When protecting dogs from harsh winter conditions, don't overlook the paws.
Rock salt (sodium chloride), a common ice-melting agent, can irritate pets' paws, mouths
and gastrointestinal systems and trigger seizures when ingested in large quantities.
Alternative ice-and-snow-melting products, with names like "Safe Paw," "Safe-T-Pet" and
"Ice Melt for Pets," may be less irritating, but still can pose risks. some include
magnesium, calcium, potassium or urea, which also came pose problems when consumed.
in large amounts, advises a senior toxicologist for the Animal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
"We worry that if pets ingest a fair amount, it will change the electrolyte balance in their bloodstream" on vet says. Amount the possible effects: dehydration, kidney failure,
heart arrhythmia and seizures.
What puts pets at risk? Piling product on sidewalks rather than sprinkling as directed, or accidentally leaving open bags where they're accessible to pets. In case of concentrated
ingestion, a urea or calcium-based product generally poses less risk than products with other common ingredients.
Vet's recommend wiping pets' paws down after walks and keeping fur between paw pads trimmed but not too short. If an animal exhibits lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, twitching
or trembling, call the veterinarian or Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435)
and have product label nearby for reference.
Showing posts with label Pet Care. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pet Care. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Sunday, August 09, 2009
Hot Weather Tips for our Pets!
We are in the hottest part of summer with long hot days and even
our evenings aren't much cooler. Our pets can suffer from the same
problems that we do, overheating, dehydration and even sunburns.
Use a few simple precautions and you can prevent your pets from the
dangers of summer time.
1. Never leave your pet along in a vehicle. Even with the windows open
a parked car or truck can quickly become a furnace on a hot day. Over
heating can kill our pets, and parking in the shade offers very little protection
as the sun shifts during the day.
2. Always carry a gallon of cold water for each pet.
3. Don't force your pet to exercise after a meal in hot humid weather.
Let them exercise in the early morning or evening and keep walks to a
minimum.
4. Never leave your dog standing on hot asphalt. Their body can heat
up quickly and they have sensitive paw pads that will burn.
5. Provide plenty of shade and a well constructed dog house for
your pets that stay outside. BRING in your pets during the hottest
parts of the day, and make sure they have plenty of cool water.
6. Older and over weight pets need you to be extra careful with during
the hot months of summer. Pets with pug or snub noses and those with
heart problems need to be kept cool in air conditioned rooms.
7. Avoid walking your pets in area's that you suspect have been sprayed
with insecticides or chemicals. Be alert for coolants or other auto fluids leaking
from vehicles. Pets are attracted to the sweet taste, and ingesting even a small
amount can be fatal. Call your vet immediately if you suspect your pet has
ingested poisons.
8. Keep pets well groomed to stave off summer skin problems, this also helps
the pet from over heating.
9. Make regular visits to your vet for check ups. Vets are our first line of
defence to keeping our pets healthy year around.
10. Make sure all windows in your home are properly screened to prevent
escape or falls.
11. Our pets are not able to sweat like we do. They cool themselves by panting
and sweating through their paws. If they have only warm to hot air to breath,
animals can collapse, suffer brain damage and possibly die of heat stroke.
Just 15 mins can be enough for an animals body temperature to climb
from normal to deadly levels that will damage the nervous and cardiovascular
systems, often leaving the animal comatose, dehydrated and at risk of
permanent impairment or even death.
By following these simple guidelines you can protect your pet from the
worst temps during summers hottest days. If unsure call and ask your
pet's vet, they are always happy to provide information for the safety
of their fur friends.
Information for this posting was gathered from around the Internet.
our evenings aren't much cooler. Our pets can suffer from the same
problems that we do, overheating, dehydration and even sunburns.
Use a few simple precautions and you can prevent your pets from the
dangers of summer time.
1. Never leave your pet along in a vehicle. Even with the windows open
a parked car or truck can quickly become a furnace on a hot day. Over
heating can kill our pets, and parking in the shade offers very little protection
as the sun shifts during the day.
2. Always carry a gallon of cold water for each pet.
3. Don't force your pet to exercise after a meal in hot humid weather.
Let them exercise in the early morning or evening and keep walks to a
minimum.
4. Never leave your dog standing on hot asphalt. Their body can heat
up quickly and they have sensitive paw pads that will burn.
5. Provide plenty of shade and a well constructed dog house for
your pets that stay outside. BRING in your pets during the hottest
parts of the day, and make sure they have plenty of cool water.
6. Older and over weight pets need you to be extra careful with during
the hot months of summer. Pets with pug or snub noses and those with
heart problems need to be kept cool in air conditioned rooms.
7. Avoid walking your pets in area's that you suspect have been sprayed
with insecticides or chemicals. Be alert for coolants or other auto fluids leaking
from vehicles. Pets are attracted to the sweet taste, and ingesting even a small
amount can be fatal. Call your vet immediately if you suspect your pet has
ingested poisons.
8. Keep pets well groomed to stave off summer skin problems, this also helps
the pet from over heating.
9. Make regular visits to your vet for check ups. Vets are our first line of
defence to keeping our pets healthy year around.
10. Make sure all windows in your home are properly screened to prevent
escape or falls.
11. Our pets are not able to sweat like we do. They cool themselves by panting
and sweating through their paws. If they have only warm to hot air to breath,
animals can collapse, suffer brain damage and possibly die of heat stroke.
Just 15 mins can be enough for an animals body temperature to climb
from normal to deadly levels that will damage the nervous and cardiovascular
systems, often leaving the animal comatose, dehydrated and at risk of
permanent impairment or even death.
By following these simple guidelines you can protect your pet from the
worst temps during summers hottest days. If unsure call and ask your
pet's vet, they are always happy to provide information for the safety
of their fur friends.
Information for this posting was gathered from around the Internet.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
A Pet's Bill of Rights
The Pet's Bill of Rights
1. We have the right to be full members of your family. We
thrive on social interaction, praise, and love.
2. We have the right to stimulation. We need new games,
new toys, new experiences, and new smells to be happy.
3. We have the right to regular exercise. Without it, we
could become hyper, sluggish...or fat.
4. We have the right to have fun. We enjoy acting like
clowns now and then; don't expect us to be predictable
all the time.
5. We have the right to quality health care. Please stay
good friends with our vet!
6. We have the right to a good diet. Like some people,
we don't know what's best for us. We depend on you.
7. We have the right not to be rejected because of your
expectations that we be great show dogs or show cats,
watchdogs, hunters, or baby-sitters.
8. We have the right to receive proper training.
Otherwise, our good relationship could be marred
by confusion and strife - and we could become dangerous
to ourselves and others.
9. We have the right to guidance and correction based on
understanding and compassion, rather than abuse.
10. We have the right to live with dignity...and to die with
dignity when the time comes.
~ Author Unknown ~
1. We have the right to be full members of your family. We
thrive on social interaction, praise, and love.
2. We have the right to stimulation. We need new games,
new toys, new experiences, and new smells to be happy.
3. We have the right to regular exercise. Without it, we
could become hyper, sluggish...or fat.
4. We have the right to have fun. We enjoy acting like
clowns now and then; don't expect us to be predictable
all the time.
5. We have the right to quality health care. Please stay
good friends with our vet!
6. We have the right to a good diet. Like some people,
we don't know what's best for us. We depend on you.
7. We have the right not to be rejected because of your
expectations that we be great show dogs or show cats,
watchdogs, hunters, or baby-sitters.
8. We have the right to receive proper training.
Otherwise, our good relationship could be marred
by confusion and strife - and we could become dangerous
to ourselves and others.
9. We have the right to guidance and correction based on
understanding and compassion, rather than abuse.
10. We have the right to live with dignity...and to die with
dignity when the time comes.
~ Author Unknown ~
Monday, April 13, 2009
Watch out for Hot spots on your pets!
Hot Spots in Dogs
Also known as acute moist dermatitis, pyotraumatic dermatitis, moist eczema or “summer sores,” hot spots are raised, red, wet and oozing wounds on the skin’s surface that are often self-inflicted by a licking or chewing dog. They can appear and spread very rapidly, and some will persist for months. Often the fur around a frequently-licked area will have a pinkish tinge caused by the saliva. Sometimes the hot spot can have a foul smell. There is usually hair loss at the site, but occasionally the wound can be hidden in the fur, and the dog’s relentless licking or chewing is the only tip-off.
What causes hot spots?
The immediate cause of a hot spot is a bacterial infection of the skin. The inflammation is itchy and painful for the dog, so he licks or chews at the site for relief… and further irritates the sore. Saliva is filled with bacteria and not a very good salve for wounds. As the dog becomes more frantic to relieve the irritation, he may become more aggressive with his chewing. Some dogs will bite to the point of self-mutilation. The most common sites for hot spots are those accessible by mouth – the flank, legs and paws, and the rump – but itchy dogs will get wounds anywhere they can scratch. A hot spot is painful as well as itchy. Some dogs might become protective of their sore and nip or growl to keep you away from it. These dogs might need to be sedated for treatment, and your veterinarian might prescribe a pain-killer.The ultimate cause of a hot spot can be more difficult to determine, but is especially important with multiple, chronic, or recurring sores. The occasional incident might be caused by a simple irritant such as a thistle or bug bite. Most hot spots occur in the summer months during hot, humid weather. Some breeds, such as Labrador and Golden retrievers, are known to be predisposed. In general dogs with thick or long hair coats are at risk. Dogs prone to ear and anal sac infections are also more susceptible to hot spots.
Grooming
Mats in the fur or trapped undercoat can prevent normal aeration and drying of the skin, and result in hot spots. Frequent brushing (especially before a bath) and a short summer hair cut are good preventatives. Excessive bathing can further irritate skin, but there are aloe or oatmeal shampoos available for dogs with sensitive skin. Dogs with very thick coats may need to be towelled or blow-dried after swimming or bathing.
What is the treatment for hot spots?
The wound itself needs to be kept clean and undisturbed for healing to occur. Usually, the area is clipped to remove overlying fur (shaving can cause further irritation) and washed with a mild soap or antiseptic. The hot spot might need to be gently cleaned several times a day to remove crusty build-up. If inflammation is severe, systemic antibiotics or anti-inflammatory drugs can be prescribed by a veterinarian. Topical treatments may be used, but care should be taken to ensure the cream or ointment is not going right into the dog’s mouth! In some cases these can be toxic when ingested. In other cases, inappropriate use of an ointment might seal in the existing infection and prevent healthy aeration of the wound, slowing rather than aiding the healing process.
If you think your dog has a hot spot make sure you take them to the vet right away.
Early treatment makes all the difference in how fast these heal up.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Spring Allergies
It's that time of year, all the trees and flowers are blooming and spring is peeking out to greet us.
With all this beauty comes Allergies. If you suffer with any allergies then you know just had bad you can feel during this wonderful season. Have you ever thought about our pets having allergies? I know I hadn't. But indeed they can suffer just as we humans do to many of the same things that cause us to sneeze and be stuffed up.
For pets it can many times be worse than we suffer. Why? Because our pets are on the
floor and ground! We carry pollens, molds & Fungi in on our cloths and shoes. Walk
across the carpet and floors right where our pets live.
Grass, one of our pets favorite things, they love to run and play in it. Just watch a dog in the
spring! Old and young, spring brings out the playful side of our dogs and you will see many
of them out running and rolling around in that beautiful fresh new grass that's coming up.
But did you know that grass has pollens in it? There are over 9,000 different types of grass.
All carrying different pollens that can cause a pet to have allergies. The grass pollination period
extends from April to July in the northern hemisphere.
Grasses to watch out for are:
Bermuda Grass, this is a creeping low growing grass and is one of the most common allergy causing grasses. Other grasses that may cause problems are June/Blue grass, Brome grass, Meadow Fescue, Orchard/Cocksfoot grass, Redtop or Bentgrass, Sweet Vernal, Cultivated Wheat and Timothy grass.
Trees which can cause allergies:
Trees account for much of the worlds pollen and are the oldest living plants in the world. Pines, firs, cypresses, cedars and junipers all shed prodigious quanties of pollen.
Alder, Ash, Birch, Box Elder, Cottonwood/Poplar, Hazelnut, Hickory /Pecan, Maple, Mountain Cedar, Juniper, Oak, Pine, Sycamore, and Willow trees.
Weeds:
Yes Weeds are not only bothersome to us and are gardens, they can cause allergies for
both us and our pets. Here are some that are known to cause problems.
Cocklebur, Dandelion, English plantain, Kochia, Lambs Quarters, Marsh Elder, Mugwort,
Pigweed, ragweed, Sheep Sorrel, Russian Thistle, Sagebrush and Wormwood.
Molds, Fungi & Yeast:
Molds, fungi and yeast are of allergic significance year around. these life forms are simply
ubiquitous. While there are some seasonal variations and certain peak periods most molds
survive indoor and outdoors through the year. Mold spores easily and quickly establish new colonies making them virtually impossible to eradicate.
Many fungal spores are found in soil and plant debris and get picked up by your pet inadvertently. Molds reach peak concentrations following a rain shower. Spore dispersal typically increases during the afternoon hours.
Molds, fungi and yeast can exist on the fur and skin on your pet. Pets that lick their paws and scratch themselves provide a warm moist suitable environment for spore growth.
Other Allergens:
Dust Mites, live in house dust and thrive on high humidity. They have a life cycle of about 2 to 4 months. Upholstered furniture, mattresses and carpeting are natural habitats for mites. Mites feed on human and animal dander and are practically impossible to eliminate. Killing mites with pesticides merely results in dead mites which is also a potent allergenic source.
Flea hypersensitivity is due to a protein material in flea saliva, waste and eggs. Fleas are the most common external parasite of companion animals and are an important cause of skin disease. There are some 1,500 species of fleas and is by far the most common allergic skin decease in dogs and cats. A symptom of flea bite hypersensitivity is an itchy and crusted dermatitis in animals that are sensitive to them.
Other items your pet could show a allergy to are:
Human hair, wool, cotton, kapok ( which is used as stuffing for cushions and furniture),
Orris root (found in potpourri to sustain color and fragrance), Jute, Sisal and house dust.
A bit over whelming isn't it. We're not trying to scare you about your pet. But rather to make
you aware that if your pet shows symptoms of allergies these might be some of the reasons.
Ideas to reduce exposure for your pets:
Frequent washing with a hypoallergenic shampoo will remove most pollen and mold from your pets skin and fur. Although temporary it is something that is very important to do. Furthermore pets that aren't bathed regularly will carry around pollen and mold and shake it off everywhere they go.
Outdoors: On windy days and during peak pollination times keep your pet indoors.
Keep pets off wet grass and away from piles of leaves, grass cuttings and rubbish.
Keep pets from running in fields and indoors when mowing or raking leaves, or watering plants and lawns.
Indoors: Keep your pets bedding and surrounding area clean. Use a disinfectant when pet is not around on their bedding using hot water and drying completely. Keep pets away from basements, cellars, bathrooms, laundry rooms and the refrigerator. Keep indoor areas dry and use a dehumidifier or air conditioning. Keep your pet off carpets, beds and furniture. Avoid dusty cans or bags of pet food. Do not give your pet leftover human food from the refrigerator.
More information can be found at http://www.nelcovet.com/
With all this beauty comes Allergies. If you suffer with any allergies then you know just had bad you can feel during this wonderful season. Have you ever thought about our pets having allergies? I know I hadn't. But indeed they can suffer just as we humans do to many of the same things that cause us to sneeze and be stuffed up.
For pets it can many times be worse than we suffer. Why? Because our pets are on the
floor and ground! We carry pollens, molds & Fungi in on our cloths and shoes. Walk
across the carpet and floors right where our pets live.
Grass, one of our pets favorite things, they love to run and play in it. Just watch a dog in the
spring! Old and young, spring brings out the playful side of our dogs and you will see many
of them out running and rolling around in that beautiful fresh new grass that's coming up.
But did you know that grass has pollens in it? There are over 9,000 different types of grass.
All carrying different pollens that can cause a pet to have allergies. The grass pollination period
extends from April to July in the northern hemisphere.
Grasses to watch out for are:
Bermuda Grass, this is a creeping low growing grass and is one of the most common allergy causing grasses. Other grasses that may cause problems are June/Blue grass, Brome grass, Meadow Fescue, Orchard/Cocksfoot grass, Redtop or Bentgrass, Sweet Vernal, Cultivated Wheat and Timothy grass.
Trees which can cause allergies:
Trees account for much of the worlds pollen and are the oldest living plants in the world. Pines, firs, cypresses, cedars and junipers all shed prodigious quanties of pollen.
Alder, Ash, Birch, Box Elder, Cottonwood/Poplar, Hazelnut, Hickory /Pecan, Maple, Mountain Cedar, Juniper, Oak, Pine, Sycamore, and Willow trees.
Weeds:
Yes Weeds are not only bothersome to us and are gardens, they can cause allergies for
both us and our pets. Here are some that are known to cause problems.
Cocklebur, Dandelion, English plantain, Kochia, Lambs Quarters, Marsh Elder, Mugwort,
Pigweed, ragweed, Sheep Sorrel, Russian Thistle, Sagebrush and Wormwood.
Molds, Fungi & Yeast:
Molds, fungi and yeast are of allergic significance year around. these life forms are simply
ubiquitous. While there are some seasonal variations and certain peak periods most molds
survive indoor and outdoors through the year. Mold spores easily and quickly establish new colonies making them virtually impossible to eradicate.
Many fungal spores are found in soil and plant debris and get picked up by your pet inadvertently. Molds reach peak concentrations following a rain shower. Spore dispersal typically increases during the afternoon hours.
Molds, fungi and yeast can exist on the fur and skin on your pet. Pets that lick their paws and scratch themselves provide a warm moist suitable environment for spore growth.
Other Allergens:
Dust Mites, live in house dust and thrive on high humidity. They have a life cycle of about 2 to 4 months. Upholstered furniture, mattresses and carpeting are natural habitats for mites. Mites feed on human and animal dander and are practically impossible to eliminate. Killing mites with pesticides merely results in dead mites which is also a potent allergenic source.
Flea hypersensitivity is due to a protein material in flea saliva, waste and eggs. Fleas are the most common external parasite of companion animals and are an important cause of skin disease. There are some 1,500 species of fleas and is by far the most common allergic skin decease in dogs and cats. A symptom of flea bite hypersensitivity is an itchy and crusted dermatitis in animals that are sensitive to them.
Other items your pet could show a allergy to are:
Human hair, wool, cotton, kapok ( which is used as stuffing for cushions and furniture),
Orris root (found in potpourri to sustain color and fragrance), Jute, Sisal and house dust.
A bit over whelming isn't it. We're not trying to scare you about your pet. But rather to make
you aware that if your pet shows symptoms of allergies these might be some of the reasons.
Ideas to reduce exposure for your pets:
Frequent washing with a hypoallergenic shampoo will remove most pollen and mold from your pets skin and fur. Although temporary it is something that is very important to do. Furthermore pets that aren't bathed regularly will carry around pollen and mold and shake it off everywhere they go.
Outdoors: On windy days and during peak pollination times keep your pet indoors.
Keep pets off wet grass and away from piles of leaves, grass cuttings and rubbish.
Keep pets from running in fields and indoors when mowing or raking leaves, or watering plants and lawns.
Indoors: Keep your pets bedding and surrounding area clean. Use a disinfectant when pet is not around on their bedding using hot water and drying completely. Keep pets away from basements, cellars, bathrooms, laundry rooms and the refrigerator. Keep indoor areas dry and use a dehumidifier or air conditioning. Keep your pet off carpets, beds and furniture. Avoid dusty cans or bags of pet food. Do not give your pet leftover human food from the refrigerator.
More information can be found at http://www.nelcovet.com/
Sunday, March 01, 2009
Warning Cocoa Mulch
Cocoa mulch contains a chemical (theobromine) that can be harmful to pets!
Veterinarians have noted that cocoa mulch contains ingredients that could pose a health risk to dogs and other pets, that might be tempted to ingest it.
Cocoa mulch is a risk, especially to dogs said Dr. Larry Family of Aqueduct Animal hospital.
Found in most home garden centers, cocoa mulch is known for its fine
texture and the sweet smell of fresh mulch. But getting past the sent, Dr. Family
says cocoa mulch can be dangerous if a dog starts eating it. It contains two key ingredients found in chocolate: theobromine and caffeine. Similar to eating chocolate, he says a dog
that eats just a few ounces of cocoa mulch could start having stomach problems and it could get worse if it eats more. As time goes on they might act restless, excited and it could produce
tremors and seriously seizures, the vet explained. Puppies are even more at risk
because they are so curious.
So BEST to be on the side of caution and just avoided this type of mulch when
planting this spring. You can read more about this mulch at
http://www.snopes.com/critters/crusader/cocoamulch.asp
Veterinarians have noted that cocoa mulch contains ingredients that could pose a health risk to dogs and other pets, that might be tempted to ingest it.
Cocoa mulch is a risk, especially to dogs said Dr. Larry Family of Aqueduct Animal hospital.
Found in most home garden centers, cocoa mulch is known for its fine
texture and the sweet smell of fresh mulch. But getting past the sent, Dr. Family
says cocoa mulch can be dangerous if a dog starts eating it. It contains two key ingredients found in chocolate: theobromine and caffeine. Similar to eating chocolate, he says a dog
that eats just a few ounces of cocoa mulch could start having stomach problems and it could get worse if it eats more. As time goes on they might act restless, excited and it could produce
tremors and seriously seizures, the vet explained. Puppies are even more at risk
because they are so curious.
So BEST to be on the side of caution and just avoided this type of mulch when
planting this spring. You can read more about this mulch at
http://www.snopes.com/critters/crusader/cocoamulch.asp
Sunday, February 08, 2009
Are your pet's toys safe?
Providing your pet with toys to play with is one of the most basic aspects of
responsible pet care. We expect that these toys will bring many hours of enjoyment,
often not even entertaining the thought that a toy could have a very opposite effect.
The ball refered to in the below stoy is one with only 1 hole in the ball and a bell inside.
This type of toy can create a suction and get stuck on your pets tongue. Causing such
damage that the pet often has to have surgery to remove part of all it's tongue.
Please read Chai's story and click on the link. It takes you to Chai and his owners blog
where you can see all this poor fellow has had to go through and continues to go through
due to this one toy.
The picture in this post is the very ball that was stuck on chai's tongue. Please make
sure you do not have these types of balls in your home.
Chai's Story: Most recently, the story of Chai, a Labrador mix whose tongue
ultimately had to be amputated after getting stuck in a ball, circulated in the virtual
world. The culprit was the Pimple Ball manufactured by Four Paws.
Four Paws has stopped shipment of this product and alerted retailers that they should immediately remove the item from their shelves.
Update: The HSUS has been receiving reports that some retailers continue to
sell recalled versions of the Pimple Ball. If you've recently purchased one, please
check the UPC code on your Pimple Ball to ensure that you haven't purchased
a recalled version.
Chai's story is certainly tragic; however it does provide a good reminder for everyone to take a look at their pet's toys to make sure they sturdy and safe. If in doubt, it's best to remove a toy from your pet's collection instead of risking tragedy.
Stop now and take a look around your homes, see it from your pets view and pay attention to anything that may cause harm to a pet you love.
If in doubt about your pets toys, take them to your vet and get their advise. Before
buying a new toy for your pet, do some research. This wonderful computer we sit
in front of is a great tool for researching. And if you're buying a ball for your furbaby,
make sure it has two holes in it.
Parts of this post was referenced from The humane society's web site.
How can I prevent my dog from jumping on people
Not such a annoying thing when that pet is a puppy! However as your puppy grows in to a adult dog this will become a problem. While in the puppy stage they are cute and adorable and don't harm us when jumping. However, these adorable puppies grow and if the breed is a large one this jumping becomes a problem.
For many dogs, jumping up on people is part of their greeting routine. Often, guardians have tried to discourage this behavior using methods such as squeezing the front feet, stepping on the dog’s toes, or kneeing the dog in the chest. Yet the behavior continues. If that is the case with your dog, then it is important to think about what might be motivating the dog to jump up and what is the reinforcement for the behavior continuing.
Usually the motivation for the jumping up behavior is to greet people. Many dogs like to greet face to face, like they do with their canine counterparts. People, however, find this objectionable. Correction must not be directed at punishing the problem, but rather finding a means of teaching the dog an appropriate greeting posture. This usually is a sit/stay, which can then be rewarded with food and attention. Once the dog has perfected this without people there and practiced it with family members, the dog is ready to try with visitors. Make the dog sit and stay while people come and hand the dog a treat. If the dog gets up, then put him back in the sit and try again. Often placing a treat jar by the front door with a bell on it will help. Once the dog associates the bell on the jar with a treat, and a treat with a sit/stay, the dog will be more likely to perform the task.
Another way to train this behavior is to set up visitors to come to your home. Have the first person come to the door and instruct your dog to sit and stay. Then, let them in. Hopefully with some effort you will get your dog to continue to sit. Have the person enter, give a treat and sit down. After 5 minutes, have them leave out the back door, come to the front and enter again. This second entry should go easier as your dog will have just seen the person. If you can repeat this 4-6 times for each visitor, the dog will have plenty of opportunity to learn the new task.
Once you understand the motivation, and have trained a new task, you need to be sure you have identified all the reinforcement for the behavior. If the dog succeeds in getting any attention for the jumping behavior, then the dog will continue to jump. Attention may be petting, pushing away (which resembles play behavior), and even mild reprimands can be reinforcing for a dog who really wants attention. To change this behavior you need to remove ALL reinforcement. This may mean that you do not look, speak, touch or interact with the dog IN ANY WAY when he jumps on you. Walk by the dog, give a command such as sit, but do not interact with the dog. Alternately, you could try punishment to see if you can disrupt the behavior just as it begins.
To use punishment for jumping up, you need to be able to QUICKLY AND HUMANELY interrupt the behavior. This is often best done with some type of device that makes a loud noise. Shake cans, rape alarms, and air horns, all make loud noises that will often startle the dog. As soon as the dog hesitates, you need to give the dog an alternative command so that the dog can do the proper thing and then reward the dog with praise. So, as you administer the noise, you say SIT and when the dog sits you reward him with praise and food treats if available. Many dogs soon learn that to avoid the noise, they need to sit and will do so to greet you. Then have the person leave, and reenter the home, using the device and command if the dog does not immediately sit, and a good sit and reward as soon as the dog does sit. Continue to have the person leave and reenter until the dog sits for him reward without hesitating.
Another method that is consistently successful at deterring and preventing the jumping up, is to leave a leash and head halter on the dog during greeting. All it takes is stepping on the leash or a quick sharp pull to prevent or disrupt the jumping up. Again, be certain to reward non-jumping behavior.
Some people like to allow the dog to jump up on them at certain times. You must never allow the dog to choose the time. Ideally you should teach your dog to jump up on command such as "Give me a hug" or "Come up here." This way, you have the behavior under verbal control and you decide when the dog will be allowed to jump up.
Information for this post was found from Pawprints and Purrs
For many dogs, jumping up on people is part of their greeting routine. Often, guardians have tried to discourage this behavior using methods such as squeezing the front feet, stepping on the dog’s toes, or kneeing the dog in the chest. Yet the behavior continues. If that is the case with your dog, then it is important to think about what might be motivating the dog to jump up and what is the reinforcement for the behavior continuing.
Usually the motivation for the jumping up behavior is to greet people. Many dogs like to greet face to face, like they do with their canine counterparts. People, however, find this objectionable. Correction must not be directed at punishing the problem, but rather finding a means of teaching the dog an appropriate greeting posture. This usually is a sit/stay, which can then be rewarded with food and attention. Once the dog has perfected this without people there and practiced it with family members, the dog is ready to try with visitors. Make the dog sit and stay while people come and hand the dog a treat. If the dog gets up, then put him back in the sit and try again. Often placing a treat jar by the front door with a bell on it will help. Once the dog associates the bell on the jar with a treat, and a treat with a sit/stay, the dog will be more likely to perform the task.
Another way to train this behavior is to set up visitors to come to your home. Have the first person come to the door and instruct your dog to sit and stay. Then, let them in. Hopefully with some effort you will get your dog to continue to sit. Have the person enter, give a treat and sit down. After 5 minutes, have them leave out the back door, come to the front and enter again. This second entry should go easier as your dog will have just seen the person. If you can repeat this 4-6 times for each visitor, the dog will have plenty of opportunity to learn the new task.
Once you understand the motivation, and have trained a new task, you need to be sure you have identified all the reinforcement for the behavior. If the dog succeeds in getting any attention for the jumping behavior, then the dog will continue to jump. Attention may be petting, pushing away (which resembles play behavior), and even mild reprimands can be reinforcing for a dog who really wants attention. To change this behavior you need to remove ALL reinforcement. This may mean that you do not look, speak, touch or interact with the dog IN ANY WAY when he jumps on you. Walk by the dog, give a command such as sit, but do not interact with the dog. Alternately, you could try punishment to see if you can disrupt the behavior just as it begins.
To use punishment for jumping up, you need to be able to QUICKLY AND HUMANELY interrupt the behavior. This is often best done with some type of device that makes a loud noise. Shake cans, rape alarms, and air horns, all make loud noises that will often startle the dog. As soon as the dog hesitates, you need to give the dog an alternative command so that the dog can do the proper thing and then reward the dog with praise. So, as you administer the noise, you say SIT and when the dog sits you reward him with praise and food treats if available. Many dogs soon learn that to avoid the noise, they need to sit and will do so to greet you. Then have the person leave, and reenter the home, using the device and command if the dog does not immediately sit, and a good sit and reward as soon as the dog does sit. Continue to have the person leave and reenter until the dog sits for him reward without hesitating.
Another method that is consistently successful at deterring and preventing the jumping up, is to leave a leash and head halter on the dog during greeting. All it takes is stepping on the leash or a quick sharp pull to prevent or disrupt the jumping up. Again, be certain to reward non-jumping behavior.
Some people like to allow the dog to jump up on them at certain times. You must never allow the dog to choose the time. Ideally you should teach your dog to jump up on command such as "Give me a hug" or "Come up here." This way, you have the behavior under verbal control and you decide when the dog will be allowed to jump up.
Information for this post was found from Pawprints and Purrs
Sunday, January 04, 2009
Winter care
Well now that our holidays are over and past us, we can look forward to winter rearing it's ugly head at is. We think of safety most of all during this time of year. But we don't always think of
the safety of our pets. This this is just a small reminder to us to remember our furry pals during the coldest part of the year. If your pet is a outside one, please make sure they have lots of bedding in their dog houses and that their water dishes don't become frozen over where they can't get a drink. Also when the weather is to nasty think of bringing them in the house at night.
For our inside pets, make sure you don't let them stay out to long playing in the snow, they aren't use to the lower temps and will often times become so cold that it will cause health problems. When they come in the house make sure the pads of their feet aren't caked with snow and ice. This will cause frost bite for them. Another thing I do, is shovel a small dog run when the snow gets deep. I know it sounds crazy but for small pets, it's very easy for them to get lost in the snow. LOL So for Macey gay she gets her very own shoveled potty run!!
Remember if you have any questions you can always call the shop, and Jodi will be happy to help you. If she doesn't know, she will call and find out for you. Above all we want the winter to be safe for EVERYONE two legged as well as four legged friends.
May this new year bring you all much health and happiness and tons of joy with your furbabies.
the safety of our pets. This this is just a small reminder to us to remember our furry pals during the coldest part of the year. If your pet is a outside one, please make sure they have lots of bedding in their dog houses and that their water dishes don't become frozen over where they can't get a drink. Also when the weather is to nasty think of bringing them in the house at night.
For our inside pets, make sure you don't let them stay out to long playing in the snow, they aren't use to the lower temps and will often times become so cold that it will cause health problems. When they come in the house make sure the pads of their feet aren't caked with snow and ice. This will cause frost bite for them. Another thing I do, is shovel a small dog run when the snow gets deep. I know it sounds crazy but for small pets, it's very easy for them to get lost in the snow. LOL So for Macey gay she gets her very own shoveled potty run!!
Remember if you have any questions you can always call the shop, and Jodi will be happy to help you. If she doesn't know, she will call and find out for you. Above all we want the winter to be safe for EVERYONE two legged as well as four legged friends.
May this new year bring you all much health and happiness and tons of joy with your furbabies.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
~Gifts to avoid buying at Christmas~
Between all the mega stores, small speciality shops, malls and on line shopping.
There are many different things you can buy for your friends and family this year at Christmas. It's doubtful you'll have a hard time coming up with gifts this year. But what about the gifts you shouldn't give during the holidays?
The number 1 gift you should not give at Christmas is......
Pets of any kind. There are a few reasons why you should avoid this gift. First, pets are really fluffy and adorable and on Christmas day they can really light up the room and make your loved one go gaga. The problem is, after the excitement wears off, your present may not be as welcome any more and may even end up neglected. If it's really bad, that pet may end up homeless in an animal shelter, no longer wanted. A precious little life like that deserves love and attention so don't buy an animal for the holidays. Another reason pets are a bad idea for Christmas day, is that a new pet will be scared or nervous enough coming to a new home. They will need your total attention and love and a calm place to come home to. If your family is like ours, Calm and quiet is not something we have in our home on Christmas Day!!!! laughing
There are many different things you can buy for your friends and family this year at Christmas. It's doubtful you'll have a hard time coming up with gifts this year. But what about the gifts you shouldn't give during the holidays?
The number 1 gift you should not give at Christmas is......
Pets of any kind. There are a few reasons why you should avoid this gift. First, pets are really fluffy and adorable and on Christmas day they can really light up the room and make your loved one go gaga. The problem is, after the excitement wears off, your present may not be as welcome any more and may even end up neglected. If it's really bad, that pet may end up homeless in an animal shelter, no longer wanted. A precious little life like that deserves love and attention so don't buy an animal for the holidays. Another reason pets are a bad idea for Christmas day, is that a new pet will be scared or nervous enough coming to a new home. They will need your total attention and love and a calm place to come home to. If your family is like ours, Calm and quiet is not something we have in our home on Christmas Day!!!! laughing
So our suggestion is this, if you just have to give a pet to your loved one on
Christmas. Give them a gift voucher for a pet of their choice. Or if you know the
pet they really want, why not buy and wrap up the items they will need to care for
that pet, include a card letting them know that after the holiday craze is over they
will have their pet. This also allows them to go along with you and help pick out
the perfect new friend for them.
Completely avoid the urge to wow that special someone on Christmas day with an
animal. There are enough other fun things you can buy for them to open that day!
As for the pets you already have in the home. Please don't forget them during this
busy time of the year. Watch so they don't run out the door as all your guests are
coming and going. Please place them in a quiet room alway from all your company.
Remember they aren't use to all those strange people, and no matter how friendly
your furbaby is, a large amount of company can cause them to behave badly or
even snap and bite someone. Also removing your pet from the party keeps your
friends from feeding them all this rich food we enjoy. See our Thanksgiving post
for more information about holiday foods and our pets.
Diggin Dawgs and Co, along with myself, would like to wish you all a very happy and
healthy Christmas Season. May you enjoy the spirit of the season and remember the
reason we have this special day!
Much love
Jodi and Family
The gang at Diggin Dawgs
Tracie - Blog site designer & administrator
Completely avoid the urge to wow that special someone on Christmas day with an
animal. There are enough other fun things you can buy for them to open that day!
As for the pets you already have in the home. Please don't forget them during this
busy time of the year. Watch so they don't run out the door as all your guests are
coming and going. Please place them in a quiet room alway from all your company.
Remember they aren't use to all those strange people, and no matter how friendly
your furbaby is, a large amount of company can cause them to behave badly or
even snap and bite someone. Also removing your pet from the party keeps your
friends from feeding them all this rich food we enjoy. See our Thanksgiving post
for more information about holiday foods and our pets.
Diggin Dawgs and Co, along with myself, would like to wish you all a very happy and
healthy Christmas Season. May you enjoy the spirit of the season and remember the
reason we have this special day!
Much love
Jodi and Family
The gang at Diggin Dawgs
Tracie - Blog site designer & administrator
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Winter Pet Care
Cold weather can be hard on pets, just like it can be hard on people. Sometimes owners forget that their pets are just as accustomed to the warm shelter of the indoors as they are. Some owners will leave their animals outside for extended periods of time, thinking that all animals are adapted to live outdoors. This can put their pets in danger of serious illness. There are things you can do to keep your animal warm and safe.
Take your animals for a winter check-up before winter kicks in. Your veterinarian can check to make sure they don't have any medical problems that will make them more vulnerable to the cold.
Keep your pets inside as much as you can when the mercury drops. If you have to take them out, stay outside with them. When you're cold enough to go inside, they probably are too. If you absolutely must leave them outside for a significant length of time, make sure they have a warm, solid shelter against the wind, thick bedding, and plenty of non-frozen water. Try leaving out a hot water bottle, wrapped in a towel so it won't burn your pet's skin.
Some animals can remain outside safely longer in the winter than others. In some cases, it's just common sense: long-haired breeds like Huskies will do better in cold weather than short-haired breeds like Dachshunds. Cats and small dogs that have to wade shoulder-deep in the snow will feel the cold sooner than larger animals. Your pet's health will also affect how long she can stay out. Conditions like diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, and hormonal imbalances can compromise a pet's ability to regulate her own body heat. Animals that are not generally in good health shouldn't be exposed to winter weather for a long period of time. Very young and very old animals are vulnerable to the cold as well. Regardless of their health, though, no pets should stay outside for unlimited amounts of time in freezing cold weather. If you have any questions about how long your pet should be out this winter, ask your veterinarian.
Cats will curl up against almost anything to stay warm--including car engines. Cats caught in moving engine parts can be seriously hurt or killed. Before you turn your engine on, check beneath the car or make a lot of noise by honking the horn or rapping on the hood.
If you live near a pond or lake, be very cautious about letting your rambunctious dog off the leash. Animals can easily fall through the ice, and it is very difficult for them to escape on their own. If you must let your dogs loose near open water, stay with them at all times.
If you light a fire or plug in a space heater to keep your home toasty warm, remember that the heat will be as attractive to your pets as to you. As your dog or cat snuggles up to the warmth, keep an eye out to make sure that no tails or paws come in contact with flames, heating coils, or hot surfaces. Pets can either burn themselves or knock a heat source over and put the entire household in danger.
It's a good idea to have your furnace checked for carbon monoxide leakage before you turn it on, both for your pets' health and your own. Carbon monoxide is odorless and invisible, but it can cause problems ranging from headaches and fatigue to trouble breathing. Pets generally spend more time in the home than owners, particularly in the winter, so they are more vulnerable to monoxide poisoning than the rest of the family.
Pets that go outside can pick up rock salt, ice, and chemical ice melts in their foot pads. To keep your pet's pads from getting chapped and raw, wipe her feet with a washcloth when she comes inside. This will also keep her from licking the salt off her feet, which could cause an inflammation of her digestive tract.
If left alone outside, dogs and cats can be very resourceful in their search for warm shelter. They can dig into snow banks or hide under porches or in dumpsters, window wells, or cellars, and they can occasionally get trapped. Watch them closely when they are loose outdoors, and provide them with quality, easily accessible shelter.
Keep an eye on your pet's water. Sometimes owners don't realize that a water bowl has frozen and their pet can't get anything to drink. Animals that don't have access to clean, unfrozen water are more likely to drink out of puddles or gutters, which can be polluted with oil, antifreeze, household cleaners, and other chemicals.
Be particularly gentle with elderly and arthritic pets during the winter. The cold can leave their joints extremely stiff and tender, and they may become more awkward than usual. Stay directly below these pets when they are climbing stairs or jumping onto furniture; consider modifying their environment to make it easier for them to get around. Make sure they have a thick, soft bed in a warm room for the chilly nights. Also, watch stiff and arthritic pets if you walk them outside; a bad slip on the ice could be very painful and cause a significant injury.
Go ahead and put that sweater on Princess, if she'll put up with it. It will help a little, but you can't depend on it entirely to keep her warm. Pets lose most of their body heat from the pads of their feet, their ears, and their respiratory tract. The best way to guard your animals against the cold is keeping a close eye on them to make sure they're comfortable.
When you're outside with your pets during the winter, you can watch them for signs of discomfort with the cold. If they whine, shiver, seem anxious, slow down or stop moving, or start to look for warm places to burrow, they're saying they want to get back someplace warm.
You can also keep an eye out for two serious conditions caused by cold weather. The first and less common of the two is frostbite. Frostbite happens when an animal's (or a person's) body gets cold and pulls all the blood from the extremities to the center of the body to stay warm. The animal's ears, paws, or tail can get cold enough that ice crystals can form in the tissue and damage it. The tricky thing about frostbite is that it's not immediately obvious. The tissue doesn't show signs of the damage to it for several days.
If you suspect your pet may have frostbite, bring her into a warm environment right away. You can soak her extremities in warm water for about 20 minutes to melt the ice crystals and restore circulation. It's important that you don't rub the frostbitten tissue, however--the ice crystals can do a lot of damage to the tissue. Once your pet is warm, wrap her up in some blankets and take her to the veterinarian. Your veterinarian can assess the damage and treat your pet for pain or infection if necessary.
Hypothermia, or a body temperature that is below normal, is a condition that occurs when an animal is not able to keep her body temperature from falling below normal. It happens when animals spend too much time in cold temperatures, or when animals with poor health or circulation are exposed to cold. In mild cases, animals will shiver and show signs of depression, lethargy, and weakness. As the condition progresses, an animal's muscles will stiffen, her heart and breathing rates will slow down, and she will stop responding to stimuli.
If you notice these symptoms, you need to get your pet warm and take her to your veterinarian. You can wrap her in blankets, possibly with a hot water bottle or an electric blanket--as always, wrapped in fabric to prevent against burning the skin. In severe cases, your veterinarian can monitor her heart rate and blood pressure and give warm fluids through an IV.
Winter can be a beautiful time of year. It can be a dangerous time as well, but it certainly doesn't have to be. If you take some precautions, you and your pet can have a fabulous time taking in the icicles, the snow banks, and the warm, glowing fire at the end of the day.
Take your animals for a winter check-up before winter kicks in. Your veterinarian can check to make sure they don't have any medical problems that will make them more vulnerable to the cold.
Keep your pets inside as much as you can when the mercury drops. If you have to take them out, stay outside with them. When you're cold enough to go inside, they probably are too. If you absolutely must leave them outside for a significant length of time, make sure they have a warm, solid shelter against the wind, thick bedding, and plenty of non-frozen water. Try leaving out a hot water bottle, wrapped in a towel so it won't burn your pet's skin.
Some animals can remain outside safely longer in the winter than others. In some cases, it's just common sense: long-haired breeds like Huskies will do better in cold weather than short-haired breeds like Dachshunds. Cats and small dogs that have to wade shoulder-deep in the snow will feel the cold sooner than larger animals. Your pet's health will also affect how long she can stay out. Conditions like diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, and hormonal imbalances can compromise a pet's ability to regulate her own body heat. Animals that are not generally in good health shouldn't be exposed to winter weather for a long period of time. Very young and very old animals are vulnerable to the cold as well. Regardless of their health, though, no pets should stay outside for unlimited amounts of time in freezing cold weather. If you have any questions about how long your pet should be out this winter, ask your veterinarian.
Cats will curl up against almost anything to stay warm--including car engines. Cats caught in moving engine parts can be seriously hurt or killed. Before you turn your engine on, check beneath the car or make a lot of noise by honking the horn or rapping on the hood.
If you live near a pond or lake, be very cautious about letting your rambunctious dog off the leash. Animals can easily fall through the ice, and it is very difficult for them to escape on their own. If you must let your dogs loose near open water, stay with them at all times.
If you light a fire or plug in a space heater to keep your home toasty warm, remember that the heat will be as attractive to your pets as to you. As your dog or cat snuggles up to the warmth, keep an eye out to make sure that no tails or paws come in contact with flames, heating coils, or hot surfaces. Pets can either burn themselves or knock a heat source over and put the entire household in danger.
It's a good idea to have your furnace checked for carbon monoxide leakage before you turn it on, both for your pets' health and your own. Carbon monoxide is odorless and invisible, but it can cause problems ranging from headaches and fatigue to trouble breathing. Pets generally spend more time in the home than owners, particularly in the winter, so they are more vulnerable to monoxide poisoning than the rest of the family.
Pets that go outside can pick up rock salt, ice, and chemical ice melts in their foot pads. To keep your pet's pads from getting chapped and raw, wipe her feet with a washcloth when she comes inside. This will also keep her from licking the salt off her feet, which could cause an inflammation of her digestive tract.
If left alone outside, dogs and cats can be very resourceful in their search for warm shelter. They can dig into snow banks or hide under porches or in dumpsters, window wells, or cellars, and they can occasionally get trapped. Watch them closely when they are loose outdoors, and provide them with quality, easily accessible shelter.
Keep an eye on your pet's water. Sometimes owners don't realize that a water bowl has frozen and their pet can't get anything to drink. Animals that don't have access to clean, unfrozen water are more likely to drink out of puddles or gutters, which can be polluted with oil, antifreeze, household cleaners, and other chemicals.
Be particularly gentle with elderly and arthritic pets during the winter. The cold can leave their joints extremely stiff and tender, and they may become more awkward than usual. Stay directly below these pets when they are climbing stairs or jumping onto furniture; consider modifying their environment to make it easier for them to get around. Make sure they have a thick, soft bed in a warm room for the chilly nights. Also, watch stiff and arthritic pets if you walk them outside; a bad slip on the ice could be very painful and cause a significant injury.
Go ahead and put that sweater on Princess, if she'll put up with it. It will help a little, but you can't depend on it entirely to keep her warm. Pets lose most of their body heat from the pads of their feet, their ears, and their respiratory tract. The best way to guard your animals against the cold is keeping a close eye on them to make sure they're comfortable.
When you're outside with your pets during the winter, you can watch them for signs of discomfort with the cold. If they whine, shiver, seem anxious, slow down or stop moving, or start to look for warm places to burrow, they're saying they want to get back someplace warm.
You can also keep an eye out for two serious conditions caused by cold weather. The first and less common of the two is frostbite. Frostbite happens when an animal's (or a person's) body gets cold and pulls all the blood from the extremities to the center of the body to stay warm. The animal's ears, paws, or tail can get cold enough that ice crystals can form in the tissue and damage it. The tricky thing about frostbite is that it's not immediately obvious. The tissue doesn't show signs of the damage to it for several days.
If you suspect your pet may have frostbite, bring her into a warm environment right away. You can soak her extremities in warm water for about 20 minutes to melt the ice crystals and restore circulation. It's important that you don't rub the frostbitten tissue, however--the ice crystals can do a lot of damage to the tissue. Once your pet is warm, wrap her up in some blankets and take her to the veterinarian. Your veterinarian can assess the damage and treat your pet for pain or infection if necessary.
Hypothermia, or a body temperature that is below normal, is a condition that occurs when an animal is not able to keep her body temperature from falling below normal. It happens when animals spend too much time in cold temperatures, or when animals with poor health or circulation are exposed to cold. In mild cases, animals will shiver and show signs of depression, lethargy, and weakness. As the condition progresses, an animal's muscles will stiffen, her heart and breathing rates will slow down, and she will stop responding to stimuli.
If you notice these symptoms, you need to get your pet warm and take her to your veterinarian. You can wrap her in blankets, possibly with a hot water bottle or an electric blanket--as always, wrapped in fabric to prevent against burning the skin. In severe cases, your veterinarian can monitor her heart rate and blood pressure and give warm fluids through an IV.
Winter can be a beautiful time of year. It can be a dangerous time as well, but it certainly doesn't have to be. If you take some precautions, you and your pet can have a fabulous time taking in the icicles, the snow banks, and the warm, glowing fire at the end of the day.
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