Things To Consider When Getting A Family Pet
It is a well known fact that owning a pet can reduce your stress levels and improve your health, but the health of your future pet also needs to be considered. Animals are live creatures and not just toys to be brushed aside when people get sick of them. Here’s how to look after your pet’s health both now and into the future.
Pets are wonderful additions to the household also to the family. Whether you choose to adopt a cat or to buy a puppy or even to take care of a hamster, these pets are usually adorable companions which bring joy and may lower the stress levels of their masters. This is why a lot of people like having family pets. If you are thinking of having your own, here are some points to consider when getting a household pet.
Be ready financially. Maybe you have been dreaming of snuggling your own furry friend, but have not given any thought yet towards the actual expenses that’ll be incurred for the requirements of a pet. Consequently, if you are considering owning a pet, you should educate yourself on the obligations for that particular type of pet. For instance, your pet dog will require food and maybe grooming as well as anti rabies vaccine and parvo virus vaccine from the vet. Additionally, there are some accessories required such as a cage, a water dispenser, and perhaps a brush.
Check out your lifestyle. Know who among the family members will be looking after the pet’s needs. Possibly all of you are away most of the time and the household pet will be left in the house for several hours. This is not healthy for most family pets. Also be aware of your daily budget when the pet’s requirements are already taken into account. You might need to alter your lifestyle a bit if ever.
Review your family and home situation. You should be sure that no one in the family is allergic to animals. There might be babies or small children who may be harmed by the pet you are interested in. You may need to research about the safest type of household pet or on how children must interact with this kind of pet. Also, consider where you can place the animal within the house. Furthermore, if you live in a condo or perhaps an apartment, you should find out first if pets are allowed in your building or community.
Think about the environment too. You have to also be certain that the environment you live in will be favorable for the pet that you would like to have. For instance, if you live in a noisy city and in a high-rise building, an animal may not feel settled there.
Think carefully about the reasons you want to have a pet. In case your main reason for wanting one would be to have a playmate that can take away your stress after a exhausting day at work, then you should go for a playful and also friendly animal such as a puppy with the suitable temperament. If your cause is to have a friend that does not need a lot of attention, perhaps you are better off with a cat. Conversely, if you want a child to learn how to be responsible by taking care of a pet, maybe you can begin with a bird, hamster, or even a fish.
These are just a number of the things to consider when obtaining a family pet. You should cautiously go over them before selecting one, to make sure that it’ll be a worthwhile purchase that will give you benefits and will not be a burden. Also, you need to be certain that you can provide the household pet a good shelter and a happy and healthy life.
Dog First Aid – Heatstroke
We humans can remove our coats, jackets and other cold weather gear when the weather warms up. Dogs cannot discard their one of a kind fur coat thus they are more prone to heatstroke. Dogs have a poor cooling system as their very few sweat glands are mostly found in their paws. These animals pant to dispel the heat. Panting is of course an inefficient way of regulating body temperature. Overheating or heatstroke is a common concern of dogs.
Heatstroke or hyperthermia is a very serious condition that can happen to a dog instantly. A dog that is left in the car with closed windows, or one that is left chained in the yard under the heat of the sun can succumb to hyperthermia. This condition occurs when the body can no longer dissipate the heat that is being gained. The breakdown of cells caused by high temperatures will thicken the blood and result in dehydration. Apart from causing the blood to clot, a dog’s temperature that reaches 106°F will have a quick and very serious effect on the heart, liver, brain and other vital organs. Death of the dog is imminent if nothing is done to quickly bring down the elevated temperature.
Before any first aid measure is administered, the dog owner has to be aware of the condition of the pet. Rapid panting is one of the first signs of heatstroke. Sticky and thick saliva on a bright red tongue is another indication of this deadly concern. An affected dog would either have a pale or very red gums. A dog owner has to watch out for vomiting, diarrhea and signs of weakness. The condition will lead to the death of the dog if urgent treatment is not administered.
Remove the pet from the hot confined area at once. The goal of the emergency care is to bring down the elevated temperature of the dog. The pet can be soaked in cool water. Hosing or immersing the dog in a tub of cool water will make his temperature drop quickly.
Wet rolled towels can be placed on the dog’s head and neck. Temperature can be lowered rapidly by putting ice packs on the dog’s feet and by sponging the groin area. The temperature of the dog has to be reduced but very cold or ice water must not be used as it will constrict the blood vessels and prevent the heat from escaping. First aid methods to cool the dog must be stopped when the rectal temperature reading has reached 103°F.
Read more about heatstroke and first aid for dogs at Sarah’s Dogs.
First Aid – Dog Bleeding
Many dogs have died from shock resulting from profuse bleeding. External bleeding can be easily seen but a dog owner has to recognize the symptoms that the pet is bleeding internally to be able to rush the pet to a veterinary facility as there is no first aid for internal bleeding. A dog’s natural behavior of jumping, running, exploring and chasing prey oftentimes result to accidents. Administering first aid is one of the responsibilities of pet owners. In case of emergency situations involving the pet, the owner should remain calm in order to perform the necessary measures that can save the dog’s life.
Because of the inquisitive and energetic nature, dogs seem to have an invisible magnet for accidents. A dog owner therefore has to have the ability to apply first aid to the pet. Luckily, the injuries commonly sustained by dogs are not serious and can be treated using a dog’s first aid kit. For serious injuries that need professional medical care, the owner’s first aid know how will be important to stabilize the pet before it is transported to the veterinary facility.
Dogs can bleed a lot. Even nail trimming can make a dog bleed. The bleeding of a nail cut too short would seem to be profuse but this is not a serious condition as the bleeding can be easily resolved with Kwik Stop. What first aid methods can you administer to a dog with a profusely bleeding wound?
Pet owners should not be daunted in giving first aid to the pet as the methods would be pretty much the same as the first aid for humans. Bleeding must be controlled as two teaspoons of blood lost for every pound of body weight can make a dog go into shock. To stem the bleeding, a bandage or a towel applied directly to the wound will put on pressure that will control bleeding. Another towel must be placed on top of the one already soaked to maintain pressure. To reduce bleeding, the injured body part must be elevated above the heart. Excessive bleeding can be controlled by applying pressure to the pressure points. Heavy bleeding can be stopped with tourniquet but this method is dangerous and must only be done by a qualified person or it can result to the amputation of a limb.
Internal bleeding is rather hard to recognize as no bleeding will be noticed in the dog. A dog hit by a car or one that has fallen from heights can have internal bleeding. Typical symptoms of internal bleeding are pale gums, weak pulse and shallow breathing. There is no first aid for a dog that is bleeding internally. The pet must have immediate medical attention.
Bleeding? More information on this and first aid for dogs can be found at Sarah’s Dogs.
How to Know if Your Dog’s Diet Contains Enough Fatty Acid
Will your pet’s skin and coat look shiny and healthy, or is your dog’s fur lacking the silky appearance you favor? Might this indicate the need for additional fatty acids in your dog’s diet?
A dog’s diet affects all aspects of his body together with the skin and coat. If your dog’s diet contains adequate amounts of fatty acids, his coat and skin ought to seem healthy. Fatty acids in your dog’s diet will forestall trouble with dry skin and dandruff, for example. A dull coat might indicate a would like for supplements of fatty acids in your dog’s diet.
Studies indicate that essential fatty acids, referred to as EFAs, contribute to healthy skin and coat, along with general health. Omega 3 and omega six fatty acids, for example, can play a important role in your dog’s overall well being.
Don’t assume that adding fatty acid supplements to your dog’s diet is always a smart idea. If your dog’s coat is in good condition, adding more EFAs will not automatically improve health. The fatty acid supplements, like omega three and six, are only for dog’s with diagnosed skin problems. Always consult your veterinarian before adding a supplement to your dog’s diet. Your vet will be happy to discuss with you the best type of EFAs and the suitable dose to feature to your dog’s diet.
Fatty acids aren’t created by your dog’s body. Because of this,
You need to provide EFAs to your pet through your dog’s diet. If your vet recommends additional supplements of fatty acids, you may wish to raise regarding linseed or sunflower oil.
Within as little as four weeks, you must notice an improvement in your dog’s coat and skin. Watch the marvel of fatty acids at work in your dog’s diet. By the time seven weeks have passed, you may notice a dramatic amendment in your pet’s health.
High levels of omega three fatty acids are thought to obstruct some types of cancer. Cardiovascular health and joint health can improve, moreover, with higher levels of omega three in your dog’s diet.
Usually, omega half-dozen fatty acids are present in manufactured dog food at adequate levels. Supplementing omega 3 will facilitate to improve the ratio and make the difference for your pet. Fish and flax seed are glorious sources of omega three fatty acids. Once more, use caution and raise your vet before supplementing. Some sorts of fish might not be safe as part of your dog’s diet.
Supplementing your dog’s diet could or might not be necessary. The sole certain method to decide if your dog’s diet desires additional essential fatty acids is to schedule a briefing together with your vet to talk about your pet’s health. Never medicate your dog without advice from a professional because your dog’s diet must contain the proper balance of nutrients. Sources of EFAs include flaxseed, linseed, and sunflower oil. Higher doses of essential fatty acids will improve skin and coat issues inside many weeks. Your dog’s diet is the first step in providing your overall health and a contented life along with your pet for years to come.
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