Dolly's Pet Gazette
Jan/Feb
Pet Gazette NewsWelcome 2010! This year many homeless dogs are hoping to find a forever family to love and care for them. Let’s make it a New Year’s resolution to adopt, foster, sponsor, and care for these animals that are without homes and give them another chance at life.
Let it snow! This New Year has brought with it frigid weather. It’s important during these low temperatures that our pets stay warm and are able to escape the elements. Remember that our animals are just as accustomed to the warm shelter of the indoors as we are.
CARE
Elderly, arthritic, and sick dogs are weather sensitive and need special care. Joints may become stiff and mobility reduced. Make sure your pet has a warm place to sleep off the floor and away from drafts. Don’t hesitate to take advantage of the wide variety of doggie coats and sweaters available to keep your pet warm- most of them are affordable and easy to clean. Pets should always have access to clean, fresh, water that should be checked daily in case of freezing. Brushing vigorously and regularly encourages good circulation and keeps heat in better. It also promotes healthy skin and coat during the dry winter months, as does a good fatty acids supplement.
HAZARDS
There are many winter hazards that pose a threat to your pet. Fireplaces and portable heaters can be a hazard to cats and dogs seeking warmth, causing death or injury. Be careful leaving your pet in the car in frigid weather- the car acts as a refrigerator and can cause freezing and death. As always, keep a careful watch for antifreeze and other potentially dangerous chemicals that your pet may ingest. Keep your pet away from frozen ponds and lakes in order to prevent injuries, drowning, and hypothermia and keep a winter survival kit in your car containing blankets, towels, water, first aid kit, ect, in case of possible emergencies.
Make sure your pet has proper ID tags in case of getting lost in the cold. Snow and ice makes it very hard for your pet to find its way home.
If you bathe your dog during the winter months, make sure it is completely dry before taking it outside and don’t forget to check paws for injuries caused by snow and ice. Winter doesn’t have to be dangerous and with some precautions taken, it can be a wonderful time of the year as you snuggle with your pet in front of the fire.
SPAY/ NEUTER FACT OF THE MONTH- Did you know that one female cat can begin breeding as young as 4 months old? If she is left unaltered, her and her offspring can produce 420,000 cats in only 7 years!
10 Worst Excuses Not to Spay/Neuter Your Pit Bull
or any other companion animal
This list was taken from Pit Bull Rescue Central with their permission. PBRC.net is a vertual shelter for Pit Bulls, American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers and pit bull mixes.
There is a wealth of information about the breeds, temperament, and ownership of these dogs, that are not for everyone. Some breeds require more knowledge, commitment and responsibility of the owner. Please consider a pet choice very carefully, and be well informed.
The PBRC's vision statement advocates "a compassionate world where pit bulls and pit bull mixes reside in responsible, loving homes and where their honor and positive image is restored and preserved." PBRC abhors the violence and abuse that has come to be associated with this breed.
PBRC strongly encourages responsible pet ownership, which includes the spaying and neutering of pets. Many pounds and shelters will automatically euthanize these dogs when they are surrendered.
Think about the what might happen to puppies that are not placed and spay your pet. Read the list and choose to be a responsible pet owner.
--See the list below--
10 Worst Excuses Not to Spay/Neuter Your Pit Bull,
or any other companion animal
1. Just one litter and then we'll have Daisy spayed. Studies show that virtually the entire pet overpopulation issue stems from the "just one litter" mentality.
2. My dog doesn't run loose, so he doesn't need to be fixed. Murphy's Law says otherwise.
3. We always find homes for the puppies.
And that means that an equal number of puppies at the pound will be euthanized.
4. I want the children to witness the miracle of birth. Rent a video.
5. My dog is so cute and unique, there should be more of her. The shelters and pounds are full of cute and unique dogs, most with only a few days to live.
6. It's not natural.
There hasn't been anything "natural" about dogs since we began to develop breeds thousands of years ago.
7. I just couldn't look my dog in the eye if I had him castrated.
Watch it, you're anthropomorphizing. Remember, real men have their own.
8. A female dog should have at least one litter for health reasons. Medically, factually and ethically indefensible.
9. Neutering my dog will make him fat and lazy. Too much food and not enough exercise make a dog fat and lazy.
10. Fixing my pet will change her personality. The main influences on a dog's personality are the kindness and care with which she is raised.
Check out Dolly's Pet Gazette archives.