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Archive for May, 2022

Adopting a Rescue Dog

Tuesday, May 31, 2022
posted by Jim Murphy

If you’re thinking of adopting a dog, consider a rescue dog. There are many dog rescue organizations across the country. Some focus on rescuing certain breeds such as Greyhounds that are usually put down after their racing career is over.  Rescue organizations also focus on other breeds that have been abandoned. You would be doing a good thing by considering a rescue dog.  The first thing that you need to do is go to a rescue website. If you are looking for a specific breed, there will be a link for rescued dogs. Petfinder is also a good choice for all breeds.  Select the breed, size, age and enter your zip code. A list of dogs will come up in your surrounding area.  You can also check out Petfinder if you are not looking for a specific breed.  Pick out a dog and learn more about. You will be asked to fill out an application with details about you, your home, your family and your knowledge of dogs. You must also give the name of a veterinarian who could vouch for you. You will then be contacted and asked more questions. The rescue organization just wants to make sure that the dog is going to a good home and is not left alone the majority of the time.

Be prepared for the foster parents to bring the dog to your home for a first visit. If the dog is at a kennel, you will be asked to go to the kennel. They will see how the dog interacts with you and how you interact with the dog.

If all goes well, your cost will be about $150 to cover shots, spaying/neutering and any other veterinarian costs. Some of the money will be allocated to rescue another dog.  Most rescue organizations are non profit and the foster parents are all volunteers.

Give your new best friend lots of love, treats, exercise and pampering.

Remember, pets are family!

Enjoy the greatest oldies of all time on Edgewater Gold Radio. Ask Alexa to “play Edgewater Gold Radio” or listen from our website; Edgewater Gold Radio.com.

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Are There Cats That Love To Swim?

Monday, May 30, 2022
posted by Jim Murphy

Generally speaking domestic cats do not like to get wet. They prefer not to have a bath. Most are not interested in even going near the backyard pool.  Cats can swim and like dogs, they are natural swimmers. If fact, cats that are native to a warm climate such as lions and tigers seem to enjoy the water and swim very well. They do this sometimes to catch fish and sometimes just to cool off.  By contrast, wild cats from cold climates such as bobcats, cougars and snow leopards dislike swimming and don’t even like to get wet.  One house cat that loves to swim is the Turkish Van.  He was a house cat in Turkey for years and was known as the swimming cat. Don’t toss those cat toys in the pool just yet, keep your cat dry and he’ll be a lot happier!

Remember, pets are family!

Enjoy your holiday weekend with the greatest variety of oldies on Edgewater Gold Radio! Ask Alexa to “play Edgewater Gold Radio” or listen from our website; Edgewater Gold Radio.com.

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How to Teach Your Dog to Stay

Sunday, May 29, 2022
posted by Jim Murphy

I heard a story where a young man was walking his small dog on his leash. The man tripped and fell and let go of the leash. The dog ran out into traffic and was hit by a car. Could this have been prevented? What if the man yelled “stay” would that have stopped the dog? We’re not sure but it could have.

The American Kennel Club has put together a comprehensive guide on how to teach your dog to stay. Here are the guildelines by AKC.

No doubt you’ve seen dogs in competition events like Rally or Obedience staying perfectly still no matter what is going on around the ring. But a solid “Stay” isn’t just important for dog sports, it’s helpful for good manners and household obedience as well. If your dog can hold a position like sit or down until you release them, it makes so many things easier such as grooming, answering the door, or carrying in a load of groceries. But many dog owners struggle to get their dog to stay. If you take your time and follow these steps, your dog will be staying put like a champion.

AKC is a participant in affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to akc.org. If you purchase a product through this article, we may receive a portion of the sale.

Stay Until You’re Released

Unlike the cue “Wait” which means hold on for a moment, “Stay” means stay in a specific position until I release you. Technically, if you ask your dog to stay while you go out to get the mail, even if you’re gone for an hour chatting with the neighbor, your dog should still be in the exact same spot when you return.

AKC is a participant in affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to akc.org. If you purchase a product through this article, we may receive a portion of the sale.

But what does it mean to release your dog? A release cue is a word you use to tell your dog they are free to move. It’s used to end a behavior. In fact, you can use a release word with any behavior. For example, you can teach your dog to sit or lie down until they are released, in effect building an automatic stay into the position. But however you choose to use your release word, use it consistently and exclusively to let your dog know the behavior is done. Common release words are “Okay,” “Free,” and “Release.” Just be aware that “Okay” is a word we use often in day-to-day speech, so be careful you don’t accidentally release your dog at the wrong time.

Start Small to Teach the Release

To train a successful stay behavior, you need to start small and build slowly. Your first step is to teach your dog what their release word means. The following steps will get you started:

AKC is a participant in affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to akc.org. If you purchase a product through this article, we may receive a portion of the sale.

  1. Ask your dog to sit or lie down.
  2. After one second, calmly offer your dog a treat and immediately say your release word.
  3. Encourage your dog to get up after you’ve given the release. You can walk away, pat your legs, clap your hands, etc. to get your dog up and moving.
  4. Praise your dog when they move.
  5. Repeat the above steps until your dog understands they can move after they hear the release word.

 

AKC is a participant in affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to akc.org. If you purchase a product through this article, we may receive a portion of the sale.

Add Duration to the Stay

Now you’re ready to start adding the three Ds of duration, distance, and distraction. Start with duration and leave the other Ds for later. Ensure you stay with your dog and eliminate any distractions in the environment. You’re also ready to add the cue “Stay.” These steps will build duration:

  1. Ask your dog to sit or line down.
  2. As soon as they sit/lie down, hold your hand straight out in front of you like you’re making a stop sign and say the word “Stay.”
  3. Wait a second or two, then calmly give your dog a treat.
  4. Release your dog and praise them when they move.
  5. Now, after asking for the stay, wait a few more seconds before treating then releasing your dog.
  6. Build the duration a few seconds at a time.
  7. Once you’ve built to 10 seconds or more, you can begin to treat your dog multiple times during the stay. Calmly offer treats every so often and repeat your stay cue and hand signal to remind your dog they aren’t yet finished.

AKC is a participant in affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to akc.org. If you purchase a product through this article, we may receive a portion of the sale.

You don’t want your dog to ever realize the fun of releasing themselves. That’s why it’s better to take baby steps than try to push the limits. Set your dog up for success and don’t ask for too much too soon. In addition, realize that “Stay” is boring for dogs. Therefore, it’s essential to reward the stay and not the release, otherwise you will make the release more rewarding than the stay itself.

For the same reason, if you use a clicker to train your dog, click during the stay before you offer a reward, but don’t click your dog when they move on the release. Just in case your dog thinks the click means the behavior is over, repeat your stay cue and hand signal after you click and trick.

 

AKC is a participant in affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to akc.org. If you purchase a product through this article, we may receive a portion of the sale.

Troubleshoot “Stay”

When you’re teaching your dog to stay, it’s important to watch your body language. Movement may lure the dog towards you, and they will consequently break position. Your dog is used to being in front of you for training, so anytime you move backward, they will want to follow.

AKC is a participant in affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to akc.org. If you purchase a product through this article, we may receive a portion of the sale.

And what do you do if your dog breaks their stay before they are released? First, don’t punish the dog. Chances are you did something to lure them up or you asked for too much too soon. Simply repeat your cues and start over, taking a few steps back in your training to ensure success.

Add Distractions and Distance to the Stay

Only add distractions and distance after you’ve built duration to at least 30 seconds. And as distance has some distraction built in, you’re best to leave that for last. When you begin to add a new D, be sure you relax your expectations for the other Ds. So, when you begin to add distractions, even if your dog can stay for 2 minutes, go back to asking for only a few seconds when the distraction is present. Start with small distractions like clapping your hands then gradually build up to larger distractions like throwing a ball. After your dog is staying through any distraction, you can start to build duration again.

When your dog can achieve 30-second stays with distractions, you’re ready to add distance. Again, lower your duration expectations and minimize distractions for this part of the process. The following steps will help you build distance:

  1. Ask your dog to stay then take a single step back.
  2. Immediately return to your dog and give them a treat.
  3. Release your dog.
  4. Repeat the above steps but take two steps away before returning to your dog to treat then release them.
  5. Slowly increase the distance until you can walk to the edge of the room.

Always return to your dog before releasing them. If you release them from far away, you can’t reward them while they are staying. Plus, they may come to think a certain distance is a cue to release and approach you. When your dog can handle all three Ds on their own, it’s time to combine them and up the challenge by leaving the room or going outside. Take your time and build slowly, and your dog will have a rock-solid stay no matter what.

AKC is a participant in affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to akc.org. If you purchase a product through this article, we may receive a portion of the sale.

Remember pets are family!

Enjoy the greatest oldies and Summer songs this weekend on Edgewater Gold Radio. Ask Alexa to “play Edgewater Gold Radio” or listen from our website, Edgewater Gold Radio.com

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Plastic Bags Can Pose a Danger To Your Pets

Saturday, May 28, 2022
posted by Jim Murphy

Billions of plastic bags are produced each year and come in all sizes and fortunately we are making an effort to use less plastic. Unfortunately, they can cause danger to both children and pets. A dog has about the same judgement as a two year old child. This is according to the Yankee Golden Retriever Rescue. Curious dogs an cats can get their heads stuck in a plastic bag and suffocate to death. Make sure that you keep plastic bags away from your pets. Make sure that your garbage is sealed where you curious pet can’t get into trouble. Always be on the safe side. These things can and do happen.

Remember, pets are family!

Enjoy your holiday weekend with the greatest variety of oldies on Edgewater Gold Radio. Ask Alexa to “play Edgewater Gold Radio” or listen from the many apps and our website, Edgewater Gold Radio.com.

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The 8 Best Healthy Cat Treats

Friday, May 27, 2022
posted by Jim Murphy

The 8 Best Healthy Cat Treats of 2022

The best healthy treats for cats are Wellness Kittles

 

The best healthy treats for cats are Wellness Kittles. We also like Blue Buffalo Bursts.

Most cat owners like to show they love their cats not only with affection but with treats. However, Dr. Kerri Blackburn of River’s Edge Animal Hospital says cat treats, much like human treats, can be loaded with calories and sodium to help with flavor and encourage palatability (especially dental treats). “This can be problematic when we are focused on weight loss or a cat has health concerns like renal or heart disease.”

Thankfully there are a number of healthy cat treat options so you can find the perfect one, even if your cat has allergies or dietary restrictions. By choosing a treat that your cat not only enjoys eating but also has healthy ingredients, you can avoid empty calories and even enhance their nutrition.

Below, find the best healthy cat treats.

Our Top Picks

 

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Nutrition for Sensitive Kitty Stomachs

Thursday, May 26, 2022
posted by Jim Murphy

It’s called inflammatory bowel disease, or irritable bowel syndrome but it’s just plain stomach trouble.  This is not a happy time for a cat with a sensitive stomach or for the people who care for the cat. Chronic vomiting and diarrhea  can have a lot of different causes.  If any of these symptoms are occurring, get your cat to the vet for a diagnosis. Your vet might recommend a change of diet. If your cat is overly sensitive to any kind of protein, many pet companies are aware of this and offer specially formulated diets that contain easy to digest rice and egg protein. Sensitive stomach is not at all uncommon with cats, and fortunately, it’s almost always manageable.

Remember, pets are family!

Enjoy the greatest oldies of your life today and everyday on Edgewater Gold Radio. Ask Alexa to “Play Edgewater Gold Radio” or listen from our website; Edgewater Gold Radio.com.

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Your  mother cat has just given birth to her kittens. Should you change how you feed her? It would have been best to gradually begin mixing her food with increasing amounts of premium canned kitten food in the last few weeks of pregnancy.  Once she begins nursing, she should be eating only kitten food.  Feed her at least three times a day or keep food freely available along with plenty of water.  Remember that she is feeding an entire litter. Don’t be surprised if your mother cat starts to eat twice the amount that she ate before. A nursing cat passes on essential nutrients, antibodies, vitamins and electrolytes to kittens on the first day that they are born. High quality food for the mother, makes for healthy kittens.

Remember, pets are family.

Remember your oldies play all the time on Edgewater Gold Radio! The best variety! Ask Alexa to “play Edgewater Gold Radio” and listen from our website, Edgewater Gold Radio.com.

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Cats Can Become Overheated Just Like Dogs

Monday, May 23, 2022
posted by Jim Murphy

On a sizzling hot summer day like the ones we’ve had this weekend, your cat can easily become overheated. Sometimes we don’t realize that our feline friends can become overheated easily just like dogs. Cats are very vulnerable to heatstroke. Signs that you should look for are panting, fast heart beat, dark, red gums and weakness.  If your cat’s temperature gets too high, never give him pet medication yourself. Get him to a vet right away.  Your vet may advise you to cool the cat before coming in. You can do this by pouring luke warm water over your pets chest, shoulders and feet. Don’t use cold water because it can be dangerous. When his temperature has dropped to 103 degrees, dry him off, wrap him up and head out to your vet. Your vet will use fluids to bring his temperature down. He’ll also check for damage to his internal organs. If the heat stroke was light to moderate, your cat will recover quickly.

Remember, pets are family!

Enjoy your oldies today on Edgewater Gold Radio. Ask Alexa to “play Edgewater Gold Radio” or listen from our website, Edgewater Gold Radio.com.

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Hyperthyroidism in Cats

Sunday, May 22, 2022
posted by Jim Murphy

Today we are going to cover hyperthyroidism in cats. Is your cat high strung? Does she lose weight yet eat like a pig? She may have an overactive thyroid. Older cats sometimes begin producing too much thyroid hormone.  It’s a condition called feline hyperthyroidism.  Veterinarians don’t know what causes it but it speeds up the cat’s metabolism causing a gradual weight loss and hyperactivity.  In fact, hyperthyroid cats are so high strung, it can seem like they’ve had too many cups of coffee. They may also drink and urinate a lot and may loose hair, vomit, have a goiter or thyroid nodule.  If your cat has any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian. There is a blood test that can detect the disease and with the appropriate pet medication and treatment, a cat with hyperthyroidism can live a normal life.

Remember, pets are family!

Enjoy the greatest oldies of all time. It’s a classic oldies weekend on Edgewater Gold Radio! Ask Alexa to “play Edgewater Gold Radio” or listen  from our website, Edgewater Gold Radio.com.

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Puppy Chewing

Saturday, May 21, 2022
posted by Jim Murphy

I brought home my new puppy back in 1982 at a time when crates were not used as frequently as they are today. Needless to say, I came home from work and found my plants chewed to shreds, pillows ripped and toilet paper rolled down the steps from the second floor! Puppies seem to want to put everything in their mouths. If this is not taken care of early, this chewing could destroy a lot of your belongings. Your shoes, belts and bags could fall victim to your puppy’s very active little jaws. The problem doesn’t end there. Your puppy could end up swallowing something he shouldn’t and endangering his own health. To avoid inappropriate chewing, direct your puppy’s attention to something that he can play with. Give him plenty of dog chew toys both in and out of his crate. Make sure to keep your own belongings off of the floor. The tendency to chew could also be motivated by stress or boredom. Make sure that your puppy is getting plenty of exercise. If chewing is still a problem, talk to your veterinarian.

Remember, pets are family!

Enjoy your weekend with the greatest oldies on Edgewater Gold Radio! Listen on Live 365, Tunein and many other apps.Ask Alexa to “play Edgewater Gold Radio” or listen from our website, Edgewater Gold Radio.com.

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