What To Do In Case You Loose Your Pet

by; Kadence Buchanan

According to the most recent Synovate pet survey (Sept. 2005), conducted in nine markets across the globe, the UK and the US were shown to be the two absolute leaders in pet ownership. But the world-wide annual statistics on missing pets are shocking. Over 10 million pets go missing every year and millions never make it back home. This short rescue guide was compiled in order to minimize the chances of you ever having to file a missing pet report and to provide to all US pet-lovers a comprehensive list of the things one should know and do before and after his/her independent companion decides to migrate and explore the unknown. Just read carefully the tips that follow keeping in mind that you should not get discouraged or panic if your pet disappears. By following our advice and keeping yourself organized and prepared at all times, the chances are that you will be reunited with your lost friend again soon.

Plan ahead: Create an emergency action list and keep it handy in house or car. Check frequently your pet’s neck to ensure that the collar is in place and that its rabies tag and pet license tag are there; apart from pet’s ID your current phone number should appear. If your pet carries a microchip or a tattoo have that number with you all the time (in your wallet). Make sure you have recent reliable photos of your pet. Create a pet file on your PC with pet web directories and have all the local pet authorities’ telephone numbers also in print. Keep an updated map of your area with your emergency pet kit. Frequently check your locks, doors, windows and fence for possible escape passages. Do not trust strangers and never leave your pet unattended outside stores or inside vehicles. Register your pet to the available services of your area; you will save precious time if your pet becomes lost.

Your pet is missing: Check everywhere you can and do it quickly! Ask friends, neighbors and local pet authorities to assist you in your search. Create and distribute flyers including your pet’s pictures and your phone number and never state the exact amount if you decide to offer a reward or your real name and house address. Scan your neighborhood and give a copy of the missing pet’s flyer to everyone you meet, asking them to call you in case they see or hear anything. Have a real live person or if that is impossible a telephone recording machine answering the phone. Check all the clinics of your area frequently and visit the local shelters in person everyday. Befriend the employees and request their assistance. Inform the local veterinarian offices and the police. Provide all the details they need, but leave a few of your pet’s characteristics out. These will later help you identify whether the person claiming to have found your pet has actually your companion in his/her possession. Never visit by yourself someone that called and reported to have your pet. Take a friend with you or arrange to meet in a public place or the police department. Contact the local media and create a publicity fuss. Publicize your pet’s disappearance via the internet and local newspapers. Check the ‘found pet’ section of your local newspapers daily. Most importantly, do not give up hope. Keep looking and good luck!

Your pet is back: Once reunited with your pet, of extreme importance is for you to discover what circumstances allowed it to escape and perform any necessary changes to prevent a similar incident from happening again. Do not forget to call your neighbors, friends, local veterinarian clinics and shelters, to inform them that your pet is back. Of course, always remember to keep a collar and a current identification tag on your pet at all times, even when they are in your house. Your pet’s ID is actually its ticket home.

About the Author:
Kadence Buchanan writes articles on many topics including Family, Gardening, and Society

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Pets Care Tips

 

• Grooming

Dogs
Regular brushing, bathing, and nail care are essential. Protect your puppy's eyes and ears when bathing, and don't allow the puppy to become chilled after bathing. Your veterinarian may recommend that you do not bathe your puppy when it is younger than 10 to 12 weeks unless absolutely necessary (especially if your puppy is one of the smaller breeds).

Cats

Cats do a good job of grooming themselves, but regular brushing to prevent matting of hair is important. Cats rarely need a bath, but one can be given if necessary. Cats object to bathing in slippery tubs, so give your kitten something to cling to, such as a wood platform or a wire screen. Use a shampoo designed for cats and kittens, as some dog shampoos may be irritating. Place cotton balls in the kitten's ears to keep out water and use an ophthalmic ointment (obtain one that is safe for kittens from your veterinarian) in its eyes to prevent burning from shampoo. Towel dry the kitten completely and gently comb out any mats. Kittens' teeth should be carefully brushed on a regular basis. Your veterinarian can provide you with an appropriate toothbrush, dentifrice, and instruction on how to perform this task so that your kitten learns to accept this as part of its daily care.

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• Mealtime

Puppies
Feed a high quality diet designed for puppies. A wide variety of diets and formulations are available and your veterinarian should be your primary source of information as to the best choice for your puppy. The amount fed will vary with the type of food and the individual dog, but in general, should only be as much as the puppy can consume in 5 to 10 minutes at a given meal. Puppies are usually fed 3 times daily when between 6 and 12 weeks old, 2 times daily when 12 weeks to 6 months old, and may be fed 1 or 2 times daily when older than 6 months. For certain large breeds of dogs, your veterinarian may recommend that several smaller meals be fed rather than 1 large meal (even when your dog becomes an adult) because an association has been suggested between the consumption of large meals and a serious medical condition called gastric dilatation/volvulus or "bloat."

Kittens
Feed a high quality diet designed for kittens. Your veterinarian is your best source for information regarding an appropriate diet for your kitten. Dry foods are usually most economical and have the advantage of providing a rough surface that will help reduce plaque and tartar buildup on your kitten's teeth, but canned foods can be fed/supplemented if desired. Amount fed will depend on the diet, as well as the age, size, and activity level of your kitten. Kittens can be fed free-choice or at set mealtimes; however, many veterinarians recommend feeding all pets at set mealtimes because intake can be more easily monitored. Canned foods should always be fed at set times, because if left unrefrigerated, they can spoil. I recommend use of stainless steel bowls because plastic and ceramic bowls can scratch, leaving crevices for bacteria to hide. The latter types of bowls (and resultant resident bacteria) have been associated with feline "acne" and skin irritation.

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• Recognizing Illness

Only a healthy pet is a happy companion. Assuring your pet's daily well-being requires regular care and close attention to any hint of ill health. The American Veterinary Medical Association therefore suggests that you consult your veterinarian if your pet shows any of the following signs:

• Abnormal discharges from the nose, eyes, or other body openings.
• Abnormal behavior, sudden viciousness, or lethargy.
• Abnormal lumps, limping, or difficulty getting up or lying down.
• Loss of appetite, marked weight losses or gains, or excessive water consumption.
• Difficult, abnormal, or uncontrolled waste elimination.
• Excessive head shaking, scratching, and licking or biting any part of the body.
• Dandruff, loss of hair, open sores, or a ragged or dull coat.
• Foul breath or excessive tarter deposits on teeth.

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Pet Health And What You Feed Them

 

by: Lori Matthews

Since most Americans are more concerned about our health than we’ve ever been, we should have equal concern for our pets … especially regarding the ingredients in their food. In theory, we would want the ingredients in our pets’ food to be acceptable for human consumption. If byproducts are no longer tolerated in our food, why should they be tolerated in our pets’ food? We’re also starting to realize that our pets need daily supplements just like we do, in order to take care of their bodies for the inevitable woes of aging. In the span of an animal’s life, an early start at good health ensures less vulnerability to degenerative diseases, joints that are less likely to creak with pain and a healthier heart. We love our pets and we want them to live with us for as long as possible.

The very first thing we usually encounter as new pet owners is the issue of food. What should we snatch off the shelves and what should we run away from? Introducing a young animal to the world of food should be a very delicate and sensitive process. We must monitor closely how much food we give our new pet versus how much they are eating. We should be stringent about how quickly we increase the amount of food because we always run the risk of overfeeding.

It’s also important to be weary of dyes, chemicals, artificial preservatives as much as possible. For example, BHA … one of the most common synthetic antioxidant preservatives mainly used to prevent food discoloration and rancidity … has been found in scientific studies to cause stomach cancer in lab rats at certain doses. In lesser doses, the preservative doesn’t have a cancerous effect but there is no telling what BHA can do to the body in small doses over long periods of time.

Protein is crucial in a pet’s natural development. Look for foods with whole ingredients such as meat, eggs, fish and dairy rather than byproducts. Unbleached rice is also one of the most digestible carbohydrates and supplies a wonderful source of energy for your pet. Corn and wheat, on the other hand, are much harder to digest. It’s also a really good idea to look for antioxidants. In recent years, we have become much more conscious of our antioxidant intake, so why shouldn’t we have the same attitude towards our pets? Free radicals also wage war on their bodies so let’s fight off those rascals so that we can all live longer together!

Treats can be used to enhance the human-animal bond and to reward pets on good deeds and behavior. They’re a fantastic training tool. Our whole philosophy on giving treats is that if we’re going to reward our pets, why not reward their taste buds, their minds and their bodies? The idea is to bestow treats with a purpose, not just a biscuit stuffed with artificial flavor and vacant calories. Did you know that there are edible dog bones out there made with so called “edible” plastic? The companies claim this is perfectly safe. Best believe there are plenty of bones out there with other questionable ingredients.

When you are feeding premium pet food, it only makes sense to feed wholesome, premium treats and bones.

About the Author:
Lori Matthews studies health, nutrition and wellness. Enjoys writing articles on health for both people and pets. Please visit quality premium dog food for more information.

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Maintaining Your Dogs Teeth And Oral Health

 

The most common oral condition suffered by dogs is periodontal disease. This disease affects the tissues that surround and support the teeth. Plaque is the usual cause of periodontal disease. It gradually covers the teeth, quickly hardening into tartar.

The bacteria in plaque irritate the gums, causing them to swell. This swelling is called gingivitis. Each day the gums grow more inflamed, producing other damaging bacteria, causing the gums to recede. Over time the tooth becomes loose, followed by tooth loss.

Aside from being very painful, and the possible loss of teeth, periodontal disease can become a reservoir of infection and bacteria to the blood, and from the bloodstream, to the vital organs, such as heart, kidneys, lungs, and liver. Common symptoms of periodontal disease are consistently bad breath, yellow to brown masks on the teeth, reddened gums and exposed tooth roots, reluctance to eat, drooling, difficulty in chewing, and mouth pain, usually shown by pawing at the mouth, or rubbing his face against the ground.

All dogs are at risk, especially in dogs with small mouths, short muzzles and flat faces, as well as senior dogs. Tooth brushing on a regular basis can minimize plaque buildup, and regular visits to the vet can identify any hidden damage to the teeth and gums before it gets out of hand.

Treatment can range from tooth brushing, descaling, usually carried out by the vet with the patient under a general anesthetic, to advanced dental-surgery techniques. Early detection is the best treatment of all. Controlling your dog’s diet can have a big impact on his teeth. Dogs who are fed mostly soft foods suffer more periodontal disease than those who must chew.

Help your dog maintain his good health by frequent visits to the vet, regular tooth brushing, maintaining a healthy diet, and occasionally giving him a chew toy or bone. The benefits will last a lifetime.

About the Author:
Randy Jones and his partner Brent Jones have been in the pet industry for a long time. Recently they formed Joncopets.com. On the site, customers can shop for the latest dog collars, dog clothes, pet supplies and more. See at http://www.joncopets.com

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DOG CARE

 

• Keep your cat inside. If left outdoors cats are at risk of getting lost, being stolen, injured or even killed. Cats who are allowed to stray are exposed to fatal infectious diseases, including rabies.
• During the winter, outdoor cats sometimes choose to sleep under the hoods of cars, where it is warmer. When the motor is started, the cat can be injured or killed in the fan belt. Before starting the engine, bang loudly on the car hood for a few seconds to give a cat a chance to escape.
• Never let your dog off the leash on snow or ice, especially during a snowstorm. Dogs frequently lose their scent in snow and ice and can easily become lost or disoriented. They may also panic in a snowstorm and run away. More dogs are lost during the winter than during any other season.
• Thoroughly wipe off your dog's legs and stomach when the animal comes in out of the rain, snow or ice. Salt, antifreeze and other chemicals can hurt your dog if ingested (i.e. liking a paw). Also their sensitive paw pads may bleed from the snow or ice encrusted in them.
• If you own a shorthair breed, consider getting a warm coat or sweater with a high collar or turtleneck for the dog. Look for one that covers the dog from the base of her tail (on top of the animal) to the belly (underneath). While this may seem like a luxury, it is a necessity for many dogs.
• Never leave your dog or cat alone in a car during cold weather. A car can act as a refrigerator in the winter, holding in the cold. The animal could freeze to death.
• If your dog is sensitive to the cold due to age, illness or breed type, take him outdoors only long enough to relieve himself.
• Puppies do not tolerate the cold as well as adult dogs and may be difficult to housebreak during the winter. Take the dog outside only long enough to do its business.
• If your dog spends a lot of time engaged in outdoor activities, increase the animal’s supply of food, particularly protein, to keep the fur thick and healthy.
• Antifreeze, even in tiny doses, is a LETHAL poison for dogs and cats. Unfortunately – because of its sweet taste – animals are attracted to it. Be sure to thoroughly clean up any spills from your vehicle. To prevent accidental poisonings, more and more people are using animal-friendly products that contain propylene glycol rather than traditional products, which contain ethylene glycol. Call your veterinarian or the ASPCA National Animal Poison Control Center if you suspect that your companion animal has been poisoned.
• Never shave your dog down to the skin in winter. Leave the coat in a longer style for winter warmth. Remember that such a style will require more frequent brushing due to dry winter air and static electricity. When you bathe your dog, make sure you dry the animal completely. It is not recommended to run with dogs during the cold. They can easily slip on the icy ground, as well as the dangerous ingestion of cold air into their lungs.
• Make sure your companion animal has a warm place to sleep far away from all drafts and off the floor. A dog or cat bed with a warm blanket or pillow will provide an appropriate sleeping area.
• Contact your local Humane Society if you see animals outside for extended periods of time with no food water or shelter.
• Shelters should also have hay or straw in them, if possible. These as hold heat better than blankets or towels, which have a propensity to freeze. And remember, as well – water will freeze in frigid temperatures.
• Hot cars kill! Do not take your pets for a ride in the car. Should you get stuck in traffic with no air conditioning in your vehicle, it can be deadly to the animal. Countless dogs and cats suffer and die every summer after being left in cars. In as little as 10 minutes, a car’s interior can rise to 100 degrees on an 85 degree day. Within a 1/2 hour, temperatures can soar to 120 degrees. Cracking the windows will do nothing to alleviate this type of increase.
• Outside pets should have plenty of shade and water.
• Do not walk or run your pets in the heat of the day. Instead, wait until it is dark outside, or save the walk or run for a cooler day. Heat-related stress is especially dangerous to older animals.
• When indoors (if there is no air conditioner), make sure plenty of ventilation is available for the animal. Keep the water dish filled at all times.
• Your pet may pick up fleas or ticks while outdoors. Check with your veterinarian about new forms of treatments, and be sure to bathe your pet regularly.
• If you take your dog to the beach, remember that too much sun can cause illness.
• Never force your dog into the lake or ocean, as some animal's ears can become infected by water and sand. If you do go, make sure to clean your dog’s ears when you return. Also, give the animal a cool (not cold) bath to rinse off any bacteria.
• Make sure your pet’s collar is secure and that it is wearing identification tags with the proper updated information. In the event you and your pet become separated, tags can be traced to return the animal back home.

The following signs will indicate if your animal is overheated:

• Excessive panting
• Loud breathing
• Excessive drooling
• Staggering
• Abrupt stopping and collapsing

As a heat-stricken animal can die in minutes, immediate and correct response is essential in saving its life.
What you want to do:

• Get the animal’s body temperature down gradually by hosing the animal completely over with cool water.
• Get the animal into a cool place, preferably somewhere with air conditioning or a heavily shaded area.
• Place ice around the neck of the animal.
• Get to the veterinarian as quickly as possible.

Please be especially aware of animals left alone in cars and other vehicles during the summer months. Although dangerous to the animal at any time of year, under warm weather conditions, this type of neglect can become a fatal form of abuse in a matter of minutes.

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