Pet Goddess

Winter is coming, and indeed has already arrived in certain states. Here is a useful reminder from the ASPCA about the safest ways to exercise your dog during the coming chilly months:

Winter Outdoor Exercise Tips

Posted November 9, 2009 Comments(0)

Let’s face it, when the bad weather comes, we all start feeling a bit weather-beaten, but just think of your poor dog out in the bad weather. Here are some great Skin and Paw Care tips for winter from the ASPCA.

Skin and Paw Care Tips

Posted November 7, 2009 Comments(0)

This is from the ASPCA, on how to keep your pets safe and healthy in winter weather.

Keeping Pets Safe in Winter Weather

Posted November 5, 2009 Comments(0)

Here is great advice on how to help keep your pet safe this winter. From the dangers of anti-freeze and rock salt, to what to feed your pet at this time of year, you’ll find great advice here: 10 Winter Tips: http://www.nsalamerica.org/press_room/10-winter-tips.html

Posted November 3, 2009 Comments(0)

a.. 70,000 puppies and kittens are born every day in the U.S.

b.. Between four million and six million pets are euthanized every year because they are homeless.

c.. That means between 11,000 and 16,000 pets are euthanized every day simply because they are homeless.

An animal in a shelter is killed every 1.5 seconds.

Only one animal in 10 born in the U.S. gets a good home that lasts a lifetime.

What can YOU do about this?

Spaying and neutering helps reverse the tragedy of pet overpopulation. It can also reduce your pet’s chances of developing deadly, costly medical problems, and can also improve your pet’s behavior.

Remember, the dog has no choice. YOU do. Help control the pet population by spaying or neutering your pet, and by making sure you take your pet parent responsibilities seriously.

Posted October 22, 2009 Comments(0)

Here is a super article from the ASPCA about the possible hidden dangers of your dog and cat toys!http://www.aspca.org/news/tri-state/10-16-09.html

Posted October 16, 2009 Comments(0)

When you have pets that live both indoors and outdoors, you run the risk of fleas. Fleas not only attack your pets, but also the other people living in the house. Here are a few ways to rid your puppy and yourself of this minuscule menace.

Fleas are a fact of life for animals. Your puppy will get them if he ever goes outdoors without adequate flea protection.

Fleas are small, so they can jump from puppy to another surface like the couch and then to you.

Fleas bite, and can carry diseases. For most puppies, the bites are irritating and cause scratching. For some puppies, the bites cause flea bite dermatitis. This condition is miserable for puppy.

Flea bites can also result in a severe allergic reaction that can lead to anemia and even tapeworm infestation.

Once fleas have infested your puppy, they can be the devil to get rid of. Some owners use flea baths, over-the-counter pesticides, and flea collars. These work for some, but not for all. Also, over-the-counter remedies can be dangerous to a young puppy, and even your family.

Flea products like growth regulators and pesticides attack the flea eggs and the adult insect, respectively. Growth regulators take a few weeks to work, but produce non-viable egg offspring from the adult fleas. However, killing the adult insects doesn’t guarantee that the eggs will die as well.

If the infestation is severe, a stronger substance may be warranted. Before buying anything, consult with your veterinarian to find out the best course of treatment for a young puppy. The items that they carry are safer and more effective than what is found in the stores.

Flea combs are also a good course of treatment. Combing puppy’s fur once or twice a week can rid him of harmful fleas. Comb him when he comes in from outdoors before he has a chance to jump on everything in the house.

Cleaning puppy’s normal haunts on a regular basis will cut down on problems with fleas as well. This includes puppy’s bed, his blanket, his crate, and his toys. Vacuuming the rugs and the furniture keeps fleas away from others in the household.

Don’t forget to throw away the bag after you vacuum, or they will come right back out again!

If you decide to treat your home for fleas consult a professional. Using substances like borate powder can be dangerous. Inhaling the powder can make everyone very sick. Professional application is the only way to go.

Fleas are a nuisance and a health hazard for the whole family. They can love puppy to an irritating distraction. Protect puppy as best you can through routine cleaning, combing and visits to the vet.

Posted June 3, 2009 Comments(0)

 If you work with registered breeders, your kennel club will most likely offer health and dog insurance in case of accident or loss.  With pet shops or side-of-the-road breeders, you may not know what you are getting until it is too late, there is no ‘money-back guarantee’, and you might get stuck with all sorts of vet’s bills.    The most important thing is not the dog’s looks, but that it is healthy, and you have the ability to raise It  to be a happy and well-adjusted animal.  Knowing where to buy a puppy is as important as what breed of puppy to buy.   Take advice from trusted friends about reputable breeders.  If in doubt, visit the humane society or dog rescue groups.  They will be glad to help in your search for the perfect puppy companion.   And don’t forget to consider a young adult rescue dog.  There are many rescues available through the economic crisis, who are homeless through no fault of their own.    Go to http://www.petfinder.com/ for more information on shelters and breed rescue groups in your area. You could just find the puppy your adult dog of your dreams sooner than you think. 

Posted November 8, 2008 Comments(0)

 No one wants to have to give a dog back, of course, but you also need to know what your limitations are and what is practical for you depending on your personal situation. A lively puppy may not be a big deal if you live in a house, but it can be a nightmare in a small apartment. 

In your puppy search, steer clear of pet shops and puppy mills.  Unfortunately, pet shops are usually supplied by puppy mills.  These breeders do it purely for the money. 

They treat their dogs like livestock, keeping them in cages, breeding the females over and over again in order to produce more puppies.  

You might get  a good dog cheaply if it is a male, and many of the females end up in rescue when they are seven or eight and no longer able to produce large litters of pups. 

In some cases, they are ignorant of any knowledge about the dogs they breed, and give only a minimum amount of veterinary care.   

This could spell doom for your puppy if he is predisposed to any life-threatening diseases.  Veterinarians can perform preventive care on breeds that can suffer certain conditions.  You need to thoroughly research the breed of dog you are interested in, in order to become aware of any major cause of health concern before you get your puppy. 

Posted November 6, 2008 Comments(0)

 The advantage of getting one from a shelter is that they are often put through many tests to determine their character and temperament, so you will know a lot about them prior to adopting them.  

Are they good with kids? Cats? Other dogs? Lots of people and activity in the house?  This will not be like getting a puppy and having no idea what its personality will be.  

The humane society shelters puppies that are waiting for you to give them a good home.  You may even find a purebred amongst the group. Choose carefully.   

Don’t choose a large breed puppy because he gives you the “sad eye” and then later find out that he barks all night to your neighbors’ dismay and your own misery. 

Posted November 4, 2008 Comments(0)