Nov 14, 2016 | Pet Care
Heat Stroke
Caring pet owners already know how dangerous it is to leave their dogs in the car. However, leaving pets outdoors or in hot, unventilated, indoor places on hot summer days can also be extremely dangerous. What people forget is that their dogs cannot handle the heat the same as humans do. Dogs do not have sweat glands as humans do, except for a few on their feet. They do not perspire and can only rid their bodies of heat by panting, which is not enough when the temperature soars. (more…)
Oct 28, 2016 | Pet Care
Evaluating a dog food is a simple and straight-forward procedure of comparing certain characteristics of one food with those of other types of foods that are available to feed your dog. Regardless of whatever procedure you learn and use in order to effectively evaluate your dog’s needs should have enough built-in flexibility that innovative dog feeders can adapt it to best fit your own situation and further reduce their margin of error. (more…)
Sep 28, 2016 | Pet Care
If you and your pet are getting ready to move, follow these recommendations to keep your companion safe on moving day.
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Sep 14, 2016 | Pet Care
Bailey the Pitbull pup starts shaking or whimpering when someone puts on their socks. And though her cage is adorned with toys and blankets, she knows she will soon be going to her cage for the next 7 hours.
Mark, the wonder pug is actually a small rare breed who is very affectionate. He is still a puppy and is alone only 2 days a week for about 4 hours before he is walked by All For Dogs. He used to be lonely and would cry, that is until All For Dogs started his walks.<!–more>
Dogs are pack animals. When left in seclusion without other dogs, they tend to start having issues. They bark at dogs or people outside the windows. They might start chewing furniture, get aggressive, or develop certain quirks. There is help! There are DVDs out for dogs and cats home alone all day. Some owners say their pups get a kick out of watching Kitty Show or the 100-dog party in Dog-On Television.
The echoes of DogCatRadio.com can be heard at All For Dogs during the daytime and the pups have tuned their brains in and stress level out.
Harley The Hunter is an aggressive chewer with a few twitches. His parents left him out for 3 hours and he destroyed everything in the house under 4ft. Door frames, counter tops, garbage cans, dining room tables, chair legs, furniture… everything. Harley doesn’t have anxiety. The vets said he was just high energy and certain triggers will set him off. For example, if he sees a dog outside or if someone (UPS, FEDex, Neighbor, or villain) comes to the door, he doesn’t know how to release his energy. Not trying to sound like a sales pitch for these products, but once they started playing WGN Talk Radio(720AM) during the day, he calmed down. When at time strange voices might worsen dogs anxieties, it may fill as a calming white noise so they do not hear triggering sounds.)
Research shows that dogs ears are sensitive to higher frequencies and louder decibals than our own ears. Turning on the radio at a low volume or these specifically created dog stations will help relax your pup and give them something to tune their mind into while you are away.
Socialization is a stimulus for your dog. If you do not have the money or time to properly socialize your dog, do not let them be bored during the day and lost in their thoughts. “These may work for pets that are bored,” says Suzanne Hetts of Animal Behavior Associates in Littleton Colorado. “But leaving the TV on will not address the panic some animals experience when left alone.”
Here’s a few other doggietainments to check out:
- Dogtunes.com
- Dogcatradio.com
- Petpalsvideo.com
Aug 14, 2016 | Pet Care
Question:
Dear Dr. Richards,
I am a guide dog user who lives in Florida. As you know it gets extremely hot and humid here during the summer months. If I am working my dog outside during the day (which I do not really like doing but have to occasionally) what should I watch for in order to prevent heat stroke and are there any precautions, i.e. water that I can take. Thank you.
Gwen and Mia, SEGDI dog extraordinaire
“A dog has many friends because he wags his tail and not his tongue.”
— Anonymous —
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Jul 28, 2016 | Pet Care
For many kids, the family pet is their best friend—a companion who not only provides unconditional love, but who also teaches them about friendship, responsibility, loyalty, and empathy. While most family pets are cats and dogs, other animals can be wonderful additions to your home. Rabbits, hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, small birds, and fish can make great family pets, for instance, as long as they receive the specialized care they need. Even though these animals are smaller than a cat or dog, they require just as much attention and care.
The key to creating a true “family pet”—one who is gentle, loyal, and loving to both animals and people—is to treat the animal as a beloved family member and to provide the training and care he deserves. It’s not enough to get a pet “for the kids.” A pet is not a temporary playmate for children, but a lifelong family member who depends on the entire family, especially adults. (more…)
