How to be a good neighbor when you have a dog

Train and exercise your dog regularly.

Scoop that poop!

Introduce your dog to the neighbors suttley and cautiously frankly you never what know what kind of persons your living next to

Secure your dog. Nobody likes a nuisance roaming dog not to mention its quite unsafe.

If your dog has any behavioral issues at least mention it to your neighbors.

Check in on your pet periodically to make sure they are not barking up a storm or creating havoc for your neighbor.

On that note do not leave your dog unattended outside for over 8 hours a day and/or 24/7. Not safe and unintentionally screw up your dog behaviorally. Maybe doggy day care? Dog sitter?

Crate training is always awesome but once again if your going to be gone for more then a couple hours come up with a better arrangement for your dogs sake.

If your the neighbor assume better judgment. If you have a issue calmly bring it up. Be patient.

If your the dog owner stay calm, listen, hear and understand the problem and brainstorm a solution for your pet's sake and neighbor's sake and your own sanity.

How to know its time to say good-bye

At one point there will come a time in your life that you may have to say good-bye to your beloved pet. Be it old-age, illness or tragic accident here are some questions to ask yourself whether or not the best decision maybe to let go and no longer let your pet suffer. Be it let them die naturally or have to choose the dreaded but merciful euthanasia. 

So in considering what to do, ask yourself the following questions:

• Does your dog have a terminal illness? Ask your veterinarian what to expect at the next stage and then ask whether you’re prepared to go there.
• Is your dog in the kind of pain that cannot be significantly alleviated by medication?
• Will more treatment improve his quality of life, or simply maintain a poor quality of life?
• Can you afford treatment? End-of-life care can run into thousands of dollars, and people can end up prolonging their grieving while paying off credit cards.
• Is your dog so old he has lost most bodily functions? If he can no longer stand up, get down stairs, defecate, and urinate on his own, the quality of his life is pretty poor.
• Does he still want to eat? Once a dog loses his appetite he’s signaling he’s close to the end.
• Are his gums pink? When gums aren’t a normal pink, your dog isn’t getting enough oxygen.
• Is it in his best interest to extend his life, or are you extending his life for yourself? This last point is the most difficult one for most of us to sort out, but it may well be the most relevant.

Article Credit: Read more at http://dogtime.com/dog-health/general/60-when-to-say-good-bye#aOZko2jEdEiY3T3S.99

In the end its up to you as a owner and friend to decide your dog's fate. If the quality of your pet's life has diminished to the point and your pet can no longer enjoy the things they love it maybe time to say goodbye. Do what is in your pet's best interest.

Reasons you need to Scoop the Poop

1. Storm water carries pet waste and other pollutants directly into waterways.

2. Animal waste adds nitrogen to the water. Excess nitrogen depletes the oxygen in water necessary 

for beneficial underwater grasses, wildlife and fish.

3. Animal waste may contain harmful organisms such as Giardia, Salmonella and E. coli that can be transmitted to humans and other animals by ingesting contaminated water.

4. Roundworms and hookworms deposited by infected animals can live in the soil for long periods of time and be transmitted to other animals and humans.

5. It’s the law! Many urban and suburban areas require you to pick up after your pet. Even if there is no restriction, cleaning up after your pet is always the right thing to do.

6. Joining the growing number of responsible pet owners may encourage hotel managers to accept pets when you are traveling and help keep fees to a minimum.

7. No one likes to step in pet waste and spread it into homes, cars and businesses.

8. Scooping on a daily basis and applying lime will help prevent odors.

9. It’s easy to clean up by carrying plastic baggies and paper towels in your pocket. The baggies can be secured and thrown away in the garbage.

10. Your neighbors will appreciate your good manners.

Article Credit: For more information on pollution prevention, visit DCR’s website, www.dcr.state.va.us.

Summer pet tips

Shield delicate skin and use some pet sun screen for ears, nose or pets in the nude (little or no fur-hair). For that matter keeps pet coats long, brushed and un-matted to avoid over exposure from the sun with access to water at all times especially for the thick haired breeds.

Sooth burns with pure aloe.

Walk with caution avoid times when temperatures are so high heats up asphalt and cement which in turn can burn your pets paw pads.

Don't leave your dog alone in the car period.

Look for signs of heat exhaustion-heavy panting, dry or bright red gums, thick drool, vomiting, diarrhea, or wobbly legs basically if your pet is panting up a storm take a break and give them some water.

keep it cool indoors with fans, air conditioners, open windows any way for air circulation.

Beware of riptides and currents if near the ocean. Use a pet life-jacket if going boating with your pet. Always make sure there is a exit for your pet in all bodies of water.

Keep a eye out for parasites.

Opt for pet friendly insect repellents ask your veterinarian.

Don't let your pet get into charcoal briquettes which can cause havoc internally.

Don't feed table scraps which can cause havoc in a pet's tummy.

Avoid certain backyard scrubs that could be poisonous to pets like azaleas and lilies

Avoid yard chemicals like plant foods, pest control, fertilizer which could be poisonous to your pets.

Keep them away from fire works. Keep pets indoors during times of fireworks use.

Flea Control Home Remedies

Feline Flea Proofing 
Add to the food for each adult cat: 
1/2 level teaspoon brewer's yeast 
1/4 level teaspoon garlic powder 

Flea Destroyer 
Set up a plate of sudsy water with a light hovering over it. The fleas are attracted to this and drown themselves. 

Flea Repellent (for cats) 
1/8 teaspoon tamari soy sauce 
1 crushed whole clove 
1/8 teaspoon water 
1 fresh garlic clove 
Marinate the garlic in the liquid for about 10 minutes and then remove it. 
Add 1/16 teaspoon soy liquid to each 1/2 cup cat food. Use this repellent immediately. 

Flea Repellent Pillows 
These pillows are for dogs. 
Source: Glen Brook Farms Herbs and Such 
2 parts penny royal 
1 part thyme 
1 part wormwood 
Herbs may be cut or whole; construct a pillow for your pet to sleep on and then stuff it with the pennyroyal, thyme, wormwood. This makes a nice gift for those favorite dogs in your life. These herbs help to repel fleas naturally and without harsh chemicals. 

Flea Repellent Sleep Pillows 
For cats 
2 parts sage or rosemary 
1 part catnip 
1 part chamomile 
For dogs 
2 parts penny royal 
1 part thyme 
1 part wormwood 
Herbs may be used cut or whole. Mix enough to stuff a 2-foot square pillow for a cat or a 3-foot square (or larger) pillow for a dog. Sew the pillowcase out of a tough, washable fabric such as denim. 

Herbal Flea Powder 
Use herbs in powdered form only. 
2 ounces penny royal (use sage or rosemary for cats) 
1 ounce rosemary 
1 ounce wormwood 
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper 
Mix and store in a covered container. Use as often as any flea powder and rub into skin. 
DO NOT LET POWDER GET INTO PET'S EYES. 

Herbal Flea Powder 
1 part eucalyptus powder 
1 part penny royal powder (use sage or rosemary for cats) 
1 part fennel powder 
1 part yellow dock powder 
Combine all ingredients in a shaker top jar and shake to mix. 
Apply to your pet's fur by brushing backward with your hand or comb and sprinkling the powder into the roots of the hairs. Concentrate on the neck, back, and belly. Use just enough to add a little odor to the hairs. 
For severe flea infestations, treat daily; otherwise, use two or three times a week.