One thing that a dog really loves is hanging it’s head out of the window while your driving and sniffing all of the great smells. Well if you live in good old New Jersey, there’s now a law that states that dogs and cats must in buckled up or in crates. What’s the fine? Sorry to say it’s $1,000! Yes, you read this correctly but remember you’re in New Jersey. This fine is for each offense. So if you have a dog and a cat that are not buckled in or in crates, you’ll be fined $2,000. Do I think this is a bit much? Yes I do. The first time offense fine is way too much and unfair but as I said, this is New Jersey.

I do believe that we should protect our pets and they should be secure in a crate or at least buckled in for their own safety. Most people are not used to doing this and I do think that the fine for a first offense is very unreasonable. Let me know what you think by leaving a comment.

Remember, your pets count!

Many times parents will not allow their children to have pets for one reason or another. Most of the time it’s because the child will become bored with the pet and the parents will end up taking care of it. There are all sorts of reasons for allowing a child to have a pet. Pets can ease a child’s loneliness. They can teach a child responsibility and also unconditional love. Pets can also teach a child lessons about birth and death. Pets can help children relate to other people in their lives. A child can also learn about the costs involved in owning a pet.

There are many reasons why pets are not only good for adults but are good for the children as well. So when your son or daughter, is inquiring about a pet or visits a local pet store wishing that they could own one of those cute little puppies or kittens in the cages, why not take them down to the local shelter and consider adopting a pet? You and your child won’t regret it.

Remember, your pets count!

The temporomandibular joint or TMJ is a hinged joint that lets your jaw open and close. Problems with it can occur in pets as well as people. Inflammation, developmental structure and trauma are a few ways that your pet can end up with a TMJ that isn’t functioning properly.  As a result, your pet may be unable to eat without pain, or in a severe case may be unable to open his mouth at all. Problems with TMJ are generally diagnosed by a pet dentist through radiography or CT scan. It’s important to investigate possible TMJ problems promptly because many get worse over time and can cause discomfort for your pet until they are treated. For more information, talk to your veterinarian.

Remember, your pets count!

Shih-Tzu’s are active, playful and friendly dogs. They do have some stubborn tendencies but this behavior can be easily corrected by giving them small treats and their favorite toys. If you live in an apartment that accepts pets, these dogs are perfect. They do very well with children but  can be intimidated by other dogs causing defensive barking which can lead to confrontations.

The Shih Tzu was a breed that was created in Tibet during the seventeenth century. The development of the Shih Tzu was achieved by the crossbreeding of the Lhasa Apso and Pekingese breeds. The Shih-Tzu did not come to the United States until after World War 2 when they were brought back with American soldiers. This breed received official American Kennel Club recognition in 1969.

Remember, your pets count!

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There are some important things that you should know when a poisonous snake bites your pet. First, try to keep your pet as calm and quiet as you can. If your pet squirms around, the venom will spread more quickly. Wrap him in a blanket and take him to an animal clinic immediately. Never try to cut into the bite or try to such out the venom yourself. The bacteria in your saliva could be a potential hazard. Do not apply a bandage as cutting off blood circulation to the affected area could lead to serious damage. A veterinarian will suggest various treatment options depending on the severity of the case. The more prompt the treatment is, the more likely that your pet will survive a life threatening snake bite.

Remember, your pets count.

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Yesterday, while I was in my chair reading, my cat Mollie, was comfortably sleeping on my lap. Mollie is going to be 13 years old this month. I suddenly became sad when I realized that she’s getting up there in age. She and I are very close and believe it or not, many times I would rather be sitting quietly with her on my lap then dealing with some difficult people. Our pets provide us with love and comfort. It’s important that we appreciate them while they are with us.

Indoor cats live much longer than outdoor cats. They can live up to 20 years of age if they are cared for well.  Spayed and neutered cats live longer because they are not subject to ovarian and testicular cancers. Did you know that most outdoor cats live only three or four years because they face many dangers like traffic, attacks from other animals, feral diseases and stress? Mixed breed cats usually live longer than purebreds since their genetic makeup usually shields them from hereditary diseases. Diet and exercise are necessary to keep indoor cats healthy.

An indoor cat can provide you with many years of love and companionship.

Remember, your pets count!

Brewers yeast hardly sounds like something that’s meant for your pet. It’s a one cell fungus used to make beer. It can be used as a dietary supplement for your pet. Brewers yeast contains B vitamins, zinc, proteins and amino acids. It’s known for boosting the immune system and promoting healthy skin and a shinny coat. It’s also been sold as a flea remedy. Some animals are allergic to yeast and diabetic pets must avoid it because yeast can interfere with the insulin cycle.  Before trying brewers yeast as a new supplement, talk to your veterinarian. He or she will determine if brewers yeast could be a beneficial component of your pets diet.

Remember, your pets count!