Archive for January, 2010
Hilda the Iraqi Mutt
An Iraqi mutt given the name Hilda was cared for by a Colorado Army National Guard soldier, roaming through an American Camp 70 miles of 
Baghdad. A dog don’t have to be a pure bred to charm an individual fighting for our country, just a mutt who took a liking to one soldier, who in turn loved her back and treated her with respect. The soldier is not due back in the US until sometime after the beginning of spring, and wanted to see if there was a way to send Hilda back to his Mother in the US. There is an organization called Operation Baghdad Pups, operated by SPCA International that helped to transport the dog to the soldier’s Mother who resides in Colorado. Transporting the dog was probably not a pet airline, but that is okay, I am sure she was still safe. Just image how scared this poor dog was, arriving in an area far from the conditions the dog had been accustomed to. Unfortunately after the dog arrived to her new home, she was able to get out of her collar and leash, and ran off. The poor Mother was heartbroken because of the severity of what could become of the runaway pet. The only peace offering if someone found Hilda was to perhaps entice her with cheese, mocha, Pop-Tarts or muffins.
After almost 5 days, searching for her son’s pet, the mother found Hilda safe and most probably ready to go back to her new home. She had wandered off several miles away, and a chance of being hit by an automobile was a 
serious concern. Hilda had wandered off close to a four lane state highway that could have ended in tragedy. All of the Denver area population that heard about the runaway dog on the local TV and newspaper, was elated in hearing of her recovery. The picture of the dog in the paper today was adorable, but sad looking, maybe, just maybe, she will accept her new surrounding, and turn out to be a good dog to be proud of. Be Happy!
Have You Seen a Dog Play in Their Wheelchair?
We all will age; some of us become disabled, and need assistance and will not apply only to humans, but to dogs as well. When thinking about wheelchairs for dogs, there are probably not many pet parents that consider this 
alternative in realizing there is something out there that will help their pet. Accidents may have happened, and caused paralysis, neurological diseases and sadly enough, amputation. Spinal cord problems or hip dysplasia causes most disabilities in dogs, but a dog wheelchair will help them to regain their mobility and lead healthy lives, that otherwise would not be possible without a wheelchair. It is a very sad moment in learning that your dog has lost mobility in ways that affect their movements, and takes away their freedom where they can no longer walk by themselves. Euthanasia was the only alternative there was back before dog wheelchairs were available. Dogs that have lost them mobility can no longer partake in their pet family’s activities and not being able to do the things they were accustomed to, may become depressed. Having a dog wheelchair will allow the pet parent and their dog, to continue to play and run. They are man’s best friend and loyal to their owner for the rest of their lives.
Customized dog wheelchairs can be a perfect fit for your dogs needs, and provides a maximum amount of comfort and support. There are all sizes for every breed of dog, from the largest to the tiniest. Wheelchairs are designed to support the back or front limbs, but can be more intricate if support is required for all four limbs, and is adaptable to the gender of your dog. A 
dog wheelchair should be the last resort if physical therapy and rehab have been exhausted. If your veterinarian feels that there may be a chance of recuperation, help your dog to recover as much as possible. If there may be a chance of recovery and you do not try it, putting them into a dog wheelchair may become a dependency that cannot be reversed. Be Happy!
Does Your Dogs Eyes Tear?
Some dogs have a problem with their eyes tearing and can be a problem in keeping them clean. It seems as though light colored dogs have this 
problem more than others do, and the discoloration sometimes has an offensive odor. Take your dog to their veterinarian for a checkup just to make sure there are no infections, or may have extra eyelashes that could cause the problem. These conditions are usually controllable, but other problems may be harder to overcome. Many dogs have allergies, fleas and mites and this could be the problem. There drinking water may contain a high mineral content, and their diet may create tearing. It could also be their genetic predisposition, which would be difficult in curing. Some diets can become a problem if you feed canned dog food all the time. They need more nutrition in their diets that do not contain high levels of salt, preservatives, chemicals, and sugar. None of these provides a healthy diet for your pet. High quality dog food should be alternated between the canned dog food in providing more nutrients and may be a bit more expensive. However, in the long run, feeding a well balanced diet may deter medical problems causing expensive medical bills. Pet health information is advisable before a serious condition occurs.
If you are raising your dog in rural areas where water is provide by using well water, this could cause problems because of the various minerals that 
are involved. Bottled water or distilled water has become popular in solving tear staining. Have you ever heard of adding a small amount of vinegar to your dog’s water dish? Until they are accustomed to the taste, a little more can be added, but you know what, I think I would rather buy bottled water then to take a chance on using vinegar even though it has been suggested that the PH is changed by using this method. You be the judge. Be Happy!
Does Your Dog Have a Doggy Door?
From the time you brought your new puppy home, training will begin in teaching them to go outside to do their thing. Puppies seem to want to relieve 
themselves on the floor when they get excited, especially if you have been playing with them. They have not learned to control themselves, and there will be a few accidents. As soon as you can, start taking them outdoors on a regular basis. This will be hard if the new pet parent works outside the home, so invest in a pet carrier or crate for them to stay in while you are gone, but keep in mind that puppies can only hold it for so long. Make sure they have enough room to move around and most likely will not soil their bedding, because their birth Mother taught them differently. Now it is your turn.
As your puppy grows they will begin to learn how to use the dog door. This is necessary in every pet parents’ home because once your training time with them is over, you will not have to come home to a messy accident. These dog doors are affordable and easy to install, and come in different widths and heights to help you decide in which one would best fit your dog. Don’t forget your cat if you have one, there are pet doors for them too. Security precautions are necessary, and in deciding the location is of utmost 
importance. Dog doors can be functional for your dog to go outside, but cannot come back in. This is a deterrent for possible burglaries and controlled by you. There are different style doors such as flap doors, and magnetic doors. The magnetic door is controlled by the dog’s collar and can only be accessed by your dog. This may cost a little more, but the outcome could pay for the cost of the door. This is a very safe way to control who comes and goes into your home. When it starts to get cold and rainy your dog can go back inside where it is comfortable and dry. Just be cautious of the size of the dog door you buy. When you brought your new puppy home, you should already know how big they will be when full grown. Research dog books and check on the breed that you are interested in determining their size, if you do not already know. Be Happy!
Do You Consider Your Pet a Member of Your Family?
If you do, what a wonderful experience it is in watching them grow, training them, keeping them groomed …. How safe is your dog riding in your vehicles? Do you protect them from wandering around in the back seat, or 
wherever you allow them to be? Do you let them hang their head out the window? These three questions are something that a pet parent should think about and take into consideration what to do in keeping them safe while riding with you. When traveling with your dog, visiting, shopping, or wherever you take them, a dog vehicle barrier is a necessity. The dangers of unrestrained pets can be fatal in case of an accident. It is the law in restraining your child in your vehicle, and seat belts are required, but there is not a law enforcing the protection of your dog. Perhaps there should be a law for this, but it is the pet parents’ responsible for their own pet’s safety.
Vehicle barriers for dogs are intended to protect them, and designed for proper installation, depending on the type of vehicle. Some are for separating the dog from getting between bucket seats, and some are for the back seat or the rear of the vehicle. Distraction while driving is dangerous, so consider this protection for your dog. Most barriers are affordable and can be removed easily when not in use. It may take awhile for your pet to become comfortable in being restrained, but it will not take long for them to 
get use to the barrier and car seat. Yes, there are car seats and harnesses as well that will protect your dog, large or small. Some dogs get very excited while riding in a car and want to give their driver a friendly lick. So please consider this product for you and your dog’s safety. Be Happy!
Who, Where and When Takes Care of Cleaning Up After Your Dog?
Dogs as we all know come in different sizes, shapes, and color, but some have temperaments and personalities that will not tolerate children. Choose a dog that compliments your family and will be a delight to be around. Talk to your family and listen to their pros and cons. Dogs are a responsibility, and taking care of them the right way will not be a disappointment. Will there be just one person in the family that will take care of the dog, or shared within the family? A balanced diet is necessary to keep dogs healthy, groomed, trained, have room to play, exercised, and room to relieve themselves when necessary. A balanced diet, grooming, training …. 
is essential, but the one big thing is ‘poop’ in your yard. Who will take on the responsibility in cleaning it up on a regular basis? This is important because of diseases that it carries, problems with flies, stepping in it, and causes contamination in our waterways. It is estimated that dog poop in our waterways are one quarter contaminated by the lack of responsibility in cleaning up after our dog. This is especially of concern when walking your dogs in parks, and areas that provide them to exercise and run, but just be sure if there is a lake or pond around that your dog has their dog life jacket on. Accidents are certainly not something a pet parent is looking for in taking their dog for their daily walk.
Picking up in your yard will eliminate the unpleasant and unsightly problems of stepping in your dog’s poop that carries over billions of bacteria and parasites, and contains parasitic organisms, and salmonella. Walking your dog is also a responsibility in picking up after them to avoid children who could accidentally step in it while at play. What is the big deal 
about carrying a plastic bag to remove your dog’s poop? Some areas even provide containers that administer plastic bags and containers for disposal, so please be cognizant of your responsible as a pet parent and help to improve our way of life. Be Happy!
Medication Tricks on My Dog
Oh my goodness, trying to give my dog his medication is like trying to open 
a lion’s mouth. My Chocolate Lab will clamp down so hard I cannot even pry his mouth open unless I use a dog mouth opener if there was such a thing. Unbelievable, I have tried to gently open his mouth and put it back in his throat but guess what, he spits it back out. No way Jose! This medication is for his thyroid that he takes twice a day, but he has two other pills he takes once a day for his arthritis and hip dysplasia. They must taste like a T-bone steak because he actually waits for them every morning. I found a dog food sausage that I was putting the thyroid pills in, but all of the sudden he decided -no more.
Then ‘lo and behold’ the vet prescribed another pill for his hip dysplasia, now what do I do. The girl that clips his nails told me to take a Vienna sausage and cut it in half, then push the pills down the middle, which seemed logical. Well at first, it worked, but after he found out what was inside, he separated the pills and ate the sausage. Then, here comes the peanut butter that was very tasty, but then after a few days, he got the runs. Here comes another pill to fix that problem. All of the sudden the light went on. I will use potted meat spread, make a little ball, stick all the pills in there, and serve it to him on a fancy plate. Well I should have a medal for this. He loves it that way with no more fuss, at least not yet. I am sure all of us pet lovers have heard the statement “dumb animals,” well if anyone is dumb it probably was me. I should have been smarter than my dog. Now I must plan a different route if he decides he’s had enough room service. Perhaps homeopathic pet meds would be the answer. Be Happy!
Provide Pet Safety, How Do We Do This?
How do we do this? As pet lovers – we are devoted in helping our pet companions have a long and healthy life by doing the things that we know best to do for them. Make sure they have a healthy diet, train them to be proud and obedient, keep up with all of their vaccinations and checkups, keep them groomed, give them exercise, play with them, give them their medications that have been prescribed in case of sickness or diseases that may happen during their lifetime, and always be cognizant of their whereabouts.
Consider these products that will guide you in providing safety to your pet.
- Pet insurance that will offer financial help in their medical bills
- Pet only airlines will fly your pet to designated destinations
- Underground-wireless dog fences to keep pets in certain boundaries
- Pet doors to go in and out of your home all by by themselves
- Dog life jackets to keep them from drowning
- Pet safety gates to confine them to areas of your choice
- Dog ramps to walk up and down into your vehicle without pain
- Dog vehicle barrier behind the driver avoiding accidents
- Dog safety collars that break apart if they were to get caught
- Pet safety harnesses to control your pet from pulling while walking
- Pet carriers that limit their activities while being transported
- Pet crates that are used in training your pet to stay in one place
- Pet slings allow the pet parent to take their small pets shopping
- Dog kennels that your pet will call their comfortable and snugly home
- Dog wheelchairs provide dogs mobilitywhen disabled, which
- Eliminates euthanasia, giving your dog a longer life
- Pet joint pain can be minimized by medication
- Homeopathic pet meds allow a natural path of healing
All of these pet safety products are safe for your dog and/or cat, and are affordable in protecting them from serious accidents. Be Happy!
Pet Carriers Are Awesome
In using a pet carrier for traveling by car, by air, training a puppy, moving to a new home or other purposes, is a safe way in protecting your pet. Pet 
carriers come in different sizes, shapes, and colors, and provide a way of moving your pet from one place to another with ease. Some pet parents use them to take their pet to the veterinarian clinic for a check-up, or for what every reason that requires you to transport your pet. Dogs and cats alike can be comfortable in a pet carrier, and are always under your control. There are pet parents who will allow their pets freedom to move around in their vehicle. This is dangerous to the pet if an accident should occur. Some seat belts may be adjusted around the pet carrier for additional safety. In case of an accident, they would be safer in their pet carrier, rather than be thrown out of the vehicle. There will be training involved with the idea that this could be a comfort zone for you and your pet. Be sure and cover the bottom of the carrier with their favorite blanket and a few toys.
Train your pet inside of your home before trying to put the carrier in your 
vehicle. Once they are familiar and comfortable in being inside, place the carrier in your vehicle, and drive around the neighborhood with them in their carrier. This will become fun riding with their pet parent and will soon look forward to this new adventure. This should be done way before you are planning a vacation so they will not be scared in the movement of the vehicle, and will adjust being inside. Be sure and purchase the correct size for your pet that will allow them to move around comfortably. Don’t forget to praise them for being such a good boy or girl. Be Happy!
Collar and Leash Training For Your Puppy
A dog collar is first, and then a little later, comes a leash, which is different 
lengths, and depending on the strength of your dog may be a factor in considering the style for control. A dog leash is necessary in walking your dog and will eventually cause excitement when they see their pet parents remove the leash from its resting place. They will associate what it means, and what is its purpose. Give your puppy time to grow before introducing them to a dog leash. Usually around 4 to 6 weeks old will be a good time for training.
Gently secure a dog safety collar around their neck being careful not to fasten it too tight. The rule of thumb is usually tightening it to where you can insert two fingers between the collar and their neck. Let your puppy get use to wearing it, because once a collar is attached, they will always have it on. That is not saying you cannot remove it once in awhile, but remember this collar will have identification tags if your puppy was to get lost. Clip a 
leash on their dog safety collar and let them walk around with it on. Leave it on for a while, and then remove it. Do not let your puppy play with it; this will detract from what its purpose is. After awhile start all over again, inside the home, or go outside in your back yard, but let them get use to pulling it around. Puppies can run very fast at their early stage of life, so preparing them to a leash will protect them and maintain their security. When you think your puppy is ready, take hold of the leash and try to walk with them. Continuous training in walking your puppy with their leash will gradually come into place, and you and your dog can practice taking a short walk down the street. Beware of other dogs that may want to interfere, so caution must be realized that your new trainee is not able to cope with this situation right away. Practice, Practice. Be Happy!