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Archive for the 'Pet Safety (General)' Category
If you want to buy a purebred dog, be sure to do your research on puppy mills and “backyard” breeders. You do not want to buy a dog from these types of businesses. Generally, they are only breeding dogs to make money and have little or no concern for you the consumer or the dogs themselves. The puppy you buy could end up getting sick and dying from the unhealthy conditions of which they are bred in. Or they could end up being inbred and having all sorts of health problems which could cost you a lot more money. Also, by buying from a puppy mill, you may be inadvertently supporting an inhumane practice of the mother dog living in squalor for her entire life in a dirty tiny cage.
So how do you tell the difference between a puppy mill and a reputable breeder? We have come across a great article which will help you learn the difference. So if you are wanting to buy a purebred dog, PLEASE read this article, How to Recognize a Puppy Mill. If we do not support irresponsible dog breeding, we will not only put puppy mills and backyard breeders out of business, we will also be making life better for ourselves and the dogs we love.
I used to give my dogs rawhide bones all the time because they absolutely loved them and I thought it was good for their teeth. But when they ate the whole bone within a matter of minutes, I worried. Should they be eating that much at one time? Even though it is good for their teeth, is it good for their bodies? Rawhide is made from the hide of animals. I couldn’t imagine that it had much nutritional value.
We came across an article recently that spells out the truth about rawhide bones and why you probably should not give them to your dog. Check out this great article by Jon Dakins:
http://ezinearticles.com/?Rawhide-Toys—Treat-Or-Trouble?&id=1492142
I used to live in the country where it was very well known that coyotes would attack sheep, cattle, chickens, and even other dogs. I had 5 acres of land but kept a half an acre fenced so that my dogs would not roam around and get attacked by these coyotes (or mistaken for coyotes and get shot by a farmer). In the fenced yard, my dogs were safe.
However, Duce had a tendency to dig. Like my other dogs, he was kept in the house at night but let outside during the day for potty and play. I liked to be outdoors too so I was generally able to keep an eye on him and stop him from digging. But one day, he dug out and disappeared. I looked and looked for him but the country is a big place and there was still a lot of wild and wooded areas that made it harder to find him.
I really loved that dog and I miss him very much. He was shepherd/chow mix and a beautiful and lovable dog. It wasn’t until recently that I heard about a GPS pet tracker. The company I work with called PetAutoSafety.com sells one in particular called the RoamEO pet tracker. If those had been invented when I had Duce, I would have gladly have purchased one. That way, when Duce got out I would have been altered and hopefully would have been able to track him down and get him back home before he got hurt. This is a great product and probably one of the best pet trackers on the market because it is so easy to use and there is no monthly fee. I have the RoamEO pet tracker now although my dog Missy is almost exclusively and indoor dog. I use it mostly when we go camping or hiking. Missy has never gotten away from me but I don’t want to take any chances with losing another great dog.
Every year on the 4th of July we walk over to the park near our house where there is a huge fireworks display. And every year when I get home Sephi is hiding in the bathroom. I find her there shaking uncontrollably from the terrible noises that just took place. I can only imagine how she would have felt if I had brought her to the park with me.
I am amazed at how many people I see at fireworks displays with their pets. So many dogs get lost this time of year due to them running off in fright. And some of them end up getting hit by a car. So please leave your dog at home during the fireworks display.
There are other things you should consider this 4th of July in keeping your pet safe. It’s not unheard of for a dog to break their chain, dig out, or jump the fence in order to try to escape the noise. So keep your pet indoors. And if possible, keep them in the quietest place of the house. Sephi goes into our bathroom because that is the quietest place. I turn on the bathroom fan because she is familiar with that noise and it helps to drown out some of the noises of the fireworks. You can also leave a television or radio on for your pet before you leave. Do not leave any windows of your house open. And if your dog knows how to open any of your doors, lock them before you leave.
Always make sure your pet is wearing their identification tags. A desperate dog just might be able to find a way out. I have heard of dogs breaking out of windows, going through air ducts, and even managing to open an unlocked door. Tags will help to bring them home. If you find a dog this year, contact the local animal shelter and humane society. Post in the classified ads of your local newspaper. Post online too. Craig’s list is a popular place to post online. Leave fliers at local neighborhood centers and notify local residents.
If you know your pet will enjoy it, feel free to take your pet to the park for the 4th of July picnic, but please leave them at home for the fireworks! Enjoy the Independence Day celebration and come home to a safe and happy pet.
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