Top 5 Pet Care Tips

Caring for Dogs and Other Important Issues should be kept in mind if you are considering animals or currently have animals. In the attempt to educate others regarding pet care, these are my Top 5 pet care tips.

1. Animal Neglect

Our pets; our companions, we hope harbor secure feelings, are comfortable and happy in our homes. Cruelty to animals is the first and foremost issue Americans should face regarding the pet care topic. The SPCA and other animal rights groups report daily incidents of animal neglect and try with the resources they have, to rescue as many possible. The misfortune of many animals is they never experience the comforts of love, happiness and security. Our society allows breeders to continually breed dogs and run puppy mills however they choose. Dog race facilities put down the greyhound athlete should they run slower than expected. We should familiarize ourselves with current issues surrounding our fare weathered friends and understand what we can do to help. Please report incidents including Puppy Mills, Dogfighting, Hoarding and Chaining and Tethering - all are considered animal abuse.

2. Dog Bite Laws

American civil and criminal laws contain a Dog Bite Law which are probably codified in your state, county or city ordinances. Some court decisions have also been applied under various circumstances. Generally, dog owners are strictly liable when their dog bites if he knew his dog had the tendency to bite. If the dog has already bitten someone, this incident will be cause for strict liability as well. Thus it is vital to be aware and understand your rights; be responsible!

3. Managing a Pack

Owning several pets as I, a pet sitter becomes of great value. Like human children, your canine children depend on your love and care 100%. It is more often than not, my partner and I never vacation together since one of us must be home to care for the dogs. If we are both away, it takes some planning and much consideration to find someone who will pet sit. By this, I expect more than just providing food and water. Dogs need love and attention, much like a human child. I need someone who spends time talking, exercising and can react in emergency situations. Therefore, it is usually better when we prepare trips separately because we both would rather stick with the animals ourselves than rely on a complete stranger, who may or may not be perfectly qualified. Finding a great pet sitter is the first and most difficult task, but here are a few more tips. Your pet sitter should care for your pets in their environment - preferable at their home. If there is a well-established routine, the sitter needs to adhere to that schedule and any special diets your beloved canines require. Having a pet sitter may offer greater benefits. Your dogs will get the necessary treatment, but some may also have an integrated house sitter, plants can be watered, mail can be checked alleviating those concerns. Plus there will not be the burden of driving to a boarding facility and the added expense that goes with it. Furthermore, if asked nicely, I bet your pet sitter will not mind adding a little grooming to the to-do list. Now to get a pet sitter, I still believe in "word-of-mouth." But, as a pet owner and new the area, or pets are new to the family, contact the following two organizations: The Association of Professional Pet Sitters (800-296-PETS) and Pet Sitters International (336-983-9222).

4. Keeping your Pets Safe

Pet Safety should be first and foremost on the dog owner's mind. Here is a list of things to be aware. Always ID your dog, with a collar and tag, or microchip. Lost pets and runaways occur frequently, so be sure the dog is covered. Spay and Neuter your pets. The dog population is too large as it is; we cannot save them all. Vaccinate your pets. You never know when your pets run into little critters which can pass on abominable diseases. Keep your pets leashed. No matter how disciplined your dog maybe, their animal instincts can kick in at anytime, especially if they have never come in contact with a little bunny or squirrel and decide to run after it. Much like human children, your pet's physical health is very important to his well being. The proper diet and exercise program for your dog's breed will have a great impact, not only the pet's behavior, but her overall learning ability. The healthier the dog, the happier the dog; the easier it is to train - at least from my experience! I chalk that up to the happier the dog, the more likely they are to listen. Also, like kids, keep your pets away from household and outdoor pesticides they may ingest. Chocolate is like a poison to animals (dogs and cats). Some outdoor plants are poisonous to animals as well like the Caladium, Azalea, and Hydrangea. For a full list, see http://www.cybercanine.com/toxicplants.htm . If you believe your dog has ingested something hazardous, please call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control (http://www.aspca.org/ ) 1-888-426-4435.

5. Dog Food Choices

Dog food labels will list the ingredients in the order of percent-to-content. The best ratios are 40% proteins, 50% veggies and 10% grains/carbohydrates. Because dog food labels rarely will list percentages, it is wise to pick a food where the meat product is either #1 on the list or high on the list. If you have the time and money, making your own dog food is best. However, many dog food companies today provide healthy selections.

BE GOOD TO YOUR ANIMAL (S) - THEY LOVE YOU !