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.

Obesity has not only become a pandemic among humans, but pets as well.  Weight gain can be attributed to over-eating, lack of exercise, genetics, and health conditions.  Obesity in pets is more than a problem, it is becoming a lifestyle.  To combat the effects of obesity in pets, here are some suggestions.

Pets that are obese can develop a myriad of problems such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, arthritis, and skin conditions.  To determine the appropriate weight for your pet, visit your vet.  He can ascertain the ideal weight for your pet based on breed, bone structure, and type of body.

Once you have these facts, you can then begin a regimen of diet and exercise.  A diet consisting of a low fat and high fiber is the first step.   Refraining from giving your pet treats is another way to reduce weight.  Experts also advise that at dinner time, do not allow your pet in the dining area as he will inevitably want some of the scraps.

Do not leave any food around the kitchen or living room area.  Oftentimes when we are watching TV, we tend to have a snack or two.  Try to refrain from offering this type of temptation to your pet.

As with humans, pets can also become sedentary.  The more weight they gain, the harder it is for them to adjust to a healthier lifestyle.

In addition, there are certain breeds that are more vulnerable to weight gain than others.
For example, a beagle is first and foremost a hunting dog.  Most owners keep their beagles outdoors.  They exercise the beagles daily and are usually taken to open fields on the weekend so they can run and do that which is natural for them.

Conversely, there are beagle owners who keep these dogs indoors.  While they may take them for daily walks, the beagle grows accustomed to the sedentary lifestyle.  While beagles can range in size from 13 inches to 16 inches, the more they gain weight, the more they become sluggish and lethargic and lose the energetic flair they are most noted for.  The lifestyle they lead under these conditions is contrary to their nature.

Let’s face it; you put food in front of any pet, especially a dog, and they can swallow the contents of an entire bowl in seconds.  Even then, they are not fully sated.  Pets that are especially pampered and not given a daily routine can become obese.  One day they are running around and the next day they can hardly walk.

Prevention is the first step in assuring your pet maintains a healthy lifestyle.  They need to burn calories, and exercise can achieve that.  If you can’t feel your pet’s ribs, but are met with folds of skin; it’s time to take put your pet on a diet.

In addition to daily walks, take your pet to the park on weekends or arrange a play date with other pets in the neighborhood.  The more active they are, the less likely they will develop health problems.  Feed your pet the same time every day and refrain from leaving out a bowl of food for them, however, do leave out the dish of water.  This is necessary for hydration and can alleviate their pangs of hunger.

Pets rely on us for everything.  Too much food, and the instant gratification it offers, would be the ultimate disservice to them.

Are Discount Pet Medications Safe?

Let’s assume your pet contracts tapeworm or any one of a host of illnesses that needs to be treated.  Should you check online to find the appropriate medication?  If you find a specific type of medication that seems a bit costly, do you look further to find a cheaper brand?  Are discount pet medications safe?

Due to the high cost of prescription drugs for humans, we are sometimes forced to purchase generic drugs to save money.  Does this mean the drug is not as effective?  Does it mean that it is less safe?  With any drug, there may be side effects, but it doesn’t mean that it isn’t effective.   Moreover, there are always safety factors to consider when taking a drug for the first time.  Unfortunately for most of us, it boils down to trial and error.

While there may also be cost considerations when purchasing medications for pets, do we use the same methodology in determining the effects and safety of discount medications?  Certainly; and just as we consult with a doctor regarding our own health, we consult with a vet to ensure that the medications utilized are safe and effective at the same time.

The question as to whether or not discount pet medications are safe is a valid one.  If your pet becomes ill, the vet will prescribe appropriate medication.  If the medication is too expensive, you have an opportunity to ask if there is a less expensive medication available that is just as effective and safe.  It should be a medication that has very few side effects when administered over a long term.

So what’s the point?  Sometimes in our endeavor to help our pets when they are sick, we may think that by researching the various medications online and finding one that is not only appropriate but inexpensive; that we are saving money in vet bills and the more expensive medications the vet may prescribe.

The problem is that every pet is different; that medications prescribed by a vet depend on age, breed, and weight.  Can we honestly make the same judgment on what type of medication is best for our pet based on price?  Do we want to take the chance that the medication chosen is the correct one?

If we assume that discount pet medications are safe, then it would be perfectly fine to choose among the many online companies who offer these medications.  The question is whether or not we, as pet owners, are qualified to make such a diagnosis and administer the medication to our beloved pets.  If, on the other hand, a vet recommends a discounted medication; then it is appropriate to do so.

Just as there are unscrupulous sellers throughout the world who sell prescription medications online that are tainted or consist of placebos, so too, shopping for discount pet medications without the benefit of the expertise of a vet can be a regretful experience.

Talk to a qualified vet to determine what type of illness has befallen your pet and then discuss the medication options.  Discount pet medications may be safe, but they may not be practical.