Fluffs of Luv Pet Sitting & Dog Walking

Bringing a New Kitten Home

2011-03-17T22:00:00.000-04:00

By Kirk McKay Courtesy of PetsMatter Newsletter

Bringing a new kitten home is exciting. The following guidelines will help you and your kitten adjust to this big change in your lives.
Kittens can leave their mother and littermates after they have been weaned, usually at eight to ten weeks of age. Like human babies, kittens require special care, including veterinary care, feeding and socialization. The best time to bring a kitten home is when you have at least one or two days to focus on helping him adjust to new surroundings.
To transport your new kitten home safely, you’ll need a carrier. Leaving mom is a big deal for your kitten; a carrier will help her feel more secure. Don’t use another pet’s carrier because its smell could be stressful to your kitten. Place a towel in the carrier for warmth and to absorb urine in case of an accident, and be sure to carry an extra towel.

Kitten Supplies

High quality brand-name kitten food with the American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) statement on the bag or label
Food and water bowls; ceramic and metal are preferred because some pets are sensitive to plastic
Cat toys that don’t have small parts or string that can come off and be swallowed
Cat brush; brush your kitten gently twice weekly
Cat toothpaste and toothbrush; it’s best to start toothbrushing during kittenhood; aim for at least three times per week
Breakaway collar and identification tag, and ideally, a microchip placed by your veterinarian as well
Scratching post and/or pad; when your kitten uses it, reward him with praise and/or a feline treat
Litterbox
Litter; low-dust, unscented scoopable litter is best
Cat carrier
Cat bed

Before your kitten has contact with other cats, he needs to visit the veterinarian to be tested for feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus, given a physical examination, tested and treated for parasites, and vaccinated. This will prevent the spread of a disease or parasites to other pets. If you have other pets, talk to your veterinarian about how to introduce your kitten to them.
Before you bring your kitten home, prepare a small room or space that will be her own for the first few days or weeks. Having a smaller area to explore at first will help your kitten get comfortable with her new home. Be sure to secure all electrical and blind cords because they can cause harm to your new kitten. Have all the supplies needed available and ready, such as water and food bowls, kitten food, a litterbox, a scratching post, safe toys, a bed, a breakaway collar and nail trimmers.
Cats don’t like to eat next to the litterbox, so place the litterbox on one side of the room and the food and water dishes on the other. Make sure that your kitten can get in and out of the litterbox without help; it might be necessary to provide a litterbox with low sides. To help your kitten feel secure, make sure that the room has hiding places. If there isn’t furniture to hide beneath, place cardboard boxes on their sides or cut doorways into them. Providing a warm and comfortable bed is essential. You can purchase a pet bed or line a box with something soft; using a sweatshirt that you’ve worn will help your kitten get used to your scent.
When you bring your kitten home, put the carrier in the room you’ve prepared. Open the carrier door, but let your kitten come out when he is ready. After your kitten comes out, leave the carrier in the corner as another hiding place. Each day, scoop out the litterbox and provide fresh food and water.
Your kitten may hide at first, but she will explore when no one is watching, becoming more comfortable with her new home. Your kitten will likely want plenty of attention from you — after all, you are her new mother/littermate!

After your kitten has been checked by a veterinarian, becomes comfortable in his room and develops a regular routine of eating, drinking and using the litterbox, you can let him venture out into the rest of your house. At this point, you need to make sure that your kitten stays safe and has enough privacy to eat, sleep and use the litterbox. Keep your kitten’s bed, litterbox and food/water dishes in the same place so that he knows where to find them.

Veterinary Care

Kittens receive some immunity (protection against disease) from their mothers at birth and through nursing. Because this immunity slowly wears off, kittens should be vaccinated against various diseases on a schedule, beginning at two to three months of age. Eight weeks is the best time to start vaccines. Ask your veterinarian for details.

Intestinal parasites are common in kittens. Fecal examinations and treatments (dewormings) are usually repeated until two consecutive fecal examinations have negative results. External parasites (fleas, ticks and mites) are treated with products approved for use on kittens.
Kittens should be spayed or neutered by six months of age. This helps to control pet overpopulation and reduces the chance of behavior problems and some medical conditions. Have your kitten microchipped as well when he or she gets neutered or spayed.

Feeding

Proper nutrition is especially important for kittens because they need two to three times as many calories and nutrients as adult cats. A mother cat’s milk provides everything a kitten needs during the first four weeks of life. Cow’s milk (the kind most likely in your refrigerator) should never be given to kittens or cats because it can give them diarrhea. Most kittens are completely weaned between eight and ten weeks of age. At six to seven weeks of age, kittens should be able to chew dry food. Feed her a high quality, name-brand kitten food with the American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) statement on the bag or label until she is approximately nine to twelve months old. The AAFCO seal indicates that the diet has been shown to contain the proper nutrition for kittens. Talk with your veterinarian to determine to right type of food to feed your kitten. When your kitten is between three and six months old, feed her three times per day, and once she turns six months old, you can start feeding her twice daily.

Socialization

Cats learn how to socialize with each other from their mother and littermates; therefore, if possible, kittens should remain with their mother and/or littermates until they are about eight to ten weeks old. Kittens that have human contact before they are ten to 12 weeks old are more likely to interact well with people throughout their lives. Handling and playing with your kitten can help you bond with him. Feral (wild) cats haven’t been socialized with people as kittens and may fear and avoid people throughout their lives. Your kitten should be gradually introduced to other pets with care and supervision. Ask your veterinarian for advice on the best way to do this.

Enjoy your new kitten, and let your veterinarian know if you have any questions. If you are in need of pet sitting services for your new kitty call Fluffs of Luv Pet Sitting! www.fluffsofluv.com

Expert Explores Unexplained Animal Behavior

2011-03-17T21:58:00.000-04:00

By Ben Williams courtesy of Pets Matter

Why do animals yawn? Why do cats eat grass? Why do they purr? And why on Earth does my pet eat poop? Benjamin Hart, DVM, PhD, DACVB, and distinguished professor emeritus at the University of California – Davis, addressed some of the more inexplicable behaviors of companion animals in his talk at the American Veterinary Medical Association’s (AVMA) conference this year: “Why do they do that? Purring, yawning, flipping out on catnip, and eating poop.”

Why do cats eat grass?

Hart cited statistics that said about 80% of cats eat plants of some kind or another. It is commonly thought that grass eating in cats is linked to intestinal distress. However, in a web-based study of more than 2,500 cat owners, Hart said only 5% of plant-eating cats showed signs of illness, although 32% vomited after eating grass. About half of the cats in the survey ate mostly grass as opposed to other plants.

The results were much different for younger cats (less than 1 year old). Among these cats, only 1% to 2% showed signs of illness, and only 2% vomited after eating grass or plants. Also, about 80% of young cats ate plants other than grass.
Hart concluded that grass eating among cats is normal and may have some ongoing health-related effects, such as expulsion of intestinal worms. However, a sudden increase in grass-eating behavior could signal intestinal distress, he said, so the behavior should be monitored.

Why do cats purr?

The sound of a purring cat is music to many cat owners’ ears. But the fact is that no one really knows why this behavior occurs. Lions and tigers and other roaring species cannot purr, and purring species like domestic cats, cheetahs, jaguars and bobcats cannot roar. Roaring and purring probably serve different evolutionary purposes, Hart said.

Cats purr when they seem to be happy, but also when they are sick, injured or even giving birth. Some of the latest theories say that purring is a way to repair muscles and tendons after a vigorous chase. Hart cited research that said purring occurs in the range of 25 Hz, which is identical to the frequency that promotes healing of wounds and tissue. Inactive cats that lie around on the couch all day may also purr in order to keep up their muscle mass.

Why do animals yawn?

Hart said that although the common belief is that yawning expands the lungs and oxygenates the brain, many animals yawn without low oxygen levels.

The current leading hypothesis is that yawning cools the brain, Hart said. During inactivity, cerebral circulation slows and the brain warms up. Yawning cools arterial blood via the nasal countercurrent veins, and thus cools off the brain, allowing it to function better.

The contagious nature of yawning could also be explained with this theory. If one member of a group yawns, it signals the others that action is imminent so the others need to cool their brains as well. A recent study found that yawns are contagious between humans and dogs. Hart speculates that coevolution between dog and man has led to this phenomenon.

Why does my dog eat poop?

Coprophagia has grossed out and confounded many pet owners and veterinarians for a long time. Unfortunately, there does not seem to be an effective way to stop dogs from eating their poop, although Hart did offer some interesting statistics on the topic.

He cited a recent, unpublished study that included information from nearly 1,500 pet owners with dogs that had been seen eating feces daily or weekly at least 10 times. According to the survey, the top five feces-eating dog breeds were the Labrador retriever (10.4%), golden retriever (5.8%), Basset hound (5.5%), German shepherd (5.3%) and Shetland sheepdog (4.7%).
About 10% of the dogs ate only their own stool, whereas 32% ate the feces of others, and nearly half of all dogs who ate feces didn’t care who it belonged to. “Most dogs ate any ol’ stool,” Hart said.
Other findings included:

Female dogs were more likely than male dogs to engage in this behavior (60% vs. 40%).
The behavior does not reflect poor den sanitation: 82% of dogs in the survey almost never soiled their own house.
Almost all dogs opted for fresh feces as opposed to aged feces.
Neither behavior modification techniques nor food additives seemed to be effective in changing the behavior.

Contact Fluffs of Luv for your pet sitting needs. www.fluffsofluv.com

Pet Cystitis- Female Dogs Suffer More

2011-03-03T01:04:00.000-05:00

You’re taking your dog for a walk. She stops more than usual to do her business, and you notice she is straining to urinate. You might even notice a little blood in the urine as she finishes.

Contact your veterinarian. Your dog could be displaying signs of cystitis—an increasingly common bladder condition affecting dogs.

Female Dogs Suffer More

Cystitis, or inflammation or infection of the bladder, is more common in female dogs but can be more serious in male dogs. Male dogs have a narrower urethra than female dogs, making it easier for it to become blocked by bladder stones.

The Cause of Cystitis

Cystitis is generally caused by a bacterial infection. Bacteria usually enters the bladder from the fecal area. It can also travel from the kidneys or through an infection elsewhere in the body and enter the bloodstream.

Bladder stones, polyps and tumors can also cause cystitis.

Your veterinarian will test the urine and look for bacteria. Cystitis is commonly treated with antibiotics.

More than $3.5 million in veterinary claims for cystitis were filed by VPI Pet Insurance policyholders in 2007, making it the sixth most common health condition treated for dogs.

Preventing Cystitis

Make sure your dog is not holding his bladder for long periods of time. Allow your dog ample opportunity to go outside to urinate.

If your dog has had cystitis, your veterinarian might recommend adding salt to his food to make him consume more water, thus causing frequent urination to flush his system. Canned food also contains extra water.

Keep your dog at a healthy weight. If your dog is obese, the area around the genitals becomes fatty and makes it harder to keep clean. This can allow bacteria to build up and eventually make its way into the bladder.

As always, ask your veterinarian for the best way to keep your dog happy and healthy.

This article was provided by Veterinary Pet Insurance. Call a licensed VPI pet insurance specialist (800) 874-0718 or visit www.petsinsurance.com/psi to take advantage of PSI’s group discount today!

Benadryl and Pets

2011-03-03T00:59:00.000-05:00

Drug is Used to Treat Allergic Skin Disease Among Other Symptoms
Benadryl is one of many brand names of Diphenhydramine, an antihistimine commonly used in humans for the treatment of allergy symptoms, hay fever and the common cold.

In pets, diphenhydramine can be used to treat bee and hornet stings and insect bites, as well as treating allergic skin disease.

While Benadryl can be a good emergency drug to give your pet should the need arise — such as while out camping or hiking with your pooch — it’s important to speak with your veterinarian beforehand to ensure Max is prescribed a dose based on his age, weight and health history.

Benadryl Toxicity

It’s essential for pet owners to remember that although diphenhydramine is relatively safe for most pets, when mixed with other medications it can be lethal.

For example, Benadryl comes in many different formulations — allergy, sinus, headache, etc. — and can also contain other medications, such as acetaminophen (the type of drug used for humans to relieve fever, headaches, and other minor aches and pains), which can be toxic to a pet.

Well-Intended Pet Owners Unknowingly Poison their Pets

Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI) recently ranked the top toxic substances by the number of medical claims received in 2007. Shockingly, the most dangerous poisons by far are human medications intentionally given to pets by their owners.

VPI received more claims for drug reactions than all other poisoning claims combined in 2007. Many of these claims involved pets given drugs intended for human consumption, such as over-the-counter pain relievers. Pet owners often give pets over-the-counter or prescription drugs for their ailments, unaware that even given in small amounts, many of these drugs cannot be metabolized by pets fast enough to prevent an overdose.

Use Benadryl Wisely

Dr. Cori Gross, a field veterinarian for VPI, recommends that before pet owners treat their pets with Benadryl, they should buy the medication and take the package into their veterinarian’s office to ensure they are using the correct product.

In addition to being proactive with their pet’s health and practicing responsible pet ownership, Gross explains that, “Diphenhydramine isn’t ideal for every pet, so it’s very important for pet owners to consult with their veterinarian to make sure they are being properly treated for their ailments.”

As always, all medications should be kept out of the reach of pets. If you suspect your pet is ill or if your pet is showing signs of poisoning, seek veterinarian help immediately.

This article was provided by Veterinary Pet Insurance. Call a licensed VPI pet insurance specialist (800) 874-0718 or visit www.petsinsurance.com/psi to take advantage of PSI’s group discount today!

Wellness Wet Cat Food Recalled

2011-03-03T00:41:00.000-05:00

If you feed your kitty Wellness Wet food be sure to read the below important information.
Taken from an email sent from WellPet LLC
March 1, 2011

Dear Pet Parents,

My name is Tim Callahan and I'm the CEO of WellPet, makers of Wellness® natural pet food. Over the years, we at WellPet have worked hard to earn the reputation of being a company that does everything possible for the pets that depend on us.

WellPet is committed to delivering the very best in pet food nutrition, as nothing is more important than the well-being of our dogs and cats. So when we found through product quality testing that specific product runs of our Wellness canned cat food might contain less than adequate levels of thiamine (also known as Vitamin B1), we decided to voluntarily recall them.

Please know, the vast majority of products tested had the appropriate levels of thiamine; however, with the number of recipes we offer, we did not want to make this more confusing. Therefore to avoid confusion and in an abundance of caution, we have decided to recall all canned cat products with the specific date codes noted below. Cats fed only product with inadequate levels of thiamine for several weeks may be at risk for developing a thiamine deficiency. If treated promptly, thiamine deficiency is typically reversible.

Though the chance of developing this deficiency is remote, withdrawing these products is the right thing to do and we are removing it from retailers' shelves.

LOTS INVOLVED IN THIS VOLUNTARY RECALL ARE:
Wellness Canned Cat (all flavors and sizes) with best by dates from 14APR 13 through 30SEP13;

Wellness Canned Cat Chicken & Herring (all sizes) with best by date of 10NOV13 and 17NOV13.

If you have cat food from these lots, you should stop feeding it to your cats. You may call WellPet at 1-877-227-9587 to arrange for return of the product and reimbursement.

No other Wellness products that your pets currently enjoy are impacted, so you can continue to feed your pets Wellness with full confidence. This is an isolated situation, as we have had only one reported issue. We are taking all the necessary steps to ensure it does not happen again.

Speaking on behalf of our entire Company, I apologize for any concerns this may have caused you. As a parent of a yellow lab named Hope, I understand the sense of responsibility we all share for our dogs and cats. Rest assured, product quality and safety will always be our top priority.

WellPet LLC
200 Ames Pond Drive
Tewksbury MA 01876

Fluffs of Luv Pet Sitting Earns Coveted Angie’s List Super Service Award

2011-02-12T10:45:00.000-05:00

Award reflects company’s consistently high level of customer service

Fluffs of Luv Pet Sitting has been awarded the prestigious 2010 Angie’s List Super Service Award, an honor bestowed annually on approximately 5 percent of all the companies rated on the nation’s leading provider of consumer reviews on local service companies.

“Our Super Service Award winners are the cream of the crop when it comes to providing consistently high quality customer service, as judged by the customers who hired them,” said Angie Hicks, founder of Angie’s List.

In-home pet sitting is viewed as the best pet care choice when owners are away — and don't your pets deserve the best? Fluffs of Luv provides professional pet care with various service options that include; mid-day dog walking, overnight pet sitting, elderly pet care, puppy and kitten care, vacation care, exotic pet care, and so much more. In home pet sitting and dog walking are the easiest ways to make sure your best friend is safe, healthy, and happy while you're away. There's no need to ask the neighbors for cat sitting or dog walking favors anymore! Fluffs of Luv has devoted & dependable pet sitters that enjoy delivering peace of mind to pets and owners in the Charlotte, NC area. All of our Pet Sitters use the Pet Sitters International (PSI) guidelines for pet care, have Background Checks and are Bonded/ Insured. Check out all the services we offer and our pet sitters full bios on our website http://www.fluffsofluv.com/.

Angie’s List Super Service Award winners have met strict eligibility requirements including earning a minimum number of reports, an exemplary rating from their customers and abiding by Angie’s List operational guidelines.

Service company ratings are updated daily on Angie’s List, but members can find the 2010 Super Service Award logo next to company names in search results on AngiesList.com.

February Is Adopt A Sweetheart Month!

2011-02-05T08:41:00.000-05:00

Find the love of your life this Valentine's Day at the Charlotte Humane Society. All of our fabulous adult felines and select canines will be featured as sweethearts for the month of February, with reduced adoption fees of only $50. Come visit them today to bring home the love of your life. Check them out at http://www.humanesocietyofcharlotte.org/.

"Have A Heart" care packages are also available for purchase at the time of adoption and include special Valentine treats and heart worm medication for your new love.

Your Pets and Halloween

2010-10-27T15:25:00.000-04:00

Halloween Safety Tips

Source: www.aspca.org

The ASPCA recommends taking some common sense precautions this Halloween to keep you and your pet saying "trick or treat!" all the way to November

1. No tricks, no treats: That bowl of candy is for trick-or-treaters, not for Scruffy and Fluffy. Chocolate in all forms—especially dark or baking chocolate—can be very dangerous for dogs and cats. Candies containing the artificial sweetener xylitol can also cause problems. If you do suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, please call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

2. Popular Halloween plants such as pumpkins and decorative corn are considered to be relatively nontoxic, but they can produce stomach upset in pets who nibble on them.

3. Wires and cords from electric lights and other decorations should be kept out of reach of your pets. If chewed, your pet might suffer cuts or burns, or receive a possibly life-threatening electrical shock.

4. A carved pumpkin certainly is festive, but do exercise caution if you choose to add a candle. Pets can easily knock a lit pumpkin over and cause a fire. Curious kittens especially run the risk of getting burned or singed by candle flames.

5. Dress-up can be a big mess-up for some pets. Please don't put your dog or cat in a costume UNLESS you know he or she loves it (yup, a few pets are real hams!). For pets who prefer their “birthday suits,” however, wearing a costume may cause undue stress.

6. If you do dress up your pet, make sure the costume isn't annoying or unsafe. It should not constrict the animal's movement or hearing, or impede his ability to breathe, bark or meow. Also, be sure to try on costumes before the big night. If your pet seems distressed, allergic or shows abnormal behavior, consider letting him go au naturale or donning a festive bandana.

7. Take a closer look at your pet’s costume and make sure it does not have small, dangling or easily chewed-off pieces that he could choke on. Also, ill-fitting outfits can get twisted on external objects or your pet, leading to injury.

8. All but the most social dogs and cats should be kept in a separate room away from the front door during peak trick-or-treating hours. Too many strangers can be scary and stressful for pets.

9. When opening the door for trick-or-treaters, take care that your cat or dog doesn't dart outside.

10. IDs, please! Always make sure your dog or cat has proper identification. If for any reason your pet escapes and becomes lost, a collar and tags and/or a microchip can be a lifesaver, increaing the chances that he or she will be returned to you.

Doggy Birthday Cake Recipe

2010-09-30T09:41:00.000-04:00

Boney Parts Dog Birthday Cake

Ingredients: 2/3 cup ripe mashed bananas 1/2 cup softened butter 3 large eggs 3/4 cup water 2 cups Unbleached Flour 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda 2 teaspoons cinnamon 1/2 cup chopped pecans 1/2 cup raisins

Cake Method: In mixing bowl, beat together mashed banana and butter until creamy. Add eggs and water. Beat well. Stir in dry ingredients. Beat until smooth. Add nuts and raisins. Spoon batter evenly into oiled and floured bundt pan. Bake at 350 degrees for about 35 minutes. Cool on wire rack 5 minutes, remove from pan, replace on rack and cool.

Frosting: 2 cup mashed banana 1 tablespoon butter 6 tablespoon carob flour 2 teaspoons vanilla 3 tablespoon unbleached flour 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Frosting Method:Blend thoroughly and spread on cool cake. Sprinkle with chopped pecans. The frosting contains carob, which is a safe (almost tastes like) chocolate substitute.

Decorate the cake with ginger and peanut mini-bones, tied with a doggie paw ribbon. Use “Pupperoni” sticks for candles.

How about some fun games for the pals to play? Catch the frisbee is a favorite among many…especially the retrievers. For the highly active and well finessed, an agility course might be the ticket. Tunnels can be set up throughout the yard in addition to hula hoops for those with an extra spring in their step. If you’re the handy man type, a balance beam can be created with steps and wide plank for dogs to run across.

Be sure to take plenty of photos. Guests can leave the party with their own paw print treat bag filled with an assortment of treats (homemade dog bone cookies) and a photo of themselves having a blast.

What better way to give your dog their special day filled with fun, food, and friends!

Recipe and text courtesy of L.A. BabyCakes...Thank You!

Southern Women's Show

2010-09-14T17:34:00.000-04:00

Stop by our booth at the Southern Women's Show!

The Park Expo and Conference Center
Charlotte, North Carolina
September 16-19th, 2010

Stop by the Fluffs of Luv professional pet care booth to learn more about the in-home pet care options available to your fluffy family member such as mid-day dog walking, overnight pet sitting, elderly pet care, puppy and kitten care, vacation care, exotic pet care, and so much more. Pet sitting provides your pets with a safe, healthy, and happy environment in the comfort of their own home while you are away. There's no need to ask the neighbors for cat sitting or dog walking favors anymore. Fluffs of Luv has devoted and dependable pet sitters that enjoy delivering peace of mind to pets and owners in Charlotte, NC and surrounding areas. All of our Pet Sitters use the Pet Sitters International (PSI) guidelines for pet care, have Background Checks and are Bonded/Insured. Stop by our booth for pet treats and a coupon for 5% off of your first pet care service with Fluffs of Luv!

12 Tips for a Well Behaved Dog

2010-09-03T08:47:00.000-04:00

1) Start training your puppy early on. While old dogs can be taught new tricks, what's learned earliest, is often learned quickest and easiest. Moreover, the older the dog, the more bad habits will likely need to be "un-learned". When it comes to raising and training a dog, an ounce of problem prevention is certainly worth a pound of cure!

2) Train your dog gently and humanely, and whenever possible, teach him using positive, motivational methods. Keep obedience sessions upbeat so that the training process is enjoyable for all parties involved. If training your pooch is a drudgery, rev things up a bit, and try the "playtraining" approach: incorporate constructive, non-adversarial games (such as "Go Find", "Hide 'n' Seek", retrieving, etc.) into your training sessions.

3) Does your dog treat you like "hired help" at home? Does he treat you like a human gymnasium when you're sitting on the furniture? Does he beg at the table? Jump up on visitors? Demand your attention by annoying you to death? Ignore your commands? How well your dog responds to you at home affects his behavior outdoors as well. If your dog doesn't respond reliably to commands at home (where distractions are relatively minimal), he certainly won't respond to you properly outdoors where he's tempted by other dogs, pigeons, passersby, sidewalk food scraps, etc.

4) Avoid giving your dog commands that you know you cannot enforce. Every time you give a command that is neither complied with nor enforced your dog learns that commands are optional.

5) One command should equal one response, so give your dog only one command (twice max!), then gently enforce it. Repeating commands tunes your dog out (as does nagging) and teaches your dog that the first several commands are a "bluff '. For instance, telling your dog to "Sit, sit, sit, sit!", is neither an efficient nor effective way to issue commands. Simply give your dog a single "Sit" command and gently place or lure your dog into the sit position, then praise/reward.

6) Avoid giving your dog combined commands which are incompatible. Combined commands such as "sit-down" can confuse your dog. Using this example, say either "sit" or "down". The command "sit-down" simply doesn't exist.

7) When giving your dog a command, avoid using a loud voice. Even if your dog is especially independent/unresponsive, your tone of voice when issuing an obedience command such as "sit","down" or ""stay", should be calm and authoritative, rather than harsh or loud.

NOTE: Many owners complain that their dogs are "stubborn", and that they "refuse to listen" when given a command. Before blaming the dog when he doesn't respond to a command, one must determine whether or not: a) the dog knows what the owner wants, b) he knows how to comply, c) he is not simply being unresponsive due to fear, stress or confusion.

8 ) Whenever possible, use your dog's name positively, rather than using it in conjunction to reprimands, warnings or punishment. Your dog should trust that when it hears its name or is called to you, good things happen. His name should always be a word he responds to with enthusiasm, never hesitancy or fear.

9) Correct or, better yet, prevent the (mis)behavior, don't punish the dog. Teaching and communication is what it's all about, not getting even with your dog. If you're taking an "it's-you-against-your dog, whip 'em into shape" approach, you'll undermine your relationship, while missing out on all the fun that a motivational training approach can offer. Additionally, after-the-fact discipline does NOT work.

10) When training one's dog, whether praising or correcting, good timing is essential. Take the following example: You've prepared a platter of hors d'oeuvres for a small dinner party, which you've left on your kitchen counter. Your dog walks into the room and smells the hors d'oeuvres. He air-sniffs, then eyes the food, and is poised to jump up. This is the best, easiest and most effective time to correct your dog: before he's misbehaved, while he's thinking about jumping up to get the food.

11) Often, dog owners inadvertently reinforce their dogs' misbehavior, by giving their dogs lots of attention (albeit negative attention) when they misbehave. Needless to say, if your dog receives lots of attention and handling when he jumps up on you, that behavior is being reinforced, and is therefor likely to be repeated.

12) Keep a lid on your anger. Never train your dog when you're feeling grouchy or impatient. Earning your dog's respect is never accomplished by yelling, hitting, or handling your dog in a harsh manner. Moreover, studies have shown that fear and stress inhibit the learning process.

Article provided by the American Dog Trainers Network. Thank You!

National Dog Day Do's and Don'ts

2010-08-26T09:55:00.000-04:00

National Dog Day on August 26 offers the opportunity to celebrate not only your pooch, but also dogs everywhere.

While National Dog Day founder Colleen Paige worked as a paramedic in Los Angeles, she saw many dogs requiring better care. Paige, now an animal behaviorist and author, created National Dog Day to highlight what we can do to help support, rescue and protect dogs in need.

“It’s a day to be grateful for all the wonderful things dogs bring into our lives … the unconditional love, the companionship,” says Paige.

How You Can Celebrate National Dog Day
Paige and other experts offer these suggestions:

Plan an outing. Host a barbecue or picnic that includes other “dog friends.” Your dog will enjoy your undivided attention. Feeling ambitious? Try a getaway to a dog-friendly hotel or resort.

Shop for toys. Dogs can be rough on their toys, and tattered toys pose a risk to your dog’s health, says Paige. Make a habit of tossing the old toys and replacing with a new batch of intriguing toys each National Dog Day.

Prepare for emergencies. Show your love by taking a pet first-aid course, advises Melanie Monteiro, author of The Safe Dog Handbook: A Complete Guide to Protecting Your Pooch, Indoors and Out. Also, spend five minutes updating your cell phone contact list to include the numbers for your veterinarian, an after-hours veterinarian and poison control center. Plug your dog’s microchip number into your cell.

Volunteer. Rescue groups and shelters need your help, even if you can’t make a long-term commitment of time or money. “Think locally,” says Sherry Woodard, resident animal behavior consultant for Best Friends Animal Society in Kanab, Utah. “Find a way to help your local shelter or rescue group. There are struggling individual rescue groups across the country.”

Donate. Honor National Dog Day by giving $5 to your local shelter. Many shelters and rescue groups also list needed items, such as blankets and toys, on their websites.

What You Shouldn’t Do
National Dog Day also offers an opportunity to review activities that are detrimental to the well-being of dogs, says Paige. Here’s a checklist:

Don’t put off spaying or neutering your dog. “A lot of people think, ‘If my dog had one litter, it will be OK,’” says Woodard. Don’t contribute to the overpopulation problem, which leaves so many dogs in need of a home.

Don’t leave your dog in your car. Many dog owners underestimate just how quickly a car can heat up in the summer. “I passed out at the grocery store and was taken to the emergency room,” says Suzi Carragher, blogger at RedDogInn.com. “Had my dogs been in my car, they would have been in trouble.”

Don’t drive with your dog unsecured. Too many dog owners still travel with dogs roaming free in the back of pickup trucks. It’s also not a good idea to travel with a dog loose inside your car. If you stop suddenly, your dog may get hurt or interfere with your driving.

Article written by Kim Boatman

Make Sure Your Pet's Food has the Ingredients You're Looking For

2010-08-22T11:43:00.000-04:00

What ingredients make up your pet food?

Walking around a store to find good food for your pet then you saw: Tuna Cat Food, Tuna Dinner For Cats, Cat Food with Tuna and Tuna Flavor Cat Food, which one will you get? Here are keywords you should look for when you buy pet food: “dinner”, “with”, and “flavor”.

If a food label is named after a particular type of meat, it means that the food must contain at least 95% of that named meat. For example, Tuna Cat Food must contain at least 95% of tuna by food weight. If a food label is named Chicken and Salmon Dog Food, it must contain at least 95% of chicken and salmon combined and chicken must be the main ingredient. If somehow the food contains more salmon than chicken then the food must be called Salmon and Chicken Dog food.

Next, we have “Dinner”. If a food label is called Tuna Dinner, it must contain at least 25% of tuna. By AAFCO's rules, the word Dinner can be used only when pet food contains at least 25% of the named meat. So the number is getting smaller and smaller. Under the same set of rules, a label like Cat Food with Tuna means that the food must contain at least 3% of Tuna by weight. If the meat does not meet 3% of food weight, the food can't use “with (meat)” as its label.

The last one is “Flavor”. AAFCO only requires just enough flavor of that named meat to be able to use the word Flavor on the label. If you have Chicken Flavor Dog Food, it doesn't means that the food contains chicken meat in it. Chicken flavor can come from chicken-by-product or chicken digest as long as the food tastes like chicken.

These naming conventions are applied to both cat and dog food, no matter if it's in a can or kibbles form. Now you know the secret. Next time when you buy pet food, look for these words to get the best for your pet.

Article provided by Krazy For Pets Newsletter. Thank You!

Four Tips for Adopting a Pet

2010-08-21T17:34:00.002-04:00

When you're ready to open your heart and home to a cat or dog, consider the following:

1) Visit an animal shelter first — even if you're looking for a purebred. At any given time, 25 percent of the dogs in a shelter are purebred and awaiting adoption alongside their mutt counterparts.
2) Find a responsible breeder and visit their premises. Ask your vet or contact local breed clubs to find the most reputable in your area. Be sure to visit the facility to see where your cat or dog was born and raised.
3) Don't buy your dog at a pet store or online — it's most likely from a puppy mill. Dogs born in puppy mills tend to have more health and socialization problems due to poor conditions.
4)Talk to a breed rescue group. Even if the nearest group is cross-country. Oftentimes, they'll help arrange transportation in order to get the animal to you.

Thank you to Angie's List for these useful tips!

Pet Fod Recall

2010-08-18T16:42:00.001-04:00

We want you to be aware of the following expanded product recall from P&G:

P&G Expands Voluntary Limited Recall of Specialized Dry Pet Foods Due to Possible Health Risk

CINCINNATI, July 30, 2010 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ —
The Procter & Gamble Company (P&G) (NYSE: PG) is voluntarily expanding its recall to include veterinary and some specialized dry pet food as a precautionary measure because it has the potential to be contaminated with salmonella. No salmonella-related illnesses have been reported.

Product Name

Iams Veterinary Dry Formulas All dry sizes
and varieties 01Jul10 - 01Dec11 All UPC Codes

Eukanuba Naturally Wild All dry sizes
and varieties 01Jul10 - 01Dec11 All UPC Codes

Eukanuba Pure All dry sizes
and varieties 01Jul10 - 01Dec11 All UPC Codes

Eukanuba Custom Care Sensitive Skin All dry sizes 01Jul10 - 01Dec11 All UPC Codes

Reminder:
Salmonella is a group of bacteria that can cause illness in people and pets. If your pet has eaten the product(s) mentioned above and is experiencing diarrhea, fever, or vomiting, please make an appointment for an exam as soon as possible. If you or one of your family members has handled any of these products and is experiencing any symptoms, please contact your physician immediately.

Remember, washing your hands before and after handling any food products is a great way to reduce your risk of contracting infection.

Pet Travel Checklist

2010-06-11T15:57:00.000-04:00

Before taking your dog on your next trip:
* Prepare your dog for a long car ride by taking him on shorter trips beforehand.
* Feed your dog lightly before beginning a trip, about 1/3 the normal amount.
* Take fresh water for your dog to drink.
* Travel with a leash but remove it after placing your dog in a crate, as it could become entangled.
* Check with airlines, hotels and campgrounds regarding dog restrictions that may apply.
* Pack a copy of your dog's health records and rabies vaccination certificate. Include a recent photo and physical description and consider a microchip to aid in identification.
* Add a tag to your dog's collar that includes a telephone number where you can be reached if your dog gets separated from you.
* Never sedate your dog during travel unless your veterinarian recommends it. Some medications can trigger equilibrium, respiratory, cardiovascular or temperature regulation problems.
* Ask your veterinarian to exaine your dog to make sure he is in good health. It is especially important that your dog is protected against infectious tracheobronchitis (ITB), a highly contagious respiratory disease in dogs. Contact with other dogs carrying this disease-causing bacteria could put your pet at risk.

Questions to ask when Hiring a Professional Pet Sitter

2010-06-10T15:55:00.001-04:00

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