The "How to page" offers some support in helping you and your pet. It's not always easy
knowing what to do when your pet seems troubled. These are just a few topics that I have offered some advice in. I hope
the information is useful to you and your pets!
The First tip that I will discuss is how to bathe your dog. As you know there
is a lot of talk about the smell of a "wet-dog" and how no dog smells good, but this is not the dog's fault. Most of
the time owners allow their dog's to roll in trash and other stinky places (this goes will letting your dog
roam freely! That's why you should always leash your pets!!) Here's some tips on how to make your dog smell like
a rose!:
Bathing:
Some dog's love bath time while others will kick, splash and do anything else
possible to avoid the water. I recommend not stinking your dog into the tub. I usually take my dog outside and give her a
sponge bath. I think she feels a bit more relaxed being in her own atmosphere. She usually stands right there and let's me
apply the soap and water. It's very important that you get all the soap off of your pet. You should NEVER use human shampoo
on your pet's coat since their hair is much more sensitive then ours. I would NOT recommend spraying your dog with
the hose. Afterall, who really enjoys that anyways!? Simply just keep rinsing with a bucket and your dog should
be smelling good as new!!
Another important thing to mention is that brushing your dog's fur too much
can be irritating especially while they are losing their fur (also known as shedding) Shedding happens all the time,
but its more frequent during the Spring and Autumn when the dog's are getting their new coats in. I recommend not wearing
black!
Some people who find their pets having "too much hair" think that they are better off
cutting it to cool them off in the Summer time. This information is false! Most owner's don't realize that the coat of a dog
locks in warmth as well as helping them keep cool. The lack of insullation will only make your pet hotter. The only
way for your dog to get rid of heat is by panting since they don't have pores.
How to Socialize your pet:
Socializing your pet around strangers is especially hard, especially if they have
had a bad experience with people or other pets before. Meeting new people though is always scary, even for humans! Dog’s
react the same way. They don’t know what to expect from the creature that is waiting to greet them. It’s always
best that you have patients with your dog and not force them into anything they aren’t comfortable doing because in
the long run you will only make the situation worse. Telling your pet that it’s “ok” while introducing him/her
to someone new, is helpful. Also, the “stranger” may want to have a biscuit or treat in hand to be sure and tell
your pet that it’s “ok.” Food does wonders when convincing your pet! Just look at all the convincing I have
given Kya!
How to Feed New born Pups:
Some Mother's who have puppies aren't sure how to treat the new strangers. Some
Mothers (just like human mothers) don't have the "Mother instinct" that some people do. Like they say, some people weren't
just meant not to have children...same goes for pets. If your Mother dog is not feeding her puppies properly, it is best that
you buy puppy formula and feed the puppies every hour on the hour. You should rub the puppies stomach's with a warm towel
as well, this will help them unrinate.
How to tell if your dog has been poisoned:
Poisoning is a very deadly situation that some pets find themselves in. Posioning
is found mostly in dogs then in cats since cats are pretty picky about what they consume.
If you think your dog has ingested the poison, here are some
signs to be aware of:
- Ingested poisons cause intestinal upset, vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, abdominal pain,
and cramps. Some examples of this kind of poisoning are: Antifreeze, weed killers, oils, cleaners, paints, and some plants.
If you suspect that your pet may have inhaled a poison, here are some signs to be aware of:
- Inhaled poisons cause sneezing, coughing, bluish-tinged gums, lips and laboured breathing.
If you suspect that your pet may have come in contact with a poison here are some signs to be
aware of:
- Contact poisoning irritates the skin, gums, causes redness, peeling, hair loss, swelling,
and pain. Some examples of contact poisons are solvents, soaps, and insecticides.
Because poisoning is so dangerous, it is very important that you contact your veterinarian
immediately. Be sure to look on the back of the label to see if there are any other kinds of instructions to follow through
for pet poisoning. Remember: Only induce vomiting if alkalids, acids, or petroleum are not involved.
If your pet is unconscience: If an animal is unconscience never give it anything by mouth.
Wrap your dog in a warm blanket and head straight to your vet. You should keep the head of your dog lower then the body. This
is done to prevent shock and permit drainage form the mouth.
How to tell if your pet is sick:
A dog's normal tempterature is between be 101.5 degrees or around there and
blood pressure should be between 90-110. A Cold wet nose is good, but even a warm one can be ok too. Some dogs have allergies
(just like people) and very often they to can have their flues from time to time. If you think your dog
may be sick, seek your Veterinarian for medication.
How to help your Arthtitic dog:
1. Slip Free Surfaces: Using slip free flooring (carpeting)
is helpful for your dog because it stops them for sliding on the tiles or on hardwood surfaces.
2. Soft Beds: Bedding helps support the bones and joints
on dogs and extra cushions can give your dog extra comfort.
3. Ramps: Ramps are recommended rather then having your
dog use stairs.
4. Medications: Medicines are provided such as Deramaxx
and Rimadyl which work to stop inflammation and pain. Talk to your Veterinarian first.
5. Quiet time: Elderly dogs, even ones that appear to have
a lot of energy still need their rest. This may mean that their time will small children should be limited.
6. Massages: Massages are recommeneded to help your dog
with flexibility, circulation, calmness and overall wellness.
7. Keeping your pet at a Healthy Weight: This is recommended no matter how old your
dog is, but as your dog ages, accessive weight can increase the workload on the bones and joints of your pets.
8. Exercise: Your veterinarian can set you up with a plan that is best suitable for
your pet. Exercise is great for your pet because it helps with strength however, too much or not enough can be harmful.
9. Extra Time: Allow your dog to take their time while walking and or getting
in and out of the vehicle. You should try to offer them as much support as possible.
10. Grooming: Keeping your dog well groomed is something that shouldn't be neglected.
As your dog gets older, they may have a hard time keeping themselves clean so bathing them and tidying them may become your
job.
How to Keep your Dog Warm This Winter:
1. Buy the Right breed for the right climate: Be sure to purchase a dog or
cat suitable to your climate conditions.
2. Keep your pet indoors: Keeping your pet indoors during the Winter is a sure way
of keeping your pets safe from the frigid cold.
3. Jacket and Sweaters: Dressing your dog in jackets and sweaters will help eliminate
the dampness and lock in warmth. Make sure that the jacket is waterproof.
4. Booties: Booties offer warmth as well as protection for your pet's paws against
the cold, and salt that gets tossed on the roads sometimes.
5. Check Temperatures: The best way to keep your pet warm is knowing what the temperature
is outside. Be sure to keep an eye out for the wind chill as well!
6. Proper Outdoor housing: If your pet likes to hang out doors, be sure to provide
them with a warm and snug dog house!
7. Keeping warm inside: Bedding for pets should be three inches off the floor so your
pet doesn't feel the draft. To provide extra heating, you should use hot water bottles or a snuggle heater to keep your pet's
bedding warm.
8. Food: Providing more food in the Winter time is always recommended for your pet.
9. Spoiling your pet: Giving your pet extra snacks and belly rubs is always a great
way to warm up your pet!
How to Keep your Pet Safe in the Hot Weather:
Humid air, as you may or may not know, makes people as well as animals a difficult
task to cool down. Humidity makes it feel warmer then what the temperature reads. It doesn't take a high heat index to make
heat injuries such as heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and heat cramps.
Those pets at risk for heat injuries are puppies and kittens up to the age six months,
Geriatric pets (Pets that are large breeds and over seven years old. Small breeds that are over fourteen years
old and cats that are around age twelve.), over weight pets, pets who over exert themselves in th heat, Ill pets who are on
medications, Brachycephalic pets, which are those known to have poor airway obstructions such as pugs and bulldogs.
Pets who have a fever, dehydrated, heart disease, or poor circulation are at a more of a risk.
Prevention:
- Take caution when temperatures are greater then one hundred degrees, when the heat index
is seventy-two degrees or higher.
- You should keep your pets in a ventilated area, provide your pets exercise early or later
in the evenings
- Give your pet minimum amount of exercise, Never leave your pet in a car
- Keep pets in an air conditioned area
- Limit sun exposure
- Increase pets water intake
- Give your pet time to adjust to the new weather or change in the seasons.
How to care for an abused pet:
When abuse occurs during the growing stages of your pets development years, it can
have an impact on the rest of their life. The older pets may bounce back, but they may still be scarred. They may never have
the ability to fully trust again. Here are some types of cases of abuse:
Unnecessarily early weaning
Social isolation
Deprivation of proper care
Physical restraint
Verbal or physical punishment
Improper care
Deliberate or thoughtless stress or pain
The pets reaction, no matter what speices is most often:
Mistrust
Social withdrawl
Physical inaction
Depression
Agoraphobia (fear of open spaces)
Some animals may become attached to their new owners and develop a fear of being alone.
Cats who aren't exposed to people within the first seven weeks of their life, never fully trust people. Dogs who aren't exposed
to people within the first twelve to fourteen weeks may experience the same outcome.
Remember that things don't happen over night, it takes time. Here are some helpful
hints:
Make your pet feel needed and loved
Make sure your pet is comfortable with his or her new environment.
Protect your pet from their fear.
Build your pet's confidence.
Communicate with your pet.
Exercise your pet and make sure they are on a well-balanced diet.
Make sure your pet has a safe place.
Whisper or speak in a soft voice.
Don't try to hurry the bond between you and your pet.
Make sure your pet is busy while you're away.
Don't make your pet do tricks for food, they should know the food is always provided.
Click train your pet, this is best way to discipline.
How to Care for your Pet's Teeth:
Keep your dog's teeth clean by using a soft toothbrush. A child's toothbrush is best
used on small dogs and an adult size brushes should be used on larger dogs. Use toothpaste that is specialized for pets.
Begin brushing only the outside surfaces of the teeth until your pet is comfortable
with the idea. When your pet has adjusted to the basic cleaning then you can brush inside the surfaces of the teeth and tongue.
Dogs one to three years old should have a dental exam done at least once unless you
think your pet may have a dental problem.
Dogs four to six years old should have their teeth brushed daily and exams should be made
every six months, but it depends on your pet.
Dogs seven years and older should have dental exams done at least every six months.
Tooth discoloration, inflammed gums, bleeding gums, loose teeth, bad breath,
and drooling are signs of a dental problem and you should consult your veterinarian.
How to Keep your pet Happy!:
- Belly Rubs!
- Home made Doggy Treats...Nothin beats a cookie!
- Doggy Dancing...Yep, dancing with your pet will surely make them feel loved!
- Physical Activity...Go Fetch!
- Rent Pet Movies or leave some music on for your pets...they like noise :D
- Let your dog sit in a special spot every now and again...It's good to break the rules!
- Good Grooming...Nothing says I love you like a bath!
- Celebrating your Pet's birthday!!!!! No cake though :P
- Take your pet to a doggy park
- And of course, everyone's favorite...Belly Rubs!!!
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