Raisins and Grapes can be toxic to dogs but the reasons are not clear as to why. Scientists do not understand as to why this toxicity exists. Some dogs show no signs of illness after ingesting many raisins or grapes while others become very sick after eating just one.  The symptoms are vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, anorexia and acute renal fatal. Renal failure can be fatal.  If you suspect that your dog has ingested raisins or grapes, get him to a vet right away even if it’s just to be on the safe side.  It is not known which dogs will become sick, it’s best to start treatment as soon as possible  to err on the side of caution. Digestion of grapes and raisins is slow so try to induce vomiting up to several hours to get out as many of the grapes or raisins from their system. This can reduce the risk of toxicity but the dog must still be taken to the vet right away. There is no known antidote for grape and raisin toxicity so a quick response could save your dog’s life.

Remember, pets are family!

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Seniors need and appreciate the company of a dog probably more than any other age group but if a senior citizen wishes to adopt a puppy at age 65 or older,  there’s a lot to consider.  When the dog reaches fourteen or fifteen, the senior will be 79 or 80 years old. The question is will that senior still be able to care for the dog at that age. Sure many will but a lot could happen in that time  to limit the mobility of a senior citizen.  This is why an older, shelter dog may be a better choice . If there was ever a time to own a dog, it would be around the time that you hit 70.  For an older couple, a dog could make a huge difference in their lives. The kids are grown and the rooms are empty. Never get a dog for someone without consulting with them first.

Smaller dogs are generally better for senior citizens. They are easier to manage and pick up after. Senior citizens are more into walking and jogging now than ever before for health reasons so having an active companion like a dog seems like a good idea. My first choice would be a mix breed from the local SPCA.  They have some of the best dogs and a knowledgeable staff that can help you find what you need and at an affordable price.  They screen all of the dogs and let you know the ones that you would be happy with.  A few good breeds for seniors are:

• The Yorkshire Terrier
• Boston Terrier
• Miniature Poodle
• Pug
• Miniature Schnauzer
• Shih Tzu

It a great thing to a senior to adopt a dog. There’s much love and affection to be had here.

Remember, pets are family!

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It never fails, you take your dog out for a calm walk around the neighborhood and you wind up on your butt as he drags you toward a bicycle, jogger, squirrel, or anything that is moving.  How do we calm him down so you and he can enjoy a peaceful walk?  There is something that you may want to try. You have to desensitize him to the presence of bikers and joggers. Try getting a friend to bike or jog by over and over. (Hopefully, he is a good friend who can deal with your dog chasing after him!)  Start at a distance where your dog barely notices and gradually have your friend get closer and closer. Feed your dog treats the whole time that your friend is in view. Mix up the areas as well as the helpers. (hopefully you have lots of friends) Keep feeding him treats but not if he barks and runs toward the biker or jogger. Eventually, your dog will see a jogger, or biker and look immediately at you for a treat.  There will be no more lunging and barking and dragging you on your butt. A good trainer or behaviorist can help you with your timing. Good luck with this one!

Remember, pets are family

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Just like people, dogs can become stressed out. New people or animals in the household, travel, confinement, owner separation and fear of thunderstorms are all common causes of canine stress. Symptoms may range from mild whining or a loss of appetite to inappropriate eliminations and all out panic attacks.  Nervous dogs may tremble, bark and even show destructive behavior. If your dog appears to be stressed out, your veterinarian could rule out physical problems, and if necessary, prescribe anti-anxiety drugs and behavior modification techniques. Maintaining a regular schedule of feeding, long walks and playtime can also go a long way to keeping your  dog’s stress at bay.

Remember, pets are family!

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If you are feeding a feral cat and she has kittens, you may decide that you want to adopt the whole family. Here are some suggestions. Wait until the kittens are about 5 or 6 weeks old, then get a cat carrier and a pair of rubber gloves. Carefully see if you could get the kittens into a carrier. You may have to catch one or two at a time. Take them to the vet for a checkup and get them their shots.  You can call your local shelter and ask them to borrow a trap to catch the mom. Once you catch her, see if you can get her in a carrier and take her to the vet for a thorough checkup. You want to make sure the kittens and their mother are healthy and get them spayed or neutered. Your vet will also want to vaccinate the mother before spaying her. Set up a place in your home to keep mom and the kittens. Feral cats could take a while to socialize, so take your time and be patient. Set up a litter box and show the new family where it is. After the mother cat is spayed, you can schedule the kittens for neutering or spaying once they are about 4 months old. You’ll now have a family of wonderful companions. You may choose to put some of them up for adoption. Make sure they go to a good home.

Remember, pets are family!

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If you notice that your cat or dog has shortness of breath, sudden weakness or an extended abdomen don’t take it lightly. It could be a sign of heart disease.  Many times, there are no symptoms. My dog had no symtoms until one day I noticed that he would cough. The coughing and wheezing got worst and when I took him to the vet, it was determined that he had a heart defect from birth which is now threatening his life!  Jonathan Abbot, a cardiologist at the Virginia, Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine says that there are a number of ways that they could diagnose heart disease before your pet shows any signs. Some of these ways are x rays of the chest, electrocardiography, and cardiac ultrasound.  Your vet will also check for a heart murmur and use a blood test to check for heart worm. Once this is diagnosed, there are treatments and pet medication that will enhance both the quality and length of your pets life. So don’t hesitate, have your pet checked now. I waited and although the pet medication worked for about six months, my little dog eventually passed away.

Remember, pets are family!

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