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Suzanne DeChillo/The New York Times
Adoptions are down, and more abandoned pets are coming in. Some pet owners “can’t even afford food,” an official said.At New York City’s main animal shelter, monthly calls to the volunteers who can help people keep their pets through tough financial times doubled, to 225 from 115, between January and September.
“We knew how valuable the program was, but now something like this hits, and people can’t afford vet care,” said Richard P. Gentles, the director of administration services for the shelter, Animal Care and Control of New York City. “Some can’t even afford food.”
Volunteers who work for the shelter’s four-year-old Safety Net program provide struggling pet owners with low-cost boarding or pet-training services, food donations, lists of apartment buildings that allow pets, even legal help if a landlord is trying to illegally evict a pet owner.
As the country’s financial crisis has deepened, more pet owners are asking the shelter for help.
Sadie Judge, 50, has been living with friends and relatives ever since she got sick and lost her teaching job at Brooklyn College as well as her apartment.
“I kept saying, ‘At least I’ve got my kitty cats,’ ” Ms. Judge said. But in early September, without her permission, she said, her roommate’s boyfriend took her four cats, Michael, Michelle, Molly and Gunzu, to Animal Care and Control, on East 110th Street between First and Second Avenues.
Ms. Judge said that after learning from her niece where her cats had been taken, she was told that she had 24 hours to get them out or they would be put up for adoption. But she had nowhere to take them. She was in tears when she happened to look up and see the Safety Net poster. Within two days, her cats were in two separate foster homes, and she hopes to get them back when she finds permanent housing.
Animal Care and Control took in 9.4 percent more pets in the first half of 2008 compared to the same months in 2007. However, in the 12 months that ended in August, 168 fewer dogs were adopted than in the previous 12 months.
“Probably because of the crisis, fewer people could make a commitment to adopt,” Mr. Gentles said. “It will be a huge problem for us if it continues.”
He said the agency needed to recruit three times the number of new foster homes for pets to keep up with demand, in part because many people who serve as foster petkeepers end up adopting them and leaving the program.
The situation is much the same at shelters throughout the country.
Betsy Saul, founder of Petfinder.com, a national pet adoption Web site, said that smaller shelters simply did not have enough food, while donations were plummeting. A survey conducted by her site found that 57 percent of shelters and rescue groups were seeing a decrease in adoptions.
“We’re hearing that individuals who are caring for feral cat populations with their own money or small rescue groups are feeding them bread soaked in water now, because there’s not enough cat food,” she said.
Veterinarians are concerned that pet owners may hold off on medical treatments, like hip replacements, that were more common during flush times, Ms. Saul said. And because research has shown that a typical pet owner starts considering euthanasia once the cost of treating an ill pet surpasses $500, they fear that more owners will make that choice sooner than they have in the past.
Kristen Levine, president of Fetching Communications, a public relations firm based in Florida that works with the pet industry, says veterinarians are finding that pet owners have become more likely to skip annual checkups to save money, even though early diagnoses can detect illnesses that get more costly over time.
“Some vets are offering special incentives for wellness visits, like a free microchip or free nail trimming, for giving something back to owners for recognizing the importance of preventative health care,” Ms. Levine said.
In the worst case, pets become homeless. The number of strays taken in by Animal Care and Control in September increased by almost 300, to 2,902, from last year. As the city’s only open-admissions shelter, Animal Care and Control has to euthanize animals after all adoption and foster care resources have been exhausted. Last year, it euthanized 15,768 animals, 55 percent fewer than in 2000.
At that shelter on Wednesday, two women — one of them crying — were surrendering a dog together. They declined to speak to a reporter because they said they were too upset. Nearby, another man was surrendering a stray cat, explaining that someone had dumped it in an alley near his apartment on the Lower East Side.
“If I could keep him I would, but I have three at home,” said the man, Ted Sterns, the chief stage manager for Merkin Concert Hall on West 67th Street, adding that the cat was trained to use a litter box and seemed to have been a pet. “Somebody dumped this poor baby out.”
But some people may find that as their savings evaporate, their need for companionship may grow stronger. This weekend at Madison Square Garden, the Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals will be holding its annual Adopt-a-Cat day, with hundreds of cats and kittens looking for new homes. Prospective owners can fill out a survey that will color-code their personalities to match with available animals.
On average, a cat costs $1,000 a year to maintain, compared with about $1,500 a year for a dog, Ms. Levine said. Having a pet can bring healthy returns, especially during bear markets.
“They comfort us; they don’t care if your 401(k) lost money today,” Ms. Saul of Petfinder.com said. “They’re one of the few people in the family who are not going to be stressed out about what you did with your money.”
By Matthew Moore The Telegraph UK
Nintendo Wii consoles and iPods are among the modern gadgets most likely cause injury to pets, a survey has revealed.
The Nintendo Wii games console - fun for humans, 'dangerous' for pets
Guinea pigs, rabbits and cats are the animals most likely to fall victim to new technology, but reptiles and birds have also come undone at the hands of 21st century toys.
Computer laptops, remote controls and plasma screen televisions are also high on the gadget danger list.
And although Britain is meant to be a nation of pet lovers, it appears we are unwilling to take responsibility for their accidents: the majority of people blame their "clumsy" animals instead.
More than a third those surveyed said that their pet had caused injury to themselves by eating something they shouldn't, while a third of animals have hurt themselves by jumping off furniture.
Only one third of humans admitted responsibility for an injury suffered by their animals.
"The survey shows how involved our pets are in our everyday lives which is something that can take a while to get used to," said vet Brian Faulkner.
"Dogs are especially inquisitive and often get under your feet when you are concentrating on something else.
"Luckily, most of the time they see you before you see them and manage to move out of the way before you step on them but it is not uncommon for vets to have to help them through the odd accidental owner-inflicted scrape and bruise."
The survey of 3,000 animal owners by Petplan revealed a number of unlikely accidents, including a cat who singed of her whiskers by trying to sniff a candle, and a dog had to be treated by vets after swallowing a pair of knickers.
Top 10 gadgets most likely in injure pets
1) iPod (15 per cent)
2) Laptop (10.8 per cent)
3) Remote Control (10.8 per cent)
4) Plasma TV (10.8 per cent)
5) Wii (10 per cent)
6) DVD Player (10 per cent)
7) Playstation (8.3 per cent)
8) Nintendo DS (5.8 per cent)
9) Mobile Phone (5.8 per cent)
10) Karaoke Machine (5.8 per cent)
By JACQUE ESTES - PET PROJECT - News-Journal
It is comforting to have something from home while you are away. Many carry along their pillow or a favorite blanket for a comforting night's sleep while on vacation. Wanting a reminder of home is also common among college students. They may be off on their own taking those first steps of independence but somewhere in that dorm room is probably a well-used item, maybe even a childhood stuffed animal.
What the student shouldn't have at college is the real thing -- the family pet.
It is not uncommon, especially that first year, for students to want their childhood pet, or to try and find a substitute by acquiring a pet at school. Away from home and the friends you grew up with may make for some lonely times at first. A living thing that can substitute as family can be very comforting. And while it seems like a good idea at first, it quickly becomes apparent how time-consuming proper animal care is.
Pets can quickly become a chore and interfere with college social life. Instead of an impromptu meeting with classmates after class, the student with a pet may have to hurry back to their apartment to feed or walk their animal. Those who have animals against dorm rules spend much of their time trying to hide the animal from resident advisers and the college staff. It's a futile effort because at some point the animal will be discovered and a new home will need to be found on the spot. If mom and dad can't rescue the unwanted animal, there is a good chance it will end up in a shelter, vying with other unwanted animals for a home.
This just isn't fair to the animal.
Most college students are also pinching pennies, trying to stretch their budget to include not only the necessities like books and food but also things like that after-class coffee shop get-together, or a concert. One veterinarian bill can quickly deplete any extra savings.
Before the final decision is made to bring a pet to school it is important to honestly answer some tough questions.
· Why do you want a pet? It may be rough those first couple of weeks. You may be sharing a room with a stranger and miss your high school friends and family but if you allow yourself time to settle in, you will make new friends and find new activities to fill your time.
· Do you have time to properly care for an animal? All animals need human interaction. They are not stuffed animals you can leave in your room waiting for you to have time to take care of and pay attention to them.
· How will you pay for your pet's needs, and if you don't have a car, how will you get to the store for food, kitty litter and veterinary care?
· What happens when you leave for a long weekend, the Christmas holidays or spring break? If you are getting a ride from another student will they have room for your pet and its "luggage?"
· And finally, even if you do successfully balance a pet and college for four years, what happens when you graduate? College students often leave behind old furniture and other things they have outgrown, or will not need in their post-graduate life, either for the trash collectors to pick up or for another student to use. The pet you promised to care for isn't a disposable item and shouldn't have the same fate.
Independent.ie
UNLIKE your average modelling contest, a little bit of hair out-of-place or a shaggy cut were an asset.
It wasn't the long lean legs and perfect physique that were being judged, rather obedience and personality, in 'Ireland's Next Top Dog Model' show at the Pet Expo in the RDS.
Pink diamante collars were doing a mean trade at the Pet Expo at Dublin's RDS yesterday as Ireland's public once again proved they were barking mad about their animals.
All the latest doggie fashion was on show as four-legged creatures took to the stages.
For those who like a taste of the exotic, baby Bearded Dragons, were on sale at €50 each in McElheron Reptiles stand. But the most popular exotic pet is the Corn Snake, which dines on frozen rodents, and costs around €180 for a baby snake plus starter kit.
And yes, a number of mothers have turned a little green at the gills at the thoughts to storing them in the freezer. But hiding them away in a lunchbox can generally appease, says stallholder Thomas McElheron.
Thomas Griffiths from Pets at Rest, the man who is vying for the tag of 'Ireland's First Pet Undertaker' with hopes of opening a cemetery in Co Meath, had pet caskets on show, priced €180 for a medium-size.
"Elderly people these days replace family with pets," he said, and after 18-years of company a couple of hundred euro is not a lot to spend.
Sadly, or perhaps thankfully for those of a sensitive disposition, a parrot who turned the air blue with carefully aimed expletives was taking a break from the punters.
'CoCo', the seven-year-old African Grey Parrot, is a foul-mouthed resident of the Kinsealy Pet Shop.
Some of the stands may have looked a little quiet during the afternoon but organisers, with a high rate of pre-bookings for the weekend, were confident over 25,000 people would pass through the exhibition before close of business tomorrow.
Cameron Murray from Glasthule, above, celebrated his 7th birthday with Sultan the royal python snake at the show, while Amadeus the Persian cat from the Cork Cat Club, was hoping for a fish supper, right.
Pit Bull Chat
BREVARD COUNTY -- An abandoned pit bull was found stranded on an island Thursday.
A Brevard County cleanup crew manned by female jail inmates found the dog.
The crew said the dog was running scared on one of the spoil islands south of Lee Wenner Park on the Indian River.
One inmate said the owner should be punished.
"That's just inhumane," the inmate said. "The dog is a dog. Somebody dropped it off, and obviously they were fighting, because there was blood on the beach from probably the dog, and I think the owner should be hung and tied to the tree."
The owner of the white pit bull has not been found.
If you have any information on the case, call Brevard County Animal Services at (321) 633-2024.
http://www.cfnews13.com/News/Local/2...on_island.html
By LYNN BERRY – Associated Press
MOSCOW (AP) — Russia was the first to put a dog in space. Now, 50 years later, it has brought space to a dog, and not just any dog but Prime Minister Vladimir Putin's beloved black Labrador.
A collar containing satellite-guided positioning equipment was slipped Friday around the neck of Putin's dog, Koni, who good-naturedly gave it a test run.
The technology is not new, and has been available around the world for many years through the U.S. Global Positioning System. But Russia wants its own system and has doggedly pushed ahead with a Soviet-era satellite navigation program, still determined not to be left behind in the space race.
One of Putin's deputies, Sergei Ivanov, briefed him Friday on the progress of the Global Navigation Satellite System. Then footage broadcast on Russian TV showed them putting the collar on Koni.
Ivanov said that the equipment goes on standby mode when "the dog doesn't move, if it, say, lies down in a puddle."
Putin interrupted him jokingly: "My dog isn't a piglet; she doesn't lie in puddles."
"She's wagging her tail, she likes it," Putin said after watching Koni outside his colonnaded residence on Moscow's western outskirts.
Putin had asked Ivanov for such a collar to help keep tabs on Koni when Ivanov briefed him on the navigation system back in December. Ivanov had promised Putin, who was president at the time, that dog collars with satellite-guided positioning equipment would be available for private consumers by the summer of 2008.
But the navigation system itself, known as GLONASS, which was supposed to be fully operational by the beginning of this year, was delayed by equipment flaws and other technical problems.
Ivanov told Putin on Friday that the system would have 21 satellites by the year's end — enough to provide navigation services over all of Russian territory. Ivanov said it would be available worldwide by the end of 2009, for which it would need to have 24 satellites.
If Russia trails behind the U.S. in developing a satellite navigation system, it was way ahead in putting a dog into space.
The Soviet Union launched Laika into orbit in 1957, only a month after stunning the world with Sputnik, the first artificial satellite to orbit the Earth. Laika's mission helped pave the way for human flight, but it ended sadly for the female terrier mix.
When she reached orbit, doctors were relieved to find that her pulse, which had risen during the launch, and blood pressure were normal. She ate specially prepared food from a container.
But with no re-entry vehicle for her satellite, Laika was doomed from the beginning and her mission drew a wave of protests from animal rights activists in the West.
At the time, the Soviet Union reported that the dog was euthanized after a week. It wasn't until after the Soviet collapse that some participants in the project told the true story: Laika indeed was to be euthanized with a programmed injection, but she apparently died of overheating after only a few hours in orbit.
Fortunately for Putin's dog and many others, the satellite-guided tracking systems carry no known health risks, according to People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.
"While PETA is not familiar with the actual device that Prime Minister Putin used on his dog, if the collar is similar to those used in the U.S., which are not shock collars, it is probably harmless," PETA spokesman Michael McGraw said in an e-mailed response.
The GPS tracking devices in the U.S. use the Global Positioning System to determine the precise location of an animal, person or vehicle. When put on wild animals, usually in a collar, they allow scientists to study their behavior and migration patterns.
Pet Product News
In its efforts to prevent the introduction of viral hemorrhagic septicemia into state waters, the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources has proposed a permit system for transporting live fish, fish eggs, live bait and other aquatic organizations into, within or through the state, the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council reported.
The department will be holding a public hearing in Frankfort, Ky., on the proposed regulation on Oct. 21 and will accept written comments through Oct. 31, 2008. People wishing to attend the hearing must notify the department at least five days ahead of the hearing date, as the hearing might be canceled if no one is interested in attending. Click here for more information on the hearing and proposal.
Although the proposed regulation exempts individuals transporting aquarium species, it does not specifically exempt businesses or organizations transporting such species. The regulation defines aquarium species as “species of fish that are legally sold in the pet and ornamental trade business and does not include fish used in aquaculture, the bait industry or fish sold for stocking in Kentucky.”
VHS, a reportable disease, has a high mortality rate and strikes many food and sport fish species, including salmon, trout, catfish, drum, bass, whitefish, perch, walleye, black crappie and bluegill, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
Although the USDA has not identified VHS in ornamental fish, it is concerned that baitfish, including cyprinids (the family including goldfish, koi and common carp), could be a source of disease introduction.
The Kentucky proposal would establish a fish transportation permit for individuals, corporations and other business entities that transport live aquatic organisms, including fish, bait and eggs, into, through or within Kentucky. It also calls for a live fish and bait dealer’s license if the organisms are going to be sold to individuals, corporations and businesses in Kentucky or will be transported from Kentucky to be sold elsewhere
Under the proposal, transported ship would need to be disease-free. The proposal also regulates transportation tank water discharge practices.
Additional documents would be required for transporting fish from VHS positive states.
Unique Aquarium
by Jay Wilson
We are comfortable with the window on the world provided us by our television sets. An aquarium can provide a very different window on a very different world, yet still be placed in the comfort of our own living rooms--a world inhabited by real, live creatures instead of patterns of electricity converted to patterns of light.
A lot of thought, preparation and effort should go into putting together a unique aquarium. Ideally you will choose an aquarium that matches your house or apartment's décor, provides an interesting variety of aquatic life, and satisfies your aesthetic sense.
Seeing those colorful fish glide through their silent, lush miniature undersea world, almost like dancers in a tiny ballet, can be the perfect calming influence after a hectic and stressful day of work. For this reason one often finds aquariums not only in homes but also in the waiting rooms of doctors and dentists, in physiotherapy or massage therapy rooms, hospitals and psychiatric clinics, and even prisons.
Choosing a Unique Aquarium Choosing the right aquarium can seem an unnerving task. There are so many options and possible different set-ups, the only way to take the uncertainty out of your next unique aquarium purchase is to plan ahead and think of your aesthetic needs as well as how much time and effort you are willing and able to commit to your aquarium. Aquariums are not only the ideal home for your fish but they can also provide an attractive focal point in any home. While most people go for the more traditional aquarium set-ups, why not think outside the box, so to speak, and go for a unique aquarium that will be eye-catching and one-of-a-kind?
There are many possible shapes and designs you may choose when deciding which tank to by in order to have a unique aquarium. Almost anything you can conceive of already exists, ranging from hexagonal tanks and octagonal tanks, to bow front tanks to wall mount tanks and even tanks in the shape of a coffee table.
Choosing the Type of Aquarium You may choose marine fish or fresh water fish to create your piece of living art. Either way it will be an attractive focal point of whichever room you choose to place it in.
The calming effects of water are quite well documented, and therefore you can expect the addition of aquarium fish increases will increase this calming effect. This will maximize your sense of well being in your home or office, and in your workplace it can put your customers' minds at ease and help persuade them that you are running a business they can trust.
Aquarium fish are the third most popular pet. Only cats and dogs outrank them in popularity. With advancing technology, aquarium systems have become more high tech, and have moved forward by using lighter and more durable materials, and also making it easier and more cost effective to maintain the perfect water. These advanced materials such as lightweight, ultra-clear acrylic can give you the freedom to design a truly unique aquarium for your home or office.
About the Author
Getahugetank.com offers custom aquariums,fish aquarium supplies, and unique aquariums.
Cat Beds
by Doris Canova
Cat beds are not only nice to sleep in, but they can become necessary to your cat's health. If you have a lightweight cat that has trouble with their weight, a heated cat bed can stave off potential colds. Heated cat beds are also great for older cats and pets with arthritic and joint ailments.
Cat beds are just the ticket for giving your cat its own space and what's great about them is that there are a ton of fantastic options perfect for any sized feline. Cat beds come in a wide variety of styles, sizes and materials. For example, you can get just plain and flat or a fluffy bed that is just a layer of foam covered in fabric. Cat beds are easy to find, are usually fairly affordable, and give your cat a comfortable space of his own.
There are different types of cat beds but the one thing they must do is be softer than the floor. Cat beds differ from human beds in that they rest on the ground without a frame. Usually, cat beds have a thick cushion on the bottom to keep the pets warm and soft to the cat. Having a cat bed can indeed be beneficial because cats do take pleasure in sleeping.
Most cat beds lack sheets or blankets, but many have a coverlet, I have even seen cat beds with of all things a canopy, that can be removed and laundered.
Cat beds are nice, but there are vary few cats that restrict themselves to one sleeping place. You may find them on your bed, the back of the couch or your favorite chair cat also love sleeping in the window. You can also have heated throws that go overy our furniture and still keep the cat vary warm.
Heated cat beds are safe and provide your cat with a bit of comfort for his naps. Or,maybe something you may consider is a cat igloo type beds which provide the cat with a bit more privacy. That is something that most cats crave when they are sleeping. Heated cat beds are very useful when the weather is cold outside. Also if your cat in having a problem with joints or just getting a little older.
Cat beds are ideal for those pet owners who have allergies to pet furs. It will be very important that your cat has its own bed to sleep on, and not on your own bed. Cat beds are a fun accessory for a home and for a cat.
NOTE: This article is for information only. See your veterinarian for medical advice.
About the Author
We plan to post articles that are informative and helpful to other cat lovers. Having been "owned" by cats for years, we know they can be demanding, but also be very entertaining and fun.
Best House Cat Care Visit our website for products your cat may enjoy www.besthousecatcare.com
3 Easy Tips For Your Dog Training
by Daniel Waser
If you are like most dog owners, you spend considerable time training your dog and you could use a few quick and simple dog training tips. Dogs don't normally misbehave without having a good reason. After all, they are incredibly smart and they don't understand English so they can't explain it to you. Here are three easy tips about dog training basics that can be useful for new dog owners as well as experienced owners.
Tip #1 - Imagine that you're a dog and think like one.
Get in the mood and think like your dog. Easy? Well, now you know what it's like to expect your dog to think like he's human. If you forget all other tips but remember this one, you may do well with your dog training. In order to address misbehavior, you must understand the reason behind it. The next time you hear your dog bark a little too much, keep in mind that it's in his primitive nature to bark when he perceives a threat or danger. You could have the best muzzle in the world or be the best communicator but nothing beats addressing the cause of the barking. You can also try to place your dog in more social situations so that it becomes less skittish around strangers. You can also give him more room to run in the backyard so your dog doesn't feel threatened.
Tip #2 - Reward your dog's good behavior.
If you want to be a successful dog trainer, don't emphasize punishments but rather give your dog the positive attention they crave from their owners. Positive reinforcement always provides better results in the long run. Keep in mind that dogs can't reason the way humans do. For example, if you punish your dog for chewing on your shoes while you're home, he may stop for now but what will happen when you leave? The dog will get bored again and start chewing on your shoes again. If you were to toss them a toy instead or punishing them, he gets attention from you and gets to play with his toy, both of which are seen as rewards for the dog. When you're away and your dog gets bored, he may just reach for that toy instead of your shoes. Always try to reward good behavior instead of punishing bad behavior.
Tip #3 - Remember their very short attention span.
You may not be aware of it, but dogs have no attention span. Ignore the dog training tips that tell you how to address a mistake your dog made a little while back. Going back to the shoe example, waiving the chewed up shoes in their face will not mean a thing to your dog, even if they did it less than 5 minutes ago. You must catch your dog in the act in order to give a meaningful punishment and get your point across.
Keep these three easy dog training tips in mind and you'll be successful.
About the Author
Daniel Waser is a dog lover since his childhood. Visit his website for more information about Dog Health Care and download the free report "The Secrets to Raising a Happier Dog" or grab his latest Dog Training Tips.
Techniques for Dealing With Overweight Pets
Author: Craig Smith
Humans are not usually comfortable when they're overweight. Being overweight makes people unhealthy and generally unhappy. Does the same apply for pets? Unfortunately obesity is a problem with pets. This extra weight often makes it difficult to run and play. Overweight pets, like humans are more vulnerable to sickness and disease. For example, when a dog is overweight stress is put on their legs and hips. Carrying around too many extra pounds takes a toll on pets. The sad thing about this is pets aren't capable of putting themselves on a diet. It's up to the owners to monitor and control their pet's weight. If pets become overweight, owners must learn techniques for dealing with their overweight pets.
One key element of any dieting regime is exercise. So many pets spend most of their lives indoors. Dogs will be put out to do their business while many cats are litter trained. These dogs are probably only given the length of their leash and well cats aren't even getting that. Activity is important for all pets. It's essential to take overweight pets out for a walk. If living in an area where walking pets seems virtually impossible, there are parks designed nowadays especially for pets. Owners can take their pets, especially dogs to a park and let them run free, allowing them to burn off unnecessary calories. Exercise will not only help in your pet's weight department but also helps with digestion, keeps their muscles tone, keeps joints healthy and flexible, helps with oxygen flow to tissue cells, helps the circulatory system and respiratory system and of course allows them to get rid of energy they've built up.
Pet owners love to treat their pets. Unfortunately treats can largely cause weight gain. Many pet treats are filled with calories. Although it's nice to treat your pets, you aren't helping them by allowing them to overindulge on treats. Treats shouldn't make up any more than ten percent of your pet's daily intake. It's imperative, especially when dealing with overweight pets to choose calorie-wise treats. Remember your dog cannot do this and is depending on you to help them with their weight problem.
When looking for techniques for dealing with overweight pets, choosing the right pet food is essential. Pets need different types and amounts of food in the various stages of their lives. Young pets, puppies and kittens should not be eating food recommended for senior pets. The same rule applies for the amount of food and calories required for pets. It is the owner's responsibility to insure pets are getting the food they need and the amount they need. When dealing with overweight pets it is perhaps more important to pay attention to the food and amounts they are eating. When there are overweight pets in the house it's not a wise idea to keep the pet bowl filled with food. Many pets will eat as long as the bowl is full. Instead to monitor what overweight pets eat, owners should only give food as a meal. This is very important when there is more than one pet in the home in order to make certain the overweight pet is eating only what they need.
Besides the most obvious reasons for overweight pets, lack of exercise and over-eating, there are other factors that can contribute to pet obesity. Some pets have medical conditions which may play a role in their weight gain. For this reason it is important to have pets examined regularly. In the case of an overweight pet, before beginning any weight loss programs, the owner should consult with the veterinarian.
You'd like to have your pets around for a long time. Unfortunately overweight dogs run the risk of being affected by many conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, breathing problems, decreased liver function, digestive disorders, immune system problems and cancer. Of course the extra weight can contribute to dog arthritis. It also contributes to problems with a pet's skin and coat. There are so many things that can go wrong for an overweight pet. They deserve so much more. Because it's ultimately the owner's responsibility to make sure their pets are properly cared for, problems with overweight pets are a result of the owner's carelessness. That may sound harsh but it's a reality.
If you have an overweight pet, it's imperative to seek techniques to deal with the problem before it causes avoidable health concerns. If unsure where to start in dealing with overweight pets perhaps you should consult with a pet professional who can advise you regarding the best course of action. The Internet is a great source of information on pets and pet care. Browsing the many pet-related websites will surely provide ideas and techniques for dealing with overweight pets.
Franklin Pet Memorials“Remember them with a custom solid bronze memorial.”
Contact: Cynthia Linnon
191 Howard Street Franklin, PA 16323
clinnon@franklinbronzeplaques.com
814-346-7205 ph 814-346-7047 fax
Tips for the Jet Set Pet
Author: columbo
For most people who own pets, these furry friends are more family, than simple pets. For this reason, we see a growing number of people who take their pets on vacation. While this makes things more fun for the owner and the animal, it also comes with a new set of challenges. The best option is excellent planning so you and your pet are comfortable and safe while having a great time.
One of the greatest challenges of traveling with pets is trying to locate a hotel that accommodates. Even though we see the problem lessening, you will still find many hotels that do not welcome pets. This means you end up staying in a hotel other than what you would prefer just for the sake of the animal. Therefore, we suggest as you plan your next vacation, check with the Convention and Visitors Bureau for the state you will travel to, which can provide you with a list of pet friendly hotels. Now, even when you receive this list, you should call ahead to make sure there are no surprises and that you understand any additional charges that may apply.
In addition, always make sure pets have a collar, tags show they are up to date on vaccinations, and an ID tag with your name, phone number, and the pet's name. This way, in case your animal was to escape from your care, you would have a much better opportunity of having your pet returned. These ID tags might also include your veterinarian's phone number. Then, before you leave on vacation, contact your veterinarian, letting him or her know where you will be staying. That way, if your pet is lost and the person phones your veterinarian, you could be contacted. ID tags are sold at most veterinarian offices, as well as retail stores for less than $5.
We also recommend that when traveling with pets, you carry a current photograph with you. That way, if your pet were to become lost, you could show the picture to people, thus increasing your chances of finding your furry friend. If you will be traveling by car, you want to make your pet as comfortable as possible. For this, bring a favorite blanket, toys, and food and water dishes. These familiar items will put the pet at ease. In addition, if you will be traveling with pets on an airline, you can place a favorite blanket in the bottom of the carrier, again providing something comfortable and familiar.
Most importantly, always keep your pet on a leash, take bottled water if you plan walking or sightseeing, and never leave a pet unattended in a car. Unfortunately, people forget that a car can reach 150 to 200 degrees inside in no time. Even with a small cracked window, the car would become an oven. Therefore, to protect your pets, keep them with you where you know they are safe, and sound.
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