Wet food may seem like just a treat for your cat but it is important to work it into the diet at least once a week. Cats in the wild do not usually drink large amounts of water as the water they do get is from their diet of fresh meat (70-80% water).
Your modern housecat does not get a chance to hunt down large pray and eat fresh meat daily so they may become dehydrated, if only slightly. Wet food is a great incentive for your cat to stay healthy and hydrated.
There is a common misconception that dry food helps to clean a cats teeth. It may help, only slightly, but seeing as cats don’t really chew their food it is simply a myth. Cats chew maybe once or twice and then swallow because their saliva does not contain enzymes that break down the food.
Dry food also has a lot of carbohydrates and cats are not as efficient at breaking those down as humans are so too much dry food in the diet can lead to stomach upset, weight gain and dehydration. Dry food is a necessity though and your cat’s diet should consist of 1 part wet food for 3 parts dry food.
So if your cat gets three meals a day, give them some wet food at the end of the day to round out their diet.
Monday, April 9, 2012
5 Fun Things to Do with Your Dog
The weather is changing. Here
are some ideas to get you and your wet nosed companion outside.
1. Head on over to your local lake and bring your dog’s favorite
toy, just make sure it can float. Your dog will stay cool and have a blast
retrieving his toy from the water. This does not apply to Bulldogs as many of
them cannot swim.
2. Call up some of your friends and plan a play date at your
local dog park. While you and your crew catch up your dogs can do the same.
Visit www.dogpark.com
to find your local dog park.
3. Throw on those rollerblades and allow your dog to pull you
along. This can also be done with a bicycle but steer clear of uneven and
cracked sidewalks as this can be a safety hazard.
4. Plan a day trip to a wooded area and have a picnic while your
dog sniffs around. Don’t forget to bring toys and food for your dog as well.
5. Go to an indoor agility track and show your dog how much fun
weaving, jumping, and teetering can be. For agility classes in Dallas, visit www.dallasdogsports.com or
www.dogcitytrainingcenter.com
No matter what activity you and your dog choose to do remember
to be safe and always keep an eye out for potential hazards to your pet and
yourself.
What is a Quality Breeder?
After you have done your research on the type of dog bred you
want and have taken into account the genetics problems of your chosen breed,
you can begin looking for a nice quality dog breeder. There are so many puppies
available from adoption agencies and rescue groups, but if you must get from a
breeder, it is important to keep some things in mind so you do not get more
than you bargained for.
A good breeder will:
· Provide paperwork from their vet for both the puppy and its
parents and will have been screened for genetic problems and birth defects.
Simply saying the dog is “vet checked” is one clue that your breeder may not
know exactly what they’re doing.
· Provide a “take back” clause. Good breeders do not want to see
the dog go to the pound or other inappropriate home. It states they will take
back the dog if you cannot keep it for any reason or you can give the dog to a
home the breeder has approved of.
· Give you plenty of references and require an application and
list of references from you. If the breeder refuses to give you references DO
NOT purchase an animal from them.
· Will explain the breed and its needs to you so that you fully
understand what kind of dog you are buying.
· Require you to sign a contract with a spay/neuter clause and
other requirements.
· Require you to wait for your puppy because good breeders do
not breed their dogs until they have pre-sold an amount equal to a likely
litter.
· Invite you into their home and conduct business in an open and
friendly manner.
· Only sell one to two breeds of dog. Puppy mills often have
multiple breeds and maybe even species.
· House the puppies in their home and treat them like family.
They will never be caged up in the backyard or neglected.
· Never allow you to take a puppy that is less than 8 weeks old.
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Should You Hire a Pet Sitter for the Holidays
Pet Sitters are a much needed necessity if you have are leaving your dog or cat for the holidays. Pet sitters are an alternative to boarding and kenneling which allows home dog sitting, where the dogs stay in a comfortable environment, or the neighborhood kid down the street you don't know very well.
Though more and more vacation lodging includes both dog and cat hotels, it is less stressful on both the dog and their human if they can stay home instead of traveling around the world. In Dallas, dog walking can be a part of the pet care services which can be chosen as part of your vacation package with a professional pet sitter.
Regardless of whether you use a franchise service like Fetch! Pet Care which is located nationwide or an independent contractor, please make sure they have insurance and well as bonding all their staff. Pet Sitters are not all created equal. Many are members of NAPPS (National Association of Professional Pet Sitters) or Pet Sitters International. Some are associated with both vet and other pet services.
Home dog and cat sitting allows the animals to enjoy the holidays with someone who loves pets, takes care of your home, as well as takes the dog walking or plays with the cats on a daily basis. Many pet sitting services will also take care of reptiles, birds, rodents, and even the occasional tarantula. Don't leave your pet with a neighbor who may be too busy to check on them daily. Hire a professional pet sitter who is there for you 24/7 regardless of whether your flight makes it back on time or your car gets a flat.
And once the holidays are over and you and your pets have developed a report with your pet sitter, consider hiring them for dog walking or pet visits to keep your pet company while you work those long hours until your next vacation.
Libby Mitchell is the owner of Fetch! Pet Care of NE Dallas.
Though more and more vacation lodging includes both dog and cat hotels, it is less stressful on both the dog and their human if they can stay home instead of traveling around the world. In Dallas, dog walking can be a part of the pet care services which can be chosen as part of your vacation package with a professional pet sitter.
Regardless of whether you use a franchise service like Fetch! Pet Care which is located nationwide or an independent contractor, please make sure they have insurance and well as bonding all their staff. Pet Sitters are not all created equal. Many are members of NAPPS (National Association of Professional Pet Sitters) or Pet Sitters International. Some are associated with both vet and other pet services.
Home dog and cat sitting allows the animals to enjoy the holidays with someone who loves pets, takes care of your home, as well as takes the dog walking or plays with the cats on a daily basis. Many pet sitting services will also take care of reptiles, birds, rodents, and even the occasional tarantula. Don't leave your pet with a neighbor who may be too busy to check on them daily. Hire a professional pet sitter who is there for you 24/7 regardless of whether your flight makes it back on time or your car gets a flat.
And once the holidays are over and you and your pets have developed a report with your pet sitter, consider hiring them for dog walking or pet visits to keep your pet company while you work those long hours until your next vacation.
Libby Mitchell is the owner of Fetch! Pet Care of NE Dallas.
Pact of Fire
I really enjoyed this read of the First Dog - A Lakota Sioux TaleThe Pact of the Fire Lakota Sioux Legend
When the world was created, First Man and First Woman struggled to stay alive and warm through the first winter. First Dog struggled also. Deep in the winter, First Dog gave birth to her pups. Each night, she huddled in the brush of the forest, longingly watching the fire, which kept First Man and First Woman warm.
First Winter was severe, so cold that First Dog dared not leave her pups to search for food to fill her own belly, fearing that her pups would freeze to death in her absence. She curled around them, but the wind was bitter. Her belly shrank with hunger, and soon she had no milk. The smallest pup perished, and First Dog felt her own life draining away as she struggled to care for the remaining pups.
Fearing for the fate of the others, she knew she had no choice but to approach the fire and ask First Woman and First Man to share their food and the fire's warmth.Slowly, she crept to the fire and spoke to First Woman, who was heavy with child.
I am a mother, said First Dog, and soon you will be a mother too. I want my little ones to survive, just as you will want your little one to survive. So I will ask you to make a pact. First Woman and First Man listened. I am about to die. Take my pups. You will raise them and call them Dog. They will be your guardians. They will alert you to danger, keep you warm, guard your camp, and even lay down their life to protect your life and the lives of your children.
They will be companions to you and all your generations, never leaving your side, as long as Mankind shall survive. In return, you will share your food and the warmth of your fire. You will treat my children with love and kindness, and tend to them if they become ill, just as if they were born from your own belly. And if they are in pain, you will take a sharp knife to their throat, and end their misery.
In exchange for this, you will have the loyalty of my children and all their offspring until the end of time. First Man and First Woman agreed. First Dog went to her nest in the brush, and with the last of her strength, one by one, she brought her pups to the fire. As she did so, First Woman gave birth to First Child, wrapped her in Rabbit skins, and nestled First Child among the pups by the fireside.
First Dog lay down by the fire, licked her pups, then walked away to die under the stars. Before she disappeared into the darkness, she turned and spoke once more to First Man "My children will honor this pact for all generations. But if Man breaks this pact, if you or your children's children deny even one Dog food, warmth, a kind word or a merciful end, your generations will be plagued with war, hunger and disease, and so this shall remain until the pact is honored again by all Mankind."
With this, First Dog entered the night, and returned in spirit to the creator.
When the world was created, First Man and First Woman struggled to stay alive and warm through the first winter. First Dog struggled also. Deep in the winter, First Dog gave birth to her pups. Each night, she huddled in the brush of the forest, longingly watching the fire, which kept First Man and First Woman warm.
First Winter was severe, so cold that First Dog dared not leave her pups to search for food to fill her own belly, fearing that her pups would freeze to death in her absence. She curled around them, but the wind was bitter. Her belly shrank with hunger, and soon she had no milk. The smallest pup perished, and First Dog felt her own life draining away as she struggled to care for the remaining pups.
Fearing for the fate of the others, she knew she had no choice but to approach the fire and ask First Woman and First Man to share their food and the fire's warmth.Slowly, she crept to the fire and spoke to First Woman, who was heavy with child.
I am a mother, said First Dog, and soon you will be a mother too. I want my little ones to survive, just as you will want your little one to survive. So I will ask you to make a pact. First Woman and First Man listened. I am about to die. Take my pups. You will raise them and call them Dog. They will be your guardians. They will alert you to danger, keep you warm, guard your camp, and even lay down their life to protect your life and the lives of your children.
They will be companions to you and all your generations, never leaving your side, as long as Mankind shall survive. In return, you will share your food and the warmth of your fire. You will treat my children with love and kindness, and tend to them if they become ill, just as if they were born from your own belly. And if they are in pain, you will take a sharp knife to their throat, and end their misery.
In exchange for this, you will have the loyalty of my children and all their offspring until the end of time. First Man and First Woman agreed. First Dog went to her nest in the brush, and with the last of her strength, one by one, she brought her pups to the fire. As she did so, First Woman gave birth to First Child, wrapped her in Rabbit skins, and nestled First Child among the pups by the fireside.
First Dog lay down by the fire, licked her pups, then walked away to die under the stars. Before she disappeared into the darkness, she turned and spoke once more to First Man "My children will honor this pact for all generations. But if Man breaks this pact, if you or your children's children deny even one Dog food, warmth, a kind word or a merciful end, your generations will be plagued with war, hunger and disease, and so this shall remain until the pact is honored again by all Mankind."
With this, First Dog entered the night, and returned in spirit to the creator.
A Dog's Purpose
This was posted from one of my pet care networking sites and I wanted to pass it along.
A Dog's Purpose? (from a 6-year-old).
Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish
Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife Lisa, and their
little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for
a miracle.
I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we
couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia
procedure for the old dog in their home.
As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure.. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.
The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker 'S family
surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time,
that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes,
Belker slipped peacefully away.
The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty
or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's Death, wondering
aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives.
Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, ''I know why.''
Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me.
I'd never heard a more comforting explanation. It has changed the way I try
and live.
He said, "People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life --
like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?''
The Six-year-old continued,''Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they
don't have to stay as long.''
Live simply.
Love generously.
Care deeply.
Speak kindly.
Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:
When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure
Ecstasy.
Take naps..
Stretch before rising.
Run, romp, and play daily.
Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
Be loyal.
Never pretend to be something you're not.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them
gently.
ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!
'Animals come into our lives as gifts from God, for companionship, to teach
us, and to heal us. They deserve our very best efforts in caring for them.'
Dr. Ihor Basko, DVMExcerptWe can learn so much...just from the daily lives of those around us.
A Dog's Purpose? (from a 6-year-old).
Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish
Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife Lisa, and their
little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for
a miracle.
I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we
couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia
procedure for the old dog in their home.
As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure.. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.
The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker 'S family
surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time,
that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes,
Belker slipped peacefully away.
The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty
or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's Death, wondering
aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives.
Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, ''I know why.''
Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me.
I'd never heard a more comforting explanation. It has changed the way I try
and live.
He said, "People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life --
like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?''
The Six-year-old continued,''Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they
don't have to stay as long.''
Live simply.
Love generously.
Care deeply.
Speak kindly.
Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:
When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure
Ecstasy.
Take naps..
Stretch before rising.
Run, romp, and play daily.
Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
Be loyal.
Never pretend to be something you're not.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them
gently.
ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!
'Animals come into our lives as gifts from God, for companionship, to teach
us, and to heal us. They deserve our very best efforts in caring for them.'
Dr. Ihor Basko, DVMExcerptWe can learn so much...just from the daily lives of those around us.
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