Here are some tips to help make sure that your dog or cat stays healthy and
comfortable during the winter months.
1. Keep pets away from antifreeze solution, and promptly clean up any antifreeze spills. Antifreeze is attractive to pets but is deadly, even in very small amounts.
2. Do not leave your pets outdoors unattended when the temperature gets below 40 degrees. Pets that are mostly indoors need time to adapt to cold temperatures. They
must build up a thicker coat and get their footpads toughened for snow and ice. Pets that get too chilled can develop hypothermia or even frostbite. Ear tips are especially susceptible to frostbite.
3. Short-coated dogs (Greyhounds, Dobermans, Boxers and Boston Terriers)should not go outside without a coat or sweater in very cold weather, except to relieve themselves. Small dogs with short coats (Chihuahuas, miniature Pinschers, and miniature Dachshunds) are especially vulnerable to cold, and may not be able to tolerate any outdoor exercise in extremely cold weather.
4. Dogs with long fur on the bottom of their paws often develop ice balls between the pads and toes of the feet. To prevent ice balls from forming, trim the hair around your dog's feet. Apply a small amount of Vaseline, cooking oil, or PAM spray to your dog's feet before taking him for a walk in snow. The oil helps prevent ice balls from sticking. Make sure you use edible oil; most dogs will lick their paws after you apply the oil.
5. If your pet walks on salted sidewalks or streets, be sure to wash his paws after your walk. Salt is very irritating to footpads. Gently rub the bottom of the feet to remove the salt as soon as your dog is off the road.
6. Many animals are less active during the winter, and don't as many calories as in the warmer months. Reduce your pet's diet during the winter, to avoid excessive weight gain. You may wish to consult with your veterinarian about the right winter food portions for your pet.
7. Most cats prefer to spend their winter days indoors; be cautious if your cat likes being outside. Don't let it out in bitterly cold weather, and be sure it has a warm place to go if it does spend a lot of time outdoors. Cats that are left outdoors may crawl into a warm car engine to get warm, which can kill them. It's much safer to keep your cat indoors during the winter.
8. If your dog is an outdoor dog, however, he/she must be protected by a dry, draft-free doghouse that is large enough to allow the dog to sit and lie down comfortably, but small enough to hold in his/her body heat. The floor should be raised a few inches off the ground and covered with cedar shavings or straw. The house should be turned to face away from the wind, and the doorway should be covered with waterproof burlap or heavy plastic.
9. Pets who spend a lot of time outdoors need more food in the winter because keeping warm depletes energy. Routinely check your pet's water dish to make certain the water is fresh and unfrozen. Use plastic food and water bowls rather than metal; when the temperature is low, your pet's tongue can stick and freeze to metal.
10.Warm engines in parked cars attract cats and small wildlife, who may crawl up under the hood. To avoid injuring any hidden animals, bang on your car's hood to scare them away before starting your engine.
11.Keep pets safe from fire. If using a fireplace or wood stove, put a protective
barrier or fire screen to prevent burns. Never use a space heater if you own pets. Pets can chew on the cord and be electrocuted. Pets can knock over or land on the space heater resulting in burns or worse, set fire to the home.
12.Keep ID tags on pets. More pets are lost in the winter than any other time of the year. Pets lose their ability to scent their way home in snow and ice conditions.
13.Don't leave your pet alone in a car during cold weather. A car will act as a refrigerator in the winter, holding in the cold, and the animal could freeze to death.
14.Make Drinking Water Available … as the temperature drops the water places for all the outdoor animals, squirrels and birds are frozen in the morning. This is the time of the year when you want to be diligent about replacing that water for the animals. Dehydration at this time of the year can lead to bladder stones and urinary track
blockages especially in cats.
15.Be sure that your pet is current on vaccinations and medical care. A healthy pet will tolerate winter stress much better than an unhealthy one. Probably the best prescription for winter's woes is to keep your dog or cat inside with you and your family. The happiest dogs are those who are taken out frequently for walks and exercise but kept inside the rest of the time. Dogs and cats are social animals who crave human companionship. Your animal companions deserve to live indoors with you and your family.
For more information contact NAFA – 870-932-1955 or nafahelp@gmail.com
Keep Warm,
Tut
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Urgent Missing Pet Alert
14 year old blind and deaf Cocker Spaniel name Pepper walked out of an open
door at her home this morning about 9:30 am near the Farville curve area of
Jonesboro. Her family has been frantically searching for her everywhere.
If you see or find a cocker spaniel, please post information here and call
761 6299.
door at her home this morning about 9:30 am near the Farville curve area of
Jonesboro. Her family has been frantically searching for her everywhere.
If you see or find a cocker spaniel, please post information here and call
761 6299.
Monday, December 13, 2010
HAVE YOU SEEN THIS DOG?
Chocolate lab name Cocoa has been lost from Crowley's Ridge Road (off Old
Harrisburg Road near Craighead Forest) since Dec. 5th. She has diabetes and
required shots twice a day plus arthritis in her hips. She is 10 years old
with a gray chin. She weighs between 74 and 80 pounds with a calm
disposition. Please email NAFA and we will get your information to the
owners. They are frantic to find her or know her whearabouts.
Harrisburg Road near Craighead Forest) since Dec. 5th. She has diabetes and
required shots twice a day plus arthritis in her hips. She is 10 years old
with a gray chin. She weighs between 74 and 80 pounds with a calm
disposition. Please email NAFA and we will get your information to the
owners. They are frantic to find her or know her whearabouts.
Friday, December 10, 2010
KEEPING YOUR PET SAFE FROM WINTER WOES
TO PROTECT YOUR PET DURING THE COLD WINTER MONTHS,
PLEASE FOLLOW THESE SAFETY TIPS:
• Keep an eye on temperatures. When it falls below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, you’ll need to keep all of your pets indoors. Shorthaired dogs, cats and puppies should be kept indoors when the temperature dips below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Keep your pet’s coat well groomed. Matted fur won’t properly protect your pet from the cold.
• Check your garage and driveway for antifreeze and other chemicals. Antifreeze tastes sweet to pets, but most brands are very poisonous if consumed and can be fatal. Should your pet ingest any amount of antifreeze, contact your veterinarian immediately. Consider using pet-safe antifreeze.
• Be careful what you use for melting ice on your porch, sidewalk, deck or driveway. Most ice melting chemicals are highly toxic to pets, whether they lick the water containing the chemical or the pets walk through the melted ice and then lick their paws clean.
• Regularly check your pet’s water to make sure it isn’t frozen. When your pet is outside, make sure there is plenty of fresh drinking water available. Animals can’t burn calories without a fresh supply of water and if they can’t burn calories, they can’t keep warm. Also, use a tip resistant, ceramic or hard plastic bowl rather than a metal one, as your pet’s tongue can stick and freeze to cold metal.
• Use a damp cloth to wipe your pet’s feet and underside. Ice melting chemicals can irate and burn the pads of your pet’s feet and will cause serious injury if ingested. Another way to protect your dog’s feet is to spray the pads of their feet with cooking spray or you can purchase boots for your pet.
• Provide a dry, draft free doghouse if you must keep your dog outside for any period of time. It should be large enough to allow your dog to sit and lay down comfortably, but small enough to hold in his body heat. The floor should be raised a few inches off the ground and covered with cedar shavings or straw. The doghouse should be turned to face away from the wind and the doorway should be covered with waterproof burlap or heavy plastic.
• Get into the habit of slapping the hood of your vehicle before starting it. In their search to keep warm outdoors, cats often take refuge next to a warm car engine or tire.
• Keep snow from piling high next to your fence. A packed snowdrift will provide a boost for your dog to jump over the fence and escape the safe confines of your yard.
• Consider the amount of exercise your dog receives during cold weather. If your dog stays indoors more, he’s probably getting less exercise and may need less food; however, if your pet is outside often he may need more food to burn the calories necessary to produce more body heat.
If you have further question or concerns please email wanndat@fastdata.net , as our message line is currently being replaced.
Tut
PLEASE FOLLOW THESE SAFETY TIPS:
• Keep an eye on temperatures. When it falls below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, you’ll need to keep all of your pets indoors. Shorthaired dogs, cats and puppies should be kept indoors when the temperature dips below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Keep your pet’s coat well groomed. Matted fur won’t properly protect your pet from the cold.
• Check your garage and driveway for antifreeze and other chemicals. Antifreeze tastes sweet to pets, but most brands are very poisonous if consumed and can be fatal. Should your pet ingest any amount of antifreeze, contact your veterinarian immediately. Consider using pet-safe antifreeze.
• Be careful what you use for melting ice on your porch, sidewalk, deck or driveway. Most ice melting chemicals are highly toxic to pets, whether they lick the water containing the chemical or the pets walk through the melted ice and then lick their paws clean.
• Regularly check your pet’s water to make sure it isn’t frozen. When your pet is outside, make sure there is plenty of fresh drinking water available. Animals can’t burn calories without a fresh supply of water and if they can’t burn calories, they can’t keep warm. Also, use a tip resistant, ceramic or hard plastic bowl rather than a metal one, as your pet’s tongue can stick and freeze to cold metal.
• Use a damp cloth to wipe your pet’s feet and underside. Ice melting chemicals can irate and burn the pads of your pet’s feet and will cause serious injury if ingested. Another way to protect your dog’s feet is to spray the pads of their feet with cooking spray or you can purchase boots for your pet.
• Provide a dry, draft free doghouse if you must keep your dog outside for any period of time. It should be large enough to allow your dog to sit and lay down comfortably, but small enough to hold in his body heat. The floor should be raised a few inches off the ground and covered with cedar shavings or straw. The doghouse should be turned to face away from the wind and the doorway should be covered with waterproof burlap or heavy plastic.
• Get into the habit of slapping the hood of your vehicle before starting it. In their search to keep warm outdoors, cats often take refuge next to a warm car engine or tire.
• Keep snow from piling high next to your fence. A packed snowdrift will provide a boost for your dog to jump over the fence and escape the safe confines of your yard.
• Consider the amount of exercise your dog receives during cold weather. If your dog stays indoors more, he’s probably getting less exercise and may need less food; however, if your pet is outside often he may need more food to burn the calories necessary to produce more body heat.
If you have further question or concerns please email wanndat@fastdata.net , as our message line is currently being replaced.
Tut
Friday, December 3, 2010
Animal Crush Video Prohibition Act
On Nov. 19, 2010, Congress passed the final version of the Animal Crush Video Prohibition Act of 2010 (HR 5566). When the bill is signed by President Obama, it will become law, providing law-enforcement agencies and prosecutors the tools they need to successfully halt the crush video industry. Crush videos depict animals being intentionally crushed, burned, drowned, suffocated or otherwise subjected to serious bodily injury. To read the entire bill go to http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/D?c111:7:./temp/~c111UVusLb
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Pets as Christmas Gifts
NAFA and Petco and joining together to discourage individuals from giving live pets as gifts at Christmas. We feel so strongly that we now have a special radio commercial on KBTM 1230 during the “Answer to Us” radio program from 4pm to 6 pm weekdays.
NAFA’s last pet adoption day will be Saturday, December 18th. The week before and after Christmas are the worst time to bring a new pet into your home. It sets you and the pet up to fail.
Please take a moment to read and pass on to your friends our information on giving pets as gift.
A Look at Giving Dogs, Cats, Small Animals as Holiday Presents
Pets don't make good Christmas gifts, but there are creative and more sensible ways to giving the gift of a cat, dog or other pet companionship.
During the first few weeks of the new year, animal shelters and humane organizations see a steady stream of cats, dogs, small animals and other pets that were given to someone as a Christmas present or holiday gift.
In the vast majority of cases, giving an animal as a gift for Christmas, Hanukkah, Easter or another holiday is a bad idea and very frequently, the ordeal ends with the dog, cat, pocket pet or other animal at the humane society's animal shelter. But fortunately, there are a few responsible alternatives for people who like the idea of giving a pet as a gift. This article will explore the reasons to avoid giving a puppy or kitten as a Christmas gift, while providing humane and sensible alternatives that will make for a happy pet and happy pet owner.
Why is it a Bad Idea to Give a Puppy or Kitten as a Christmas Present?
There are several reasons why pets that are given as holiday gifts rarely remain in their new home. Consider the following reasons why kittens and puppies make bad Christmas gifts.
The holiday season is hectic. This makes it difficult to bond and care for a new cat, dog, rabbit or other pet. Kittens and puppies require a strict schedule, lots of attention, training, care and love. Combine the pet's needs with the hustle and bustle of the holiday season and the result is often a pet with behavioral issues, an overwhelmed pet owner, or both.
It's important for a new pet owner to connect with his new pet. It may seem like a good idea to pick out an adorable puppy or kitten for a parent, child or significant other, but this should always be avoided. Picking a pet for another person is much like arranging a marriage. The new pet owner must personally select his/her new cat, dog, guinea pig, hamster, ferret or other pet. When an animal lover decides to adopt a particular animal, there is always an underlying attraction - a reason why that particular person picked that specific pet. This initial attraction is vital - it's the first step in the bonding process between a human and an animal who will be sharing each other's home and lives for the next 1, 2, 5 10 or even 20 years. Selecting an animal to adopt is a very personal process that should be left to the new pet owner.
It may not be the right time for a new pet. It's one thing to say "I'd love a dog." It's another thing to actually visit a breeder or animal shelter to adopt that new dog. Giving a dog, cat or other pet to another person can thrust the new pet owner into a bad position: the new cat, kitten, dog, puppy, ferret or other animal may be cute, and it may have a great personality and this may compel the new pet owner to keep the pet. The emotional element of pet ownership can override the sensible, logical mind that says "I don't have enough time for a puppy," "I don't have enough money to afford the vet bills," or "I travel too much to keep a cat." This can place the pet owner and the animal in a less-than-ideal situation that's unfair to both animal and human.
The person receiving the pet should have a say in picking out the pet. What makes one person choose a pet is not the same as what another person chooses, even within the same breed. It is very important for the person that is going to spend 10, 15 or 20 years with a pet as a family member to choose one that has the look and personality that they find appealing.
It does not set a good example for our children. “Respect for life” is a lifetime learning experience for children. In our current society gifts are exchangeable for even the most minute of reasons. So giving a pet for a gift tells our children that pets are of the same value as their video games, bicycles, Barbie dolls, etc. Giving a living animals is a very important step in a family and should not be taken lightly.
Alternatives to Giving a Dog, Cat or Other Pet as a Christmas Present
While it's never a good idea to give a live animal as a Christmas gift, Hanukkah present, birthday gift or Valentines Day gift, there are a few creative alternatives for someone who wants to give the gift of animal companionship to a loved one.
Give the gift of a few basic pet supplies or a small gift certificate to Petco. This will evoke the question of "What do I need this for? I don't have a dog/cat/hamster/ferret/iguana/etc." It's then that the gift giver can explain that his real gift is an all-expenses-paid trip to the animal shelter or breeder to select his new companion. This enables the gift recipient to select his own pet and it also gives the soon-to-be pet owner an opportunity to postpone the addition of a new pet to the household until the time is right.
Another idea? Create a homemade pet gift certificate, entitling the recipient to the kitten/puppy/ferret/etc. of his choice at the local animal shelter or humane society.
Happy Holidays,
Tut
NAFA’s last pet adoption day will be Saturday, December 18th. The week before and after Christmas are the worst time to bring a new pet into your home. It sets you and the pet up to fail.
Please take a moment to read and pass on to your friends our information on giving pets as gift.
A Look at Giving Dogs, Cats, Small Animals as Holiday PresentsPets don't make good Christmas gifts, but there are creative and more sensible ways to giving the gift of a cat, dog or other pet companionship.
During the first few weeks of the new year, animal shelters and humane organizations see a steady stream of cats, dogs, small animals and other pets that were given to someone as a Christmas present or holiday gift.
In the vast majority of cases, giving an animal as a gift for Christmas, Hanukkah, Easter or another holiday is a bad idea and very frequently, the ordeal ends with the dog, cat, pocket pet or other animal at the humane society's animal shelter. But fortunately, there are a few responsible alternatives for people who like the idea of giving a pet as a gift. This article will explore the reasons to avoid giving a puppy or kitten as a Christmas gift, while providing humane and sensible alternatives that will make for a happy pet and happy pet owner.
Why is it a Bad Idea to Give a Puppy or Kitten as a Christmas Present?
There are several reasons why pets that are given as holiday gifts rarely remain in their new home. Consider the following reasons why kittens and puppies make bad Christmas gifts.
The holiday season is hectic. This makes it difficult to bond and care for a new cat, dog, rabbit or other pet. Kittens and puppies require a strict schedule, lots of attention, training, care and love. Combine the pet's needs with the hustle and bustle of the holiday season and the result is often a pet with behavioral issues, an overwhelmed pet owner, or both.
It's important for a new pet owner to connect with his new pet. It may seem like a good idea to pick out an adorable puppy or kitten for a parent, child or significant other, but this should always be avoided. Picking a pet for another person is much like arranging a marriage. The new pet owner must personally select his/her new cat, dog, guinea pig, hamster, ferret or other pet. When an animal lover decides to adopt a particular animal, there is always an underlying attraction - a reason why that particular person picked that specific pet. This initial attraction is vital - it's the first step in the bonding process between a human and an animal who will be sharing each other's home and lives for the next 1, 2, 5 10 or even 20 years. Selecting an animal to adopt is a very personal process that should be left to the new pet owner.
It may not be the right time for a new pet. It's one thing to say "I'd love a dog." It's another thing to actually visit a breeder or animal shelter to adopt that new dog. Giving a dog, cat or other pet to another person can thrust the new pet owner into a bad position: the new cat, kitten, dog, puppy, ferret or other animal may be cute, and it may have a great personality and this may compel the new pet owner to keep the pet. The emotional element of pet ownership can override the sensible, logical mind that says "I don't have enough time for a puppy," "I don't have enough money to afford the vet bills," or "I travel too much to keep a cat." This can place the pet owner and the animal in a less-than-ideal situation that's unfair to both animal and human.
The person receiving the pet should have a say in picking out the pet. What makes one person choose a pet is not the same as what another person chooses, even within the same breed. It is very important for the person that is going to spend 10, 15 or 20 years with a pet as a family member to choose one that has the look and personality that they find appealing.
It does not set a good example for our children. “Respect for life” is a lifetime learning experience for children. In our current society gifts are exchangeable for even the most minute of reasons. So giving a pet for a gift tells our children that pets are of the same value as their video games, bicycles, Barbie dolls, etc. Giving a living animals is a very important step in a family and should not be taken lightly.
Alternatives to Giving a Dog, Cat or Other Pet as a Christmas Present
While it's never a good idea to give a live animal as a Christmas gift, Hanukkah present, birthday gift or Valentines Day gift, there are a few creative alternatives for someone who wants to give the gift of animal companionship to a loved one.
Give the gift of a few basic pet supplies or a small gift certificate to Petco. This will evoke the question of "What do I need this for? I don't have a dog/cat/hamster/ferret/iguana/etc." It's then that the gift giver can explain that his real gift is an all-expenses-paid trip to the animal shelter or breeder to select his new companion. This enables the gift recipient to select his own pet and it also gives the soon-to-be pet owner an opportunity to postpone the addition of a new pet to the household until the time is right.
Another idea? Create a homemade pet gift certificate, entitling the recipient to the kitten/puppy/ferret/etc. of his choice at the local animal shelter or humane society.
Happy Holidays,
Tut
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Labordoodle Regrets
Inventor of labradoodle regrets his work.
If Wally Conron had known what was going to become of the labradoodle, he wouldn't have bred the dog in the first place. It was 22 years ago and Conron, now 81. Conron, who is writing a memoir about life with the labradoodle, says that despite the fact that the dogs have helped so many blind people, he regrets creating the first crossbreed. "I opened a Pandora's box, that's what I did. I released a Frankenstein. So many people are just breeding for the money." Today, people pay ridiculous prices for poodle crossbreeds, and unscrupulous breeders are crossing poodles with inappropriate dogs simply so they can say they were the first to do it. There are cavoodles (cavalier king charles spaniel/poodle), groodles (golden retriever/ poodle) schnoodles (shnauser/poodle), and even roodles (rottweiller/poodle). "A lot of them are just crazy," Conron says. "So many of them have problems. I believe that one-third of dogs bred today are the poodle crosses. People say aren't you proud of yourself, and I say, no. Not in the slightest. I've done so much harm to pure breeding and made these charlatans quite rich."
To read more about how labradoodles came into existence and why he regrets it so go to - http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2010/nov/13/inventors-idea-regret .
Sorry about yesterday's post,
Tut
If Wally Conron had known what was going to become of the labradoodle, he wouldn't have bred the dog in the first place. It was 22 years ago and Conron, now 81. Conron, who is writing a memoir about life with the labradoodle, says that despite the fact that the dogs have helped so many blind people, he regrets creating the first crossbreed. "I opened a Pandora's box, that's what I did. I released a Frankenstein. So many people are just breeding for the money." Today, people pay ridiculous prices for poodle crossbreeds, and unscrupulous breeders are crossing poodles with inappropriate dogs simply so they can say they were the first to do it. There are cavoodles (cavalier king charles spaniel/poodle), groodles (golden retriever/ poodle) schnoodles (shnauser/poodle), and even roodles (rottweiller/poodle). "A lot of them are just crazy," Conron says. "So many of them have problems. I believe that one-third of dogs bred today are the poodle crosses. People say aren't you proud of yourself, and I say, no. Not in the slightest. I've done so much harm to pure breeding and made these charlatans quite rich."
To read more about how labradoodles came into existence and why he regrets it so go to - http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2010/nov/13/inventors-idea-regret .
Sorry about yesterday's post,
Tut
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