safety
and general care... Never
leave you companion animal in a vehicle unattended, even for a minute, when the
temperature is over 65 degrees. Even in the shade with the windows open, temperatures
will climb rapidly, and your animal risks brain damage or death. Do
not allow your dog to ride untethered in the back of an open pickup. In the event
of even a minor accident, your dog could be thrown from the vehicle. It risks
serious injury to both your companion animal and other motorists who may swerve
to avoid him should be thrown into traffic. Restraints
are a good idea even when your companion animal rides inside the car. They keep
him out of your way while you are driving, and keep him from being thrown from
or through the vehicle in the event of an accident. If you are injured in an accident,
emergency workers won't have to worry about him keeping them from entering the
vehicle, or about him escaping and getting lost when they try to reach you. If
your dog or cat wears a leash while riding in the car, make sure that the leash
doesn't get caught in the door. A dangling leash can catch on something in the
road or on the car and strangle your companion animal. Be
careful of common household products which could prove fatal to your companion
animal. Antifreeze poisoning is common because antifreeze has a sweet taste that
dogs and cats are attracted to. And it doesn't take much to kill your companion
animal. Unless caught in the very early stages, antifreeze poisoning is fatal.
If you see your companion animal staggering or acting drunk, it could be a sign
that she has ingested antifreeze. These symptoms only last a brief time, but don't
delay in seeking veterinary attention! Many
other household products can poison your companion animal. Remember, your companion
animal will walk across your newly cleaned floor or carpet animal and then lick
her paws. Vinegar and water makes a safe multipurpose household cleaner. Always
check before bringing a new houseplant home. Many varieties are poisonous. If
your companion animal wears a choke collar, never tie him by attaching the chain
to the choke ring. It's best to never leave a choke collar on an unattended dog.
Never
feed your dog cooked bones. They are brittle, and can splinter and cause serious
internal injuries. Take
a course or read a book on animal emergencies. The Red Cross offers an excellent
book which can help you take care of your companion animal until help is available
in an emergency. A
cat loves warm, dark places. Teach him that the clothes drier is off limits, and
always check before starting a drier that's been left open. Never
give your companion animal human medications without consulting with your veterinarian.
Common remedies such as Tylenol can be fatal. Dental
floss and thread should always be kept out of your companion animal's reach. If
ingested, they can cause serious internal injury. Don't
forget to keep up with your companion animal's grooming. Make it a habit to clean
her ears and teeth on a regular basis, too. Dental decay can cause serious health
problems, and most animals come to enjoy the taste of the special dog or cat toothpaste. nutrition...
Want
to help your companion animal live a long and healthy life? Want to save on vet
bills? Then take a good long look at what you're feeding her. Read the labels.
Are there lots of byproducts? Things you can't pronounce? Does it sound healthy?
Unless you're feeding a high quality pet or health food store brand of food, it's
probably not. Companion animal foods are made out of the human food industry's
waste products. That means moldy grains, 4 D meat (from dead, dying or diseased
animals) and other things you don't even want to know about that are rendered
together and turned into dog and cat kibble. Payoffs
from feeding healthy? Lower vet bills, fewer fleas and ticks, less poop scooping.
Animals on healthy foods have a shine to their coats and eyes that is unmistakable!
Interested in finding out more?
spaying and neutering...
There
are so many benefits to having your companion animal spayed neutered. Usually
stops tom cats from "spraying" foul smelling urine in the house. Reduces
the annoying and embarrassing urge of male dogs to "mount" children and adults'
legs. Reduces
aggression toward other animals. It decreases fights. Eliminates
estrous or "heat" periods, no bloody discharge. Eliminates
the scent that attracts males.
Eliminates the frantic pacing and crying by the female while in heat. (Cats are
especially vocal at that time.) Eliminates
your companion animal's desire to seek out a female and reduces the risks involved
with a free roaming animal (car accidents, etc.). Reduces
or eliminates the risk of prostate problems, testicular, uterine and ovarian cancer
and mammary tumors. Eliminates
the problems and potential risks involved in giving birth. Rids
you of the worry of what to do with an unplanned litter of pups or kittens. Lets
your companion animal relax and enjoy being part of the family. More
spay/neuter information. training...
A
little obedience training can make the difference between a companion animal who's
fun and easy to be around and one who makes your life miserable. Establishing
your authority in a kind, gentle, consistent way by teaching your dog to sit,
down, stay, come and wait will carry over into all aspects of your relationship.
For
example, your dog has been outside playing. You call her in to eat. Rather than
sitting patiently for you to put her bowl down, she jumps all over you, leaving
you covered in muddy pawprints. You're mad. She's banished. She's worse the next
time because she's been lonely. She doesn't understand why you're mad, so she
gets frustrated. She scratches the door, potties on the rug. If she had some guidelines,
she'd understand what was expected of her. A dog who can walk quietly by your
side, keep four paws on the floor and respond to simple commands is a pleasure
to be around. Read "A Tale of Two
Pups." And
who knows, maybe someday she'll even fetch your slippers. |