Courtesy of Pet Talk
Nearly all pet owners consider their animals an integral part of the family, and treat them as such. Most pets do not make a fuss when you leave the house, although they are always happy to see you return. Others have a disorder that is called ‘separation anxiety’, where the pet’s owner must be in sight at all times, otherwise the animal will go crazy.
Courtesy of Pet Talk
It seems that blood drives are going on everywhere all the time. As a society we are aware that blood shortages are common at hospitals around the country and that it is imperative that blood is available for those who are injured or have to undergo surgery. What we may not think of is that blood is also critical when treating our family pets.
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Guest blog written by our Senior Dog Volunteer Cynthia Hiatt.
Twenty years ago, most dogs spent their days outside, and if they were lucky, their evenings and nights inside with their humans. Unless the owners were interested in the show ring or raising a working dog (hunting, herding, search and rescue, see and eye, etc.), training pretty much meant house training. Getting the leash out was as likely to mean a trip to the vet as a walk in the neighborhood. Family vacations did not include dogs with the exception of camping. Taking your dog to a restaurant was pretty much unheard of. Some people took their dogs with them for car/truck rides, but the dogs stayed in the vehicle. Interactions with other dogs were usually confined to the dogs in the same household.
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Courtesy of Pet Talk
Even though they may be taken for granted, pet vaccinations are vital for your pet. Properly vaccinating your pet is a very important part of pet care because vaccines can potentially help protect your pet against some serious health conditions and diseases.
Courtesy of Pet Talk
All pet owners recognize the signs; the itching, the scratching, the biting, the licking. While fleas can be an annoyance for any pet, for some they can trigger a much bigger problem.
Flea allergy dermatitis is the most common allergy for dogs and cats and can cause itchy skin disease along with hair loss, skin discoloration, red bumps and scabs.
Courtesy of Pet Talk
Each and every puppy is born with its own unique personality, just like humans. Some are outgoing, some are shy, some will love you unconditionally, and some are angry and aggressive. Canine aggression does not necessarily come from an abusive past, but is usually a part of the animal’s personality. Animal aggression is a big issue for families who have small children in the home, because an aggressive pet can be especially dangerous to children. There are several different types of aggression of which pet owners should be aware.
by Colleen Grzan, werc@werc-ca.org
Of course, they don’t know any better. They’re ANIMALS. Domesticated and tamed mammals, birds, and reptiles are still innately wild animals. Pet dogs will often revert to wild pack mentality when abandoned by their owners. Even a little Chihuahua can, without warning, inflict a severe bite to a child.
Courtesy of Pet Talk
Having a reptile as a pet is quite different from owning a dog or a cat, since feeding is relatively simple in the canine and feline world. After adopting your first snake, lizard, or other reptilian pet, there is typically a controversy over what the correct method of feeding is for the animal. Many reptilian pet owners want their pet to be able to experience the thrill of the attack with their prey, in other words, they want their pet to feel like they are a wild animal in their domesticated habitat. But sometimes snakes and other reptiles are attacked by the live prey as they fight the predator animal, and your pet can become severely wounded or even die.
The San Jose city auditor has recommended enforcement of a 2007 ordinance requiring veterinarians to report rabies vaccinations to the city. A recent recommendation states that the city could benefit financially it works harder to enforce pet licensing laws. The recommendations include requiring vet hospitals to report all animals that are vaccinated for the rabies virus. Some other cities have similar licensing laws. San Jose would probably hire an enforcement officer to ensure compliance by pet owners and veterinarians.
Courtesy of Pet Talk
We all know what it feels like to break a fingernail or toenail, and it is certainly not comfortable. Luckily for humans, we do not have to walk or stand on that nail after it has been cracked or split. Horses do not have that same luxury. When a horse cracks or splits his nail, the results can be especially painful since the horse must continue to stand and walk on the broken nail. A horse cannot just clip his own toenail off; that must be done through the services of a professional farrier.
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By Pete Keesling
I received more than a few letters asking about a new vaccine available for canine influenza. Some folks are understandably concerned about this infectious disease. But at this point, veterinarians see no reason for any panic. And it’s important to remember that vaccines are only a small part of disease prevention. Common sense is also important. For example, if you go to public places (like the local dog park) with your pooch, be aware of any other animals that are there. If someone’s dog looks a little piqued, keep your dog away. Always avoid contact with any sick animals, even if it means going home without your usual romp.
By Pet Talk
Owning a pet is oftentimes quite similar to raising children, including the need for finding them a place to stay while you are out of the house. The majority of pet owners leave their pets at home, unattended during long days at the office. The downside to this is that dogs, especially young ones, need just as much exercise, attention and love as children do. One of the best alternatives to leaving a pet at home is taking them to a pet day care while you are at work.
By Pet Talk
Described by their name, pocket pets are small fluffy companions that could fit right into your pocket! Guinea pigs, sugar gliders, hedgehogs and hamsters are all a part of the pocket pet family. Pocket pets are an excellent addition to a home that is looking for a first pet, or has very small children who might be afraid of dogs or larger traditional pets. Pocket pets have a shorter lifespan than dogs and cats, require less space, and are usually quiet and friendly.
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by Brigid Wasson
The South County Animal Shelter has a busy and successful foster program. Many animals who are very young, very ill or in need of training are given a second chance by spending some time in a foster home away from the shelter. Every year hundreds of dogs, cats, puppies and kittens are adopted into new forever homes from foster.
By Pet Talk
Have you ever taken a brand new puppy on its first walk, or to a dog
park with other dogs? This can sometimes be a difficult undertaking,
seeing as puppies have yet to be exposed to many humans and animals in their young life. But dogs and cats need to develop social skills just as much as people do! It is important for an animal’s health and well-being to become a socially acceptable pet.