Foods that should not be given to your dog

Recent studies are showing that raisins and grapes have produced kidney failures in dogs. The reason this occurs is not yet understood, nor is it understood why some dogs are affected more severely than others. Some dogs have experienced a total shut down of their kidneys as the result of eating just a small amount of these foods. Beware!

Other foods that are not good for your dog:

Chocolate
Onions

Back to Top

---

Birds as Pets:

There is a wide variety of birds that make ideal pets, but birds are not for everyone. Some birds are quite happy to be in their cages with little or no social interaction with their human owner, while other will demand time and attention. Some birds are very independent and do a fine job of entertaining themselves, while others need social interaction. If you are thinking of a bird as a pet, take some time to do some research into the traits of the various species being considered. A bird which is an ideal pet for someone who is home the majority of the time, may be nothing but trouble for another who is away at work for eight hours a day. Generally speaking, most of the exotic birds are very intelligent, and can become bored, depressed, or stressed without sufficient human interaction and stimulation.

To maintain your pets mental health and social skills, they should have more than an hour a day of human contact.. Birds generally like set routines, and do not often tolerate changes in their environment very well. It is common for birds to form a tight bond with their owner, and it is important that they be exposed to a variety of situations to maintain a people friendly attitude. Exposure to being out of their cage, exposed to young people, older people, males, females, and other pets is important or your bird may become a "one person pet".

Selecting a bird as a pet may be a life long commitment, so longevity is something that should be taken into account. Although some birds have a normal life span of just a few years, there are others that can easily live 50, 70 or even 100 years or more. Birds are pretty easy to care for, as the really require little more than fresh food and water on a daily basis. Their foods consist of seeds (seeds can be equated to junk food for birds), so should not be the only kind of food they are given. Pelletized bird foods have been developed which contain everything necessary to keep a bird healthy, and should always be available. Daily portions of fresh fruits and vegetables will round off a healthy diet. Although your bird can eat most of the foods that you consume, there are a few things that their bodies cannot metabolize, or do a very poor job of it. Chocolate may be tolerated by some birds, but it can be a lethal snack for others. Foods very high in natural oils (such as avocados), should be avoided as well as some dairy products. Consult an Aviarian vet for diet restrictions for the type bird you have, as it may vary from species to species.

Although birds are easy to care for, this is not to say that they are not a lot of work as well. Birds can be "house" trained in that they can be trained to "poop on demand", but this does not mean that cleaning is not a major portion of pet care. Cage cleaning is an ongoing task that can consume a significant amount of time on a daily basis. Unfortunately many of the people who purchase birds as pets fail to consider the traits of the varied species or how much time an effort they may require. Some birds talk constantly while others don't say a word but are boldly vocal. Some need a lot or personal attention while others are very independent. All to often owners become dissatisfied when their pet does not meet their expectations, and it ends up being release, rescued, or abandoned.

Back to Top

---

Boarding our pets:

Few of us look forward to taking trips or vacations leaving our pets behind. On the other hand, some pets do not travel well and making provisions for their care in our absence is the prudent thing to do. On those occasions when it is either inconvenient or not possible to take our pets with us, there are several options to be considered when deciding on their care in our absence.

(1) The length of time care must be provided, (2)they types and/or numbers of pets needing care, (3) the temperaments of the pets, and (4) any existing conditions that need to be addressed. All these factors should be considered when deciding on how to best manage the animals in your absence.

Certainly having friends or family look in on your pets periodically, or even taking them into their own homes is the first options most people will consider. Although familiar faces and/or surroundings can make your absence less stressful on your pets, there are no assurances that there will still not be some changes to their temperament and behavior. As the pet owner you are very aware of the likes, dislikes, and special needs of your pets, and it is your charge to select people you feel are responsible enough to carry out your wishes as it applies to your pets care.

Many people find it more convenient to engage the services of a professional pet sitter, who would come into your home and stay there in your absence. These people generally have extensive experience in dealing with pets who are somewhat out of sorts because their owners are away, and have established policies and/or procedures for most situations.

Dogs seem to accept changes much easier than do cats, and usually much easier to manage. Cats are more sensitive to their surroundings, strangers, and routines, and are more apt to flee when they become anxious or stressed. It is a wise idea to advise whoever is taking care of what they may expect. When faced with new surroundings or the presence of strangers our pets may not behave as expected. To have pets on leashes when outside (unless there is a secure exercise area), is a good idea. In some instances pet carriers or kennels may be needed.

Some veterinarians offer boarding services, or can refer you to one in your area that is well suited to the kind of pet you have. Most boarding facilities have a working relationship with local vets, and can offer the most secure and safest of options. All pets that are boarded should be current on their vaccinations. Distemper combination, rabies and upper respiratory tract infection vaccines are certainly recommended. Most boarding kennels will require written proof of vaccination and all applicable pet licenses prior to boarding your pet. Be sure to inquire as to these requirements to avoid unexpected complications.

Some veterinarians offer boarding services, or can refer you to one in your area that is well suited to the kind of pet you have. Most boarding facilities have a working relationship with local vets, and can offer the most secure and safest of options. All pets that are boarded should be current on their vaccinations. Distemper combination, rabies and upper respiratory tract infection vaccines are certainly recommended. Most boarding kennels will require written proof of vaccination and all applicable pet licenses prior to boarding your pet. Be sure to inquire as to these requirements to avoid unexpected complications.

If using a boarding facility, take your pet with you, and make several visits. If using a sitter, have them make several home visits so they are not a complete stranger when they come to stay. Unless provisions are made through a sitter or service, make Arrangements with your veterinarian to provide services should the need arise.

A little research, time and effort will go along way in reducing the stress upon your pets, and satisfy yourself that they will be well cared for until your return.

Back to Top

---

Moving with pets:

Moving to a new home is one of the most stressful experiences any of us may have, and it is no different for our pets. Here are a few tips that may make moving easier on both you and them.

While the preparations are being made to move, our pet’s whole world is turning upside down. Almost everything they are familiar with is being packed away and is soon reduced to a stack of cartons and boxes. They understand none of it so It is understandable that they become anxious and unpredictable. Before the packing begins, get them a pet carrier(s), and give them time to become accustomed to it. As packing progresses it will soon become the only thing left that they are familiar with and will provide both safety and security during the move.

As moving day nears we need to give them more attention and assurances that things are not really as bad as they seem. Stressed, anxious, scared, and disoriented, many pets will run away if given an opportunity. It is up to us as pet owner to do all that we can to protect them from themselves. We have invested a lot of effort and expense to pack and protect our belongings, and it just makes sense that we do the same for our pets. Investing in a pet carrier early on to use before, during, and after the move will make the move much safer for them.

Dogs accept moves more easily than do cats, and those cats accustomed to roaming outside adapt much easier than those that don’t venture out. Pets should be fitted with identification collars with the owner's name and new address. Although identification collars are a good idea all of the time, they are especially important until the move is complete and the pets fully settled into their new home.

Starting with the packing of the first box we must become more aware of where our pets are. Open doors and windows coupled with the activity of packing will make it easier for pets to slip out unnoticed. As the packing progresses so to will be the need to be more watchful. If containment is a difficult, the use of pet carriers becomes an easy way to keep pets secured.

Once arriving at the new home, keep you pets in their carriers until at least one room has been completely unpacked. Once the packing materials and other debris has been removed, release the pets into the room(s) where they will find items and furniture that they are familiar with. Cats should have access to a litter box at all times.

If there is an enclosed exercise area in the yard, dogs can be let out to begin getting familiar with it. Cats will require much more time, and may have to be restricted to the house and their carriers for quite some time. Extra attention, extra food and snacks will all help them to become relaxed in their new surroundings. If there are contractors working, a many of new faces, and a lot of noise you can expect it to slow the process of getting use to their new house. If there are high activity areas in the house it is beneficial to keep the animals in some other part of the house.

By the time the unpacking has been completed it is pretty safe to let your dogs have freedom in the house and a secure yard area. In the absence of a secure outside exercise area, all pets should be leashed when taken outside.

The new home has to be established as a source of attention, food, and shelter. It may help to feed several small meals a day and spend extra time giving pets attention. Keep cats indoors at the new house for about a month as it takes considerable time to establish bond between them and their new home. When the cat is first let outdoors, it should be fasted for 12 hours before going out so that it is really hungry. A hungry cat is much more likely to come when called, knowing that it's home is a source of food and attention. For the first few weeks, cats should only be let out once a day and be called in after no longer than 30 minutes and fed immediately. The frequency and duration of released periods can be extended as the animals become accustomed to their new home.

Pets will often try to return to their old home. You should warn your old neighbors, and the home's new occupants that this may occur. Request that they not encourage this in any way. Ask that they do not feed them, do not talk to them, and otherwise discourage them by such things as spraying them with water.

Moving is very traumatic for our pets, and there are thousands of pets lost every year due to the side effects of moving. Getting your pets accustomed and comfortable in your new home requires some thought an effort, but is well worth it.

Back to Top

---

Traveling with your pet:

Advance planning is necessary to make trips enjoyable experiences for both you and your pets. As you plan your excursions you will be well aware of the surroundings, activities and situations you will be putting yourself into, but your pet depends on you to prepare them for the coming changes. Without adequate preparation the outing can become very stressful for both of you.

No matter where you take your pet, there will be a need to have it leashed or tethered at some time. Although collars are sufficient, harnesses have proven themselves to be more secure and are recommended. Working with your pet on a leash prior to embarking on your journey will make those occasions more enjoyable for your both. Identification tags bearing your name, address, and phone number should be firmly attached to the collar or harness. Microchips or tattoos are also methods of identification that may be considered. Many pets are lost or run away while on trips with their owners. Should this happen, contact the local animal control office as soon as possible.

The use of a pet carrier will do much toward making a trip more enjoyable for both you and your pet. If you get a carrier, put a mat in it, and use it as a pet bed while at home. Let them get comfortable with it with both the door open, and with it closed. It will become one familiar item that will stay with them, when all others have gotten left behind. Not only will it provide both a safe and secure place for you to keep them when needed, it will become a safe haven for them when they are anxious or scared. When selecting a carrier pick a model that is strong, is of adequate size, has a moisture proof bottom, is well ventilated, has sturdy handles for transporting, and has food/water dishes that are accessible from the outside. If there is a possibility that you may be traveling by air at some time, make sure to pick an airline approved brand or model.

If traveling by some commercial carrier, be aware that the rules and restrictions may vary widely between one carrier and another. Some carriers may allow your pet to travel with you in the passenger compartment, while others may require them being placed in the baggage area. Be sure to inquire about any requirements, restrictions, and conditions you must be prepared for as well as any the liabilities and limitations that apply to pets. Pick carriers that will handle your pet personally rather than those whose baggage handling is totally automated. If your commercial carrier does not have provisions for insuring your pet has adequate food and water, you may need to adjust your itinerary so that you can personally look after it during layovers or connections. Select schedules that not peak periods and with the minimum number of connections or layovers to reduce the possibility of you and your pet becoming separated. Replace the mat in your pet carrier with "poddy pads", adult diapers, or some similar product, to make you pet as comfortable as possible while in transit.

Your pet should have all it's required vaccinations, and you should carry supporting documents to that effect. If traveling out of the country (or to some islands), check with your carrier or agent about restrictions or quarantines as they might apply for each of your planned stops (including your return home).

Although water is permitted, you should not feed your pet for six hours before your departure time. Water should be available in the cage during transit, and replaced with fresh water as soon as possible after arrival. Make sure the cage has specific feeding and identification labels permanently attached and highly visible.

Back to Top