Go swimming with your dog!
Tips for adopting an adult pet
Recently, I have been fortunate enough to rescue a llaso apso/cocker spaniel that is about 3 1/2 years old. Because she is not a puppy, they were immediately going to put her down I was told, which broke my heart. So, obviously, I whisked her away from her horrible living situation and she has been living with me for a week now. She is just happy as a clam! But, just like getting a puppy or kitten, adult pets do require a different kind of upkeep.
First things first, check the teeth! Ruby has pretty bad dental calculus, she will definately require a dental from my vet. If I choose not to take care of this serious issue, the tarter would continue to build up and the pet would be swallowing bacteria on a regular basis, which weakens the immune system. So! Get the dental. While they are under, see if they need their nails clipped-its much easier to do that while they are under anesthesia.
Also, is the pet overweight? The older they get, the easier it is for them to pack on weight- especially if they are with an owner who can’t walk them because of an ailment, etc. This was Ruby’s situation, she was a therapeutic pet for a very sick owner who recently passed. Because of this, she is about 3 pounds overweight tops, maybe a little less. I know she hasn’t been taken on a walk in a couple of years, but she is so excited every day when I take her! She is such a gift.
Now, what about flea control? I have no way of knowing if Ruby was ever given any, and its better to be safe than sorry. I also wanted to change her food, because the previous owner fed a food that wasn’t very healthy. To change the food, make sure to do this over a period of a few days, slowly introducing the new food with the old food to avoid stomach upset in your pet. Also, if you have a vet history (which I really recommend trying to get your hands on) you need to check to make sure the pet has been spayed or neutered, because if they aren’t, thats your job!! And you thought getting a puppy was work!!
I hope these tips have helped you…I know they are helping Ruby! She is such a wonderful addition to our home. Since foreclosure pets is such a serious issue, people will be rescuing older pets, just like me. This should be enough to get you started- make sure to see your vet as soon as possible!
Grooming for health!
Everybody knows, you have to look good to feel good!! This definately goes for your pet! Maintaining your pets health is imperative, and by doing so you ensure that your other pets as well as your home are healthy and clean. Keeping up with flea control is also a large part of your pets health regimen- and regular grooming should go hand in hand with it. You want to make sure that you are feeding healthy food as well, so that everything that goes inside your furry friend is as healthy as everything you do on the outside! Oatmeal based shampoo seems to have the most success with pets, it tends to calm the skin and avoids irritation. So if you feel that paying the groomer is too much for you with prices of everything else going up, you can do it yourself, and your pet will be just as happy and healthy! And don’t forget, lets brush those teeth! Make sure you are using pet friendly toothpaste, this will ensure that your pet is smiling and tarter free. It just takes a little extra time, but you can have your pet shining sooner than you know it.
Is your dog scooting around?
If you have noticed your furry friend is scooting around, don’t immediately assume your pet has worms. Often, the problem is that their anal glands are full, and need to be expressed; scooting is your pet trying to empty those uncomfortable sacs. If you aren’t aware of how to express your pet’s anal glands, you should take them to your vet-any vet tech should be able to take care of it.
To express your pets anal glands, you need gloves, lube, and its nice to get a pet spray cleaner for their bottom when your done. You will also need someone to help you hold the pet to avoid getting bit. You will need to use your right thumb in the anus at the 5 o’clock position, and pull the contents of the gland towards you. Then use your pointer finger at the 8 o’clock position and pull it towards you like you did the other gland. If you learn how to do this, you can avoid discomfort for your pet and save yourself some money. Also, it is important to get your pet checked for worms to be on the safe side.
Tips for moving with your animals
Moving to a place down the block, to another city or another state can be stressful. In many ways, your pets can react to moving in the same way humans do. It is a stressful time for them too. Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind while moving yourself and your pet.
- Make sure your pet has a check-up with your vet and ask the veterinarian if they know of any diseases that your pet might be at risk for in the area you are moving to.
- Pack your pet’s medical history.
- Pack your pet’s toys, food dishes, blankets, etc in the same box for quick access.
- If you have a smaller animal that lives in a cage (like a snake, hamster or bird), keep it in there during the move, take out anything that might tumble around and injure your pet, and cover it with a blanket so they don’t become overstimulated with new scenery.
- If you’re traveling, never leave your pets alone in the car with your windows up.
- Don’t wash your pets favorite blanket or pillow during a move. This allows them to have a familiar scent in their new home.
- Let your pet stretch and relax as soon as you can, and walk them around the property so they are familiar with their boundaries.