Urban Pets Dog Blog

Pets with Compulsive Disorders

noreply@blogger.com (Studio Evans) — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 21:52:00 +0000

When normal behaviors become repetitive or sustained and don’t seem to make any sense, a dog or cat is often diagnosed with compulsive disorder.

These behaviors can become so extreme that they affect the animal’s well-being, says veterinary behaviorist Amy Marder, director of the Center for Shelter Dogs at the Animal Rescue League of Boston.

Emotional conflicts, stress, genetics, medical conditions and a pet’s environment can lie at the root of compulsive behaviors — but sometimes the cause is unknown, perhaps triggered by a situation that went unnoticed at the time.

Please go to the MSN web site to read the entire article and learn how to get your pet help to stay happy and healthy.

Stressed Out Dog? Then Check This Article Out

noreply@blogger.com (Studio Evans) — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 15:17:00 +0000

Dog anxiety is every bit as real as the anxiety you feel and dogs can become stressed when their owner's are away.

Noises such as thunderstorms or fireworks can cause dog anxiety and the first step to prevent a dog's anxiety attack is to eliminate the cause. But this is not always possible, such as in the case of storms. Other times it's just plain difficult to determine what is causing the stress.

Here are some tips to help you ease tension in your pet.

1. If you dog has a fear of thunder or fireworks, you can pretty much forget about being able to desensitize him. It's almost impossible. Instead, try placing your pet in an area of the home where he is away from windows and doors. Perhaps keep a radio on to drown out the outside sounds.

2. Introduce new pets into the home gradually. And be sure to stick to any routines you've already established with your pet.

3. Separation anxiety in dogs is very real. They don't like being left home alone. This stress can cause destructive behavior. Leave favorite toys around for your pet to play with. Dog whining is another way dogs show their displeasure at being left along. If you dog has shown to get along well with other animals, consider adopting a second one to keep him company.

4. Leaving a TV or radio on when you are away can also help relieve seperation anxiety.

5. Dogs can also become stressed when moving to a new home. If you're moving, take your dog to your new home before you move in. Allow him to investigate the surroundings. Give him some treats and play with him in the new home so he will associate something positive with the experience.

6. A new baby or spouse in the home is another cause of dog anxiety. Again, keep things as normal as possible. Stick to your dog's regular routine and give him plenty of attention.

7. If you dog is grieving the loss of a companion, give him plenty of love and attention. After some time, consider a new animal playmate.

One more thing you may want to consider. There are several natural products on the market made specifically to reduce dog anxiety but if your pet continues to suffer please get him to a vet.

Why Your Dog Eats Grass...

noreply@blogger.com (Studio Evans) — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 03:47:00 +0000

Did you ever wonder why your dog eats grass....is it salad to them, help with digestion or what! Here is an excellent article on the subject from the WellPet Club e-Newsletter.

'Plant and grass eating is normal behavior and there are several theories to support why dogs may do it, but no one really knows for sure. Dogs are omnivores, which means they eat plants as well as meat, so some dogs may simply like the fresh clean taste and texture of grass.'

To read the entire article go to the WellPet Club e-Newsletter website.

The 'Sound' of Fear

noreply@blogger.com (Studio Evans) — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 02:01:00 +0000

Up to 20 percent of dogs of all ages and breeds suffer from noise phobias so severe that their people seek professional help for them, something that affects my black lab.

Sometimes fear of certain sounds can be linked to a specific event: a particularly bad storm, a smoke detector going off or a fireworks display. In other dogs, the fear progresses over time, so a dog who’s afraid of storms gets worse each storm season.

So if your pet has a 'sound phobia' and needs some help to calm down, please read the full article on the MSN website.

Kids and Pets

noreply@blogger.com (Studio Evans) — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 16:14:00 +0000

Do you already have a pet and are now having a baby or have kids that are begging for a pet? Here is an excellent read on how to introduce kids and pets to each other and training tips for both.

No more 'we have to get rid of our pet because we have kids' because with a little effort you can make this transition an easier one and have a happy kid and happy pet as the end result.

You can read the entire article on the HomeVet web site.

Animals in Desperate Need

noreply@blogger.com (Studio Evans) — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 15:42:00 +0000

Many of us have the good fortune to be living in parts of the world with governments that allow us to be safe, fed and healthy and while we read the news of the terrible situations in other countries, we often do not think of the other forgotten, innocent victims, the animals.

A clinic offering vital help to people and their pets in impoverished township communities in South Africa has issued a desperate plea for donations after recent violence left pets abandoned, starving and in need of urgent veterinary care.

The CLAW (Community Led Animal Welfare) project near Johannesburg, which is supported by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), is appealing for emergency funding to cope with a huge increase in the amount of homeless pets, mainly dogs, arriving daily at its clinic and shelter, which were already working at full capacity.

If you can spare even the smallest donation PLEASE go to support IFAW’s work with abandoned pets in Johannesburg and other needy animals around the world, please call 020 7587 6700, or visit www.ifaw.org

Summer's Hot Dogs!

noreply@blogger.com (Studio Evans) — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 14:36:00 +0000

A must read for all pet owners as the hot summers months are upon us.

'Just as there are safety precautions to ensure warm-weather safety for humans, there are precautions to make sure pets stay safe and happy. When it's hot for you, it is probably even hotter for your pet — especially if it has a dark coat, a short muzzle (breeds such as bulldogs and pugs), is in its elder years, or has a tendency to overexert itself.'

Let your pet enjoy the outdoors in summer with these tips:

* Adjust their exercise routine by taking them out for playtime in the early morning and evening hours.
* Be cautious when walking your dog on pavement (which can get very hot and may burn your pet's paws) and at the beach.
* Provide your pet with plenty of water.
* Try a simple keep-cool tactic such as soaking a bandanna in water and putting it in the freezer before you put it on your dog to wear on a walk.
* Make sure your pet has plenty of access to a shady area to rest when outdoors.

And most important, be sure never to leave your pet unsupervised in a car, even on a mild day a car can heat up quickly and your pet could suffer heatstroke.

Read the entire article for more information on how to keep your pet safe and warning signs of heat distress to watch for on the MSN web site and have a safe summer!

Sign of the Times

noreply@blogger.com (Studio Evans) — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 16:13:00 +0000

Some pet owners have been hit hard by the economy and as a result, pets are being abandoned with no food or water.

'The rising costs of fuel, food and housing — and the rising tide of foreclosures — have generated a surge in requests for pet food from traditional food pantries and prompted some pet owners to give up their animals. Others are trying to save money by forgoing veterinary care.'

Read the entire article on the MSN web site and see how you can help pet owners in your area and share tips on how to cover the cost of caring for your pet in this tough economic time.

If we can help others in this time of need we can help make the world just a little bit better.

Oh No, My Dog Was Sprayed by a Skunk!

noreply@blogger.com (Studio Evans) — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 15:05:00 +0000

Having your dog sprayed by a skunk has got to be one of the worst things for you and your pet to deal with, something we know from experience!

Today there are excellent natural, organic products that will neutralize the terrible odor and get your pet's coat clean and shiny that contain no toxic ingredients — and come infused with pure country spirit — include Buddy Wash (cloudstar.com), Parsley Hollow (parsleyhollow.com), and Vermont Soap (vermontsoap.com), the first USDA-certified organic pet shampoo.

HOLD THE TOMATOES
They don't work. What does work to neutralize this horrendous smell is the brilliant Omega Zapp Skunk Odour Conditioning Shampoo by NuHemp (available from fetchdog.com). The key ingredient: organic hemp oil.

SHAMPOOS FOR KEY CANINE COAT TYPES

SHORT COATS like a Labrador's spell sensitive skin that demands a gentle formula such as Puppy Suds available from Spa Dog Botanicals.com.

HUMAN HAIR resembles that of the Shih Tzu, who requires a conditioner like Buddy Wash available from Cloud Star.com.

BRUSHING OUT before lathering is a must with thickly coated breeds like the sheltie to prevent mats.

WIRY COATS like a terrier's won't dry out with an ultra-emollient shampoo such as TheraNeem Pet available from Fetchdog.com.

For more information read the entire article on the MSN web site.

Animal Cruelty and Domestic Violence

noreply@blogger.com (Studio Evans) — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 22:10:00 +0000

Barry Yeoman has written a piece on the connection between battered pets and battered women and the article, originally published in O Magazine may be read on Barry Yeoman's web site.

'Who would suspect that a family’s animals could be pawns in domestic violence? Or that their sad condition might tip off investigators to women in trouble? The terrifying truth about cats and dogs.'

Heart wrenching on so many levels but painfully simple to connect and understand, batterers always attack those that they can dominate and submit by force.

PLEASE read the Animal Cruelty/Domestic Violence Fact Sheet on the US Humane Society web site and download any of the FIRST STRIKE materials that you may find helpful.

One day this information will help you save lives.

Pet Sympton Problem Solver Tips

noreply@blogger.com (Studio Evans) — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 16:58:00 +0000

The folks over at ivillage have compiled a page with a list of excellent resources for you to figure out if your pet is ailing.

The list of topics covers:

So check out the list and if you think something is wrong with your pet, don't panic but DO get them to a Vet ASAP.

Firefighters Get Pet Rescue Training

noreply@blogger.com (Studio Evans) — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 15:54:00 +0000

What a wonderful thing to see happening and hopefully this is training that firefighters everywhere will get as to many of us there is nothing more important that our pet.

In the City of Calgary AB, firefighters are working with the city's animal and bylaw services and two volunteer veterinarians, the fire department has trained its staff to perform CPR on animals.

They've also acquired oxygen masks that will properly fit cats and dogs. "Pets are part of our families," fire spokesman Jeff Budai said. "I think it's going to be a great initiative."

You can read the entire article on the Calgary Herald web site and KUDOS to the City of Calgary firefighters!

Pet Insurance

noreply@blogger.com (Studio Evans) — Thu, 29 May 2008 16:34:00 +0000

Having a pet brings a great financial responsibility especially when your pet gets sick or is injured. Thankfully today there are a number of Pet Insurance Companies out there to help you cover costs for everything from teeth cleaning, emergency surgeries to cancer treatment.

We have put together a list of some of the top Pet Insurance Companies with direct links to their web sites so that you can compare coverage and costs.

PetPlan Insurance: Offers six plans ranging from economical accident only coverage to comprehensive accident, illness and preventive care coverage.

Vet Insurance: Policyholders will never be penalized for the number of claims submitted or a pet’s aging with a claims process & policy terms that are straight forward and easy to understand.

Pet Choice: Canada’s trusted source for the coverage required to handle unexpected veterinary treatments and surgeries that accidents or illness can bring.

Purina Care: From the folks at Purina, covers regularly scheduled exams and medications, to unexpected illnesses and injury.

Pet Care: Provides a a selection of flexible and affordable pet insurance plans.

And be sure to check with your vet to see if they recommend any insurance plans to help you make an informed choice.

Products For Active Dogs

noreply@blogger.com (Studio Evans) — Tue, 27 May 2008 14:44:00 +0000

Does your family like to spend as much time as possible out camping, hiking, boating or hunting and you've been searching for high quality products to help keep your dog not only actively involved in your adventures but safe?

If so then you have got to check out the product line from Ruff Wear, Products for Dogs on the Go. Ruff Wear products are very well made and they offer everything from dog backpacks, dog life jackets to dog harnesses.

Ruff Wear products are carried by pet stores and pet retailers everywhere or you can go directly to the Ruff Wear web site to check out their line of Dogs on the Go products.

Heintz 57

noreply@blogger.com (Studio Evans) — Mon, 26 May 2008 16:17:00 +0000

Do you a a MIXED BREED pup and you'd love to know who it's parents were?

Well now there is a simple, non-invasive TESTING KIT available from the folks at Canine Heritage Breed Test.

'The Canine Heritage XL Breed Test* is a DNA-based diagnostic test that can genetically identify and certify over 100 potential breeds!

So check out their site at Canine Heritage Breed Test; get the kit and figure out if Spot is part pug, poodle, boston terrier.....

Preventing Dog Bites

noreply@blogger.com (Studio Evans) — Fri, 23 May 2008 15:58:00 +0000

A very real and very scary possibility associated with dogs is the possibility of dog bites. Statistics show that every year 800,000 Americans seek medical treatment for dog bites and thankfully this is something most of us will not encounter but as a pet owner it is your responsibility to be prepared and have a well trained, responsive pet to ensure dog bites do not happen.

Here are some tips from the WELLPET CLUB e-NEWSLETTER to help you avoid your dog from biting:

• Train your dog. A well-trained dog understands what is and is not acceptable behavior.
• Be cautious when introducing your dog to new situations where you do not know how they will react.
• Play non-aggressive games such as fetch. Games such as tug-of-war may cause your dog to become too aggressive and likely to bite.
• Never leave small children unsupervised with a pet.
• Let a dog see you and sniff your hand before petting him.
• Do not invade a dog’s space. This may cause threatening and territorial behavior.
• Take care around a mother dog and her puppies. She may be very protective of her brood.
• Avoid direct eye contact with a dog. This may be seen as a challenge for dominance.
• Do not disturb a dog that is eating or sleeping.
• Take care not to approach strange dogs. Children should be taught to ask permission from the owner before petting a dog.
• If a dog threatens you try to remain calm. Do not scream or run, calmly back slowly out of the dog’s sight.

And for more information please check out the information on the AVMA web site to keep yourself, your pet and others safe!

Bark Buckle Up

noreply@blogger.com (Studio Evans) — Thu, 22 May 2008 16:50:00 +0000

Here is an excellent resource for you to ensure your pet rides safely in your car! Bark Buckle Up promotes PET SAFETY the same way that CLICK IT or TICKET promotes human safety.

'Buckling up is an important safety precaution for pets. Many states and provinces now require that pets be restrained while in a moving vehicle and restraints have several advantages. They help protect pets in case of a collision and they keep pets from running loose and distracting the driver. They also keep pets from escaping the car through an open window or door.

Bark Buckle UP will soon be seen in Volvo dealerships Nationwide and in Canada. You can visit the dealerships see the Bark Buckle UP display and get a free pet safety kit starting June 1, 2008.'

In the mean time check out the information on the Bark Buckle UP web site and keep your pet safe in the car!

Pet Prosthetics

noreply@blogger.com (Studio Evans) — Wed, 21 May 2008 19:39:00 +0000

While we are on the subject of trying to find ways to improve our disabled pet's quality of health, something fairly new to the market that is garnering excellent results is the advancement in Pet Prosthetics.

A company by the name of OrthoPets creates custom Pet Prosthetics and have helped owners get their pets out and active again.

'OrthoPets is proud to offer custom orthotic and prosthetic devices for your dog, cat or other animal! We can fabricate your pet a custom stifle brace, carpus brace, hock brace, knee brace, elbow brace, paw brace or any combination imaginable.'

Check out their site and read all of the incredible success stories; you never know when this information will be of benefit to you or a friend that has a pet in need!

Help For Handicapped Pets

noreply@blogger.com (Studio Evans) — Tue, 20 May 2008 15:32:00 +0000

A very real concern for many pet owners today is the possibility of our pet have debilitating hip or disc problems that will leave our pet unable to walk.

In years past severe health problems like these left pet owners with no viable solution for helping an otherwise perfectly health pet but now with EDDIES WHEELS, your pet can continue to live a happy life.

The incredible folks at EDDIES WHEELS have built carts for hundreds of disabled pets and even those with permanent disabilities can enjoy life in their wheels.

Check them out at EDDIES WHEELS FOR PETS and don't give up hope if you find your cherished pet has a disabling health problem.

Blog Promotion

noreply@blogger.com (Studio Evans) — Mon, 19 May 2008 15:16:00 +0000

We don't typically discuss topics not related to dogs but once in a while we come across something that is well worth sharing. So if you are a blogger looking for an excellent way to promote your site and raise your traffic stats, check out Entrecard.

Entrecard is a site dedicated to your success as a blogger and your Entrecard account is free and instant!

So advertise, get blogging tips and more on Entrecard!

Pet Proof Your Garden

noreply@blogger.com (Studio Evans) — Thu, 15 May 2008 16:15:00 +0000

Planning on a garden this year but don't know how to keep your pets from digging, eating or playing in the veggie patch?
If so then check out this excellent article 'How to pet-Proof Your Garden' on the MSN web site that has great tips and ideas on how to provide your pets the space they need and protect your garden.

'It's spring! You've been looking forward all winter to being outdoors with both your dog and your garden. But now you remember that to dogs, seedlings are for trampling and dirt is for digging. Fortunately, a little planning can help plants and pups get along more harmoniously.'

And be sure to check to the TOXIC PLANT list on the ASPCA web site and keep your pets safe this summer!

Be a Pet Foster Parent!

noreply@blogger.com (Studio Evans) — Wed, 14 May 2008 16:31:00 +0000

So you want a PET in YOUR LIFE but maybe can't make a LIFETIME COMMITMENT right now? Well, how about FOSTERING a PET and in the process KEEP THEM SAFE and LOVED while they find a FUREVER HOME!

FOSTERING a PET may be the PERFECT SOLUTION for many PET LOVERS allowing them to BALANCE their busy schedules better and SAVE a PET from EUTHANASIA or from being PUT UP for ADOPTION because the owners find they are just 'TOO BUSY'.

Check out this article on the Canadian Living web site and consider FOSTERING a PET TODAY!

Bone Marrow Transplants

noreply@blogger.com (Studio Evans) — Tue, 13 May 2008 15:11:00 +0000

It's very devastating to find out that your pet has CANCER and for many years there was little that could medically be to help them recover. Washington State University has announced that they will be providing BONE MARROW TRANSPLANTS for DOGS.

'The project to soon launch will be the world's first large-scale clinical transplant program for dogs. The program is expected to become available to treat dogs with lymphoma sometime this summer. There are tens of thousands of dogs diagnosed with lymphoma every year.

Washington State University is doing this in an effort to GIVE BACK "We could never have done this in the first place without dogs" and while this is a huge step for the treatment of CANCER in DOGS, the outcome is somewhat BITTER SWEET because of ALL the DOGS that SUFFERED and DIED as RESULT OF BEING TEST ANIMALS.

You can read the entire article on this treatment on the Seattle PI web site.

The Alarming Rise in Dognapping

noreply@blogger.com (Studio Evans) — Mon, 12 May 2008 00:30:00 +0000

It is an all to often an occurrence these days to see a posting on Craigslist or other site where someone's precious dog has been stolen. Sometimes the dog-nappers extort money from the upset owner's and return their pet for a price, unfortunately many times the owner is never reunited with their beloved pet.

Read the entire MSNBC article on this growing dilemna and review the steps listed below on how YOU CAN PROTECT YOUR pet from from being stolen.

Never leave your dog unattended in a yard as it may become a potential target of dognappers.
Keep gates and doors to your home locked.
Never leave your dog unattended in the car, even if it is locked.
Never leave your dog tied up outside a store or restaurant.
Protect your dog by making sure he is wearing ID tags and has a tattoo or microchip. A microchip is a permanent form of ID that is slightly larger than a grain of rice and is placed just under the skin by a veterinarian. It is encoded with an unalterable code that can be read with a scanner. This is one of the best ways to identify your pet and make it more likely to be recovered. For more information on microchips, go to www.akccar.org (the AKC Companion Animal Recovery program) and www.HomeAgain.com.
When you take your dog for a walk, be sure to keep it on leash so it can't wander off.
Be vigilant and aware of people watching you or your dog; stay in well-lit areas and keep a cell phone handy at all times.
If someone approaches you to ask about your dog, don't divulge details, especially not the purchase price of your dog or where you live.
If purchasing a dog via an advertisement, be careful you are not buying stolen goods. Ask for some proof of ownership, e.g., American Kennel Club registration papers, veterinary records or microchip registration.

The German Shorthaired Pointer shown in the photo is MISSING from SURREY, BC. If you have seen him, please contact us as soon as possible!

Pet Travel, First Aid Kits, Passports & More!

noreply@blogger.com (Studio Evans) — Fri, 09 May 2008 15:34:00 +0000

Here is a great web site where you can order a wide range of products to HELP KEEP YOUR PET SAFE so check them out!

Wag'N Enterprises is the First Dedicated Pet Emergency Management Product & Services Company in the World!
By taking a ground-breaking approach to pet incident mitigation they strive to keep your pets Wag'N no matter the nature of your emergency.

Wag'N Enterprises offers everything from pet first aid classes & kits, pet evacuation kits, pet passports, hands-free leash systems, pet safety driving classes, and pet safety workshops.