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PET TIP
Chaining a dog leads to misery, tragedy
In many parts of the country, fenced yards are uncommon, so some people keep their dogs on chains. Tethering a dog for a short while is fine but should never be a dog's 24/7 existence.
Dogs who spend their lives on chains are more likely to become dangerous, biting anyone who comes onto their turf. That's because a dog who spends his life on a chain is isolated and frustrated, and he'll sometimes lash out to protect his pitiful bit of territory.
Chaining can be dangerous for the dog, too: There are countless cases where a dog tried to jump a fence, didn't have enough chain to clear it and ended up hanging himself from his collar on the other side of the fence.
Dogs have also wrapped their chains around trees and died because they were unable to get to water on hot days. Dogs who are chained using choke collars can end up dead as well.
If you don't have a fenced yard, walking your dog or buying a kennel run for him to hang out in when you can't be with him is better than chaining him outside. |
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Pet Buzz
Following the leader shows doggy love |
According to an informal poll on the Web site Dogster.com, the No. 1 way dogs show affection is by following their owners around the house (38 percent), followed by greeting owners at the door (24 percent) and licking them on the face (19 percent).
The economic downturn is hurting pets in all developed countries, it seems. In the United Kingdom, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals says the number of abandoned animals increased by 57 percent in 2008. The number of people who call asking about giving up their pets is also up, by 52 percent. Britain's best-known animal-rescue center, Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, is struggling to help more animals: In 2008, it reported taking in more than 1,000 more homeless pets than it had the previous year. |
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KEEPING OLD CATS YOUNG
TIPS TO HELP FELINE FRIENDS STAY ACTIVE LONGER |
The common wisdom used to be that we didn't "own" cats.
We fed them, admired their beauty and enjoyed their company. We let them in and out of our homes with a degree of good humor, and we grieved for them after they left us, sometimes without ever really knowing what happened to them.
While we wouldn't suggest telling your cat that he's "owned" -- because he still doesn't think so -- we can do a lot better by our cats than we ever have before. And that's really true for older cats.
The popularity of cats has led to an explosion in knowledge of how to care for them at all stages of their lives, and geriatric care is no exception. Barring accidents, cats can live healthier, happier lives years longer than they ever have before -- 10, 12, 14 years. Protected from the outside world, cats can live even longer, with 16, 18 and even 20 years -- or more -- a possibility.
But longer, happier lives do require effort on the part of cat owners. Sadly, study after study shows that cats aren't seeing that effort: Pet owners dedicate more time and money into keeping their dogs healthy than their cats.
You love your older cat, right? So change that. Why throw away good years you could share? The place to start: a visit to your veterinarian.
Regular physicals -- for geriatrics, twice a year is best -- are even more important as your cat ages. These need to be more extensive than when your cat was younger: Your veterinarian may suggest blood and urine tests, for example, to determine what's normal for your cat so that subsequent changes in the test values are more apparent.
Work with your veterinarian to address chronic health issues, or those that can lead to them. Key among them: Don't let your cat be fat. Obesity shortens a cat's life and makes the time they have less enjoyable.
You'll need a plan, though, because you can't starve a cat thin without risking serious health problems. So talk to your veterinarian and take it slowly.
Once you and your veterinarian have addressed all the health problems, you'll want to keep your cat active and comfortable.
Play is important, even to older cats, but especially to indoor ones. You don't have to spend a lot of money on toys to come up with ways to keep your cat busy. Cats can chase, hide, climb and explore with an endless variety of toys, many of them recycled household objects. Keep your older cat active, but avoid the flying leaps of youth. Shoot for low-impact play more often.
You'll also want to make rest easier. Your cat may have problems getting up on to high beds or cat trees, so make sure there are plenty of low-level spaces for your cat to enjoy a good nap. Make litter boxes easier to get to as well, perhaps by adding them on every floor, even if your cat has been used to using stairs over the years.
The bottom line: Look at your aging cat in a new way, and do what it takes to accommodate the changes brought on by aging, with the help of your veterinarian.
You and your cat will both be happier for it!
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DON'T FORGET PETS WHEN MAKING NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS
CAN YOU HELP?
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Are pets on your list of New Year's resolutions? They should be, along with plans for making the world a little bit better not only for your own animals, but also for others in need. With this in mind, we're again sharing some of the best ideas shared by our customers
Although problems can seem overwhelming, especially when it comes to animal cruelty or homeless pets, the fact is that every little bit helps. After all, if every one of us animal lovers did one small thing a couple of times a year, the total effort would be grand indeed
Here are a few suggestions for helping animals in the months to come:
Take better care of your own animals. Studies show that, just like many of us, a lot of animals desperately need to lose weight and exercise more. Remember: Food is not love, and lay off the treats. You and your pet will both do better with a walk or some otherwise active playtime together.
Don't neglect other aspects of preventive health care. Use your pet's regular exams to go over those areas that need improving. In addition to weight loss and exercise, your veterinarian should evaluate your pet's vaccination schedule, dental health and parasite-control strategies. Preventive health care saves money, makes your pet more comfortable and helps extend life span. Make that veterinary appointment today!
Part of taking better care of your own pet is making sure your animals are "good citizens" to your neighbors. Don't let your cats roam or your dogs bark constantly. In addition to being inconsiderate, people who allow their animals to be a nuisance give ammunition to communities looking to pass laws against pets.
Help others take better care of their pets. If you have a friend, neighbor or relative who is having difficulty caring for a pet because of advanced age or illness, offer to help out. Pets are extremely important to those who are cut off from social activities. Helping people keep their pets is a kindness to both pet and pet owner.
What can you do? Pick up food or litter, or offer to take the pet to the veterinarian when needed. Many times, people who rely on others for assistance are reluctant to ask for more help on account of a pet. So ask if you can help. After all, if you're already going to the pet-supply store or veterinarian, is it really that much trouble to pick up some extra supplies or to stay for an additional appointment?
Make a call for animals. Animal cruelty should not be tolerated, not only for the animals but also because of the proven link between animal cruelty and crimes against people. Too often, though, animal cruelty is shrugged off by the judicial system as a lesser crime.
Don't accept the attitude that animal cruelty is a normal part of adolescence. Call, e-mail and write to prosecutors and judges in animal cruelty cases. Demand that young adults get the help they need to break the cycle of cruelty and that adult offenders are punished to the fullest extent of the law. Public opinion counts in these cases!
Pay to spay. Don't place an animal in a new home unless you've made sure the pet won't reproduce. You may think you're doing a good deed in finding a home for a pet you cannot keep, or for a litter of kittens born in your garage to a semi-wild mother cat. But if you don't pay to spay, you really aren't helping.
Instead of placing a pet for free, spay or neuter the animal and then charge an adoption fee to cover the cost of the procedure. You'll save the adopter time and will ensure that the pet you place won't add to the overpopulation problem.
Instead of placing a pet for free, spay or neuter the animal and then charge an adoption fee to cover the cost of the procedure. You'll save the adopter time and will ensure that the pet you place won't add to the overpopulation problem.
Shelters are in constant need of pet food, litter, old newspapers and towels, as well as office and janitorial supplies and building materials. Get a wish list from your shelter and get to work! |
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New Gallery Feature |
We have added a new feature on our web site. We have received many great photos of your pets. Keep them coming.
You can upload images of your pets for all to view. Its easy to use so upload as many images as you want and enjoy those of other pets.
Click on image to go to our Gallery page to upload your images.
image courtesy of Honest Kitchen
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PET TIP
Adopting one cat?
Consider bonded pair |
Many adopt a pair of kittens when looking for pets, and the two kittens grow up with a tight bond that's a pleasure to observe. But when two bonded adult cats end up at homeless shelters, their chances for being adopted together are very small indeed.
That's a real shame, because adopting two adults who already know and like each other is a great idea. No stressful introductions, no kitten training. Plus, you'll definitely be giving two deserving pets a second chance at a happy life together.
When you visit a shelter or contact a rescue group, tell them you're interested in adopting a bonded pair of adult cats, if at all possible. It just feels good to take such loving pets home, knowing you've helped to keep a family together.
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DOG-e-STYLE SALON
(click image)
Grooming by our Pet Stylist
Appointment are recommended,
Walk-ins welcome
Call 858 259 DOGS(3647)
Stylist on location EVERYDAY
Walk In's Welcome
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ON GOOD BEHAVIOR
Time for the New Year's 'neck check'
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Checking your pet's collar and tags annually will ensure that an important safety measure is in place should you and your pet ever need it.
Start your "neck check" with a look at your pet's collar. A properly fitted collar is important, but so too is the right type. For dogs, a buckled or snap-together collar made of leather or nylon webbing is the best choice, and the proper fit is comfortably close but not too snug. Make sure your dog's not wearing a "choke" collar. These are for training and walking only, and they pose a life-threatening hazard if left on an unsupervised dog. Cats should wear a collar with an elastic section that will allow your pet to wriggle free if he gets caught on something.
If you do have the right kind of collar on your pet, take a minute to look at the holes and the fasteners. The collar is weakest at these spots, so if you see signs of excessive wear or strain, you'll need to replace the collar soon.
If the collar passes muster, it's time to look at the tags. A license is great, but since many lost pets are picked up by people in the neighborhood, it's a good idea to supplement the license with an ID tag that has a couple of phone numbers -- yours and the number of a friend or relative. Check to make sure the information is current and legible, and if not, make a note to order a new tag right away. |
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PET TIP
BY THE NUMBERS
Keeping up appearanceso
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| Keeping a dog well-groomed is as much about health as appearance. Fortunately, most dog lovers do purchase at least the basic equipment for the grooming needs of their pets. What they own (multiple answers allowed): |
1. Brush 92 %
2. Nail clipper 69 %
3. Comb 44 %
4. Toothbrush 28 %
5. Electric clippers 19 %
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BRING 'EM INSIDE
DOGS ARE HAPPIER WHEN ALLOWED TO BE A FAMILY MEMBER |
Why get a pet if you don't want a pet in your life? I have often wondered this as I walk my dogs down streets lined with fences behind which lonely outdoor dogs bark as we go by.
I don't know what they look like and can only guess their size by the deepness of their voices. But I know what the lives of these dogs are too often like. They are animals born to be part of a social structure, a pack or a family, yet this is denied them. They spend their lives on the outside, looking in.
The experts say many of these dogs will never really bond with owners who interact with them so little. When the puppy is no longer cute and the children grow tired of the care they promised to provide, when the destructiveness escalates or the neighbors complain about the noise, it's often just easier to dump the dog than solve the problem.
I have always had difficulty understanding why people want to keep dogs outside. If keeping a beautiful house and yard are of the utmost importance to you, then don't get a dog. If you know someone in your family can't abide a dog in the house, for whatever reason, then don't get a dog.
If you can't let a dog be part of your family, then don't get a dog. You don't get the benefits of companionship from a dog you see so little. You don't even get much in the way of protection from the pet who has no access to the house. And don't count on outdoor dogs as an early warning system. These animals often become such indiscriminate barkers that you couldn't tell from their sound whether the dogs are barking at a prowler or at a toddler riding a tricycle down the street. Besides, people who keep outdoor dogs seem to become quite good at ignoring the noise they make, as any angry neighbor can vouch.
Outdoor dogs often become a problem to their owners. Bored and lonely, these animals develop any number of bad habits. They dig craters in the yard. They bark endlessly day and night. They become chewers of outdoor furniture, sprinkler heads and siding. And sometimes, without the socialization all dogs need, they become aggressive, ready to bite anyone who comes into their territory.
If you're considering getting a puppy or dog with the intent of keeping him exclusively outside, please reconsider -- for the animal's sake as well as your own and your neighbors'. For those who love pets, a pristine home is nothing compared to the pleasures of living with an animal who's really bonded to you.
If you have a dog who has been banished because of behavior problems, find someone to help you turn the situation around. Ask your veterinarian for a referral to a behaviorist or trainer who can show you how to overcome the things that are driving you crazy, whether it's house-soiling, uncontrolled chewing or just the ill-mannered exuberance of a dog who doesn't know any better.
Allergies are a tad trickier, but an allergist may be able to help, along with attention to keeping the house and pets cleaner, using air cleaners and turning bedrooms into no-pet zones for allergy-free sleep.
It's worth the effort. Once you have a dog you can welcome into your home and your heart, you'll start to reap the benefits of a relationship that's finally being realized to its fullest potential. And that's good news for you both. |
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Our Location:
Dirty Dogs
4639 Carmel Mountain Road #101
San Diego, CA 92130 |
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Hours of Operation
- Weekdays: 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Sunday: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
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