| ||
| ||
|
Best Pet Articles | |
|
|
|
Mommy, Can I Keep That Stray Dog?
How many times have you seen this situation where a child comes through the door with a dog in tow? It looks skinny and skittish and is in need of a good meal and a bath. The child is looking with big eyes imploring, pleading, and desperately wanting a yes. Well you may look at the animal and feel sympathy with its plight. But before you say yes to your child, consider this. When you take on an animal (of whatever kind) you are taking on a new family member and all the responsibility that go with it. A pet is not another thing in the house. It has a personality, a sense of loyalty to family members (if you treat them right) and has needs just like any person would. Dog's ancestors were able to take care of themselves in the wild, but modern day dogs have been so domesticated that it is not an option for them in this day and age. Have you ever seen a perfectly healthy stray dog? I think that would be rare unless he wandered into your yard only a few days after being lost. In this situation your first responsibility is to take care of the dogs immediate needs. You also want to take the dog to the vet to have him checked out. You should then do whatever it takes to find the dogs owners. After all, this is someone's pet and they may be mourning the loss and are desperately looking for it. Look for posters that have been put up and consider making your own to let people know that a dog has been found. Do everything possible until all efforts have been exhausted. If the owner has not been found then start looking at your options. If you are entertaining the idea of keeping the dog, then decide who is going to be the main caregiver. Is that you, or the child? If it is the child then realize that the child knows nothing about taking care of a pet. Don't assume that the child will know what to do. Although, one thing you can be sure of in most cases, is that a child will give unconditional love for the dog. As a matter of fact, children won't look at them as pets but as a close personal friend. If the child is going to take care of the dog then you will have to teach them how to do this. 1) They need food and water daily, obviously. If it is a large dog that eats a lot it can certainly dip into your budget. 2) Dogs need to be exercised daily for good health. A good run in the back yard or a throwing of the Frisbee or stick can be very therapeutic for the dog. Dogs do not respond well if they are not shown affection and are exercised every day. 3) They need regular veterinary shots and flea protection and heartworm medication. Regular baths are a must, and don't forget you need to take care of their teeth. There are simple solutions to that like a tooth biscuit. 4) Dogs will respond to training if you make it a fun and rewarding experience for them. They will look forward to it because it's a game for them. They will follow the rules of your home if you are consistent. If you are willing to do all this then not only will you enjoy the relationship you build with your dog but you will also earn their loyalty and trust. Don't be surprised just how much of a family member your pet can be. Your child will also learn some important lessons in responsibility for others. It can be a beautiful thing! All the best! About the Author Willie Joneshttp://www.petshopdepot.com Willie is a freelance writer and researcher who loves to share her views with others and enjoys other peoples views. After all, is this not how we share and learn from each other? If you would like to send me an email please send it to willie@petshopdepot.com. I will receive it and answer. Pet Shop Depot
MORE RESOURCES:
Meet Your Match boosts puppy love (and kitty love) by matching people and pets ... - Washington Post
Google News |
|
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
4 Things Frustrated Dog Owners Should Know You've probably had a day or two when you felt like your dog just wasn't paying any attention to you at all, right? You talked, you yelled, you shouted, maybe you jumped up and down and waved your arms, but she just wasn't interested in anything you had to say to her in any tone of voice. You're not alone. Proper Diet For the Discus Fish The Discus fish has its habitat in the South American waters of Brazil and Peru. Discus fish are classified as "grazers", and in the wild constantly forage for food. Charming Trends in Dog Jewelry The wearing of charms dates back to 400 or 500 BC, when they were believed to hold special powers -- particularly the power of protection. By the 1890's charms had evolved into a fashion statement and a popular keepsake. Caring for Your Dogs Teeth A dog, like a human baby, experiences the world through his mouth, by tasting and chewing on things. But, he also uses his mouth is as his hands. Identifying and Treating Health Problems in Your Dog An essential to your dog's health is his/her regular annual checkup with the vet. The vaccinations* which are given to your dog each year ensure your dog's immunity to some common infectious diseases. Telepathic Communication With Animals Animal Communication, or telepathy with animals, is as common an occurrence in some people's lives as it is an oddity in the lives of others. Telepathy is an energetic exchange between two sentient beings for the purpose of communication. Distemper in Dogs - Home Detection Tips Distemper: Spotting This Dog Killer Before it's Too LateCanine distemper is a devastating disease. It often crops up in seemingly healthy pets without any warning. Dog Training For Beginners Training a dog is a fairly difficult task. Some find it to be very frustrating and simply send there dog or puppy to a professional trainer. Parachromis Managuense Parachromis managuense has a bad reputation, just like many of the other large predatory cichlids. This reputation is largely undeserved, and besides, the positive sides of these fishes more than make up for any negative ones. Dog Training Information for Training Your Puppy Puppy TrainingPuppy training can be a trying time. The key to this time is to really remember that all puppy behavior is normal. Mosquitoes Are a Hazard to Your Pets Health Too None of us likes to be bitten by mosquitoes and sometimes it is easy to forget that our pets suffer from mosquito bites too.Mosquitoes feed on blood, and they will take it where they can find it. Why Build Your Own Reptile Cage? When I first started my interest in reptiles I was only young. At that stage of my life I had little or no skills and did not understand the requirements of the wonderful creatures so I did not keep them effectively. You Must Train Your Dog From A Young Age The best thing to do is to start training your new puppy as soon as you get him home. You need to teach your puppy your rules, and how you expect him to behave starting from a very early age. Glow Light Tetra - A Lovely and Peaceful Member of Your Community Tank Brings live to your community tanksMany freshwater fish-keepers have a warm spot in their heart for a little fish with a big name, the 1 ½-inch hemigrammus erythrozonus? or mush easier to say, the glowlight tetra. Like its little cousin, the neon tetra, the glowlight is an easy fish to keep in a community tank. Breeding Clownfish Thanks to Disney's Motion Picture 'Finding Nemo,' almost everybody is familiar with clownfish.Clownfish, or Anemonefishes, from the family Pomacentridae, are one of the easiest tropical marine aquarium fish to breed. Healthcare for Your Goldfish Goldfish HealthcareYou would think that it's unfair that such a small little creature that brings you so much joy can actually fall sick. But it's a fact of life that all living things are susceptible to illness, infections, and diseases and will ultimately die. Old Fashioned Flea Control Fleas have plagued dogs, cats, and their owners since timebegan so ways to kill or repel them has been a constantsearch. Today, with the shake of a can, the spray of abottle, or a flea dip fleas are more easily controlled. Westie Rescue Centres The aim of a Westie rescue centre such as the one at:http://www.westierescuescheme. Dog Boutiques - Perfect Pampering for Your Pooch! Believe it or not boutiques for dogs are everywhere. Nowadays, pampering your dog is just as important as pampering yourself. Choosing the Right Dog Breeder When looking to purchase a purebred dog, you need to search for a breeder from which to purchase the creature. This can typically be as simple as opening the advertising part of your local newspaper, however you need to be sure that you're choosing a reputable breeder.
|
| home | site map | SubArticle |
| © 2008 |
