Ten New Year's Resolutions for Dog Owners
Still trying to come up with a good New Year's Resolution? How about doing something that will both benefit your dog and make you feel good? Check out these ten resolutions courtesy of http://www.k-state.edu/media/WEB/News/NewsReleases/listresolutions12405.html.
1. Make sure your dog sees a veterinarian at least once a year for annual exams. This includes keeping its vaccine status up-to-date and checking for dental health, lumps and bumps, heart murmurs and other things an owner may not notice at home.
2. Be consistent with at-home health care for your dog, and give prescribed medication as directed.
Keep your pet on year-round, monthly heartworm preventative. Regularly use flea/tick prevention, even if you have an indoor pet.
3. Get some sort of pet identification, whether it be a tag or a microchip. Photos are also a good way to help identify your pet if it should become lost. In general, try not to let your dog roam free. Keep it on a leash or in a fenced yard.
4. Pay attention to your dog. They get bored and may become destructive without attention.
Polish up your dog's manners. Practice at home or go to obedience classes. Teach him a new, fun, interactive game like fetch or speak. It keeps your dog motivated. Learn pet massage. Not only can this help to give relief to older, arthritic animals, it is also a good way to bond with your dog.
5. Pay attention to your pup's hygiene. Trim the fat! Exercise and limit treats. Groom your dog regularly. It's interactive and it's good to get dead hair out of the coat. You may also discover lumps or bumps that need to be checked by your veterinarian. Brush your dog's teeth and/or have a professional take care of your dog's dental hygiene. Learn to clip your dog's toenails or take them somewhere to have them clipped. Long nails are uncomfortable and sometimes grow into foot pads or break, which is very painful.
6. Spay and neuter your dog. Not only does it decrease the pet population, but it also has a lot of health benefits for the animal.
7. Make sure collars fit properly, and check the collar often. You should be able to slide two fingers underneath the collar. Try a pet halter called a Gentle Leader. You avoid tugging and pulling on your dog's neck. It's especially good for unruly, big dogs.
8. Pet proof your house. Keep poisons in locked cabinets, keep poisonous plants and electrical cords out of reach.
9. Learn a fun fact about your dog's breed. Research traits of a breed before buying it.
10. Donate money or items to your local animal shelter.
Monday, December 31, 2007
Friday, December 28, 2007
Canine is Honorably Discharged
Check out this CNN video about Lex, a loyal German Shepard who stood by his handler's side in Iraq, even at the moment of his death. Now, his handler's family is fighting to retire and adopt this heroic hound. Click here to see this video.
Check out this CNN video about Lex, a loyal German Shepard who stood by his handler's side in Iraq, even at the moment of his death. Now, his handler's family is fighting to retire and adopt this heroic hound. Click here to see this video.
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Friday, December 21, 2007
Flickr Fido
Check out these photographer's adorable holiday pet photos. Click on the links below to see other photos by these photographers on Flickr.com
meat99's photos
http://www.flickr.com/photos/richjohnsonphoto/305092189/
Somerslea's photos
Check out these photographer's adorable holiday pet photos. Click on the links below to see other photos by these photographers on Flickr.com
meat99's photos
http://www.flickr.com/photos/richjohnsonphoto/305092189/
Somerslea's photos
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
The Dangers of Giving Dogs Away for Free
I have heard many people criticize people and different organizations for charging a "re-homing fee" for adopted dogs. I think it is important for people to know the reasons behind re-homing fees. So, if you are planning on adopting a puppy/dog during this holiday season, or any other season for that matter, please take this into consideration.
1) People value what they pay for.
-A recent study at one animal shelter yielded the startling statistic that 51% of all owner-surrendered dogs had been purchsed for less than $100; 41% of all owner-surrendered dogs had been obtained "Free to good home."
2) Free animals are taken to "blood" pit-bulls--to train fighting dogs how to kill, and to enjoy it.
3) Unspayed or unneutered pure-bred dogs given away for free may end up as "breeding stock" in a puppy mill.
4) If a person cannot afford or is not willing to pay an adoption fee for a pet, how will they be able to afford or be willing to pay the normal expenses of proper pet care?
It is recommended that if you are finding a new home for your dog you should charge at least $25 to discourage resale of pets to labs, abusive or neglectful homes, and other dangerous situations. (Some sources suggest charging no less than $100 for pure-bred dogs.)
Be sure to take the time to interview every prospective owner. Ask for vet and personnel references, and check them, then visit the new home where your pet might be living.
References:
http://www.animalaidsw.org/free.html
http://www.petrescue.com/library/free-pet.htm
I have heard many people criticize people and different organizations for charging a "re-homing fee" for adopted dogs. I think it is important for people to know the reasons behind re-homing fees. So, if you are planning on adopting a puppy/dog during this holiday season, or any other season for that matter, please take this into consideration.
1) People value what they pay for.
-A recent study at one animal shelter yielded the startling statistic that 51% of all owner-surrendered dogs had been purchsed for less than $100; 41% of all owner-surrendered dogs had been obtained "Free to good home."
2) Free animals are taken to "blood" pit-bulls--to train fighting dogs how to kill, and to enjoy it.
3) Unspayed or unneutered pure-bred dogs given away for free may end up as "breeding stock" in a puppy mill.
4) If a person cannot afford or is not willing to pay an adoption fee for a pet, how will they be able to afford or be willing to pay the normal expenses of proper pet care?
It is recommended that if you are finding a new home for your dog you should charge at least $25 to discourage resale of pets to labs, abusive or neglectful homes, and other dangerous situations. (Some sources suggest charging no less than $100 for pure-bred dogs.)
Be sure to take the time to interview every prospective owner. Ask for vet and personnel references, and check them, then visit the new home where your pet might be living.
References:
http://www.animalaidsw.org/free.html
http://www.petrescue.com/library/free-pet.htm
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
On the Road, Again
Planning on driving home for the holidays? Sometimes it can be difficult for your pet during these long road trips. I am very fortunate to have a dog who is lulled to sleep right away by the sound of a car. We traveled 18 hours to Massachusetts without any problems. Here are a few tips from the ASPCA to make things safe and easier for your dog.
*Get your dog geared up for a long trip by taking him on a series of short drives first, gradually lengthening time spent in the car.
*Your dog’s travel-feeding schedule should start with a light meal three to four hours prior to departure. Don’t feed him in a moving vehicle—even if it is a long drive.
*Never leave your dog alone in a parked vehicle. On a hot day, even with the windows open, a parked automobile can become a furnace in no time, and heatstroke can develop. In cold weather, a car can act as a refrigerator, holding in the cold and causing the dog to freeze to death.
*What in your dog’s traveling kit? In addition to travel papers, food, bowl, leash, a waste scoop, plastic bags, grooming supplies, medication and a pet first-aid kit, pack a favorite toy or pillow to give your dog a sense of familiarity.
*Make sure your dog wears a collar with an ID tag imprinted with your home address, as well as a temporary travel tag with your cell phone, destination phone number, and any other relevant contact information. Canines should wear flat (never choke!) collars, please.
*Traveling across state lines? Bring along your pet’s rabies vaccination record, as some states requires this proof at certain interstate crossings. While this generally isn’t a problem, it’s always smart to be on the safe side.
*Make sure you bring enough water for your dog. Drinking water from an area he’s not used to could result in tummy upset for your pet.
*If you travel frequently with your dog, you may want to invest in rubberized floor liners and waterproof seat covers, available at auto product retailers.
For more on traveling with your pet, check out our newest issue of LCD, available now at any of our local distribution points.
Planning on driving home for the holidays? Sometimes it can be difficult for your pet during these long road trips. I am very fortunate to have a dog who is lulled to sleep right away by the sound of a car. We traveled 18 hours to Massachusetts without any problems. Here are a few tips from the ASPCA to make things safe and easier for your dog.
*Get your dog geared up for a long trip by taking him on a series of short drives first, gradually lengthening time spent in the car.
*Your dog’s travel-feeding schedule should start with a light meal three to four hours prior to departure. Don’t feed him in a moving vehicle—even if it is a long drive.
*Never leave your dog alone in a parked vehicle. On a hot day, even with the windows open, a parked automobile can become a furnace in no time, and heatstroke can develop. In cold weather, a car can act as a refrigerator, holding in the cold and causing the dog to freeze to death.
*What in your dog’s traveling kit? In addition to travel papers, food, bowl, leash, a waste scoop, plastic bags, grooming supplies, medication and a pet first-aid kit, pack a favorite toy or pillow to give your dog a sense of familiarity.
*Make sure your dog wears a collar with an ID tag imprinted with your home address, as well as a temporary travel tag with your cell phone, destination phone number, and any other relevant contact information. Canines should wear flat (never choke!) collars, please.
*Traveling across state lines? Bring along your pet’s rabies vaccination record, as some states requires this proof at certain interstate crossings. While this generally isn’t a problem, it’s always smart to be on the safe side.
*Make sure you bring enough water for your dog. Drinking water from an area he’s not used to could result in tummy upset for your pet.
*If you travel frequently with your dog, you may want to invest in rubberized floor liners and waterproof seat covers, available at auto product retailers.
For more on traveling with your pet, check out our newest issue of LCD, available now at any of our local distribution points.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Upcoming Events
December 20th
11AM-9PM
Lowcountry Lab Rescue Gift Wrapping at Barnes and Noble West Ashley. Donations accepted to help rescued Labradors.
3PM-9PM
Lowcountry Golden Retriever Rescue Gift Wrapping at Barnes and Noble in West Ashley.Donations accepted to help rescued Goldens.
December 21st
3PM-9PM
Lowcountry Golden Retriever Rescue Gift Wrapping at Barnes and Noble in West Ashley. Donations accepted to help rescued Goldens.
Friday, December 14, 2007
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Icey Pooch Gets Rescued
Here in the Lowcountry we don't have some of the dangers dogs up north do. Check out this heartwarming video on CNN of a poor dog who fell through the ice in New York and the firefighters who saved him :)
http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/us/2007/12/08/vo.dog.ice.rescue.wsyr?iref=videosearch
Here in the Lowcountry we don't have some of the dangers dogs up north do. Check out this heartwarming video on CNN of a poor dog who fell through the ice in New York and the firefighters who saved him :)
http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/us/2007/12/08/vo.dog.ice.rescue.wsyr?iref=videosearch
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Upcoming Events
December 15th
10AM
Three Black Dogs Bluffton Grand Opening
Come enjoy treats (both human and canine) live jazz music, hot apple cider, photos with Santa and loads of other surprises as they celebrate their grand opening. 33 Ulmer Road, Bluffton. Call 843-706-3456 for more info.
11AM
Greyhound Meet and Greet at All is Well in Summerville
December 16th
11AM-9PM
Lowcountry Lab Rescue Gift Wrapping
...at Barnes and Noble in West Ashley. Donations accepted to help rescued Labradors.
December 15th
10AM
Three Black Dogs Bluffton Grand Opening
Come enjoy treats (both human and canine) live jazz music, hot apple cider, photos with Santa and loads of other surprises as they celebrate their grand opening. 33 Ulmer Road, Bluffton. Call 843-706-3456 for more info.
11AM
Greyhound Meet and Greet at All is Well in Summerville
December 16th
11AM-9PM
Lowcountry Lab Rescue Gift Wrapping
...at Barnes and Noble in West Ashley. Donations accepted to help rescued Labradors.
Sunday, December 09, 2007
Safety Tips for the Holidays
Here are some safety tips from the ASPCA to take into account for the holidays. Some of these things you wouldn't even think of.
1)Lovely lilies are commonly used in holiday floral arrangements, but many varieties—including tiger, Asian, Japanese show, stargazer and the Casablanca—can cause kidney failure in cats if ingested.
2)Bag the boughs of holly and live mistletoe. Sure, they add a nice touch to your holiday décor, but holly can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy if eaten by your pet. And should he sample mistletoe, he could suffer gastrointestinal upset and cardiovascular problems. Opt for just-as-jolly artificial plants made from silk or plastic.
3)Christmas tree water may contain fertilizers that can cause stomach upset. Stagnant tree water is a breeding ground for bacteria—and your pet could end up with nausea or diarrhea should he decide to have a drink.
Here are some safety tips from the ASPCA to take into account for the holidays. Some of these things you wouldn't even think of.
1)Lovely lilies are commonly used in holiday floral arrangements, but many varieties—including tiger, Asian, Japanese show, stargazer and the Casablanca—can cause kidney failure in cats if ingested.
2)Bag the boughs of holly and live mistletoe. Sure, they add a nice touch to your holiday décor, but holly can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy if eaten by your pet. And should he sample mistletoe, he could suffer gastrointestinal upset and cardiovascular problems. Opt for just-as-jolly artificial plants made from silk or plastic.
3)Christmas tree water may contain fertilizers that can cause stomach upset. Stagnant tree water is a breeding ground for bacteria—and your pet could end up with nausea or diarrhea should he decide to have a drink.
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