Friday, April 19, 2019

Keeping Your Pomeranian Safe Over The Holidays

The holidays are a time for family, good cheer and parties, but don’t forget about your Pomeranian in all the hustle and bustle!

The “end of the year” holidays in particular can present some health hazards for your Pom. Here’s some ideas below on how you can get through this season with a healthy pet and peace of mind.

Keeping Your Pomeranian Safe Over The Holidays 

One thing that is very important at any time of year but especially during the holidays when hours may be cut short is to make sure you check your vet's holiday hours and emergency contacts and have the information easily accessible.

Take precautions when decorating with plants.

Your Pomeranian may chew on household plants, and many, including mistletoe and some poinsettias, can make your pet very ill. Make sure your holiday greenery (and "red-ery") is out of your Pom’s reach.

Take care also with the Christmas tree. If it is real, be sure that your Pom cannot drink the water or chew the branches. Many modern live trees have been sprayed with chemicals that may be toxic to your little friends.

Use only unbreakable decorations at the bottom of your tree, so there is no danger of your dog jumping up or rubbing against them and resulting in broken glass on the floor that he can cut himself on, or worse, digest.

Be very, very careful about candles.

Your Pomeranian, in his excitement, could knock over a candle! Place glass "hurricane lanterns" or other attractive covers over candles to protect your home and your pets.
New Years Eve is a fun time for all, but your little Pom might become frightened by the traditional firecrackers and other noisy merriment.

Some dogs may be severely traumatized by fireworks, be sure to leave them inside if you go out to celebrate. If you are having people over, make sure you put your Pom in a safe and comfortable place away from the party fun.

If your Pomeranian is sensitive he could get stressed out about the changes in household routine during the holidays, especially if you are stressed yourself. Some dogs respond to stress by becoming hyper or hysterical, and some simply retreat.

Most of all, make sure you spend some special time with your Pom during this time of year.

Happy Holidays!

Ringworm In Pets

Ringworm – Ewww! Just the name conjures up images of a long worm weaving a ring under your skin. In fact, ringworm is not a worm at all, it is actually caused by a fungus which is highly contagious.

 Ringworm In Pets

In humans, ringworm is a ring shaped red rash on the skin, but in your pet it can look like most anything. A common human form of ringworm is otherwise known as athletes foott.


Dogs and cats are susceptible to three forms of ringworm, and your cat can pass ringworm on to you, although only a small percentage of human cases are caused by the same fungus that infects dogs and cats. The people who have the highest chance of catching ringworm from their pet are young children, the elderly and people with a weak immune system.

Most people will develop an immunity and therefore will rarely contract the same strain again.

There are three forms of ringworm that affect dogs and cats. Cats tend to become infected with the most common form. A second form is carried by rats and can be picked up by dogs who might dig in rodent burrows. A third form can be found in soil fungus.

How do you tell if your pet has ringworm?

One sign could be patchy hair or crusty bumps on the skin.

If your pet is itching one spot all the time this could be a sign. If you suspect your cat or dog has ringworm, take him to the vet right away.

Treatment needs to be quick and aggressive, generally using topical dips or shampoos, clipping your pets hair and in some cases an oral anti fungal can be prescribed. In dogs Ketoconazole is usually prescribed and in cats Itraconazole. Another flea control program, namely Program, can also be used and is given to cats and dogs orally.

Treatment can last for 8 weeks or more and you need to continue it until your vet confirms that no ringworm is present, even if your pet seems like it is getting better!

Treating your home is also important in the control of ringworm.

Fungal spores can persist in places like your carpet for up to 2 years. Hair tends to be the enemy, therefore getting rids of pet hairs in your home is the best way to rid the fungus from your home. Ringworm fungus like to grow in dark spaces like hair and debris, therefore regular emptying of your vacuum is essential.

If you have ringworm in your home, empty the vacuum bag each time you vacuum.

Can My Dog Get Flu

In today’s society with flu pandemics and such grabbing so much of the spotlight, it is easy for us to overlook the fact that our dogs can also contract a version of flu.

Yes it is true, there is a flu virus becoming prominent in the canine world that is believed to have originated as an equine strain. This equine strain has started to appear in dogs in the United States opening up a huge can of worms that we as dog owners now have to deal with.

As if there was not already enough dangerous factors that we must be aware of, now there is another potentially serious relatively unknown one to consider.

The Canine Influenza virus presents similar to the human version of the flu:

- Nasal discharge
- Eye discharge
- Fever
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Vomiting
- Labored breathing

Prophylaxis (Prevention)

- Keep your dog away from large dog populated areas.
- Avoid grooming shops, kennels, boarding kennels, etc.
- Keep your dog away from stray dogs
- Consult your vet for further prevention options

The trouble with the Canine Influenza virus, is that infected dogs can appear healthy.

This is why it is crucial to keep your dog away from stray dogs, or dogs that you do not thoroughly know to be clear of the virus, (indoor pets)

Treatment

If you do feel that your dog has developed Canine Influenza, consult your vet immediately for best treatment options.

Due to the relatively new appearance of the condition, treatment is limited to IV fluids, and Broad Spectrum antibiotics.

Cat Adoption The Facts

Cat rescue centers are becoming full to capacity, and more cats than ever before are looking for loving homes.

Cat Adoption The Facts

Although it can be tempting to rescue them all you will need to be sensible, and adopt one, or two. Cats like any animal are full time commitments, and you need to consider why you want to adopt a cat.

You also have to consider if your home and lifestyle is suitable to give a cat a good home.
If you are unable to actually adopt a cat there are plenty of fundraising ideas that you can implement. Cat rescue centers are always looking for donations, and support as well as homes for the cats.

Often they will appreciate any amount of help no matter how small it is.

Many of the workers at the cat rescue centers are volunteers, and can only offer a minimal amount of time every week.
Visiting cat rescue centers for the first time can be very upsetting, and you will be overwhelmed at how many cats, and kittens there are available to adopt. You have to remain focused, and realize that you cannot help all of them.

Many of the cats that are in the cat rescue center will never be adopted due to their age, and will live their lives in the center.
For these cats human attention, and affection is important, and they will love being fussed, and petted. Fund raising ideas are always welcomed to improve the quality of life for the long term cats in the cat rescue center. Many of these centers are run on very little money, and all donations are welcomed, and will be put to good use.

Although there will be some fundraising that is carried out, new and fresh ideas can always help. If you are in a position to be able to adopt a cat or kitten you will need to decide, which you would prefer.

Although kittens are cute, and funny some people cannot give them the attention they deserve.

Older cats will suit these people more, and there are plenty of them to choose from in the cat rescue center.

Once you have chosen the cat that you want to adopt you should ask as many questions as you want. Both the cat rescue center, and yourself should be happy with the adoption process.

You should always adopt a cat from a legal act rescue center as this will ensure that the cat is healthy, happy, and has all of the relevant injections.

You will need to consider if your new cat is to be a house cat, or allowed outside.

If they are allowed to wander your cat should be neutered to avoid unwanted kittens, and chipped to ensure that they can be identified easily if found.

If they wander off, and end up back in the cat rescue center they can easily identify them, and return your loved one to you. Hopefully your relationship will be a long and happy one with your cat.

Often cats that are rescued are far more loving, and will appreciate the second chance you have provided for them.

No matter how you help the local cat rescue center whether it be through fundraising ideas, or adoption you will know that you are helping.

What are the Best Pets for Children to Look After

Best Pets for Children


At some point most children want a pet.

Most of them get a pet at some point as well, but from the time your child starts expressing a desire to have a pet of their own to the time they actually have one you need to consider what pets are best for children.

If your living situation allows, getting a pet for your child is a wonderful idea.

Studies have shown that pets produced many benefits for their child owners, including socialize/curing of loneliness, lowered anxiety and a sense of responsibility.

While you’re undoubtedly want your child to reap these benefits, you also want to ensure that they are kept safe and that they realize what having a pet of their own entails.

You can help them come to the realization of the responsibility of a pet, as well as the benefits of a pet, by starting them out with an age appropriate pet like the ones shared here!

Guinea Pigs Guinea pigs are one of the most highly recommended first pets. 

Why? For a number of reasons: they’re affordable, they’re fairly low maintenance, they can be kept in or outdoors and take up little space, they are just the right size for little hands to handle and they aren’t very temperamental.
Guinea pig care sounds easy enough doesn’t it?

Hamsters have also been called the perfect pet, 

But because they are much smaller than the guinea pig they are more likely to get injured by younger children or run off if they get lose!

Additionally, as long as you help your child provide the proper guinea pig care guinea pigs have a considerably longer life span than hamsters do and the farther away your talk about the death of a pet is the better!

Cats Cute and cuddly, who doesn’t love those features? 

Cats are certainly cute and most are cuddly as well. They are also very independent, making the care of them fairly minimal.

This would prove very beneficial for a child, but one over the age of 5. Most cats don’t like being treated like a plaything and sometimes the claws come out, literally.

Rabbits Rabbits are beloved animals. 

They fill childhood stories and what child wouldn’t want a happy hopping bunny around?

Rabbits may bite, so your child would need to be careful when handling theirs, but they are easy to handle and the care of them is similar to guinea pig care.

Fish Fish may sound like a boring pet, but not for a child. 

They are very low maintenance and very affordable (your child could even win one at a fair); but they also come in assorted colors and their living environment offers endless opportunities for creativity.

If you plan to make a fish your child’s first pet, be sure to get at least a couple, as they thrive on the company of one another.

Ants For years Ant farms have provided both entertainment and an educational experiment for young children. 

It’s about as long maintenance as you can get without settling for a pet rock.

Children who find insects fascinating will surely love having them in their home and watching them interacting within their own little homes.

Be sure to assist your child in the care of their pet to help them take charge of their responsibility and develop a respect for animals.

Yulin Festival – The Dog Eating Must Stop

So once again the barbaric summer solstice Yulin festival is upon us. Yes – the animal welfare conscious Chinese still think appalling brutality towards dogs, culminating in eating them, is fitting in the 21st century.

This glorious tradition, handed down through generations of these barbarians, features such delights as gorging on dog meat with lychee washed down with grain alcohol – in short an alcohol fuelled meat eating frenzy.

Yulin festival – feeding the obscene dog meat trade

Conservative estimates claim that as many as 10,000 dogs were butchered for the Yulin festival in 2014.

Most of these were specifically bred for this cruel fate, however many were lost or stolen pets – some still with their collars.

This disgusting feeding frenzy creates such a demand at the Yulin festival that dogs are shipped in from all parts of China and illegally imported across Chinese borders.

Yulin festival – cruel and barbaric

This joyous occasion incorporates such highlights as:
  • The slitting of live dogs throats on the street for the entertainment of consumers
  • Dogs confined in tiny chicken cages without food or water
  • Dogs dying of heat stroke and dehydration before they can be slaughtered
  • Dogs under such stress that in desperation they turn on and even kill each other

Yulin festival – looks set to take place yet again

The animal welfare conscious Chinese government have instituted half-hearted restrictions on the importation and sale of raw dog meat that have had little effect (let’s face it- their hearts aren’t in it). 

The Chinese administration, true to its appalling record on animal welfare, has made absolutely no effort to stop the barbaric Yulin festival –   city government officials even denying any connection to the event.

Consequently the Yulin festival looks set to take place at summer solstice once again later this month. 
Therefore efforts need to be made to end the dog meat trade.



Dog Bites & Misc Animal Bites

Animal bites are a common problem. Thousands of people are bitten by animals every year. Dog bites are the most common occurence.
If you have been bitten by an animal, you should first seek medical treatment.


You should do this regardless of whether you think the bite is serious or not.

Dog Bites & Misc Animal Bites 

A person bitten by an animal may be legally entitled to recover damages from the responsible party. I use the word "responsible party" because the owner is not always the culprit.

Animal owners are not the only people who can be held responsible for animal bites.


Animal keepers, parents or guardians of minors, and property owners can also be held liable.

Therefore, the next thing you should do is consult with an attorney, who should be able to tell you whether you have a case, who to go after, and what damages you may be able to recover.

Some states have a "strict liability" policy, which holds the owner responsible regardless of whether or not he or she is guilty of negligent behavior.

Other states allow for certain defenses such as adequate warnings and sufficient attempts to keep the animal from harming others.


The owner of a dog that has bitten someone should consult with a lawyer to detemine if he or she is liable for any damages and whether or not he or she has any defenses.