As a child, I never had a pet – ‘cept for a couple of Finches when I was a bit older. My daughter now has a Golden Retriever named Happy and I never knew there could be that much love for a non-human animal. Now I understand why they’ll always be your babies…unlike children who actually grow up and eventually begin a life of their own.
Dogs are a big responsibility and hard work; but well worth it. Pet care can be expensive, but there are always natural alternatives and some great books (see left column) that offer information on natural and inexpensive ways to care for your pet.
Remember, you don’t have to get caught up in the new gadgets, toys, clothing, etc.…. just have basic healthy things and lots of love; like children, they don’t care about material items…just your love and attention.
General Pet Care:
1) If you don’t want to spend a lot of money on your pet in the long run, Vaccines are your best bet. If your pet comes in contact with other animals or simply enjoys the outdoors, they will most likely at some point come into contact with a serious and or fatal disease. Here are some of the diseases that can be prevented by simply vaccinating: Rabies, Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Viral Diarrhea, and Respiratory Disease.
2) Regular wellness checkups which will inform you on new pet procedures for healing as well as preventive care for fleas, ticks, worms, etc.…
3) Nutrition according to age.
4) Parasite control.
5) Regular grooming.
6) Lots of love and playtime.
7) Spaying or neutering for control of unwanted offspring.
8) Training your pet.
9) A safe and clean environment, especially for new puppies.
10) Having first-aide products on hand and learning the use of each item.
If your pet has any of the following symptoms, please call your vet immediately!
1) Loss of appetite for more than 48 hrs.
2) Nonstop vomiting
3) Diarrhea-more than 48 hrs.
4) Fevers higher than 103 degrees F.
5) Unusual lack of energy
6) Disoriented
7) Interrupted breathing
8) Seizure
9) Tremors
10) Limping especially accompanied by noticeable pain
11) Swollen areas
12) Unusual noticeable pain while moving or walking
13) Blood from nose or mouth
14) Blood in vomit or stool
15) Continuous bleeding
16) Deep cut
17) Wounds
18) Broken bones or suspect one
19) Suspicion of poison intake
20) Lethargy
21) Dull, dry coat
22) Straining to urinate or defecate
23) Pale gums
Your Pet First-Aid Kit Should Contain:
1) A large container
2) Adhesive strip
3) Gauze bandages
4) Gauze pads
5) Razor blade
6) Scissors
7) Wire cutters
8) Tweezers
9) Thick Magazine
10) Tongue depressor
11) Eyedropper
12) 12cc syringe
13) Q-tips
14) Thermometer
15) 3% hydrogen peroxide
16) Anti bacterial cream
17) Antibiotic powder
18) A&D ointment
19) Betadine
20) Eyewash
21) KY jelly
22) Silver-nitrate
23) Kaopectate
24) Mineral oil
25) Karo syrup
26) Ice pack
The Following is a List of Some of the Plants that are Toxic to Pets and Symptoms that Occur:
Wild Mushroom – causes liver damage
Almond Plant – affects breathing
Amaryllis – Causes Vomiting
Ivy, and Elephant’s Ear – Causes Nausea
Caladium – Causes swelling
Daffodil – Causes Diarrhea
English Holly – Stomach pains
Lily of the Valley – Dilated Pupils
Mistletoe – Affects heart
Peach Pits – induces coma
Poinsettia – Affects Kidney function
Wisteria, Holly – Affects Salivary Gland function
Honeysuckle – Affects the Nervous System
HERE IS A LIST ITEMS YOU MAY NEED FOR YOUR NEW PET:
1) Dog crate (optional) Some people don’t care for crate training.
2) Pet carrier (when traveling)
3) Water and food bowls (make sure to keep them clean with fresh water)
4) Leash and collar
5) Dog food
6) Some dog toys
7) Plastic bags for scooping poop (cheaper and you’re recycling – wear ’em like a glove when needed, then pull over your full hand and tie.)
8) Grooming brush
DISEASES PREVENTED THROUGH VACCINATION:
Distemper: This is a virus that affects the entire body! Animals like foxes, wolves, raccoons, mink, or other dogs can carry it. Watch for symptoms similar to a cold that at times may turn into pneumonia. After treatment, the dog may recover but will suffer convulsions and after a full recovery may suffer from permanent nerve problems.
Hepatitis: Can be transferred to humans. Attacks the liver and kidneys. After recovery animals may suffer from chronic illness.
Rabies: Is transferred from animal to humans and may be carried by other dogs, cats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes. RABIES IS ALWAYS FATAL!
***My mom knew two women while she spent some time living on the Cuban countryside; one had suffered from tetanus and she ended up where her mouth reached the tops of her feet…that’s how hunched over she became and her mouth became totally disfigured. She said this women suffered a horrible death but was glad to have known her. The other woman was bitten by a neighbor’s cat which had rabies. They locked her up in a homemade cage till she died after having bitten herself continuously.***
NUTRITION:
Basically to stay on the economical side, look for food that reads: COMPLETE, BALANCED, or 100% NUTRITIONALLY COMPLETE. And you should be ok. I know it’s hard to not feed your dog table scraps…believe me, I’m guilty of it. This will cause him or her not to want their own food, affect their metabolism as well as lead to a constantly begging dog. Nothing is worse than trying to eat your meal with your pet staring at your every move.
SIMPLE WAYS AND NATURAL WAYS TO PREVENT PARASITES AND PROBLEM AREAS:
By: David Smith, DVM and Robin Elliser
Fresh garlic in you pet’s daily diet will help prevent fleas. The daily garlic dose will also help prevent allergic reactions, strengthen the digestive and intestinal systems and eliminate worms! Another inexpensive, natural way of avoiding fleas is simply to add one teaspoon of vinegar to each quart of your pet’s drinking water. This mixture has the added benefit of keeping it free of ticks as well.
TEETH:
I know it can be hard brushing your dog’s teeth everyday…which would be ideal, so; try to brush with a child sized toothbrush and recommended paste twice a week. If you’re really bad about it, buy treats that help control tartar like rawhide, dry crunchy food, or biscuits.
CONDITIONS YOU CAN TREAT TEMPORARILY BEFORE TAKING YOUR PET TO A VET:
By: David Smith, DVM and Robin Elliser
1) Responsiveness: One of the first signs that something is wrong is a change in the normal response of your pet.
2) Dehydration – Check the gums. They should be moist and the mouth should have saliva in it.
3) Anemia and Proper Blood Circulation: The gums should be pink.
4) Respiratory Distress: Your pet’s breathing should be even and relaxed. Breathing should not be raspy or wheezy.
5) Bleeding – Minor bleeding from a cut or scrape cam usually be stopped by pressing down on the cut with a clear piece of cloth.
6) Burns – Treat your pet’s burns just as you would your own. Rinse with cool water, dry and apply antibacterial cream then wrap.
7) Choking – Press arms on lower area of chest and quickly squeeze upward against your chest.
8) Constipation – To relieve mild constipation, give your pet a mixture of equal parts milk of magnesia and mineral oil. One teaspoon of each per 5 pounds of weight, but no more than eight teaspoons of each; for cats, one half teaspoon of each per 5 pounds. If constipation is a common ailment for your pet, give it some milk with its food twice a week. Brewer’s yeast also helps.
By Simplitudes: I would personally avoid laxatives. They’re not always natural or safe and are habit forming.
9) Convulsions – If your pet has convulsions, just make sure he doesn’t hurt himself or others.
10) Diarrhea – Try some kaopectate or a piece of cheese.
11) Vomit – Suspend food and avoid drinks for 6 to 12 hours.
Here are some closing tips to keep in mind:
Basically, whatever chemicals or cleaning products that may be harmful to children and babies will also be harmful to your pet. Also a safe environment like not having things around that could choke a child or baby should not be around your pet; especially puppies.
NEVER give your dog chocolate! Causes horrible reactions and may lead to coma!
NEVER let them near chicken bones!!!!!
Do not let your pets go through trash.
Never let your pet around antifreeze, motor oil, petroleum products, or lead.
Hint from David Smith, DVM and Robin Elliser:
To make plants less appealing to your cat, scatter citrus rings on the soil or a layer of pine needles and pine cones (which are uncomfortable on their paws).
FINAL THOUGHT-SIMPLITUDES:
Please think long and hard before choosing to own a pet. It’s like having babies almost; a lot of responsibility and work. They deserve the very best and your total commitment. They will no doubt change your life, I believe for the better. Just like I’ve mentioned before, education and health starts in the home for a child, the same goes for your pet. It’s all worth it in the long run. Here are some basic steps to keep in mind…
1. Regular vet visits
2. Good nutrition
3. Clean, fresh water always especially in hot climates
4. Clean and safe environment
5. Grooming as much as possible
And don’t forget the most important thing of all: LOVE AND COMPANIONSHIP
You’ll find there will never be a friend like your very own pet. Enjoy and much luck to all of you.
**The authors of this site are neither licensed physicians nor scientists; we simply provide a space where hard to find information is free for the gathering. Use common sense when implementing any of our suggestions or those of your fellow reader. **
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