Single Dad Life » Pet Care

Top 5 Pet Issues When Traveling

admin — Wed, 27 May 2009 14:46:42 +0000

by Boyd Harrell, DVM

For many of us summer is a travel season, a time when the entire family finally has some precious time together for recreation. And of course if you are a pet owner and lover like me, your pet is likely to be traveling with you. So don’t let poor planning for your pet’s travel turn into a disaster story. Here are some pet travel basics to follow and pitfalls to avoid.

Essential pet travel items

• Leash – A lost pet far from home can be a disaster; never allow your pet off leash unless they are within a secure enclosed area.
• ID tag – Be sure it has your pet’s name, your name and a phone where you can be reached. A mobile phone number is best so you can always be in touch.
• Pet health records and health certificate - These are important should your pet need medical attention while away from home or if you are crossing state or national borders.
• Your pet’s own food along with food and water bowls – This will lessen the likelihood of digestive upset and make your pet feel more ‘at home”.
• Blankets or bed – Having a comfortable familiar bed lessens the stress of travel
• Crate/kennel – A pet crate makes travel in the car safer for both you and your pet and is required by some hotels/motels.
• First aid kit – Be sure to include items to protect both pets and their people.

Top 5 Pet Travel Concerns

Anxiety
Travel can be both fun and stressful for your pet. Pets pick up on the excitement of their people and become anxious themselves. Changes in their routine like different feeding times, different bed, long car rides, lots of people activity can all be stressors for your pet.

Proper Hydration
Summer travel can increase your pet’s water needs . Dehydration can occur quickly as a lot of moisture is lost when pets pant from either anxiety or summer heat. Plenty of fresh cool water is essential to maintain proper hydration and organ function and avoid possible heat stroke.

Pet Odor Control
Traveling in the close confines of an automobile exaggerates odors from pets, crates/kennels and blankets. Dogs often find unpleasant things to roll in at parks and rest stops and a soiled crate quickly diminishes the air quality.

Digestive Upset
Changes in your pet’s routine, chewing on found prizes and different food or water can all contribute to digestive upset including loss of appetite, vomiting , diarrhea or constipation.

Emergencies
Medical problems and injuries can be even more difficult to deal with when you are on the road. Be sure to have a pet first aid kit, medical records, your veterinarian’s number and a pet poison control phone number with you at all times. Next be sure every family member knows where these things are at and that they are readily accessible.

Small efforts in organizing and preparation can pay large dividends for both you and your pet during your next travel. Plan ahead for pet friendly locations and if one of your destinations does not allow pets be sure to have scouted out a nearby boarding facility you are comfortable with and make reservations well in advance. Now that you are ready, let’s go have fun!

You can contact Dr Harrell by sending an email to boyd@petprosbusinesscoaching.com or to boydharrell@myoxyfresh.net .

Top 5 Summer Pet Hazards

Barry — Mon, 25 May 2009 11:41:17 +0000

by Dr. Boyd Harrell

Oh, the dog days of summer are upon us! The seasonal bright sun and warm days mean more outside activity and fun for many of us. Along with the fun, warm weather also brings some hazards to pets and their people. Let’s visit the top 5 pet hazards of summer.

Heat
The sun’s can heat cause concrete and ashphalt to reach temperatures hot enough to burn our pet’s feet when they walk on it. And just like us, over exposure to the sun can lead to sunburn on the nose and ear tips or the skin of lightly pigmented pets. Without adequate shade and fresh water summer temperatures can cause pet’s to dehydrate and make breathing difficult especially for short nosed, heavy coated or older pets. When pets over exert themselves or are left in a closed automobile for even a short time, life threatening heatstroke may overtake them.
Here are some tips to protect your pet from the sun. Provide them with plenty of shade and fresh water and be certain the bowl is secure so that it can’t be tipped over. A children’s swimming pool can provide a fun way to cool down. Consider getting your pet a shorter hair cut. Exercise early in the morning or later in the evening. Apply pet-safe SPF 15-40 sunscreen to the nose and ear tips. Lastly, absolutely don’t leave your pet in the car for even a short time, the inside temperature can rise 30 to 50 degrees in just minutes.

Anxiety
Changing summer schedules, more people activity, additional travel and thunderstorms can all cause our pets a great deal of anxiety. Try to keep a routine as much as possible and provide a safe quiet place for your pet to escape if they feel the need.

Water Sports
Home swimming pools provide a refreshing dip for either us or our pets on a hot day. Don’t let your pet drink pool water because the chemicals can cause digestive upset. Rinse your pet’s coat with fresh water after using the pool to avoid skin irritation. Lastly be sure to secure your pet away from the pool when you are not there. Many pet’s drown every year because they jump or fall into the pool and can’t get back out by themselves.
If you take your pet to the lake, a beach or boating be proactive by strapping on a life jacket for safety’s sake then do the same for yourself.

Toxins
Deadly plants, paints, lighter fluid, coolant leaks and insecticides used on our pets, on the lawn, in garden or stored in our garage are all hazards to be aware of. Most lawn chemicals are safe after they have been “watered in” and given a chance to dry completely. Allow your pet to avoid freshly treated lawns whenever possible.

Injury

Pets sustain more injuries in the summer due to increased activities and distractions. Keeping your pet on leash or in a securely enclosed exercise area is a recommended practice. Many dogs love to hang their head out the window during car rides putting themselves at risk for serious eye injury. If you ride with a car window down be sure your pet cannot jump out of the car and never let your dog ride in the back of a truck without a secure tether short enough to prevent jumping overboard.

Being aware of these summer pet hazards and taking preventive action will allow both you and your pet to have an enjoyable and safe summer. So what are you waiting for? Let’s have some summer fun!

Dr. Boyd Harrell can be reached at boyd@PetProBusinessCoaching.com

Do you have an example of an issue that happened with your pet? Share with us so we can learn.

What is a Dog Crate and Why Do I Want to Use One?

admin — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 13:32:40 +0000

by Boyd Harrell, DVM

Dog crates come in many shapes, sizes and forms ranging anywhere from a simple wire enclosure to decorative furniture pieces. Regardless of the outward appearance of a crate it basically is enclosure with a top bottom four sides and a door. Crates are commonly used by pet professionals such as breeders, trainers, show handlers, groomers and veterinarians. These people know the value of a crate and how to use it properly.

Many individual dog owners however have misconceptions about using a dog crate. They feel it is cruel and unusual punishment when in fact with proper use and training it is exactly the opposite. Most dog owners who shun crates do so because they try to humanize their dog. They see a dog crate more like a jail cell, a form of punishment. Dogs though are not human and they don’t think like humans nor do they have the same social framework that we do.

So to you a dog crate may seem like a jail, and to a dog it can be more like a security blanket, a place of safety. Although dogs have been domesticated and living within our homes for hundreds and hundreds of years, all members of the canine family whether they be wild or household family members descended from the same family tree and have similar social needs and rules. Dogs in the wild will raise and protect their family within a den which is usually created by tunneling into the ground and digging out an area of just large enough to comfortably accommodate the family. A den is a place of safety from enemies, a shelter from the elements, a place to call home.

The more closely we can simulate a den environment the more likely we are to create a comfortable safe haven for our dog. To simulate a den one of the things we want to do is to provide an area just large enough for the dog to stand and comfortably lay down. Like in the natural den, this closeness provides a feeling of security and safety. It is important for dogs in the wild keep the den clean, in part because it has such a small space. The same is true when a dog is confined to a crate. The less unused area there is in a crate, the less likely a dog is to eliminate in the crate. If you have a growing puppy then you should plan to either change crate sizes as your puppy grows or you may choose to partition off a part of the crate until your puppy needs more room to be comfortable.

If you choose to use a wire crate or some other crate with open sides, cover the top and sides with a sheet or blanket leaving only the door with no visual barrier. The position of the sheet or blanket can be adjusted as needed to provide adequate ventilation. The purpose of covering the sides and top is to simulate being in a closed natural den where your pet can relax and feel safe.

There are some basic rules that need to be followed when crate training your dog.

The crate is not to be used as a form of punishment.
A dog should never be scolded while in the crate.
The crate should be located in relatively quiet “people area” of the home like a kitchen or a den.
Children and visitors should not bother or distract a dog that is in a crate.
A soft bed or a comfortable pad should be provided to rest on.
A water bowl should be available if the pet is to be left in the crate for any extended period of time. Providing a chew stick or favorite toy is a good idea too!
The crate is to be kept in immaculate condition at all times. If food or water is spilled or if a pet eliminates within the crate it needs to be cleaned, dried and fresh bedding provided before it is used again.

When the crate is properly used and has many advantages for both you and your pet.

You can feel comfortable that when you leave your dog alone things cysts in your house will be destroyed or soiled.
When repairmen, guests or active children may cause your dog excitement or anxiety the crate can provide a source of comfort and security.
Crate training can speed up housebreaking your dog by using the close confinement to encourage control. It is extremely important however that we establish a regular routine for walks and that we don’t leave either of puppy or an adult dog in the crate beyond reasonable expectations for elimination control.
Because most crates are portable they make car travel safer and can provide a comfortable familiar home for your pet while camping or visiting friends or family.
Your dog will have a safe, secure, private area to retreat to when stressed or tired.

Pets are Good for the Whole family

admin — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 13:20:51 +0000

The majority of households in the US have at least one pet. So why are pets so popular? It would be impossible to list all of the benefits and reasons for pet popularity however we can look at some of the most common ones.

Pets are just plain fun to have around us! Now that’s a good reason isn’t it? Pets give us a reason to smile, even laugh out loud on a day that might otherwise have us wearing a frown. A good belly laugh is a very effective stress reliever helping to bring down our coritsol levels and decrease hypertension.

Having a pet in the home is good for our health in other ways as well. In addition to helping us to lower our blood pressure, pets have been shown to reduce cholesterol levels and triglyceride levels. Pets can also help to increase our exercise and outdoor activities. Taking a dog for a walk or on a hike is good low impact aerobic exercise and aerobic exercise is key to maintaining good health and increasing longevity.

When children get involved with the walks the exercise can help reduce anxiety and increase attention span helping them to perform better in school and have fewer conflicts with siblings, other family members and teachers. Walking and hiking is also a great way to help control or reduce obesity for both children and adults. The exercise also helps to regulate our blood sugar, reducing the risk of type II diabetes onset and aiding in the control of existing diabetes.

OK, so physical health is not high on your list of reasons to have a pet. What about emotional and social health? People tell pets their deepest secrets and share things they might be too embarrassed to discuss with any human. They can be a living breathing diary if you will. Pets make no judgment about us when we share these feelings. Simply being able to say what is on our mind can ease the emotional stress and conflict stirring within us, even when we speak it only to a pet. Speaking about dogs, Jerome K. Jerome said “They [dogs] never talk about themselves but listen to you while you talk about yourself, and keep up an appearance of being interested in the conversation.” (We all want to be heard!) And Christopher Morley said “No one appreciates the very special genius of your conversation as the dog does.”

Pets can teach children responsibility when they get directly involved in the pet’s care. Grooming, feeding and playtime are a few of the daily duties asked of a pet provider. Out of that, good habits can be formed and self esteem elevated. The new caretaker develops a sense of control and purpose, both important in life balance and life purpose.

Pets can be a common source of bonding, often creating fun conversations and activities inconspicuously helping to bring families closer together. They can allow us to forget about the rest of the world for a bit and concentrate solely on having a good time.

Dogs (and some cats) help provide security for the family by giving us visual and auditory alerts when danger or stranger is near. Their barks, yips, growls and yowls can a good deterrent in the face of a threat.

There are many logical reasons for owning a pet. The most important reason may be that we simply love them and enjoy their companionship.

Boyd Harrell, DVM

10 Tips to Keep Your Pet Healthy

admin — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 13:12:35 +0000

1. Feed a high quality food in an amount to maintain an ideal body weight. Obesity is the most common nutritional disease for pets and predisposes your friend to many other health issues. Feed an amount of food that maintains an ideal weight and don’t simply go by the feeding guide on the pet food label. If your pet seems hungry try adding fresh raw vegetables for filler like green beans or give baby carrots for treats instead of dog biscuits.

2. Provide fresh water at all times. Water is vital and even mild symptom free dehydration leads to reduced organ and brain function. Be sure to rinse out the bowl with warm water and dry with a paper towel before refilling. Remember to add Oxyfresh Oral Hygiene Solution to ensure that you are taking care of your pet’s oral hygiene.

3. Provide plenty of exercise. Just like for people, exercise provides many health and emotional benefits for pets. Adequate exercise is the best prevention for destructive behavior like chewing and escaping.

4. Prevent parasites. Both internal parasites like heart worm and intestinal worms and external parasites like fleas and ticks pose serious health threats. Fleas and ticks may be carriers of other pet diseases like tapeworm, Lyme’s disease, Rocky Mountan Spotted Fever and more. There are many good products on the market that are effective against these parasites.

5. Follow Vaccination guidelines. Many of the common contagious diseases can be prevented.

6. Keep your pet leashed. Do not allow your pet to run free. The risk of injury and becoming lost or stolen is too great.

7. Start a preventive dental program. Dental disease affects 85% of all dogs over 2-3 years of age. An unhealthy mouth stresses the immune system and can take years off the normal life expectancy. Brushing is the gold standard ye just adding Oxyfresh’s Pet Oral Hygiene Solution to your pet’s waterbowl will make a huge difference in your pet’s oral health. Start early before the symptoms begin.

8. Keep your pet well groomed. Good grooming is much more that simply making your pet look good. A well groomed coat and clean skin just plain feels good and each grooming is another opportunity to examine your pet closely for any lumps, bumps or other things that shouldn’t be there. Good quality shampoos can be used regularly and will keep the skin clean and the coat shiny without drying out the skin. Be sure to keep your pet’s coat brushed. Brushing is a great chance to spend quality time with your pet and will help your pet look great.

9. Pet proof your house. Be watchful for things your pet might want to chew or lick on. Many common household items can be toxic to pets and many other items may be swallowed causing digestive upset or even obstruction.

10. Provide plenty of affection. Not much more needs to be said about this one J. Besides, isn’t that why we have pets anyway?

Boyd Harrell, DVM