Archive for July, 2008

Do you know where the nearest animal emergency clinic is? Here are some things that you should know before you go: Trauma If your pet is unconscious or can't move, slide him onto a a rigid board or heavy blanket to help stabilize him during the ride. Bleeding Muzzle your pet, then apply direct pressure with a clean cloth until the bleeding stops. Choking Use your fingers to remove any visible object if you're sure that Fido won't...

By Tony Yarbrough For many of us, our animal companions are more than just pets, they are family members. We trust them, talk to them, prepare special meals for them and provide every aspect of their daily care. We treat them and often love them as though they were our own children. How many times have you seen or heard someone be anthropomorphous with a pet? It's the term that describes when a person projects human traits, abilities or...

By Kim Shotola, The Lightfoot Way Aromatherapy is commonly used by many people. Essential oils are extracted from the flowers, leaves, bark, roots, stems, seeds or fruit of a plant. The oils are then either inhaled or diluted and rubbed into the skin. Veterinary remedies date back to the 18th century. In addition to holistic vets, this method is utilized by holistic animal practitioners, animal massage therapists, and pet owners. Essential...

By Jennifer Tran Stray animals are seen every day roaming the streets. The question is, should you stop to help or continue driving? Some of these animals do have good homes and are legitimately lost. Others know where their home is and are just out roaming, while others have been abandoned by a cruel owner. • Don’t get bit. If you decide to stop and help, be prepared. Not all animals are friendly. If injured, even animals that you...

By Cinda Bishop, Mucho Poocho Doggy Day School Does your dog appear to be deaf when you call him to you? Does he look at you and run the other direction? Are you tired of chasing him down the street because someone left the door or gate open? And the dog park? Forget it – once he gets loose there with all of those other dogs, you’ll never get him to come back! Come when called – first time, every time. Sound too good to be true? It...

By Laura Duclos, PhD, Director of Research & Development, Nature's Variety Rotation feeding is a holistic nutritional philosophy for nourishing your pet’s health and happiness. It means varying both proteins (chicken, beef, lamb, etc.) and forms (raw, cans, dry, etc.) fed to your pet. In essence, the simplest way to think of rotation feeding is to think about your own diet. Do you eat the same meal every morning and every night? No, of...

By Dr. Amna Plummer, DVM, Critter Care Animal Hospital With spring in full swing and summer fast approaching, the dog park is bound to be a hot spot for our furry family members. Not only can they bring home memories of fun and excitement, they can also leave with some very undesirable things as well. I’ve compiled a list of the top five things that as a vet, I commonly see from a dog park experience: 5. Snake bites - This time of...

By Kristy Alee, Certified Canine Trainer & Behavior Specialist, ABC Pet Resort & Spa April showers bring to mind blooming flowers and chirping birds. However, for some of our canine friends, it brings a sense of panic. Many dogs suffer from what is termed “thunderstorm phobia”. What exactly is this phobia and how does your dog develop it? Thunder phobia in dogs can range from a mild fear response of panting and pacing, to an extreme...