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Sunday, November 24, 2013

Building a Healthy Relationship between Your Pet and Children


Whether you have children at home or simply encounter them in public, it's crucial for your dog to learn to "play nicely" with them. Here are some basic safety suggestions to keep in mind whenever you and your pet will be around children:

Young children and dogs should always be supervised when together. Children love holding a dog's leash, but an adult should be there to supervise. For example, a child may not be able to control even the most mild-mannered dog if they are approached by another dog. Also, children can hurt the dog by pulling too hard on his collar, causing him to snap or bite.

Consider your dog's personality. If she has shown signs of being aggressive towards children then do not allow any unsupervised contact. If you have not already, you might also consider asking your vet about evaluation by a certified animal behaviorist.

Learn to read your dog's body language. Pets can become upset by too much stimulation. Watch for signs that your pet wants to be left alone. Especially watch for warning signs like hissing, lip curling, and/or raised hackles.

Keep your pet calm. Some dogs get very excited and agitated when confronted by large groups of children. And the high-pitched sounds and quick motions of children playing may frighten some dogs. Consider using pet calming spray or treats to help your dog stay calm no matter how much activity is going on around her.

Teach kids good manners. Children should not disturb a dog while he's eating, taking a nap, or playing with a favorite toy.

Show respect for your pet's boundaries. Children should learn which parts of the dog's body they can touch and pet and how to touch gently. For instance, your dog may love belly rubs and having his head stroked but resent having his feet or tail touched.

Feel free to share the summary of these suggestions with other pet lovers, and as always be sure to get the professional advice of a veterinarian for any issues or concerns with your pet.


Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Ever Notice How Much Kids and Dogs Have in Common?

Especially when you are at someone else's home...

Visiting friends and family with either pets or kids inevitably ends one way -- in disaster. Take your eyes of either one and sure enough they will do the following:
  • Run through the house and break something expensive
  • Steal food off someone's dinner plate
  • Find (create) mud, play in it, and then nap in host's bed
  • Vomit, poop, and/or pee on a brand new rug
  • And before the visit is over, someone is going to get bitten...

Saturday, November 16, 2013

Dealing with the Loss of a Pet


Today, we wanted to take a moment to remember and honor those who have gone across the Rainbow Bridge before us.

The loss of a pet is a devastating experience. Death is universal, but accepting the loss of a loved one is one of the most difficult things in the world. And for some, the death of the pet can be worse than the loss of a human family member.

Although comforting words from friends and family can soothe a grieving heart, ultimately people find peace and heal in their own time and in their own way. If someone you know has recently lost a pet, consider expressing your condolences in one of the following ways:
  • Participate in a burial or memorial service with owner.
  • Give a pet sympathy gift such a floral arrangement, wreath, or gift basket.
  • Help the owner create framed pictures or photo albums to remember their pet.
  • Commemorate the life of the pet with a memorial such as a keepsake box, custom made jewelry, or garden stone.
Remember, your goal is not to alleviate an individual's grief (that will happen with time) but to assure the recipient that people acknowledge their grief and send a message of support and comfort.

If you have any words of sympathy or encouragement to share, please feel free to do so in the comments.

Saturday, November 9, 2013

Homemade Dog Food Recipe Roundup


Mama feeds me special food for my sensitive stomach, but sometimes I still get an upset tummy. When that happens, I get to eat boiled turkey and rice. For a special treat, sometimes she uses chicken or adds in yogurt or cottage cheese. Mmm, mmm, yummy! I wish she would cook for me more often, so I searched the Internet to see what other mommies and daddies cook for their doggies. I'm going to leave this list on her toputer as a hint... If you have a favorite recipe that your human cooks for you please add it to my list. And be sure to vote for the tastiest one so I know what to try first.

~Bandit

P.S. When mommy wants me to be quiet, she gives me peanut butter. BOL!

Thursday, November 7, 2013

Tips to Keep Your Pet Calm During Holiday Celebrations

by Staff

There's one family member that many people forget about during holiday family gatherings: the family pet.

With the hustle and bustle of the season, dogs and cats tend to get overly excited when friends and family gather. This will not only annoy your visitors, but it also can be harmful to your pet.

But you don't have to keep your animal crated or locked in a room in order to avoid problems. The following tips will help your pet stay calm enough to not miss out on the holiday fun:

Give your pet an extra workout. According to the American Humane Association, taking your pet for an extra-long walk or having a longer playtimes can help tire your pet out before the party starts.

Encourage guests to greet your pet with care. As the partygoers trickle in, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals suggests asking your guests to calmly greet your pet. Giving an excited greeting will encourage your pet to do the same.

Relax your pet with a supplement. Many experts say that calming aids can help reduce your pet's hyperactivity. These products act to relieve restlessness, fear, nervousness, and aggression and can even help antsy pets sleep throughout the night.

Amuse your pet with a toy. To distract your pet from jumping up on guests or getting into things, the Humane Society of the United States recommends using toys as a distraction. For dogs, toys with hiding places for treats are suggested. For cats, catnip toys will keep them busy.

Finally, reward good behavior a few times during the event. The American Humane Association suggests keeping treats handy as a positive reinforcement when your pet chooses good behavior. Also, remind your guests not to feed your pet "people food." Using it as a treat will only lead to your pet begging for more at your guests' feet.

Here's a condensed version of these tips that you can share with others: