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
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.
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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.....
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.
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
• 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
• Have a
heart, be smart and make sure your pet is spayed or
neutered.
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.
Pet PottyPotty Patch
