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By jnavary, June 18, 2011

by John Williams

Hundreds if not thousands of stray dogs are found each year around the world with no one in sight and nowhere to go. These dogs are often in great danger whether it’s because of neglect on the owners’ behalf, or because of unforeseen circumstances causing the dog to become lost and scared.

What can be done in these situations can be a tricky choice, and a choice that will need to be done quickly. Simply driving past a suspected stray dog on the side of the road could end in the death of the dog minutes later.

What to do when you find a stray dog is different in almost every case, but there are guidelines to follow to help save the life of a scared stray, and put the mind of the loving owner at ease.

Helping Stray Dogs

To begin you should always be aware that the dog in question may be very aggressive due to being scared, lost, and possibly very hungry, so approach with care. If you feel the dog is not a violent one then you should still be very careful not to startle or scare the dog in any way, a scared dog could easily run onto a busy road or dangerous area.

A good way to reassure the dog you are not there to harm them and to get them close is to use a strong smelling food such as tuna or other dog favourites as well as speaking gently and calmly to the dog.

When you finally get the dog under control and have no fears of aggressive behavior, reassuring the dog by stroking and talking to them will make it easier for others to deal with them. If you have leash or any other form of dog control with you then try and secure the dog with them, still being careful not to scare the dog.

When you have successfully captured the dog or if you have had other problems making it difficult to capture then you should phone for help from the local animal care or control authority to ensue the correct procedures are met and the safety of the animal will be secure.

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By Cari Haus, June 1, 2011

I always thought it would be hard when something happened to Zack, our 9-year-old Golden Retriever. He was well-mannered, loving, gorgeous, and truly a “member” of our family. What I didn’t anticipate was how soon something would happen, or just how hard it would be.

Although my parents had Collies as pets, dogs were never allowed in the house. Things were different for Zack and my own family, however. We not only let him in, we took him with us on rides, hikes, school picnics, church programs, and just about anywhere else a dog was allowed. Although rather rambunctious as a puppy, Zack eventually settled down and matured into what my husband called the “Elder Statesman”. With his graying muzzle and friendly ways, Zack found his way into the hearts of just about everyone he met.

I remember the day Zack disappeared as though it was yesterday. He went for a little tromp in the woods with our other dog, and simply didn’t come back. We live in the country, and there is a stream not too far from our house where the dogs loved to wade. There were also deer to chase, and a small pond nearby where, if the dogs were lucky, they could scare up a Canada goose. Sometimes I wish we had put up a fence for the dogs, but they loved to run and we hadn’t had any problems.

It was late in the day when I got home from work and found out that Zack was gone. My husband had to leave for work, so I sent my two teenage boys through the woods in a circle, calling in vain for Zack. But our beloved retriever, aka Zackie, Sad Zack, and a zillion other fond little names, never came home. We posted pictures all over, offered a reward, combed through the woods, banged on doors and called every vet and animal shelter in the area not once but many times—but never did find our “puppy”.

It’s been 8 months now since we lost Zack, and our family has learned a lot from the experience. We all grieved in different ways. I cried for what seemed like a whole week. My husband felt like a black cloud was hanging over our house. My sons didn’t shed any tears that I saw, yet I caught them tromping aimlessly through the woods more than once, and both were willing participants in the many rides we took looking for Zack. Through it all, I feel like I learned some very interesting things.

Lesson #1: Others Could Share Our Pain

Through this experience, I have learned that there are an awful let of dog lovers out there. People I don’t even know share my pain, for many of them, like me, have lost a beloved pet. I have been a dog lover for as long as I can remember. As a child, when I was in trouble with the rest of the world, I would often literally go into the “doghouse” with our Collie. He was always glad to see me, and no matter how unloved I might have felt at the moment, he never seemed to care. I always knew that I loved dogs, and that others did too. But I was amazed at the depth of emotion people showed when I told them about Zack. As much as losing him hurt, it helped to know that others cared and connected with what we were going through.

Lesson #2: It’s Amazing What You Will Do for Your Dog!

I hate knocking on doors. I hate meeting people I don’t know, and I certainly don’t like sharing my emotional pain with a stranger. Yet this is exactly what I had to do while looking for Zack. If somebody reported a dog that might have been Zack, I hurried over to the neighborhood with flyers and made the rounds. I was completely out of my comfort zone, but at that point, really didn’t care.

Lesson #3: This Could Be Much Worse!

I would never minimize the pain of losing a pet. Yet one night as we were talking about Zack and how much we missed him, my husband said something that really struck home.

“Losing a dog is so terrible—but think how people must feel when their child is missing!” We just heard on the news about those poor parents whose girl disappeared on her senior class trip. We were starting to understand what it meant to have lack of closure, to accept that we might never know what happened. This seemed like a very difficult thing for us—and yet, as sad as we were over Zack, it would be so much worse in the case of a missing child. And I really began to feel empathy for others who had a loss with no closure in ways I could never have fathomed before.

Lesson #4: You Never Stop Looking

Just this week, a friend told me she saw a dog running by the side of the road about 5 miles from here—a dog that looked just like Zack. He was an older Golden Retriever, male, with graying muzzle. I wish with all my heart she would have stopped and picked him up, but she said she couldn’t—she was taking her Dad to the doctor and just couldn’t do it.

So today I found myself in a nearby post office, posting a flyer about Zack once again, and explaining the situation to yet one more sympathetic postmaster. In the health food store, I met a lady who once again shared my pain. She had lost a pet monkey in Brazil. She said they traced him for blocks and blocks—but the trail finally left off at a bus stop and they never saw him again.

It seems like a slim chance that we will ever find Zack. My husband has given up, so I’m the only one looking. Yet when I called once acquaintance who lives where the golden was sighted, she confirmed that there had indeed been an older male Golden Retriever in their yard just a few weeks month ago. He was a large male, with a graying muzzle–a very nice dog, she said. I don’t know if that dog, or the other ones like him that I have missed by just a few hours, are Zack. In some ways, life has got to go on.

We have a new dog now, a gorgeous stray Golden Retriever / Saint Bernard mix that somebody thought might be Zack. The people who found him said he was too nice to take to the pound, but they already had three dogs. We fell in love with him right away, and he’s now an important part of our family. But somewhere, deep in my heart, there’s a special place that only one grand “Elder Statesman” can fill. Which is why, when someone nearby says they saw a gorgeous older male golden wandering around, I still go looking for Zack.

Cari Haus, CPA and entrepreneur, sells log furniture on her website, http://www.logcabinrustics.com

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By jnavary, April 3, 2011

1. Preparation: Don’t wait for the last minute! When you put it all together at the last minute that creates more anxiety and tension for your dog as well as you! When you are prepared your dog will have a more normal experience. If you planning to make hotel reservations there many pet-friendly hotels to choose from.

2. Car Safety: Items to consider having depending on your pet’s size and ability to ride in the car staying safe for both them, passengers and you: Pet Carriers, Car Barriers, Car Seats, Car Seat Belts. If you need to order any item on line, make sure you do it in plenty of time. If you are planning on going to a local pet store, again do it in plenty of time…for if they don’t have it and your pressing the clock, the anxiety is already high and you haven’t even left for your trip!

Safe Car Travel for Dogs

3. Take a long walk before driving off! A recently exercised dog will be in a more relaxed state during any long trip.

4. If your pet needs extra calming, instead of drugs from your pet’s vet, you may want to consider Lavender Scent. Any health food store has that and will not make him/her disoriented or feel uncertain during the trip.

5. Make sure your dog has access to water – enough to keep hydrated but not full. Bottled water is perfect. If you need feeders there are many to choose from that are effective and very low cost.

6. Don’t forget to bring your dog’s food, favorite toy and blanket to keep them happy and balanced.

7. Make sure your dog has clear and effective identification. Be sure that the identification has your contact information while you are still away from home.

8. Put together a doggy first aid kit for the trip. If you are not sure what that may include it’s best to call your vet for he or she knows your dog!

9. Always use a leash and stay with your pet at all times. Dogs are very curious and in new places may try to run off and explore. If you have trouble walking your dog any time you may want to consider mastering how to control your dog. 10. Never ever leave your dog or any other pet or child in a hot car even if you roll the windows down. A car in the sun can reach temperatures of near 200 degrees causing heat stroke and even death to pets & humans left in them.

11. Never leave your dog alone and unattended in his or her carrier. Unfortunately kidnapping of your dog is a very real possibility. You may want to consider a GPS system to ensure your pet’s safety.

12. Ensure your dog has the chance to potty every few hours. We have noticed when the owner is calm and relaxed throughout the trip (and that includes the preparation!) the dog will also maintain a calmness. It is common in unfamiliar places like this your dog’s regular potty schedule will be interrupted and you don’t want any embarrassing issues. If traveling to a theme park check with employees about places setup for your dog to potty in. Most will have areas around the park for you to use.

13. Take a break every hour. This will allow them to not only relieve themselves but keep the circulation on all vital organs. Plus, they will learn by smell that they are going to a different environment. It is important for a dog to experience the different temperatures, smells, and feelings that come with a new environment. This will help make them feel that they are part of the process of moving to a new area. Once the sun goes down, you can go eight hours non-stop!

14. Once you arrive at your hotel, or family/friends home, take your dog for a walk! If you are not sure where to go, ask the pet friendly hotel.

1. Know the local laws. Not all beaches allow dogs! If they do, make sure you know if you have to keep them on a leash at all times or not.

2. Sunscreen: it’s not just for people. Pups need protection too! Talk with your veterinarian about protective goggles and canine sunblock.

3. Protect your dog from fleas. Sand fleas are abundant!

4. Get a Condition Check on the weather and ocean tides, undercurrents and Sea lice, jellyfish. All of these factors can pose just as much of a threat to dogs as they do to humans. Before you let your dog roam, verify with a lifeguard that the environment is safe.

5. Never let your dog drink the ocean Salt /bay / or lake water! Keep your dog hydrated with fresh water. Salt water can make them sick. Please watch for signs of dehydration. You may be use to being out in the sun and water, but your dog may not. Watch for signs. Sand and heat can make a normal exercise routine more strenuous. Trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, call your dog back to rest in a shady spot.

6. Watch them at all times, for you don’t want them to eat things that wash ashore, like dead fish, fishing lines, plant life.

7. Be prepard to pick up after your dog! Keep the water and beach area clean for others. Respect goes both ways and it is noticed.

8. When you and your dog are done for the day give him/her a bath with fresh water. Find out if the beach has an area to do exactly that before going back to the car or hotel. If not, find out from the hotel where the best place is. The chemicals and sea water can be harmful to your dogs coat and general well being.

These pet safety tips will help you and your best friend in having a safer, happy and balanced trip. Just remember to stay calm and positive with your dog and everyone will benefit. Stay safe and have an awesome trip!

Pet Article courtesy of http://pet-articles.blogspot.com.

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By Jim Navary, March 20, 2011

As the chill of winter fades away, it’s important that dog owners remain mindful of several dangers that can be found in gardens, garages, or tool sheds.

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, annually their Animal Poison Control Center handles tens of thousands of phone calls regarding pets that accidentally ingested or came in contact with weed killers, pesticides, and poisonous plants. Here are 7 straightforward suggestions to help make sure that your best friend is not affected by these springtime hazards.

1.    When taking your dog for a walk, keep your dog away from lawns and stay well away from poisonous lawn and garden products. One especially dangerous product is cocoa mulch. Dogs are drawn to this byproduct of chocolate due to its sugary smell. Dogs that swallow cocoa mulch can become extremely ill with neurological or gastrointestinal difficulties.

2.    Pesticides and herbicides are  classes of dangerous substances that should always be put away in inaccessible areas. Especially dangerous pesticides include snail bait, fly bait, mole or gopher bait, and most types of rat poison. Similarly, granules and sprays used to control weeds can wreak havoc on our pets’ digestive tracts. Always examine the manufacturer’s label for proper storage and usage instructions when working with these potentially hazardous products.

3.    The fertilizers that assist in keeping our plants healthy and green can sadly result in gastrointestinal problems for our pets, ranging from stomach upset to deadly obstructions. Make sure you follow the directions that accompany  chemical fertilizers and never let your dog or cat run outside before the appropriate waiting period has passed.

4.    Don’t let your green thumb cause health problems for your pet. Several very common outdoor plants are poisonous to dogs and cats and may result in heart problems or liver failure. Among the most dangerous of these plants are the Sago Palm and other members of the Cycad family. Even certain mushrooms can lead to liver failure. Plants that can endanger the heart include Oleander, Lily of the Valley, rhododendron, azaleas and foxglove.

5.    If you are  composting, keep up the good work! You are doing your part for Mother Earth. However, the food and garden waste that you toss in your compost pile or bin might result in problems for your pets if they are tempted by the range of odors they give off. Moldy foods, coffee grounds and a number of different fruits and vegetables are toxic to dogs and cats. Make an effort to investigation the “people foods” that your pet should never eat.

6.    Keeping your pet out of other people’s yards not only makes for good neighbors but can also keep your pet healthy and safe. You never really know what varieties of plants, flowers, or other hazards they may come across if permitted to wander freely.

7.    Needless to say not all potential risks fall into the category of poisons. Your gardening tools may seem innocent enough. However hoes, rakes, trowels, shovels, and tillers can cause injuries to eyes, noses, paws, or other parts of your inquisitive pet’s body. All unused implements should be kept in a properly secured location. Please don’t leave them lying around on the ground.

As the weather improves our yards and gardens can be great places to relax. Adhering to these few simple guidelines will help keep your pet healthy and safe.