Dog Parks And Exercise Yards Are A Great Idea

Dog Parks and Exercise Yards

A great exercise option that has developed in recent years is the inclusion of dog parks within city limits. Here dogs can run and exercise in a controlled environment made especially for them. Dog parks are usually fenced areas with gated entry-way and exits. Some have swimming ponds for dogs to use, and most usually have some sort of watering taps or hydrants. They usually have gear so you can pick up and dispose of doggie waste.

Dog parks have come into existence because of the growing pet population and the need for people to interact with and exercise their pets. City planners have recognized this need and are now including dog parks in their urban development plans. Dog parks allow dogs and people to interact together in a social manner that is recognized as being beneficial to society.

Some dog parks are more elaborate than others. Many offer shaded areas for dogs and people to hide from the sun. Some have benches and picnic tables.  Others, as mentioned have swimming ponds or pools for the dogs.  Some parks have separate areas for large and small or timid dogs. Some parks have a significant amount of acreage for the dogs to run in, while others are smaller and compact. But, all dogs are allowed to run free and socialize with other canine companions in a safe, confined and controlled environment.

Dog parks can be great areas for you to take your dog for a romp if your dog has the correct social skills with humans and other dogs. Un-naturally aggressive or possessive dogs should not be taken to a dog park.

Dog Parks Have Some Restrictions

There are a few restrictions to most dog parks that you should be aware of, on top of not bringing an aggressive dog to a dog park:

• You should never take your dog to a dog park if he is sick or has been diagnosed with a contagious disease. Make sure your dog’s vaccinations are up-to-date.

• You should also not take a dog that is in heat to a dog park. This can lead to dog fights.

• Some dog parks also have limits on the number of dogs per handler—typically three dogs per handler. The fear is that one person cannot keep control of more than three animals at a time.

• Dogs should be allowed to run off-leash. If your dog needs to be leashed to be controlled, he should not be brought to a dog park. But do bring a leash in case your dog needs to be controlled at some point.

• You should remove any choke-type collars before allowing your dog to run in a dog park. Another dog’s teeth could become caught in the collar while playing causing panic in your dog or the other dog, which could lead to injury.

• Dog parks are dog play areas, not children’s.  Some parks have age limit restrictions for people attending there.

• Most dog parks also do not allow food of any kind into the park. Food can incite dog fights.

• All dog parks require you to clean up after your pet, and most provide the equipment and disposal units for you to do this easily.

• If you pet is possessive of his toys, do not bring them to the dog park.

• Do not allow your dog to dig holes, or if he does fill them up before you leave.

Things To Think About

• It is possible that your dog may contract an illness from another dog. Not all owners may be as diligent as you are in caring for their pet’s health.

• It is possible that your dog could get into something he shouldn’t and get sick (like an un-lidded trash can).

• It is possible that your dog may end up in a fight with another dog.

On the whole, though, the benefits of taking your dog to a dog park for exercise outweigh the risks.  It is a great way to help him socialize with other dogs, and for you to socialize with other pet lovers as well.

Neutering Can Be Healthy For Pets

Neutering Your Pet

Neutering and Spaying some people have a hard time knowing the difference.  Here is the dictionary definition from the North America Encarta English Dictionary. Spaying: “to surgically remove a female animal’s ovaries and adjacent parts of the uterus”

Neutering:       “to remove the testicles or ovaries of an animal”

Now that you know, you have to decide if you wish your pet to undergo this procedure.  It is a big decision and can affect your pet significantly, in more ways than one.

Not spaying or neutering your pet can mean that your pet can bear offspring. You have to decide if you want this to happen.  You have to decide whether you wish you pet to be a mother. Or if you wish your pet to stand as a stud for a female.  Your pet in heat is equivalent to a human female going through a menstrual cycle.

Let’s start with cats in heat. 

When your cat goes into heat, she can behave differently from what you are used to.  Your cat may become unusually affectionate and may even rub her hind quarters against your furniture, other cats or people.  She will become unusually vocal and may howl for several days at a time.  You may find her assuming a mating position with her head down, forelegs bent and rear quarters and tail raised. She may have her legs treading rhythmically as if she were walking in place.  Cats may also tend to spray everything with a strongly scented fluid.  If your cat does not succeed in mating, she could go into heat as often as every 2-3 weeks. Spaying will stop this and would be a wise choice, unless you intend for her to mate and have kittens.

Dogs in heat

The length and interval of a cycle for a dog in heat can vary with each dog.  On average for most dogs, the time between heat periods is about 7 months.  Some dogs can even cycle every 4 months and some only once a year.  The average length of a heat cycle is approximately 3 weeks.  Some can be shorter (as little as 7-10 days) and some can be longer (4 weeks or more.)

How do you tell if your dog is in heat?  During the first part of the heat cycle, you will notice some bleeding and swelling of the vulva.  There may be an increase in urination.  You will probably notice an increase in male dogs hanging around your house.  During this initial part of the cycle, your female pet will not allow the males to breed with them. Although the males may be persistent.  The next phase of the cycle will she allow a male to breed with her. This phase can last anywhere from 4-21 days.  After that the female will start to go out of heat and be less willing to mate. 

Your female dog will allow almost any male to breed with her. If you do not want mixed puppies, it is best to keep your pet locked up. You can hire a stud to service her, or get her spayed.   If you spay your pet, it is best to wait until the heat cycle is over to decrease complications.

Spaying, Neutering Can Be Healthy

There can be health benefits to neutering and spaying your pet.  Spaying can provide a decreased chance of mammary tumors.  Your pet will also have less of a chance of contracting pyometra a uterine infection requiring surgery. Your pet will also have less of a chance of getting metritis (which is an infection after delivery). 

The decision to not spay or neuter your pet, comes with the responsibility of finding good homes for the offspring.  Although it is possible, this can be a very tedious and time-consuming task.  And, you really should consider the overpopulation of dogs and cats in today’s world also.  Many are left abandoned by their owners.  You only have to visit your local humane shelter to discover many unfortunate animals.

Jack Russell Terriers A Hearty Breed

Jack Russell Terriers everyone knows about the energy of little Jack Russell Terriers.  The Jack Russell Terrier (or Parson Jack Russell Terrier) is a sturdy little dog. Terriers are known in dog circles for his hunting ability of small animals, such as fox or raccoons. He is also known for being fearless, energetic and having a lively, happy disposition.

The Jack Russell Terriers are categorized as a working dog that has a broad genetic make-up. They are not entirely a purebred breed and occasionally do not breed to type.  They generally are about 12” to 14” in height and weigh about 13-17 lbs.

These small terriers were originally designed to bark at and dig up their hunting prey. So in today’s world, they may exhibit excessive barking behaviors and be uncontrollable in their digging practices.

These dogs have different coat types: smooth coated, broken and rough (a coarse coat, with longer straight hair). Note that all coat types shed, with the smooth coated variety typically shedding the most.  The Jack Russell is typically white with tan, black or brown markings. They require regular brushing as they do tend to shed, and the wiry coated ones require regular trimming.

This terrier is a sturdy looking, muscular dog with a wide chest.  They typically have small “v” shaped ears that drop forward. Their legs are short, but these dogs are balanced and proportionate in appearance.  They usually have cropped tails.

Jack Russell Terriers Are Very Intelligent

Jack Russell Terriers are little bundles of energy. They are athletic and highly energetic, and require a lot of exercise and activity. Jack Russell Terriers also tend to have strong chasing instincts from their hunter origins. They are very intelligent and can be quite stubborn. As mentioned, they like to dig and can be quite vocal.  They are however, very loyal, fearless and quite protective.

These little dogs require a lot of activity and exercise to keep them healthy and mentally balanced. They love to be the center of attention.  If they are bored however, they may ‘create’ activity for themselves, which will usually involve some mischief.

Jack Russell’s can be aggressive, which stems from their hunting background. Because they had to be aggressive and fierce with the animals that they hunted.  They may tend to give the occasional ‘nip’ if over-corrected by their owners. Although they are intelligent and are easy to train, their pet owner needs to show them who is boss.

Jack Russell Terriers are sometimes considered to be undesirable to have with small children. They do not take the abuses of small children well because they can consider any small life form as prey.  Terriers are not good to have with other small animals in the house. They tend to be especially hard on cats because of their strong hunting instincts.

Jack Russell Terriers are sturdy enough that you do not have to be overly careful when handling them. They tend to make extremely good watch-dogs and are very defensive of their families. Often considered lovable, funny, and extremely loyal. If handled correctly they can make an amusing pet that will not be dull.

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Exercise Your Pet's In Winter Or Summer

Exercise in Winter or Summer

In exercising your dog, take into consideration what the weather conditions are like in the area where you live. You need to consider the type of dog when dealing with winter or summer exercise, or hot or cold climates.  Your small Chihuahua may have trouble exercising outside on a very cold winter day because of his short coat. Alternately, a dog with a heavy coat, like a Newfoundland dog, may have trouble dealing with exercising in hotter weather.

Here are a few tips in helping to deal with exercise in varied climate conditions:

Summer Weather Exercise

When exercising your dog in hot weather, be sure that you have a water supply handy for him.  If he is in an exercise yard, be sure that water is nearby so that he does not become dehydrated.  If walking, hiking your dog, bring extra water for your dog, as well as a collapsible or travel bowl.   (Tip: Letting him drink out of a running stream or river may put him at risk for parasites. It is best to take along drinkable water for him.)

If your dog in a exercise yard, be sure that there is shelter or protection from the sun. A dog can easily become overheated and suffer from heat stroke in an unprotected hot sun area.

On very hot days, if your dog is heavy-coated, exercise for him in a climate-controlled air-conditioned area.

Swimming is a good summer activity for most dogs, large or small, light or heavy-coated.

Make Sure They Have Plenty Of Fluids

Be aware that the hot sun can heat up sidewalks to the point where your dog may burn his feet.  If the pavement is hot, take your dog to a grassy area or a dog park for a run instead.

The hot summer weather is also a time for ticks and fleas to be in abundance. Make sure your dog has adequate protection for these pests.

When exercising your dog in summer, be aware how much he pants as to how the heat is affecting him.  Dogs do not sweat as humans do, but pant to release the heat from their bodies. If your dog is panting excessively, it may be a sign that he has had enough exercise for the day.

A heavy-coated dog may benefit from a shorter haircut in summer weather to keep him cooler and more comfortable.

If you live in a hot area, you may also need to take into account the dryness of the area.  Excessive exercise in extremely dry climates can cause breathing problems in some dogs.

Winter Weather Exercise

If your dog is short haired, buy him a coat to help him keep warm on winter walks.

Be aware that ice and snow can get between your dog’s toes and may cause him to limp with pain. Check your dog’s feet and remove the ice and snow.

You may want to invest is dog booties for your dog’s winter walks. Both large and small breed dogs will benefit from these foot protectors.

The salt on city sidewalks can also affect your dog’s paws. As mentioned above, your dog may benefit from dog booties.  There are also salves that you can buy to help relieve your dog’s chapped or sore feet.

It is as important for you to take along water for your dog in winter as it is in summer.  Don't let your dog lick the ice on dirty city streets when he may be thirsty during his exercise walk.

Be sure not to leave your dog outside in his yard or exercise area too long when it is cold.  On extremely cold days, try to plan indoor exercise activities for him.

Make Sure They Have Shelter

Ice can be just as slippery for dogs as it is for humans.  Help your dog to avoid icy patches on walks or runs.  They can slip and injure themselves just as humans can. They can pull muscles or break limbs when falling on slippery ice. Try not to exercise your dog by throwing a ball in icy areas.

Ice can also be sharp and jagged and can cut your dog’s feet. Watch for it.

The wetness of snow or sleet can get under your dog’s fur and he could suffer from hypothermia.  Not all dogs are suited to extreme cold weather conditions or have water resistant fur. Do not leave your dog outside for prolonged periods in unprotected areas in wet, cold conditions. And, while you are on walks be aware of his body condition and temperature.  Again, perhaps a waterproof dog coat may help.

Another thing to be aware of when exercising your dog in winter conditions are the ice and snow covered trees.  Tree limbs laden with ice and snow can break and fall, and possibly injure your dog.  Try to keep your dog out of tree covered areas in these conditions.  Plan your dog’s outside exercise in safe areas.

Cat Sitters, Things You Need To Know

Cat Sitter Tips

There will be times throughout your life when you need to leave home, and you can't always bring your cat with you.  On the chance that you need to go away, it is imperative to ensure that your cat's well being will be in great hands while you are gone. For this job, you'll require a sitter. While procuring a sitter, leave a list about them so you can be sure they are protected. 

In the most ideal situation, your sitter will be somebody that you definitely know. Neighborhood youngsters make great sitters, as do relatives. You can likewise call a pet sitting organization if you don't have any other individual as a top priority. Who ever sits, make sure they are dependable to be at your home each and every day at the right times. If you have various pets, have somebody you know house sit and stay overnight in your home.

Your Cat's Needs

Before you leave, make a simple sheet of the cat's needs and requirements . Begin by posting your cat's names, eating regimen and drugs, likes and dislikes, and favorite hiding spot. You need point by point directions and the number for you and for your vet.

Ensure that everything needed to tend to your cat is out in the open and simple to use. For instance,  leave a can opener for your sitter! If any of your cats fall sick or are hurt, your sitter should call a vet. Take them to the vet's office if it is needed. Have the telephone number in a easy to-find place and leave their carriers by the door. Likewise ensure that all cleaning supplies are easy to find, including litter box materials.

In the event that any of your cat's need vet care, you will need to pay the vet bills, obviously. Leave money in the event that you'll be gone longer than expected for cat food. Call your vet to let them know that you will be away. Give your vet, the telephone number where you can be reached, and the name of your sitter. Tell them he or she will act in your place until you return home. Doing this will keep them safe and sound even while you are away.

Kittens Needs And How To Take Care Of Them

A New Litter of Kittens

 All pet health is important, but those pets that are new to this world may need a little extra care and attention to keep them safe and healthy. If your cat has recently had a litter of kittens, you are automatically a second mother to those adorable little additions. It is up to you to make sure that you provide the best healthy living environment possible for those new little bundles of life as they grow during their kitten hood.

During the first few days the kittens’ life, the mother cat will spend the majority of her time being with them. This is natural and to be expected.  To aid her in this, you should move her food and water close to her so that she doesn’t have to move far to find nourishment.  Check the mommy cat a few times a day just to make sure that she is producing milk and feeding the kittens properly.

If your find the mother cat does not stay with her kittens, it may be an indication that something is wrong. First-time mothers are especially prone to bouts of anxiety.  An indication the mother cat is worried about her kittens may be if she moves them or hides them often.  She may feel threatened (even by you) and it could cause her to kill them as a form of protecting them.  If you feel the mother cat may be exhibiting anxious qualities, closely monitor her activity with them.  You may even have to consider keeping her caged.

Kittens Need To Stay Warm.

Kittens need a very warm atmosphere in order to thrive. If the mother cat does not stay with them, you may need to supply heat from some outside source. Large litters will typically stay warmer, by using their combined body heat for warmth. Keep the temperature where the newborn kittens are about 85-90°F for at least the first week of life.  Mother cats may also feel that their kittens are in danger if there is too much light around.  A solution is to place a blanket over the  box which may help relieve some of the mother cat’s anxiety.

Kittens Mostly Eat And Sleep When Born

Do not be too alarmed if they do not move around much at first. For the first two weeks of life, they sleep, eat, then sleep again to about 90% of the time. Crying their little ‘me-ows’ is also common especially when the mother leaves for any length of time.   If the kittens cry excessively, maybe they are not getting enough to eat or they may be sick. The best idea is to call your veterinarian if you feel this may be the problem.

You may want to call your vet for special instructions if there are more than 5 kittens in the litter.  In that case, mother may not be able to supply enough milk to feed all the kittens.

In general, the best thing to do with a new litter is to seek advice from your vet.  He can tell you what to expect and how to handle any situation that may come up.  Kittens are cute, sweet and are also fragile.  Be cautious in handling them and in dealing with them.  After all it is not only your mother cat’s responsibility to keep them healthy and safe.  In a way, you are their mother too because they are part of your family.

Cat Breeds, There Are Many To Choose From

Cat Breeds The Sphynx Cat

One of the most unusual breed of cats, and also considered a fairly rare breed, is the Sphynx Cat. It is also known as the Canadian Hairless. This cat’s ‘hairlessness’ is based on a natural genetic mutation that has been nurtured by selective breeding. Even with all the selective breeding it is still considered a very stable cat breed. This breed of cat is generally genetically sound and healthy with few health problems. They have a medium-long body and are of an average weight.

Basically the Sphynx Cat looks like a bald cat with no hair, but it is not always totally hairless. Sometimes they can be covered with a very fine soft down-like fur that is almost imperceptible to the human eye and touch. It is like the soft texture of chamois leather and the pattern on the cat is the color a normal cat’s regular fur-coat would be. The skin can be quite warm to the touch due to its lack of coat. They may typically have short, soft, fine hair on their ears, muzzle, tail and feet. They may also have whiskers and eyebrows, but these can be absent as well. The eyes and ears of this cat often appear over-large for their head size, but they generally have a pleasant expression on their face.

These cats are usually described as quite intelligent. They are often extroverted and love to be the center of attention. Like some people they can be very affectionate or not. Some are very inquisitive, energetic and mischievous. They get along well with other animals in the household.

Be Aware Of The Temperature For Them

Because of their lack of hair, these cats can become cold. The rule is that if it is too cold for you, then it will be too cold for this cat. When cold, they do however, tend to curl up with a human companion or other animal friend, or possibly will curl up under a blanket.

These type of cats do not have the hair most cats have and do not need brushing. But they do secrete an oil from their skin. This results in them having to be bathed frequently. If they are acclimatized to baths from kitten-hood this should not present a problem. The Sphynx cat’s ears also need regular weekly cleaning.

If you are thinking of getting this breed for a pet, be aware that these are a rare breed. They are generally not easily procured.  Specific breeders of Sphynx cats generally have a long waiting list for this type of cat.