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by Robert Johnson
Halloween has now become a big commercial enterprise, and is a happy time for kids, but pets need to be accommodated too. It can be very stressful, upsetting, and confusing for pets to suddenly have an endless stream of excited little ones knocking and happily shouting trick or treat.
Even though your pet is always well behaved and obeys well, they may "freak out" and try to bolt out an open door.
There are several easy and common sense tips to ease the trauma of Halloween for our precious pets and make them safe. Every year the ASPCA puts out a list of Pet Halloween Safety Tips and the Kennel Club does also. I have taken the liberty to also review these pet Halloween safety tips here.
Pet Halloween Safety Tip One
Never leave a pet outside unattended. I read this tip and was appalled to see that some sick people still think it is fun to be viscous and cruel and even kill some one's pet. This is something that still goes on, and the ASPCA has it listed as the number one pet Halloween Safety tip. Protecting out pets from these types of people is always a major concern for us pet lovers.
Black cats are unfortunately the big prize for some of these idiots, so if you have one, be extra diligent during the few weeks leading up to Halloween.
Pet Halloween Safety Tip Two
Halloween Treats are for people, not pets. Of course most dog owners know by now that chocolate is toxic to dogs and shouldn't feed them this. Wrappers, and lollipop sticks are also a pet Halloween safety risk as they can cause choking or bowel obstructions.
Pet Halloween Safety Tip Three
Keep Pets locked in a separate room. I put them in my bedroom with their toys, and each other for company and they are fine. Then I don't have to worry every time I open the door.
Pet Halloween Safety Tip Four
Keep pets away from candlelit pumpkins. A bigger dog can easily swish his tail and knock the lighted pumkin over and cause himself to be burned, or start something on fire.
Pet Halloween Safety Tip Five
Many pets do not enjoy dressing up. If your pet is extra stressed out with a costume on, obviously he is not having fun. Why bother? This is only for our own amusement anyway, and stressing out your pet is not really a fun thing to do. If your pet tolerates being dressed up, great! Always remember to make sure the costume fits comfortably with no restrictions of their movement. Don't cover their faces with masks where they would be unable to see properly. Make sure he is able to breath comfortably and able to bark if necessary, and also don't cover up his ears.
If something does happen and your dog bolts during the evening, make sure they always have proper identification tags on at all times.
Happy Halloween, and don't forget we speak for our pets.
Check out my site here: http://www.recipes4gourmetdogs.com
About the Author
Robert Johnson writes regularly about pets related topics. I hope you enjoy this article.
Imperative Health Care Procedures and Maintenance for Pets
by Trevor Price
Regular health care for pets is a crucial part of their ongoing development, health and well-being. Outside regular exercise and a healthy diet, your pet needs routine health care to ensure it has a long and happy life. Regular, routine health care should include proper grooming, good dental care, parasite prevention and regular visits to the veterinarian's office. To learn more, read on.
Ongoing Veterinarian Visits
Your adult cat or dog should see the veterinarian at least annually. Puppies and kittens should have a vet visit at least once a month for the first 4 months and then as needed until they're ready for annual check-ups. Cats and dogs over 7 or 8 years old should see the veterinarian every six months.
During your veterinarian visit, you can expect your veterinarian to look for signs of possible illness, disease or injury. They may also prescribe blood work, prescription drugs, vaccinations or a health care program such as hydrotherapy or physiotherapy.
Prevention of Parasites
The primary intestinal parasites of dogs and cats include roundworms, hookworms, whipworms and tapeworms. These worms damage the digestive tract or interfere with absorption of essential nutrients. Intestinal parasites are typically diagnosed after finding worm eggs or actual worms in your pet's feces.
Fecal samples should be tested periodically - this is typically done at your annual veterinarian checkup or on an as-needed basis.
Heartworm is another type of internal parasite that is almost always deadly. The worms are contracted by mosquito bites, then the eggs later hatch and live in the blood vessels around the lungs and heart. It is painful and deadly, but also preventable. During mosquito season and sometimes year-round, your veterinarian will prescribe preventive heartworm health care for pets in the form of a pill.
Other external parasites include mites, ticks and fleas. These pests cannot only irritate your pet, but also cause infection. So, check your animal regularly for signs of flea bites, and treat for it accordingly.
Dental Care
Just like humans, dogs and cats are vulnerable to tooth decay and gum disease. You can prevent this common problem by brushing your pet's teeth regularly. While dogs may need daily brushing, cats are usually fine with an occasional sweep.
Another way to keep your dog's gums and teeth healthy is by purchasing dental chews or bones designed to keep their teeth clean.
Good Grooming
Matted hair can be a major problem for pets - causing hair balls, inflamed hot spots and general irritation and stress. To avoid mats, be sure to groom your pet on a regular basis.
Remember, health care for pets goes beyond treating a disease or health problem once it occurs - it's also about preventive action and ongoing health maintenance. So, provide your pet with a long and healthy life through ongoing grooming, good dental care, parasite prevention and regular veterinarian visits.
About the Author
For helpful information about pet supplies, please visit petsuppliestips.com, a popular site about needs for your beloved pet, such as pet treatment, pet lover gifts, and many more!
PRWeb.com
The Pet Socialite, Inc. Presents the First Business of Pet Writing Conference
International Pet Expert , Charlotte Reed, produces a pet writing conference for animal-interest journalists and pet book authors. The Business of Pet Writing Conference, the first of its kind, provides a unique forum for pet writers and publishing professionals to meet. Valuable information will be shared teaching pet writers how to effectively present their work to the publishing community and the public at large. Participating writers will also have the rare opportunity to meet with editors and agents on a one to one basis. We are so thrilled to produce the event and know it's the first of many to come.
New York, NY (PRWEB) September 30, 2008 -- Excitement is in the air for the pet writing community as they celebrate an entire day devoted to their craft. The Business of Pet Writing Conference, the first of its kind, provides a unique forum for pet writers and publishing professionals to meet. Held at the Radisson Martinique hotel in New York City, the inaugural event coincides with the 2009 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.
Beginning at 8:30 am on Saturday, February 9th, pet writers will spend the day rubbing elbows with publishing insiders. Valuable information will be shared teaching pet writers how to effectively present their work to the publishing community and the public at large. Participating writers will also have the rare opportunity to meet with editors and agents on a one to one basis. To top the day off, they will enjoy a very special appearance by David Frei, the long standing co-host of the Westminster show.
The lineup at The Business of Pet Writing Conference is a virtual who's who of publishing including editors from Barron's Educational Series, Bowtie Press/Kennel Club Books, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Quirk Books, Storey Publishing, TFH Publications, AKC Gazette/Family Dog, Dog Fancy, Wiley, agents and more.
Dick Donahue, senior editor at Publishers Weekly, will kick off the day with a keynote speech: Pet Book Selling and Publishing. Paul Aiken, Executive Director of The Authors Guild will talk on the subject, Negotiations and Book Contracts.
As for the important issues of image facing pet writers and writing, Rick Frishman, founder of Planned Television Arts, will talk about: Handling Book Publicity.
Susan Canavan, senior editor at Houghton Mifflin Harcourt will speak about: Tips for Having A Successful Relationship with an Editor while Maura Teitelbum, of Abrams Artists Agency will present: How to Find the Right Literary Agent for You and Your Book.
Last but not least, Beth Adelman, president of Adelman Editorial Services will share her expertise on: Writing Better Book Proposals.
But that's not all that's going on during The Business of Pet Writing Conference. In addition to the aforementioned sessions, a research and trends panel will contribute their specialized knowledge to the day. The panel includes representatives from such esteemed organizations as: the American Animal Hospital Association, American Kennel Club, American Veterinary Medical Association, American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, Automobile Association of America, Pet Food Institute, National Animal Supplement Council and others.
"The response has been so tremendous for our pet writing conference that we expect the roster of presenters to grow," said Charlotte Reed, international pet expert, author of The Miss Fido Manners Complete Book of Etiquette and proprietor of The Pet Socialite, Inc. "We are so thrilled to produce the event and know it's the first of many to come."
The cost of The Business Writing Conference is $150.00.
For more information about The Business of Pet Writing Conference, contact: The Pet Socialite, Inc. PO Box 389, New York, NY 10013. Email: info(at)petwritingconference.com. Phone: 212-631-3648. Fax: 888-492-3452.
By Ann Tatko-Peterson - Contra Costa Times
Between now and Oct. 16, send us a picture of your pet dressed in costume — just be sure the costume is pet-friendly — for our second annual Dress Up Your Pet contest.
Here are the contest categories: Cute as a Button, Fame Becomes Me (best impersonation of a historical figure or celebrity), Oh So Girlie, Macho Man, I'm So Ashamed (the more embarrassing, the better), Just Like Me (owner and pet should dress up in complementing costumes) and Just Because We Like It (in case your pic doesn't fit in any other category).
Like last year, we also will have a Reader's Choice category, where you get to help select the winner. As photos are received, we will post them online at ContraCostaTimes.com/timeout and InsideBayArea.com/living. Readers can go online to vote for the one they like best. (And yes, you can vote more than once.) Voting closes at 5 p.m. Oct. 16.
Photos of all winners will run in the newspaper Oct. 27. Winners also will receive a glossy photo of their dressed-up pet. Runners-up will be featured on ContraCostaTimes.com. and InsideBayArea.com.
We can upload the photos for you, or you can upload them yourself at ContraCostaTimes.com/timeout. or
href="http://InsideBayArea.com/living">InsideBayArea.com/living. But to be an official entry, you must send us a copy of the photo, your name, pet's name, city and a daytime phone where you can be reached. Send entries to Ann Tatko-Peterson at atatko@bayareanewsgroup.com (please indicate if your photo is already uploaded) or to Bay Area News Group-East Bay, P.O. Box 8099, Walnut Creek, CA 94596-8099.
Entries must be received no later than 5 p.m. Oct. 16. (Sorry, photos cannot be returned.) Please include "Pet contest" in the subject line or on the envelope.
Jennifer VanderSmith - San Luis Obispo
I received a call this week from Mandy Kahler, a staff member at Edna Valley Veterinary Clinic who told me about a patient who needs help from the public. I told her I would share Charcoal’s story with my readers to see if anyone would like to help.
“It all started on Sept. 5, when Charcoal, a 6-year-old (American Kennel Club) registered black Labrador retriever got himself into some trouble and fractured his left hind leg, Kahler wrote.
“Charcoal’s first surgery went wonderfully and he seemed to be on the fast track toward recovery. Then one day when his owner wasn’t paying attention the dog decided to have a little fun that ended in disaster. This sweet little guy managed to severely re-break his leg and twist his pin.
“Unfortunately the owners where unable to keep him and signed him over to us. He has now been with us for about a week on pain management and has really captured the hearts of our staff. Unfortunately funds for this little fellow are running low,” she said.
“Our doctor is providing him with boarding, pain management and his time at no cost, but we need to get funds to perform surgery on Charcoal, as the leg won’t heal on its own. Another problem is that we only have one week to do so.
“We would love to be able to pin the leg so he can use it well into his old age, but amputation is also an option. Please help us raise the money to keep this guy going because we would hate to see his life end while he is so young and loving.
“Anything would help, so please feel free to e-mail us at savecharcoal@yahoo.com with any questions. If you would like to donate please stop by Edna Valley Vet Clinic (4860 Davenport Creek Road) or Broad Street Veterinary Clinic (2322 Broad St.), call us at 541-8246, send your donation via PayPal, or contact any Rabobank to donate under the Save Charcoal Benefit account.,” Kayler wrote. “Charcoal has found a very special place in our hearts and any donation from you to help insure his spot in the future would be greatly appreciated.”
Dogtoberfest on Saturday
Dogtoberfest celebration will be from 10 a. m. to 3 p. m. Saturday at Atascadero Lake Park.
Festivities include Frisbee disc dog show, wiener dog races, pet costume contest, prize drawings, vendor demonstrations, giveaways and a barbecue.
Proceeds benefit North County Dog Parks. Race registration is $10; all other events are free.
Rain or shine. For information, call 239-4437 or visit www.parks4pups.org. If you have pet stories, photos or news of a local event that you’d like to share, e-mail me at pettales@the tribunenews.com
Raising a Yorkie Puppy
by Joshua McNiel
The Yorkshire Terrier, or "Yorkie" breed, originated for hunting and ratting purposes. They were perfect for the job because they are small enough to work themselves into fox holes and badger burrows. Later on, the Yorkie puppy became extremely popular as a companion animal and pet due to its small size, attractive features, and easy going demeanor. Despite their small size, the Yorkie is an excellent as a guardian for a home and family. Yorkie puppies are so much fun to own, many families keep tend to keep getting more of them.
Once you have decided to bring home your own Yorkie puppy there are some considerations and preparations that need to be made to ensure that your home is ready to care for this new puppy. First of all, you need to plan ahead to have a veterinarian for your Yorkie puppy and this should be someone that you can trust and feel completely comfortable with. It may be a good idea for you to consult other local Yorkie owners in your area to find out which veterinarians have experience treating the breed.
The next consideration that you need to make involves preparing for the Yorkie puppy's homecoming. Your home needs to be puppy proofed, which means that anything your Yorkie puppy can get into needs to be put away or removed from the home. The consequences can be detrimental if your puppy should happen to get into something bad for it. There are numerous things in your home that are deadly to your Yorkie puppy including household plants, Tylenol, mothballs, chocolate, mouthwash, and bleach.
Once you are sure that your home is safe for your puppy, you need to work on educating yourself about Yorkie puppy health problems and other issues that can affect your Yorkshire Terrier. When you are properly informed about health problems and other ailments, you can catch them more quickly should they arise. The sooner you properly diagnose and treat such a health problem, the sooner your Yorkie will be able to recover.
As soon as you bring your Yorkie puppy home you should contact your veterinarian to set up a basic checkup appointment. Within the first week that you have your Yorkie puppy is the most ideal time to visit a veterinarian for a basic exam. This will give your puppy a few days to acclimate to his or her new surroundings. Yorkie puppies can be affected by stress easily, so it is vital that you work to keep the stress level in your home to a minimum to keep any health problems from cropping up unexpectedly.
Your Yorkie puppy should acclimate to its new surroundings within a couple of days. If your puppy seems disinterested in eating or drinking water, is listless or seems nervous and unfriendly after a few days, it would be wise to schedule a veterinary appointment to make sure that nothing is wrong. Continue to feed your Yorkie puppy the same food that was fed by previous owners for at least two weeks before beginning to mix in your own food if you are keen on changing the brand.
Your Yorkie puppy will probably like to eat between three and four times a day, so make sure that food is always provided for him or her. It would also be wise to create a regular grooming schedule because Yorkie puppies do best when they are properly groomed and have clipped nails and cleaned ears. Keeping your Yorkie puppy healthy and happy will not be difficult with the right information, and your Yorkie will grow up to give you many happy, healthy years of love and devotion.
About the Author
For more information on the Yorkie and Yorkie clothes, visit our website.
Cat Urinary Tract Health - Top Ways to Prevent Urinary Tract Infection in Cats
by Laura Ramirez
As a loving pet owner, cat urinary tract health is a subject you'll want to learn more about because it is common for cats to have bladder-related problems. In this article, you'll learn more than just how to spot a urinary tract infection, you'll learn how to prevent one in the first place.
Urinary tract infections in cats (UTI for short) are usually caused by bacteria or bladder stones. This condition can be excruciatingly painful and if left untreated, can spread to the kidneys, making your cat very sick and endangering her life.
Since the only way for your cat to let you know something is wrong is through her actions, watch for uncharacteristic behaviors. Your cat might have a UTI if she:
Licks her genitals for an unusually long time
Refuses to go in her litter box
Refuses to eat or drink
More obvious signs that your cat has a UTI are difficulty urinating, going more frequently or blood or crystals in her urine. You can check to see if your pet has a full and painful bladder by gently pressing your fingers against your cat's stomach and feeling for the bladder. If she howls in pain, take her to the vet.
Standard Treatment for Urinary Tract Infection in Cats
If your pet has a UTI, the vet will prescribe antibiotics to clear up the infection. Although drugs will work, the problem is that cats are very sensitive and just like in humans, antibiotics may have adverse effects. You should also be aware that drugs do not heal the condition that caused the infection in the first place.
Preventative Measures Restore Cat Urinary Tract Health
Rather than drugs, consider herbal remedies which are just as effective. Even though these remedies are natural, they work like antibiotics to eliminate bacteria and soothe inflammation. Better yet, natural preparations create a healthy climate in the bladder that discourages the growth of bacteria. Best of all, once your cat has completely recovered, you can continue to use this remedy to maintain a healthy balance in the bladder, so your fluffy feline friend will never have to suffer like this again.
About the Author
Laura Ramirez is a passionate researcher of natural remedies which heal disorders and keep pets vibrant and healthy. To learn more about her findings, go to www.pet-ut-health.com.
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