Becoming a Responsible Dog Owner
Dogs give us their devotion and love. In return, it is up to us to provided for their needs (food, water, shelter, veterinary care, exercise and more. To be a responsible dog owner we need to:
House Training your DogDogs are instinctively clean animals. If they can avoid it, they would rather not soil themselves or their usual eating and sleeping areas. Dogs also naturally develop habits of where they would like to eliminate. For example, dogs that have a habit of eliminating on grass or dirt would rather not eliminate on concrete or gravel. You can use these natural tendencies for rapid and successful house training. There are four elements necessary to successful house training.
In addition, there are four other elements that are helpful and convenient to your house training efforts.
[For more detail information on House Training your Dog: Housetraining Your Dog [For more detail information on House Training your Dog: Training your puppy – start by winning his respect and confidence
How to Deal with Fleas
FLEAS - any member of the insect order Siphonaptera. They are sometimes called parasites, but not all fleas are parasites in the strictest sense. All fleas live and feed totally on the exterior of the host, this makes them ecto-parasitic, but many just use the host to feed. The domestic flea, that is the flea that generally plagues our home, is the Cat-Flea - Ctenocephalides Felis. It is too simple to call it a parasite; a creature that uses another to survive is not always parasitic. A Lion, will kill, and feed opportunely, just like the flea; the Lion is not a parasite. This flea actually lives in our home, and only jumps onto a mammal, that is our cat, dog, or us, when it wants to feed. It then hops off and the main part of its life is spent in and around our homes, living along side us just as our pets do. After a good feed, the female will also lay many eggs; the first stage in its life-cycle. Its Eggs are laid in corners, cracks and crevices. What eggs hatch, produce the larvae, the second stage, and they feed on house dust - mainly human skin-flakes, and they also eat adult flea excrement. The flea sucks our blood, and then defecates, and because its digestive system is so inefficient, most of its waste material, contains lots of protein.
Fleas - are bloodsucking insects, and have been principal carriers of disease, and sometimes serious pests. As the chief agent transmitting the Black Death - The Bubonic Plague, in the Middle Ages, they were an essential link in the chain of events, that killed a third of the population of Europe. But a flea, like the mosquito, will only carry a disease if it first feeds off a mammal that has an infection / contagion, of some kind. |
[For more detail information on How to Deal with Fleas see: How to get through Flea Season
Cleaning your Dogs Ears
Regular ear check-ups and cleaning contributes to healthy ears, free of painful infections. Between grooming appointments pet owners should practice ear health maintenance and check their dog's ears at least once a week. When pet owners request grooming services, professional groomers include an ear inspection and cleaning. Whether the groomer is giving the dog a bath-only service or a complete styling, ear cleaning and deodorizing is typically be included as part of the basic grooming service fee. A few pet owners may ask for ear cleaning only services. Many pet owners do not realize that dogs can grow hair in the ear canal, even large amounts common to some Poodles and Terriers, as well as other breeds. For this reason, many owners never check their dog ears unless the dog is shaking or scratching its ear(s). By that time there is usually an ear health problem requiring veterinary medical inspection.
Ear infections "Otitis Externa" may arise from water trapped in the ear canal. The damp environment creates an ideal breeding ground for bacteria and fungus, often leading to painful sensitivity, redness, swelling and infection. Dogs with ear flaps are the most affected since the flaps cut air circulation and trap moisture.
Ear mites may also be present in ear wax. Dogs with this problem often shake their heads and scratch ears. You may be able to locate ear mites by looking at ear wax removed from the affected dog. Under a bright light, spread a sample of ear wax on a piece of white paper, and look for tiny white specks. They are very contagious and will require the owner to treat their pet for ear mites for over 3 weeks. Insecticides kill the adult mites only, so repeat applications are in order. Based on the life cycle of mites, treatment usually consists of applying insecticide for 7 days, then waiting 10 days for baby mites to mature. Groomers seeing the evidence of ear mites should recommend veterinary inspection for a determination of whether there the dog is infested, and for treatment.
Accumulations of wax and a lack of air circulation can lead to ear canker. Canker infection often causes a dark-colored discharge and foul odor. The pet requires veterinary inspection of the condition.
Some dogs scratch their ears as a result of allergies; they should be inspected and treated by veterinarians.
Sometimes groomers will discover weeds and other organic matter in ears. In fact, some weeds can work their way down into the ear canal and cause serious, even life-threatening conditions. On the West Coast of the U.S. the infamous "foxtail" weed finds its way into the ears of thousands of dogs every year, even cutting into the fleshy skin between feet pads and posing a serious health threat.
Professional groomers understand the serious nature of ear problems and always ensure that pet owners are advised of any suspect conditions and recommend veterinary inspection.
[For more detail information on Cleaning your Dogs Ears see: Dog Ears: Cleaning
Nail Trimming
A good indication that dogs' nails are too long is a telltale 'click-click-click' when walking on uncarpeted areas.
How many of us put off trimming our dog's nails until the inevitable veterinary check-up comes around and the veterinarian must do it? If you are like many dog owners, you may be hesitant to trim your dog's nails because you are afraid of cutting the quick of the nail, which may cause pain or bleeding. Once you learn how to do it, clipping your dog's nails is almost as easy as clipping your own.
When you are trimming your dog's nails, you are only cutting away the excess. Recognizing what is excess and where the nerves and blood vessels begin is what you need to know to make nail trimming a painless process for both you and your dog.
To trim your dog's nails:
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Assemble what you will need - a high quality pair of trimmers and some styptic powder, Kwik-Stop, CutStop Styptic Pads or other product to stop bleeding if you nick the quick.
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You may want to sit on the floor with your dog, hold your dog in your lap, or have someone hold your dog on a table. Hold your dog's paw firmly and push on his pads to extend the nail. Locate where the quick ends. With clear or light nails, it is easy to see the pink color where the quick ends.
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Using a nail trimmer for dogs, cut the nail below the quick on a 45-degree angle, with the cutting end of the nail clipper toward the end of the nail. You will be cutting off the finer point. In dogs, especially those with dark nails, make several small nips with the clippers instead of one larger one. Trim very thin slices off the end of the nail until you see a black dot appear towards the center of the nail when you look at it head on. This is the start of the quick that you want to avoid. The good news is that, the more diligent you are about trimming, the more the quick will regress into the nail, allowing you to cut shorter each time.
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In some cases, if the nails are brittle, the cut may tend to splinter the nail. In these cases, file the nail in a sweeping motion starting from the back of the nail and following the curve to the tip. Several strokes will remove any burrs and leave the nail smooth.
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If your dog will tolerate it, do all four feet this way. If he will not, take a break. And do not forget the dewclaws. On most breeds, if they have not been removed, dewclaws are 1-4" above the feet on the inner side of the legs. If not trimmed, dewclaws can grow so long they curl up and grow into the soft tissue, like a painful ingrown toe nail.
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If you accidentally cut the quick, wipe off the blood and apply Kwik-Stop or styptic powder to stop the bleeding. It is not serious and will heal in a very short time.
Some valuable tips:
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Remember, it is better to trim a small amount on a regular basis than to try and remove large portions. Try to trim your dog's nails weekly, even if long walks keep them naturally short. The 'quick,' a blood vessel that runs down the middle of your dog's nail, grows as the nail grows, so if you wait a long time between cuttings, the quick will be closer to the end of the nail. This means more likelihood of bleeding during trimming.
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Trim nails so that when the dog steps down, nails do not touch the floor.
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Invest in a good pair of nail trimmers in an appropriate size for your dog. They can last a lifetime.
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Make trimming time fun and not a struggle. Trimming your dog's nails does not have to be a chore or unpleasant. If your dog is not used to having his nails trimmed, start slowly, and gradually work up to simply holding his toes firmly for 15-30 seconds. Do not let him mouth or bite at you. It can take daily handling for a week or more to get some dogs used to this. When your dog tolerates having his feet held, clip just one nail, and if he is good, praise him and give him a tiny treat. Wait, and then at another time, do another nail. Continue until all nails have been trimmed. Slowly, you will be able to cut several nails in one sitting, and finally all the nails in one session.
[For more detail information on Trimming your Animals Nails see: How to trim your Dog's Nails
Choosing a Veterinarian
Most new pet owners pick their veterinarians by looking through the phone book and calling up the one that's closest to their place of residence. And after a few appointments, if for any reason at all, the owner is uncomfortable with their new vet, be it for his manners or maybe the advice he gives just seems wrong, most will stick with the same doctor anyway. Few people think to change vets, fewer still think to take the time to find the right one in the first place.
I've included here a few suggestions on finding the right vet for you and our dog in the hopes of making the procedure a little easier, and future health procedures more comfortable for everybody involved.
- Ask other pet owners. Most will be candid when asked if they like their own vet.
- Check with the Veterinary Medical Board to see if any complaints have been filed.
- Make sure your new vet likes dogs. Surprisingly enough, some don't or are allergic to dogs, causing a decrease in the quality of care your pet receives.
- Find out what there is available for 24 hour emergency care.
- Check if somebody will be with your pet non-stop, all night in case of an accident that requires an overnight stay.
- Ask if the office accepts insurance plans if you have one, or credit cards or payment plans if you don't.
- Watch the interaction between vet and vet technicians. Are they friendly? Does courtesy and politeness rule the day?
- And last, but perhaps the most important, trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable, keep looking.
- Write down your memories or create a photo album
- Plant a tree or place a memorial birdbath in your garden
- Make a donation to a pet-related charity.
[For more detail information on Choosing a Veterinarian see: Choosing a Veterinarian
Choosing a Pet Sitter
What to consider when you're looking for an animal caregiver
Traditionally, when a pet owner had travel plans that didn't include the pet, boarding at a kennel, veterinarian's office or similar facility was usually the only option. And while many animals thrived on the experience, others were severely stressed at being away from their familiar environment, and some would come home with whatever ailment happened to be making its rounds among the boarders.
In recent years, another option, in-home pet sitting, has become widely available, and is an attractive alternative for many. Pet sitters make regularly scheduled visits to your house to feed, water and exercise pets, and also perform such tasks as cleaning the litterbox. They'll spend time just hanging out with your pets and providing companionship — and many offer overnight-stay options as well. Animals remain in their customary surroundings and can maintain much of their usual routine, which generally translates to reduced stress and less exposure to the latest bug.
If you've got travel in your plans and think your animal friend would be happier with in-home care, you'll quickly find that there's no shortage of would-be caregivers clamoring for your business — a quick look at Craig's List finds dozens of listings each day, and that's not to mention the bulletin boards at your grocery and pet stores, the dog park, etc. But how to find a good one? After all, you're entrusting the well-being of your beloved pets to this person, not to mention giving them the keys to your house, and you want the result to be less stress and more peace of mind, not the reverse.
Finding Candidates
Your first resource should be your own veterinarian, or other trusted vets in your area. Ask them who they'd recommend. Also ask your friends for recommendations. Check phone books, bulletin boards, ads in pet publications, etc. Go to the Pet Sitters International Web site, or, in the East Bay, , the East Bay Pet Services Association, and use their tools to locate a sitter in your area. Any sitter listed on these boards meets the stringent qualifications of the respective organizations.
Asking Questions
You'll probably find that the same names keep coming up. When you've found two or three possibilities, it's time to make some phone calls. Ask each of the pet sitters you're considering for several references each. Then actually call those references. Says Kistler, "You have to make sure the person you choose has a really good reputation that you can verify." An important thing to check is the pet sitter's competence with your particular type of animal. One, for example, might specialize in cats; another who's a wizard with dogs may have little or no experience with rabbits or turtles.
Make sure the person you ultimately choose is bonded and has pet sitter insurance, which covers such problems as negligence-caused damage to your home (say, water damage from a hose that's left running after de-mudding a dog) or accidental damage (the sitter inadvertently knocks over your crystal vase). (At the same time, make sure your own homeowner's or renter's insurance is in order and covers you against liability for injury if, say, the pet sitter trips and falls on your stairs.)
Another vital question to ask, is who takes care of your pet if your sitter gets the flu or is otherwise incapacitated — "It's really important to know who's their backup, and how you contact those people," she says.
A related issue, particularly at holiday time, is whether the pet sitter has a a certain maximum number of visits scheduled per day. If the caregiver becomes overextended by taking on too many clients in a short period, your pets may get short shrift. Likewise, says Kistler, beware the sitter whose rates are too good to be true, because they probably are. When a sitter's charging too little, she says, "It probably means they don't have insurance; it probably means they'll be spreading themselves a little thin."
Finally, ask about contingency plans — specifically, what happens if you can't make it home at the appointed time. Find out what procedures are in place for such issues — some sitters consider their responsibilities over when their last scheduled visit ends, while others will keep coming until their clients confirm their safe return.
[For more detail information on Pet Sitters see: Choosing a Pet Sitter
The Death of a Pet
Facing Your Loss
The term "loved one" applies to companions of all types, human and animal. However, many pet owners are unprepared to deal with the loss of a loved one, even if they have dealt with death in the past.
If your pet was part of a family unit, everyone should be included in the healing process, including young children. Often family members may try to hide their grief from each other. It is best to allow everyone to tell their feelings so the family can move on.
Don’t be afraid to talk about your feelings and grief with others, such as extended family members, close friends or counselors. It is best to talk to someone who will listen and understand.
Many well-intentioned family and friends may not understand the loss you are experiencing, especially if they don’t have pets of their own. However, they may still be willing to listen and help.
Life and Loss Cycles
Death is a natural part of the life cycle. And grieving is a natural part of death. But when a beloved pet dies, you and your family may experience this grief differently.
It is important to understand that the length of time and type of emotion associated with grief varies. No two people grieve the same way, but becoming familiar with some patterns may help you be better prepared for times ahead.
There are four common emotions associated with death: denial, anger, guilt, and depression.
Denial may begin when you realize your pet is dying. Facing the reality of your pet’s illness -- instead of trying to convince yourself and others that your pet is getting well -- helps you better prepare for death.
Anger towards your pet or loved ones is also common. You may feel betrayed by your pet’s death or feel that because others aren’t showing visible signs of grief, they didn’t care.
You may find yourself dwelling on your loss and the sadness you feel, a common symptom of depression. Or you may blame yourself and others for your pet’s death, leading to feelings of guilt.
Acknowledging that these are common feelings and allowing others to help you through the grieving process is the best way to deal with these feelings. Since each family member may have bonded differently with your pet, each person may have a different reaction to the loss. In addition, children may need some special attention during these times.
Pet Loss Support
The loss of a pet can be emotionally traumatic. Fortunately there are effective support resources to help owners cope with grief.
Since the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of California - Davis established the first pet-loss hotline in 1989, numerous veterinary schools and other organizations have formed their own hotlines to provide sympathetic, nonjudgmental outlets for people facing the death of a cherished pet.
Most hotlines are staffed by trained, volunteer veterinary students, veterinarians, and veterinary technicians.
Remembering Your Pet
There are many ways in which you can remember your pet.
Your veterinarian or local shelter can help you decide how to put your pet to rest and recommend you to a local pet cemetery.
A New Pet
Just as the grieving process is different for everyone, so is the decision about getting a new pet. Some people may never want to get a new pet, while others may adopt right away. Waiting until you and your family are ready for another pet is the best decision
[For more detail information on grieivng for your pet see: Coping with the Death of your Pet
Do Pets Grieve
Just as people do, pets become attached to each other, even those who do not get along. It is quite normal for a grieving pet to go through the same stages of grief that humans do - they can experience loss of appetite, become anxious or depressed, behave inappropriately and become more vocal. Some grieving pets will sleep in a lost pet's favourite spot or carry around the lost pet's favourite toy. Sometimes grieving pets will search for the lost one and call out to them.
Just as with humans, it takes time for the grieving pet to adjust to the loss of a housemate; however, there are things you can do to help:
- try and keep the grieving pet's routine as normal as possible
- spend extra quality time with the grieving pet
- do not try to modify any behaviour changes that take place
- be patient and understanding with the grieving pet
- in a multi-pet household, the surviving pets will have to determine a new hierarchy; let them work it out
[For more detail information on Grieving Pets: Do Pets Grieve