Urgent Plea for Home for Retired Military Dog / UPDATED!

This is such a sad story – makes me wish I didn’t already have a houseful. Rocky served three tours in Iraq between 2004 and 2007. His last handler was killed in action, so Rocky was brought back to the States and has been cared for by other members of the unit. However, now that his back legs are failing, the military will have to put him down unless someone adopts him by August 24th.

From the Pets for Patriots web site:

Like most military working dogs, Rocky is independent, but he has a sweet temperament and enjoys relaxing in the sun. As a result of his disability, he uses a canine wheelchair and needs assistance to do “his business.” He would do best in a family that can devote a lot of time to him, and that has no small children or other animals. As with many military canines, Rocky shows slight dog aggression. More than anything, Rocky needs someone who honors his service, and who will love and accept him.

Rocky’s known medical conditions:

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia/Enlarged prostate
Mild hip dysplasia L coxofemoral joint, grade I
Bilateral coxofemoral DJD (mild)
Bilateral neurologic defecits rear legs – degenerative myelopathy
Pressure/kennel sores

Come on, folks. This dog worked hard to ensure our freedom. Doesn’t he deserve a loving home (maybe with a vet??? – either kind) to serve out his last days?

If you or someone you know has a big heart for this dog who put his life on the line for our country, please contact Camp Pendleton directly and immediately if you have questions about Rocky:

Spc. Joseph Ramsey: (760) 725-5527; email: joseph.t.ramsey@us.army.mil

Spc. Jade Clarke: (760) 725-5527; email: jade.clarke@us.army.mil

If you’d like to adopt Rocky, please fill out an application online. This will take you to Lackland AFB, which processes all requests for military dog adoptions across the United States armed forces.

Canine Guard for a Navy SEAL Funeral

Don’t you just love this picture? They aren’t lying when they call dogs Man’s Best Friend. This showed up recently on Facebook – made me cry. Here’s the original caption, but I don’t know who took the pic.

During Navy Seal Jon Tumilson’s funeral yesterday, his trusted canine friend Hawkeye guarded him one last time.

Tumilson was one of the SEALs killed in the helicopter crash August 6th in Afghanistan.

To all of you who are serving: Thanks, stay safe, and come home soon! We love each and every one of you.

Your Pet May Predict Your Personality Study Shows 'Dog People' May Be More Outgoing, 'Cat People' More Creative

Sep 30 2010 – you are a "cat person" or a "dog person"? Even people who don't own either pet tend to self-identify as one or the other, and the answer may say something about their personalities, a study shows.
As a rule, dogs are more social and eager to please, while cats are more introverted and curious.
In the new study, self-described cat and dog people appeared to share these traits.

In the new study, self-described cat and dog people appeared to share these traits.
"Even though we have this widely held idea that dog people and cat people are somehow different, we haven't really known how they are different and previous research has failed to tell us," psychologist and study researcher Sam Gosling, PhD, of the University of Texas at Austin, tells WebMD.
He believes this is because earlier studies examined personality differences in cat and dog owners, failing to account for the fact that a dog person may actually own a cat and vice versa.

As part of a larger online personality survey, Gosling and colleague Carson J. Sandy, asked about 4,500 people if they considered themselves dog people or cat people.
The 44-question survey delved into the five dimensions of personality thought to encompass the spectrum of personality types:

• Conscientiousness. Common behaviors include self-discipline, sense of duty, and a tendency toward planned vs. spontaneous behavior.
• Extraversion. Tendency toward being gregarious, enthusiastic, positive, and energetic.
• Agreeableness. Includes attributes such as trust, altruism, kindness, affection, and sociability.
• Openness. Includes traits such as appreciation for the arts, curiosity, creativity, and nontraditional thinking and behavior.
• Neuroticism. Includes characteristics such as being easily stressed, anxious, or easily worried.
"In terms of personalities I would say Woody Allen is at one end of this spectrum and the "Dude" from the Big Lebo ski is at the other," Gosling says.

Forty-six percent of those who took the survey identified themselves as dog people, while 12% said they were cat people. Twenty-eight percent said they were both and 15% said they were neither.

27 Ways Pets Improve Your Health
Cat People vs. Dog People
According to the findings, self-identified dog people were 15% more extroverted, 13% more agreeable and 11% more conscientious than cat people.
Cat people were about 12% more neurotic and 11% more open than dog people.
"These are not huge differences," Gosling says. "There are certainly many, many cat people who are extroverts and many, many dog people who aren't."

But he adds that the findings may have broader implications in the field of pet therapy, suggesting that personality screening may help match people in need with the most appropriate animal.
The study will be published later this year in the journal Anthrozoos.
Film producer Susan Williams, of Atlanta, owns a dog and two cats, but she is firmly entrenched in the canine camp.

"Neither of my cats likes me much because they know I don't get them," she says.
Her 9-year-old daughter, Ella, on the other hand, could probably qualify as a '"cat whisperer."
"Outside the house I rarely see a cat because they know I'm a dog person, but any cat within a block of her will find her."
Williams says she definitely believes dog people, as a rule, are more extroverted and agreeable and that cat people are more introverted.
"I'm a flight, not fight person," she says. "To avoid an argument, I'll agree with you if you tell me the sky is green."
For any other question go to: www.luckydogmobilepetgrooming.com

Dog shedding is a natural process in canines

Dog shedding is a natural process in canines; however it causes problems for owners: allergies and cleanliness issues. All dogs shed, even if some breeds tend to shed more than others. Dog shedding can be controlled by following a few easy tips.
1. Brushing
Brushing your dog on a regular basis is a great way to manage dog shedding. While brushing, you will be able to remove all the loose fur and the hair won’t end up in your home or on your clothes.
Choose brushes that are suitable for your dog’s coat type and length. Using the wrong type of brush may pull out your dog’s hair and cause injuries.
Short haired dogs need less brushing, while long and wiry coated dogs will need brushing at least once per day.

once per day.
2. Bathing
Bathing is another way to control your dog’s shedding. A clean coat and skin means less shedding. In addition, while bathing your dog, you may also remove the loose hair.
Some breeds require less baths (i.e. once every two months), however most dogs can be bathed on a regular basis.
Dogs need more frequent baths during the summer. You can bathe your dog once per week and this will moisten the dog’s skin and prevent dryness. Dry skin means more shedding. You may also use some gentle shampoos that will nourish the dog’s skin and reduce shedding.

3. Diet
Your dog’s diet can also contribute to the amount of shedding. A dog with a poor diet will shed more. Try to feed your dog a balanced diet rich in protein, fat, fibers and less carbs. Talk to your vet for more dietary recommendations.

4. Supplements
If your dog’s diet is poor in nutrients, some supplements may be required to get a healthy coat and reduce shedding. Fatty oils are important for a healthy coat and a hydrated skin. Fatty acid supplements will provide the necessary nutrients for your dog’s skin and coat and will reduce shedding.

5. Flea and Tick Control
Ticks and fleas and other parasites may cause a lot of uneasiness. Dogs will tend to scratch and this may lead to excessive shedding and even bald patches. Fleas and ticks may be removed with

insecticides and special formula shampoos. Make sure you get rid of all the fleas and ticks in your home to prevent re-infection.

6. Manage Stress
A stressed dog may lose more hair than usual. Stress in dogs may be caused by environmental changes, the loss of someone in the family or a fellow pet, a new baby or a new pet or health conditions. Managing stress may solve the problem and reduce shedding. Identify the source of your pet’s stress and try to handle it with affection, therapy or even medication. Talk to your vet for more options.

If you notice that your dog is shedding excessively, it is a good idea to visit the vet to rule out any medical condition that may cause shedding. Common diseases that cause shedding are: skin problems, the ringworm, mange or cancer. The shedding is abnormal is your dog has bald patches.

dog your dog dig ?

Does Your Dog Dig?

Dogs dig for all sorts of reasons. Some breeds are more likely to dig than others. Sometimes they dig out of boredom; other times they’re just following the wolf instinct from way back when. No matter what the reason is, it can be a real pain. There are a few, simple things that you can try to alleviate the problem.
1. Sprinkle cayenne pepper into the holes. When your pup returns for more digging fun, he’ll hate the sensation.
2. Some dogs don’t like to get their feet dirty with poop. Drop some of their droppings in the hole, cover it and add some more on top. That part of the yard will soon become free of holes again.
3. If you find your pet digging out of boredom, try to provide another way to stimulate his mind. I find that a peanut butter stuffed Kong toy works wonders.
4. This should go without saying, but…if all else fails, limit his access to the yard.

How to Stop the Constant Barking of Dogs in the Backyard

Few things are more aggravating or nerve-racking than the constant barking of dogs in a residential neighborhood. Here you are trying to work, sleep or just relax, and all you hear are deep, loud woofs or high-pitched yelps. But there are things you can do to solve this common problem; in fact, if you are the dog's owner, it is your responsibility to do so. Otherwise, you may find that you are not the only one who has a problem with the dogs barking --- neighbors might complain, as well.
Instructions
1. 1
Give your dog enough attention. At times, constant barking by a dog left outside alone is just a cry for help. The dog may try to communicate with passers-by or other dogs in a desperate attempt to be noticed. Spending little or no quality time with your pet may exacerbate the problem. Consider getting another dog for it to play with. This provides a cure for boredom and a sense of camaraderie for your pooch.
2. 2
Exercise your dog. Many times, excessive barking occurs because the dog is restless. If getting another dog for yours to play with is not feasible, take your dog on long walks or to the park. A dog park is an especially sound option, as it lets your canine interact with others of its kind. If you exercise it hard enough, when you get home your dog is likely to be too tired to do anything but sleep.
3. 3
Limit the amount of time that your dog spends alone in the backyard. If all else fails, you may simply need to keep your dog in the house more often. This may help solve the barking problem, as there is less stimuli inside to cause your dog to express itself that way. The animal may also feel a sense of comfort and security just being closer to you. At the very least, whatever barking occurs is unlikely to aggravate your neighbors or others outside your home.
Tips & Warnings
• If you are bothered by the backyard barking of a dog that's not yours, try to have a civil conversation with the owner. Make the person aware that the excessive barking is disturbing you, and ask if there's anything you might do to help rectify the situation.
• Only as a last resort should you involve law enforcement. The owner of the dog may be breaking noise ordinances if the barking occurs at certain times of the day or night.

skin infections and dogs

Skin Infections and Dogs
By your dog grooming


Itchy dogs, stinky dogs, uncomfortable dogs, dogs with bumps, lumps and hives – dogs miserable because their skin feels like one big mosquito bite and there is no relief from the itch. So they chew, gnaw and scratch until they bleed and still it itches!
Veterinarians see more itchy dogs then just about any other complaint. What is causing the itch and how to bring the dog relief is where it gets complicated.
Like us, their human companions, the largest organ in the canine body is the skin. It protects against ultraviolet light, injury and dehydration. It regulates temperature and provides the dog with follicles that grow hair, offering yet another layer of protection against the elements. Skin is elastic, tough and has an amazing ability to heal itself even under the worst conditions.
There are three layers to skin –the part we see is the epidermis, below that is the dermis which holds the blood vessels and nerves and then the panniculus, the fatty layer that adds padding as protection and helps control body temperature.
Skin is adversely affected by both external and internal conditions. Parasites such as fleas, ticks and mites are obvious enemies as is actual physical injury. Allergies, internal infections and autoimmune deficiencies attack the skin from within but the itch still causes a dog to scratch, gnaw, rub and lick the offender. Now the skin is under fire from both external and internal foes, making the problem exponentially far more difficult to treat and causing a dreaded ‘hot spot’ or pyotraumatic dermatitis’.
Hot spots are just like they sound – a patch of skin that is a hot, red, hairless, scabby, oozy, and itchy infection caused by a dog chewing at themselves. Often they develop without the owner noticing until it is too late as the surrounding hair helps hide the extent of the damage.
The veterinarian shaves any remaining fur from the hot spot and the surrounding area to make it easier to keep clean and allow better airflow. He will then scrub the area with anti-bacterial soap and rub a soothing antibacterial ointment on the hot spot. Whether the topical treatment is all that is required to clear up the spot or a course of antibiotics is necessary depends on the severity of the infection. Sometimes a vet will prescribe an anti-histamine to help with the itch and for repeated or extreme cases, the steroid prednisone may be prescribed but the drug must be used under the supervision of the vet due to the potentially serious side effects.
The most important, and most challenging, part is that the dog cannot scratch, lick or chew the hot spot anymore. How this is done depends on where the hot spot is but normally involves a buster or Elizabethan collar – a plastic hood resembling a satellite dish that fully covers the dog’s muzzle (although allows the dog to eat and drink) making chewing at the spot difficult if not impossible.
Part of treating the ‘hot spot’ is diagnosing the cause and deciding on a course of treatment. Without treatment, another hot spot will develop and the cycle of skin infections continue.
External parasites are easily diagnosed and treated and once the creepy crawlers are eradicated, the itch dies soon after. Many dogs develop allergic reactions to fleabites and require constant treatment with products such as Advantage or Revolution – topical insecticides that kill 99.9% of fleas within 24 hours of an infestation. By combating the fleas 24 x 7, the dog will never chew themselves into a frenzy or ‘hot spot’.
External allergies to environmental allergens and internal allergies to food are a bit of a different matter. The allergy develops because of an overactive immune system - to combat the offending object, the body releases histamines and it is the histamines that cause the itch.
Food allergies are often the problem and switching the dog to a hypoallergenic diet is normally the first step. If that controls the allergic reaction and therefore the itch, then the dog remains on that diet for the remainder of its life. Biscuits ,treats and cookies all must have similar ingredients and table scraps should be avoided.
Environmental allergens are a bit more difficult to control although over the counter anti-histamines work on our four-legged friends just as well as they do on humans. During allergy season, it is not unheard of for suffering dogs to be on a 12 hour Benadryl, Tavist or Seldane capsule twice a day. Bedding should be checked for possible allergens such as cedar chips (reportedly keeps fleas away) or wool that might be causing the reaction.
Autoimmune conditions are rarely the cause of skin infections in dogs although a symptom of an autoimmune disease may be the culprit. For example, hair loss is a common sign of an autoimmune disease and the hair loss causes itching that leads to a hot spot. If the underlying disease is treated, the itching is no longer a problem.
If a hot spot occurs around the base of the tail or anus, the veterinarian should check the anal glands on the dog. Anal glands are problematic in some dogs and become infected easily. The dog then worries the area, causing a hot spot. With the proximity of the anus, skin infections develop readily and both the anal gland infection and the hot spot require treatment.
The most common injury leading to a hot spot is from clipping the fur. Clipper burn irritates the skin causing an itch and the dog licks, chews and worries the area until a hot spot develops. Anytime a dog visits the groomer, an owner should give them a good once over to make sure there are no hot or pink areas that could lead to itching. This also applies to surgical sites as they too are clipped tight to the skin and should be watched for any sign of pinkness (buster collars are often sent home with dogs post-surgery because hospital staff witnessed the dog chewing the site).
Controlling the cause of the skin infection in a dog is the most important part of the hot spot prevention plan. Even a poor diet or a dry climate can cause flaking, itchy skin so changing to a better quality food or drizzling a teaspoon of olive oil on their dinner helps. For a dog with allergies to pollen, keeping them indoors during the morning and early evening (times of peak pollen production) will alleviate some of the problem. Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherd Dogs and other heavy coated breeds seem more susceptible to seasonal hot spots. High heat and humidity means more fleas and summer is the best season for swimming which can cause ear infections that can lead to a hot spot. Treat for fleas and after swimming, towel-dry the dog thoroughly and remove their collar as moist skin is more prone to developing hot spots. After swimming, clean and dry the dog’s ears with a veterinary recommended ear cleaner to lower the incidence of ear infections.
Skin infections and dogs are a common enough occurrence and vets see a high number of them each week. With observation and perseverance, hot spots are manageable and even a dog prone to them can lead a normal life. At the first sign of a persistent itch, get your dog to the vet and treatment started – avoiding the oozy, itchy, red and hairless spots is a far better plan then treating them once they have developed!

How to Train an Aggressive Dog

When a puppy starts growling over his food, growling over his toys or mouthing you and you think it’s so cute, then you are training your puppy to become the alpha. If he feels he’s the alpha or leader now, then what will you do when he’s a big dog?
This is where training an aggressive dog comes into play.
The first step is to acknowledge that you made the dog the way he is by letting him “get away” with these behaviors. It’s your fault the dog is the way he is, not the other way around. This is mentioned so that you can realize that what can be done, can be undone.
Now it’s time to stop this and make the dog realize he’s not in charge. This takes a lot of work but it can be done.
If it’s a small dog, the task will be easier than with a bigger dog. Put a leash on him and when you get to the door (do this anytime you go out with him), train him to sit and stay. You will have to do this a few times before he “gets” it. Use rewards and treats. Once he can sit/stay for a few seconds, open the door (do NOT let him go out), then walk out, turn around and call him to you. By going out the door first, you are reinforcing that you are the pack leader.
This is what you have to do if you are ever training a protection dog. A protection dog is a well-trained dog that is schooled in the art of protecting its property and master on command.
Your dog needs to look to you for direction his life. He must trust his leader and have confidence in you. This means you must control his every action.
He can learn, he can remember and he listens to his instincts, use your brain and be open to ideas and know that you are the boss.

To help you get and keep your precious little animal family member healthy

How to Give Dogs Vitamin C

Your dog can get sick, just like you can. There is a common cure for illnesses in both humans and dogs: Vitamin C. Vitamin C is used for curing colds in humans, but according to Vetinfo.com, it is also valuable in treating and preventing diseases such as feline leukemia, hip dysplasia and urinary tract infections in dogs.
Difficulty:
Easy
Instructions
1.
o 1
Provide 250 milligrams of Vitamin C supplements per day to a dog that weighs 50 pounds. Adjust the dosage according to the dog's weight, at a rate of five milligrams per pound. Be sure to spread the dosage throughout the day. To prevent digestion problems, give your dog half of its dosage twice a day. These doses should be at least six hours apart.

Crush the supplements and add them to your dog's normal meals. Most dogs will not take pills like humans do and may need to have them added to their food to be taken.
o 2
Give Vitamin C supplements to puppies. Some breeds are very susceptible to hip dysplasia, so early prevention is important. The supplements can be given as soon as the puppy begins to eat solid food, but remember to give the dosage of supplements based on the puppy's weight.
o 3
Administer supplements to pregnant dogs, preventing their pups from getting hip dysplasia as they age. As long as you use a safe dose, the mother can continue to receive doses, even through nursing.
o 4
Observe your dog for a few days to check for side effects that may occur from the Vitamin C supplement. The most common side effect is diarrhea, which can be avoided simply by lowering the Vitamin C dosage.


Tips & Warnings
• Vitamin C isn't necessary when a dog has a balanced diet. In fact, giving supplements to dogs that already have high Vitamin C levels is not advisable.
• Excess Vitamin C from the use of supplements can cause health problems, such as kidney stones.

tip to keep your dog happy

Your dog's happiness is not something you should take for granted. Dogs are aware, sentient beings that need a number of things in order to be content and to enjoy life. Dog owners need to get out of the mindset that dogs are mere possessions and begin to establish caring and responsible relationships with these fine animals. For all the loyalty and love dogs give to humans they deserve consideration in return. Bearing this in mind, here are some tips you can use to keep your dog healthy, motivated, and happy.
Pat and be affectionate with your dog.
This seems simple enough, but in the general bustle of a busy schedule it can be forgotten. Take at least a few minutes each day to just pat your dog and show your love. If you don't understand how this leads to a happier dog, then perhaps dogs aren't for you.
Let your dog have a chance to run outdoors.
This is neglected even more often than the previous tip. Dogs are naturally active, athletic animals. Both to for simple physical exercise and to maintain their sense of psychological zest dogs need to run and jump. So take you dog to dog parks, on hiking trails, or out to a safe yard (fenced or far from roads) and let it actually run or at least vigorously walk.
Clean fresh water.
Many people leave water in bowls for days on end. It accumulates dust and dirt, becomes stagnant, and if outdoors even provides a breeding ground for insects. Change your dog's water daily, and make sure to use clean, fresh water. Also make sure the bowl doesn't run dry for long periods. Just as it is for humans, drinking enough water is one of the keys to efficient and balanced physical functioning. Insuring your dog has good, fresh water is an important step toward insuring good health.
Give your dog high quality food, and food it likes.
Dogs need good high quality, healthy food of course. There's some controversy as to what the best dog foods are of course, but one thing to keep in mind is that your dog should also like the food he or she gets. Experiment with both canned "wet" dog food and dry - ones that are high in nutritive value and protein, and recommended by professionals. Though you may hear it advised,

are we killing our pets with kindness??

Are We Killing Our Pets With Kindness?



The PDSA is urging pet owners to extend their lifestyle pledges to their pets this Lent - and cut out fatty treats.
The call comes as the charity's latest dog obesity figures reveal a staggering 35% of our canine pals to be overweight. Cats are also getting bigger - PDSA has found that the percentage of overweight cats has increased by around five percent over three years, with latest figures suggesting that one in four cats are overweight.
"Many owners get into the habit of feeding scraps and fatty treats to pets," said Sean Wesley, PDSA Senior Veterinary Surgeon. "We know it's not good for them and the onset of Lent is an ideal time to make a fresh start. Millions of people try to cut out bad habits at this time of year, so why not do our pets a favor and improve their diet too?"
PDSA vets believe the rise in obesity is primarily due to owners indulging their pets with a more varied selection of fatty, sugary and unhealthy treats and not giving them enough exercise.
A nine month health assessment of nearly 8,000 dogs during 2009 paints a very worrying picture of the health of the UK's dog population. According to the data over three-and-a-half million UK dogs need to slim down.
Sean added: "We have seen a steady increase in the number of dogs, cats, rabbits and even small furry pets that are overweight. Thousands of pets across the UK are having their quality of life, and lifespan, cut short as a direct result of obesity.
"As people's waistlines increase, so too our pets' vital statistics seem to be mirroring that trend. Ultimately, it is the owners who are in control of their pets' food in-take and often they inadvertently feed an inappropriate diet and excessive calories."
But it's not all bad news for pets. A number of PDSA pet patients have recently undergone weight-loss transformations, overseen by PDSA vets, after their owners enrolled them on its annual pet slimming competition – Pet Fit Club. The winner of the competition, Amber the cat from Edinburgh, lost 17% of her bodyweight during the pet slimming challenge.
Retrieve Tracking has produced a guide to help owners take a step in the right direction in maintaining their pet's health and well being:
• Is your dog overweight? Ask your vet to weigh your dog to work out whether it is the right weight for its breed. If it happens to be overweight they can advise you on how much weight it needs to lose and the best way for you do this.
• Is your dog getting enough exercise? The amount of exercise each dog needs depends on the breed, but as a general rule they should be taken for a walk at least twice a day. Breeds that require more exercise include Springer spaniels and border collies whilst breeds such as pugs and poodles require the least.
• How do I know how much exercise my dog is getting when I walk them? It is not just about how many times per day you walk your dog, it is also about how fast they run and how many miles they cover. You may take your dog for a two mile walk when your dog should be covering double that or even triple this distance. Invest in a device that is capable of measuring how far your dog has run, its speed and also location.
• Can my dog have snacks? Dogs should not be allowed to regularly snack, as it is simply unnecessary and means that it will be consuming more calories than it is able to burn. Only give tit bits as a reward if it really deserves it, and never feed your dog human food as it can upset its digestive system. Dental treats are the best thing to give your dog as it is healthy for their teeth and will last them longer than other fatty treats.
"Good dog owners will think about their pets basic needs, by giving them only the amount of food they require and giving them enough exercise to burn this off to balance and maintain their energy levels and most of all, keep them happy. Your dog will thank you more if, instead of giving them the remains of your snack, you take them out for a nice walk instead. Britain is fast becoming a nation of obese people so if we want to avoid our pets ending up the same way we need to think back to basics" concludes Jon, co-founder of Retriever Tracking, which produces a collar that can be used to measure how far your dog has run, and to relocate it should it go missing.

make the holiday safe for ypur pets

Make the Holiday Safe for Pets
By following some simple tips, you can ensure a trouble-free holiday season for you and your pets.by your mobilepetgrooming.
Holiday Don’ts
• Some common holiday plants are toxic to cats and dogs. Don’t keep holly, poinsettias, lilies or mistletoe on or near the floor, where pets have easy access to them.
• If you have a live tree in your home, don’t let pine needles accumulate on the floor, as these needles can perforate the intestinal lining of dogs and cats. Additionally, trees should be tethered to a wall or the ceiling to prevent them from falling on pets.
• Don’t leave unfamiliar extension cords fully exposed, as these can resemble chew toys, which could result in serious injury to your dog. Hide the cords if possible. Don’t leave lights plugged in when you are not at home.
• Don’t let your companion animals have access to holiday tree water, as it quickly becomes stagnant and can contain harmful chemicals or bacteria.
• If you are decorating with tinsel, hang it out of reach of your pets, especially cats, as they are known to eat tinsel, which can result in intestinal distress.
Holiday do’s
• This is a good time of the year to replace the batteries in your smoke detectors. This helps to ensure the safety of the home and also avoids alarming your companion animals, as low batteries will often set off alerts that can scare your pets.
• Do your gift wrapping on an elevated surface, where your pets cannot access (and thereby ingest) string, paper and ribbons that can cause intestinal blockages.
• Encourage your holiday guests to refrain from feeding your companion animals human food, as this can result in diarrhea, vomiting and illness.
• During the stress of the holidays, companion animals may drink more water, so be extra alert to providing this basic necessity.
• Post your vet’s phone number in a prominent location, like your refrigerator. This provides easy access to necessary information for anyone visiting your home, should a problem arise.