All Pets Could Use a Home

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Animals come in all shapes, sizes, breeds, and colors.  But no matter the looks, all pets come from somewhere.  There are many ways to obtain a pet whether someone is giving one away to you or selling it because the owner can't take care of it anymore or even finding one roaming around on the street.  But have you ever thought of where the rest of these loving pets come from? Well, most pets can be found through animal shelters and breed rescue groups, pet stores or breeders.  Most people aren't aware of how one obtains a pet and how it affects the pet being obtained, the pet owner, and the pets out in the world that don't have a home.

Adopting Pets from the Animal Shelter

Adopting an animal from the animal shelter is just about the best method in obtaining a pet.  Animal shelters are very trustworthy and they offer loving pets in need of a home at an inexpensive price.  The most rewarding benefit of adopting an animal from an animal shelter is saving an animal's life.  "Sadly, between 3 and 4 million dogs and cats are euthanized each year in the United States simply because too many people give up their pets and too few people adopt from shelters" (The Humane Society of the United States, 2011).  The amount of euthanized pets can be dramatically reduced if more people adopt pets rather than buy them.  By adopting from a private humane society, animal shelter, breed rescue organization, or local animal control agency, one can help save two lives; the pet being adopted and a homeless animal that can use the space that has been made available.

Benefits of Adopting a Pet

There are many benefits that can come out of adopting a pet including the pleasure of gaining a lifetime companion filled with unconditional love and loyalty.  

• Most animals are neutered/spayed or there is a very inexpensive fee to have the animal fixed
• Most animals are up-to-date with vaccinations and are worm-free
• Adoption of animals help reduce the overpopulation of animals in society
• Mature animals are house-trained
• Shelter pets have great temperaments and will want to please their new owners

Always be sure that you are well prepared and ready for the care that an animal can cost you.  Part of the reason that most pets end up at animals shelters is that their previous owners couldn't afford to take care of them or that they didn't have the time to take care of them.  Also, many shelter pets may require a longer period of time of adjusting to their new home depending on the pet's past, whether they are victims of abuse and abandonment or something less severe (Perrett, n.d.)

Buying Pets from Pet Stores

Buying puppies or kittens from pet stores is probably one of the worst options in obtaining a pet.  According to Dogster about puppy mills, dogs are often bred far too frequently, are kept cramped together in squalor, and are not socialized with humans. In addition, these breeders do not always care about the health and strength of the breed, which often results in genetic illnesses, poor health in general and unlikable personality traits.  What most people don't know is that many of these animals are shipped off and sold in most pet stores.

Image from: madpuppymills

Why Shouldn't You Buy a Pet from a Pet Store?

Even though that puppy may be cute behind the window of a pet store, many of them can carry a lot of problems with them.  Some reasons why one shouldn't buy a pet from a pet store include:

• Bad health
• No or limited human interaction and socialization
• Behavioral problems
• Expensive price for an unhealthy animal
• Housebreaking difficulty

From personal experience, both of my dogs were bought from a local pet store and both have had health problems surfacing since they were brought home.  Unfortunately, it is very costly in paying for medications, prescription foods, and having to care for animals that will never really be cured.  Tommy, my youngest dog, was born with inguinal hernias (a hereditary illness that can only be passed down from the dog's mother) and the pet store failed to mention it to me at the time of purchase.  Later on, I found out that breeders are recommended by veterinarians to not breed dogs with inguinal hernias because it is very painful for the puppies being born with it and may cause death to the mother and pups.  Just as PETA states, pet shops treat puppies, kittens, birds, hamsters, mice, rabbits, and other animals as if they were fashion accessories and sell them to anyone who plunks down a credit card.

Buying Pets from Breeders

Buying a pet from a breeder is usually the moderate option between adopting from animal shelters and buying pets from pet stores. "[Good breeders] are careful about breeding; have healthy, well-cared for dogs; belong to dog clubs or breeder organizations; and usually enter their dogs in shows. They try to eliminate health problems by screening their dogs for genetic disease. They keep current on information regarding vaccinations, canine medicine, and genetics" (Fortney, n.d.).  To find a good breeder, ask your veterinarian for a referral.  If a veterinarian recommends the breeder, you'll be set on the right road for getting a good quality pet.  

If there are good breeders, there are bad breeders.  According to Kim Campbell Thornton's article Buying a dog? Beware of breeder, "if you're looking to get a new dog, recent headlines no doubt have warned you against buying an animal from illegal 'puppy mills' run by unlicensed breeders. But don't be fooled into thinking that legal, licensed breeders and those with registration papers are a guarantee of a healthy puppy either".  She continues on with her article and reports, "When the Humane Society of the United States released a video last month charging that a Los Angeles pet store, Pets of Bel Air, purchased its pricey puppies from puppy mills, the store responded on its Web site with a statement that its dogs were purchased from pet breeders approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and that it relied on the USDA to inspect breeders and their premises".

Remember to always check out the breeder before purchasing a puppy or kitten from him or her.  Make sure that the breeder has a valid license, good reputation, belongs to many organizations, and provides adequate veterinary care for all of their animals including mothers, fathers, and babies.  Whether you decide to purchase a new pet or give advice to someone who is thinking about purchasing a pet, try to adopt from the animal shelters or find a good breeder.  Try to stay away from pet store animals, but if you can't pass off that cute face behind that glass window, check out where the puppy or kitten comes from and make sure they don't come from a puppy mill.  

Works Cited

Fortney, D. W. (n.d.). Buying a Dog From a Breeder. Retrieved February 27, 2013, from Animal Planet: http://www.animals.howstuffworks.com/pets/hot-to-choose-a-pet-dog5.htm

Perrett, G. (n.d.). Adopting Pets With A Past: Welcoming Rescued Pets into the Family is Both Rewarding and Beneficial. Retrieved February 27, 2013, from Western Pennsylvania Humane Society: http://www.wpahumanesociety.org/PetsWithAPast.html

The Humane Society of the United States. (2011, December 12). Top Five Reason to Adopt. Retrieved February 27, 2013, from The Humane Society of the United States: http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/adopt/tips/top_reasons_adopt.html

Spaying/Neutering Your Pet

Keeping your pet healthy can do nothing but good for you and your pet.  Part of maintaining the health of your pet is ensuring that they are spayed or neutered as soon as possible.  Unfortunately, the overpopulation of animals causes a great amount of these loving pets to be put into animal shelters and often, many of them never find homes.  There's simply too many animals in the shelters and not enough people who would like to adopt them.  Spaying or neutering your pet contributes to decreasing the overpopulation of animals.

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What is spaying/neutering?

Spaying is the removal of the ovaries (ovariohysterectomy) from a female animal.  Neutering is the removal of the testicles (castration) from a male animal.  Whichever gender of pet you may have, it is always a good idea to get them fixed at 8 weeks of age or older.  Many pet owners believe that only female animals need to be spayed because of the heat cycle they undergo, but male animals need to be neutered just as much.  When male animals reach sexual maturity, they tend to mark their territory on anything and everything, roam around (instinctively try to find a mate) and develop aggression towards other male animals.  That's pretty to tough to deal with isn't it? Spaying/neutering eliminates this behavioral problem.

What is the importance of spaying/neutering?

Besides relieving behavioral issues with your animal, spaying and neutering promotes a longer, better, and healthier life for your pet.  Spaying females nearly eliminates the risk of breast cancer and prevents uterine infections and uterine cancer (American Humane Association, n.d.).  Neutering male animals prevents testicular cancer, enlargement of the prostate gland, and greatly reduces the risk of perianal tumors (American Humane Association, n.d.).  

Spaying and neutering your pet can help diminish the overpopulation of animals in society.  Unfortunately, homeless animals are everywhere we go and most of them end up giving birth to litters of puppies or kittens that can't be taken care of.  This increases the amount of animals euthanized at animal shelters in order to make room for more.  "In the U.S., there are an estimated 6–8 million homeless animals entering animal shelters every year. About half of these animals are adopted" (The Humane Society of the United States, 2012).  Stray animals tend to eat other animals in the wild, be killed and cause car accidents, and so much more.  If you want to help decrease animal overpopulation, get your pet spayed/neutered.

What if the procedure costs too much?

The cost of spaying and neutering can be expensive, but it is affordable.  This should be an aspect in consideration before acquiring a pet.  Some pet owners do not wish to spend the money in having their animal fixed and most often leads to abandonment of the animal which contributes to overpopulation. If one doesn't want to spend money on having their pet fixed, how can one properly care for their animal? "Many animal shelters offer low-cost spay/neuter services, and there are also many low-cost spay/neuter clinics across the country. To find low-cost options in your area, call your local animal shelter. The reality is that the cost associated with providing adequate care for just one litter of puppies or kittens is often more than the cost of spaying or neutering...The cost of the well-being of not just your companion animal, but of future generations, should be considered" (American Humane Association, n.d.).

What if you don't own a pet?

Whether you own an animal or not, promoting the procedure of spaying or neutering matters very much. When you're driving down the street and pass by a dead dog or cat on the side of the road, do you feel some sympathy?  The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) states that "the single most important thing that we can do to save cats and dogs from all the suffering and death that their overpopulation causes is to spay and neuter them." We are all affected by animal overpopulation.  

As Americans, "millions of tax dollars are spent annually to shelter and care for stray, abandoned and unwanted pets. Much of that money is spent to euthanize animals when homes cannot be found.  Human health is threatened by the danger of transmittable diseases (including rabies), animal bites and attacks.  Property may be damaged and livestock killed when pets roam in search of food.  Animal waste is proving to be a serious environment hazard, fouling yards and parks.  It is only when all of us assume the responsibility for pet overpopulation that we will see any decrease in the problem" (American Humane Society, n.d.).  

It's tragic to see such lovable pets never find the love that they need. To prevent this, spaying and neutering should be a must on your "to do" list if you don't want to end up with unwanted puppies and kittens.  This procedure is affordable and many shelters and organizations are willing to assist you if you need some help.  Spaying and neutering is not only important for our animals, it's important for us too.  For more information on spaying and neutering, visit the ASPCA | Top 10 Reasons to Spay or Neuter Your Pet and American Humane Association.  For more information on animal overpopulation, visit PETA.

Works Cited: 

American Humane Association. (n.d.). Spaying/Neutering. Retrieved February 20, 2013, from American Humane Association: http://www.americanhumane.org/animals/adoption-pet-care/caring-for-your-pet/spaying-neutering.html

The Humane Society of the United States. (2012, November 27). Why You Should Spay or Neuter Your Pet. Retrieved February 20, 2013, from The Humane Society of the United States: http://www.humanesociety.org/pet_overpopulation/facts/why_spay_neuter.html

Exercise and Your Pet

How many times have you wanted to shred some extra pounds but never got around to doing it? How many times have you planned to get some exercise with a buddy but they cancelled every time? Well, there is one buddy that would love to get some exercise with you and will never call to cancel.  Who is that buddy you may ask? Your dog!  As a pet parent, your job is to ensure the health, safety and welfare of your furry family member.  Part of that job is to give your pet exercise on a regular basis.  "All pets need some physical activity to live a happy, healthy life" (AAHA, n.d.).

Dogs

Dogs may be the best workout partners known to man, but an abundance of them aren't getting the exercise they need.  According to The Daily Treat, experts estimate that nearly 35 percent of pets today are overweight, which increases their risk for many serious conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, breathing problems, and heart disease.  No matter the size or age of the dog, dogs need to exercise daily.  "Without activity, your dog will become bored, frustrated and unhealthy.  Exercise tones the muscles, helps the body and metabolic system to function properly, and engages your [dog's] mind" (PetMD, 2012).  Basic exercise needs are based on a dog's age, breed, size, and health.  But most dogs should spend at least 30 minutes a day with exercise or activity.

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Some dog breeds are not born for large amounts of exercise unlike larger breeds such Labrador retrievers, golden retrievers, and other working, herding, or hunting class dogs.  Small breed dogs with short legs or short noses like a Bulldog, are not built for long distance or rigorous exercise.  If your dog seems to be restless, chances are he probably wants to go for a walk.  Dogs that lack physical activity and mental stimulation can develop destructive behavior that may be hard to break without giving daily exercise.

Pets can't sweat and instead they pant to cool down, so be sure to exercise them in the morning or evening and provide plenty of water while on the move.  Remember that dogs don't wear shoes, so make sure to test the surface of the ground you plan to exercise on with your hand.  If the ground is too hot, take your dog to a grassy surface or cooler place to work out (Zerbe, 2009).  If you dog begins to pant excessively or hyperventilates, his tongue and gums turn dark red, or he can't keep up and tries to sit or lay down, stop exercising and seek immediate veterinary attention as this might indicate the sign of a heat stroke.

Cats

Cats can make laziness into a form of art.  But believe or not, your cat needs exercise too!  It's not considered to be an easy task when it comes to making your cat get up and move around, but to keep her healthy, it's best if you do.  Cats are different than dogs in the way they are designed for short, frequent periods of intense activity, rather than longer, slower-paced workouts.  Using toys that your cat can bat, chase, explore, or scratch consistently, will most likely take care of all her exercise needs.

Exotic Pets

Some small exotic animals such as rodents, small reptiles, or birds, can get enough exercise by simply moving around their cage (AAHA, n.d.).  Rodents, such as hamsters, usually meet their exercise requirements by running in their hamster wheel or rolling around in a hamster ball.  Letting your pet out to roam around the house under supervision is a great way to make your pet more comfortable around its environment and also get some good physical activity.  Reptiles love to swim, so swimming can also be an option if you're not comfortable with your pet running around the house.  For birds, allowing them to flap their wings or climb up and down cage ladders can be a great method for exercise although it can be tricky.

"Whatever their species, animals' need for exercise is just as vital to their health as their need for shelter, good food, and clean water" (AAHA, n.d.).  It's also a great way to strengthen the bond between you and your pet since both of you can be benefitted from exercising with each other.  Always be cautious of what the limits are for your pet when undergoing physical activity, because they are not the same as they are for you as a human.  Always ensure that there is plenty of water to quench your pet's thirst and cool them down when they are done for the day.  For information about exercising your pet indoors, read Nicole Pajer's article on Dog Exercise: How to Exercise Your Dog Indoors.


Works Cited:

AAHA. (n.d.). Exercising Your Pet. Retrieved February 13, 2013, from Healthy Pet: http://www.healthypet.com/PetCare/PetCareArticle.aspx?title=Exercising_Your_Pet

PetMD. (2012, April 6). Exercising with Your Dog 101. Retrieved February 13, 2013, from petMD: http://www.petmd.com/print/11168

Zerbe, L. (2009, June 18). How to Exercise with Your Dog. Retrieved February 13, 2013, from Rodale News: http://www.rodale.com/print/1243

The Daily Treat. (2010, April 16). 10 Ways to Exercise With Your Pet. Retrieved February 13, 2013, from Animal Planet: http://blogs.discovery.com/daily_treat/2010/04/10-ways-to-exercise-with-your-pet-.html

Dog Grooming

As you all may know, dogs love to get dirty.  They love to run around the house with muddy paws and shake their wet hair all over the place on a rainy day or get covered in some cake that they were trying to pull down from the kitchen counter.  Dogs will be dogs.  What can we do?  Well, there's actually a lot we can do.  Even though we can't prevent every moment when our dogs get messy, we can at least keep them clean and healthy before and after they've committed the crime.

Let's start with a bath.  Some dogs love water, some dogs do not.  Either way, they have to get into the water before they can be cleaned.  Dogs should be bathed at least once month to maintain healthy skin and a soft, shiny coat.  Baths are typically meant to remove any dirt and debris or any "doggy smell" that your dog can occasionally get.  Be sure that you do not bathe your dog too frequently as it can dry out your dog's coat and cause the hair to break and fall out or damage the skin by removing the natural oils produced to keep the skin moist and have a shiny coat.  When bathing, use a shampoo and conditioner specifically made for dogs and afterwards use a towel or blow dryer (whichever your dog is more comfortable with) to dry your dog off.

Most dogs should be brushed regularly without having to wait for after bath time.  Depending on the type of coat your dog has, different tools can be used to maintain the coat and the brushing frequency can vary between breeds.  A soft-bristle brush can be used to remove loose hair and dirt and also produce a neat and shiny outer coat.  For short-haired breeds, a palm brush can be used to remove dead hair and a polish the coat as well as a short-toothed metal rake for dense-coated short-haired dogs.  For long-haired breeds, pin brushes, slicker brushes, and long-toothed metal rakes can be used to groom long hair.  

Coats can be easily damaged if one does not know to handle a dog's hair properly.  Always brush or comb in small sections at a time, starting with the undercoat and working your way to the outer coat.  If a dog is not brushed or combed regularly, mats (solid clumps of hair) can form anywhere on the dog's body.  Mats commonly form behind the ears, under arms, around the rump, on legs and thighs, and between toes.  If mats are not removed, they will pinch the skin of the dog and become very painful.  Dog owners should not try to remove mats with scissors and instead have a professional handle it to ensure the dog's safety.

Another essential part of grooming is nail care.  Dogs that are active and have regular activity naturally wear down their nails on rigid or rough surfaces.  But for others, a good nail trim should be given at least twice a month to prevent damage to the pet or people that interact with it.  Untrimmed nails can overgrow into the dog's foot pads which cause painful sores that can become infected.  Some dogs have dewclaws (a little fifth toe that is a little higher on the foot than the other four) and if not trimmed regularly, the dewclaw can curl as it grows and eventually grow into the surrounding skin of the dog.

If you don't know how to trim your dog's nails, visit your veterinarian who can demonstrate where to cut, how much to cut, and how the nails should be cut.  Each nail has a "quick" which is a band of nerves and blood vessels that runs part way down the inside of each nail.  If the quick is cut accidentally, apply some styptic powder on the nail to clot the blood in a matter of seconds.  If you do not have styptic powder on hand, a little bit of corn starch or flour can be used as an alternative.

Naturally, dogs with pointed ears or open ears have less of a risk of getting ear infections because airflow can enter the ear canal very easily and regulate moisture within the ear.  On the other hand, dogs with floppy ears have a blocked airflow through the ear canal which can trap moisture and promote bacterial overgrowth, causing ear infections.  An unpleasant odor or discharge from the ear can indicate the sign of an ear infection.  Healthy ear canals are a light pink color and signs of ear infection can be present if the ear canal is brown or black.  If you see any sign of an ear infection, see your veterinarian as soon as possible and do not attempt to clean the ear as it can cause pain to the dog.

To clean your dog's ears, you use ear cleaning solution (specifically for dogs) or a mixture of white vinegar and warm water or hydrogen peroxide and water as an alternative.  Do not use alcohol to clean your dog's ears because it can dry out the ear and cause allergic reactions.  Always use a damp cloth or cotton ball with a small amount of solution on it to gently wipe out the insides of the visible ear.  If your dog wants to shake, let it because it will loosen the dirt within the ear.

Although many pet owners do not brush their dog's teeth, it is recommended that a dog's teeth be brushed about three times a week with toothpaste and a toothbrush made for dogs.  If you don't know how to brush your dog's teeth, think of brushing the teeth of a child except theres no need to rinse.  Dogs can develop gingivitis (a reversible inflammatory condition of the gums caused by bacterial build up) or periodontitis (an irreversible continuation of gingivitis that affects the deeper mouth structures supporting the teeth) if their teeth are not brushed regularly.

All information provided and any additional information needed concerning the grooming of a dog can be found at Pet Owner's Guide to Dog Grooming.



Works Cited:

Petwave. (2013). Pet Owner's Guide to Dog Grooming. Retrieved February 6, 2013, from Petwave: http://www.petwave.com/Dogs/Basics/Care/Grooming.aspx