ALL THINGS FAMILY: PET CARE EMERGENCY GUIDE

ALL THINGS FAMILY

LIVING WITH DOGS: Safety comes FIRST

puppy Introducing a new pet to your family can be difficult or easy depending on your preparations:

PUPPY-PROOF your home:

Make sure all cords and electric appliances are protected either by taping them up out of the way or situating them in such a way so that the pet can not become entangled.

Purchase a CRATE or doggy gate so that your dog or other pet can not roam freely when you are not at home.

Keep the trash closed in, in a seperate area completely, or better yet OUTSIDE!

dogtrash

Remove all dangerous plants! (see article on this page)

Don't leave medicines where your dog can get to them.

Cover your outside pool or prevent access to open water, ESPECIALLY DURING THE WINTER MONTHS because your dog may all through the ice and not be able to swim out!!

Keep all cleaning supplies locked away.

Remember that de-icer and anti-freeze are TOXIC even in small amounts. Best idea: do not allow access to your garage or shop where such things might be stored!

Visit the PHOTO ALBUM PAGES at My Dog Supply Shop to see some of the dog designs! You can purchase some of these great designs at my CAFEPRESS SHOP

Great Photography at FriskyBiz CHECK US OUT

do you SQUIDOO?

Visit the Dog Blog for fun information on dogs and dog lovers

click here for a great selection of dog neckties!

DOGS FIGHTING?

Firstly, a wise owner in a multiple dog household will recognize that certain situations WILL bring on dog fights. Learn to avoid these situations! for example, you may need to seperate dogs when they eat. You may need to avoid giving certain treats which are just too tempting. You may need to prevent jealousy when you are petting or otherwise paying attention to one dog while another "looks on". However, sometimes no matter how you try, fights do occur.

It is NEVER wise to try to get between two dogs who are fighting, but nevertheless sometimes it is necessary. If your dogs won't listen to you and stop the scuffle then here are some ideas to stop dog fights:

BEST METHOD: Keep a large bucket or bowl handy. (you can always grab the water bucket in an emergency) Place the empty bowl over the head of the nearest dog and cover it's eyes...it is relatively easy to "back the dogs" away from each other because the dog whose head is covered is likely to release his grip on the other dog at that time. Back the offender into the nearest door and close him away from the other dog.

ANOTHER WAY: Take a towel and throw it over the head of one of the dogs....this can work in the same way as the bucket.

* Try pouring water over fighting dogs. Turning a hose on the dogs works better than dumping a container on them.

* Some dogs will stop fighting if you squirt them with a water bottle filled with vinegar, which breaks their concentration. Some folks use water cannons, citronella spray,or pepper spray (note: pepper spray, or mace, can cause injury and worsen the situation).

* Avoid putting your hands near the dogs' heads or getting between them to avoid getting bitten yourself. If another person is available, it is reccomended that each person pick a dog and grab it by the hind legs, pulling back and up until the dog loosens its grip. The grabber should then move away quickly. There is some risk, since dogs will sometimes turn and bite whoever is hanging on to them.

Another technique for breaking up a fight when two persons are available: One person attempts to immobilize the hindquarters of the dog while grasping the collar from behind. For certain breeds such as pit bull breeds, it is recommended to wedge a wedge-shaped breaking stick into the side of the dog's mouth.

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Dog Lover's will ALWAYS love a gift which relates to the dog of their choice. such gifts are often difficult to find. Here are some great ideas for you:

give a gift of a teeshirt!

Warning!!

The following plants can be poisonous to your dog or cat!

Amaryllis

Crown of thorns

Mistletoe