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August 31, 2010
Being a pet owner comes with many responsibilities. One is choosing the primary vet that will be responsible for the health care of your pet. In most locations, you will have plenty of vets to choose from, so use the tips below to find the vet that is best fit for you and your pet.
Location
One factor to consider when choosing a vet is the location of the office. While many pet owners are willing to go out of their way for exceptional service, if you can find a good vet that is also relatively close that is certainly a bonus.
Also, consider the parking that is available at the location. You don’t want to have to drive around the block five times to get a spot when you have a sick dog in the car.
Hours
Make sure that the regular office hours offered by the vet are convenient for you. Also, ask if they offer any type of after-hours services, such as a vet on call. If not, you will always have to head to the pet emergency room, which is much more expensive, should something happen outside of their normal operating hours.
Services
Make note of what type of services are available on-site versus those for which you will need to see a specialist. For example, does the office do x-rays onsite? Can some lab work be performed on site or will everything need to be sent off?
The more services that can be performed on site the better.
Experience/Expertise
Of course, you will want to learn a bit about the experience of the vets who work at the practice. How many years have they been practicing? Do they hold any special licenses or certifications? Do they have an area of expertise that is relevant to you?
Cost
The pricing schedules for different vets can vary quite a bit. While you do not necessarily want your pet’s health care to go to the lowest bidder, cost is an important consideration for many pet owners.
Ask Around
Word of mouth recommendations are one of the best ways to find a good vet. You will be able to hear from other pet owners who have dealt with the vet in a variety of situations.
Size of Practice
Consider how many vets work at the practice. This can have an impact on how long it will take to get an appointment as well as areas of specialties that may be available at the practice. If you do choose an office with several vets, ask if you can be assigned a vet so you have one doctor that you see on most of your visits.
Service
Service is quite important, especially when your pet is sick. You want to find front office staff that is courteous and reasonably accommodating. If they say they will call back and do not, that’s not a good sign. If they seem bothered or rushed when you call, that might be a hint that you should find another practice.
There are several factors to consider when choosing a vet. Take your time and choose the doctor that you feel will best meet the needs of your pet. If you find that things are not working out with the selected vet, simply start the search again. Your pet’s health is worth the time and effort to find the best match.
Published By: Sarah @ 9:43 am
August 21, 2010
Ken had only been gone for a few hours, but when he returned home he knew something bad had happened. His dog, a sweet pit bull named Girly, had gotten sick in every room of the house. Instead of the normal greeting at the door, he found her in her bed, listless and panting.
When he saw the shredded bag that had held a few pounds of dark chocolate that his wife was using to make holiday treats, he knew what had happened. Girly had ingested about three pounds of dark chocolate.
Thankfully, Girly’s story has a happy ending. After calling the pet poison control hotline and following all of their instructions, Ken helped Girly make a full recovery. Unfortunately, many pets that get into chocolate and other harmful foods have long lasting medical issues and many die.
Below is a list of some of the foods that can be dangerous for your pet. These foods should never be left in a place where your pet can gain access to them. Chocolate, in particular, smells wonderful to your dog. If you are giving it as a Christmas present, it is not safe to wrap and put it under the tree.
Chocolate
Chocolate contains a substance called theobromine. Theobromine is extremely dangerous for dogs. It affects their central nervous system and can cause heart problems. It will bring on severe vomiting and diarrhea. In the most serious cases, death will occur.
All chocolate is dangerous, but the darker the chocolate, the more theobromine it contains and therefore the more dangerous it is for your pet. Unfortunately, most dogs like the taste of chocolate and, given the chance as Girly was, will eat as much of it as they can.
While a small bite of chocolate will likely not harm your pet, it is best to keep this particular human treat out of his diet completely.
Onions
Onions, and to a lesser degree garlic, contain thiosulphate. This substance is poisonous to dogs. Some pet owners are confused because they note that certain dog treats list onion as an ingredient. That is because it takes a certain dosage for onions to be dangerous. Still, because the poisonous substance can build in your pet’s system over time, it is best to leave onions out of their diet.
Grapes
Grapes, while a favorite of many dogs, can cause kidney failure. Raisins can also have a similar impact, so both should be avoided.
Sugar Free Foods
Foods that use a sugar substitute may contain xylitol which is dangerous for dogs. While sugar-free treats might be healthier for the humans in your house, xylitol can cause liver failure in dogs. It is commonly found in sugar-free chewing gum.
Yeast
Yeast or raw dough containing yeast can cause serious problems for your dog’s digestive tract. It can actually swell in his stomach and even cause portions of the intestines to rupture.
Alcohol
Some people think it is amusing to give their dog beer, wine or other alcohol. Vets report an increase in this activity during the holiday season. Unless you also think it is funny to watch your dog go into a coma and die, its best to leave alcohol off of your pet’s holiday menu.
Other foods to avoid feeding your pet are avocados, macadamia nuts, bones, fruit pits, coffee, soda, raw eggs, mushrooms, nutmeg, rhubarb, potatoes, broccoli and green tomatoes.
If you think that your pet has eaten a harmful food, contact your vet immediately. You can also contact the ASPCA Poison Control Hotline at 888-426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at 800-213-6680. Both charge a fee for the call.
Published By: Sarah @ 11:37 pm
July 16, 2010
Unfortunately allergies affect dogs and their owners alike. They are a lot more common than people believe. From food allergies, flea allergies, and even allergies to grass, pets today are exposed to a wider range of potential allergens in their environment.
The way in which allergic reactions are presented can and will vary between each dog. However, the majority of allergic reactions will take the form of dermal itching. In severe cases dogs might develop upper respiratory reactions in the form of sneezing, coughing, and discharge from their eyes and nose. Dogs who fail to receive adequate treatment for their allergic reactions could develop a more severe cough coupled with a wheeze that could ultimately develop into pneumonia. Dogs with skin reactions to their allergens are prone to hair loss and almost obsessive chewing that can leave them with open sores in an effort to ease the itchiness. Dogs with large ears that fold over, like Labradors, Golden Retrievers and Shih Tzus are known to develop an increased buildup of yeast in their ears, as a reaction to an allergen, which will oftentimes develop into an infection.
Your first course of treatment should be a visit to your veterinarian who can perform a range of simple blood or skin tests to determine the type of allergy involved. In the case of a suspected food allergen, your veterinarian may suggest a restricted food elimination diet for your dog and place him on a prescription non-allergen food until you can determine what the allergen is. Once the allergen has been identified, it is then a matter of removing it from your dog’s environment or food. Treatment can include over the counter antihistamines to help provide relief from the itchiness; in more severe cases your veterinarian is likely to suggest a course of treatment that involves steroids.
Whatever the cause, the best course of treatment for your dog is one that will provide relief from the misery caused by allergies.
Published By: Sarah @ 9:32 am
July 5, 2010
While everyone knows the story of Michael Vick’s involvement in the world of dog fighting and his horrific abuse of animals, there is good reason to thank Michael Vick for his accidental contribution to pit bull rescue efforts.
Prior to the day that 47 American Pit Bull Terriers were seized from Vick’s Virginia home, there was no example of a large number of such dogs, who had been bred to fight and then abused most of their lives, being rehabilitated.
That changed when a judge ignored the advice from PETA and other groups and allowed 22 of the most difficult of Vick’s dogs to be sent to a Utah animal sanctuary called Best Friends. One of Vick’s dogs had to be put down because of poor health and 25 were able to be placed in homes.
Some of those dogs are now therapy dogs, agility competitors and family pets. The 22 sent to Best Friends are the reason to believe that some good could actually come from the horror that took place behind that Virginia mansion.
What would become of these 22 dogs that were too unstable to place in homes? PETA said that there was no hope for such dogs. They said that they could never be rehabilitated to the point that they would not be dangerous. They said the only answer was to put all of them down.
Best Friends, which has dubbed these dogs their “Vicktory Dogs”, is proving that theory wrong. Even the worst of the worse cases – Lucas and Georgia – are enjoying their time as pampered pooches. While those two dogs can never be adopted, and must live the rest of their lives at the sanctuary, there is no indication of their extremely violent pasts. They love their caregivers and are enjoying their days filled with romping and playing.
Many of the other Vick dogs that were sent to Best Friends will likely be able to move from the sanctuary to the home of a family. The long term success of these dogs is due to Vick.
In the future, when judges will be able to look back at this case and see proof that even pit bulls that have been chained, fought and otherwise abused can go on to be good family pets, therapy dogs and pass the AKC developed Canine Good Citizen Test. Those judges will be much less likely to make blanket judgments regarding these wonderful dogs.
Best Friends is helping to prove to the world that pit bulls can be rehabilitated, no matter how horrible their backgrounds.
Animal lovers everywhere can hope that when people look back on the tragic story of the Vick dog fighting ring that what everyone remembers most is that many of the dogs went on to be wonderful pets. They do not need to written off as un-savable.
Thank you Michael Vick.
Published By: Sarah @ 12:50 am
June 24, 2010
There is a common misconception amongst pet owners that pets will eat whatever is put in front of them. The reality is that some pets are a lot more selective over their diet, either due to their nature and nutritional needs or simply because they don’t like what you are offering them. This is true for dogs, cats or the more exotic pets.
When you notice that your dog or cat appears to be refusing food and then losing weight, your first step should be to contact your veterinarian to rule out any possible illness. Many can cause a decreased appetite and an extreme weight loss. Teeth or mouth issues can also be the cause of a pet’s refusal to eat.
Once illness has been ruled out, then you can start to determine what it is about the food that is causing the refusal to eat.
-Have you changed the type of food or started adding vitamins or supplements to the food? A change in the flavor of the food you provide to your cat or dog can certainly cause a refusal to eat it! Adding vegetables or even a vitamin additive can dramatically change the taste of the food.
-Have you changed the food bowls? It might not seem like it could be a factor, but changing food bowls from a ceramic to a plastic bowl (or the other way around) can certainly put pets off of their food while they try to adjust to the new smell and feel of their bowls.
-Have you introduced a new pet into the household? The addition of a new pet can be a major factor in a pet’s refusal to eat. Any major changes in the household are likely to disrupt your pets comfort levels. Consider separating your picky-eater from the new addition to see if it helps.
-Is your pet eating something other than their food? Could your dog be eating your cat’s food or too many treats before you offer their own food
If you’ve ruled out these factors and still can’t figure out the reason for your pet’s fussiness, then you should certainly contact your veterinarian for more suggestions to see if another type of food is perhaps the key solution.
Published By: Sarah @ 12:47 am
June 13, 2010
Anyone who has ever owned a pit bull knows that there are many misconceptions about the breed. Some are unable to find an apartment that allows pit bulls. Homeowners are sometimes unable to get insurance if they have a pit bull. They are banned in some dog parks and there are even entire cities that ban the breed. Much of this is due to some common myths about pit bulls. Below is a brief discussion about some of the most common.
Pit Bulls Have a Locking Jaw
This would almost be laughable if it did not contribute to the unfair bad reputation of pit bulls. The anatomy of a pit bull, including the functionality of the jaw, is exactly the same as all other dogs. It does not feature a locking mechanism nor can a pit bull clamp down with the front teeth while chewing with the back, which is another myth.
Pit Bulls are Human Aggressive
The opposite is true. For those who love to hate pit bulls, the discussion usually starts back in the days when the dogs were first bred to be used in bull baiting and fighting. During this time human aggression was bred OUT of pit bulls. The handlers had to be able to control the dogs. They didn’t want to live in constant fear of being attacked, so human aggression was bred out.
Let’s look at temperament testing which judges, among other things, a dog’s aggression toward humans and other animals.
The general passing rate for all breeds is about 77%. Pit bulls, however, achieve a passing rate of over 83%! That means that pit bulls pass on a higher scale than the average of all other breeds.
Pit Bulls Feel No Pain
Many dog lovers wish this were true. That would make it much easier to bear the horror stories of how these beautiful dogs are abused in so many ways. The truth, however, is that pit bulls, like all dogs, do feel pain.
They feel pain in the exact same way as other breeds. There is no built in numbing agent that allows them to keep fighting to the death. Instead, it is their loyalty and obedience that causes them to continue on no matter the pain that they are in.
Their Brains Swell Causing them to Suddenly Be More Aggressive
In the 1970’s Doberman Pinschers were the dogs considered most dangerous. In the 1980’s it was Rottweiler’s. When it became the pit bulls turn for this unfortunate title, the dog inherited some of the myths that once belonged to the former title holders.
It was once thought that Dobermans brains would swell causing a sudden outburst of violence that would leave a trail of corpses. Now some say this about pit bulls. It wasn’t true then, and it’s not true now.
There are many other pit bull myths. Just remember that pit bulls are the same as any other breed of dog and in the hands of loving and capable owners, they make wonderful and loyal family pets.
Published By: Sarah @ 1:00 am
June 6, 2010
A quick look through most classified ads or a glance at the bulletin boards in pet stores and vet clinics usually provide plenty of opportunities to buy pit bulls puppies and dogs. The prices usually range from about $200 to well over $1000. But why buy a pit bull when there are thousands sitting in shelters all over the country just waiting for their chance at a home? Below are some of the benefits of adopting versus buying a pit bull.
But I Want a Puppy!
While it may be difficult to find puppies of certain breeds in shelters, that is not the case with pit bulls. There are very often multiple litters of pit bull puppies just waiting for a home. Call your local animal shelters to see if they have any pit bull puppies. If they don’t, they will likely be happy to take your name and call you when the next litter arrives, which it inevitably will.
Temperament Testing
Breeders, especially unethical breeders, just want to sell dogs. They do not bother with temperament testing that could help you decide if a certain dog is a good fit for your family.
When you adopt a pit bull from a shelter, it will most certainly have undergone temperament testing. This testing will help ensure that the pet will be a good fit in a home with children or other dogs or cats.
Pit bull rescue groups usually have their adoptable bullies living in home environments, which provide another great opportunity to get to know their personalities. If you apply to adopt from a pit bull rescue group, they will take all the factors of your home life in to consideration when matching you with the perfect pittie for you.
Cost
One of the most obvious benefits of adopting instead of buying is the cost. The cost of buying a pit bull from a breeder was mentioned above. The cost to adopt is, on average, from $75 to $150. This often includes the dog’s first shots, spay or neuter and a microchip.
Unethical Breeders
When you buy a pit bull there is a chance that you are supporting an unethical breeder, commonly known as a puppy mill. There are certainly ethical breeders, but unless you plan to show your dog, there is no benefit to buying over adopting.
If you do buy a dog from a puppy mill, then you are supporting the abuse and neglect of animals. When you adopt, you never have to wonder about the integrity of a breeder.
Save a Life
All of the above reasons to adopt instead of buying pale in comparison to this: You will be saving a life. Some estimates say 4 to 5 MILLION animals are put down in shelters each year simply because there are not enough homes for all of them. Up to 1.5 million of these alone are pit bulls and pit bull mixes.
When you adopt, you do your part to stop this tragedy and give a pet a richly deserved second chance.
Some Resources for Adopting In the Atlanta Area:
Friends to the Forlorn Pitbull
Shelter Angels Pit Bull Rescue
K9 Rescue League
Published By: Sarah @ 11:11 pm
May 25, 2010
Unbeknownst to many pet owners, your household can contain many items that are hazardous and even deadly to the pets that share your home. Some of the items that may seem perfectly benign may, in fact, hold the largest threat to your pets.
Food Items
Sharing food off of your plate with your pets is rarely a good idea. Not only does it foster bad begging habits with your pet but it can also expose them to food products that are potential toxins or even allergens. Many pets develop, over the course of their lifetime, severe food allergies that need to be controlled in an effort to keep your pets as healthy as is possible. Foods that should never be offered to your pets include chocolate, grapes (or raisins), coffee, chewing gum, onion, mustard seeds and even salt. For a complete list of foods that are toxic to your pets, you should talk to your veterinarian. Your vet can also provide you with a list of foods that can be potential allergens for your pets.
Cleaning Products
In general, most household cleaners are able to be safely used around your pets. Carefully following the manufacturers recommended usage instructions will ensure that your house is clean while still keeping your pets safe. Pets should be kept away from direct contact with the cleaning products so be sure that you keep them away from areas that are still damp and that you carefully store all cleaning products away safely out of the reach of nosy pets. If you have any concerns about your household cleaners and their toxicity to your pets then you should consider cleaning your home with vinegar or one of the other environmentally friendly cleaning products available on the market.
Be certain that you also store any insecticides and poisons away safely out of the reach of your pets. With a bit of care you will be able to ensure that your home remain as safe as possible for your four legged companions!
Published By: Sarah @ 10:44 pm
May 17, 2010
Despite our best intentions and efforts at keeping our pets secured, it is an inescapable fact that thousands of beloved pets are lost each and every year because they get out of our homes or our yards. While a sturdy collar with an identification tag attached to it is an important measure to take, a microchip is perhaps the best form of defense you have against potentially losing your pet forever.
A pet identification microchip, about the size of a regular grain of rice, is implanted under your pet’s skin by a veterinarian. Every microchip has its own registration number, along with a telephone number for the registry containing all of the pets’ details; including ownership contact details. In the event that your pet is lost and picked up by animal control or by an animal rescue group, they will likely scan your pet with a handheld scanner to locate a microchip which will then aid in providing all of your details to help return your pet to you. Your pet may also be found and brought to a veterinarian office, where it will be scanned.
When your pet is microchipped, you will receive paperwork and an identification card (along with a tag for your pet’s collar) that will provide you with all of the details pertaining to the microchipping registry. Be certain that you access your account with the registry as soon as possible to ensure that the information on file is the most up to date contact information for you; this can often be done online or over the phone. If you move or change phone numbers, don’t forget to update the registry!
For more information related to the microchipping of your pet you should be sure to speak to your veterinarian. A microchipped pet is a pet that is more likely to be returned home!
Published By: Sarah @ 8:30 am
May 6, 2010
Imagine it is 1910 and a young family is in need of a family pet. The kids have been begging for a dog, so the parents surprise them by bringing home the most popular family dog of that time. What breed do you imagine it was? A Labrador? A Golden Retriever? No, the most popular family dog of the early 20th century was the American Pit Bull Terrier.
These dogs were so loyal, obedient and eager to please that they were dubbed the “Nanny dogs” because of the careful watch they kept over the young members of a family.
These dogs were so popular with the general population that many big businesses realized their appeal and chose to feature the dogs in their advertising campaigns. The most well-known example of a pit bull in advertising is the image of a pit bull sitting next to an RCA Victrola. This iconic image is only one of many examples of pit bulls in advertising.
Some may wonder why anyone would want these vicious dogs being included in their family life. The answer is quite simple. They were not and are not vicious dogs. While it is true that hundreds of years ago pit bulls were used for bull baiting and dog fighting, that is not a testament about the dogs, but about the people who handled them.
The horrific “sport” of cockfighting is also quite popular in some areas, but no one assumes that the birds used are especially vicious. Why then should it be assumed that dogs forced to fight are vicious?
No one worried for the safety of the child stars on the television show The Little Rascals. Their well-known dog, Petey, was a pit bull. It was also a pit bull that kept Helen Keller company for many years of her life. Her much loved pet, named Sir Thomas, is one of many examples of pit bulls owned by famous people. There were even pit bulls that held the title of “First Dog”. Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson both owned pit bulls. General Patton did as well and it is no wonder considering the most decorated dog of any war was a pit bull named Stubby. A few other “pitties” in the limelight are owned by Jon Stewart, Alicia Silverstone, Rachael Ray, Jessica Biel, and Jessica Alba, to name a few.
Pit bulls were popular features on greeting cards, post cards and even made the cover of Life magazine three times. People understood this dog’s loyalty and eagerness to please made them wonderful family pets. Unfortunately, it is that same eagerness to please that causes them to be willing to fight. In the hands of the wrong owners, these dogs can be made to fight to the death.
That doesn’t mean that the wonderful family dog of the early 20th century no longer exists. Instead it means that some people have chosen to take advantage of the loyalty of some of these beautiful creatures. It’s a testament to the evil of man, not of a particular breed of dog.
A great resource for more information on pit bulls is Pit Bull Rescue Central.
Published By: Sarah @ 10:57 am
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