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Archive for August, 2013

Rescuing a dog in an emergency

Wednesday, August 14, 2013
posted by Jim Murphy

Firemen dogVeterinary technician Virginia Rudde of the Minnesota School of Business says that when it comes to protecting a pet during an emergency, it’s critical that you plan ahead. Make sure that your whole family is in on the plan and everyone knows what their part is. This will make the rescue process go much smoother.  Keep a collar and leash, the dog carrier or pet carrier, food and water and your pets medical records on hand in case that you need to evacuate. She also recommends getting your pets micro-chipped or having other permanent ID that won’t be affected if your pet is lost or injured. During a disaster, energency personnel may ask your neighbors if a pet is inside your home. Consider giving them a list of emergency contacts who could answer any questions about your pet in your absence.

Remember, your pets count!

 

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Things You Should Know About Cocker Spaniels

Tuesday, August 13, 2013
posted by Jim Murphy

COCKER SPANIELAre you thinking about adopting an adorable Cocker Spaniel?  here are some things that you should know about this breed.

The american Cocker Spaniel has a rounded head, very long ears and a feathered medium length coat.  They are cheerful and sensitive pets. They are also usually gentle and trusting pets and are very playful. Cocker Spaniels should be socialized at a very early age or they have a tendency to become shy and uncomfortable around people they don’t know. I had a friend who owned a Cocker Spaniel and every time someone strange would come to the door, she would bark and then run into the bedroom and not come out until the person was gone!  They are usually good with children but must understand their place under humans.  They need a firm loving owner and daily exercise. If you are not available all the time, it might be a good idea to get a dog exercise pen for him to play around in.  The Cocker Spaniel is easy to train and for the most part, they get along well with other animals.  They can be difficult to housebreak so be patient. Don’t let your new family member develop “small dog syndrome.” This is where lots of dog owners go wrong.  The dog believes that he is the pack leader to all humans. You must start early. Train him to know that you are the leader. If you don’t, behavior issues may develop. The Cocker Spaniel usually does well in apartments but make sure to take him on daily long walks so that he gets plenty of exercise. Enjoy your new family member!!

Remember, your pets count.

 

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Keeping Pet Care Eco-Friendly

Sunday, August 11, 2013
posted by Jim Murphy

DOG BICYCLEMany pet owners care for their pets in a very serious way. They take their pets to the vet, monitor their diets, drive to the dog park for exercise, etc. In return these pet owners get unconditional love and loyalty from their pets. When pet owners care for their pets in an eco-friendly way, our planet can also reap many benefits.  Here are some ways that pet owners can incorporate some ec0-friendly pet practices into their pet care.

  • Use a biodegradable bag to scoop waste – This is a much better option than re-using a bag from the grocery store.
  • Use organic food – Organic foods are free from artificial flavors and coloring. They are produced without the use of hormones or chemicals.
  • Don’t Use pesticides in your yard – Whenever possible avoid the use of these products so that your pet can roam and play in a chemical free environment.
  • Walk to the dog park if possible rather than drive – Many communities have dog parks where dogs can roam freely and play with the other dogs in the neighborhood. If possible, walk there to reduce your fuel consumption. If it’s possible to take your bicycle along with your dog, this is a great way for you and your dog to exercise plus it helps the environment.
  • Groom you pet in a green friendly way – Use natural products when you shampoo your dog. These products are not made with chemicals that can harm the environment and even harm your pet if ingested.

Remember, your pets count!

 

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The Most Pet Friendly Cities

Saturday, August 10, 2013
posted by Jim Murphy

DOG VACATIONMost of us love going on vacation but if we’re a pet lover, we dread leaving our beloved pet behind. Why not consider taking our furry friend along with us? Many cities across the country are welcoming man’s best friends into their beaches, parks, hotels and yes, even restaurants. What are the qualifications for a city to be consider to be “pet friendly?” It needs to have hotels that welcome our pets plus lots of open space for pets and their owners to roam. It must have an active Humane Society plus high quality veterinarians.

Here are the top five pet friendly  cities.

1. Portland, Oregon

2. New York City, New York (believe it or not!)

3. San Diego, California

4. Colorado Springs, Colorado

5. Orlando, Florida

Have a wonderful vacation with your pet!

Remember, your pets count!

 

Our internet radio network offers a wide variety of great music for you and your pet! THE EDGEWATER INTERNET RADIO NETWORK

Exotic Pets don’t make Great Pets

Friday, August 9, 2013
posted by Jim Murphy

TIGERSome people have a fascination for owning exotic pets. These pets are often wild and dangerous and can cause injuries. Most often because of their paws and teeth, It is illegal to own an exotic pet in the United States and Canada.

Turtles are banned as pets because they may carry salmonella bacteria.  Big cats can be dangerous because of their size and the fact that they are unpredictable. Venomous snakes are banned for obvious reasons. Chimpanzees can be aggressive and can even be cannibalistic. Leave these animals to the professionals who know how to handle them.  Crocodiles and alligators start out as small, cute hatchlings but they grow quickly and in a short period of time,they can reach several feet in length and hundreds of pounds. These animals have very powerful jaws capable of doing a lot of damage. Do yourself a favor, stick with a dog or a cat.

Remember, your pets count!

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Cutting Down on Unpleasant Kitty Litter Odors

Thursday, August 8, 2013
posted by Jim Murphy

COVERED LITTER BOXOftentimes, pets are absolutely shameless about their bathroom habits. The typical male dog is proud to stake his claim on a fire hydrant or tree in plain view of everyone else in the neighborhood. On the other hand, certain cats prefer a little privacy when they do their business – and who could blame them? An enclosed litter tray shelters them from what they might perceive to be glaring eyes.

The benefits of a litter box cover are actually two-fold. It’s great to make your pet more comfortable by lending privacy, but the cat owners’ needs matter too. Enclosed trays cut down on unpleasant odors – albeit temporarily – in case company comes over unexpectedly. Nothing stops conversation dead in its tracks like potent pet odor, so any attempt to alleviate it should be welcomed with open arms.

Remember, your pets count!

Listen to great music on THE EDGEWATER INTERNET RADIO NETWORK while you change you kitty’s litter box.

Protecting Your Pet From Pesticides

Wednesday, August 7, 2013
posted by Jim Murphy

PUPPY KITTENHomeowners use pesticides in their yards for a variety of reasons. Some use pesticides to improve the look of their lawns. If you let your dog or cat outside, you may be placing your pet in danger if your are not careful with pesticides.

  • Remove pets and all pet items from the lawn before applying pesticides.
  • Adhere to the instructions on the pesticide label. The instructions should indicate how to apply the product as well as how long you should wait after applying the pesticide before allowing children and  pets back on the lawn.
  • If you need to use a pesticide indoors, keep all areas treated for pests off limits for pets. If you have a bug or rodent problem, your pet will be in danger if he eats a bug that has been treated with pesticides.

Use your common sense and come up with a plan for your pets before using pesticides.

Remember, your pets count!

 

All your music in one place on The Edgewater Internet Radio Network!

CAT SINKINGMany people have said that clumping litter, that has been around for many years can be harmful to your cat. Ed Lowe developed the first clumping litter. Until then cats either relieved themselves outside or frequented litter boxes filled with ashes and sand. They were not the best materials. Neither absorbed odor well and the ashes or sand was tracked all over the house.  In the 1940’s Lowe suggested to a neighbor to try absorbent clay as opposed to ashes and sand.  The clay material was made  by Lowe’s fathers firm and was used to clean up industrial spills in factories. The absorbent clay proved to be a marked improvement over ashes and sand.

Over the years, scoopable clay litter was refined and developed into a product that was super absorbent and would clump when the cat urinated. The litter was further refined and is now super absorbent and masks odors pretty well.  The safety of clumping litter has been questioned in the past. When sodium bentonite comes in contact with liquid, it swells to about 15 times it’s original volume. If ingested, the clay material makes contact with the natural digestive liquids and creates a clump inside the cats stomach. If the litter is inhaled, it could mix with mucus in the lungs and cause respiratory distress.

The ASPCA, suggests that kittens avoid clumping litter because their digestive systems are more sensitive. It should also be avoided if older cats ingest too much litter. I don’t use it because I just don’t like it. It seems that as the cat urinates, the litter becomes more difficult to remove.

Remember, your pets count!

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How to Remove a Tick

Sunday, August 4, 2013
posted by Jim Murphy

DOG TICKUsually, pet owners who find a tick on their pet try to remove it very quickly. Removing the tick too quickly can hurt the pet and even it’s owner.

  • Be prepared to keep the tick. If your pets gets ill shortly afterward, it can provide some valuable information for your veterinarian. Put the tick in a screw top jar containing some rubbing alcohol.
  • Protect yourself. Ticks, even after they’ve bitten your pet can carry infectious agents that can enter your bloodstream through your ears, eyes or breaks in your skin. When removing a tick make sure that you wear rubber or latex gloves.
  • Your pet may try to squirm his way away while you’re removing the tip. Get someone else to hold the pet down if necessary.
  • Treat the area with rubbing alcohol after the tick is removed. Examine the area after the tick is removed to make sure that you removed all of it.

Remember, your pets count!

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Moving with a Pet Can Present Challenges

Saturday, August 3, 2013
posted by Jim Murphy

DOG BOXMoving can be stressful and it can also be stressful for our pets. It’s hard enough to find apartments where pets are allowed but when we do, there are now additional challenges that we must face. Pets are often adverse to change. Fortunately, there are ways that pet owners can make moving easier on themselves and their pets.  First of all spread things out. Sudden changes can stress a pet out and alter his behavior. Gradually pack things away so pets won’t panic as their environment changes. Don’t pack a pets comfort items such as toys, beds, bowls until the last minute.

Arrange for travel well in advance of your move. If you are moving relatively close, then the trip to your new home will be no different than a road trip with your pet. Make sure that you pack toys and snacks to keep your pet occupied during the trip.

If you are flying, make arrangement as soon as possible. Doing so increases your chances of getting a non stop flight. Flying can be uncomfortable for pets no matter how considerate the airline is. Make sure to book a single non stop flight. If your pet is small enough, try to arrange to keep him with you in his crate under the seat during the flight. This will help reduce stress for both of you.

In the days leading up to the move, stick to your pets routine as much as possible. When you arrive at your new home, give your pet a designated area to “chill out.” Movers will be in and out and things could get hectic. Place toys, litter (in you own a cat) food, water etc in the room with your pet while the movers are there.

In no time,  your new home will become your pets new home.

Remember, your pets count!

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