Are Your Pets Protected From Fire/Carbon Monoxide When You Are Away From Home?

I recently heard a story of where a family and their pets died from carbon monoxide poisoning, which has prompted me to write this story.

As you go about your daily life, have you ever thought what would happened if a fire broke out in your home or apartment while you were away? And your beloved pet is home alone. While I am sure most of you reading this have protection for your family and pets…there are some that don’t.

Not everyone can afford or choose to have the paid emergency system linked to the fire department. However, you can install the wireless smoke/carbon monoxide detectors. Did you know that some fire departments will come to you home and install them for free? You can call your local fire department to see if they offer this free service.

The advantage of having a smoke/carbon monoxide detector is that maybe a neighbor,or someone passing by will hear it when it goes off, and can get help to your home or apartment.

There are all types of smoke/carbon monoxide detectors, in several price ranges. May I suggest the Pet Emergency Stickers for your doors in the event of an emergency at your home or apartment while you are away, this will notify emergency responders of any pets that you have inside. This will prompt them to look for your pet and know what type of animal they are looking for.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says, Carbon monoxide, or CO, is an odorless, colorless gas that can cause sudden illness and death.

Remember to change the batteries in your alarms!

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Ways to Thwart an Off-Leash Dog Rushing You and Your Dog

There are countless reasons your dog may not like being rushed by an off-leash dog when he’s on-leash. And senior dogs, those recovering from injuries, and shy pups or fearful dogs may find the attention of off-leash dogs upsetting or overwhelming. Even friendly dogs may not appreciate interacting with another dog in such a socially unequal situation. Leashes can cause a lot of issues.

When you encounter an off-leash dog, keep these things in mind:

Know that it is always okay to protect your dog: Most urban and suburban environments have leash laws, and if your dog is on a leash you are right in keeping your dog safe. You are also completely within your rights to report off-leash dogs to your local authorities.
Evaluate the situation to see if the owner is nearby: If he is, tell him to call his dog. Many people will respond by telling you that their dog is “friendly,” but regardless of their dog’s behavior, if their dog is not under their control and is upsetting you or your dog, it is a problem.

Remember, you can choose whether to let that dog meet your dog.

So, how can you stop a dog that’s charging you? There are several different strategies:

1. Give the loose dog something better to do

Dogs who seem happy and bubbly are often easily stopped by asking them to “sit.” If the dog complies, you can toss a handful of treats to him and make your escape while he’s vacuuming them up. Even if he doesn’t listen, toss a handful of treats towards his face (with the intent to startle, not hurt). When he stops to see what hit him, he’ll realize that there’s food on the ground and devote his attention to eating instead of rushing your dog.

This method has worked really well for a few overly exuberant dogs. It doesn’t stop them from approaching in the future, but it’s the kindest way to give your dog space without the potential fallout that more forceful methods may cause.

2. If that doesn't work, try to startle the loose dog

Step in between your dog and the oncoming dog and use a body block. Square your shoulders and hips, and hold your hand out like a cop stopping traffic while saying “no,” “stop,” or “stay” in a firm, low voice. Alternatively, you could carry an umbrella and open it in the direction of the rushing dog, which will both startle him and provide a physical and visual barrier.

3. Use a spray product if he comes close

Spray Shield is a citronella product manufactured by Premier/PetSafe. It is aversive to most dogs without actually harming them, and can be sprayed directly at an oncoming dog. Some people have also reported success using compressed air in the same way. Spray Shield has the added benefit of working to stop some dog fights, so if things do get out of hand you have a safer way to break up a fight than trying to forcibly remove one of the combatants.

4. Don’t use pepper spray

Not only can pain make some dogs more aggressive, but if the wind gusts the wrong way the spray could end up getting into your or your dog’s face and eyes, leaving you incapacitated with an unknown dog rushing you. Not a good situation to be in! Running away is also generally not advised, as it will just encourage most dogs to chase you. Picking your dog up is usually not a good idea, although in some situations you may decide it’s a calculated risk you’re willing to take. Doing so may put you at greater risk and can intensify the off-leash dog’s interest in your pup.

5. But if you must pick up your dog ...

While cases of truly aggressive dogs intent on bodily harm are rare, they do happen. If your small dog is rushed by an aggressive off-leash dog, you may be able to pick him up and toss him somewhere safer, such as in a nearby garbage can, inside a fenced yard, in the bed of a truck, or on the roof of a car. You can also take advantage of some of these safety options. If you have a bigger dog or if no other options are available, you may need to assess whether your dog would be safer if you dropped the leash so that he can try to get away from the other dog or defend himself.

6. Protect yourself

If the loose dog redirects on you (which is rare, but does happen), protect your head and neck. Spray Shield will stop all but the most aggressive dogs, and generally these dogs are only stopped by physically separating them from their victim.

While no single method will work in every case, the more tools you have in your toolbox, the better able you’ll be to protect your dog. Remember that it is always okay to stand up for your dog.

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Dog Heartworm is Risky to Treat, But Prevention is Key

While heartworm disease is certainly a serious health risk, the good news is that it is also one of the most easily prevented conditions. Monthly heartworm preventives come in convenient oral forms (such as Heartgard Plus or Sentinel) or easily-applied topical applications (such as Revolution).

It is recommend using a heartworm preventive every month year-round. In the long run, maintaining your dog’s heartworm protection is money well spent.

The fact is, heartworm infection is still an extremely serious health concern for your dog, and the risk of it is widespread.

The American Heartworm Society notes that adult heartworm disease has been reported in dogs in all 50 states. Adult heartworm disease can cause severe damage to the heart, lungs and other organs, and can eventually lead to death. While it is true that there is a treatment for adult heartworm disease, the treatment can be costly, requires hospitalization, and is not without the risk of side effects.

The Heartworm Life Cycle depends on the mosquito. When the insect bites an infected dog, it takes in tiny
heartworm larvae (microfilariae) that have been circulating in the animal’s bloodstream. Once inside the mosquito, the microfilariae mature into infective larvae, eventually migrating to the mosquito’s mouthparts, to be transmitted when the insect bites another animal.

In the new host, the larvae continue to develop, eventually migrating through the bloodstream to the lungs, heart and associated vessels, where they cause inflammation  and obstruct blood flow. As the larvae become adult worms, they mate and produce more microfilariae, continuing the cycle. The heartworm life cycle, from larva to adult worm, generally takes about 6 months.

If a dog develops heartworm infection, the drug Immiticide (melarsomine hydrochloride) is the only one that is approved by the FDA for the treatment of adult heartworm disease in dogs. Immiticide is given by deep injection into the muscles of the back, usually in two or three doses over the course of about a month.

As the drug works, dead and dying worms in the heart and lungs can cause an inflammatory reaction in the body. While Immiticide is better tolerated by the body than the previously used drug Caparsolate, the dog must still remain hospitalized during treatment to be observed for the development of possible side effects.

After treatment the dog's activity level must be quite limited to reduce the chance of pulmonary thromboembolism (obstruction of blood flow in the arteries of the lungs, caused by dead heartworms), which can lead to death.

Dogs should be confined to a crate and leash walked outside to eliminate only. Heartworm positive dogs must be exercise restricted from the time of diagnosis until four weeks after the final Immiticide injection.

Follow-up diagnostic testing may be needed after treatment, also. Although treatment will kill the adult heartworms, it cannot repair any damage that they may have done prior to treatment.

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Mom-To-Be Captures the Emotional Moment Her Dog Realizes She’s Pregnant: ‘So Amazing and Beautiful’

This TikToker shared the beautiful moment his dog realized his wife was pregnant, and it’s so moving!

Ryan (@maxpotentialdogtraining) is a dog trainer, dog lover, and dad who shares sweet videos of his family on TikTok. When Ryan’s wife Stephanie was pregnant, he shared an incredibly heartwarming video of the moment his dog, Nova, realized Stephanie was expecting.

The emotional video begins with Stephanie sitting on a couch with one dog curled up beside her and her other dog, Nova, standing on her lap. Ryan films as Nova presses her head into Stephanie’s forehead. Stephanie smiles as Nova stares at her.

To read more on this story, click here: Mom-To-Be Captures the Emotional Moment Her Dog Realizes She’s Pregnant: ‘So Amazing and Beautiful’

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Did You Know That a Cat Purring Has Been Linked to Lowering Stress, and Lessening the Chances of Having a Heart Attack?

Those crazy cat ladies might be onto something. According to today’s infographic, our feline friends provide us with more than just emotional support. House cats may actually be contributing to our physical well-being. When a cat purrs within a range of 20-140 Hertz, nearby humans may be therapeutically benefiting from these vibrations. Purring has been linked to lowering stress, decreasing symptoms of Dyspnoea, lessening the chances of having a heart attack, and even strengthening bones.

Pet therapy is apparently gaining momentum in many medical communities, and according to Animal Planet’s website, there is scientific research that suggests pet owners live longer than those without pets.

It seems that our own animals have the ability to relieve us of our troubles, or at least make our worries seem less important. The bond between pets and their owners may never be fully understood, but it’s nice to know having a furry confidant around can add years to our lives.

If you’re thinking about getting a cat, visit you local animal shelter. 

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Be Careful! That Cute Puppy that You See in the Store or Online...May be Coming from a Puppy Mill!

So you've decided to get a puppy? If you are thinking about getting one from a pet store or on-line, please be careful. That cute puppy most likely came from a puppy mill.

Definition of a puppy mill:

A puppy mill, sometimes known as a puppy farm, is a commercial dog breeding facility that is operated with an emphasis upon profits above animal welfare and is often in substandard conditions regarding the well-being of dogs in their care. Similar types of operations exist for other animals most commonly kept as pets or used as feed for other animals. The term can be applied to operations involving other animals commercially bred for profit, e.g. "kitty mills." There are an estimated 4,000 puppy mills in the U.S. that produce more than half a million puppies a year. Commercial kennels may be licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture which may inspect the kennels routinely.

Please take a look at the video below:



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Please share, and remember "Adoption is an Option!"

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10 Of The Most Popular Pets In The US That Aren't Cats Or Dogs

It makes sense to assume that dogs and cats are the most common pets in the United States; after all, they make up a significant number of our favorite animal accounts on Instagram, attracting thousands of followers each day and taking over social media feeds.

While it would seem that something equally as soft and cuddly would come in as third runner-up, the next most popular pet in the US isn’t quite what you’d expect. Below are the most popular pets in America besides cats and dogs.

To read more on this story, click here: 10 Of The Most Popular Pets In The US That Aren't Cats Or Dogs

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This Artist Twists Colorful Balloons into All Kinds of Exotic Creatures

Remember balloon animals from your childhood? Well, Japanese artist Masayoshi Matsumoto takes the children’s party craft to a whole other level. The talented sculptor twists colorful balloons into all sorts of exotic creatures that are full of impressive details. His ever-growing portfolio of land animals, insects, birds, plants, and seas creatures are all rendered by hand, entirely from balloons and without the use of tape or markers.

It’s clear to see that Matsumoto has elevated this art form, and it's all stems from a love of both his unconventional craft and of animals. Each large-scale, inflatable sculpture showcases the chosen creature’s distinctive features and textural elements. In one piece, a black scarab features a shiny balloon shell, scalloped front legs, and delicate antennae. In another, a pink squid is rendered in life-like details, including long balloon tentacles, a patterned body, and realistic eyes.

To read more on this story, click here: This Artist Twists Colorful Balloons into All Kinds of Exotic Creatures

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This Special Needs Cat Finally Got a Wheelchair and We Can't Handle The Feels

This little kitty just earned his "big boy" wheels. Meet Koby, a special needs cat in Nova Scotia living with cerebellar hypoplasia. Thanks to the help of his over 241,000 TikTok followers donating through a GoFundMe campaign, Koby now has a wheelchair to help him move easier.

To read more on this story, click here: This Special Needs Cat Finally Got a Wheelchair and We Can't Handle The Feels

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Important Facts about Parrot for Kids

Parrot is the most popular and loved bird among children. Apart from being beautiful with its bright coloured feathers and beak, it is considered to be one of the most intelligent among birds. However, there are more facts to a parrot than it being a bird with colourful plumes and its mimicry skills. So here is an article not only on Indian parrot bird information for kids but also on other parrot species of the world as well.

Interesting Information about Parrots for Kids

Parrots are interesting creatures not just for their intelligence and beauty but also for their diversity and variety. Not all parrots are the same; the diet, plumage, size, look and the vocal sound all differ from one type to another.

To read more on this story, click here: Important Facts about Parrot for Kids

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How Can I Choose a Bird That Will Talk?

Have you made the decision to become a bird owner? If so, you're probably like most people in that you want to make sure you get a bird that can talk. How can you be sure that you're buying a bird that will speak to you?

The truth is that the only way to be 100 percent positive that you are getting a bird that will talk is to buy a bird that already talks.

Choosing a Talking Bird

Obtaining a bird just because you want one that will talk is probably a mistake. Birds can be charming and loyal companions whether or not they ever talk at all. There is so much more to these birds beyond their ability to speak.

To read more on this story, click here: How Can I Choose a Bird That Will Talk?

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Degu: Species Profile

Degus are small, burrowing rodents native to Chile that make great pets. In the wild, they live in communities of up to 100, much like prairie dogs. These social, curious animals are one of the few rodents that are awake during the day (diurnal), which adds to their pet appeal. They are great nappers, but once they get used to your schedule, these little creatures will come to greet you, often looking to play or get some belly rubs. They crave social interaction and exercise.

To read more on this story, click here: Degu: Species Profile

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Does Your Dog Have Arthritis? – Do You Know the Symptoms?

Can dogs have arthritis?…yes they can. They can develop it just as we humans do.

When I noticed my shih-tzu, Domino starting to limp, I took him to the Vet. He diagnosed him with arthritis and prescribed medication, and also suggested that I get him an orthopedic bed specially made for dogs with arthritis. The bed did not look like a bed at all…it looked more like a piece of foam. When I put him on it, he immediately jumped off. Later that day I saw him checking it out, sniffing and put a paw up on it.

I placed it next to his bed upstairs and left it there. He continued to sleep in his regular bed.  I awakened one morning to find him asleep in the new bed.

Domino had two beds, one downstairs and one upstairs…he was spoiled. I put it next to the bed upstairs.  I started to notice when I was downstairs he would go upstairs. This was unusual because he always stayed downstairs with me. I could not figure out what was so interesting upstairs all of sudden to him. Not thinking about the bed, I decided to go see what he was doing. I would find him sitting or lying down on the bed.

I don’t know if these beds really work since I had no way of asking him if it felt better. I just assumed that it was comfortable for him. I finally moved it downstairs and he continued to sleep on it.

Have you noticed your dog having any of the following symptoms?

• Reluctance to jump, run or climb stairs
• Seeming to have stiff or sore joints
• Favoring a limb
• Difficulty sitting or standing
• Sleeping more than usual
• A personality change that involves resisting touch
• Weight gain
• Decreased activity or less interest in play
• Barking or whimpering when touched
• Seeming less alert

What Is Arthritis?
Canine arthritis, also known as osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease, is characterized by pain and inflammation in a dog’s joints. Arthritis is caused by the breaking down of smooth cartilage that covers and protects the bones that form a joint. Once the bones are exposed, painful wear and tear can occur.

Treatment for canine arthritis begins with prevention, as keeping a dog at a healthy weight and providing appropriate exercise is important for long-term health.



If you notice any of the above symptoms in your dog, please take them to your Vet for a checkup!

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Before Buying An Exotic Pet, Please Do Your Homework First

Whether they are hamsters, parrots or iguanas, exotic pets have specific veterinary needs. Don’t get an exotic pet until you read this first.

What is an exotic pet? Good question.

In my experience, it’s anything but a dog or a cat. That leaves a lot of fantastic creatures that people keep in their homes in between the “dog” and “cat” label.

Veterinarians usually specialize in large or small animal medicine. Large means, well, large, like cows and horses. Throw in the other ruminants — and don’t forget the poultry. “Small animal medicine” means dogs and cats.

To read more on this story, click here: Before Buying An Exotic Pet, Please Do Your Homework First

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