Have you kissed your pet lately?

 

Did you get a good whiff?

If you enjoy a kiss or two from your pet on a regular basis, you should make sure his/her mouth is taken care of well.  The bacteria that lurk in a pet’s mouth may be the cause of bad breath and much more!  If we don’t brush our teeth daily to remove the plaque, harmful bacteria can build up under the gum line destroying the bone that surrounds our teeth.  Our four legged friends cannot brush their own teeth!  If we don’t help them with their oral health care, the bacteria cannot only destroy the bone, but enter the bloodstream and lead to more serious conditions such as heart, liver or kidney disease.

National Train Your Dog Month

The holidays are a common time for families to add a new pet to their home. This makes January a perfect time to start training the pets properly. Taking the time to train them correctly in the beginning - whether they are a puppy or kitten, or a rescue new to your home - will make a difference in the long run. Training is not just a great way to spend time together, it also improves the bond you have with your furry friend. Many pets love having a "task" to perform, which can keep them out of mischief!
There are many fun tricks most dogs - and yes even cats - can learn. Back up, Take a bow, Wave, Shake, Play dead, Roll over, Spin and Give a kiss are just a few! They key to teaching is in the repetition and the praise. If your pet accomplishes these fairly easily consider Agility, Obedience or even Herding classes. There are several locations in the Orlando area.
Another option is to train your dog for the Canine Good Citizen Test. Dogs have to pass 10 tests, including accepting a friendly stranger and reacting well to distractions. This would be the first step in having your dog trained for therapy. Many hospitals, nursing homes, schools and hospice centers utilize dogs to provide attention and comfort to the patients. They can also be used for those with learning difficulties and very stressful situations, such as after Hurricane Sandy or in Newtown Connecticut.
While training your dog may take awhile, there are so many benefits! Please contact one of our staff members at 407-366-4486  if you have any questions or would like further assistance.

Are pets a good gift?

Is someone asking for a furry friend as a present?  Holidays are a busy time, leaving little extra time or energy for a new pet.   If and when you are really ready for a new pet, please consider the animal shelter and rescue groups. 

Cats and dogs of all sizes, ages, and breeds go through the shelters and rescue groups.  They also can help you determine the best pet for your family and its needs.  Here are some things to look for that can help you find the perfect pet:

Ø  Clear eyes; runny or matted eyes can be symptoms of illness.

Ø  Cheerful disposition

Ø  Likes being handled

Ø  Shows interest in you

Ø  Good reaction to children and other animals

We would be more than happy to do a new pet exam, even if the animal is current on vaccinations.

If you aren’t quite ready to adopt an animal, there are plenty of ways you can help those that are homeless.  You can make a monetary donation to the rescue or shelter.  They also may have a wish list of supplies they need.  If you would like to help in other ways, a few hours of your time volunteering would also be appreciated!

Traveling for the holidays?

Be honest about your pet’s ability to travel.  If your pet is very young or old, is ill, pregnant, or recovering from surgery, it may be better for all concerned to look into a pet sitter or kennel.  There is no need to risk injuring your pet by taking him/her with you.

Ask us about any medical risks for areas you will be visiting, as well as any medications needed for carsickness.  Pets can be separated from their owners while traveling and often collars are not on pets recovered at the shelters.  Seriously consider having your pet microchipped, because facilities nationwide are using scanners that will read these implanted chips.  This allows you to be reunited with your lost pet! 

Make certain that all vaccinations are current and obtain a copy of the records to carry with you, as you may need to board your pet unexpectedly.  Also, if your pet requires emergency medical attention, these will allow this to take place much more quickly.  If your plans include air travel, you need to check with the airline carrier regarding their requirements.

Keeping your Christmas tree standing...

If you have dogs and cats, and have Christmas decorations...you know the challenge of keeping the pets safe and your tree in its original spot. You can try using clear fishing line to tie the tree to an eye hook in the ceiling, a wall stud or the windowsill so it won't be knocked down. Tying the tree to a heavy piece of furniture works, too. Sometimes stability can be added by attaching the tree stand to a large piece of wood, and then cover the large base with a pretty tree skirt.

Christmas Tree Safety

The beautiful Christmas Tree you decorated could potentially contain fertilizers, preservatives or even pesticides that can get into the water supply of the tree. Most preservatives used to keep Christmas trees green and fresh are generally not poisonous, but can lead to an upset stomach if ingested.

When the tree is placed in the base, the water can become stagnant, which may develop bacteria cultures. The preservatives and stagnant water could potentially result in nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea. The National Christmas Tree Association (yes, there is an organization for this) advises the use of just water in the Christmas Tree stand in order to protect small children and animals from the preservatives. Also, cover the base of the tree to minimize the chance for exposure.

Happy Thanksgiving

Turkey bones, “special treats”, and pets do not mix well.  Please have a wonderful Thanksgiving, and keep your pets safe by taking the bones directly to the outside garbage.  Also, inform your guests that your best friend doesn’t need anything from the table.  Then make sure you have plenty of safe treats for him!

Lastly, please make sure your pets have collars and identification tags on in case of an escape.  You may also consider having them microchipped, as a permanent pet identification.  With all of the company coming and going, an open door makes an easy target.

The best way for our pets to enjoy the holidays is to have a safe retreat available.  A little precaution and prevention will make this a very happy time for everyone.