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Archive for April, 2015

Taking Puppy For His First Walk

Wednesday, April 29, 2015
posted by Jim Murphy

PUPPYLEASHThe time has come when you have to put the dog leash you have hanging in the closet on your little pup. Your puppy should have gotten used to wearing his collar at this point. Before attempting to take your pup for a walk, he should be familiar with his leash. The leash should be lightweight. Clip the leash to his collar and let him walk around the house with it. After your puppy is comfortable dragging the leash around the house, it’s time to pick it up. Make these training periods are fast and fun for your pup. He must learn that pulling the leash gets him nowhere. If he wants to continue walking, then he must be on your side and on a loose leash. If your puppy sits down while your are walking, don’t yank him forward toward you, gently call him over and reward him when he gets to you. A dog treat would be fine. Start walking again with the puppy at your side. You can train a very young pup to walk on a leash. There should be no pulling by you or the pup. The leash should always be loose and your pup should always be at your side not in the back or front of you. I think you’re ready to take the little guy for his first walk. Good luck and remember, your pets count!

Remember, your pets count!

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How Tight Should Your Pets Collar Be?

Monday, April 27, 2015
posted by Jim Murphy

CATCOLLAROver the weekend I took my cat Molly to the vet for her annual checkup. During the process, her collar was removed. The Vets assistant put it back on before we left. During that night, I usually get up and feed Molly her can of wet food while I get a glass of water. Molly was sleeping on my bed. I noticed that she was struggled to get off the bed. When she did get off, she seemed to be having trouble walking. I’m as blind as a bat without my glasses so I thought that something bad had happened to her. As I looked closer, I noticed that she had one paw stuck in her collar. The collar was too loose. I was relieved, freed her paw and tightened her collar.  A cat’s collar should not be too tight or too loose. A good guideline to follow is that it should be loose enough to allow two of your fingers to comfortably fit through it.

Remember, your pet count!

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The Eyes and Ears of A White Cat

Sunday, April 26, 2015
posted by Jim Murphy

WHitecatIt’s a common belief that all white cats are born deaf and that blue eyed white cats are prone to blindness and deafness.Blue eyed white cats are no more prone to blindness than any other cat. They are more likely to be deaf. White cats make up about five percent of all cats. Of these, fever than half have one or two blue eyes. Most white cats with orange or green eyes have normal hearing. Up to 80% of all white cats are born deaf in at least one ear. If your cat falls in this category, don’t worry. A deaf cat can be a perfectly sweet and attractive companion. If he is deaf, don’t ever let him outdoors. Keep him safe indoors with all of his cat toys and lots of love from you.

Remember, your pets count!

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Keeping Your Pets Safe From Coyotes

Saturday, April 25, 2015
posted by Jim Murphy

COYOTEIt happens much to often, an unsuspecting pet owner, lets their pet outside to play and it gets attacked by a predator. It seems like these days, coyotes are the predator of choice. Coyotes have been seen roaming the streets of Manhattan. So how can you keep your pets safe?

Don’t leave your pets alone outside, especially at dawn or at dusk. Coyotes also come out a lot during breeding season which is usually January to March. Dogs should never be chained outside and should be on a leash in public areas. Never let your pet play or interact with a coyote. Never leave dog or cat food outside. The warning is especially important for people who feed stray cats. Coyotes will prey on feral cats that are coming to a feeding place. If you are feeding outside cats, do so during the day and for a set amount of time and elevate feeding stations. Also keep trash in high quality containers with tight fitting lids.
If your pet must be outside, use fencing and make sure it is at least 6-feet high and 6-inches deep to keep Coyotes from jumping over it or digging under it

Dr. Georgesen of the Blum Animal Hospital in Chicago offers these safety tips.

• Coyotes normally hunt small mammals, such as rabbits, but will attack and kill cats and small dogs.

• Never leave your pets outside unattended, especially small pets and cats. Only let them outside when you are with them. Be especially cautious at dusk, night and dawn.

• Never leave pet food and water outside. Coyotes will prey on feral cats that are coming to a feeding place. If you are feeding outside cats, do during the day and for a set amount of time. Elevate feeding stations. Keep trash in high quality containers with tight fitting lids.

• Dogs should never be chained outside and should be on a leash in public areas. If your pet must be outside, make sure your yard fence is 6-feet high and at least 6-inches deep. Never let your pet play or interact with a coyote.

• Attacks can occur on larger dogs during Coyote breeding season when coyotes feel their territory is threatened, which is usually January to March.

• If you encounter a coyote, never throw food at it. Don’t turn your back and run away. Yell or make a loud noise, clap or stomp. Make eye contact and make yourself look bigger. Coyotes get scared easily and will usually run away.

Information obtained from CBS News Chicago.

Remember, your pets count!

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How To Choose A Dog Groomer

Wednesday, April 22, 2015
posted by Jim Murphy

dog groomerIf your dog has long hair and if you don’t have time to give him regular baths, you may want to take him to a groomer on a regular basis. When choosing a groomer, there are several steps that you have to take. First ask about their experience.

How long have they been in the dog grooming business?
What kind of training did they receive? Are they certified by NDGAA or another organization?
Do they specialize in any breed size or particular breed of dog? Are there any restrictions on the types of dogs they work with?
Ask about their level of service like cleaning your dog’s ears, checking his anal glands etc. Find out whether or not their fees are within your budget.
Safety is very important. I would ask the following questions.
Do they use a hand held dryer or a cage dryer? (I would prefer a hand held). If they do use a cage dryer, find out if someone always stays with the dogs. If they don’t, I would go elsewhere.
Do they sedate the dogs for grooming? If so, who does it and what type of training do they have?
Where do they keep the dogs when they’re not being groomed or waiting to be groomed?
What happens in an emergency or if your dog is injured? Is there a veterinarian on call or does someone have first aid training?
How is their record keeping? Do they keep complete records like medical, vaccinations and grooming history?
All of these things are important to consider when choosing a groomer.
After his first grooming session, give your dog a dog treat and lots of love! Remember, your pets count.

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Dogs That Make The Best Watch Dogs

Wednesday, April 1, 2015
posted by Jim Murphy

watchdogsIn addition to being a great companion, dogs could be excellent protection to those living alone. Most dogs will bark when they here a strange sound or sense the presence of someone who doesn’t belong near their home. Some dogs make better watch dogs than others.

Here is a list of dog breeds that make the BEST watch dogs.

Rottweiler
German Shepherd
Doberman Pinscher
Scottish Terrier
West Highland White Terrier
Miniature Schnauzer
Here is a list of dog breeds that make the WORST watch dogs.

Bloodhood
Newfoundland
Basset Hound
Vizsla
Norwegian Elkhound
We classify dogs that don’t make very good watch dogs as being the ones that don’t necessarily bark if they hear a strange sound.

Most dogs will bark at strangers when they are outside in the yard or on their dog leash.

Remember, your pets count!

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