pet-news

Cold weater paw care tips

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 18:51:29 +0100

To help prevent cold weather from affecting your pets paws and skin please use the following helpful hints:

1.) Bring a small towel on long walks to lean off irritated paws. After every walk wash and dry your pets feet to remove ice, salt, dirt and chemicals.

2.) Doggie Booties or Pawtectors can help minimize contact with painful salt crystals, poisonous chemicals and other objects.

3.) Keeping the feet (including in between the toes) and legs of long haired dogs trimmed shorter will minimize ice balls, salt crystals and deicing chemicals thad can dry on the skin.

4.) Massaging petroleum jelly or Mushers Secret into the paw pads before going outside helps protect against salt and chemicals. Using these after a good paw washing and cleaning can help heal cracked/chapped paws.

5.) Use pet friendly ice melters that can be found in pet stores.

*** Remeber if teh weather is too cold for you it may be too cold or your pets.

Emergency Preparedness

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 11:08:19 +0100

http://www.cthumane.org/site/MessageViewer?em_id=5401.0&dlv_id=49481

Welcoming my new furbaby Jennie into our lives

Sun, 17 Apr 2011 13:23:09 +0100

I picked up my beautiful new puppy last Wednesday from Companion Pet Rescue out of Tennessee who brought her to Southington Connecticut for me.

She has been with us a little over a week and she is such a smart girl and learned sit and down in two days and come by day five. Her potty training is going well with careful observation of her subtle signals of needing to go and getting her out consistently.

I am already in love and my heart is already melting as she has the cutest litte face and freckles.

She is turning into my new shadow like my boy Sonny used to be, following me all over the house looking at met like what are you doing now mom?

She is very attententive and always looking up to you for quidance and instruction, her goal to please is very obvious.

I am looking forward to doing puppy training and socialization with her in a couple of weeks and hope to work our way up to Canine Good Citizen and perhaps some part time therapy dog work.

She is already very social and loves to meet all my neighbors and their dogs.

I am looking forward to yet another great relationship with a wonderful dog.

Pet Trust Laws

Wed, 30 Mar 2011 15:52:32 +0100

Click here to read an article by the Connecticut Humane Society about Pet Trust Laws

Where Did It All Go Wrong For Pitbulls

Mon, 28 Mar 2011 17:01:51 +0100

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Article by the Connecticut Humane Society

How did pit bulls change from being an icon for the strength and pride of America to becoming so misunderstood and feared? Pit bulls are not a specific breed but rather a descriptive title that includes more than 20 different pure bred dogs which all have a great deal of positive things to offer their human companions. Examples include the American Staffordshire terrier and the Staffordshire bull terrier. So what happened? How did these dogs become a beacon for bad publicity and the resulting stereotypes that commonly make them very difficult to adopt if they ever become homeless? There was a time in the not too distant past when the bully breeds were regarded with great respect. Remember the famous Petey, from “The Little Rascals” TV show and the RCA dog that appeared on so many records and advertisements produced by that company? During the World War I era, pit bulls were a symbol of American loyalty and pride and appeared on recruiting posters all around the country. During World War I a pit bull mix named Stubby became the most decorated war dog of that time and was promoted to Sergeant. He was a perfect example of what these breeds are capable of accomplishing when trained and handled properly. During the middle of the 20th century, the bully breeds began attracting interest from many of the wrong people because of their strength, tenacity and “fearsome” looks. These individuals capitalized on two of the most positive traits of these dogs, their loyalty to people and their desire to please their human families. Consequently, “pits” became a status symbol for the drug and gang culture during the 1980’s and have been a topic of bad publicity in the media ever since. Additionally, they are a favored breed for those individuals who participate in the deplorable world of dog fighting which is illegal in our country. The ramifications of this change in public opinion have adversely affected both the dogs and their owners. In some areas of this country as well as abroad, these breeds have been banned from certain towns and cities. There are even some countries that ban the breeds throughout their borders. In today’s world you may not be able to obtain homeowner’s insurance if you are the proud and loving owner of a pit bull or a pit bull mix. The sad reality of this new, modern world is that the bully breeds are much harder to place than other canines and consequently, many shelters and rescue groups are filled to the brim with this type of dog. In fact, it is not uncommon for people to approach the staff of a shelter and comment, “You don’t seem to have any dogs, just pit bulls.” So what can we do to return the reputation of pit bulls to the positive attitude that prevailed during the early 1900’s? The answer is to become educated about breed discrimination, conduct research aimed towards responsible pet selection and ownership, and support the efforts of your local animal welfare and rescue groups to place these great pets into forever homes. Looking for a new dog? Always do your research to learn about the best choice for you and your lifestyle. This will help prevent the need to place your canine for adoption because things aren’t working out. If you are an athletic person who loves to spend time with your dog engaging in all sorts of activities, then one of the bully breeds just might be the right fit. These dogs are intelligent and athletic which makes them excel at obedience and canine sports. They just love a challenge! They are also exceedingly affectionate and loyal to their human companions. This makes them an excellent family pet. Consequently, “pits” will require a great deal of aerobic exercise and training to keep their minds occupied and will also need to spend as much time as possible with their human companions. Because of their genetic background, there are some that may be predisposed to having aggressive tendencies towards other animals so these dogs are not always ideal candidates for off leash activities in a public setting. Before bringing home one of these delightful companions, make sure you research local ordinances that may affect your ability to have this type of dog and also find out what your homeowner’s insurance will allow. The Connecticut Humane Society regularly assists local animal control departments by taking in pets that they are either unable to place or have difficulty placing due to time limits and/or lack of resources. In many instances, these dogs have been part of a police raid and are sometimes deemed candidates for euthanasia because of the circumstances in which thay had been living. Recently, the Connecticut Humane Society was able to help in one of these types of cases by taking 4 dogs that had been part of a raid. We found that these dogs were still gentle and loving despite all that they had been through. They were excellent candidates for adoption. Thanks to the collaboration of many people in this particular case, these fine dogs received a second chance and a new lease on life!

Supreme Court Blocks Law Banning Animal Cruelty Videos

Mon, 28 Mar 2011 16:56:06 +0100

A federal law designed to stop the sale of videos depicting animal cruelty has been defeated in the Supreme Court in order to protect freedom of speech. Yesterday the U.S. Supreme Court voted 8-1 in favor of a defendant who was being prosecuted for marketing and selling videos showing pit bull dogs attacking each other and other animals in staged fights. The government, the Humane Society and 26 states are in favor of the law, which bans the marketing and selling of any material that depicts animal cruelty, but the court ruled that the law goes against the constitutional right of freedom of speech. The only existing law that is in contradiction of freedom of speech is that which governs child pornography. Robert Stevens, of Pittsville, Virginia, ran a business called Dogs of Velvet and Steel, which sold videos depicting dog fighting. He was found to be advertising these videos in Sporting Dog Journal, an underground dog fighting magazine. After the ruling, Stevens told the news media that he was not a promoter of dog fighting, and was in fact a journalist and an author. He was initially sentenced to 37 months in prison in 2004, but the sentence was not served pending appeal. This was the first case to proceed to trial under the law since it's conception in 1999. Chief Justice John Roberts concluded that Congress had failed to show that depictions of dog fights justified a special category of exclusion from the right of free speech. As an example, the law would prevent even a news agency from producing an undercover documentary that included evidence of dog fighting. However, Justice Samuel Alito, who voted against Stevens, said that the most disturbing aspect raised by the appeal was the marketing of so-called "crush" videos, in which women crush helpless small animals under their feet. Alito suggested that these videos would become more widespread because the ruling had in effect made them legal. Chief Justice Roberts suggested that a law specifically banning these videos might be a valid avenue to explore. In response to the judgement, Wayne Pacelle, President and CEO of The Humane Society of the United States, said: "We have a consensus in society that animal fighting and malicious animal crush videos constitute cruelty. In order to give those values meaning, we need a set of laws that not only prohibit the core conduct, but also the sale of videos showing the illegal conduct."

Keeping Your Pets Safe During the Holiday

Mon, 28 Mar 2011 16:48:07 +0100

Holidays can be hectic for everyone in your family, including the family pet. Please remember to never leave your pets ( children) unattended when holiday lights are plugged in due to risks of electrocution and fire dangers. Many plants including poinsettas can be posinous (especially for cats) so please be sure to keep these items out of reach. Also be sure to keep holiday chocolates out of reach of an unsupervised dog. Try not to leave pieces of gift wrapping ribbons where kitty can get to them and sometimes eat them causing blockages in the intestines that in some cases could require surgery. If your animals are easily stressed out and of the nervous or extremely shy disposition it may be best to keep them in a dark and quite room if your house is full of quest and noisier than usual. This will prevent undue stress to your pet. With all this in mind am wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday season and we are looking forward to a great New Year ahead. Click here to read more safety tips from Pets Peoples Places

How To Safely Remove a Tick

Mon, 28 Mar 2011 16:48:58 +0100

Preview:
1.Use latex exam gloves to examine your pet for ticks in good lighting.

2.Check your pets daily for ticks by feeling for any lumps under the hair, paying close attention to the ears, eyes, face, belly and legs.

3.Ticks range in size from the size of a sesame seed to the size of a fingernail when they are engorged.

4.When a tick is found embedded in the skin, use a fine pointed tweezers at the point of attachment, and grasp the tick head firmly.

5.Using slow, steady and firm traction, pull the tick straight out from the skin.

6.It is critical NOT to squeeze the tick body at any time, as this can inject more potential pathogens in to you or your pet while the tick is embedded.

7.Cleanse the area with mild soap and water.

8.If a small part of the tick breaks off, you may try to remove it as you would a splinter but the body will "eject" in time if left alone.

9.Place the tick in a jar of alcochol, write the date on the jar in case of future illness. Tick identification and location of tick infestation can be very helpful in treatment.

Helpful hints:

1.DO NOT use a match or other caustic materials to try and smother the tick or get the tick to back out as it may cause the tick to regurgitate more saliva and potential pathogens into the skin.

2.Talk to your vet about effective tick control products for your pet.

3.Call your vet if your pet exhibits any signs of illness such as lethargy, stiffness in joints, respiratory issues, or anything out of the ordinary for your pet.

Is a Summer Shave Right For Your Pet

Mon, 28 Mar 2011 16:38:19 +0100

We shave sheep in the summer so they do not become too hot, so why not long haired dogs. On those steamy days of August when your Husky doesn't dare step outside in the 90 degree weather, maybe you've thought of borrowing your husband's clippers and giving the dog a haircut.

Many groomers and veterinarians do not recommend shaving your dogs coat very short during the summer. The hair coat may actually help keep the dog cooler on hot days, instead of acting like a wool blanket as we may think.

In the arctic breeds, or those dogs that are made for the snowy weather, shaving can actually induce the hair to stop growing in it's natural manner. This is especially true for dogs that may have underlying issues with their thyroid or other illness. The hair may not grow back, or may grow back in another color, shade or texture. Regular grooming is best for your pet to keep it's skin and coat in a healthy state. Regular grooming helps remove the dead hair and undercoat from the pet allowing air to get down to the skin alowing the skin "breathe" while cutting down of shedding.

The other factor we may easily forget when it comes to our pets is that, if you do shave the animal and you shave too close to the skin, then dog may more easily be sunburned. Most of our animals do not spend enough time out in the sun to become burned, but some animals do after being shaved. This is especially true of white or pets with other light coat colors whose skin tends to me more sensitive.

If you do plan to be outdoors with your pet, you can use a zinc-free sunscreen. The bridge of the nose and the ears are more common places that pets get sunburn. But before you head out in the summer weather, don't forget to consider your pet's well-being.

Dogs can sweat from small glands in their paws which do little to help cool them, unlike humans who sweat all over for heat relief. The main way our pets blow off excess heat is open-mouth breathing (panting). In short, if you're thinking of taking Spot for that long run or walk in sunny, hot weather, don't try it!

There are a few exceptions, if they are a dog that stays outside, is not well groomed, and may stay very wet, you run the risk of developing maggots in a matted coat. Veterinarians usually have a very high tolerance for un-pleasantries in pets, but for many, maggot infestations cross the line. And a shave to prevent such a case may be worth considering. In addition, a dog that easily develops "hot spots" may also be a candidate for a summer shave to allow for easier care of the skin.

In short, most dogs are better off not being shaved very short for the summer weather. If they live outdoors, be sure to provide adequate shade and water at all times to prevent overheating. If your dog is groomed on a regular basis it can have some of the coat removed to make it shorter all over without being shaved to the skin.

If an unfortunate circumstance develops in which your dog does overheat, quick action can be lifesaving. Serious burns have occurred when owners rush to hose off their pet--if the hose has been sitting in the sun all day the temperature of the water inside is near boiling. It is critical that you test the temperature of the hose water before dousing your pet. The water should be cool, but not frigid. Because ice baths constrict the vessels, they are not nearly as helpful in cooling pets as cold water. After hosing off a pet you suspect may have overheated, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Choosing Your Forever Pet

Mon, 28 Mar 2011 16:31:15 +0100

Canine Match: Finding the Right Dog for You

Dogs and cats are the two most popular American pets. If you’ve decided that a canine companion would complete the family, your next decision is figuring out what type of dog to welcome into the household.

The Humane Society of the United States estimates that roughly 2 million dogs are euthanized each year in shelter. Therefore, adopting a dog from a shelter could be a way to offset those statistics. Shelter dogs come in all shapes and sizes, breeds, and personalities. While there’s no surefire way to determine what you’ll end up with if you adopt a puppy from a shelter, if it is a mixed breed, you can make informed choices based on the dominant breed standing out in the dog-something a shelter worker or veterinarian can help determine.
There are many other decisions to make before bringing home a dog. Research can narrow down the right dog, and reduce the chances that the animal gets returned to the shelter or becomes a burden on the family. Here are some pointers to consider from the American Kennel Club (AKC).

SIZE: Puppies become dogs, and some puppies become large dogs. Consider the amount of space you have in your home and yard. Will it be enough to accommodate the big dog? Larger dogs will require more food, and generally everything that comes with the dog will be larger (including presents left behind during daily walks). A small dog may require more energy to burn off and could be noisier than a larger counter part. You will need to weigh the options --literally.

TEMPERAMENT: Dog’s personalities are as varied as humans. Some breeds are strong-willed, others are highly malleable. Some train easily, some not so easily. One dog may like lounging around the house, while another may want to run and run and run. Researching the traits of certain breeds can make the decision process more in-depth than simply choosing a dog because he or she looks cute. Remember, this dog will be with you potentially for 10 to 15 years, depending on size. You want a companion that is compatible.

MALE OR FEMALE: There are few differences between male and female dogs for the casual pet owner. Most dogs adopted are spayed or neutered, which narrows down the differences even further. Female dogs may be slightly smaller than their male counterparts.

GROOMING NEEDS: All dogs will require some manner of grooming to remain healthy. Depending upon the coat, this grooming can be as minor as routine baths or as in-depth as daily combing. Also, most dogs shed to some extent, and shedding is not exclusive to whether the dog has a short coat or a long one. Dogs with fancy coats (shih-tzu, Lhasa Apso, Maltese, Cocker Spaniels, Poodles, Doodles) may need to be professionally groomed every 4 – 12 weeks to maintain that look – an extra expense. The AKC advises deciding how much dog hair you’re willing to put up with and how much time and energy you can afford when deciding which breed is right for you.

AGE OF DOG: There are advantages and disadvantages to getting an adult dog versus a puppy. Puppies can be molded from the beginning according to your lifestyle. Adult dogs may be used to other ways from previous households. However, puppies will need to be trained, which can take a lot of time and patience. Puppies also cannot be left alone for long periods of time. Adult dogs may be housetrained and know some basic obedience already. Older dogs may also be calmer and more suited to owners who want a dog with fewer needs.

Deciding on a dog takes forethought, research and a level head. Using your head instead of simply following your heart when looking for a dog can ensure you find a pet that will really be an ideal fit for your family.