The Importance Of Paying Attention To Your Pet

I was super-busy with work. I neglected daily attention and physical checking on my wonderful German Shepherd dog. For two days, I noticed blood spots on the kitchen floor where he habitually slept. On the third day, I finally woke up and checked my dog over. He was bleeding from his penis! Distressed and feeling very guilty, I rushed him to my vet. The vet ran some tests and diagnosed an enlarged prostate that had constricted his blood vessels. Immediately, I approved surgery on his enlarged prostate, and so far, two years later, he's been fine.

He didn't whine, he didn't growl, he didn't shriek in pain to alert me to his medical problem. I have no way of knowing how much pain it caused him. 
Since that horrible and very expensive incident, I've learned. These days, every day, I check him over head to toe for any signs of a medical problem. Everyone knows that early detection and a quick trip to their doctor can catch medical problems in themselves early, and give us a much better chance of nipping a problem in the bud.

Because our pets are often stoic and silent about medical problems that are causing them pain, it's up to us to spend the time and effort to check them over each and every day to detect any cause of pain or signs of problems.

What should you daily check include?

1. Eyes: are the eyes clear and alert?

2. Fur: is it soft and silky? Is your pet grooming himself/herself thoroughly? Does you pet smell good? Failure to groom and keep its fur silky and clean is a critical sign that your pet has a medical problem. For cats, a daily or weekly gentle brushing can make all the difference. For dogs, daily brushing may be required to keep high-maintenance long-haired breeds looking their best, but even short hair dogs benefit greatly from brushing. Check with your local pet store and ask them what is the best style grooming brush for my breed?

3. Check the paws. Are they strong and healthy? Do they have cracks or fissures?

4. Check the nails. Are they short from sufficient exercise? Are they split? Split nails can be very painful. A nail clipping at your groomers can cost only $6 and take only 3 minutes. It's worth it to get their nails professionally clipped to stave off painful splits and breaks.

Springtime Pet Safety

Now that you've made it through the winter you'll be anxious to get outside with your pet and start your springtime activities. Everything from gardening to cleaning is on the list as you prepare to get out and about. Your pet will appreciate the nice weather too as he gets to spend more time outdoors. While you may enjoy welcoming this great weather don't forget about the hazards to your pet that may come with it. A little foresight and prevention can go a long way in having an enjoyable spring.

Spring has Sprung

The best part of spring is the opportunity to replant the garden and make your lawn beautiful. Do a little research before planting your flowers as some springtime plants can be harmful to your pets. Azaleas, rhododendrons and particularly Easter lilies are toxic to pets and can make them sick. Fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides that keep your plants green can also make your pets ill. If possible, find non-chemical solutions for keeping your plants and pets healthy.

Cleaning Up and Home Improvement

Another spring ritual that presents some issues is spring cleaning. Those household cleaners can be harmful to your pet, just like outdoor chemicals. Use them sparingly and store them where inquisitive pets can't get to them easily. Follow the instructions on the label to make sure you're using them correctly. Along with cleaning, home improvement is also popular during this time of year. Be mindful of staples, paints, nails and insulation that your pet can swallow or hurt themselves with.

Allergies

Just like people, pets can have allergies too. Pets that are allergic to pollen will have runny noses and will have itchy ears and noses. Skin allergies are possible if your pet gets into some deep vegetation. Itchy skin, licking at the base of the tail and paws are signs of allergies and can cause a rash. Your vet can give you recommendations on what to do if your pet needs relief.

Outdoor Pests

Your pet isn't the only one looking forward to going outside in the spring -- so are fleas and ticks. Talk to your vet about preventive measures you can take to make sure your pet isn't affected by these little creatures. Even if your pet has been treated, they may still carry fleas and ticks in to the house where they can make your life miserable. If you find a tick on your pet, remove it or have a vet take a look.

Spring Holidays

There are many celebrations that take place this time of year that present safety issues. Easter chocolates, fake grass, and decorations can cause poisoning or intestinal tract blockage if ingested. Be mindful of where you keep these items and warn those celebrating with you of the potential dangers. Many people also buy Easter pets such as chicks and baby bunnies. Have a plan of what you'll do with these animals after the celebration is over. A novelty for a one day celebration may become a hefty commitment.

Where Did You Go?

Now that you're out and about, make sure your pet can be properly identified if they decide they want to explore on their own. Lost pets need ID tags with current information on them and microchip information needs to be up to date. Keep a current photo of your pet for easy identification or in case you have to make flyers.

Springtime can be fun and exciting. With safety in mind, it can be enjoyable for everyone.

Tips for Dogs and Cats on Cold Weather

1. A fur coat doesn't mean your pet can't get cold- While most pets do have a nice fur coat to help keep them warm, remember that they can still get cold just like we do. When dealing with cold weather, make sure that your pet is never exposed to very low temperatures for too long. Keep the following in mind:

- Never leave a pet in your car during the winter.
- Keep your kitty inside. Cats can freeze in very low temperature weather, or can be exposed to dangerous diseases and situations they wouldn't normally face.
- Don't leave your dog outside in the yard for extended periods.
- Never shave your dog down to the skin during the winter.
- Make sure your pet has a warm place to sleep when at home.
- Puppies, elderly dogs, small dogs, or dogs with very short hair may benefit from a coat or sweater if they will be exposed to cold weather on long walks or outings.

2. Watch out for kitty- Outdoor cats often hide themselves in car engine compartments or other areas that could pose a danger if you're not paying attention. Banging on your car hood before starting the engine, honking, or otherwise giving a neighborhood cat a chance to escape is recommended during cold weather.

3. Wipe your paws- It's important to make sure that you wipe down your furry pal after any outdoor time in the snow or ice. In addition to drying your pet and helping to keep them warm, wiping your pet down will help remove salt and harmful chemicals used on roads and sidewalks in the winter. It will also help prevent their paws from cracking or bleeding due to packed snow/ice.

4. Keep 'em fed- Make sure your pup gets enough food in the winter. Just like humans, dogs will often exert extra energy on long walks in the cold, or play time in the snow. A little extra protein will go a long way towards a happy, healthy pup in the cold weather. Keep an eye on your dog's water dish, as well, to make sure they are getting plenty of hydration, and to ensure their water bowl hasn't frozen if left outside.

5. Don't let Fido off the leash- Dogs can become lost or disoriented in snowy conditions that impede their sense of smell. If lost, dogs will also often find warm hideaways for shelter that end up trapping them. Make sure you keep your pup close, particularly in a snowstorm.

5 Things You Need To Know When Travelling With A Cat

1. Your cat must be used to wearing a harness and having a leash attached to her at all times. Granted, you won't be walking your cat like the family dog, but the harness is still an important safety measure while you are travelling. It's not wise to rely on collars as cats can get their head through just about anything you put around their necks.

2. When packing, make sure to include the litter box as well as your cat's brand of cat litter. These are comforting items to your cat, and will help her to understand that this new location is where she can feel safe and comfortable. New brands of litter, when introduced abruptly, can not only upset a cat, but cause urinary infections, so make sure the brand is the same for your cat's comfort.

3. You'd also want to bring your cat's favourite toys along on the trip. Like the litter box, toys are a sign of home to your feline. Having her favourite mouse and her best scratching post available will be another way that your cat knows this new place is home for the time being and will give them a sense of security with these familiar items.

4. Remember to always bring plenty of food and water from home before you head out. Changing food or water abruptly may cause an upset stomach. Your family vacation won't be very much fun if everyone is worried because the cat is unwell. This simple precaution will assist you to avoid a lot of stress.

5. When travelling with a cat, it's important that you call ahead to make sure that the accommodation you have booked is welcoming to felines. Most of the time, the term "pet friendly" refers to dogs only, and special arrangements have to be made before you confirm that your cat will be coming along for the trip. Unfortunately, it's not safe to assume your cat will be welcome.

Tips For Exercising Dogs On Beaches

A beach is indeed a great chance for your dog to get needed exercise and explore a world that he does not get to see or experience every day. While we recommend taking your pet to a fun-filled day at the beach, we want you to be aware that dogs on beaches do not commonly behave in the same manner as dogs in parks. You will need to take several precautions while you and your dog are out on the sand.

Like any park you would take your dog to, before you arrive, you need to make sure that the beach you are heading off to is indeed a pet-friendly area. There are some beaches that don't allow dogs, mostly for sanitary and safety reasons. Before you get too excited and rush off to take your pet to have fun at the beach, it would be a great idea to do your homework first: do thorough research to make sure it is indeed dog friendly. Taking your beloved pet to a place where he doesn't belong can net you a hefty council fine - not to mention an embarrassing exit from the beach.

When you have dogs on beaches, it is really important that you remain alert and keep your pet near you at all times. Even if your dog is familiar with swimming alone in the waters, an unexpected wave or rip can easily take them out to the open sea. Watch out for local wildlife getting near your dog as well. You would not want your curious pup to meet their first jellyfish or crab while you are at the other end of the beach and too far away to help when he's in trouble. If the beach is filled with adults, children, and their beloved pets, keep your dog leashed for the comfort and safety of others, and always be ready to clean up after your dog.

Tips For Transporting Pets The Next Time You Move

1. Try to keep your stress level to a minimum. While this may be easier said than done, taking a few minutes to play with your pet and reassure them that everything's okay will go a long way in keeping your pet calm.

2. Create a safe area for your pet, which is undisturbed until necessary. Keep a small section of the house your moving from untouched until the last possible minute. This will provide a "safe haven" for your pet. When you arrive at your new location, set up a small area as a new "safe haven" for them.

3. Keep feeding times the same. This will help maintain the routine that you have already established with your pet and keep their lives as normal as possible. Also, be sure to use the same food. A sudden change in diet can sometime make your pet sick.

4. Keep strangers away from your pets. Oftentimes a moving company is hired to help move families from one location to another. Try to limit their interactions with your pets.

5. Pack your pet a travel bag. This can be especially helpful if you are moving a long distance. Pack their food, water, feeding dish and any medications. This will also reduce your stress, trying to locate all of these items during the move.

Seven Tips for Keeping Your Dog Warm in the Winter

1) Consider adopting a cold weather dog. 
If you don't have a dog yet and you live in a cold climate, you could consider getting a dog that is bred to handle well and enjoy cold weather. Alaskan malamutes, Siberian huskies, and chow chows are great dogs for cold climate dwellers.

2) House your dog indoors. 
Even though you may keep your dog outside when the weather is nice, you may not want to do this when it's cold. Housing your dog inside the house is the best way to keep him warm during the winter.

 

3) Pet jackets and sweaters. 
It might sound silly, but there are cute garments like jackets and sweaters you can purchase to keep your pets warm; there is even waterproof clothing you can put on them for play time in the snow.

4) Invest in proper outdoor housing. 
If your dog absolutely has to spend a lot of time outdoors, make sure he has proper shelter. Consider getting a doghouse with a sloped roof, insulation and possibly a heater (make sure the heater is 100% safe and meant for being run outdoors).

5) Soft bedding off the floor. 
Keep your dog warm by placing soft bedding a few inches off the cold floor.

6) Make sure he's getting enough food. 
Some dogs burn more calories during the winter while they're trying to stay warm. This may make him hungrier, so feed him a little more in the winter months if it seems he needs it.

7) Don't forget to give him attention. 
Nothing keeps a dog warmer than a caring, playful, and attentive owner. Make sure you don't forget about your pet if you put him outside, and when the weather is really cold, let him stay inside.