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Is Your Home Pet Proof?
Like human babies, animals can hurt themselves around electrical wires, hot stoves or high places. Look for accidents before they happen. And keep household cleansers, garden chemicals and other potentially harmful items stored safely out of a curious puppy or cat's reach.
Is it true that one dog year equals seven human years?
A. Not Really. Because dogs do most of their growing in the first year of life, a one-year-old dog is about the same age as an 18 to 20 year old person. A two-year-old dog is roughly the same age as a 24 year old person. For the next two years add four human years. After that, add five human years for each dog year.
What sweet treat is dangerous to dogs?
A. Never feed chocolate to your dog. It contains theobromine, a substance that is highly toxic to dogs. Chocolate also has rather high levels of caffeine. The combination of the two stimulants can be very serious for your pet. Just four ounces of chocolate will cause illness in an average-size dog. If you see your dog wolf down some chocolate, immediately take him to the vet. There are no antidotes, but quick treatment (inducing vomiting) may help.
Watch Your Driveway!
Antifreeze can be deadly to your pet. Even ingesting a small amount can cause your pet to become very ill. Guard your pets health, be sure to clean up any spills quickly.
What are we going to do today?!
To keep your pet happy and prevent boredom try rotating the toys available for your pet to play with. This way your pet will have "new" toys each day.
Cats Love to Scratch!
Cat's have a natural behavioral urge to keep their claws in good condition by scratching. To save your furniture, it's a good idea to keep a wooden, carpet or hessian covered post in a location that's easy for your cat to access.
Be a Responsible Dog Owner
As a dog owner it is your responsibility to ensure your dog does not soil public areas. While taking your dog for a walk be sure to be prepared by carrying a plastic bag or 'pooper scooper' with you to clean up after your pet.
Does your indoor cat seem bored?
To add some excitement to your indoor cats life, you might try placing a bird feeder outside their window. The birds will be perfectly safe on the other side of the window. Your cat will enjoy watching the birds and you may even get some entertainment watching your cat.
Is there a new puppy in your home?
A new puppy needs training to become a well adjusted and well behaved pet. Be sure to reinforce the rules of the household by teaching your puppy not to bite or chew and to refrain from barking when it is inappropriate. This can be a big task and you may want to seek the help of your local obedience training facility. Formal training can help you teach your puppy basic obedience commands such as stay, down and to come when called. It also allows your pet to socialize with other dogs.
Curiouser and Curiouser
The curiosity of cats may lead them to chew on plants that are potentially harmful. Many indoor and outdoor plants can be toxic to your pet. Such as, Azalea, Poinsettia, Dieffenbachia, Periwinkles and many more. Symptoms of plant poisoning include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, mouth irritation and convulsions. Consult your veterinarian immediately if you think your cat may have ingested a poisonous plant.
Are you planning to purchase a pet for Easter?
Baby animals are adorable and many families choose to add a bunny, duckling or chick to their household at Easter. Be sure to consider all the responsibilities involved with adding a pet to your home before you make your purchase. And, remember, these pets will grow to be rabbits, ducks and chickens who will still need a caring environment in which to live.
Are you looking for a new family pet?
Check with your local Humane Society or Animal Shelter. They have many pets who are looking for loving families to live with. You may find your best friend there!
Outside Pets Need Special Care During Winter
Dogs and cats cannot withstand winter's cold. Be sure to keep your pet happy and give it special care during the winter months. Provide your pet with a good shelter that is draft free with a rug or blanket. Pets kept outdoors will need extra food as they will be burning more energy to keep warm. Bring your pet indoors when the temperature drops sharply. Your pet will appreciate the extra attention.
To Dream the Impossible Dream
Cats have a natural sleeping pattern which consists of numerous short 'catnaps' throughout the day. Fit adult cats spend about 15 per cent of their lives in deep sleep, 50 per cent in light sleep and only 35 per cent awake. This adds up to about two-thirds of the cats life spent sleeping, almost twice as much as most other mammals.
Pets are lots of fun
But, they're a big responsibility. too. Learn how to take good care of your pet and do it. Make sure your animal friend has:
