At the risk of sounding like Scrooge before this Christmas Holiday, just a few thoughts if a dog or cat might be on someones "Wish List" for Santa.
As you can see on this site, I have a pound full of beautiful dogs...all of whom I would love to see in new home. But unlike that toy your child got two of, or that sweater that doesn't fit...there is a no return policy on the lives of these animals.
Each one of these wonderful animals has a very distinctive personality. Yes...personality. Because unlike that fuzzy sweater, these fuzzy critters have feelings, emotions, fears and needs...just like us. Most of them have been already been abandoned once. Once, all of these animals had a real home. Now, they just have each other...and of course me. But before you decide to take one of them, or some other little puppy or kitten home for Christmas, please take a moment and be sure of the following:
1. It is a good fit for the home? We all have different life-styles. Some of us are couch potatoes. Some of us are very active and always on the go. How will your new family member fit in to your schedule? Will it have a play-mate to keep it company when you are gone? Will it be to big , too small, shed too much or bark too much? Only you can tell, but you need to have it figured out before you take it home...not after it doesn't work out. Many people spend more time researching the next pair of shoes they will buy, than the animal that will live in their home for the next ten to fifteen years. For it's sake...and yours...be sure it's a good match.
2. Can you afford it? Shots, tags, food, dog houses, collars and toys. It adds up, just like with real children. Many people do not realize how expensive it can be to own a pet. A good quality dog or cat food is not cheap. And if the pet gets sick, just like with our two-legged children, those doctor bills can add up... fast! There are pet insurance policys for your pet, and they can be a very good investment. But many people these days cannot afford insurance for themselves, let alone their cat or dog. Most dogs will live an average of 10 to 15 years, with good care. That means regular vet care - spaying/neutering, booster shots, and yes, even dental care. So please, crunch the numbers. Be sure a pet is within the family budget. Remember, this is a living, breathing creature that has needs just like you do, in order to live a long & healthy life. Be sure you can meet those needs before you take it home.
3. Pound or Pet Store? Most everyone has heard of puppy-mills. To be very honest, in all my years of dealing with animals, rarely have I heard of wonderful success stories from people who purchased their new pet from a Pet Store. Unless it is a turtle or giant spider! In general, many pet stores purchase their animals from puppy-mills. Breeders who breed hundreds of Labs, or Dalmations, or Shepherds every year. Many are reputable, and provide the very best care for their animals. Many more however, do not. If you want a pure-bred dog or cat, I recommend a breeder who specializes in that one breed, and has verifiable paper work regarding the lineage of the father & mother, and is willing to produce any paper work you might ask to see, especially regarding veterinary care. If they balk at your request to view these documents, you should be warned! Most breeds of dogs have one or two genetic traits that you should be aware of before adopting. Hip displasia, eye problems, skin problems. Be sure you know what these potential problem areas are, and plan accordingly. In-breeding is common in many puppy-mills, and this can make these issues even worse, not to mention create new ones not mentioned here. Also, many breeders over-breed the parents of these puppies. If your potential breeder has only a single male and female, but they have 50 available puppies, you might want to keep looking!
How about those animals from the local shelter? True, they may not have a pedigree, but I have personally adopted all but one of my animals from a shelter. And to be very honest, I would have been proud ...and still am actually...to put any one of them up against a pedigreed dog for anything from temperment to intelligence. As you can see from this site, you can get some beautiful animals from a shelter. And with the money you save by not paying for that pedigree paper, you can even afford that obediance class you might have been thinking about!
And remember, every dog can be trained, no matter the age. True, an older dog may be more set in it's ways, but they are also usually more settled down, and thus, training them to new ways is actually easier in many respects.
So, before you decide to surprise little Jimmy with a new puppy this year, please, be sure this a gift that you are prepared for. With the proper thought and planning, this gift will keep giving you and your family ton's of love and enjoyment for many, many years to come! And unlike that itchy sweater from Grandma, this one will be much harder...if not impossible...to return for another gift!
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Happy Holidays...for pets too!
Wow! Thanksgiving already! And Christmas is just around the corner too! I can smell that Turkey already...and so can the pets! So, in the spirit of the upcoming Holiday season...just a few helpful reminders to keep this time of the year festive, and safe, for all!
Most dog owners are aware of the hazards of giving your dog chicken - and turkey - bones. For those that are not aware, just a reminder that giving your dog these types of bones can be very harmful to your pet. Chicken & turkey bones splinter, instead of breaking off in small chunks like say...a ham bone. These splinters can become wedged in your dogs throat, and choke it. Also, the splinters can even pierce the walls of the throat, causing internal bleeding and infection. The only way to remove these bones if they become lodged like this, is through surgery...and we all know how expensive any type of surgery can be, for human or pet! So, ham bones...good! Turkey legs or chicken legs...bad!
Mmmmmm! Stuffing! But...before you let Fido have a hearty helping, think about the ingredients of that stuffing. Does it have onions? Any garlic? If so, don't let Fido have any! If you have read a few of my previous articles, you may have noted the comments regarding the harmful effects of garlic and onions to your dog. If not, I encourage you to take a peek at some of the archived articles. Onions and garlic can not only make your pet very ill, but depending on the size & age of your pet, it could even be fatal! Might wanna stick with a small bowl of high grade dog food like Science Diet, and a little doggy gravy. The Iams dog food company puts out a number of different flavored sauces, that you can add to your dogs canned or dry food for a special Holiday treat. They do not need to refrigerated after they have been opened, so that is a big plus. And, they come in a number of tasty flavors, like Beef, Bacon & Chicken! They are specially designed for your pets, and have all the vitamins they need to keep their coats healthy...without being too rich for their systems like much of the people food might be! And hey...they even smell good too!
And what would the Holidays be without all the desserts! It would like McHale's Navy...without the fun! Ok...so maybe I'm dating myself! But we all know how tempting those festive Holiday dessert trays can be to us, and you had better be sure they will appeal just as much to our pets! Chocolate covered cherries, Bread Pudding (with raisins), pies or cookies with Macadamia nuts...all bad for Fido...and possibly even fatal. So please take the extra time to make sure the kids know these things are for peeps only...not pets!
We want to make our pets feel included in our Holiday festivities, and we definitely want the Holidays to remain a happy time for all. With the proper thought and planning, we can make this a reality for everyone...even Fido!
Most dog owners are aware of the hazards of giving your dog chicken - and turkey - bones. For those that are not aware, just a reminder that giving your dog these types of bones can be very harmful to your pet. Chicken & turkey bones splinter, instead of breaking off in small chunks like say...a ham bone. These splinters can become wedged in your dogs throat, and choke it. Also, the splinters can even pierce the walls of the throat, causing internal bleeding and infection. The only way to remove these bones if they become lodged like this, is through surgery...and we all know how expensive any type of surgery can be, for human or pet! So, ham bones...good! Turkey legs or chicken legs...bad!
Mmmmmm! Stuffing! But...before you let Fido have a hearty helping, think about the ingredients of that stuffing. Does it have onions? Any garlic? If so, don't let Fido have any! If you have read a few of my previous articles, you may have noted the comments regarding the harmful effects of garlic and onions to your dog. If not, I encourage you to take a peek at some of the archived articles. Onions and garlic can not only make your pet very ill, but depending on the size & age of your pet, it could even be fatal! Might wanna stick with a small bowl of high grade dog food like Science Diet, and a little doggy gravy. The Iams dog food company puts out a number of different flavored sauces, that you can add to your dogs canned or dry food for a special Holiday treat. They do not need to refrigerated after they have been opened, so that is a big plus. And, they come in a number of tasty flavors, like Beef, Bacon & Chicken! They are specially designed for your pets, and have all the vitamins they need to keep their coats healthy...without being too rich for their systems like much of the people food might be! And hey...they even smell good too!
And what would the Holidays be without all the desserts! It would like McHale's Navy...without the fun! Ok...so maybe I'm dating myself! But we all know how tempting those festive Holiday dessert trays can be to us, and you had better be sure they will appeal just as much to our pets! Chocolate covered cherries, Bread Pudding (with raisins), pies or cookies with Macadamia nuts...all bad for Fido...and possibly even fatal. So please take the extra time to make sure the kids know these things are for peeps only...not pets!
We want to make our pets feel included in our Holiday festivities, and we definitely want the Holidays to remain a happy time for all. With the proper thought and planning, we can make this a reality for everyone...even Fido!
Sunday, November 4, 2007
INSIDE OR OUTSIDE - WHICH IS BEST?
One of the eternal - and often more contentious - questions dog owners have, is over whether it is better to keep your dog inside, or outside. The short answer is - it depends! Whatever your personal choice turns out to be, here are a few things to consider you may not have thought of - at least not lately.
1. Training - The myth is that some dogs cannot be trained to become an indoor dog. The operative word here is "trained". For many dog owners, housebreaking a dog can be the most daunting of any training they will do. It can be very frustrating if not done correctly. Done properly, it can be done fairly quickly, and with minimal mess. It requires patience, committment, and consistency. It also requires an indoor crate in which to keep your dog during the training process. If this is the only reason you have kept Fido outside, come back next week for training tips that may help!
2. Outdoor Hazards - There are many. Other animals, weather, yard debris and parasites. Small dogs kept outdoors may fall victim to roaming predators such as coyotes. A small dog, chained up outdoors, has virtually little or no protection from a larger adversary such as a coyote. With winter coming, if you live in a more rural area where coyotes roam, you should bear in mind that if food becomes an issue, a coyote has no problem coming into your yard for an easy meal. A small dog staked out on the end of a chain is as easy as it gets!
Some breeds are not good outdoor dogs. A Rat Terrier for example may have a rough go of it in very cold weather. Their short hair and low body fat offers them little natural protection from inclement weather and cold temperatures. It should also be noted that some breeds were bred for the express purpose of being an indoor lap dog. Dogs that fall into the Miniature, & Toy categories, like Jack Russell, Rat Terrier, Chihuahuas were meant to be indoor dogs. If you want an outdoor breed, pick one that will have the proper size and coat to survive if weather is an issue where you live. Hardier breeds like Labs, Retrievers, Shepherds and Sheepdogs are some of the more common choices. If you keep any dog outdoors during the winter, be sure they have a dry and weatherproof dog house for shelter, preferably on a raised platform. All too often I see a dog chained in the yard after a driving rainstorm, standing in three or four inches of mud & muck. Even the inside of the dog house house is covered in mud & muck. Be sure to change the bedding inside the dog house regularly. In winter if it snows, and you use hay inside the dog house, it should be changed weekly to keep it dry & allow for maximum warmth.
Yard Debris - If you keep a dog chained up in your yard, be sure and police your yard regularly to ensure there is nothing your dogs chain or lead can become entangled with. Fallen tree branches, large toys such as bikes, or other items can cause the dogs lead to shorten, thus keeping it from being able to reach its shelter or food & water. And some of these items can also cause poking injuries to the eyes, or scratches which can later become infected.
Parasites - Fleas and ticks are the most common, but outdoor animals can also fall victim to stings from scorpions, spider bites and of course, mosquito bites. If you keep your dog outdoors, be sure to keep them on medication such as Heartguard to protect them from heartworms, and Frontline to protect them from fleas & ticks. Check them weekly at a minimum to be sure they have not been bitten or stung by anything else that may require Vet treatment. Remember, if the inside warmth of a dog house is attractive to your dog, it will also be attractive to other critters too!
3. Indoor Hazards - If you keep your dog inside, remember that like your two-legged kids, they also need protection from things like household cleaners. Just because it smells bad to us, don't assume they will find the odor equally offensive. And just like our human children, they will put anything & everything in their mouths! Coins, buttons...I even heard of a lady who had left a wrist watch with a nice new leather band on her end table. Her Poodle thought the new leather band tasted even better than it smelled, and somewhere during the whole chewing process, even managed to swallow her watch! Gave a whole new meaning to "Takes a licking, and keeps on ticking!".
4. Noise - How many times have you heard someone complain about a neighbors outdoor dog barking all night long, keeping them awake. Dogs bark for a variety of reasons. They bark because they are hungry, thirsty, bored or to warn of potential intruders - four legged as well as two legged. Also remember that our domestic dogs are descendants of the wolf - and we all know they love to howl at the moon! Really though, dogs also bark to communicate with other dogs in the neighborhood. They also bark if they are lonely. You can help curb this all night noise affair by making sure before you go in for the evening, they have a full water & food dish, a dry & warm place to sleep, and plenty of attention. Play with them late in the day, and wear them out a little. They will sleep better, and make a lot less noise at night.
In the end, it really comes down to personal preference. I prefer my dogs inside, lying next me on the couch, or sleeping at my feet. I don't believe that if you have a big dog for protection, you are protected very much when someone kicks in your front door, while "Killer" is chained up out back! Having said that, if you prefer your dog outside, and you provide for it's health & well being, I know many breeds that thrive on those conditions, and often prefer it. The key is picking the right dog for your personal situation. Having a Great Dane inside the house may pose a little more of a challenge than say, a Miniature Schnauzer, but it isn't impossible. Keeping that Great Pyranese outdoors may make a little more sense than say, that Toy Poodle. What makes it the best choice for you and your dog, depends mostly on how you train them if they are going to be inside, and how you provide for them if they will be outside.
And please remember. If you have that female unspayed Lab chained up outside, don't be one of those people who complain about all the unwanted male attention they get at three in the morning! Male or female, indoor or outdoor, your dog will be happier, heathier and yes, even quieter if they are spayed or neutered.
1. Training - The myth is that some dogs cannot be trained to become an indoor dog. The operative word here is "trained". For many dog owners, housebreaking a dog can be the most daunting of any training they will do. It can be very frustrating if not done correctly. Done properly, it can be done fairly quickly, and with minimal mess. It requires patience, committment, and consistency. It also requires an indoor crate in which to keep your dog during the training process. If this is the only reason you have kept Fido outside, come back next week for training tips that may help!
2. Outdoor Hazards - There are many. Other animals, weather, yard debris and parasites. Small dogs kept outdoors may fall victim to roaming predators such as coyotes. A small dog, chained up outdoors, has virtually little or no protection from a larger adversary such as a coyote. With winter coming, if you live in a more rural area where coyotes roam, you should bear in mind that if food becomes an issue, a coyote has no problem coming into your yard for an easy meal. A small dog staked out on the end of a chain is as easy as it gets!
Some breeds are not good outdoor dogs. A Rat Terrier for example may have a rough go of it in very cold weather. Their short hair and low body fat offers them little natural protection from inclement weather and cold temperatures. It should also be noted that some breeds were bred for the express purpose of being an indoor lap dog. Dogs that fall into the Miniature, & Toy categories, like Jack Russell, Rat Terrier, Chihuahuas were meant to be indoor dogs. If you want an outdoor breed, pick one that will have the proper size and coat to survive if weather is an issue where you live. Hardier breeds like Labs, Retrievers, Shepherds and Sheepdogs are some of the more common choices. If you keep any dog outdoors during the winter, be sure they have a dry and weatherproof dog house for shelter, preferably on a raised platform. All too often I see a dog chained in the yard after a driving rainstorm, standing in three or four inches of mud & muck. Even the inside of the dog house house is covered in mud & muck. Be sure to change the bedding inside the dog house regularly. In winter if it snows, and you use hay inside the dog house, it should be changed weekly to keep it dry & allow for maximum warmth.
Yard Debris - If you keep a dog chained up in your yard, be sure and police your yard regularly to ensure there is nothing your dogs chain or lead can become entangled with. Fallen tree branches, large toys such as bikes, or other items can cause the dogs lead to shorten, thus keeping it from being able to reach its shelter or food & water. And some of these items can also cause poking injuries to the eyes, or scratches which can later become infected.
Parasites - Fleas and ticks are the most common, but outdoor animals can also fall victim to stings from scorpions, spider bites and of course, mosquito bites. If you keep your dog outdoors, be sure to keep them on medication such as Heartguard to protect them from heartworms, and Frontline to protect them from fleas & ticks. Check them weekly at a minimum to be sure they have not been bitten or stung by anything else that may require Vet treatment. Remember, if the inside warmth of a dog house is attractive to your dog, it will also be attractive to other critters too!
3. Indoor Hazards - If you keep your dog inside, remember that like your two-legged kids, they also need protection from things like household cleaners. Just because it smells bad to us, don't assume they will find the odor equally offensive. And just like our human children, they will put anything & everything in their mouths! Coins, buttons...I even heard of a lady who had left a wrist watch with a nice new leather band on her end table. Her Poodle thought the new leather band tasted even better than it smelled, and somewhere during the whole chewing process, even managed to swallow her watch! Gave a whole new meaning to "Takes a licking, and keeps on ticking!".
4. Noise - How many times have you heard someone complain about a neighbors outdoor dog barking all night long, keeping them awake. Dogs bark for a variety of reasons. They bark because they are hungry, thirsty, bored or to warn of potential intruders - four legged as well as two legged. Also remember that our domestic dogs are descendants of the wolf - and we all know they love to howl at the moon! Really though, dogs also bark to communicate with other dogs in the neighborhood. They also bark if they are lonely. You can help curb this all night noise affair by making sure before you go in for the evening, they have a full water & food dish, a dry & warm place to sleep, and plenty of attention. Play with them late in the day, and wear them out a little. They will sleep better, and make a lot less noise at night.
In the end, it really comes down to personal preference. I prefer my dogs inside, lying next me on the couch, or sleeping at my feet. I don't believe that if you have a big dog for protection, you are protected very much when someone kicks in your front door, while "Killer" is chained up out back! Having said that, if you prefer your dog outside, and you provide for it's health & well being, I know many breeds that thrive on those conditions, and often prefer it. The key is picking the right dog for your personal situation. Having a Great Dane inside the house may pose a little more of a challenge than say, a Miniature Schnauzer, but it isn't impossible. Keeping that Great Pyranese outdoors may make a little more sense than say, that Toy Poodle. What makes it the best choice for you and your dog, depends mostly on how you train them if they are going to be inside, and how you provide for them if they will be outside.
And please remember. If you have that female unspayed Lab chained up outside, don't be one of those people who complain about all the unwanted male attention they get at three in the morning! Male or female, indoor or outdoor, your dog will be happier, heathier and yes, even quieter if they are spayed or neutered.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
