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December 5, 2010
Wouldn’t it be great if your dog could get a job to help pay for his dog food, treats and chew toys? While some dogs are able to find work that helps to pay the bills, others work just because they can. When you think of working dogs, the first thing that may come to mind are police dogs, assistance animals and bomb or drug sniffing dogs.
While those are all very important professions for a pooch, not just any dog can apply. If you are interested in finding a job for your dog, there are some options to consider.
Therapy Dog
The work of a therapy dog can take many forms. Some therapy dogs visit the sick and elderly in hospitals and nursing homes. Others visit those who have just suffered a tragedy, such as the therapy dogs that went to comfort students at Virginia Tech after the shooting there. Others visit schools and allow children to practice their reading skills by reading to the patient pups.
Some dogs have the perfect personality for work as a therapy dog. If you think that your dog has what it takes, look for training in your area. You can start by having your dog pass the American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Test. From there, you can look for therapy dog training near you.
Search and Rescue
There are many wonderful stories of the “dog next door” being the one who found a lost hiker or rescued a lost child. Search and rescue dogs are not only those that are formally employed as such. Some dog owners go through search and rescue certification school with their pet.
Once they are certified and register with various agencies, they may be called upon at any time day or night to assist when needed.
Professional Athlete
There are a number of dog agility circuits that go around the country and allow dogs to compete. Just like any successful athlete, being a winner requires training, keeping fit and lots of practice. The United States Dog Agility Association and niche groups, like Dock Dogs, provide outlets for your furry competitor.
Keep in mind that when your dog has a job, you have the job as well. Therapy and search and rescue dogs need handlers. Agility dogs need to be taken to the events, which usually take place on weekends.
As with any type of job, a working dog will require some level of commitment, both from the dog and the owner. If you think your dog needs a job, consider his personality and ability and decide what type of work would suit him best.
Published By: Sarah @ 9:38 pm
November 14, 2010
A quick walk through any animal shelter in the country will bear witness to the importance of having pets spayed or neutered. Each year, between 6 and 8 million pets are euthanized simply because there are not enough homes to go around. This sad statistic can be reduced, and eventually eliminated, if spay and neuter initiatives were put in place and if more pet owners had their pets altered.
Most pet owners know the importance of having their pet spayed or neutered, but many simply cannot afford to have the procedure performed at their vet’s office, so they put it off. LifeLine Spay & Neuter Clinic offers high quality spay and neuter services for a fraction of the normal cost.
The clinic, staffed by professional, fully-licensed veterinarians, was able to open a second location earlier this year. The expansion was possible due to grants from PetSmart Charities and Barking Hound Village Foundation.
Spay and neuter initiatives are important for many reasons. The main goal of Lifeline Spay & Neuter Clinic is to reduce the number of animals that must be euthanized due to overpopulation. The more animals that are spayed and neutered, the less competition there will among homeless pets when it comes to finding forever homes.
Since 2005, LifeLine Spay & Neuter Clinic has performed more than 30,000 surgeries and saved countless lives in the process.
Having your pet spayed or neutered does more than just control the pet population. It can also improve the health of your pet. Studies show that pets that are spayed or neutered have a reduced risk of developing certain cancers. Also, they exhibit reduced aggression and are less likely to stray from home, lowering the chance of getting hurt in an accident.
Large corporate grants made it possible to open a new location, but it is the everyday gifts and donations from animal lovers in the Atlanta area that keep LifeLine Spay & Neuter Clinic in operation year in and year out.
Cost for the surgery ranges from $35 to $50 for cats and $65 to $80 for dogs. Cost is based on the weight and gender of the pet. All pets are given pain medicine at no additional charge. LifeLine also offers discount vaccines, microchipping and topical flea treatment.
Below are the addresses and phone numbers of the two LifeLine Spay & Neuter Clinics.
129 Lake Street 2533 Sullivan Road
Avondale Estates, GA 30002 College Park, GA 30337
404-292-8800 678-973-2881
The clinics are open Monday through Thursday from 8 to 6. An appointment is necessary.
If you haven’t already done so, consider having your pet spayed or neutered. If you have, consider making a donation to this wonderful organization that is truly making a real difference and saving thousands of lives.
Published By: Sarah @ 12:05 pm
November 1, 2010
Tell your pets that if they were considering shredding the toilet paper, destroying your favorite shoes or having their way with the morning newspaper that they might want to think again. Why? Because Santa is making a list and checking it twice and this year it is not just the two legged family members that will have to answer to the bearded one.
Pets in the Atlanta area will have the chance to meet with Santa at one of two locations for photo ops and, perhaps, to check in with Santa about whether they can expect a big yummy bone or a big lump of coal this holiday season.
The first chance to get their holiday gift getting in order will be at Doguroo, located at 1456 Northside Drive. Pictures with Santa here will be available November 12-14 and again November 19-21. Reservations are required to meet Santa at this location.
If your four-legged friend needs a bit more time to repent of his wrongdoing before meeting with Santa, then you can wait until December 3-5 or December 10-12. This time, Santa will be at Atlantic Station’s Central Park where he and your pet can pose by the Christmas tree. No reservations are needed.
Consider attending the November event and you will have your Pet with Santa photos in plenty of time to use them for your Christmas cards. There are not many things that are cuter than a dog in a Santa hat sitting on Santa’s lap.
There is a $10 sitting fee and all of the money raised during the Pets with Santa events will go to help the Atlanta Humane Society pets in need. Bring your pet and stop by at one of the locations as a way to celebrate the holiday season while also helping this great organization. For information about the Pets with Santa, visit the Atlanta Humane Society Web Site.
Published By: Sarah @ 6:57 pm
October 29, 2010
For many people, dogs truly are part of the family. Leaving them behind when going on vacation is not the first choice for some who would much rather let their four-legged friends come along. Flying with dogs (which will be addressed in a future blog post) comes with extra expense, not to mention risk to your pet.
For many dog owners, a road trip is the preferred method of travel when bringing along the furry family members. Below are some tips to keep in mind when driving long distances with dogs.
Frequent Stops
It is best to take frequent stops, at least every two hours, when traveling with dogs. This will allow your pet to relieve himself and give him a chance to drink some water and eat a light snack. Even if you provide water and food in the car, many dogs will not eat or drink while in motion. Also, they need the chance to exercise a bit between long stretches of highway. Give the dog a brisk walk before loading him back into the car.
Shots
Before hitting the road, check with your vet to make sure all of your dog’s shots are up to date. Be sure to travel with a copy of his shot record, including the certificate that proves he has been vaccinated against rabies. The medal that attaches to the collar is not proof. You need to carry the certificate in case you need to board the dog or need to visit a vet while on vacation.
Microchip
If your dog does not have a microchip, consider getting one. This inexpensive and painless procedure will provide a way for you to be reunited with your dog should he become lost. Remember, if he gets lost while far from home, there is no way that he will be able to find his way home on his own. The microchip will be your only shot at seeing your pet again.
Mealtime
While it is fun for people to try new foods while on vacation, it is NOT a good idea to allow your dog to do the same. While traveling in the car, stick to small portions of his regular food. A couple of treats along the way are ok, but make sure you choose treats that he has on a regular basis.
This will reduce the chance of your pet getting carsick, which is no fun for anyone.
Temperature
While you may enjoy allowing the warm breeze to fill the car, remember that your dog is wearing a fur coat. Watch the temperature inside the car. If it’s cool, be sure he has the option of a blanket. If it is warm, leave the AC on. You have the option of putting on a sweater, but he has no way to cool off if he gets too warm.
Also, do not leave your dog in a hot car while you go eat in a restaurant. This is very dangerous for your pet and some do not realize how quickly their pet can die if left in a hot car. Pack a cooler or grab food to go if there is no pet friendly area in which to eat.
Traveling with your dog requires a bit of extra planning and will likely add some time to your road trip. Still, it can be a lot of fun and, for many pet owners, is a much better option than leaving their pet behind with a professional pet sitter.
Published By: Sarah @ 1:55 pm
October 19, 2010
A side of domestic violence that is often forgotten is how pets figure into the equation. If a family member is abusive towards the people in the household, there is a good chance that they will also be violent towards the pets. In fact, many abusers use the pets as a way to hurt or get back at their human victims.
Some domestic abuse victims actually stay in an abusive situation because they fear what will happen to their pets should they leave. There is good reason for them to worry as more than 70% of people who enter a domestic violence shelter report that their pets were threatened, injured or even killed.
Victims who do leave pets behind are burdened with additional stress as they are forced to wonder about what will become of the dog, cat or other animal that they love but were forced to leave behind.
That is where Ahimsa House comes in. Ahimsa means nonviolence in the Sanskrit language. The mission of this non-profit organization is to provide a way for victims of domestic abuse to leave their dangerous situation and know that their pets will also be safe.
The founder, Emily Christie, knows how important this is. Christie was a victim of domestic abuse, and her abuser killed her pet. In 2004, Christie started Ahimsa House as a way to ensure that this did not have to happen to other victims.
Through the Ahimsa House Network of Emergency Animal Safehouse Services, which is made up of private foster homes and boarding facilities throughout the state of Georgia, domestic abuse victims can place their dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, horses, reptiles and small animals such as hamsters in a safe and undisclosed location. When the victim is ready, they can be reunited with their pet.
Ahimsa House does not receive any government funding. Their wonderful and important work is carried out solely through donations of generous and caring people. To help fill in gaps in their budget, they hold special events throughout the year. One of those is the WALK N WAG: An Outdoor Festival and Pet Parade.
The event will take place October 23rd from 10 to 2 at the blue parking lot of Chastain Park. There will be a variety of events to keep participants entertained and, of course, to raise money for Ahimsa House. In addition to the pet parade, there will be a number of doggie contests, a silent auction, doggie massage, microchipping and lots of activities for the kids.
Bring the kids and the pets and head to Chastain Park for a fun afternoon in support of this worthy cause. For more information, click HERE.
Published By: Sarah @ 6:49 pm
October 10, 2010
Calling All Pet Lovers! October 30th and 31st bring the Pets & More USA Expo to the Atlanta area! This Expo, partnered with the Georgia SPCA, is sure to be a wonderful experience for all involved, whether you are a pet owner or a pet products vendor.
For Vendors: The Pets & More Expo is more than a great place to showcase your products and generate on-site sales. This is an ideal opportunity to introduce your latest services and products to a new consumer audience. You can also remind those who are already familiar with your products and services that you are a reliable source for pet related products and services. Expo organizers are taking steps to promote and advertise the event to ensure a good turnout.
For Pet Lovers: The Expo will play host to several Atlanta area rescue organizations. They hope that several pets currently in foster care will find their forever homes! So, if you are looking for a new addition to your family be sure to pay a visit to the Expo, you just may find your new family member is waiting for you. At previous Expos, micro-chipping clinics have been held. If you are looking for a way to help ensure the safe return of a lost beloved pet, you should consider attending the micro-chipping clinic to get your pets chipped!
At the Pets & More USA Expo, you are sure to have a great time while exploring the latest and greatest in pet products, pet training ideas, and even possibly finding a new companion! Be sure to visit the website at www.petsandmoreusaexpo.com for more details.
Published By: Sarah @ 12:36 am
September 16, 2010
You don’t need to live in a home with a huge, fenced-in yard in order to have a dog. You do, however, need to choose a dog that will be happy and comfortable living in your apartment. That means finding pets that do not require as much exercise and that are just as happy taking a nap as chasing a squirrel.
There are several breeds of dogs, both large and small, that make a great choice for apartment living. Below are some suggestions for dogs that make great roommates in an apartment.
Welsh Corgi
This favorite of the Queen of England makes a great apartment dog because they do not need a lot of space to be happy. Weighing in at an average of 25 pounds, Welsh Corgis do need a bit of daily exercise, but will usually be happy keeping the couch warm the rest of the time.
Pug
Pugs make great apartment dogs because they small, quiet and don’t need a lot of room for exercise. Of course, they do need to get some exercise each day to help prevent obesity, but a few jaunts each day on a leash or a little time at the dog park will do the trick.
Lhasa Apso
These little lap dogs often have to be cajoled into participating in any type of exercise. They are perfectly content to curl up, quite cat like, on your lap and snooze for hours. They do require frequent grooming to keep their long hair looking its best.
Mastiff
Some will be surprised to see Mastiffs, which can weigh over 200 pounds, on this list. But for those who want a large dog, this is a good choice for an apartment. One reason is that they tend to be surprisingly quiet. That’s not to say that they don’t have a powerful bark, but they usually reserve their bark for when they think there is a reason to use it. Daily trips to a dog park or a few walks around the block will provide the needed exercise.
English Bulldog
English Bulldogs make great pets for apartment dwellers because they are a bit lazy. They will usually be just as happy snoring away on your lap as you watch television or read a book as they will be running around.
Bichon Frise
This white powder puff of a dog requires daily grooming to keep looking their best. They make a good choice for an apartment because they tend to be quiet and can play inside without needing too much space.
Chihuahua
These tiny dogs weigh as little as five pounds. While many can be a bit noisy, they are small enough that much of their exercise and playtime can be done inside. As long as they go out a few times a day to relieve themselves, they will be fine in an apartment.
Great Dane
Like the Mastiff, the Great Dane probably is not the first dog that comes to mind when you think of apartment friendly breeds. While the Great Dane does need a good amount of exercise, he still makes a good choice as long as you are pretty active. If you can take your Great Dane for long walks or jogs after work, he will probably do fine in the apartment during the day. Great Danes are not usually barkers, so you won’t have to worry about complaints from the neighbors.
As you can see, there are plenty of options when it comes to choosing a dog that will do well in an apartment. Now you just need to figure out which of these great breeds that you can’t live without! To find pets for adoption in your area, check out the PetFinder website to find these breeds and many more looking for a great home. Could it be with you?
Published By: Sarah @ 1:50 pm
September 8, 2010
There are typically two schools of thought when it comes to the value of having pet insurance. Some feel that the premiums, which typically run between $15 and $40 per pet, are too high a price to pay for something that they may never need.
Others see the value in knowing that should their pet become sick or injured, the cost of treatment would not have to be as much of a deciding factor when determining how far to go to save their pet’s life.
Sadly, this dilemma is all too common. Many pet owners everyday have to make the heartbreaking choice to put their pet down because they simply do not have the money for treatment for a serious illness or injury. While pet insurance will not eliminate this problem completely, it will provide a cushion of coverage that has helped to save the lives of many pets.
How it Works
Most pet insurance providers will reimburse a certain percentage of any covered expenses. Depending on the provider and the policy you select, this is usually between 50% and 80%. Some insurance companies use a payment schedule where each type of illness and injury is assigned a covered dollar amount. Others go by a straight percentage policy and will pay that percentage on all illnesses or injuries that are not excluded from coverage.
You will also have to pay a deductible before the coverage kicks in for each covered event. The amount of the deductible varies and you can choose a higher deductible in order to have a lower monthly premium.
You will usually have to pay for the services up front and then will be sent a check for reimbursement within a few weeks of making a claim.
Some policies include the option of having preventive care, such as yearly shots, covered. Others choose to save a bit on the monthly premiums by only including coverage for illness or injury.
Choosing a Provider
There are several companies that offer pet insurance and it is important to thoroughly research each before making a decision. When visiting the Web sites of most pet insurance companies, you will not be able to see the detailed policy. Instead, that will be mailed to you upon signing up for the insurance.
Obviously, this is problematic. Call each company that you are considering and ask if they will email you a copy of the full payment schedule and a list of all covered and excluded conditions. If they will not do that, then ask if they have a trial period where you would be able to sign up and then cancel within a certain time period without being billed.
It is important to carefully review each policy and not make your decision based on the sales copy that you will read on their Web site.
Once you choose a provider, become familiar with the procedure for filing a claim. Keep some claim forms handy so that you can quickly file should an incident occur.
The decision about whether pet insurance is a good idea comes down to whether or not you will be able to pay for an expensive vet bill. If paying such a bill would be no problem for you then pet insurance might be less important for you. On the other hand, if you know that you would struggle to pay a bill for a sick or injured pet, then pet insurance is an excellent idea and you should start shopping for a provider immediately.
Pet insurance is more than a good idea if it may be the only way to pay for needed pet care. It very well could be the difference between life and death.
Published By: Sarah @ 2:48 pm
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
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