Dogs whine for a variety of reasons. Your dog may whine because he wants something or because he is excited. He may whine because he is apprehensive or anxious about something. A dog who is showing appeasement behavior may whine as part of his interaction with other dogs or people.
Help Stop Your Dog From Whining
What are Heartworms ??
A map of heartworm incidence in the US |
The Right Pet For You!
- Yes! We don't call them our best friends for nothing. Loyal and loving, dogs are social animals who thrive on being upstanding members of their families.
- No! If there are young kids in the house, a puppy may not be your your best bet. Instead, try a medium-sized dog over five months of age.
- Way to go! If you've done your research and found a breed that meshes with your lifestyle, you’re on the right track! Don’t forget to draw up a schedule of who in the family will do what—walking, playing, feeding and grooming.
- Yes! Graceful, athletic, playful, sensitive and affectionate, felines are the most popular pet in the United States today and stand high on the cuddle scale.
- No! Cats are not like dogs, and can be very independent.
- Way to go! If you've done your research and decided on a cat of an appropriate age for your household, visit your shelter and be sure to have your new friend spayed or neutered!
Budgie
- Yes! Playful, cheery and chirpy, this little charmer is the most popular avian companion. He's gentle and funny, can be readily tamed to sit on your shoulder, and makes a perfect first bird for the young members of the family.
- No! Birds can be messy….really messy. You'll need to clean the cage and surrounding area daily. Also, keep in mind that not all budgies talk, even though they have the capability.
- Way to go! A budgie is a great choice if you've got your heart set on an avian mimic but don't have the time, money or space for a larger member of the parrot family.
Fish
- Yes! Got allergies, limited space and/or lean towards the exotic? Although fish are relatively low maintenance, there's a definite science to keeping them and their environment healthy—hence their appeal to big-brained types who get a kick out of seeing the nitrogen cycle at work.
- No! If you’re looking for a pet who will follow you around, lick your face and play fetch, a finned friend is probably not for you.
- Way to go! Get all of your equipment beforehand, do your research and know what species are safe to keep together. If you've done your homework, you probably know that common goldfish can live for more than 10 years if properly cared for!
Guinea Pig
- Yes! They're not pigs and they're not from New Guinea, but these cuddle bugs are the most docile of all companion rodents. Under adult supervision, guinea pigs are excellent first pets for children.
- No! These little critters aren't the kind of pets you can passively watch through the bars of the cage. They need time out to exercise every day.
- Way to go! Fun for the whole family, social GPs are great in pairs, just be sure you have adequate housing for them. And do your reading—these guys have special dietary needs!
Hamster
- Yes! Off the cuteness charts, hamsters are busy little rodents who are very popular with kids and great pets for apartment dwellers.
- No! Did you know that hamsters sleep during the day and are active at night?
- Way to go! You’re ready for a hamster if you're a night owl and/or won't be bothered by your pet eating, digging and running on his wheel in the wee hours. P.S. Syrian hamsters are solitary and must be kept alone. Dwarf hamsters are more social and can be housed together, so make sure you know what species you’re bringing home.
Rabbit
- Yes! They can be trained to use the litter box, they'll come when called, and their all-time favorite activities are to dig and chew. Who knew? The sometimes sweet, sometimes sassy rabbit can be a great pet for the right family.
- No! Rabbits can’t live outdoors! Outside, rabbits can die of fright and are susceptible to diseases spread by ticks and other parasites.
- Way to go! If you've done the research and understand exactly what rabbits need—big-time digging and chewing—then you’re ready for a cotton-tailed friend. Be sure to have your new bun spayed or neutered.
The Different Types of Dog Collars
Collars are worn by dogs for training, walking, identification or even fashion. Use the following descriptions to find the right collar for your dog, then check out some leash varieties.
Chain Slip Collars
Metal Prong Collars
Martingale Collars
Everyday Collars
Break-Away Collars
These collars are also for everyday use, but have a special safety feature to prevent choking. However, they can still be used for walking on a leash. The collar will break away if the loop becomes caught on something and your dog pulls away. When a leash is hooked onto bothloops, you can walk your dog without the risk of the collar breaking away. Always be sure your dog’s collar has a name tag with your current contact information.Head Collars
Harnesses
Martingale Leads are all-in-one collars and leads. They operate in a similar way as the Martingale collars. Commonly used for toy breeds in the show ring, the collar portion slips over the head and tightens when the lead is pulled. A plastic tube slides down the lead to keep the collar in place.
5 Ways to Keep Your Pet's Teeth and Gums Healthy for Life
1. Beware of Bad Breath
2. Brush Your Pet's Teeth
3. Consider Dental Toys, Treats and Food
4. Ask Your Vet for a Dental Exam
5. Don't Let Anesthesia Stop You From Getting a Dental Cleaning
What Does Being a "Responsible Pet Owner" Mean?
For several decades now, pet owners have been encouraged to be “responsible” and spay or neuter their pets. We all know that these surgeries can reduce the numbers of unwanted puppies and kittens. But, there is a deeper meaning to being a responsible pet owner. How else can we reduce shelter populations, save more animals and even enrich the lives of our pets at home?
Pets are important and cherished parts of our family lives. After all, where else can a person find such unconditional love and affection as well as the scientifically proven emotional connection we call the human-animal bond? Yet, despite this powerful relationship, animal shelters and rescues are still inundated annually with millions of dogs, cats and other pets that are relinquished for a wide variety of reasons. So, how can we help make sure pets find a “forever home”?
Most people can understand that our animal friends need an appropriate diet, fresh water and necessary veterinary care. But, many fail to see that there are other, less tangible needs that should be addressed if our pets are going to remain in our homes.
In other words, are we first making good decisions when bringing a new pet into our family and then, are we providing the mental, grooming and behavioral requirements of our pets to have a rich life?
The National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy (NCPPSP) spent one year in 12 selected animal shelters across the United States to find out why pet owners give up their pets. Of the 2000 canines sent to shelters, more than 45% of owners cited some sort of behavior issue as one of the reason for relinquishing their dogs. For the almost 1400 felines, human and personal issues (allergies, no time for the pet, new baby, etc) were the most common reasons for surrender.
“The biggest problem we see with dogs is the unruly, untrained adolescent animal who has become too much of a handful for the family,” says Dr. Martha Smith, Vice-President of Animal Welfare at the Animal Rescue League of Boston. “We spend significant time and energy giving these dogs some basic obedience training and that helps with their adoptability, getting them into a loving home more quickly.”
The NCPPSP study confirmed Dr. Smith’s comments. Almost 50% of the dogs relinquished were between 5 months and 3 years of age and 96% of them had not received any obedience training. In addition, 33% of the dogs and more than 46% of the cats surrendered had not been to a veterinarian.
What can we learn from this in order to be better pet owners and make a real difference in the numbers of pets in shelters?
The first step is to completely understand all of the needs of the pet you want to adopt and then make a proper selection. Highly active dog breeds, like Australian Shepherds or Irish Setters, may not be suited for a life in a city apartment. Similarly, an older cat could be less tolerant of very young children and be likely to nip or scratch.
Next, be careful if you decide to adopt a “free” dog or cat advertised locally or one from a friend. While the pet may be free, there will still be a variety of on-going expenses. These include good food, vaccinations, parasite prevention and even grooming. Some may have more involved issues and it is the responsibility of the adopting family to provide proper care.
Good behavior/training and mental stimulation (or environmental enrichment) is often ignored. There’s an old adage that a tired dog is a good dog and owners should always find time for interaction and play with their canine friends. The same is true for cats.
Finally, pet owners should always be prepared for some sort of animal emergency. Traumatic injuries and serious illnesses are common occurrences and, sadly, many owners will either surrender the pet to a shelter or euthanize this beloved family member simply because of the cost. Plan for these emergencies and major illnesses in advance with a pet health savings plan or a well-researched pet insurance policy. People who use their pet health insurance policy say they could not live without it. Such policies will often times save the life of your best friend.
Your veterinarian is a perfect source of advice on any of these topics. The whole veterinary team wants to see your family stay together, including all of the furry, four legged members. Working with your veterinarian and making good decisions can help you become a truly dedicated and responsible pet owner - and that’s best for everyone!
By: Dr. Jim Humphries, Certified Veterinary Journalist, Veterinary News Network
Chocolate Toxicosis
- Toxicosis is disease due to poisoning.
- Chocolate toxicosis is a common problem in dogs, but less common in cats. Depending on how much chocolate is ingested, the signs can range from a simple stomach upset to life-threatening problems.
- The toxic ingredients in chocolate include caffeine and a chemical called theobromine.
- Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are more toxic than white chocolate, but all of these should be withheld from pets. Cacao bean mulch used in gardens can cause chocolate toxicosis if a large enough amount is eaten.
What Is Chocolate Toxicosis?
Signs of Chocolate Toxicosis
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Chocolate smell on breath
- Lethargy (weakness/tiredness)
- Panting
- Anxiousness, restlessness, and pacing
- Seizures