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Water Safety for DogsBy Kathy Christ Warm weather offers the opportunity for plenty of playtime around the water for you and your dog. To gain the greatest enjoyment, a little awareness goes a long way. Looking out for the following hazards can help ensure a safe and fun summer!
Lakes are a great choice for dogs. The water tends to be calmer than in a river, but you still must be aware of underwater debris. For those of you traveling to the ocean this summer, consider that a rip tide may be strong enough to carry your dog out to sea. If the water isn't safe for you to swim in, then it's not safe for your dog either. Swimming Pools Unattended swimming pools are a hazard for dogs. Even those who know how to swim are at risk because most dogs aren't able to climb out of a pool by themselves. Also, some dogs may see a swimming pool cover and think it's solid ground. Stepping on the cover, they fall through and can't get out. Never allow your pet to be around a swimming pool unattended. Boating Sharing your love of boating with your dog is great fun. Just be aware of slippery decks and unsteady legs. Also, high speed boats can pose a threat to swimming dogs. Keep your dog out of the water when boats are around. Common Sense Being aware of the hazards that exist around water sets you in the right direction for preventing accidents. Remember, your dog is trusting you to provide a safe environment for his or her enjoyment. With a little common sense, the two of you can have a fun and safe summer.
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Owner EducationThe key to preventing pet behavior problems Good intentions go hand-in-hand with adding a puppy or kitten to the family. Who doesn't want a housebroken and obedient pet ? Unwanted behavior, however, is the leading reason for euthanasia of dogs and cats in the United States according to the American Animal Hospital Association, an international professional association of veterinarians who treat companion animals.
TrainingOwner education is key to preventing common pet behavior problems. "Set rules from the start," says Gary Landsberg, DVM, BS. "If a puppy or kitten exhibits unwanted behavior even once, it has learned the behavior." Basic training should begin immediately, and Dr. Landsberg advises new owners to be diligent in supervising the new pet and providing what it needs. For example, normal puppy behaviors--housebreaking accidents, destructive chewing--can be avoided altogether by observing the animal's needs and being aware of situations in which the pet can misbehave. "If you don't give them the opportunity to act inappropriately, they never learn to do it," he adds.Dr. Landsberg teaches training through reward rather than punishment. Young pets are willing to please and quite often will comply with only praise. He does not recommend physically forcing the pet to execute the desired behavior. Instead, he says,correct unwanted behavior by encouraging and enticing the youngster to behave appropriately. Replace your slipper with a chew toy or put the litterbox where the kitten is having "accidents," for example. According to Dr. Landsberg, praise, affection,and food are all effective rewards for the young pet in its new home. SocializationEqually important to raising a well behaved and adjusted pet is socialization. Deliberately socialize your eight-week-old puppies and kittens to all things, people, and environments where you expect them to live. Landsberg recommends having people over for short visits and allowing supervised interaction time with all family members. Many owners make the mistake of sheltering the young animal and then are surprised when it won't behave when there is stimuli. "If the new pet is expected to live harmoniously with children, cats, dogs, and gerbils," explains Dr. Landsberg, "then you should have the puppy or kitten interact as much as possible with children, cats, dogs, and gerbils in those critical first two to four months."What Now?If behavior problems still arise with your new puppy or kitten, or if you adopt an older dog, hope is not lost. He suggests visiting your veterinarian to discuss the problem: "First, to rule out anything medical that could be causing or contributing to the behavior. Second, your veterinarian can provide advice or referrals to books, training products or services, " Dr. Landsberg says.Every home and every pet owner is different. What one person allows in a pet, another may not. Landsberg stresses that the vast majority of pet behavior problems can be fixed or managed in a way so that the pet can remain in the home. Resources are available to help solve the most common pet behavior problems. Euthanasia should only be considered when safety from an erratic or aggressive pet is the issue. Ten Tips for Preventing Pet Behavior Problems
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Ear Mites in Dogs and Cats
Preventing recurrent ear mite infections in dogs and cats can be quite simple if you are willing to work with your veterinarian and follow a few basic prevention and treatment guidelines. According to veterinarians at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine at Urbana, a dog or cat that frequently scratches its ears; has a brown, waxy, flaky discharge in the ears; or is shaking its head a lot has classic signs of an ear mite infection. Otodectes, the mite that usually causes ear problems in pets, has hairs on its body which irritate the ear. These hairs are what produce the clinical signs. Otodectes mites generally spend their entire life cycle in the ear unless certain conditions allow them to spread to other areas. For example, a cat whose ear mite infection has spread to the face or back and tail area (since they sleep curled up) should be tested by a veterinarian for diseases such as feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency which suppress the immune system. Every dog or cat that shows the classic ear mite infection signs should be promptly examined by a veterinarian and treated. If left untreated, ear mite infections can lead to secondary, harder-to-treat problems such as bacterial or yeast infections, inner ear infections, or hematomas (a blood vessel rupturing within ear walls leading to a swollen ear). Once diagnosed by a veterinarian, ear mite infections are controlled by treating the animal's ears and entire body, plus all other animals in the household, and any new animals. Unlike fleas, ear mites tend to stay on pets and do not infest households, so premise treatment is usually not necessary. Only use products in the treatment of ear mites that are specifically recommended by a veterinarian and follow the directions on these products explicitly. Likewise, only use products that are specifically recommended for cleaning ears. Generally, it is more important to check your pet's ears regularly for dirt and discharge than it is to clean them. Try to examine your pet's ears at least once a week. If you find that you do need to clean the ears, and feel comfortable with the procedure at home, don't clean any deeper than you can see. Besides regularly examining your pet's ears, ear mite infections can also be prevented by ensuring that your veterinarian performs a thorough physical examination of all new pets, especially puppies and kittens.
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