usually a result of an owner that has not engaged his companion in a few simple training exercises.  Like children, you pup is a reflection of you. You need to spend the time. Think of it as fun time, and you will be proud of how you pup will amaze strangers, rewarding you with its obedience. 

Spanking or punishing a pup or any dog will only confuse the animal, and is usually more painful to yourself.  However, if you absolutely must give them a love spank, a rolled-up newspaper will not harm the animal but will make a heck of a lot of noise, and scare them to pieces. 

While you’re away:

Find a safe-secure-dog-run or area, out of the weather where your pup can‘t escape while you’re away. Dogs are dedicated great masters of escape. They can climb fences, dig under them, and vacate an area that you'd likely have difficulty escaping from yourself. Look for a safe haven, and provide a clean non-spill bowl of drinking water that will not spill or turn over. An area that will humanely contain your pup so it does not destroy your possessions, and send you into a return-this-beast rage. You‘ll most likely feel that it’s a lot easier to return the animal rather than put up with the destruction, clean-up and tolerance required with a mischievous pup. It will all eventually pass, and you’ll be left with a loving, and grateful friend.

Behavioral problems can also be health related. Make sure your pet has a complete medical exam once a year, or anytime you are unsure of your dog’s immediate health.

Prepare for disaster. 

Have a plan for you pet in the event of a disaster, ie., fire, hurricane, flood, tornado, auto breakdown, etc. Have an emergency travel bag for your pet, as well as for yourself. Include everything you’ll both need in case of an extended emergency situation. Plan ahead for your pets future in case something happens to you. Remember, you have to think for your pet and keep him out of harms way. Always look ahead for potential danger when with your dog, and  anticipate dangerous situations as you see them evolving ahead of you. Think for your dog since they can’t do it for themselves. They are entrusted in you. You are their custodial guardian.

      The Humane Society of the United States recommends these 
                               7 Steps To A Happier Pet

•  Make sure your pet always wears an ID Tag to enable him to be    

     returned to you if lost. Losing your pet can be a demoralizing, 

     and heart breaking experience.

•  To prevent animal behavioral problems, make sure you enroll 

     your new puppy or dog in behavioral training classes.   

•  Animal behavioral problems can be health related. Make sure

    your pet has a complete medical exam by a veterinarian at

    least once a year.

•  Prepare for disaster. Make sure you have a plan for your pet

     in the event of a hurricane, tornado, fire or flood.

•  Plan for your pet‘s future in case something happens to you

    

•  Learn how to avoid dog bites, and how to prevent your dog 

     from biting, by going to  www.NoDogBites.org.

•  Have a heart, be smart and make sure your pet is spayed or

     neutered.

    For more great tips on pet care and ownership visit www.humanesociety.org.

Please be aware that it is cruel, and also unsafe to leave your dog in the car, or the bed of a pick-up truck on hot summer days, or inclement weather, and especially without a clean non-spill bowl of water. Many animals perish yearly from heat-stroke, and many states have adopted laws prohibiting this sort of inhumane cruelty with severe fines and including jail time.

Report instances of animal cruelty and abuse to your local authorities.

Contact your elected officials and let them know that you expect them to pass stronger laws to protect our precious and loving animal friends.

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Traveling With Your Dog:

Bring along any health vaccine certificates you may have for your dog including rabies certificates. Bring extra medication in case they need be refilled. If you give your dog tranquilizers, be aware of side effects, and know the dose range for your pet. Keep your pet safe while traveling, and use a dog harness attached to the seat belt or use a pet carrier with a locking door. It’s estimated that 200,000 dogs are killed yearly from falling out of truck beds and auto windows.

A carrier should be large enough for the animal to stand up and lie down.

Dogs need more water while traveling and require to be let out to stretch and relieve themselves every few hours. A clean non-spill bowl of water is recommended. 
If traveling out of the country, are there quarantines or other restrictions at your destination, and what type of documentation will be required?

Walk your dog and feed a light meal a few hours before departing. Do not introduce a new food if they are not eating.

These and other travel tips are in the AAA Pet Book, “Traveling With Your Pet,” a yearly-updated publication that lists many pet-friendly accommodations. 

Air Travel with you dog:

Many airlines have imposed new restrictions for passengers with pets. Most airlines now will only book you with your pet on non- 

stop flights.

This way you have less chance of having your pet put on the wrong connecting flight.

Remember that the temp. on the tarmac can get to extremes if the flight is delayed, and the temp. at heights that airlines fly is usually 40-50 degrees below zero. Cargo holds, where pets are located, are heated providing the equipment is functioning properly.

It’s a good idea to leave food or snacks, and a clean non-spill bowl of water in the transport carrier, or a simple baggie with ice cubes if nothing else is available.

Check with your air carrier for all restrictions way before your travel date to make preparations well prior to departure.  

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        Thank You For Being A Responsible Pet Owner!

  
                          A DOG'S PRAYER

Treat me kindly, my beloved master for no heart in the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me.
Do not break my loving spirit with a stick, for I lick your hand between the blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me do.

                                         

Speak to me often, for your voice is the world's sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footstep  falls upon my waiting ear.

When it is cold and wet, please take me inside, for I am now a domesticated animal, no longer used to bitter elements. And I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth. Though had you no home, I would rather follow you through ice and snow than rest upon the softest pillow in the warmest home in all the land, for you are my god, and I am your devoted worshiper.

Please keep my bowl filled with fresh water, for although I would not reproach you were it dry. I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst.

Feed me clean food, that I may well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side, and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life should you be in danger.

And beloved master, should the Great Master see fit to deprive me of my health or sight, do not turn me away from you. Rather hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands grant me merciful reward of eternal rest.... and I will leave you knowing with the last breath I drew, my fate was ever safest in your loving hands.

         

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