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Archive for July, 2010

Your puppy’s first six weeks

Saturday, July 10, 2010
posted by Jim Murphy

cute-puppiesA newborn pup is blind, deaf and toothless. The first two weeks, he depends totally on his mother for nourishment and care.  He also needs lots and lots of sleep. When the puppy is two to four weeks old, his eyes will open, his hearing and sense of smell develop and he begins to get teeth.  He will begin interacting with other puppies in the litter by learning to walk, bark and wag his tail. He’ll also begin to recognize you and other family members now. At about four weeks, the mother dog will start weaning her pups by showing impatience while they nurse.  This is the time to start the puppies on soft food and water. From four to six weeks he will learn to play so this is the time to get some dog toys for him. He’ll find out his rank in the pack and generally how to be a “real” dog.

Newborn kittens

Friday, July 9, 2010
posted by Jim Murphy

newborn-kittenNewborn kittens weigh just a few ounces.  Their eyes and ears are shut but they could smell very well.  Newborn felines depend on their mother to nurse them, keep them warm and stimulate elimination. By the end of the first week, their weight should double and their ears should open.  During the second week, their eyes will open to. Hearing and vision still need time to develop. At about two weeks, they get their baby teeth and those tiny legs, try to walk. By four weeks, kittens get playful and begin walking and climbing.  They can eat some solid food and eliminate on their own. By six weeks, kittens have all of their baby teeth so they can be weaned. This is also the time when their blue eyes begin to change to their permanent eye color. Now it’s time for you to give them all of the cat toys and cat treats that they want.

The World’s Most Popular Dog

Thursday, July 8, 2010
posted by Jim Murphy

labradorsIf there are a worldwide canine competition, Labrador Retrievers would be the winners! According to dog registration statistics, for the past nineteen years, Labradors have been the most popular breed in America. In 2009, German Shepherds took second place, Yorkshire Terriers came in third followed by Golden Retrievers, Boxers, Bulldogs and Poodles. Labrador’s area gentle, intelligent, loyal, great with children and widely used by the police for their working abilities. Although they can be boisterous if untrained, Labrador’s respond well to praise and training not to mention food and fun. So get your Lab some dog chew toys to show him how much you appreciate him.

Territorial cats

Wednesday, July 7, 2010
posted by Jim Murphy
My younger cat Millie.

My younger cat Millie.

I have two female cats. I got my older cat, Mollie in 1999 when she was five weeks old. I adopted my younger cat Millie in 2005 when she was only three months old. Ever since I brought my younger cat home, there has been territorial aggression with my older cat Mollie. She claims most areas of the house as “hers.” I am spending my vacation at my summer place in Delaware. I have a screened in porch where both of my cats love watch other cats, dogs and birds. Today, my older cat Mollie decided to sleep in front of the door preventing my younger cat, Millie from going inside to keep cool.  Millie could not get in and decided to jump on top of the wicker chair near the door. Mollie viewed this as a threat and before your knew it, the growling, hissing and swatting started. Mollie got her claw caught in the wicker chair and I had to go to her rescue. I had to physically pick up Millie and bring her inside.

If one cat moves into territory which another cat has claimed for itself some kind of confrontation is almost inevitable. Right now Mollie is fast asleep on the couch inside the house and Millie is enjoying her time on the porch sprawled out and playing with her cat toys.

Hiking with your dog.

Tuesday, July 6, 2010
posted by Jim Murphy

dog-on-hikeHiking with your dog can be a lot of fun but you must make sure that your pet is properly conditioned.  Take along your dogs water bowl and plenty of water and know the signs of heat stroke and dehydration. Here are a few additional tips to remember when taking your dog on a hike.

  • Spend time conditioning your dog. Take him a long walks and get him used to walking and running up and down hills. Do this slowly, eventually your dog will gain the strength required for a long hike.
  • Avoid hiking in the desert but rather pick forests and springs.
  • Take along maps and also a compass, know where the closest veterinarian is and it’s also a good idea to take along their phone number.
  • Take along plenty of water.
  • Bring along sunscreen for your self and your dog.
  • Allow time for frequent breaks in the shade.
  • Remember dogs cannot communicate physical distress like us. Be alert and check your dog frequently. If your dog is seeking shade or frequently plopping down, stop. Stay in the shade awhile and give him plenty of water.
  • Know the area. Keep your dog away from snakes and other animals which could pose danger to you and your dog.
  • Review canine first aid cautions and procedures. You could take a Humane Society or hiking safety course before setting out, and have a basic first aid kit with you at all times when hiking with your dog.

Have a great time and enjoy your hike!

dog-in-car-2It takes only minutes for a pet left in a parked car in the sun on a warm day to succumb from heatstroke or suffocation. Did you know if the temperature is 78 degrees outside and you left your car in the sun with the windows shut, that car could reach 160 degrees! Could you imagine what that would do to your pet?  Even if the temperature is in the 60’s, experts recommend not to leave pets or children a car parked in the sun even for a short period of time.  Rolling down the window and parking in the shade doesn’t guarantee protection for your pet if the temperature is in the 90’s. Plus, with the window rolled down, you run the risk of your pet escaping. What if you leave the air conditioner on. Here’s a true account of what can happen.

This excerpt was taken from an article written on July 5, 2010 entitled “Pets in Hot Cars.”

In 2003, a police dog in Texas died after the air-conditioning in the patrol car shut down and began blowing hot air. The air system’s compressor kicked off because the engine got too hot. Many cars, including modern models with computerized functions, are prone to the same problem. In August 2004, a North Carolina couple lost two of their beloved dogs, and nearly lost their third dogs, as result of a similar failure. They had left bowls of water and ice in the car, and the air-conditioning on, during their shopping trip of less than 30 minutes.

So what’s the answer? If you are traveling with a pet, it’s better to travel with more than one person. While one person go into the rest stop, the other can stay with the pets with the car on and the air conditioner running. This is what I usually do. The other option, is to travel a night when the temperature is cooler and there is no sunlight.  Make sure you take the dog water bowl and stop frequently to give your dog a drink.

fireworks-and-dogDogs and cats become very fearful of sudden loud noises and bangs. This could develop into a phobia triggered by the sound of fireworks.  Dogs will tremble and cats will stare fearfully or seek shelter in a closet or under a bed.  There are a number of things that could be done to ease the situation.

  1. Keep your animals safe and keep them indoors. Cats should be locked inside and you should walk your dog and give him some exercise before the fireworks start. You should have your pets micro chipped so if they do try to escape, they could be scanned and brought back to you.
  2. Close all doors to keep the noises out. Close the curtains to help muffle the sounds and keep the light out.
  3. Try and stay with your pet and keep as relaxed as possible. Do not yell at your pet for barking or showing signs of stress. You will certainly add to the problem if you do! Don’t make a fuss over your pet. Dogs and cats are very intuitive, they will sense that something is wrong.
  4. Try to provide a hide away place like a den.  It should have lots of soft bedding and blankets for your dog and a nice comfortable cat bed for your cat. Blankets can help absorb the sound. Cats like to get up high and be out of the way. My cat climbs on top of the refrigerator.  If possible try to leave them in a hiding place. They are best left there if this is what they choose, but try to remain quietly nearby if you can. Being there and being relaxed is a great help.

You may miss the fireworks but think of the great thing you did by keeping your pet safe and calming his nerves!

Shy dogs

Friday, July 2, 2010
posted by Jim Murphy

shy-dogDogs that are shy or wary of strangers have either had a bad experience with people or weren’t well socialized as puppies.  Only positive experiences can build up their confidence.  If your dog is one of these shy types, you’ll need a good strategy and lots of patience.  Arrange to meet a friend when you’re out with your dog. Ask the person to stop and chat but ignore the dog.  Don’t talk or even look at him.  Wait until you see your dog is relaxed, them give him a dog treat then go on your way. Repeat this exercise often with that friend and others until your dog no longer tenses up in their company.  The trick is to notice when your dog relaxes. That’s when you can praise him, pet him and offer treats maybe even buy him a new dog toy. In time, he’ll enjoy the challenge of meeting new people.

Dogs not kept on their dog leash

Thursday, July 1, 2010
posted by Jim Murphy

dog-leashWhen you’re walking your dog and suddenly an unleashed dog comes charging toward you, it can be extremely scary.  Such a scenario can happen, it did to me, so be prepared to defend your dog. Stop immediately and stand your ground.  Hold out your arm and say firmly “no, go home.”  It’s helpful to be carrying a stick or a big umbrella, as these tools will command the charging dog’s attention and often stop him in his tracks.  Create a protective bubble in your mind and refuse to let the strange dog cross the line. If your dog trusts you, he won’t feel the need to protect you. Let him know you have the situation under control. Calmly stand your ground until the unfamiliar dog backs off, then slowly walk away. Some owners refuse to keep dogs on their dog leash when they’re in the park. This is not a danger to only other dogs but is a danger to adults and children as well.