Ten Things All New Pet Owners Should Know


1. Your pet needs to go to the vet. Start saving now.
Every pet needs to be examined by a vet occasionally. Illnesses that are caught early are often treatable, and regular vet exams are your best weapon. Even the healthiest pet may have an accident, calling for immediate emergency care. Older pets may be in pain from age-related deterioration. Face it, you're going to have to take your pet to the vet sooner or later. Be prepared to pay for it!


2. You're the human, you set the rules.
Don't let your pet boss you around. Decide on the rules, and enforce them consistently. Don't let your pet get his way if it goes against the rules -- he'll just try that much harder the next time. Animals may not seem to have long memories, but they sure remember how they got their own way the last time!


3. Animals love a boring routine.
Pets want to know what to expect -- it makes them feel secure. Yours will be happiest if they are fed at the same time every day, sleep in the same spot at night, and can count on you to always come home at a certain time. They'll get by if the routine occasionally changes, but keeping their day predictable keeps them predictable, and happy.


4. Good food and lots of exercise equals a long life.
We all know we should eat healthy foods in moderation and get plenty of exercise. The same goes for our pets. Healthy living prevents illness, and you won't have to see the vet as often! If a small pet is confined to a cage, give it lots of space and things to climb on or explore, to encourage exercise. Reserve treats like dog biscuits for very special occasions.


5. Everything ends up in their mouths.
To you it's an electrical cord, but to your dog, it's a chew toy. Keep in mind that your pets will chew on anything, and keep dangerous items out of reach! Encourage them to chew on toys instead by providing lots of them, especially new ones once the old ones have lost their appeal.


6. Bacteria do not make good pets.
A clean environment keeps everyone happy and healthy. Pets are dirty, and need lots of cleaning. On a weekly basis, brush your dog's teeth, wash out the gerbil's water bottle, and scoop out the cat's litter box! If you don't, you're in for bacterial and parasitic infections, painful tooth decay, and the smell!


7. Tight security saves lives.
Keep your pet confined safely. Escape-proof all cages and fences, walk your dog on a leash, and keep your cat indoors. The outside world is full of speeding cars, unfamiliar animals, pesticides, and even pet thieves. Also, lost pets without tags usually end up being put to sleep at the shelter when they lose their way home. So, just in case, make certain all dogs and cats have sturdy collars with tags, or have been tattooed or micro-chipped.


8. A tired dog is a good dog.
Daily walks and fun romps in the backyard not only provide good physical exercise for your dog (and you!), but they also provide mental stimulation. A bored dog with pent-up energy, can lead to troubles. You will be pleasantly surprised by the difference a daily walk makes in your dog's behavior. If you are unable to walk your dog yourself (due to work schedule, illness, injury, etc.) ... hire a professional dog walker ... it will be money well spent!


9. Training, training, and more training.
Second to strays, owner surrender due to misbehaving dogs is the next reason most dogs end up in shelters. They may be a cute and funny little thing now, but a grown dog that jumps-up on folks, or that still potties in the house is not so cute. Start training early, and be consistent, so that that cute puppy becomes a wonderful dog.


10. It all depends on you!!
Ultimately, when you accepted this animal as a pet, you agreed to take care of him/her for the rest of their lives. This means feeding, habitat, health, safety, training ... you are responsible for it all. It takes a lot of time and money to care for a pet properly. However, it is certainly worth it! There are over 100 million households worldwide with at least one pet, and they can't all be wrong! Take care of your pets, so you can have a long, enjoyable life together.



Oh, and don't forget ... Hugs & Kisses ... if you own a dog like me, like it or not, lots of wiggle-butts & slobbery kisses come with life with a Boxer! =o)
~Zena

Dr. Scott McKay with DrsFosterSmith.com 

 

Topics Include:

• Frostbite: What are the signs of frostbite and what should I do if I suspect my pet has frostbite?
• Paw Care: How do I take care of my dog’s feet in the cold?
• Nutritional modifications that help during cold weather.
• Extra Layers: Should I dress my dog for cold weather? 
• Exercise: Is it ever too cold to take my dog for a walk? If so, how do I exercise exercise my dog indoors?
• Hypothermia: Is there a danger of hypothermia for dogs, and how cold is too cold for outdoor dogs?

Very helpful and informative video ... big thanks to DrsFosterSmith.com!

 

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PET TURTLES MAY BE HARMFUL TO YOUR CHILDREN’S HEALTH

Small turtles are a source of a disease called salmonellosis in humans. Salmonellosis is an infection of the intestines caused by bacteria called Salmonella. Symptoms of the disease may include diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever and headache. Symptoms begin in 6 to 72 hours (usually 12 to 36 hours) after a person is exposed to Salmonella, and they generally last for 2 to 7 days.

Anyone can get Salmonella infection, but the risk is highest in infants and young children as well as the elderly, and people who have lowered natural resistance to disease due to pregnancy, cancer, chemotherapy, organ transplants, diabetes, liver problems, or other diseases.

Salmonella are naturally occurring bacteria in turtles and those with Salmonella usually do not appear sick in any way. In addition, turtles do not shed Salmonella all of the time. So, just because a turtle might have one negative test for Salmonella doesn’t mean that they are not infected. It could mean that the turtle was not shedding Salmonella on the day it was tested.

The sale of turtles with a carapace* length of less than 4 inches has been banned in the U.S. since 1975 because of the public health impact of turtle-associated salmonellosis. This regulation is enforced by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in cooperation with State and local health jurisdictions. Experts estimate that the regulation has prevented about 100,000 cases of salmonellosis per year. However, there has been an increase in the sale of turtles in recent years.

Alert to parents and other persons responsible for the care of children:

• The sale of small turtles for pets is illegal.
• Be alert for turtles in petting zoos, parks, child day care facilities, or other locations where children may be.
• If you come in contact or handle turtles or their housing, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.

*Thick shell that covers the back of a turtle.


Article courtesy of:

Food and Drug Administration, Center for Veterinary Medicine
7519 Standish Place, HFV-12, Rockville, Maryland 20855
Telephone: (240) 276-9300 FAX: (240) 276-9115

If you LOVE horses, and LOVE watching movies ... here is a list "to die for":

Horse Movies of the 1940′s
Horse Movies of the 1950′s
Horse Movies of the 1960′s
Horse Movies of the 1970′s
Horse Movies of the 1980′s
Horse Movies of the 1990′s
Horse Movies of the 21st Century

*A big thanks to The Equinest for compiling such an awesome list!


What is your favorite horse movie???

Some dogs and cats eat waaaaay more than just pet food, according to Brea, California-based company Veterinary Pet Insurance’s “60 Most Unusual Ingested Objects” for 2010. The list, which included oddities such as jellyfish, jumper cables and a hearing aid, was derived from the company’s nearly 2,000 foreign body ingestion claims for the year.

Socks, hand towels, sticks and rocks were especially popular pet “snack” choices. Some pets ate multiple unusual items, such as the one that ingested an estrogen patch and a make-up brush.

In random order, VPI’s 60 most unusual ingested objects removed from dogs & cats bellies are:



Hey, Infiniti .... I am not seeing compost pile on the list ... guess it  was number 61 ... hehehe. ;-)

My heart is breaking ... our sweet, sweet Sheba passed away last evening ...


Just a tad short of 12 years old, Sheba was a grand ole' gal ... truly a queen ... a beauty in every way.

She was a quiet girl. An ever present family member, but never intrusive. Always wanted to be a part of everything, but never pushy about it. She was very easy going, and was a friend to all. She loved rides in the car, going places, cheese, cuddling on the blanket with us, going for walks with "Dad", playing with her toys, and LOVED helping to unwrap gifts ... gently taking the edge of the paper and peeling it away, never harming the gift or eating the paper ... she will be so, so missed when we all open gifts next week.

Sheba was soooo smart, a fast learner, and very obedient. She could be fully trusted to never harm or destroy anything in the house or car. It was "her" home, and she treated everything respectfully. She house-trained easily, and never intentionally pottied in the house. This was probably one of the hardest parts of her illness ... she hated that she had "accidents", and did not like being watched while she pottied outside (which she had to endure since her hind quarters had to be supported by us).

She was a "girlie" girl ... she did not like her feet getting dirty or wet, and took pride in being well groomed. She loved wearing her sweater, and her collar ... and tolerated her Christmas Santa hat. She hated the rain, and was terrified of storms ... we always knew when bad weather was on the way, because Sheba would try to herd us all down in to the basement where it was "safe".

Sheba was a great mom to Billy and Zena, and they seem lost today without her. She taught them well how to be good Boxers. She always let them have the best of everything (treats, toys, sleeping spot, etc.) ... however, they both respected her and knew, if she wanted to be, she was the Boss.

The photo above is one of the few full-on photos we have of Sheba ... she HATED having her picture taken. Many of the photos we have are of the back of her head.

Sheba loved life ... happy, and trying to play with her toys, right up to the end. She was so beautiful ... inside & out ... a beautiful Boxer ... a sweet ole' soul.

Final hugs & kisses were given to each other (one on Mom's cheek) ... teary good-byes said ... cheese treats and one last long car ride ... a short stop at the vet's ... cuddled in Dad's loving arms in the back of "her" truck, being lovingly stroked by all, she fell asleep one last time ...


We knew the end was quickly approaching for our sweet Sheba, and thought we were "prepared" ... guess we were wrong about that one. The pain & grief is so much stronger than I had expected. She was such a major part of our lives, that there is this "hollowness" in our home & hearts today. So many of the major events in our lives have had Sheba present in them.


You were greatly loved, our sweet, sweet, Sheba .... and you will be so greatly missed ...

~Mom~

We are at the cut-off date for getting the boxes to the Military K-9 teams before Christmas, so any monies you can donate ASAP would be great. We will mail each box as we get enough money to cover it. Any monies leftover will go towards future K-9 Care Packages.

Thank you for your generosity!

Boxer Hugs to All,
~Pamela~


UPDATE:
Better late, than never ... right? 

Maybe we can keep this project rolling through-out the year and make these Valentine's, Memorial, July 4th, Labor Day, etc. care packages ... and show our K-9 soldiers some LOVE year-round!?! ♥ =o)

Credit: Courtesy of Charlene Cruff

"Original Video - Met Jerry Miller the horses owner for the first time when he stopped by my barbershop today. Jerry said he saw the video on the TV and tracked me down.

Driving north on Highway 75 just north of 4 corners, 25 miles south of Topeka Kansas we found a horse in the back seat of a car. Rick and Mandi Potter, our kids Jade and Riley, and there friend Cheyenne thought it was pretty cool. Driving from Osage City north on 75 toward Topeka for a Walmart run Saturday November 6, 2:15pm, 2010.

Rascal the 15 year old horse and Jerry drive all over Kansas doing shows for folks. Rascal can do 40 different tricks and some say he's the smartest horse in the world. Jerry and Rascal live near Pomona Lake south of Topeka Kansas."

 Ain't Kansas grand ... if this were Texas now, that would be a BIG car with a BIG horse in it! Guess the old feller needed a little more "horsepower".


~Zena

According to Rebecca Rescate, the founder and president of CitiKitty , "CitiKitty is the world's most complete Cat Toilet Training Kit. Save thousands of dollars ordinarily spent on kitty litter and toilet train your cat in just weeks with CitiKitty - life without a litter box is just a click away! Just $29.99 ... also available is the CitiKitty Automatic Toilet Flusher  for only an additional $189.00!!"

US Military in Afghanistan 2003

Remember Fallen Horses on Veterans' Day

by: Stacey Oke, DVM, MSc
November 11 2010, Article # 17231

Armistice Day, more commonly known as Veterans Day, provides us with an opportunity to commemorate the armistice signed between the Allies and Germany at the end of World War I and marks the day when millions of people worldwide stop to remember those who have served and died for their countries in military conflicts throughout history.

This Veterans Day, spare a few extra seconds to remember the countless number of horses that lost their lives in combat alongside the brave men and women who served their nations.

Equine disease and casualties were not light during World War I:

• More than 1 million horses and mules served for Britain alone--only 67,000 of those survived the war;
• Horse deaths were attributable to battle injuries, disease, and exhaustion;
• Some of the major equine diseases and ailments that plagued the horses were equine influenza, ringworm, sand colic, fly bites, and anthrax; and
• More than 725,500 horses were treated by the British Army Veterinary Corps hospital during war--more than half a million of those treatments were successful.

Historically, horses were an important part of the military, and their use in conflict dates back as far as 4,000 B.C. By the First World War, however, the cavalry was no longer one of the most effective military units. Instead, cavalry charges were abysmal failures, as the horse and rider were clearly no match against enemy machine guns, trench warfare, barbed wire, or tanks.

Despite the changing face of the traditional "war horse," horses were still used extensively in World War II, mainly for transporting troops and supplies, acting as scouts, and for reconnaissance.

Sadly, horses that did survive the war often were not returned home with the surviving soldiers. Thousands of former war horses were slaughtered, and the remaining horses were either sold or reassigned (e.g., sent to India as remounts for the British Army).

Horses, mules, and donkeys are still used today in the Middle East conflict for transportation and for transporting supplies through the often rough terrain.

Horses are included in a multitude of war memorials, yet few of these memorials have been erected in honor of the horses themselves. Notable exceptions are the Horse Memorials at St. George's Park in Port Elizabeth, South Africa and at St. Jude-on-the-Hill in Hampstead, and the Animals In War Memorial in Hyde Park, London, UK. In the United States, a memorial to the horses that served in the American Civil War was completed in 1997 and stands in front of the National Sporting Library and Museum in Middleburg, Va.

An organization called the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) formally recognized the importance of horses in war by awarding three horses who served in World War II with the "PDSA Dickin Medal," an animal's version of the Victoria Cross.

More information is available from the History Channel's 2010 documentary "The Real War Horse."

Very interesting!! I will definitely be looking up the documentary mentioned above!

Btw ... Being new to blogging, I am not sure if this is an encouraged practice, or not.  However, since more often than not, the article of interest is lost with the passing of time (i.e. website is closed), or I can no longer located it,  I am posting them here for posterity.  All articles are posted in their entirety, not edited, and are linked back to where I originally saw them, and credit is given to the author (if it is known).

This advertisement was originally released by BMW on April 1, 2008, but I thought it was still interesting, and relevant, today:

BMW has announced the first details of the new Canine Repellent Alloy Protection system. Designed to stop dogs fouling against the sparkling alloys of new BMW cars, the innovative Canine Repellent Alloy Protection system (C.R.A.P.) is the latest offering in the BMW EfficientDynamics programme.

Using the EfficientDynamics Brake Energy Regeneration system, energy that would normally have been lost during engine over-run and during braking is harnessed as Rim Impulse Power (R.I.P.) and stored for future use. Whenever a dog tries to relieve itself on the wheel of a suitably-equipped BMW, a small and relatively painless electric shock is immediately administered to the animal, thus deterring it from future fouling.

Dr Hans Zoff, Head of Automotive Security from BMW AG, said; “Research shows that most BMW customers like to keep their cars clean and dog fouling is a constant irritant. Not only does the Canine Repellent Alloy Protection system support this aim, but it does so using energy created through the EfficientDynamics programme. Beauty through engineering perfection – our philosophy in a wheel nut.”

ORLANDO, Fla. – (Nov. 1, 2010) – Ripley’s Believe It or Not! is always in search of stories, facts and achievements that are unbelievable. Company officials recently discovered a story involving a dog that was so amazing and unbelievable and was in so much distress, that they had to step in and help.


Ripley’s is donating money to help a neglected dog in Houma, Louisiana. A poodle was found in a ditch with fur so badly matted that it couldn’t even walk.  The dog was literally a living, breathing ball of hair.

Ripley. Yes there is a dog under there!

Staff at a local animal rescue group, My Heart’s Desire, rescued the dog, had his massive amount of tangled mane shaven off and gave him a very fitting name – Ripley.

According to shelter co-founder Tracey Lapeyrouse, they chose the name Ripley because “you would have never believed there was a dog under there. He didn’t even look like a dog. He looked like the elephant man. All you could see was his snout.” The company’s love for unusual animals comes directly from Robert Ripley himself, who owned many pets including a one-eyed dog name Cyclops.

Ripley has been given a good grooming, lots of TLC, and has been neutered. My Heart’s Desire is now looking for a permanent home for him.

Ripley Entertainment Inc., the parent of the Ripley’s Believe It or Not! brand, is making a donation to the shelter and to Ripley’s future family. The company will give $400 to My Heart’s Desire and Ripley the dog will come with a gift card for a local pet store that his new owners can use for food, grooming, toys and other expenses.

“Ripley the dog is what Ripley’s Believe It or Not! is all about,” said Tim O’Brien, VP of Communications for Ripley’s Believe It or Not! “It’s unbelievable that a dog could even be in this condition, let alone survive and go on to potentially become a great pet for someone.”

Ripley - after the save and shave

This may not be the last time that Ripley the dog will hear from the people at Ripley’s. His story is being considered for the next Ripley’s Believe It or Not! book.

Anyone interested in making a donation to My Heart’s Desire should contact Tracey Lapeyrouse at tvlapeyrouse@hotmail.com or call the shelter at 985-226-4693. 


Press release and photos courtesy of Ripley's Newsroom.




Additional information via the Dailycomet.com:

Workers at St. John the Baptist Animal Shelter called Ms.Lapeyrouse about "Ripley", after finding him in a ditch outside the St. John facility. His fur was matted to the point that it was unable to walk.

Lapeyrouse said Ripley was socialized at one point because he seeks out the attention of people, but he remains timid. They're not sure if he was abandoned or on his own for a long time.

My Heart's Desire Co-founder Tracey Lapeyrouse holds “Ripley”.  (Emily Schwarze/Staff)

Little show off!

Grrrrr,
~Zena

By Pet Industry News:

A 14-year study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Association has managed to bust several canine nutrition myths.

Forty-eight pairs of Labrador Retriever littermates were followed. Among other things, the results suggested that a 25% restriction of food intake—or maintaining an ideal body condition throughout a dog's life—increased the median lifespan of a dog by 1.8 years and delayed the onset of chronic disease symptoms. "Knowing what to feed and how much to feed are equally important," said Mike Grant, PA, the nutritional science director for SeniorPetProducts.com "Your veterinarian is always the best way to get the correct information. They are up to date on all the new science."

Several nutrition myths were disproved during the study:

1) A raw meat diet is the only one for canines: Today's domesticated dogs are not true carnivores. They need small amounts of grains, like rice, oatmeal, pasta, vegetables and fruits to round out their dietary needs.

2) Raw eggs are an absolute no-no for dogs: Dogs are far less susceptible to Salmonella poisoning and the occasional raw or boiled egg is a good source of protein for canines.

3) Dogs should never have any dairy products: Some dogs may be lactose intolerant, but cottage cheese and yogurt are two low-lactose options that are high in calcium.

4) Fat only gives dogs empty calories: Fats are the main source of energy for dogs. Fat is also necessary for the proper absorption of vitamins A, D, E and K, especially in low-saturated forms such as omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids.

5) A dog is unable to digest grains: This is partially true, but dogs can digest starch grains that have been converted by the cooking process. Rice is a better option than wheat or corn.

6) All commercial dog foods are bad: Research has shown that the quality of commercial dog foods is more than able to meet a dog's nutritional needs.

7) A diet must be specifically tailored to a dog's age or breed: In most cases, the same diet throughout a dog's life is sufficient. However, puppies need more food than seniors and older dogs may need nutritional supplements.

Pictured is a detector dog moving with a Marine unit. (Photo courtesy of US Marine Corps)

It has come to our attention that the 2,900 3200+ patrol, drug and explosive detection canines serving our country in Iraq & Afghanistan, and elsewhere around the world, are in need of care packages (i.e toys, treats, etc.). While our soldiers receive care packages, many Military Working Dogs (MWD) do not.

We'd like to change all that!

In conjunction with the Saint Paul Police Department, and the Twin Cities Boxer Club,  All God's Creatures Pet Services is proud to support our four-footed heroes and will be collecting dog toys and treats (and more) to send over to them.


* Items needed include:

• Wubbas
• Tennis Balls
• Kongs
• Kong 3" Balls
• Squeaky Toys
• Large Rope Pulls
• Frisbee (aka Chuckit Squirrel)
• Heavy-duty Chew Toys
• Any TREATS in packages UNDER 1.5 pounds, or so ... we can not open a large treat box and divide it among several K-9 Care Packages (all treats must be in their original unopened package ... do NOT need to be refrigerated ... and NO rawhide chews or pork products, please.)
• K-9 Booties (Lucky brand - size Large ... or MuttLuks - Black/Medium)
• Foot Balms/Salve, and Antiseptic Sprays
• Collapsible Nylon Dog Water Bowls
• Dog Wipes
• Dog Grooming Tools - Brushes & Combs
• Doggie Shampoo/Conditioners
• K9 Toothpaste & Toothbrushes
• Cooling Vests by RPCM (size Large/Black)
• Doggles
• Dog Nail Clippers
• Financial donations to help with shipping costs
• A note of appreciation to soldier dog & handler

The deadline to deliver our donations is Friday, November 12th Saturday, December 4th. ... please contact us to make arrangements to collect your donation.


HOOOOOOAAAAAH!!!

~Pamela~

Cool graphic from the United States War Dogs Association  showing some of  the different breeds of dogs that have served our country over the years.