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Heartworm disease in dogs- it’s a potentially very serious disease, which sounds
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very ominous. What could be worse than a parasitic disease of the heart? One of the more common questions I was asked by pet owners was whether or not their dog really needed to be on a conventional preventive medication. More often than not, most clients are told only one thing: to give their dog a monthly Heartworm preventive. In this article I’ll explain exactly what is heartworm, the causes of heartworm, determining if your dog needs to be on a preventive heartworm medication, and the holistic options available to prevent heartworm in pets.
Heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) is a parasitic worm which infects mostly dogs. Although all internal parasites can be harmful to your pet, heartworm infestation is serious and can be cause death. The worm mainly affects the lung arteries, and clinical signs are associated with damage to the lungs, and then the heart.
Heartworm is spread by mosquitoes. Not all mosquitoes carry heartworm, but when an infected mosquito bites your pet, it can transfer larvae to the animal’s tissues. The worms require development in the mosquito at a temperatures above 27 °C (80 °F) ; below 14 °C (57 °F), development cannot occur, and the cycle will be halted. If the temperature is warm enough, and the heartworm larvae progresses to being infective, they can infect another dog. These larvae then migrate through the body, until they reach the animal’s heart and lungs. There the adult worms will grow. They can grow to 70 -110 cm long and cause a great deal of damage to the heart and lungs.
Dogs show no sign of infection with heartworm during the first 6 months. The first signs include a cough, especially after exercise. As the disease advances, signs can include fainting, pronounced coughing, syncope, crackles in the lungs, general weakness, and heart failure. In serious cases of heartworm disease, it can lead to sudden death.
Most (certainly not all) holistic veterinarians consider the use of pharmaceutical preventatives to be less harmful than a heartworm infection. What you need to be aware of is the incidence of Heartworm in your area, and whether or not your pet really is at risk of Heartworm disease. For example in Canada, Heartworm is difficult to acquire, and usually not fatal; far less than the dire warnings and marketing claims of the Heartworm preventive companies. For heartworm to be transmitted to your pet, you need the correct temperature for a long enough period of time, the right climate, and the correct species and sex of mosquito.
Holistic heartworm prevention options include many common sense natural health suggestions to keep your dog’s immune system healthy, along with preventing mosquito bites. First avoid unnecessary vaccines- keep your dog’s immune system healthy. Avoid repeated uses of steroids, or conventional antibiotics. Provide excellent nutrition by feeding quality natural brands of dog food, home diets and raw food. Ensure that the diet includes certain neutraceuticals that help prime the immune response; essential fatty acids in adequate levels, probiotics, and consider the use of colostrum. Practice excellent mosquito control, for this is the insect that spreads heartworm. I have had some great success with a natural mosquito repellent using cedarwood oil. Use natural alternatives when possible – this can mean using nosodes and herbal supplements, while also having your dog tested for heartworm. This is better under the guidance of a holistic veterinarian.
My thoughts on conventional use of monthly heartworm preventives are this: If you are in a high risk area, use the conventional preventives, but for as short duration as possible- ie when the conditions really exist to transmit the disease. Use the lowest effective dose of the preventives; you can also follow up the conventional meds with liver supportive products such as milk thistle and Vitamin E. If you live in an area with little to no risk of heartworm, consider no use of conventional medication.
You should now have a better understanding of what heartworm is in dogs, and how it is spread from dog to dog. Now you know the clinical signs of heartworm infection, plus are able to determine whether or not your dog needs heartworm preventives based on the incidence in your area. Lastly you can use some of the suggested holistic modalities to prevent heartworm, avoiding the potential side effects of the conventional heartworm drugs.
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Best Wishes,
Dr Andrew Jones
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Diamond Pet Foods Expands Voluntary Recall to Include
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Diamond Puppy Formula due to Possible Salmonella Contamination 04/30/2012
Customer Contact: 800-442-0402 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – April 30, 2012 Diamond Pet Foods is expanding a voluntary recall to include Diamond Puppy Formula dry dog food. The company took this precautionary measure because sampling revealed Salmonella in the product. No dog illnesses have been reported.
Salmonella can affect animals eating the products and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.
People infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.
Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.
Only the Diamond Puppy Formula products meeting the following descriptions are recalled: Description Size Production Code Best By Date Diamond Puppy Formula dry dog food 40 lb. DPP0401B22XJW 6-Apr-2013 Diamond Puppy Formula dry dog food 40 lb. DPP0401A21XAW 6-Apr-2013 Diamond Puppy Formula dry dog food 40 lb. DPP0101C31XME 11-Jan-2013 Diamond Puppy Formula dry dog food 40 lb. DPP0401B21XDJ 7-Apr-2013 Diamond Puppy Formula dry dog food 20 lb. DPP0401B22XJW 6-Apr-2013 Diamond Puppy Formula dry dog food 20 lb. DPP0101C31XME 11-Jan-2013 Diamond Puppy Formula dry dog food 20 lb. DPP0101C31XRB 11-Jan-2013 Diamond Puppy Formula dry dog food 8 lb. DPP0401B2XALW 7-Apr-2013 Diamond Puppy Formula dry dog food 6 oz. samples DPP0401
The recalled Diamond Puppy Formula dry dog food was manufactured by Diamond Pet Foods in Gaston, S.C., and distributed in the following 12 states: Alabama Florida Georgia Kentucky Maryland Michigan North Carolina Ohio Pennsylvania South Carolina Tennessee Virginia
The product may have been further distributed to additional states through pet food channels. The company is working directly with distributors and retailers that carry these products to remove them as quickly as possible from the supply chain. Diamond Pet Foods apologizes for any potential issues this may cause pet owners and their dogs.
Pet owners, who are unsure if the product they purchased is included in the recall, or who would like replacement product or a refund, may contact Diamond Pet Foods at 800-442-0402, 8 am – 6 pm EST, Monday through Friday, or visit www.diamondpetrecall.com.
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Elaine Petersen had laminate floors installed in her Florida home a couple of years ago — only to have the proverbial rug pulled out from under her.
“It was a nightmare for Ramsey,” she says of her now 11-year-old Golden Retriever, who was so unsure of his footing that he refused to walk through the living room. Because Ramsey’s rear legs had atrophied, Petersen was afraid they would slide out from under him.
So she covered her slick new floors with huge area rugs, and Ramsey got his house back.
Sharing your life with an aging dog can have its challenges — some of them, like Petersen’s, as dramatic as they might be unforeseen. Along with graying muzzles and slower reflexes, senior dogs have special requirements in their twilight years.
When is old? The first step for owners is figuring out at what age a dog should get his canine AARP card. Size is a big factor.
“Certain giant breeds reach the senior stage at age 5,” says Kim Langholz, DVM, a community-practice veterinarian at the Iowa State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital. “But in general, we start considering dogs as seniors at about 7 years old.”
While annual wellness exams are a must for any dog, Langholz suggests twice-a-year visits for older ones. “Animals age more rapidly than humans, and an older dog can lose weight so gradually that an owner doesn’t notice.” At these biannual visits, a vet can do blood work to evaluate the functioning of internal organs, such as the kidneys and liver, and monitor the heart.
But in other respects, less is more. Michael Stone, DVM, an internal medicine specialist and clinical assistant professor at Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, notes that vets are backing away from the idea of annual booster shots, especially for aging dogs. “We’re really spacing out vaccines now,” he says, noting that studies show that immunity for some vaccines, such as parvovirus and distemper, lasts for as long as seven years.
Make life easier Because limited mobility is a hallmark of getting older, pet manufacturers offer a variety of products — from pet ramps and steps to heated and therapeutic bedding — to help ease stress on an elderly dog’s aching joints.
Marcy Burke of New York had a memory-foam bed custom made for her 11-year-old Golden Retriever Taylor. “I notice that after she sleeps on it, she’s able to move much more quickly,” Burke says. “And in the car it helps a tremendous amount if I can take the shock out of her ride.”
Burke also reminds that graceful aging begins in the sapling years with a good diet, regular exercise, and even thoughtful training. “I taught Taylor as a young puppy to use every single step on the stairs and not to leap off the bottom.” Although Burke’s intention was to help Taylor’s performance at agility trials, “it has helped her in later life to go up one at a time, and down one at a time,” preventing a dangerous slip and fall.
Common health concerns Older dogs are prone to some common diseases and problems, including:
Obesity. Long-term weight problems are the No. 1 risk of old age, Stone says, because excess weight can lead to severe arthritis and impaired mobility. Once a medical cause such as hypothyroidism has been ruled out, the solution is simple: less food, more exercise.
Still, Stone estimates that only one in 10 owners heeds his advice to cut calories. “It’s easy to listen to me,” he says, “but hard to look at those sad, brown eyes.”
Arthritis. This common joint problem isn’t just painful; it’s a frequent cause of euthanasia, Stone says, “because it impairs the dog’s ability to get around.”
Keeping a dog trim and well-exercised is key. Vets can recommend supplements such as glucosamine chondroitin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, although the latter can affect liver function.
Dental disease. “The mouth has a tremendous blood supply, and there is information that suggests if there is a lot of bacteria along the gum line, it can seed to other parts of the body,” Langholz says. Regular cleanings need to be weighed against the risk of anesthesia for an older dog. Daily brushing and dental chews can help.
Cancer. As dogs age, their immune systems grow weaker, leaving them vulnerable to cancers. Some, such as lymphoma, respond well to treatments; others, like osteosarcoma, are more aggressive and have a less optimistic prognosis. Regardless of the type of cancer, the veterinary goal is not to cure the disease, but to keep the cancer under control for as long as possible.
As with anything, the earlier you catch a problem, the better. “The majority of lumps and bumps I see are benign,” Stone says. “The thing to watch for is rapid growth. If a lump grows over the course of weeks, it definitely has to be addressed.”
Incontinence. Loss of bladder control is common in old age, but the causes can vary widely, from a simple infection to the onset of dog Alzheimer’s. Consult your veterinarian to pin down the culprit. For chronic “leakers,” there are absorbent wraps and diapers to wear indoors.
Cognitive dysfunction. Langholz says it takes “quite a bit of detective work” to determine whether a dog’s changing behavior is due to dementia or some other cause. An owner’s input is crucial because “they are very tuned in to signs that something is wrong, such as not recognizing family members.”
Deprenyl treats cognitive dysfunction by increasing brain concentrations of dopamine, which helps improve mental awareness.
Renal disease. After a lifetime of exertion, a dog’s organs inevitably slow down. “Dogs can lose 70 percent of their kidney function, and the kidneys can continue to do their job [only] until the teeter-totter tips too far,” Langholz says. Even though impaired kidney function can’t be reversed, early treatment can help stabilize the kidneys.
Heart problems. Like the kidneys, the heart can falter after a lifetime of hard effort. Depending on the specific problem, veterinarians can prescribe medication to manage some cardiac abnormalities. And, following in the footsteps of human medicine, today’s canine cardiologists can even implant pacemakers to keep your dog’s ticker tocking.
Diabetes. Usually occurring between ages 7 and 9, diabetes is a deficiency of insulin, the hormone the body needs to absorb blood sugar. Diet changes and daily injections are needed to manage this disease.
Hearing and vision loss. These sensory deficits require owners to change the way they approach their dogs — sometimes literally. Coming up to a hearing-impaired dog from behind will startle him, and trying a new configuration of the living-room furniture will likely upset a senior canine whose eyesight is dwindling.
Think outside the box: Use vibration — such as a foot stomp — instead of your voice to get the attention of a hearing-impaired oldster.
Celebrate the years The fact that a dog has reached an age where these inevitable problems occur is something to celebrate itself.
“As dogs are living longer, we are seeing more ailments that we tend to associate with older humans,” Langholz says. A strong focus on preventive care, an emphasis on dogs as family members, improved nutrition, and spaying and neutering have all contributed to canine longevity.
Watching your dog grow grayer has its lighter moments, too. Ramsey, the carpet-loving Golden, has developed cognitive dysfunction, requiring Petersen to monitor his swimming and fishing sessions in a nearby lake, lest he wander off. But as his memory dwindled, he forgot his lifelong rivalry with the Great Dane next door.
“They’re great friends now, though he still hates the UPS truck,” Petersen laughs. “Some things never change.”
Essential Canine Training Tools – Make Training Your New Dog A Lot Easier
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You know that bringing home a new young dog is going to require a serious commitment to dog training, but what do you need to conduct that training? You’ll identify a variety of methods that you can learn to train your canine, but there are some accessories that can make any training method much easier to enforce in the home.
Five tools that you should find useful while training a dog include a dog crate, a leash and harness, a durable chew toy, and a baby gate. The dog crate can be a bit expensive, but it cannot be overlooked.
You will use the crate and the baby gate (or multiple baby gates) to limit the access your new dog has to your home. You do want your dog to eventually have the free run of your home as a member of your family, but dog training will teach you the importance of introducing your canine to the home in smaller bites.
This is especially true with puppies, who can be overwhelmed with a large home. Allowing a dog to slowly earn access to new parts of your home will help reinforce what you are trying to teach them through training.
For example, take one a room of your home and place your dog crate in it. Block the doorway with a baby gate so the dog can see the rest of your home and doesn’t feel locked away with the door shut. Keep your new dog in this room while they are being potty trained. If they have an accident, it is just in this one room.
The crate should be big enough for them to stand up and turn around in, but not any larger or they will use the restroom in it. Once the canine is showing progress with potty training, they can earn the right to access the next room in the home.
A leash is essential when dog training. You will use the leash to teach your dog to walk beside you, instead of pulling you down the street. You can also use a collar or harness to attach the dog to your waist while you move throughout your home. This keeps them close while allowing them to see the rest of their new home, without running wild. They must earn the right to run free.
Finally, the chew toy is used to encourage a puppy to chew a toy rather than your furniture. Puppies will chew on anything they can get a hold of, and some older dogs still enjoy chewing. Dog training on this matter should start the moment the dog comes into your home.
Some breeds pick up on dog training easier than others, so be patient with your new dog. With the right tools, they will become a member of the family in no time.
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They all promise the same thing. “Use our online dating service and find your soul mate.”
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Despite your reservations, the thought of spending yet another Friday night home alone, and hearing about Sally’s weekend adventures with Bob on Monday morning at the copy machine is enough to make you decide to go for it.
Lucky for you, your profile receives many hits aka “compatibles.” You carefully read through the ones that they have determined to be your “soul mate.” You decide on Mr. Right and take the plunge. Believe it or not, you two actually hit it off marvelously, all is right in your world and you can’t wait to brag to Sally about your weekend adventures.
Before you know it the time is here. It is a fate far worse and stressful than meeting their parents. Meeting their dog.
A poll on dogchannel.com asked: Would You Date Someone Who Didn’t Like Your Dog? Sure (1.39%); If I liked the person enough (7.25%); No Way (91.36%). A study by the American Kennel Club says, 8 in 10 dog owners consider their pets “family.” So, for most dog owners it seems, Mr./Ms. Right, Must Love Dogs.
For many, introducing Fido to Mr./Ms. Right is very stressful. What if they don’t like each other? Getting Fido to like your new guy/gal has much has you do can be a challenge that requires patience. However, if your guy/gal really is your soul mate, isn’t it worth it?
Petplace.com offers the following advice. The goal of all of these is help your dog associate your guy/gal with good/pleasurable things.
Neutral Field Advantage. The first meeting may produce better results if it takes place away from home. By doing this, you squash any dominance issues that may surface on your dog’s home turf. Both before and after the meeting give Fido one of his favorite treats. Do this for the first few meetings.
First Move. Let your dog make the first move. Allow the dog to approach your new guy/gal on their own. Remember patience. Sometimes it takes awhile, but the important thing is not to force it. Also, be sure that Mr./Ms. Right is calm and relaxed. Dogs can anticipate fear and are expert readers of body language, so, a tense significant other will result in a fearful Fido.
Home. Once you get the two on the home field, encourage the new boy/girlfriend to feed Fido his meal/giving him some of his treats etc. Eventually, the three of you should go on walks together. Also, encourage play time, but avoid any roughhousing, and/or games of chase that can get out of hand too easily.
Mine, not yours. Lastly, usually not a concern with Labs, but, some dogs are more aggressive and/or protective than others. Protecting, and acting aggressively to outsiders are a dogs way of “protecting the pack” (in this case, you.) This behavior is commonly seen when you and your guy/gal start getting affectionate with another. This can occur even after they have become “friends.”
Finally, if Mr./Ms. Right have a Fido of their own, it is important the introduction between these two potential “siblings” are independent of meeting “dad” or “mom.” google+
Does your dog turn into a whimpering pile of mush whenever you try to take it for a drive? Traveling is daunting when your best friend throws up on the upholstery, then attaches itself to your brake foot. If you approach the problem holistically, however, travel for the two of you can be downright fun. Ask yourself these questions:
Is your dog healthy? Be sure it has no illnesses affecting its ability to travel. Stress, fearfulness, anxiety and disorientation can be caused or aggravated by a number of health problems, including chemical or hormonal imbalances and food allergies. “Biochemical imbalances, hypothyroidism, etc., can all impact negatively on the animal’s ability to cope with stress,” said Suzanne Clothier, a holistic trainer in St. Johnsville, N.Y. “Such problems should be addressed and corrected.”
Why is your dog becoming carsick? If you have eliminated the obvious, the cause could be stress, sensitivity to movement, fear or more subtle problems. Clothier recommends a chiropractic checkup. “I’ve seen dogs who were poor travelers change dramatically when they were adjusted,” she said. “It seems that subluxations [incomplete dislocations] in the neck, particularly at the atlas [the first vertebra of the neck], can contribute to motion sickness or uneasiness, possibly due to inner-ear disturbances.”
Your dog may also be reacting poorly to different water or unfamiliar food. Carry a supply of both from home. Make sure your dog has plenty of water in the car, and provide additional water about every two hours at rest stops. Also, as with humans suffering from motion sickness, it may help if the dog sits facing forward and has access to fresh air.
Some veterinarians recommend withholding food six to eight hours before travel, but this can be difficult if your dog is used to being fed in the morning or requires regular meals to keep its body systems balanced. Instead, try a motion sickness preventive. Holistic-minded pet owners use ginger to soothe tummy turmoil. Ginger capsules, bulk dried ginger or ginger extracts are available at health food stores and some supermarkets.
Read the directions on the label and reduce the dose proportionally, according to the weight of your dog. For example, according to a general dosing rule from herbalist Gregory Tilford of Animal’s Apawthecary in Conner, Mont., if the dose on the label is for a 150-pound man, divide by the weight of your dog say 25 pounds, which equals one-sixth the dose on the label. If you need to increase the dose, do so in increments of 10 percent, but go no higher than 50 percent above your starting point, Tilford said. You can mix the dried or powdered herb into a small amount of food or add the extract to a little water and administer it with a dropper two to three times daily. If you are unsure of the dosage, ask a veterinarian experienced in using herbs on animals or an herbalist experienced in dosing animals.
Is your dog comfortable traveling in its crate? Some crave the comforting close quarters of a crate; others enjoy riding unfett ered. Some dogs prefer to see where they are going; others do not. Watch your dog’s reaction. Perhaps you should cover the crate, leaving plenty of space for ventilation. Or try a wire crate or a seat belt and harness set. Whichever method you choose, don’t let your dog have the run of the car.
If you stop suddenly or have an accident, an unsecured dog could crash into the windshield or be thrown around the interior of the car. In addition, a loose dog could cause an accident by interfering with your driving. Your dog should be in a secured crate or tucked into a special harness that buckles into your car’s seat belt system. The seat belt-and-harness set works best for dogs heavier than 25 pounds; smaller dogs should be safely placed in a crate.
Is your dog afraid of the car or crate? If your dog is afraid of entering the car or uncomfortable being in a crate, you may need to go back to a gradual, positive introduction, combined with therapies and remedies to reduce your dog’s stress during retraining. T-TEAM, a calming massage treatment, or even affectionate stroking and petting can calm your dog before, during and after car travel or a session with the crate.
In addition, calming flower remedies, such as Rescue Remedy or Five-Flower Formula, work well for some dogs. “Rescue Remedy is good for some; for others, it doesn’t work,” Tilford said. “Some individual flower remedies work in certain situations. You may need to consult a flower essence practitioner for additional advice on the best remedies for your situation. Administer these in con-junction with any training sessions according to the directions on the label in your dog’s water, rubbed on its ears or muzzle or as part of a misting spray.”
Finally, calming herbs can de-stress training sessions. Tilford recommends valerian, skullcap and oat straw as extracts, dried or fresh. Some veterinarians recommend chamomile, but Tilford believes the herb may not be the best choice. “Chamomile might work; it’s hard to say. It would be best in a tea, added to some salt-free broth.” Steep about 1 teaspoon of the dried herb or 3 teaspoons of fresh herb in about 1 cup of hot distilled water for 10 to 30 minutes. Strain the herb and add 2 teaspoons to 2 tablespoons to broth two to three times daily.
To accustom your dog to travel and its crate, start gradually and keep the session positive. Make the crate attractive by adding your dog’s favorite blanket and toy. Toss a treat into the crate, encouraging your dog to retrieve it. Do this a few times a day. When the dog seems comfortable going into the crate, feed it its meals in the crate with the door left open. Once the dog is accustomed to this, close the door while it is eating for brief periods. Gradually extend the time you leave the dog in the crate with the door closed. Repeat this process until the dog is comfortable being in the crate for a few hours.
Months before your trip is scheduled, accustom your dog to car travel. Lure it into the car with a treat and praise it highly for entering. (Leave the door open.) Do this daily for about a week, then put the dog into its crate or seat belt harness for short periods. Next, take short car trips that end with an enjoyable event, such as a romp in the park or a hike in the woods. Slowly extend the length of the trips, until the dog is comfortable spending several hours traveling with you.
How well trained and socialized is your dog? Is it used to strangers and new situations? Did you take it to puppy kindergarten and obedience classes? If your dog does not respond readily to the basic commands — Sit, Stay and Come you may need professional help resocializing it. Dogs that enjoy new faces and places are less likely to be stressed and more likely to be happy travelers. Ask your veterinarian and friends for referrals to a dog trainer.
How well do you travel? Are you tense and edgy when driving? Do you yell at other drivers and shake your fist at delays? You may be unknowingly transferring your stress to your dog.
Clothier counseled one tense owner, whose dog traveled hunched fearfully, to relax and sing as she drove. “To my delight, she wrote me immediately, noting that as she began to pay attention to her own attitudes while driving, she discovered that indeed she was holding her breath, clenching the wheel and sitting rigidly,” she said.
“She relaxed her hands, focused on her breathing, sat back more comfortably and began to sing whatever songs popped into her head. To her amazement, her dog first watched her with a raised eyebrow, then visibly relaxed, curled up on the seat next to her and slept peacefully all the way home.
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Children can learn so many valuable lessons by caring for a pet. Having pets at a young age instills kids with a sense of confidence that they can take care of an animal and help it to live a thriving life.
More importantly I find pets can be great therapy for kids. Have you ever seen a kid talk to a pet and the animal responds by wagging its tail or purring? A pet gives a kid a way to share their feelings with another living creature that will never respond in a judgmental or bullying way. Animals are unbiased companions, just what many kids need.
Having pets also teaches children that animals are not expendable items. If children are involved in the daily care of animals, it can help to make them a more compassionate person later in life. Over the years I have been able to follow kids who first owned pets in elementary school as they grow up through high school, and I have seen them grow up to be compassionate young adults.
On the other hand, kids that don’t get the experience of having a pet early may become afraid of animals, especially if their parents don’t particularly care for animals. But even parents who aren’t crazy about pets or did not own them as kids can help change this trend.
People sometimes ask me what are some good pets for a young child to have, and why. Here are some pointers for choosing your child’s first pet:
When to get a pet – People often ask me what the best age is for children to have a pet. I believe between ages 4 and 8 is ideal, although older kids can also benefit. I got my first pets, mice and guinea pigs, when I was 8. I didn’t get my first dog until I was 20, but since then I have been making up for lost time. Today I own 40 outdoor dogs and two more who live indoors!
Start with easier pets – Many people don’t want to start with the responsibility of a dog or cat. For these folks, I recommend a nontraditional pet like a rat or a guinea pig. Rats are extremely cuddly, they don’t bite and they only live two years. Guinea pigs also do not bite, unlike hamsters and gerbils which can tend to be nippy.
Aim for “fail-safe” pets – Kids are so impressionable. The worst thing that can happen is a six-year-old kid gets bitten by a dog and then becomes scared of dogs for years to come. Choose pets that are easy to care for. Spend time with your child and the new pet, reading and learning together how to care for the animal.
Pick a pet that fits your family’s lifestyle – Look at the purpose the pet will serve in your family. Do you and your kids spend more time indoors or outside? Is your child very active or does he or she prefer reading or playing quietly. If a child has ADD or ADHD, I recommend starting with a calm dog to help give them an example of what calm can be. For a hyperactive adult, I recommend the opposite: a high-energy dog they can play with to form a bond, such as a Lab or Golden Retriever, German Short-haired Pointer or Border Collie.
Pets and exercise – With so many kids overweight, people wonder if a dog can help their child get more exercise. The answer is yes, and it has less to do with the kind of dog than the simple act of walking it. A particularly excitable dog is not necessary. It is more important that the child spend at least half an hour daily walking the dog. Get a kid away from the screens and electronics for that long and they will start to realize there is more to life.
Purebred or mixed breed? It is not necessary to pick a purebred dog for your first pet. Many mutts you can get from the pound or animal shelter make terrific pets. I strongly encourage people to adopt pound and shelter animals. Try to find out what breeds are in your dogs background to help you better understand your dog’s behavior. With purebred animals, it is especially important to do your research and make sure the pet fits your family’s lifestyle.
Cats for quiet kids – I find that cats are great pets for very introverted kids. Having a cat helps draw the child out in a non-threatening way. Once the child and cat get to know each other the cat will come and sit in the child’s lap. Cats also don’t require as much work or attention as dogs. I find that cats are particularly good for kids with physical or other disabilities that limit how much they can care for a pet.
No matter what kind of animal you choose for your first pet, remember that your attitude toward the animal can influence how your child treats animals for life. This is particularly important when an animal becomes sick or old. If a parent views the animal as disposable, the kid will too.
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Whether your family chooses a hamster or a dog, be prepared to care for your pet in sickness and in health. If the animal gets sick at least seek treatment. Even if the outcome isn’t good and the animal passes away, children will remember “we tried.” And that will stay with them their whole life.
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Film star Ewan McGregor and actress and animal rights campaigner Betty White will join Whoopi Goldberg and other all-stars on a panel to judge a new heroic dog award show, the Hallmark Channel said on Wednesday.
The American Humane Association is bringing the celebrities on board for its inaugural “Hero Dog Awards,” a TV contest which recognizes “thousands of specially trained dogs giving comfort to people every day,” the American Humane Association said.
The winning dogs will also get to attend their own red carpet awards gala in Beverly Hills.
Canine movie star Rin Tin Tin, a dog rescued from the frontlines of World War I in France who later became an American icon and movie idol, will be given a special legacy award, presented to one of his doggie descendants.
Dogs compete in eight categories: law enforcement and arson dogs; service dogs; therapy dogs; military dogs; guide dogs; search and rescue dogs; hearing dogs, and emerging hero dogs, for “ordinary pets who do extraordinary things,” according to the Hallmark Channel.
White, 89, of “The Golden Girls” TV fame, also works for several animal organizations, including the Los Angeles Zoo.
Other celebrity judges include personal trainer Jillian Michaels and “Glee” castmember and dog lover Kristin Chenoweth. The 90-minute show will be broadcast on Hallmark on November 11.
Although a dog’s ears need to be regularly monitored for his entire life, a little basic maintenance is generally all that’s required to keep them clean and healthy.
Because of the twisty, curvy design of a dog’s inner ears, it’s easy for parasites, bacteria and yeast to hide and thrive in them. This also means that any debris in the canal must work its way up to escape. Infections can result from trapped debris. Dogs with allergies are particularly vulnerable, as are those with floppy ears, like Cocker spaniels, basset hounds and poodles.
Your dog’s regular grooming/maintenance routine should include regular ear checks. This is especially important for dogs who produce excessive earwax or have a lot of inner-ear hair:
If you’re not careful, frequent bathing and swimming can lead to irritation and infection. To prevent this from happening, place cotton in your dog’s ears before baths, and be sure to dry her ears as thoroughly as you safely can after all water sports and activities.
If your dog is prone to ear infections, you might want to pour a tiny amount of an ear drying solution made for dogs into her ear canals to help evaporate any water trapped inside. These ear washes, usually witch hazel-based, are available at better pet supply stores.
Contact your veterinarian if you notice any of the following symptoms affecting your dog’s ears:
Please also be aware that brown or black ear wax-and dry, dark wax resembling coffee grounds-are classic indicators of microscopic ear mites. Only your vet can tell for sure, so please don’t delay bringing a gooey-eared pooch in for a checkup.
Things I learned from my dog never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride. Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in my face to be pure ecstasy. When loved ones come home, I will always run to greet them. Be loyal. Never pretends to be something I am not. When someone is having a bad day, I will be silent, sit close by, and comfort them gently. Avoid biting when a simple growl will do. Wag more, bark less. On hot days, take lots of water and lie under a shady tree. Delight in the simple joy of a long walk .
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