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The Working Dog
In: Dog Behavior, Dogs & Cats (Misc.), Home Page
Throughout history, dogs have been used for various purposes. Some are great hunters, others are wonderful companions, while still others herd and others guard home and hearth. In our modern society, we often don’t need a dog to do any of these functions. Today dogs are our mostly companions and some others canine working animals. Were you aware that dogs come in more than 400 different breed types worldwide? There is much more variation among our friend, the dog, than in ...
Sniffing Out the Bed Bugs
In: Dog Behavior, Dogs & Cats (Misc.)
The recent outbreak of bed bugs in New York had High-end clothing retailers closing down their store. Bed bugs are in hotels, dorms, hospitals, movie theaters, libraries, and other public spaces. In fact, according to a pest control report, sixty percent of the bedbug problem is coming from commercial areas such as theaters, hotels, stores and offices. They can hitch a ride from one of these locations and go home with you. Not just in US, but around the world we are ...
What is AAHA?
In: Dog & Cat Health, Dogs & Cats (Misc.), Responisble Pet Ownership
The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) is an international association of more than17,000 veterinary care providers who treat companion animals. Hospitals that are accredited by AAHA meet high veterinary care standards. Each hospital voluntarily completes a detailed evaluation of its services and equipment. Then a trained practice consultant thoroughly inspects the hospital to make sure it meets AAHA’s high standards in the areas of: 1. emergency services 2. surgery and anesthesia 3. radiology services 4. pathology services 5. nursing care ...
Free Eye Exam for Working Canines
In: Animal Welfare, Dogs & Cats (Misc.)
Eye Care for Animals in Annapolis, Maryland is teaming up with the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists® (ACVO®) to get the word out to service dog handlers about the 2nd Annual ACVO® National Service Dog Eye Exam Day. This unprecedented event will provide free sight-saving eye exams to service dogs throughout Maryland. Service dogs include guide dogs, handicapped assistance dogs, detection dogs, and search and rescue dogs. Dogs must be “work- ing dogs,” certified through a formal training program or organization. ...
My pet has cancer. Now what?
In: Dogs & Cats (Misc.), Grief and Bereavement, Responisble Pet Ownership
First of all, remember that if your cat or dog is diagnosed with cancer, you should not let hope be the first casualty of the disease. Many different types of cancers are found in dogs and cats (and other animals, as well), just as they are in humans. If you would consider treatment for your pet for diseases of the heart, kidneys, liver, or hormones, then you should consider it for cancer. How to Watch Out for Cancer You know your pet ...
Advantages of Alternative Cancer Treatments for Your Pet
The most traditional treatment options for a pet with cancer include some combination of surgery, radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy. Many of these protocols have proven benefit. However, depending on how they are given, they may also cause significant discomfort or side effects. Any treatment option must be balanced against your pet’s quality of life. There are treatments that are less routine, but every bit as effective when used in the right situations. For example, some tumors can be treated by cryosurgery ...
Pet Professionals – From Suites and Heels to Fur and Feathers
Recent corporate restructuring, instability, and bankruptcy have had well-educated professionals reading the employment classifieds. Some who possess an entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for pets have traded the stress and instability of the corporate world for the pleasure and satisfaction of owning a pet related business. Jamie Crawford worked 20 years for Johnson & Johnson before learning dog grooming and opening Groomingdale’s pet salon in Woodbridge. While working on her PhD in microbiology, Laura Sharkey trained dogs. Now, Dr. Laura Sharkey is the ...
Meetup Groups for Pets – Great Minds Bark Alike:
Breed Fanciers Find Friends at Local Doggie Daycare They frolic, they roll, they might even perform a tumble or two, these warrior wieners know no,bounds…except for the white picket fence surrounding them. These are the lucky dogs that get to play at A Dog’s Day Out in Vienna with the Northern Virginia Dachshund Meetup. The Internet, it seems, is even bringing our four-legged brethren closer. The Dachshund Meetup is just one of thousands of such groups meeting across the country on any ...
Love Your Pet…But Hate the Smell?
In: Dogs & Cats (Misc.), Responisble Pet Ownership
Does your home or office need a breath of fresh air? Living in the Washington Metro area presents many opportunities for smoke, mold, dust or other allergens to make their way into our homes and offices, resulting in odors and health hazards. The EPA named indoor air pollution as America’s number one environmental health concern. Fifty percent of all illnesses are caused by indoor air pollution. An EcoQuest Air Purifier can protect your family and pets. EcoQuest uses the same technology NASA ...
Pets Combat Loneliness in Nursing Homes
Innovative programs in community and institutional settings continue to show how companion animals enhance human health and well-being. The Eden Alternative, which has been highlighted in Time magazine, views nursing homes as habitats rather than institutions. These facilities, which have allowed dogs, cats, birds and fish to live in the facility, have had to provide fewer alternative recreational activities and use less anti-psychotic and anti-depressant medication. Moreover, staff turnover has decreased, ...
Breath Freshener for Dogs – Dear Daisy, Thanks for the Inspiration
Wolfgang Schuster in Munich developed Petafresh, a breath freshener for dogs. Mr. Schuster, the head of an R & D Department of a pharmaceutical company was inspired by an unpleasant experience with a sweet dog. “Some twelve years ago an invitation to dinner at the home of my wife’s best friend nearly ended in disaster,” Mr. Schuster relays. “ Her sweet dog, Daisy, scampered up to me wagging her tail and in no ...
What you Need to Know before you Groom your Cat
In: Dogs & Cats (Misc.), Grooming
Before you begin grooming your cat, examine your attitude. The most important thing you need is love. The next requirement is a calm, confident manner. Brushing your shorthaired cat will stimulate coat oils and reduce shedding and hairballs. A rubber curry brush works well for single-coated breeds. A fine-toothed comb will remove dead hair and reveal any evidence of flea infestation. This comb is also useful in removing under-eye debris ...
Events for pets – Bark in the Park
Canine cruises, dog parades, pet costume contests, and other pet-oriented events may be considered quirky by some, but they are without question some of the more popular events offered at Lake Accotink Park in Springfield. While such events cause us all to grin, there is a serious side to why we provide pet programs in the park. It is often said that the way we treat our animal friends is a measure of our humanity. In general, we find that people ...
Pet Businesses Booming at High End
All pet business sectors are growing as pet ownership expands, but it’s the high end – the really expensive goods and services – that’s booming. The American Pet Products Manufacturers Association’s 2006 review of industry trends and data gives these examples of high-end items in high demand: • Luxury Items. Feathered beds, faux mink coats, Halloween costumes, monogrammed sweaters, rhinestone tiaras, and manicures with nail polish, may cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Leather animal carriers with holders for cell ...
Dog Park – Park Your Pooch at Lake Accotink Park
Looking for a fun outing for you and your canine companion? Problem solved. Set your sights on Lake Accotink Park, where dogs and their people find entertainment through a variety of park programs. Located in Springfield, VA, just five minutes from the Capital Beltway and Interstate 95, the park provides enjoyable activities such as: · Exercise and maintain health for you and your dog by joining one of the park’s Walking for Fitness Doggy and Me classes. Sessions are typically 8 to ...
Provide for Your Pet’s Future -Prepare Your Estate Plans to Provide Properly for Your Pet
In: Animal Welfare, Dogs & Cats (Misc.), Responisble Pet Ownership
Because pets usually have shorter life spans than their human caregivers, you may have anticipated your animal friend's passing. But what if you are the one who becomes ill or incapacitated, or dies first? As a responsible pet owner, you provide your pet with food and water, shelter, veterinary care, and love. To ensure that your beloved pet will continue to receive care should something unexpected happen to you, it's critical to plan ahead. Make sure you learn what steps you ...
When a Dental Specialist Can Help
In: Dogs & Cats (Misc.), Responisble Pet Ownership
According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, more than 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats, by age 3, show some signs of oral disease. In fact, the third most common area for cancer is the oral cavity. Unfortunately, the early warning signs that your pet is suffering with a dental or oral problem, are missed by most pet owners. When your pet acts hungry but refuses to eat or becomes picky, drops food around the bowl, refuses ...
Indoor Cat or Outdoor Cat?
In: Animal Welfare, Cat Health, Dogs & Cats (Misc.)
The decision whether to let your cat go outdoors may be made for you. If you live in a high-rise, or if there’s no safe place to let the cat out, then you must keep the cat in. Or your cat may be old, blind, or a slow runner, and so should remain inside. But if you live where a cat can safely go out, you have to decide. There are a lot of considerations. Inside is still the safest place ...
Hints to Find Your Lost Dog
In: Animal Welfare, Dogs & Cats (Misc.), Responisble Pet Ownership
Many owners get ID tags for their dogs’ collar, but unfortunately, many dogs get loose without collars or the collars break off. You can improve your luck of getting your pet back if you have him tattooed and/or microchipped. Both these procedures are simple, quick & painless. Many clubs & organizations run tattoo clinics. They tattoo a number (usually your SSN) on your pet. You register this number with the National Dog Registry. Similarly, vets can microchip your pet. The ...
Fostering – Organization Helps Military Pets
In: Animal Welfare, Dogs & Cats (Misc.)
The MilitaryPetsFOSTER Project is a free nationwide network of volunteers who care for the pets of military personnel on active duty. This Project is sponsored by www.netpets.org, a non-profit Internet based organization created by Steve Albin. He came up with the idea for the Project shortly after the Septem-ber 11th tragedy. Albin feels it is his duty to America to prevent military pets from being placed in shelters. According to Albin, "this sprang from my great sense of patriotism and ...
Comfort Zone for your Pet – Life Enrichment
As a behaviorist and director of an or-ganization that trains assistance dogs, I find that I am continually asked how we acquire animals and then obtain the desir-able behavior that everyone wants. Daily, our office receives calls about destructive dogs, excessive barking, dog bites, biting and plucking birds, over-active and biting & fighting cats and more. It is important to remember that, even though pets have been a part of our lives for many years, our homes are artificial environments for ...
Moving Tips for Pets – Home Is Where the Heart Is
Your pets don’t ask for much- just a short list of basics such as food, shelter, veterinary care, and of course our companionship. Pets offer far more in return. Teaching us about love, improving our emotional and physical health, and providing us with unconditional affection and friendship. If you and your pet are getting ready to move, follow these recommendations to keep your companion safe on moving day. • Plan ahead- Pack over a period of time, and try to maintain ...
