If you enjoy teaching your dog new tricks, you may learn something from it.  They may have  a thing or two to teach you!  Information in a book by author Gary Kowalski, Souls of Animals, we can learn some things from our pets if we pay attention.  Here are a few fundamental life-lessons you can learn from your dog:

* -  Always be happy to see those you love.  Greet them with enthusiasm.

* - Approach each day and new experience with exuberance, even a walk.

* - Never underestimate the power of praise.

* - Play every chance you get.

* - Don’t be afraid to show your joy!  Others will respond favorably.

 * - Every once in awhile, put your head out the window and feel the air on your face.

* - Don’t hold a grudge.

* - When someone is having a bad day – nuzzle them gently.

* - Protect and defend those you love.

* - Enjoy every day to it’s fullest – Make the best of your day!

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If you own a dog, many of these pets become a real part of the family.  Eating from the kitchen table like the rest of us do, can have terrible consequences.  Here are some things to avoid feeding your dog - from Bottom Line Personal.

* Grapes and Raisins – They can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and life threatening kidney failure.

* Sugar gum and candy containing xylitol, which is a type of sugar substitute.  This ingredient can cause a rapid drop in a dog’s blood sugar, which can result in depression, loss of coordination and seizures.

* Onions are very bad for your furry friend.  The can cause gastrointestinal irritation and anemia, possibly damaging the dog’s red blood cells.  Just a single, small whole onion can be fatal.

* Macadamia Nuts – These can cause vomiting, depression, tremors, and temporary paralysis of the their hind legs.  Even though it usually clears up on it’s own without lasting effects, it is still not a fun thing for you or your dog to go through.

Just food for thought…

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Hamsters are the number one selling pet animal, appealing to people of all ages.  

Keep in mind they have a short life span (approx 2-3 years) so it is important to buy young hamsters with a age of four to eight weeks.  The younger animals are also easier to tame and become used to being handled.  This little cute furry friends prefer to live alone, as if you put two or more together in a cage, they are liable to injure each other by fighting. 

Being gentle with your hamster while holding them is essential, as they are easily frightened by noises and sudden movements. They will enjoy your security and  friendship.  If you have toddlers in the family, you might want to wait until later for this type of pet.

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Need to go to the vet?  Take your dog to the dog park?  Go to the pet store?  How about a drive on a nice day?  Many of us have all of our family get into the car for that trip somewhere.  Is Your Pet Covered While in Your Car?

Some auto insurance companies in states extend coverage to your pooch or feline while in your car.  Pet injury coverage is a new variety of supplemental auto insurance.   Some auto companies believe that they should be treated as part of the family.  Collision coverage can extend to the owner’s cat or dog.  If a cat or dog is injured in an accident while riding in a vehicle, the insurer will pay up to $500 to help with the veterinary bills and medicine.

This coverage is usually offered with collision coverage and there is no extra charge for having it.  Having pet insurance is like a health insurance program for a  pet.  The way which most plans work is that the owner initially pays the vet bill, and then the insurance company reimburses it.  Even though each plan is different, as some have deductibles or a maximum amount, along with miscellaneous variables.  It is wise to get all of the facts about any type of insurance.  Pet insurance typically covers only dogs and cats riding in the vehicle, and is not available in all states.

If the accident was not the pet owner’s fault, the at-fault drivers insurance will cover the pet under property damage liability coverage.  Under most insurance policies, the pet’s injuries will only be covered if the pet owner was not a fault in the accident.

So…is your pet covered while in your car?

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and…WHY DO DOGS DRINK FROM THE TOILET? 

Yes, that is another good question – and that is the title of a book written by veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker.  Here are some answers to DOG related questions which have been plaguing you – found on ABCNEWS.COM 

* And another question – WHY DO MALE DOGS LIFT THEIR LEG?   So they can get their scent at nose-level for other dogs, and so the breeze will easily catch the scent and carry it around the neighborhood.

*  WHY DO DOGS YAWN?   Are they bored or sleepy?   Nope, neither.  A dog’s yawn is more stress related.  It can either be a stress response to excitement -  like a dog may yawn before going into an agility competition.  Or – a dog may yawn when it’s stressed in a negative way.  It’s a signal they are not entirely comfortable.  Get this – dogs are also like humans, if you are yawning, they’ll yawn back.

*  WHY DO DOGS ROLL AROUND IN STINKY STUFF?   Because to them, it smells great.  A dog’s nose is hundred times more sensitive than ours and to them, that decaying something in the yard is like the aroma of perfume.  If a dog finds a stink pile, they may roll in it as a way of celebrating. 

*  DO DOGS HATE CATS?  No – dogs really don’t know what they hate.  Some dogs have a strong hunting instinct, like terriers, and they chase cats because they are one kind of prey.  Those types of dogs were bred to chase anything that moves.  For them, it’s strictly business with nothing personal.  There are plenty of dogs which can live in harmony with cats and other types of animal pets.

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Love me…love my cat.  That is the mantra of women everywhere.  For guys, this could be tricky.  It’s easy to love a dog – they catch Frisbees, but if the woman you are wooing has a cat – which makes up 75% of cat owners, you need to know how to get on that cat’s good side.  Here is some advise from Lorn Haug, a veterinarian at Texas A&M University.

* Don’t chase the cat.  Don’t rush to pick it up and cuddle it to show you are an animal lover.  It’s a mistake to pursue a cat – too aggressively.  Let the cat decide when it wants to be petted.  It will let you know.

*  Easy on the cologne.  A good tip in general, bu also good when it comes to cats.  Strong odors like cologne and cigarettes can freak a feline out.

*  Bring presents.  Flowers for the woman, and treats for the cat.  But, ask before on the treats, as cats are on a strict diet.  If it’s OK for the treats, you’ll have their cat eating out of the palm of your hand – literally.  Cat’s are very sensitive to their owner’s emotions.  That’s why you brought the flowers.

*  The final way to get close to a cat:  Go into its territory.  A soft cushion or a fuzzy chair – as that is where cats like to hang out.  Eventually, it will crawl up next to you.  Give a little scratch gently on the neck and behind the ears. 

Give these suggestions a try and you will win over her cat – and the woman who owns it.  Remember:  Women do not trust guys who don’t like their animals.

forwarding on from Inteligence for your life

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There are 74 million dogs in America.  We purchased our pets with $34 billion worth of goods, services, food, and luxuries last year.  In contrast, we spent 16 billion less on toys for our kids!  So who is driving this new trend?  It’s the new “Gerneration Arff” – which is mostly comprised of mostly women, 30’s and up, who either do not have kids, or older women whose kids have already moved out of the house.

Although those are the ones most likely to dish out $40 for a bag of pet food, or buy a Gucci dog collar, those Generation Arff-ers aren’t the only ones spoiling their pets.  8 out of 10 dog owners bought their pets a Christmas present last year.  In essence, we are humanizing our dogs.  The trend is no longer calling them Fido or Spot, we are now giving them human names.  The top two dog names were Bella and Max.

There are 800 bakeries for dogs, there are pet funerals, pet workout video’s, designer collars and clothing, and pet pedicures.  Recently on TV, a lady had a pet house built for her dog for $23,000.  So why are we so dog crazy?  A family psychologist, Dr. Alan Entin says, It’s because it makes people feel good.  Women in particular are delaying marriage and parenthood – or not having children at all.  This void is filled by the love for their pet.  Even 31% of married women say they spend more time with their pet than their spouse.

Here is what we learn from our dogs:  They live their lives with joy, they are loyal, and express unconditional love.  Just think, if we could master those qualities, we might be a lot more successful in our relationships.

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Article from the ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals)

READ THE LABEL FIRST!  also see ‘any flea control’ below
Attention, cat caretakers! If you are using flea-control products on your pet, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) urges you to always follow the instructions on the label–and never use any product that is formulated “for dogs only.”

There are more than 18 brands of flea-control products for canines that contain permethrin–just a few drops of which can be lethal to felines. Signs of toxicity, which can develop anywhere from a few hours to two days after application, include tremors and seizures. Most cats will recover with prompt, aggressive treatment, but prevention is the best medicine. Simply use species-appropriate products, follow the instructions on the label, and don’t hesitate to consult your veterinarian if you are unsure of the proper use of any flea-control product.

If you suspect that your cat has been exposed to permethrin, call your veterinarian or the APCC’s emergency hotline– 1  888 4 ANI -HELP –for round-the-clock telephone assistance. For more information on what’s toxic and what’s not–and what you can do to prevent your pet from being poisoned–visit APCC online.

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It you think that dogs don’t get jealous, think again!  Remember the time you added a new pet to your household, or cooked dinner for a date.  If your adoring dog suddenly seemed less-than-friendly, you probably had a testy pooch in your house.  According to animal behaviour expert, Dr. Paul Morris, dogs experience a wide span of emotions, including jealousy, anger, anxiety, surprise, pride, embarrassment, and shame.  What then should you do if you suspect your dog is feeling jealous?  Here are a few guideline tips, courtesy of the website: TheDogDaily.com 

First, recognize that sulking, snarling, sluggishness, and lack of appetite can be a symptom of jealousy.

*  Then, think back to your schedule and habits before the new jealousy-causing pet or person arrives.  Routine is very important.  Dogs are afraid of losing their place in your life.  By feeding, walking, and playing with them on a normal schedule, you reassure them that they have  a place in your heart.

*  Spend more time with them than usual during the transitional period.  For example, if the subject of your dog’s jealousy is another person, encourage your friend to play, pet, and interact with your dog as much as possible.

*  Don’t let your dog get away with bratty behavior.  You are still the leader of the pack, so do not allow any bad behavior immediately.  On the flip side though, reward positive behavior with sweet talk, head rubs, and treats, especially if your dog makes an effort to socialize with the visitor.

*  Finally,  when a jealousy stands out, look at it from your dog’s perspective: They were there first.  After years of earning your loyalty and affection, you furry companion values you and their place in your pack.  So, give them a loving scratch behind the ears, and speak to them to make sure they know you still love them, because that is what they care about most.

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IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR MILITARY FAMILIES
As the country sees many of its Military Families abroad, the ASPCA, along with the Humane Society of the United States and the National Animal Control Association, urge military personnel to work to keep pets in the family and avoid placing them in already overcrowded shelters. If you know of someone who may be deployed, please direct them these links
Patriotic Pets  /   HSUS Tips  /   Animal Sheltering  /  Military Pet Foster Project  /   PAW Partnership for Animal Welfare  /    ASPCA online

Article from the ASPCA

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