Dangers of the Desert: Rattlesnakes

Posted on April 11, 2012 by Family Vet
Rattlesnakes Rattlesnakes pose a real threat to our pets in the desert. (Image via Wikipedia)

Here in the desert, our pets are subjected to a variety of different dangers specific to our climate and local wildlife.  As pet owners, it is important to understand how desert living can affect our pets and what precautions we need to take to keep them protected and safe.  It’s naive to think that these dangers don’t apply to you or your pet because you live in a city and never venture into the desert.  Many of these things can happen right in your own backyard.  As always, if you suspect your pet is ill, call your vet immediately.

Worrying About Rattlesnakes is Warranted

One danger of the desert is the rattlesnake.  Pet owners who worry that their cat or dog will be bitten by a rattlesnake are right to worry.  Statistics show that there are around 15,000 pets bitten by rattlesnakes each year and rattlesnake bites account for about 82% of pet snake bite fatalities.  Although there is antivenin available for cats and dogs, it isn’t as effective as it is for humans; many vets use it only as a last resort.  Many pets can recover from a rattlesnake bite, but it is very painful and very costly.

Protecting Your Pet

The best way to protect your pet from rattlesnakes is to stay with your pet while they are out of your yard, pay attention to your surroundings, and know what to do if you run across a rattlesnake.    Follow these tips to keep you pets safe:

  • Send your dog through a rattlesnake avoidance program.
  • Keep pets on a leash while away from home.  This will keep them away from the areas you are most likely to find a rattlesnake like tall grass and thick shrubbery, especially near a water source like a small creek.
  • If you see a rattlesnake or hear the distinctive rattle, avoid the snake.  Keep your pet and yourself 10’ from the snake.
  • Keep emergency contact information for both the local hospital and the closest veterinary hospital with you whenever you go out for a walk, a hike, or a picnic.  Timing is critical with rattlesnake bites and knowing where to go and how to get there in the event of an emergency can be the difference between life and death.
  • Take steps to keep your yard free of rattlesnakes so you feel safe allowing your pet to play there unattended.

There is also a vaccination for dogs that protects against rattlesnake bites.  However, there is some controversy over its effectiveness.  Talk to your vet to see how they feel about the vaccine and if they feel it is a good fit for your animal.

Keeping Rattlesnakes Out of Your Yard

The best defense against rattlesnakes on your property is installing a rattlesnake-proof fence.  If there are a lot of snakes in your area, the cost of the fence may seem very cost effective when compared to the cost of having the vet care for your pet after a bite.    Keep your grass cut short and avoid keeping piles of debris in the yard as these are great places for rattlesnakes to hide.

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Posted in Pet Health, Tips | Tagged Desert, dog, pet, Rattlesnake, Snake, Snakebite, Squirrel, University of California Davis | Leave a comment

How to Housetrain Your Puppy

Posted on April 9, 2012 by Family Vet
Beagle puppy

You fell in love with your new puppy the minute you saw him at the humane society.  You can’t wait to bring him home and make him part of your family.  You have everything you need from food to a cozy bed for him to curl up in and you feel like you are ready.  The day comes and you bring your lovable and very excited puppy home.  You set him down inside the house to let him explore and he promptly pees on the living room carpet.  You sigh and smile because you are still in the stage where everything he does is too cute to reprimand him.

If this sounds like you, you may be signing yourself up for a lot of frustration and endangering the loving bond you feel growing with your puppy.  The problem is, what is cute today will not be cute a month from now, especially when it comes to house training.  And you are about to commit the cardinal sin of house training by being inconsistent.  Protect your relationship with your pet and your flooring by following these simple steps from the Human Society of the United States.

Keep Things Consistent

Puppies respond well to routine and when house training having a routine can help your pet establish good habits.  Remember that puppies can only control their bladder for about one hour for each month of their age.  This means that if your puppy is 3 months old, he can only go for 3 hours at a time without a bathroom break.  Making sure your puppy can go to the bathroom when he needs to will help prevent accidents and helps establish a routine of going outside to go potty.

Reward Good Behavior

Reinforce good potty behavior by rewarding your puppy with praise or a small treat every time he goes to the bathroom outside.  Just make sure you give the reward immediately after and prior to going back in the house.  This helps your puppy understand what you expect of him and makes it clear that going to the bathroom is an outside activity.

Schedule Food and Water

One way to help your puppy learn to go to the bathroom when and where he is supposed to is to put him on a regular feeding schedule.  This helps bring consistency to the times when he needs to go the bathroom and makes it easier for you to know when he needs to go out.  To help your puppy make it through the night without needing to go out, pick up his water dish a couple hours before bedtime.

Pay Attention

When your puppy is in the house, keep an eye on him and watch for signs that he is going to do his business.  Interrupting him and taking him outside will provide additional reinforcement that that business belongs outside.

Keep Him Close

While you are house training your puppy, you need to restrict his movements.  Keeping him on a leash that limits where he can go without you will help you see what he is up to before he does it.  Reward reliable elimination in the right location with more freedom.

Crates and Confinement

During the house training process, you need to keep your puppy confined to a small enough space to discourage elimination if you cannot be there to supervise.  This is where crating can be helpful but you don’t have to use a crate for this to be successful.  Blocking off a small corner of a room can accomplish the same goal.  Just make sure your puppy can stand up, lie down, and turn around.  Make sure you take him out to use the bathroom just before and just after he is in the crate.

The most important thing to remember when you are house training your puppy is that he is doing his best and all you need is patience, perseverance, and consistency in order to help him be successful.  Don’t be alarmed when accidents happen, and they will.  Just take steps right away to rectify the situation.

 

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Posted in Caring for Your Dog, Pet Owner Tips | Tagged dog, Housebreaking, New Puppy, pet, Puppies, Reinforcement, Toilet training, Your Puppy (Complete Pet Owner's Manual) | Leave a comment

Chiropractic Care for Pets

Posted on March 14, 2012 by Family Vet

Chiropractic Pet Care

Does your pet need a chiropractor? image via Alex Balan on Flickr

Although chiropractic techniques have been used in animal care for decades, many people believe it a new practice. The formalization of a standard training and certification program has only been available for about 10 years which is why so few people have had exposure to this type of pet care.  Chiropractic care for animals is based on the same principles as chiropractic care for people.  For pet owners who are looking for effective, natural ways to treat ailments and prevent disease, animal chiropractic care can offer an alternative approach and can be used in conjunction with more traditional veterinary care.

How Does Chiropractic Care Work?

Chiropractic care on animals has the same goals and works the same way as it does on humans.  The chiropractor uses specific actions to adjustment different areas of the animal’s body to correct misalignment in their joints.  Think about how painful it can be for you to have a crick in your neck or experience persistent low back pain.  Your pet can have similar problems if they have joints that are out of alignment or otherwise not working properly.  In their spine alone, dogs and cats each have more than 100 joints.  Just one joint can cause ongoing pain and result in a long term injury.  As with people, chiropractic care can restore mobility, flexibility, and movement to your dog or cat’s musculoskeletal system.

What Qualifications Does an Animal Chiropractor Have?

In order to become an Animal Chiropractor, a person must first be either a licensed doctor of chiropractic or a licensed doctor of veterinary medicine.  Certification is administered by the Animal Chiropractic Accreditation Commission (ACAC) in conjunction with the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association (AVCA).  Those seeking certification must attend additional training specific to providing chiropractic care for animals, pass the examination at the end of the training program, and then pass a written and clinical exam.  Certification is good for 3 years and recertification requires the individual to earn a specific number of continuing education credits.

What During a Chiropractic Visit?

The first thing an animal chiropractor will do is collect a full medical history and perform a complete examination of your pet’s spine.  If needed, other joints will also be examined as part of this initial visit.  In order to take necessary x-rays and perform any adjustments and manipulations needed, pets are usually sedated during chiropractic visits.  Chiropractic visits are usually scheduled once a week for several weeks and then gradually decrease until the problem is resolved or the treatment is complete.  This kind of schedule allows the chiropractor to continue making adjustments until the joint and muscles can maintain proper alignment.  The chiropractor may use adjustments and manipulations in conjunction with more traditional treatments like medication.  If your pet’s chiropractor is not also their veterinarian, they can work together as a team to provide a comprehensive treatment plan for your pet.

The addition of an animal chiropractor to your pet’s health care team may seem strange at first, but just as our bodies get out of alignment from time to time and need special care to be corrected, so do the bodies of our pets.

 

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Posted in Caring for Your Cat, Caring for Your Dog, Pet Health | Tagged adjustments, animal chiropractor, chiropractic, joints, pet care, spine, veterinarian | Leave a comment

4 Serious Feline Diseases and What Cat Owner’s Need to Know

Posted on March 12, 2012 by Family Vet

Cat

Protect your feline from deadly diseases. Image via MDphotography on Flickr.

Just like their human companions, cats and kittens are vulnerable to a long list of health problems. Some are minor, some are serious, and some could steal the life of a beloved feline long before their time.  It is crucial for cat owner’s to know the signs of some of the more serious ailments as well as what they can do to prevent their cats from contracting them.

Prevention is the Best Defense

Although many of the diseases discussed here have dire consequences, they are almost all preventable.  The key is to know what preventative measures need to be taken and what you can do to keep your cat safe.  The greatest risk of contracting the most common diseases comes from interacting with stray or feral cats that are not being cared for or vaccinated.  The Humane Society of the U.S. believes there are more than 50 million feral and stray cats roaming the country.  With Arizona’s temperate climate, large numbers of feral and stray cats have created colonies in our communities.  Keeping pets away from these animals helps keep our pets healthy and protects them from fleas and ticks which are also carriers of disease.

1.  Feline Leukemia

This disease is caused by a virus that spreads from one cat to another through bodily fluids like saliva and urine.  Not all cats respond the same when they contract the virus; some will get sick immediately while others can be symptom free for weeks. Feline leukemia is very serious and can lead to many serious health conditions including systemic infections, cancer, respiratory tract infections, anemia, diarrhea, and infections of the eyes, skin, and bladder.  There is no cure for feline leukemia.  The best way to protect your cat is to keep their vaccinations up to date, keep them indoors, and limit their exposure to other cats.

2.  Kidney Disease and Renal Failure

Cats can develop acute kidney disease by ingesting toxic or poisonous substances.  They can also develop it over time as they age.  Both chronic and acute kidney disease can lead to renal failure, which is the leading cause of death for older cats.   Symptoms of kidney disease include dehydration, excessive urine, excessive thirst, vomiting, loss of appetite, and lethargy.  If your cat is experiencing any of these symptoms, take him or her to the vet as soon as possible to be tested for kidney disease.

3.  Feline Rabies

This disease is generally contracted from the bite of a wild animal that is infected with rabies.  As with rabies in other animals, feline rabies can be transmitted to humans and exposure to rabies must be treated immediately.  There is no treatment or cure if your cat becomes infected.  Protect your cat from this dangerous disease by keeping their vaccinations up to date and keeping them inside and away from wild animals.

4.  Feline Immunodeficiency Virus

Similar to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) isn’t spread through casual contact like sharing a water bowl or bumping noses. This disease is most often spread when one infected cat bites another cat.  FIV is always terminal and can cause serious complications as the immune system becomes less and less able to fight off other ailments.  As with most feline diseases, the best way to protect your cat is to keep their vaccinations up to date and keep them indoors and away from unfamiliar cats.

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Posted in Caring for Your Cat, Pet Health, Vaccinations | Tagged cat, cat diseases, feline leukemia, kidney disease, pet, rabies, renal failure | Leave a comment

5 Mistakes You Might Be Making With Your Dog’s Teeth

Posted on March 9, 2012 by Family Vet

Caring for Your Pet's Teeth

Are you caring for your pet's teeth? Image via Vagabond Shutterbug on Flickr

When was the last time you had your dog’s teeth cleaned? Is his bad breath normal or is it a sign that something may be amiss?  Do you know the signs that there is a problem with your dog’s teeth?  If you don’t know the answer to these questions, you may be endangering the long term health of your dog.

February was National Pet Dental Health Month, an awareness effort sponsored in part by the American Veterinary Medical Association.  Oral hygiene, tooth care, and gum health are just as important for your dog as they are for you.  Make a commitment this month to safeguarding your dog’s health and read on to see if you are making any of these common oral care mistakes.

1. Not Following a Home Dental Care Regimen

Dogs need to have their own oral hygiene routine at home.  This ensures their teeth and gums stay as healthy as possible.  If you are not following an oral care program at home, talk to your veterinarian about what kind of routine is right for your dog.  Oral hygiene may include teeth brushing, using special food that helps remove plaque and keep tartar from building up, and following a schedule of regular in-office teeth cleaning.

2. Not Taking Your Pet to the Vet For Routine Visits

Regular checkups with your veterinarian are important for your dog’s overall health, not just for their oral care.  Taking your dog in on a regular basis can significantly improve their dental health and helps your veterinary doctor keep an eye on the health of your dogs teeth and gums.

3. Not Knowing the Signs of Gum Disease

Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is caused by the buildup of plaque and tartar on your dog’s teeth and if it is not identified and treated, it can result in tooth loss, pain, and problems with internal organs.  When you check your pet’s teeth, look for gums that are red or swollen, visible tartar at the gum line, and pain or bleeding when you touch their gums or teeth.

4. Not Checking Your Pet’s Teeth Regularly

Part of your dog’s home dental care routine will likely include periodic checks for signs that gum disease is developing.  To check for gum disease, look inside your dog’s mouth and run your finger along their gum line.  If you notice any signs of periodontal disease, you should schedule a visit with your veterinarian to determine if you need to make changes to your home care program and if you need to have your dog’s teeth cleaned.

5. Not Getting Your Dog’s Teeth Cleaned

Getting your dog’s teeth cleaned is as important to his oral heath as getting your teeth cleaned is to yours.  Some dog owner’s put off the procedure because it requires that your dog be given anesthesia.  This is a requirement because your dog likes having his teeth cleaned even less than you do.   Your dog needs to be asleep so that the veterinarian can perform a complete oral exam, scrape off any tartar build-up, and perform any treatments that are necessary.

Periodontal disease is a common problem for all dogs and if left untreated, it can lead to serious health problems like inflammation of the heart, liver, or kidneys.  Make a commitment this month to take better care of your dog’s teeth and remind yourself that you are protecting his health each time you brush his teeth.

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Posted in Caring for Your Dog, Pet Health | Tagged brushing teeth, dog, gingivitis, pet dental care. veterinarian, plaque, tartar, teeth | Leave a comment

Pet Insurance 101: What Pet Owner’s Need to Know

Posted on March 7, 2012 by Family Vet

Pet Insurance

Do you need insurance for your pet? Image via h202008 on Flickr.

If you have ever had a pet with a serious illness or injury, you know that medical bills for your pets can quickly become a real financial problem for your family. You love your pets and want to do everything you can for them, but as the costs for care rise, you may reach a point where you have to make a difficult decision.  You may have to choose between providing your pet with the level of care you want to be able to give them and being able to pay for the things your family needs to get by.  No pet owner wants to have to make that choice.

The month of February was Responsible Pet Owner’s Month and part of being a responsible pet owner is being able to care for your pets and give them everything they need to live happy, healthy lives.  Pet owners should have a plan for how they will pay for the routine care their pets need and what they will do in the event of an emergency.  As you think through your plan, you may want to look at the alternatives available for Pet Insurance.   This type of coverage can be a vital part of your overall pet care plan but it can also provide you with the peace of mind that comes from knowing you won’t ever have to choose between paying for your pet’s care and putting food on the table.

To help you figure out if Pet Insurance is right for your needs, here are 4 things pet owners should know about this kind of insurance.

1. The Basics

    Think of pet insurance like an HMO for your animals.  This coverage helps you cover the cost of medical care if your pet becomes ill or injured.

    2. What’s Covered

      Like any other insurance policy, pet insurance policies can be purchased with different levels of coverage.  You can get a policy that only provides coverage for illness or injury.  You can get a policy that covers illness, injury, and some wellness care.  You can also get a policy that covers all that plus vaccinations and medication.

      3. Why Pet Owner’s Purchase It

        Many pet owners purchase pet insurance because they don’t ever want to be in the position that they cannot provide the care their pet needs because of financial constraints.  Securing this kind of coverage gives people peace of mind because they know that if something serious happens to their pet, they can make the medical decision that is best for the animal and focus on caring for their pet rather than on figuring out how to finance care.

        4. The Cost

          Just like your other insurance policies, the premium for a pet insurance policy will depend on the type of coverage you choose.   If you want a policy that covers vaccinations, medication, and routine checkups, it will generally cost more than a policy that only covers illness and injury.  Additional factors like what kind of animal your pet is and its age may also affect the cost.

           

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          Posted in Pet Costs | Tagged bills, insurance, pet, pet costs, veterinarian | Leave a comment

          5 Common Pet Care Questions

          Posted on March 1, 2012 by Family Vet

          Puppy Chewing on Shoe

          How do you get your puppy to stop chewing shoes? image via jimw on Flickr

          If you have a pet, odds are you’ve found yourself asking questions. Whether it’s wondering what you should or shouldn’t do as you care for your pet or how to curb a bothersome behavior, most pet owners question what is the best thing to do.  So, we’ve taken five of the more common questions we get and answer them for you here.

          1. I can’t get my cat to stop scratching my children.  Should I consider having him declawed?

          The Arizona Humane Society considers declawing inhumane and unnecessary in almost all circumstances.  It does not condone this practice and recommends that cat owners seek other alternatives to handle this behavior challenge.  The only time the AZHS would support the practice of declawing your pet is if the only remaining option is to give up the cat or get it declawed.  It is important for cat owner’s to understand that declawing is not like trimming back your fingernails, it is like removing your finger nails by amputating each finger at the top knuckle.  The surgery can have lasting negative impacts on your cat’s health and wellbeing.

          2. My daughter really wants a guinea pig but I am worried we don’t have enough space.  How big of a cage does a guinea pig need?

          According to the AZHS, a single guinea pig requires a cage that is 2’x2’x2’.  If you have more than one guinea pig as a pet, you will need a bigger cage.

          3. Are there any plants that could harm my pet?

          There are more than 700 plants that have been shown to cause an adverse or toxic reaction in pets according to the Humane Society of the U.S. For a list of common poisonous plants, click here.

          4. My puppy keeps chewing up my shoes.  I am at my wits end and don’t know what to do because his behavior is making me resentful.  How can I get my pet to stop chewing up my shoes?

          It might help to understand that one of the ways dogs explore their environment is by chewing on things.  Remember, he is not doing it on purpose just to make you angry and take these steps recommended by the AZHS:

          • If you don’t want him to chew on something, don’t leave it where he can get it.  In your dog’s mind, if he can reach it, he can have it.
          • Keep dog toys and personal belongings separate in your dog’s mind.  If he likes chewing on shoes, don’t give him an old shoe to chew on and expect him to be able to tell the difference between shoes that can be chewed on and shoes that can’t.  If you don’t want him chewing on shoes, make them all off limits.
          • It’s natural for puppies to chew a lot when they are teething.  Use redirection and substitution when you catch them chewing on anything inappropriate.  Make a loud noise, retrieve the inappropriate object, and replace it with an acceptable chew toy.

           

          5. We are getting ready to move to a new house.  What do we need to do to prepare our pets for the move?

          Start by talking to your veterinarian to determine if you will need medication for any of your pets to help them manage the journey.  You should plan to take care of this no less than three weeks before the move.  Make sure you have a copy of your pet’s medical records and all other items they will need to be safe and comfortable during the move.  During the loading and unloading process, keep your pet confined somewhere safe and comfortable to ensure they don’t slip out unnoticed by the moving crew.  Take time to let your pets become accustomed to their new home.  Make sure you can easily unpack familiar items like bedding and bowls and expose your pets to the new house a little at a time.  Keep an eye on your pet’s habits during the adjustment period to ensure they are eating, drinking, sleeping, and acting like themselves.  Give them a little extra attention and you will be surprised at how quickly they make the adjustment.

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          Posted in Caring for Your Cat, Caring for Your Dog, Cat Behavior, Dog Behavior, Pet Owner Tips | Tagged Arizona Humane Society, behavior, cat, claws, declaw, dog, guinea pig, Humane Society, pet, puppy, shoes | Leave a comment

          Training Cats to Use the Litter Box

          Posted on February 28, 2012 by Family Vet

          Litter Box Training

          Does your cat have problems using the litter box? image from nattywoohoo via Flickr

          Cat owners definitely luck out in the waste management department of pet ownership since the majority of cats do not need any specific “litter training”. As long as your kitten or cat has access to a clean litter box in an appropriate location, their instincts will show them the way.  In fact, trying to litter train your cat by showing them the litter box and rubbing their paws in the litter can actually make them less likely to use it at all.

          Many owners have issues with where to put the litter box because of the odor but a well-maintained box that is clean and has the right amount of litter should not give off much odor at all.  Remember, if it smells bad to you, it smells worse to your cat’s sensitive nose.  A strong odor can convince them to do their business elsewhere.  This goes for strong odors of the artificial kind too.  Using scented cat litter, room deodorizers, or any other fragrant substance to mask the smell of your litter box may also contribute to your cat’s unwillingness to use it all together.

          The best way to keep your cat happy and your house clean and odor free is to follow these recommendations from the Humane Society of the United States.

          Litter box Placement

          When it comes to the litter box, it is all about location.  If you are tempted to tuck the litter box into an out of the way corner in the basement, remember that your cat has to be willing to go there every time they need to go to the bathroom.  If it is too out of the way, they may not be willing to make the trek every time.

          You also need to consider the comfort and privacy your chosen location offers.  Does the cat have to walk across an ice-cold garage floor to get to their bathroom?  Is their litter box stuffed in between the noisy rocking washing machine and the wall?  Put yourself in your cat’s place and if you wouldn’t want to go to the bathroom there, they probably won’t like it either.

          Which Litter Should I Use

          There are four common types of litter in use today:

          • Traditional clay litter
          • Scoopable clumping litter
          • Crystal/silica gel litter
          • Plant based biodegradable litter

          Any of these are fine for your cat from a health and safety perspective.  According to the Arizona Humane Society, research indicates that the majority of cats prefer litter that is fine grained like the newer scoopable litter.  But the only thing that really matters is finding the litter your cat likes.

           

          Common Litter box Questions

          Q:  If I have more than one cat, how many litter boxes do I need?

          A:  The Humane Society of the U.S. recommends one litter box per cat plus one extra.

           

          Q: How often do I need to clean the litter box?

          A: Feces should be scooped out daily.  The frequency that you change the litter out completely will depend on your cat to litter box ratio, the type of litter you use, and how picky your cats are about their litter box.

           

          Q: How much litter should I put in the litter box?

          A: In this case, less is more.  Most cats prefer litter than is less than 2 inches deep.

           

          Q: My cat has stopped using the litter box, what should I do?

          A: First, call the veterinarian because many medical conditions can impact a cat’s litter use.  Once your cat gets a clean bill of health, go over the items mentioned here and check that the litter box is accessible, comfortable, quiet, and clean.

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          Posted in Caring for Your Cat, Cat Behavior | Tagged cat, cat litter, kitty litter, litter box, litter box training, odor | Leave a comment

          Children and Pets: What Parents Need to Know

          Posted on February 22, 2012 by Family Vet
          Children and Pets

          Do you know how to pick the right pet for your family?

          Owning a pet is often one of the hallmarks of childhood. Almost all American children, 90% according to Parents magazine, will have a domestic animal in their home while they are growing up.  To parents, pet ownership is a way to help foster empathy and instill responsibility.  To children, pet ownership means having access to a perpetual playmate and a real life version of their favorite cuddly stuffed animal.  Caring for dogs and cats can also help build self esteem and reinforce the concept of boundaries for children.  With so many benefits, it would be hard to make a case against having children and pets in the same household.

          However, pets and children are not always an automatic fit and may be more like oil and water than best friends.  The child who has begged for a puppy for two years can suddenly find themselves hiding the dog’s leash or hiding from the dog under the bed. As reality fails to meet expectations, both parents and children can find themselves experiencing buyer’s remorse.   The key to creating a successful relationship between your children and your pets is to start the relationship out right.   The Arizona Humane Society recommends taking the following steps to make sure your relationship between your child and your pet is strong from the start.

          Pick the Right Pet

          Whether you are looking at adopting a cat or a dog, thinking about what kind of animal is best suited to your family can be the difference between a successful start and a rocky road.  Considering things like the animal’s temperament, size, age, energy level, and needs will help ensure you get the cat or dog that perfectly fills in the family picture in your mind.  Many parents immediately think that puppies and kittens are the best fit for small children because they will be able to grow up together, but oftentimes the time commitment, patience, and care required to train and raise animals under a year old are much more than a child can handle.  A dog that is too big or too rambunctious might jump on smaller children, nip at them, and leave them terrified of dogs for years to come.  A cat that is too young might be accidently injured by a child that plays too rough with it or might scratch or bite the child to get away.  Picking the pet that is the right fit for your family is the first step.

          Set Clear Expectations

          Before you bring your new cat or dog home, it is important that everyone understands who will be expected to do what in terms of caring for the family pet.   No matter what kind of pet you are adopting, there is more to caring for that pet than making sure it has food and water.  Dogs and cats need playtime and exercise every day.  Cats need to have their litter box maintained and dogs need shelter if kept outdoors.  Everyone in the family needs to understand the work involved in caring for the new pet and how that work will be handled.  For parents, it is important to understand that no matter how responsible your child or children are, they cannot be solely responsible for the care of the family pet.  One of the benefits children receive from pet ownership is learning responsibility, but that is a process that takes time, modeling, assistance, and adult supervision.

          Taking the time to pick the right pet and make sure everything has the right expectations helps ensure everyone in your family will have a positive experience with pet ownership, including your new pet.

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          Posted in Pet Owner Tips | Tagged cat, children, dog, pet adoption, pet care, pet owner, pets and children | Leave a comment

          February is Responsible Pet Owner’s Month

          Posted on February 20, 2012 by Family Vet

          Responsible Pet Owner's Month

          Are you a responsible pet owner? image via Flickr

          This month, animal organizations around the country will be celebrating National Responsible Pet Owner’s month with specials on services, advice on animal care, and encouragement to keep the pet population down by having dogs and cats spayed and neutered. People often forget that owning a pet is a special privilege that allows us to share our lives with animals we love.  Pet ownership comes with many benefits.  Pets provide companionship and security, they can help relieve our stress, ease our loneliness, get us to exercise, and love us when it feels like no one else does.   In return for all these wonderful benefits, we owe the animals in our lives a standard of care that goes beyond food and shelter.

          According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, responsible pet owners think through the decision to adopt a pet and only take on the responsibility after careful consideration.  They commit to caring for their pet for the remainder of the pet’s life and understand that owning a pet takes time, money, and energy.  Responsible pet owners only take in the pets they can accommodate safely and afford to properly care for which includes appropriate medical care and adequate daily attention.  They make sure their pets can be identified if they get loose and provide up to date information so that lost pets can be returned home.

          Responsible pet owners also know the local laws and regulations pertaining to their pets and make sure they are following those laws and regulations.  They maintain control of their pet’s ability to reproduce by spaying/neutering or other means in order to help control the pet population and limit the need to euthanize unwanted animals.  Responsible pet owners provide training, vaccinations, social interaction, activity, exercise, and a safe healthy environment for their pets to thrive in.  They take care to abide by leash laws, practice good etiquette in dog parks, and take steps to ensure their pet doesn’t impede on anyone else’s pursuit of happiness.

          Being a responsible pet owner is more than just making sure they have a safe place to sleep and food and water in their bowls.  The animals in our lives need us to speak for them and to pay attention so that we know when they are in trouble.  They rely on us to take them to the vet, get them the shots they need when they need them, and set boundaries that keep them from overeating, running loose, and getting into things that can hurt them.  We owe it to them to understand the specific dangers they face and to make sure we are always taking steps to keep them safe.

          From choosing the right pet for our family and lifestyle to only taking in those animals we can truly take care of, there is more to being a responsible pet owner than just having a love of animals.  This month, as you take your dog for a walk or snuggle up with your cat, think about what being a responsible pet owner means to you and what things you can do differently or where you can improve to take even better care of the animals in your life.

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          Posted in Pet Owner Tips | Tagged breed, cat, dog, Dog grooming, Neutering, pet costs, spay, spayed, vaccinations | Leave a comment