Play Outside or Cuddle Inside

If it's a nice day in your area of residence take your dog outside and play!

Take your dog to the dog park.

Go for a hike.

Go for a run/walk.

Play with your dog in the backyard/front yard.

Go to the beach with your pet.

Go to the lake with your canine.

Go fishing your pup.

Go swimming with your pet.

Exercise with your pet.

Stay inside and cuddle if the weather is not so good.

Take a nap with your pet.

Cook for your pet.

Watch T.V with your pet.

Wrestle with your pet.

Read a book to your pet.

Exercise with your pet.

Not just today but spend time with your pet everyday ^_^

A well-exercised dog is a happy and calm dog.

Unconditional love~



Save Money! DIY Pet Stuff

ENJOY ^_^

  

DIY Things To Make For Pets and Pet Lovers

http://savedbylovecreations.com/2013/07/diy-things-to-make-for-pets-and-pet-lovers.html

Spiffy 0_o

Fun Things To Do With Your Pets

Spiffy ^_^

http://www.homemadehomeideas.com/16-fun-things-to-make-for-your-pets/

33 DIY Dog Toys You Can Make From Thing Around The House

http://thebarkpost.com/3-dog-toys-you-can-make-from-things-around-the-house/

How To Make DIY Cat Toys

http://www.wikihow.com/Make-Cat-Toys

Make And Build Dog Stuff

http://www.make-and-build-dog-stuff.com/

Cute! 

Shimmy!

Amazing!

Awesome!

Cool!

Help Stop Pet Overpopulation.

Help Stop Pet Overpopulation.

To Many Animals And Not Nearly Enough Homes =(

What is causing pet overpopulation?

Irresponsible, in-decrepit breeding. (Greedy backyard breeders who see profit and not a life.)

"Accidental" breeding/litters. (No such thing! People are responsible for their pets and are able to make a conscious decision on spaying or neutering their pet as early as 8 weeks of age. )

Choosing not to adopt. (Buying puppy-mill dogs from pet shops or "designer" craigslist dogs instead of adopting one of the many countless homeless animals in shelters is not right.)

Disposable pets. (Moving, can't afford to take care of any more, new baby, not enough time, allergies, behavior problems etc. All things people should of thought about before getting a pet.)


What can you do to stop pet over-population?

Always spay and neuter your pets. (Which can be done as early as 8 weeks and no you do not have to wait till a female dog's first heat cycle that is a myth and a irresponsible lie!)

Always consider adopting first from a registered, legitimate shelter or rescue. Yes there is such a thing as "purebred" dog rescues. (Do not support puppy mills, backyard breeders and puppy flippers!)

Consider all the responsibilities and consequences of pet ownership before deciding to even get a pet and always make that pet a lifetime commitment not something you can throw away or re-home over and over again. ( A pet is a living thing that you decided to be part of your life. A pet is not just a piece of property!)

Educate others about pet overpopulation, adoption and the importance of spaying and neutering. (Spread the word, do your research and get the facts straight so people do not misinterpret.)

Can't have a fuzzy puppy? How about tryingout a virtual pet? Check out Neopets!

I discovered Neopets actually a long time ago....ever since elementary school to be precise...and still play this rather fun, cute addicting game.

 I suggest anyone and everyone of all ages to give it a try....pretty shimmy and not to shabby ^_^ 

Have fun virtually taking care of you pet and customizing!

 Lots of other stuff too! Enjoy!

Taking Your Pet To The Veterinarian

So time for a visit to the veterinarian with your pet? Here are some things you need to know:

1. First visit with your pet to the veterinarian? Try to make it fun and stress-free for your pet for that first visit. Bring treats if necessary! Introduce your pet to the veterinarian and at the very least a basic wellness exam so your pet gets use to being handled by a stranger. After all do you really want a pet that dreads the veterinarian because of a bad experience? I think not. Take it nice and easy.

2. When waiting in the waiting room keep your pet close. You may have the friendliest pet ever but some pets and their owners may not be and it really is bad pet etiquette to let your pet wander around pestering people and other animals. Keep your pet on a leash or in a pet carrier.

3. Tell the truth about your dog's health. If he/she got into something that maybe poisonous let the veterinarian know exactly what  your pet got into. Your child/someone else's child play a little rough with your pet let your veterinarian know. You won't be judged the vet just wants to treat your pet in the best way possible if they have all the facts.

4. Make sure your pet has regular check-ups. Be it a annual physical examination, to update your pet's shots, or external and internal parasite/pest prevention are investments to your pet's health to prevent any serious and costly diseases. The more regular you are at your veterinarian the more likely they are able to keep a close eye on your pet's overall health.

5. If your pet has unusual behaviors please let the veterinarian no matter how minor it may seem. Any change in your pet's normal routine may mean something serious so let your veterinarian know as soon as possible.

6. Never play doctor your self! Never give people medications to your pets ever! Be careful with home remedies as well without proper guidance from a holistic veterinarian because your pet could have bad side affects or could interact with a current pet medication you are giving your pet. Always get a veterinarian's referral or prescription before trying any pet medication on your pet.

7. Be detailed and precise about your pet's symptoms. It will help your vet determine if what your pet has is a contagious disease in which case your pet would have to be isolated immediately and more then likely would have to be taken in at a time or place where no other animals are present. Otherwise you could cause a pet disease epidemic if your not specific enough on your pet's symptoms.

8. Have a number for your local 24-hour animal hospital handy. Since most veterinarians have 9-5 office hours it would be wise to get a referral for a after-hours clinic is case you have concerns or a emergency for your pet late at night.

Spaying Or Neutering Your Pet

Why spay or neuter your pet?

Reduce the number of homeless pets euthanized.

Improve your pet's health.

Reduce unruly behavior.

Save on the cost of pet care.

When can I spay or neuter my pet?

The procedure can be performed safely as early as 8 weeks of age. No excuse about waiting.

But fixing my animal cost to much!

Most towns have animal shelters/rescues that provide low-cost under $100 maybe even free spay and neuter clinics. No excuse.

Can't I allow my purebred or mixed breed have at least one litter? My pet has a wonderful personality or a lovely  appearance! 

No. There simply are not enough homes for the puppies or kittens you produce. Even if you have homes planned there is no guarantee those puppies or kittens will keep those homes after all people can change their minds because the puppy/kitten is too much work or peoples's lifestyle or financial situation changes. You and your pet will be much happier not producing litters and adding to the problem of homeless pet overpopulation.

I don't have a pet. So not my problem!

It is your problem ."All of us are affected by animal overpopulation. Millions of tax dollars are spent annually to shelter and care for stray, abandoned and unwanted pets. Much of that money is spent to euthanize these animals when homes cannot be found. Human health is threatened by the danger of transmittable diseases (including rabies), animal bites and attacks. Property may be damaged and livestock killed when pets roam in search of food. Animal waste is proving to be a serious environment hazard, fouling yards and parks. It is only when all of us assume the responsibility for pet overpopulation that we will see any decrease in the problem." -American Humane Association

So do yourself, the world and your pet a favor SPAY OR NEUTER . Thank You.

How to Help Homeless Animals During the Holidays

Tis the Season To Be Giving ^_^

Things to do help homeless animals in need during the holidays.

1. Donate to your local shelter. Be it food, pet items, blankets or money. Most shelters have a wish list so look that up and see what the shelter needs the most.

2. Adopt a pet! Instead of buying a expensive puppy from a breeder check out the shelter first.

3. Have a pet food drive or start a pet food bank so there are no hungry pets this season.

4. Help a neighbor in need. Know someone on a fixed low-income that needs help caring for their pet? Give them a helping hand if you can.

5. Volunteer at a shelter and play with the dogs and cats. They sure would appreciate it.

6. Give a gift to a needy pet.

7. Donate online to larger, more extensive pet charities.

8. Buy items where part of the proceeds are donated to pet charities, shelters and rescues.

9. See a stray animal? Pick them up and take them to a no-kill shelter. It's better then leaving them out in the cold and in the streets.

10. Foster a pet. Shelters run out of room and often need foster homes for remaining pets. Also it's good for shelter pets to be in a home atmosphere.

Veterinarian Care For Less

So you want to cut down on your pet's medical costs without going for broke? Here are some tips:

1. Prevention is key. Keep your pet well-fed, up-to-date on shots, spayed/neutered, flea/tick free, well exercised and out of dangerous situations will help reduce literally a lifetime of expensive medical bills 

2. Develop a relationship with your veterinarian. Go in for routine care and your veterinarian will have a overall health picture of your pet hence diagnosing and treating illnesses will make it easier for your veterinarian which in turn means big savings for you with a quicker diagnosis. If you have a good relationship with your veterinarian and their staff, the financial people will more likely help you with making pay arrangements or refer you to someone who may help you with financial burdens from expensive surgeries or other major treatments.

3. If you live near a veterinary school you could possibly get free or low-cost care for your pet there especially if your pet has a serious health problem.

4. Keep your pet away from poisonous things!

5.  Pet insurance. Yes it's out there but please do your research and always read the fine print. Pet insurance can cover things such as x-rays, surgery, hospital stays and lab fees. For additional premiums and the such routine car such as annual physical checkups, vaccinations, heartworm and flea/tick control medications, spay or neuter surgery and teeth cleaning can even get coverage.

http://www.petinsurance.com/

6. Your local pet shelter/rescue may offer low-cost or even free spay/neuter clinics and routine vaccinations and even micro-chipping. So definitely check them out!

7.  Check out Complementary and Alternative Veterinary Medicine Websites if interested in low-cost, homeopathic and herbal remedies pet healthcare:

http://www.altvetmed.org/

https://www.avma.org/Pages/home.aspx

Always check with your veterinarian or a registered/licensed holistic veterinarian before trying any sort of home remedy or alternative treatment!

How to Deal with Pet Smells

Dirty, Smelly Dogs and Stinky Litter Boxes >_< Ewwwww!

So your pet smelling a little off lately? How about is his living quarters or place of dootie smelling not so fresh? Well here are some tips to help your pet smell like roses or at least a little less dank:

1. Give your pet some air! If you keep them cooped up in the house or in their living area for long periods of time all that pet odor will just linger in stale air. So let them outside so they can air out and get some wind in that fur. Open the windows in your house to get some air flow as well.

2. Groom your pet daily even if it's just brushing or combing  their coat out. Bathe your pet at the very least monthly unless they have a flea problem or prone to getting down and dirty then bathe more often.

3. Baking soda is awesome. You can rub it in your pet's fur for a quick deodorizer or sprinkle some in the litter box to cut down odors.

4. Buy a good premium clumping cat litter. That way you can actually remove the pee clumps without having to dump the whole litter box and putting new litter in it pretty much daily with regular clay litter. At least with clumping litter you can wait maybe a week before having to dump the whole litter box and giving it a quick scrub down. Scoop pee and poo daily. Scrub down litter box at least once weekly. Simple.

5. Vacuum, clean, scrub down and launder pet bedding and pet living areas twice weekly.

6. Use enzyme cleaners specifically made for pets when it comes to urine, poo and throw-up stains. Enzymes cleaners work way better then any homemade cleaning attempts, vinegar and the such. Never use ammonia to clean up pet stains! Instead of deterring pets, ammonia may make pets, specifically kitties, want to eliminate in the same area. Clean up these stains fast! The quicker the better, the more likely the stain and smell can be removed.

7. If you have a really stinky cat or dog and nothing seems to be working to get rid of the stank please take your pet to the veterinarian they might have a skin condition or disease that needs to be looked at.

Pets and Cold Weather

It's that time of year where it's getting a bit to chilly for you and your pets  to venture outside for too long of a period of time. Here are some tips:

1. Just stay inside! If it's 32 degrees or lower your best bet for you and your pets is to stay indoors as much as possible. Stay warm and comfty. Your pets will love you for it!

2. Never let your dog venture outside without a leash! They could slip on ice, get lost in the snow or worst yet fall into a icy body of water =(  As for kitties  keep a watchful eye on them and don't let them wander to far or teach them to walk on a leash.

3. If you have a short hair dog or a small toy breed of dog consider a doggy coat or sweater and maybe booties although most dogs detest those things. I usually don't condone dressing your pup up but if it's cold outside go ahead and bundle up. Better safe then sorry.

4. Dry your pets off and wash their feet off after a day of outside of play. That way they won't chill and you get all that outside gunk like road salt, deicer or antifreeze off their delicate paws.

5. Don't leave your pets out in the cold for long periods of time unless you have proper, adequate shelter. A well-insulated barn or enclosed shed with some hay/blankets and little to no draft should be fine for your outdoor kitties. Some sort of well-insulated dog house elevated off the cold ground but closed off will work. Just make sure there is a blanket or some hay to help keep your pet warm. Basically keep your pet dry and out of any cold drafts.

6. Keep your pets healthy and well-fed. If necessary feed your outdoor pets extra high-protein food. If you see that your pet is not doing so well outdoors please bring them indoors and warm them up or keep them inside on very cold nights and days.

7. Check under the hood of your car for stray cats. Sometimes they will crawl up into your engine for warmth. So bang on your hood before starting your car just to make sure.

8. Don't use electric blankets with your pets unattended! They could get burnt or chew through the electrical cords.

The Worms That Break Your Pet's Heart...Pet Parasites Part II: The Other Worms

So I covered tapeworms what about those other worms?

What are heartworms?
Parasitic worms that live in the heart and large blood vessels of the lungs.

How does my pet get heartworms?
Transmitted from mosquitoes.

What are the symptoms of heartworms?
Signs of heart and lung disease. A veterinarian may suspect heartworms if your pet has shortness of breath or tires easily when normally quite active. Blood tests, x-rays and ultrasound of the heart will help determine if your pet has heartworms.

What is the treatment for heartworms?
Heartworms are to be treated by a veterinarian. Prevention is key. If you live in a mosquito infested area have your dog's blood tested annually by your veterinarian.

What are roundworms, hookworms and whipworms?
All of these types of worms reside in your pet's digestive tract.

How does my pet get worms?
Contaminated soil, other pet's fecal matter or passed down from your pet's mother if she was infected.

What are the symptoms?
They maybe spotted in your pet's poo or a veterinarian can determine if your pet has worms.

What is the treatment for worms?
OTC dewormer specifically made for the type of worm or your veterinarian can determine proper treatment. Always read the package before giving your pet any type of medicine!

What about those dastardly ringworms?
This is a common misconception. Ringworm is not a physical worm it is a type of fungal infection which can be treated by your veterinarian. Those red rings are fungi not worms get it straight! Caution: Ringworm can be contagious in humans and pets!

Pet Parasites Part I: Tapeworms! Is That Rice On my Dog's Butt? 0_o

Pet Parasites Part III: Fleas and Ticks Oh My!