posted by Tess on Oct 30
Therapy dog training, while important, is something with which many people are not familiar. A therapy dog is one that is used to do animal assisted therapy and activities. Organizations train the dog to help people in hospitals, schools, nursing homes, and virtually anywhere people need some sort of therapy. So, then, how do dogs become therapy dogs? It is a fairly simple process.
A Good Citizen
Though the requirements for therapy dog training vary from state to state, it is almost universal that the dog must be certified as a canine good citizen. In order to receive that, you have to train your dog to be focused and well behaved around distractions. Generally your local animal shelter or even a therapy dog training center will have classes available for you to learn how to turn your dog into a canine good citizen.
Classes for Therapy
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posted by Tess on Oct 27
* 2 drops Juniper Oil
* 2 drops Lavender Oil
* 1/2 cup arrowroot OR cornstarch OR clay OR baking soda OR any equal parts of these
Directions:
Combine the arrowroot and essential oils. Crushing the clumps of oils between your fingers to evenly distribute them. Be sure to wash your hands after handling the pure essential oils to avoid any contact with eyes or delicate mucous membranes. Sprinkle on pet as a preventive powder.
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posted by Tess on Oct 25
Natural disasters can strike at any time; when they do is not the time to try to prepare. Having your family and pets prepared for such catastrophes as earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods will save you time to respond and evacuate, if necessary, and could very possibly save your or your pet’s life. The images of last year’s hurricanes along the Gulf Coast told it all. Thousand of pets became separated from their owners and were left behind. Some survived but, like their owners, found themselves homeless. Others found new homes, and a few were miraculously reunited with their owners.
Plan now by ID’ing your pet.
Wouldn’t you want to be able to find your pet in case of such an emergency? Start now by checking with your vet or shelter about a microchip that can easily be implanted under your pet’s skin. They’re about the size of a grain of rice and can be read by a handheld scanner. If microchips aren’t for you, by all means have an ID tag on your pet’s collar that includes a cell phone number or a number where you can be easily reached. Keep in mind that home phone numbers in disaster areas could potentially be out of service.
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posted by Tess on Oct 24
Hypothyroid conditions in pets
The thyroid gland produces thyroid hormones which have a number of functions in the body and are particularly critical in maintaining your pet’s metabolic rate. Any change in the functioning of this gland can have varied effects on your pet’s health. In some animals (and humans) the function of the thyroid gland may become compromised and decrease as your pet ages or due to inflammation of the gland. Although hypothyroidism (decreased functioning of the thyroid) is not a life-threatening condition, it can certainly decrease your dog or cat’s quality of life.
The symptoms of hypothyroidism may be insidious in onset and not immediately obvious. If your pet has been putting on weight or you suspect hypothyroidism for another reason, it is best to consult your vet who will be able to test for this condition by measuring thyroid hormones in the blood.
What are the symptoms of hypothyroidism in pets?
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posted by Tess on Oct 21
What to expect when your puppy/kitten is teething.
Around 4 months of age your puppy or kitten will lose its First set of teeth and the adult teeth will begin to emerge from the gums. The teething process continues on and off for several months and, as with human babies, this is often a painful or uncomfortable process for your pet. You will be able to work out when your pet is teething from his increased chewing and biting on everything imaginable that is within reach.
Although sometimes tiresome, teething is a stage all kittens and puppies must go through and, happily, it will pass fairly soon. Relieving your pet’s pain at the same time as protecting your possessions from the sharp little teeth will be your top priorities!
What are PetAlive PupTeeth Granules?
PupTeeth Granules are a natural herbal, homeopathic and tissue salt remedy for relieving the pain and discomfort of teething in puppies. The granules work equally well for other young animals like kittens. Specially formulated to suit young pets, PupTeeth granules are safe and very easy to administer.
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posted by Tess on Oct 20
When it comes to competing in shows and competitions, your pet needs to be in peak health. But constant high Stress and anxiety levels can have a damaging effect on your pet’s condition and performance.
The excitement of the competition can also wreak havoc on your carefully laid plans. Just when you want your pet to be hyper alert, obedient and focused, he may become distracted by all that’s going on around him. Competitions are exciting and stimulating but too much “zoning out” may torpedo your pet’s chances of showing well.
Concentration and mental alertness is also important when it comes to training. Training classes offer a semi-competitive environment, which can prove very stressful - for you and your pet. Stress overload can cause your dog to lose concentration and focus completely.
Pets are very attuned to their owner’s Stress levels. If you are hyper alert and intent on making the best possible impression your Stress and anxiety will impact your pet.
What is Performance Plus?
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posted by Tess on Oct 19
Ever consider a First aid kit for Fido or Fluffy? There are a number of items and techniques to help a pet stay comfortable until professional help can be reached. Of course in any emergency situation, your veterinarian should be notified for immediate treatment.
· Choking – The Heimlich Maneuver can be very effective for pets. Even if your vet is just a phone call away, every pet owner should be able to perform this life saving technique. Be sure to ask your veterinarian how to properly perform the Heimlich Maneuver on your pet.
· Burns – Thermal burns on pets are treated much the same way humans treat burns. Apply a topical, soothing ointment such as aloe vera or Vitamin E oil to promote healing and ease the “sting” of the burn. Electrical burns are very serious, as they can stop a pet’s heart, so contact your veterinarian immediately if this is the case.
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posted by Tess on Oct 18
Minor injuries and skin conditions in pets
Cuts, scrapes, bites and stings, Ringworm, flea-Bite dermatitis and many other similar injuries and conditions affect cats and dogs fairly commonly. Though minor, these can cause a lot of pain and discomfort for your pet. Treating these problems quickly, effectively and naturally will save your pet from numerous side-effects, shorten healing and recovery time as well as prevent more serious complications like infection.
As any vet will tell you, one of the most important and first steps in addressing a wound, injury or skin condition is to keep it clean and the sooner that this is done following injury or trauma, the more beneficial the intervention will be. Broken or irritated skin is vulnerable to infection and contamination. By following a thorough cleansing routine before applying topical treatment like creams, you are also helping your pet to heal more quickly and preventing the need for more intensive medical care.
What is PetAlive Clenzor?
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posted by Tess on Oct 16
Nursing and lactation in dogs and cats
As with humans, a mother’s milk is the perfect food for newborn puppies and kittens. Nursing is a natural and beautiful process and anyone who has ever seen a litter nursing contentedly will attest to this. Young puppies and kittens have very high nutritional requirements for their extremely fast growth rates and high energy levels. In fact, eating and sleeping are the two major activities of the First two weeks of life! Puppies and kittens generally double their birth weight by the 8th or 10th day of life.
Because the entire litter’s energy requirements must be met by the mother, lactation is a very nutritionally demanding time for your female dog or cat. A complete and balanced Diet is very important and she will need between one and a half to three times more food than usual - as well as a lot more fresh water - while nursing.
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posted by Tess on Oct 12
Your pet depends on you for feeding, playing and discipline among other things and you as a pet owner depend on it for companionship and a connection with the animal world and in case of dogs, for household security and protection. Your pet is very special to you as you are to him. For these reasons and more, you should protect your pet from harm, and yourself from loss, by getting him a tag, lest it gets stolen or strays.
A pet tag is generally a small flat tag worn on Collars or harnesses by household pets like dogs and cats, usually with identifying information such as the owner’s telephone number so that the owner can be notified if the dog is lost or strays. Dog Collar tags hang on your dog’s Collar and provides all the necessary information for calling your dog, contacting you as the owner, and alerting people to your dog’s dietary restrictions if it gets lost or strays. Some dog tags also include vaccination information, such as when your dog last received shots and when is the next one due.
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