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by CS Swarens
Bringing a new puppy home is exciting, but there are many potential hazards both inside and outside of the home that could harm your puppy. Therefore, it is important to identify these hazards and to take steps to remove them in order to keep your beloved pet safe, happy, and healthy.
The Great Outdoors
There are numerous potential hazards in your yard. Certain plants, for example, may be poisonous to your pet. Some common outdoor plants that can be toxic to your puppy include daffodils, lily of the valley and rhododendron. Similarly, until your puppy learns its boundaries, be certain to keep a close eye on your new pet so it does not go out into the street or fall into your pool or pond. Puppies are curious and, if you have a pool or pond, they will likely want to explore it further. Fence these areas off so your puppy cannot access them. You may also want to purchase a pool alarm, which will sound if something falls into the water of your pool.
Storage Buildings
Garages and other storage buildings can potentially be filled with dangers to your pet. These dangers can include chemicals, such as items for your automobiles and gardens, to equipment such as fishing lines and hooks that may be stored outside. Be certain to keep these outdoor buildings shut and locked so your puppy cannot get inside and into these dangerous items.
Medication
When your puppy is indoors be sure to keep your medication inaccessible. Both over-the-counter drugs and prescription medications can be potentially lethal to your puppy. Be sure to keep all medications out of reach and recognize that puppies will look at pill bottles as a potential chew toy.
Indoor Plants
Indoor plants can pose just as much of a problem as outdoor plants. In fact, many common household plants are toxic to puppies. So, keep your plants out of reach in order to keep your puppy safe.
Ashtrays
If you are a smoker, be certain to keep your ashtray out of reach of your puppy as well. The cigarettes and the ashes in your ashtray can be lethal to your puppy, as they contain toxic nicotine. Never leave your cigarette butts in an ashtray where they can be reached by a curious puppy and keep your packs of cigarettes stored in an out of reach area.
Indoor Chemicals
Just as there are many chemicals that need to be properly stored outside, there are several indoor chemicals that can cause problems for your puppy. Cleaning products, for example, need to be kept out of reach or kept locked up so your puppy cannot access them. To keep your puppy from getting inside cupboards, attach safety latches to the doors.
While no home is 100% safe for a puppy, by taking certain steps and some precautionary measures, you can make certain your home is as safe as possible for your new canine friend. That way, you can enjoy a long and happy life together with your new pet.
About the Author
CS Swarens is the CEO of Find a Pet Online. 800 998-7065
For additional information on dogs, cats, birds, horses, and exotic pets visit the internet's resource for puppies for sale.
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Cut Veterinary Fees by Up to 90%!
by Annie Venter
The crises is over at last, and now I have to deal with 5 normal dogs that I did not initially intend to have. Now I cannot separate them -not after all we have been through!
I discovered that commercial dog food were BAD for my sick pups. I could not afford the medicinal foods at the vet! And I cannot believe that food that is PRESERVED in tins is HEALTHY!
I started to experiment with home-made foods and raw foods, fruits and vegetables, adding Herbs and some spices. Through trial and error - being very attentive to any slight change in spirit, to make adjustments - I managed to bring them through. No conventional medication! The last time I tried, was when my one pup had severe spasms so that he could not stand up straight, his hind legs past his head, staggering and falling all over the place! I rushed to the vet, and was sent HOME BECAUSE I DID NOT HAVE AN APPOINTMENT! You can imagine, in tears, how I vowed NEVER to use a vet again. I realise that not all vets are the same, and if my dog breaks a bone, I probably would have it splintered professionally.
My two BLIND pups, gradually started to see - Today at 10 months - they see as if they were never blind! (I should actually take them back to the vet- just to show him!)
Now I feel that I must share the fact that natural foods are HEALTHY for your dog. If it could make my pups see and cure EVERY AILMENT which killed 2 other pups, then I CANNOT BE WRONG!. Tests showed NOTHING! The cause is still unknown. Well I treated the immune system and the body's need for nutrients and their bodies did the rest.
Food is supposed to sustain them. I found a book that deals with the secrets of caring professionally for dogs, including training, understanding the dog's language, instincts and Dominance factors. How to leave them alone when at work, how to house train and HOW TO FEED and also TREAT your dog AT HOME at a fraction of the cost of a veterinarian.
My dogs are living proof that correct feeding - avoiding commercial foods AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE, is inducive to a healthy life for your DOG.
http://goldannie1.mrtwist.hop.clickbank.net/?tid=ANNIEV
About the Author
Owner of 5 dogs - all of them Chanteur Rottweilers. You can believe that I want my dogs to be healthy, happy and trained! Veterinary fees have nearly ruined me duringa specific innoculation crises, and the long road to health thereafter. One pup died in my arms! It was a small litter (6) and three survived - damaged - originally.
South Coast Today - By DON CUDDY
Longtime downtown shopkeeper sees eviction as new beginningTwo men arrested for attempted car burglary in downtown New BedfordMan apprehended following slow-speed chasePoor economy forces painful parting with petsState police investigate fatal highway crash in New BedfordWestport police arrest two suspects for vandalizing, robbing vehiclesMotorcycle run to benefit Acushnet man with rare disease With the national economy faltering and many SouthCoast residents struggling to make ends meet, some animal owners are being forced to make the wrenching decision to give up their pets, according to staff at local animal shelters.
Faced with rising costs for basic necessities such as food, fuel and heating oil, they no longer have the money to care for their beloved pets.
In Dartmouth, Melinda Ventura, director of the Humane Society and Shelter SouthCoast, said her office has been taking calls from worried owners every day.
"I've been here 20 years and I've never seen this before," she said. "I'd say we are getting five or six pets every month, dogs and cats, but mostly cats, from people saying that they can't keep their pets."
People are forced to give up their pets for reasons related, directly or indirectly, to the slowdown in the economy, she said.
"I've had people say they can't afford to keep their pet when they are worried that they can't heat their house," she said. "A lot of times, too, it's people in apartments that are sold and the new owner either puts the rent up or doesn't want pets, so they have to move. Finding a new place that's pet friendly and affordable can be difficult, too."
Some of those calling for information simply say they can no longer afford the cost of keeping a pet.
"There are a lot of variables in terms of cost," Ms. Ventura said. "It depends on the pet's size and needs, but the annual vet bill is definitely going to be at least $200 and food would cost more than that so I would say maybe $500 a year."
At the Faxon Animal Rescue League of Greater Fall River, the story is much the same. Melinda Lubetz, executive director, who has been at the shelter for seven years, said the numbers of pets there are increasing.
"It's not just because we are getting more animals coming in but we are also seeing a downturn in the number of adoptions," she said. "Some pets come from people who have lost homes and are moving to apartments or people who have had to downsize apartments. Some people's finances are just so tight that they can't afford to feed their pet, especially large dogs. You do worry that there will be more. It's certainly the worst it's been in my time here. But it's the worst time for all of us if you look at what is happening in the financial markets."
The Faxon shelter does not euthanize healthy, adoptable animals, however, Ms. Lubetz said.
"If there is a case of hardship, we might euthanize an older sick dog that we don't want to see suffer. It might cost up to $200 to have a veterinarian do that," she said. "But we don't put a time limit on healthy animals staying here."
At Forever Paws in Fall River, a no-kill shelter that has a contract with the city of New Bedford to pick up homeless and stray animals, staff member Liz Tidwell said they have reached capacity.
"We are all in the same boat. People are coming here in tears saying they have to surrender their pet. We don't ask personal questions, but we assume it's foreclosure or people losing their apartments. We have around 80 cats here at the moment.
"We are offering a discount this month on kittens. Normally it's $90 to adopt one, but if you take two, it's $110."
Pets available for adoption can be viewed online on its Web site at foreverpaws.com, Ms. Tidwell said.
While not all pet owners will face the necessity of giving up their animals, the poor economy is still having an effect upon them, according to Wendy and Peter Renaghan, who operate Denise's Pet Care Center in Mattapoisett.
"Our pet grooming business is off 50 percent this year," Mr. Renaghan. "People are still coming in but they are spacing it out more."
Customers are economizing in other areas beside grooming.
"People used to buy dog food, a treat and a toy," Ms. Renaghan said. "Now it's pet food and out the door."
If you or any pet owner you know is in danger of losing a home through foreclosure, there are people and organizations out there to help care for any animals involved.
As animal shelters struggle to keep up with growing numbers of abandoned pets during the real-estate downturn, the World Wide Pet Industry Association, a non-profit that promotes responsible pet care, has put together a list of tips:
• Concentrate on finding a rental apartment or house that allows pets. More and more rentals are accepting tenants with animals because pets are owned by over 70 million Americans. Check out local online city guides that may have lists by community of pet-friendly rentals.
• Rescue groups often maintain lists of foster homes that might temporarily take in your dog or cat while you are transitioning.
• Place ads online or in local newspapers offering your pet for adoption. This will give you the opportunity to place your animal in a home that will be appropriate and loving.
• Talk to neighbors who already know your pet about how they might help out while you are regrouping.
Claw Removal Can Be Brutal
by Jay Schindler
Cats use their claws for various purposes. The claws are important to cats, as they are an essential part of balancing. If you've ever noticed a cat jumping and latching on to a high object, you've probably noticed that he uses his claws to pull himself up. When climbing trees, cats tend to use their claws to latch onto the bark and climb towards their destination.
Cats also use their claws for stretching, walking, and running as well. The claws are also a cat's primary source of defense against other animals and humans as well. Most cats keep their claws extremely sharp, as their claws and teeth are basically their only weapons. The claws are also essential for using the bathroom as well, as cats use them to cover up their mess with dirt.
Cats also use their claws to scratch things, which mark their territory. Their claws have glands, which contain a secretion. When they leave their mark on something, the secretion is transferred to the area they scratched. This is detectable to other cats although not to humans. Sometimes, they will also scratch something to remove the older claw which will fall off and give them a brand new claw that resides underneath.
As sad as it is, a lot of pet owners choose to put their own possessions above their cat, such as their expensive furniture or carpets. These cat owners are afraid that they cat will ruin their furniture or carpet, and therefore will choose to get their cat de-clawed. Getting a cat's claws removed is a surgical procedure, one that can only be performed by a veterinarian. The owner will need a good reason though, as a vet won't do the surgery just to keep one's furniture or carpet protected.
If you've been thinking of getting your cat de-clawed, you should know that the process can totally change his personality. Once the cat is de-clawed, he will be in pain and confused. He may not be able to jump in the window or on the couch, and he may not be able to play like he once did. Some cats, after being de-clawed, tend to get aggressive and bite with their teeth. To make a long story short, the cat will be completely miserable - which is a tough thing to bear for those who love their cats.
Those who decide to own cats should know that a cat can scratch on occasion. If someone isn't prepared to deal with that fact, they shouldn't own a cat in the first place. Cats are great pets, although they do have claws and they will use them on occasion. There are plenty of other great pets out there, if you aren't up for handling a cat. If you're just worried about your furniture or carpet, there are ways that you can keep your cat from scratching on your belongings.
The first thing to do is to get your cat a scratching post and let him know where it is and how to use it. You can also get a rush mat as well, which will help your cat with his instincts to scratch. You may have to demonstrate how to use the mat or the post at first, although your cat should catch onto it quick. Once you have shown him the ropes, he will scratch on the post or the mat - and not your furniture or your carpet.
Although many don't realize it, there are other ways to protect your things other than getting your cat de-clawed. Getting a cat's claws removed is very painful and confusing to the cat, and may totally change his outlook on things. Before you decide to take the inhumane path of getting your cat de-clawed, you should look into your other available options- your cat will like these options much better.
About the Author
To learn about elephant facts and wolf facts, visit the Animals Facts website.
Automatic Cat Litter: 5 Tips To Save Time When You Litter Train A Cat To Use Automatic Litter Boxes
by Katherin Towers
An automatic cat litter offers great convenience to cat owners. It will automatically scoop up the used litter after your cat uses the litter box. A good point is the wide range of modern designs available. There are many different sizes of automatic cat litter boxes. Some are open, while others are enclosed.
1. Open tray, or enclosed box? This is an important point to consider when litter training your cat to use the new automatic cat litter box. If his old litter box was an enclosed type, the new box should also be enclosed. Otherwise you may need more time to retrain him. This brings up another point - many cat owners find that they need to litter train their cats again when they change the litter box.
2. Noise factor. Some automatic cat litter are more noisy than others. If your cat is sensitive to noise, you will have to look for a quiet model. On the other hand, some cats like it loud - they are attracted to use the litter box because it is noisy. Some cats are fascinated by the mechanism of the box. You may have to experiment with several different models before you find a box which your cat likes.
3. Litter box placement is another important factor. Automatic litter boxes need to be plugged into a source of electricity - for some people, this means they have to move kitty's litter box out of the bathroom, which means more retraining. Some models are also quite noisy. You may want to place the new litter box somewhere it won't wake you up if kitty goes potty in the middle of the night.
4. What type of cat litter? Many automatic litter boxes use clumping litter. Some new models use crystal cat litter. Before you buy the new litter box, make sure it can use the same brand of litter which your cat likes. So far, no one makes a self cleaning litter box using biodegradable litter, so too bad for cat owners who use World's Best Cat Litter. Replacing the litter can be expensive. However, most manufacturers claim that a fresh tray of litter can last anywhere from two weeks to one month.
5. Attracting kitty to use the new litter box - If you can get catnip easily and cheaply, this can help to attract your cat to use the new automatic litter box. If this doesn't work, Dr. Elsey's makes an additive which claims to attract cats to use their litter boxes. You can add this additive to the litter you put in the automatic litter. Your local petshop can also recommend other solutions.
Except for the 5 factors above, litter training your cat to use automatic cat litter is no different from litter training your cat to use a normal manual litter box.
About the Author
Do you want to learn more about cat litter training? Click here to learn more about cat litter training.
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