How to start walking and training a puppy

You just got your new puppy a few days ago, and you’re itching to take the little guy out and show him off around the neighborhood. No big deal, right? You just need to get a leash and a collar and head out the door with him in tow.

Not so fast.

While it’s true that you can start training your puppy to walk with you and obey your commands very early on in her development, you might not want to head out into the great wide world just yet. Veterinarians recommend keeping your pup away from dog parks and avoiding walking outside until after she has had all of her core vaccinations.

You can’t get a rabies shot until your pup is at least three months old, and he won’t receive his final booster until 16 weeks — or longer, depending on when you start the process. Already you’re looking at four months or more, which is a lot of time for a growing dog to have pent-up energy and pick up bad habits.

But it doesn’t have to be this way. Here are things you can do to start training your dog for the walk while you’re still stuck inside.

Introduce the collar and leash
As early as a few weeks old, you can introduce your pup to her collar and leash. Wait until she’s doing something positive such as feeding, playing, or getting affection from you and slip on the collar and leash. The idea is both to get her used to wearing them and to have her associate them with positive feelings. If your dog fights against the leash or collar, try using treats or toys to get her more comfortable.

Go for a walk — inside
Just because you don’t want to risk taking your pup around the neighborhood doesn’t mean you can’t walk. Attach his leash and guide him around your living space so he gets used to you leading him around. If you have a backyard, you should use bathroom time as another opportunity for leash training by walking your pup out to the spot where you want him to go, instead of letting him have the run of the yard.

Help him learn to follow
Ideally, you want to be leading your dog when you’re on the walk — not the other way around. But this is a lot harder to do with a large adult dog than a tiny pup, so there’s no better time for training than now. All you have to do is put on his leash and walk a few steps. When he inevitably starts to pull, you should turn and walk in the opposite direction. You’ll stop-and-start a lot at first, but eventually she’ll get it. You can reinforce this learning by rewarding him with praise or treats when he does follow.

Practice obedience training
By the time your dog is ready to go out on walks, between months 3 and 6, it’s also a good window to start obedience training. Start with basic commands such as “sit,” “stay,” “come,” “heel,” and “down,” and make sure everyone doing the training is consistent, using the same words and gestures. Otherwise, the dog will become confused.

One of the best ways to teach these basic commands is the “Ask, Tell, and Command” method. The idea is that you first ask your dog to do something, such as “come.” Then tell them to do it using a firm voice if they don’t comply the first time. If that still doesn’t work, repeat the command again and physically pull your pup to you. Regardless of whether your dog comes on her own or you bring her over, immediately offer praise. This will help her to associate completing the action with a reward, and next time she may do it sooner.

Keep up with the training and stay consistent. Pretty soon your dog will obey you without even thinking about it!

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Coping with the Death of Your Pet

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When a person you love dies, it’s natural to feel sorrow, express grief, and expect friends and family to provide understanding and comfort. Unfortunately, the same doesn’t always hold true if the one who died was your companion animal. Many consider grieving inappropriate for someone who has lost “just a pet.”

Nothing could be further from the truth. People love their pets and consider them members of their family. Caregivers celebrate their pets’ birthdays, confide in their animals, and carry pictures of them in their wallets. So when your beloved pet dies, it’s not unusual to feel overwhelmed by the intensity of your sorrow. Animals provide companionship, acceptance, emotional support, and unconditional love during the time they share with you. If you understand and accept this bond between humans and animals, you’ve already taken the first step toward coping with pet loss: knowing that it is okay to grieve when your pet dies.

Understanding how you grieve and finding ways to cope with your loss can bring you closer to the day when memories bring smiles instead of tears.

What Is the Grief Process?

The grief process is as individual as the person, lasting days for one person or years for another. The process typically begins with denial, which offers protection until individuals can realize their loss. Some caregivers may try bargaining with a higher power, themselves, or even their pet to restore life. Some feel anger, which may be directed at anyone involved with the pet, including family, friends, and veterinarians. Caregivers may also feel guilt about what they did or did not do, and may feel that it is inappropriate to be so upset. After these feelings subside, caregivers may experience true sadness or grief. They may become withdrawn or depressed. Acceptance occurs when they accept the reality of their loss and remember their animal companion with decreasing sadness. Remember, not everyone follows these classic stages of grief—some may skip or repeat a stage, or experience the stages in a different order.

How Can I Cope with My Grief?

While grief is a personal experience, you need not face loss alone. Many forms of support are available, including pet bereavement counseling services, pet-loss support hotlines, local or online Internet bereavement groups, books, videos, and magazine articles. Here are a few suggestions to help you cope:

• Acknowledge your grief and give yourself permission to express it.
• Don’t hesitate to reach out to others who can lend a sympathetic ear.
• Write about your feelings, either in a journal or a poem.
• Call your local humane society to see whether it offers a pet loss support group or can refer you to one. You may also want to ask your veterinarian or local animal shelter about available pet loss hotlines.
• Explore the Internet for pet loss support groups and coping information.
• Prepare a memorial for your pet.

What Can I Do for My Child?

The loss of a pet may be a child’s first experience with death. The child may blame himself, his parents, or the veterinarian for not saving the pet. And he may feel guilty, depressed, and frightened that others he loves may be taken from him. Trying to protect your child by saying the pet ran away could cause your child to expect the pet’s return and feel betrayed after discovering the truth. Expressing your own grief may reassure your child that sadness is okay and help him work through his feelings.

Is the Process More Difficult if I’m a Senior?

Coping with the loss of a pet can be particularly hard for seniors. Those who live alone may feel a loss of purpose and an immense emptiness. The pet’s death may also trigger painful memories of other losses and remind caregivers of their own mortality. What’s more, the decision to get another pet is complicated by the possibility that the pet may outlive the caregiver, and hinges on the person’s physical and financial ability to care for a new pet.

For all these reasons, it’s critical that senior pet owners take immediate steps to cope with their loss and regain a sense of purpose. If you are a senior, try interacting with friends and family, calling a pet loss support hotline, even volunteering at a local humane society. If you know seniors in this situation, direct them to this web page and guide them through the difficult grieving process.

Will My Other Pets Grieve?

Surviving pets may whimper, refuse to eat or drink, and suffer lethargy, especially if they had a close bond with the deceased pet. Even if they were not the best of friends, the changing circumstances and your emotional state may distress them. Give surviving pets lots of TLC (“tender loving care”) and try to maintain a normal routine. It’s good for them and for you.

Should I get another pet?

Rushing into this decision isn’t fair to you or your new pet. Each animal has his own unique personality and a new animal cannot replace the one you lost. You’ll know when the time is right to adopt a new pet after giving yourself time to grieve, carefully considering the responsibilities of pet ownership, and paying close attention to your feelings. When you are ready, remember that your local animal shelter is a great place to find your next special friend.

Healthy Pet Tips for Home and at the Vet's

We at Pets Plus Us know your pet's health is a primary concern. This can be challenging since they can't tell you what's wrong. Here are some helpful tips to keep your healthy, what to look for if their behavior changes or symptoms arise, and what information to bring to your vet for the best care. Most owners quickly sense when their pet is not feeling well. It could be a combination of obvious signs such as vomiting and diarrhea, not eating, or maybe something subtler like drinking more water. Check your pet at home for lumps, bumps, and changes in skin so you can share that information and other symptoms with your vet. Early detection of the disease provides easier treatment options. Don't forget to ask your veterinarian for nutritional information for your pet. Let them know what you are currently feeding them, including all treats and snacks they get. Pets Plus Us knows what a big impact little paws can have on lives. That's why we created a dynamic place where you can be engaged and have all the support you need to make responsible decisions for your dog or cat's well-being, every day. Designed by Canadian pet owners and veterinarians, our pet insurance coverage allows you to choose the protection that best suits your pet's breed and their lifestyle. Get a free quote for dog insurance or cat insurance, and save when you enroll more than three pets.
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Five Life-Lengthening Health Tips for Your Pet

How to Add Years to Your Pet's Life

By Lorie Huston, DVM

  

Anyone who has ever had a dog or cat wishes just one thing — that he or she has a healthy and long life. Here are five tips that can help your pet do just that.

1. FEED A HIGH-QUALITY DIET.

Pets fed a high-quality diet have a shiny hair coat, healthy skin, and bright eyes. A good diet can help strengthen your pet’s immune system, help maintain his or her intestinal health, help increase his or her mental acuity, help keep joints and muscles healthy, and much more.

2. KEEP YOUR PET LEAN.

Pets that are overweight are at risk for a myriad of health issues. Obesity is the number one nutritional disease seen in pets currently and studies have shown that being overweight or obese can shorten a dog or cat’s life span by as much as two years. Why? Being overweight or obese puts your pet at risk for joint disease, heart disease and diabetes, among other things.

3. TAKE YOUR PET TO THE VETERINARIAN REGULARLY.

All pets, including both dogs and cats, require regular veterinary care. However, veterinary care goes far beyond routine vaccinations, even though those are important. A routine examination by your veterinarian can uncover health issues of which you are unaware. In many cases, an early diagnosis improves the chances of successful treatment. Early diagnosis is also likely to be less costly for you than waiting until your pet’s illness has become advanced and serious before attempting treatment.

4. KEEP YOUR PET’S MOUTH CLEAN.

A common problem among dogs and cats, dental disease and oral health issues can cause your pet pain, making it difficult for him or her to eat. If left untreated, oral health issues may even lead to heart and kidney disease. In addition to regular dental checkups, the most effective means of caring for your pet’s mouth at home is to brush his or her teeth at home. If your pet isn’t a big fan of toothbrushes there are other alternatives as well, including dental diets, treats, and toys. Ask your veterinarian for some recommendations.

5. DO NOT ALLOW YOUR PET TO ROAM UNSUPERVISED.

Allowing your dog or cat to roam free may seem like you’re doing your pet a favor. However, pets that roam are susceptible to a number of dangers, including automobile accidents, predation, exposure to contagious diseases, exposure to poisons, and more. Additionally, allowing your pet to roam unsupervised may alienate your neighbors should your pet ever "relieve" him- or herself in their lawn or dig up their garden.

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Are birds the right pet for you?

Birds can be incredibly rewarding pets, and while they don't require quite as much time and energy as a dog, they certainly need their share of care and attention. They come in all shapes and sizes, and if you're new to bird keeping you should read up carefully on the type of bird you're getting - you don't want to end up with something that needs more care than you're able to give it.

While it's not true for all species, a general rule is that the larger a bird is, the bigger the commitment needed: bigger birds tend to be louder, more demanding and will of course need a larger and more expensive enclosure. Don't forget that some species of bird love to socialist, and it's often not much more trouble to have two or more than it is to keep one.

Birds make particularly good pets for people who live in apartments or other places where space is limited: as long as there is room for an appropriately-sized cage, birds will thrive in a variety of environments. They're also ideal companions for people for people who can't go outdoors much, and for families with children (as long as they understand the need for careful handling).

Novice bird keepers should set their sights on the smaller, more commonly-owned species: a canary is a good choice, as they don't need handling, are relatively quiet and are happy in a cage by themselves. More experienced owners might consider the many different species of parrot, who have more demanding requirements but make wonderful and affectionate pets.

It's also worth remembering that many species of bird live a long time - male canaries usually live around eight to ten years, and some macaws can live for around 75 years! Be sure you're prepared to care for a bird for its entire lifespan, and that you can make arrangements for their care during holidays and so on.

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5 Ways to Keep Pets Healthy

Preventive Care Can Make a Difference

Our pets tend to give us the silent treatment when it comes to their health. Because they are unable to tell us when they have an ache or a pain, it’s up to us to look for tell-tale signs that may indicate an issue.

Simple routine care measures can help maintain your companion’s well-being and help to promote a long and healthy life.

1. Bi-Annual Exams

Dr. Cori Gross, a veterinarian in Seattle, Wash., says one of the most important things you can do for your pet is to make sure he gets routine veterinary examinations. “It’s all about taking preventative measures,” she explains. “You want to make sure you catch any potential problems early; that way it’s less expensive to care for your pets in the long run.”

During a bi-annual exam, your veterinarian will conduct a complete physical exam to check your pet’s condition from nose to tail. They will evaluate everything from your pet’s heart and breathing to their ears, mouth and skin during this process. In addition to the examination, your veterinarian may recommend the following:

• A blood panel: This is a group of tests that help monitor liver and kidney function, red and white cell blood counts, and can help identify abnormalities that your pet may not be telling you about! Your veterinarian may suggest that seniors, pets over the age of 7, be tested bi-annually.
• A fecal test: This simple test checks pet’s stool for parasite eggs and/or other organisms that can be shed during irregular intervals; puppies usually are tested more frequently than adult dogs.
• Additional tests: May be recommended including x-rays, an EKG, blood pressure measurement or others. Your veterinarian will identify the most important tests for your pet based on their individual history and needs.

2. Dental Health

Dental care plays a big role in maintaining a pet’s overall health. According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, it’s estimated that more than 80% of cats and dogs over the age of three show signs of oral disease. This includes everything from gum disease to oral melanoma(cancer).

Research indicates that proper dental health can extend the life of your pet by two to five years.

While the need for professional dental cleanings will vary from pet to pet based on your pet’s age and oral condition; there are a few simple ways to promote a healthy mouth in the meantime:

• Brush at home: Get your pet into a daily or weekly habit of having his teeth brushed at home. Use a finger brush or a pet toothbrush and pet toothpaste (never use human toothpaste; the sweetener can be toxic to pets). Once your pet gets into the routine, this task will become easier and can potentially extend the time between professional dental cleanings.
• Greenies: According to the company, this edible dental chew (shaped like a toothbrush) can reduce tartar up to 69% and tartar buildup by 10.5% if eaten once a day. Ask your veterinarian about the appropriate size Greenie for your pet and remember that this treat adds to the total calorie intake your pet consumes during the day.
• Annual oral exam: Having your pet’s mouth examined once (or twice) a year during a routine checkup can help identify potential oral problems before they become serious.
• Bad breath: You may think that a stinky mouth is normal when it comes to your pet, but be careful: foul-smelling breath can indicate a serious problem either in your pet’s mouth or a digestive issue. Schedule an examination if your pet develops noticeably smelly breath.

3. Healthy Diet

Your pet’s dietary needs change over the course of his life, from birth to adolescence to adulthood and then to old age. A life stage diet is one that is tailored to meet the different nutritional needs as your pet ages.

Dogs’ and cats’ nutritional requirements are quite different from one another. It’s always wise to discuss the best diet for your pet with your veterinarian at each stage of your pet’s life. Check the food packaging for an AAFCO statement which will let you know if the product has been specifically tested and labeled to be safe, effective and designated for a particular life stage.

Portion control is important to maintain. When reading the label on your pet’s food, follow the recommendation for your pet’s ideal weight, not his current weight as some pets may require more or less than the labeled amount to maintain a healthy weight.

While some dogs may require special diets due to medical issues, the average small or medium breed dog should eat food containing:

• High-quality, animal-based protein for muscle maintenance.
• Fiber for a healthy digestive tract.
• Essential vitamins and minerals for the immune system.
• Vitamin-rich fish oils for a healthy coat and skin and for overall health.
• Healthy grains for energy.

Cats are strict meat eaters, or carnivores, so the food should contain a high level of easily digestible protein. Fat is also important for needed calories. If you want, you can blend dry cat food with canned food.

Adult cat food should also contain:

• Vitamin A, from liver, kidney and other organ meats, and niacin for healthy growth.
• Essential fatty acids for healthy skin and fur.
• Taurine for healthy eyes and heart muscle.

Your senior pet may develop age-related health issues in the last year or so of his life. There are different food and supplements to address different problems. Your veterinarian can help guide you to make sure your pet has a quality of life as long as possible.

4. Daily Exercise

According to a Purina study, 60 percent of pets are overweight.

Diabetes, heart and lung diseases, bone and joint diseases, skin conditions and different types of cancer are more common in overweight animals, as is a shorter life expectancy. Many of these health problems can be alleviated with regular exercise and proper dietary management.

If your veterinarian approves of daily exercise for your pet, try some of these easy approaches:

• Daily walks: Take your dog for brisk walks of at least 20 minutes twice a day. Some cats can be trained to walk on a leash as well, so find a good harness and don’t give up after a few attempts.
• 15-minute training routine: Not only can dog training can curb bad behavior and strengthen your relationship with your pet, the mental stimulation is exhausting for your companion. Consider taking dogs outdoors for an invigorating session up and down your driveway, in the backyard or on your neighborhood sidewalk.
• Indoor activities: Your pet can get as much exercise in an indoor setting as those who have outdoor space to run. Interactive toys such as motion-activated mice, balls and others not only mentally stimulate cats and dogs but also encourage exercise.Scratching posts, towers and dens, and carpeted cat trees are perfect for climbing, playing and hiding.
• Dog-walking services: Available by popular demand, this may be a reliable solution for those with puppies and those working long hours or traveling. Be sure your pet walker is bonded, insured and licensed, and some businesses offer dog training classes and pet boarding as well.
• Doggie daycare: Pet facilities provide exercise and playtime away from home. Imagine a Gymboree for pets. While you’re working, your furry companion is chasing balls and playing tug-a-war with pup pals under the supervision of an experienced staff.

5. Parasite Prevention and Management

Keeping up with parasite control is instrumental in maintaining the health of our furry friends. Fleas, ticks, heartworms and intestinal parasites can cause everything from discomfort to life-threatening illnesses in pets. For example, fleas can live for a couple of months and females can lay up to 2,000 eggs in their lifetime.

Pets are commonly allergic to fleas and can develop significant skin irritation from scratching. Ticks can pass dangerous infectious diseases when they bite. For both, prevention is the best medicine. There are a number of safe, effective monthly products that you can use to keep these pests from hurting your pet.

Heartworm disease is passed by mosquito bites and is fatal if not treated. Both cats and dogs are susceptible and there is no treatment for affected cats. However, there are several medication options that are safe and are completely effective in preventing this disease.

Finally, intestinal parasites can be a problem at any stage of a pet’s life. Routine fecal examinations and deworming treatments can keep serious medical problems to a minimum.

Consult with your veterinarian to determine the best method and products for your pet.

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How To Take Care of a Horse

Horse Habitat

Horses require some form of shelter to protect them from the elements. They need shade in the summer and protection from wind and cold in the winter. This can be a barn, horse stall, trees, or a simple shade cover depending on the climate. If they are in a small stall (should not be smaller than 12' by 12'), they need to be turned out in a paddock daily so they can get enough exercise.

Fences should be in good repair. Try to avoid barbed wire because horses can get caught in it. The pasture and all barn areas should be checked for poisonous plants every few months to make sure horses do not ingest them. Gates should be secure and often it is a good idea to use a chain to keep them closed because some horses can learn to open gates.

If a horse is kept on dirt or sand they should be fed in a barrel or feed tub to keep their food off the ground. This will minimize the ingestion of sand, which can lead to sand colic.

Horse Feeding

Horses should have a constant supply of fresh water, and a salt or mineral lick should be provided. As horses are grazing animals, they are used to eating all day, so the more often the better. They are generally fed twice a day: morning and evening.

The main component of a horse's diet is roughage or hay. If a horse is kept on grass they may not need to be supplied with hay as long as pastures are green. The amount and type of hay to feed depends on the horse's size and how much exercise the horse is getting. It is a good idea to talk to people at the feed store in your area and your veterinarian about what type of hay is best for your horse

Be careful not to feed too much hay with high protein content, because it can lead to hoof problems, if your horse is getting a lot of protein and not enough exercise. Often it works well to mix different types of hay to achieve a balanced diet, such as a grass hay and a high-calorie hay like alfalfa. Be very careful when feeding grain and err on the side of too little, especially if a horse is not getting much exercise as too much grain can also lead to hoof problems such as laminitis.

Stay away from oats and sweet feeds, because they are too rich and tend to make horses ‘hot', meaning very excitable. Manufactured supplements such as the Purina products provide better nutrition and are not as rich. It will usually say on the packaging how much to feed, but talk to your veterinarian and adjust the amount of grain according to the amount of exercise the horse is getting. Corn oil can be added to grain if you are trying to get a horse to gain weight. There are also many specialized supplements for coat, joints, and hooves that can be fed for extra nutrition.

Do not feed a horse directly before or after exercise because it can lead to discomfort and problems with digestion.

Horse Grooming

Horses should be groomed regularly to keep their coats in good condition. This also offers a chance to check your horse for cuts, ticks, and general health. Horses' hooves should be picked out and checked regularly to make sure there are no pebbles stuck in the grooves on the bottom of the hoof.

If the bottom of the hoof looks white and pasty in places, your horse probably has a fungus. Standing in mud usually causes this. The fungus will usually go away if the horse is moved to a dry place, but sometimes it needs to be treated with over-the-counter anti-fungal medicine.

Horse Behavior

Horses are herd animals. If there are multiple horses in a pasture together, they will establish a pecking order and the leader will generally be a mare. It is normal for horses to bite each other and kick once in a while, but if one horse is picking on the others too much, he may need to be separated. Horses will generally travel around the pasture in a group. They will take turns lying down with the ones standing keeping watch.
If the horses are eating grass in a pasture, they should all be able to eat simultaneously without a problem. If you are feeding hay, it is a good idea to spread it out or have several feeders to ensure that each horse is getting enough food. You can also bring horses into stalls at feeding time, which is a good idea for horses that are fed grain or older ones who you want to monitor more closely.
Horses do not like leaving the group so they will be reluctant to leave the pasture or barn when you go riding. This "barn sourness" can be an annoyance to riders, as the horses will whiney back and forth. Horses being ridden will be eager to get back to the barn. This should lessen as the horse gets used to leaving the other horses and learns that making a fuss will not get him back to the barn any sooner.

Author: Sandra Lloyd