PET DISASTER PLAN

Common Household Items that are Poisonous to Dogs

Just as you house-proof your home before the new baby begins to walk, you have to consider that a new dog will go after just about anything in the home. Here are some common household items that are poisonous to dogs.

• Medications: Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, aspirin, cough and cold syrups, and prescription drugs should all be kept out of the reach of dogs.
  Indoor Plants: These can be very dangerous for dogs and should only be kept on a counter high enough so a dog cannot reach for it. If you have a large dog, you may want to get rid of these plants altogether. They include: Tulip bulbs, poinsettias, philodendrons, daffodils, lily of the valley, and azaleas.
• Foods: Dogs have a way of getting into cabinets where the “good stuff” is stored. These foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, yeast, grapes, onions, and raisins.
• Insecticides: These should not be kept in the home, but kept in a locked cabinet or on a high shelf in the garage: rat poison, flea and tick products, and other insecticides.
• Cleaners: These are sometimes kept under the kitchen sink. Dog-proof the cabinet so that these items cannot be taken out by your dog: bleach, detergent, furniture polish, soap, and disinfectants.
• Chemicals: These include lighter fluid, turpentine, antifreeze, gasoline, glue, paint, solvents, and any type of acids.
• Tobacco: Try to avoid leaving out a pack of cigarettes that can easily be eaten by a dog.
• Household Hazards: Ensure that there are all the electrical outlets in your home are covered; no extension cords are within sight or available for a dog to chew on; all electrical appliances are turned off or unplugged, and small collectable items you have showcased in your home are transferred to the top of an open bookshelf or an enclosed glass closet.
  Ensure that no bathroom items are left out on the sink or counter. If you have a cabinet under the bathroom sink, ensure it has a safety lock as well.

Dogs are a curious animal and they are inherently prone to forage for food or other items they consider chewable toys. Think of your dog as another child; as dedicated as you are to child-proofing your home, consider dog-proofing as well. In this way, there is no chance of an accident occurring when you are not home or when you are fast asleep.

For puppies, it’s a good recommendation to keep them in a kennel during the night so that they can sleep peacefully and not roam around the home. For older dogs, no doubt they will be trained not to attempt to eat something they are not supposed to, or grab something out of a cabinet.

Always err on the side of caution, however. A simple test would be to get down on your hands and knees and go through your entire home. This test has been used by those who wish to child-proof their home; looking at it from a child’s perspective. It is a sound idea.

Why Homemade Pet Food is Better for Your Pet

Whether you own a cat or dog, they are more then pets; they are our most precious companions who offer unconditional love.  In return, all they require is daily care, proper nutrition, exercise, and lots of hugs and praise.  When it comes to nutrition, however, recent events suggest that store-bought pet foods can be a detriment to their health.  This article will discuss why homemade pet food is better for your pet than conventional processed food.

A dog’s recommended daily allowance should include: vitamins, minerals, protein, fat, carbohydrates, and water.  Just as there are different species of dogs, so too, each requires a different diet regimen.  A balanced diet should be prepared according to the size, breed, and special needs of the canine.  Foods which should not be given to dogs include: chocolate, dairy products, and foods that contain sugar or yeast.

A pet owner, who raised beagles as a hobby, fed them the following homemade food:  spaghetti and meatballs.  This may sound a bit strange, but the meat is full of protein and the spaghetti is high in carbohydrates.  Of course, this staple was not a daily occurrence, however, the beagles were always in good health, had exceptional shiny coats, and adapted to this Italian family’s cooking.

Most experts advise that you should alternate between meat, chicken, and turkey; but do not use any pork or pork products in the meals.  For young puppies; meat, fruits, and vegetables are recommended.

There are also dog owners who prefer to feed their dogs vegetarian diets which may include: carrots, apples, and brown rice.  This in combination with vegetables, pasta, and meat includes all of the nutrients a dog may need.

It should be noted, however, that before preparing any homemade food for your pet that you consult a vet to ensure you are offering a balanced meal for the type of dog you own.  Since not all breeds are the same, some require more of one ingredient than others.

Cats

Preparing homemade food for cats can be a bit tricky.  They cannot tolerate preservatives, and therefore it is again essential that you consult a vet to ascertain what type of diet is best for them.

It is the general consensus, however, that cats require the same nutrients as dogs: vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, and fat.  The one exception is that cats require higher amounts of protein, therefore, utilize ground chicken, ground turkey, and ground lean beef in their diet.  In addition, add an occasional egg (either hard-boiled or scrambled) as well.

While cats love fish, it may not be a good idea to incorporate tuna or fresh fish into their diet since it is now known to contain mercury.  Experts advise that supplementing a cat’s diet with flaxseed oil, vegetables, and salt in minute amounts should be part of the dietary consideration.

Choosing homemade foods for your pet can be a healthy alternative to the processed foods available today.  Besides the fact that some of these canned foods are very low in quality, the widespread recall of commercial pet foods has generated a newfound respect for holistic, vegetarian, and homemade preparations.

Tips to Help Your Dog Get Along with Other Pets

Let’s assume you have a Bichon Friz at home and have decided to acquire another one as a companion.  Here are some tips to help your dog get along with other pets.

Before we get into the whys and wherefores, it is important to remember that any new member of the pet family will encounter a rigorous and sometimes jealous stance when a new pet arrives.  If you think about it, some children who are presented with a newborn baby tend to become upset because they have to compete for attention for the first time.

Dogs are very territorial.  Some even resent other pets being around their masters.  When a new pet is brought into the home, whether it’s a parakeet, cat, or turtle; the dog asserts his dominance and after awhile all is well.  However, when another dog is brought into the home – you may experience the following behavior:

Your dog not only asserts his dominance as the alpha male, but may fight with the new dog; eat his food; and generally play in a rough manner.  This is normal and should not be interfered with.  The new dog will have to play a subordinate role until he is fully accepted by the alpha male.

In order to keep things from getting out of hand, you might want to separate the dogs for a period of time.  Your pet will know there is another dog in the home by his scent.  Create an atmosphere that is conducive to them getting to know each other.

When they finally meet, try not to favor your pet over the new dog.  Treat them both equally.  It will take time for the new dog to acclimate to his new surroundings, and it will take your pet time to acclimate to the new arrival.  If necessary, keep the new pup in a kennel until they both become comfortable with each other.  The same holds true for cats as well.

Take your pet out for a walk.  Let him know that you are still there for him and you have not changed his routine simply because there is another dog in the house.  If he acts out against the new pup, call to him to come to another room.  Play and interact with him.  Use constant praise when he listens and offer a treat when he obeys your commands.

Put out dishes of food and water for each dog, always giving preference to your older pet.  Remember, he is the alpha male and deserves respect.  This is more for the young pup that for you.

Establish a routine that involves both pets.  Try not to favor one over the other but treat them equally.  If you give one dog a treat, ensure you give the other dog a treat.  If you buy dog toys, they may fight over them for awhile until the new pup gives up.  They’ll work it out.  Do not feel you have to intercede in everything they do.

The only time you should become involved is if they constantly fight.  Eventually, a bond will form and they will become the best of friends.  However, try not to leave them along for long periods of time, especially in the beginning.

No matter what other pets you may introduce to your dog, remember that it will take time, patience, love, attention, and a lot of aspirin – (for you, not the dogs!)