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Archive for December, 2011

Military dogs show signs of stress

Friday, December 2, 2011
posted by Jim Murphy

When we think of dogs serving in the military, we think of these hero’s that were use to take out Bin Laden but it’s a fact that 5 % of these canines are suffering from post traumatic stress disorder.Their frightening daily task of sniffing out improvised explosive devices in Afghanistan and Iraq has taken a big toll on them too. Many now need treatment.  Like humans with the this disorder, different dogs show different symptoms. According to the New York Times, some become hyper-vigilant. Others avoid buildings or work areas that they had previously been comfortable in. Some undergo sharp changes in temperament, becoming unusually aggressive with their handlers, or clingy and timid. Most crucially, many stop doing the tasks they were trained to perform. These dogs remember the stressful, traumatic experience just as humans do. They need to be treated extra special when they come home and should be given medical attention if necessary.

Remember, your pets count!

Keep your pets safe during the holidays

Thursday, December 1, 2011
posted by Jim Murphy

The holiday’s are almost here and here are just a few tips for keeping your pets safe. If you have a dog or a cat, do not use tinsel on your tree. Cats or dogs can chew the tinsel and it could get stuck in their intestine. I had a cat who almost died from eating the tinsel on the tree. Try to keep from putting glass ornaments near the bottom of the tree. Cats and sometimes dogs will knock them off and could get cut on the glass. I usually put the less expensive, plastic ornaments at the bottom of the tree. Cats will try to climb into your tree. Last year as I was eating my breakfast admiring my tree, I noticed a tail sticking out from one of the branches. I knew it was not a new ornament, but it was my younger cat Millie who quietly climbed into the tree when I wasn’t looking.

Don’t leave chocolates out. Chocolate is highly toxic to both cats and dogs. Watch out for the kinds of plants that you buy. If your own a pet, I wouldn’t buy any Poinsettia’s. They’re toxic to both cats and dogs. Don’t leave bows or ribbon out. Your cat could get tangled in them and possibly choke. Some of these things are basic common sense but you would be surprised how many pets are injured during the holidays.

More tips to come.

Remember, your pets count!