The Truth About Pit Bulls
We have been getting more pit bulls and mixes of and would like to say they deserve good homes too. Please consider one of our "laughing dogs" because of their big smiles, love for people, and need to be seen as worth saving. For more information on them please stop in or call the Humane Society @ 715-479-9777 and also check out this other website for some good information. dontbullymybreed.org
General Tips
When You Want a New Pet
The best place to acquire a new pet is at an animal shelter, or a reputable breeder. In this case, big is not better. The small breeder will have lavished attention on his/her puppies but this does not mean all backyard breeders are good. They will know the individual personality of each puppy or kitten, and will help you choose the one best suited to you.
A good breeder requires spays and neuters of all pet quality pups and kits. A good breeder usually RESCUES what they breed and will take back their pups and kits at any age to keep track of their lives and protect their lineage. A good breeder will usually do a home check or background check on you and also have contracts to protect their stock.
The pet advertised “free to good home” is usually not the best choice, and can sometimes be an expensive one. However, if the heart rules over the head, those sickly, needy animals can make outstanding pets. Decide what you want, and what you can realistically afford, before you shop! It does no good, and can be heart wrenching, to “rescue” a needy animal, only to find you can’t meet its lifelong needs, either.
Tips for the New Kitten
New kittens are such babies! Never, ever take a kitten younger than seven weeks old. It is cruel. They receive immunities from their mother naturally and mom cats must teach kittens to "relieve" themselves. Mom does more with the kittens than just feeding them. Even though they’re eating on their own there are some “life lessons” that only the mother cat can teach. So do everyone a favor, and let that mom finish her job before the kitten comes to your house!
Tips for the New Puppy
Never take a puppy away from its mother until it is at least 7 weeks old. Valuable lessons are learned from the mother dog and siblings that you cannot make up for! Mom is doing much more than serving meals in those last few weeks. She is doing her part to make sure that you have a well-behaved, well-adjusted, happy pet. Be patient and let her do her job! There is no advantage to taking a 4, 5, or 6 weeks old puppy as a pet, even if it is no longer nursing, it needs its mom until it is seven weeks old! It receives immunities through it's mother naturally that shots can not provide at such a young age.
Tips for Having a Puppy or Kitten in the House
First, baby proof the house! Puppies and kittens were put on earth to have fun. Playing is a big part of how they learn and develop. The more time you spend with a pet, the more you get out of the relationship. It is not really difficult to housetrain a pet if you watch for signs that the puppy has to go outside. Do not “Put him out”...“Take him out”. And praise him lavishly when he does what he is supposed to do! If he makes a mistake and “goes” in the house, do not punish him (it is your fault, not the puppy’s) simply say “no” in a stern voice, and take him out. The kitten’s litterbox should be kept close by, clean, and readily accessible. Both puppies and kittens should be fed dry commercial kitten or puppy food that has been prepared to meet the needs of growing animals. Provide plenty of clean fresh water. Puppies and kittens do not need cow’s milk. Cats are lactose intollerant, they get diarrhea.
See your veterinarian for a well puppy or well kitten visit as soon as possible. Your veterinarian is a doctor. He or she can detect problems others might not. Following your veterinarian’s recommendations for vaccination and preventative care will help keep your new pet healthy. A rabies vaccination, is required by state law, and must be given by a veterinarian. Don't forget to discuss with your vet Heartworm Preventative and Lymes Disease Vaccines.
A sick puppy or kitten needs attention right away. Vomiting and/or diarrhea can be life threatening. If your new puppy is not eating, or is not drinking water, or is not interested in playing, something is wrong. Your veterinarian should be contacted. He or she may be able to tell you what to do, but will most likely want to examine your new pet for a more accurate diagnosis.
First Aid Kit for Pets
You should keep some things in your home to help your pet, under the advice of your veterinarian, or when your veterinarian is not available. Pepto-Bismol for upset stomach, and/or diarrhea, aspirin check with your veterinarian first, hydrogen peroxide for wound care, or in the event of possible poisoning, to induce vomiting. Neosporin, or other antibiotic ointment for cuts and self stick Vet Wrap.
Some accident victims should be seen by a veterinarian even if everything “looks” ok. Pets hit by cars. Pets that fall from balconies or other high places. Pets who may have broken bones. Pets with sticks or other foreign objects stuck in them. Pets that have fallen through the ice, or who have to struggle to get out of deep mud, all need a check up by a veterinarian. A veterinarian may diagnose internal injuries that may not be visible.
Infant Puppies or Kittens
Never take an infant animal away from its mother if it can be avoided. But if you find an orphaned puppy or kitten, or its mother has been found dead, it is possible to hand feed a puppy or kitten. Visit your veterinarian for the proper infant formula. Zesbilac for puppies or KMR for kittens are popular brands that work well. A newborn puppy or kitten will need to be fed every 2 hours around the clock. Do not “wake them up to eat”. They will let you know when they are hungry. You can use a specially made infant pet feeding bottle or a syringe, to feed puppies or kittens. Give them all they will take each time, they will not overeat! Puppies and kittens need to be stimulated to eliminate. A warm moist cotton ball works best to stroke the little anus until they eliminate. This should be done at each feeding. Keep the babies warm. If you use a heating pad, make sure it is on low setting and covered with a towel.
Bird Care
Make sure that you are getting a weaned bird. Hand feeding a bird is best left to someone who has experience. You can buy a hand fed bird that is already weaned.
Handle your bird frequently, and talk to him or her a lot. The best pet birds are the ones that are well socialized and like people. A bird left in a cage will get territorial, and protect his cage. To you, it will look like a mean bird. The bigger the bird, the bigger the cage should be is the general rule but finches should be kept in aviaries. Get the biggest cage you can afford. A clean cage is essential for all birds. All birds need toys, just make sure they are safe toys.
All caged birds require more than just seeds. Most need at least fruits and vegetables along with a formulated pellet, in addition to their seed diet. The largest parrots may even require meat, unsalted nuts, and dairy products. Your bird should look bright and cheery, have clear eyes and no beak discharge, and look interested in his or her surroundings. They will need to have their nails trimmed and their wings clipped by someone with experience. Birds can bleed to death quickly if improporly trimmed! They need a dish of water to bathe in, or you can mist your bird regularly, some even like warm showers. Breeding birds should be left to the experts, there are many unwanted birds. There are some very good rescues to adopt them from also, like Center for Avian Rehabilitation and Education in Hubertus, WI.
Cedar is generally not a good choice for bird cage liner, as the aromatic fumes from the essential oils can be irritating to their respiratory tracts. Ingestion of significant amounts of these oils can also produce gastrointestinal irritation and potentially even central nervous system depression in avians. Some alternatives to consider for lining your bird's cage include commercially available bird cage liners, plain paper or brown paper bags cut to size.
Rodents as Pets
Rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters and gerbils can be fun pets that require less time and money than other pets. A clean cage is key to their good health. There are many commercial pet bedding brands available. Be sure its labeled for use with your kind of pet. Pelletted or seed diets are available, but are not a complete diet. They still need fruit, vegetables, unsalted nuts, and fresh water. Most rodents need untreated wood to chew to keep their teeth from growing too long. They need attention and care as much as other pets. Most rodents get along if females are kept together because males of most rodent species can fight till death.
Cedar is generally not a good choice as the aromatic fumes from the essential oils can be irritating to their respiratory tracts. Ingestion of significant amounts of these oils can also produce gastrointestinal irritation and potentially even central nervous system depression. Some alternatives to consider are pine, newspaper, but aspen being the best.
Reptiles as Pets
Reptiles as pets are difficult to care for. Purchase or build a cage as large as possible. You need to provide a constant heat source that will not burn the animal and be able to control the enclosure humidity level. Fresh water is a must; perhaps in a container that the reptile can get in to bathe. Reptibark or sand is used as bedding, and climbing branches are necessary for most reptiles. Commercial foods are available, but you will need to add fresh fruits and vegetables. Reptiles do carry diseases that are transmittable to people. Good handwashing and sanitation is essential.
Cedar is never a good choice for reptiles, as the aromatic fumes from the essential oils can be toxic to their respiratory tracts. Ingestion of significant amounts of these oils can also produce gastrointestinal irritation and potentially even central nervous system depression, and impaction. Some alternatives to consider for lining your reptiles cage include commercially available Repti-bark and Repti-cal sand.
TOP 10 FOODS TO AVOID FEEDING YOUR PETS
Chocolate, Macadamia nuts, avocados…these foods may sound delicious to you, but are actually quite dangerous to our animal companions. Our ASPCA nutrition experts have come up with a list of top 10 people foods that you should not feed your pet. If ingestion of any of these items should occur, please note the amount ingested and contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately.
1. Chocolate, Coffee, Caffeine
These products all contain substances called methylxanthines, which are found in cacao seeds, the fruit of the plant used to make coffee and in the nuts of an extract used in some sodas. When ingested by pets, methylxanthines can cause vomiting and diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures and even death. Note that darker chocolate is more dangerous than milk chocolate. White chocolate has the lowest level of methylxanthines, while baking chocolate contains the highest. Do not mulch yards with co co bean hull/shells.
2. Alcohol
Alcoholic beverages and food products containing alcohol can cause vomiting, diarrhea, decreased coordination, central nervous system depression, difficulty breathing, tremors, abnormal blood acidity, coma and even death.
3. Avocado
The leaves, fruit, seeds and bark of avocados contain Persin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. Birds and rodents are especially sensitive to avocado poisoning, and can develop congestion, difficulty breathing and fluid accumulation around the heart. Some ingestions may even be fatal.
4. Macadamia Nuts
Macadamia nuts are commonly used in many cookies and candies. However, they can cause problems for your canine companion. These nuts have caused weakness, depression, vomiting, tremors and hyperthermia in dogs. Signs usually appear within 12 hours of ingestion and last approximately 12 to 48 hours.
5. Grapes & Raisins
Although the toxic substance within grapes and raisins is unknown, these fruits can cause kidney failure. In pets who already have certain health problems, signs may be more dramatic.
6. Yeast Dough
Yeast dough can rise and cause gas to accumulate in your pet’s digestive system. This can be painful and can cause the stomach or intestines to rupture. Because the risk diminishes after the dough is cooked and the yeast has fully risen, pets can have small bits of bread as treats. However, these treats should not constitute more than 5 percent to 10 percent of your pet’s daily caloric intake.
7. Raw/Undercooked Meat, Eggs and Bones
Raw meat and raw eggs can contain bacteria such as Salmonella [ital] and E. coli [ital] that can be harmful to pets. In addition, raw eggs contain an enzyme called avidin that decreases the absorption of biotin (a B vitamin), which can lead to skin and coat problems. Feeding your pet raw bones may seem like a natural and healthy option that might occur if your pet lived in the wild. However, this can be very dangerous for a domestic pet, who might choke on bones, or sustain a grave injury should the bone splinter and become lodged in or puncture your pet’s digestive tract.
8. Xylitol
Xylitol is used as a sweetener in many products, including gum, candy, baked goods and toothpaste. It can cause insulin release in most species, which can lead to liver failure. The increase in insulin leads to hypoglycemia (lowered sugar levels). Initial signs of toxicosis include vomiting, lethargy and loss of coordination. Signs can progress to recumbancy and seizures. Elevated liver enzymes and liver failure can be seen within a few days.
9. Onions, Garlic, Chives
These vegetables and herbs can cause gastrointestinal irritation and could lead to red blood cell damage. Although cats are more susceptible, dogs are also at risk if a large enough amount is consumed. Toxicity is normally diagnosed through history, clinical signs and microscopic confirmation of Heinz bodies. An occasional low dose, such as what might be found in pet foods or treats, likely will not cause a problem, but we recommend that you do NOT give your pets large quantities of these foods.
10. Milk
Because pets do not possess significant amounts of lactase (the enzyme that breaks down lactose in milk), milk and other milk-based products cause them diarrhea or other digestive upset.
Tips on Finding a Lost Pet
IDs, Please
It’s a good idea for all of your animal companions—even indoors-only pets—to always wear a collar with an ID tag. The ID tag should have your name and a current phone number. If you’ve chosen to microchip your pet as a means of permanent identification, keep in mind that microchips are only as good as the information provided to the chip’s company. If you’ve moved or changed your phone number since registering your pet’s chip and forgot to submit an update, please do so as soon as you can. In addition most of your neighbors do not have scanners for chips!
Hide and Seek
As soon as you notice that your pet is missing, talk to your family members or housemates and ask when they last saw your pet. It’s a good idea to search your home carefully—under beds, in closets, dark places, small places, behind bulky furniture—in case your pet may be hiding or sleeping somewhere. Shaking a food dish, treat jar or favorite toy will sometimes lure animals out of a hiding place.
If you are sure your pet is not in or around the home, take a slow ride or walk around the neighborhood. Ask friends or neighbors if they’ve seen your animal companion; be sure to bring along a recent photo to show them. Check under porches and shrubs, and ask neighbors to check in sheds and garages just in case your pet was accidentally locked in.
Work the Phones
Your first calls should be to all the animal control agencies, shelters (both municipal and private) and rescue groups in your area; one of them could have your pet in custody already. Check in with the bigger shelters daily—and pay your visits in person, if possible.
If there are no shelters close to your home, contact the police.
News Flash
Your next task? Creating a “lost pet” flyer. We recommend sticking with one design, as repeated viewings of a consistent message are more likely to stick in people’s minds. You’ll need to include a lot of info on your flyer, so use your limited space wisely:
- Start with a big, bold headline that people can read from a distance: “LOST DOG” or “MISSING CAT” is fine.
- Under the headline, a photo of your pet would be ideal. Make sure he’s still well-represented after the picture’s been photocopied or printed. List his breed, sex, color, age, weight, distinguishing features, and where and when he was last seen. It is very important that your pet is described accurately.
- Provide your name and two phone numbers; yours, of course, and a friend or family member’s in case you cannot be reached.
Blanket the Neighborhood
With your flyers in hand (and hopefully, a crew of supportive helpers), it’s time to hit the streets. Good places to post your flyers may include:
- Dog runs and parks
- Pet supply stores and pet grooming shops
- Veterinary offices
- Various commercial establishments, such as grocery and convenience stores, gas stations, Laundromats, bars, cafes and restaurants.
- Lampposts and trees. Cover extra heavily the areas where you think your pet was lost, as well as busy commercial and pedestrian sections of your town.
- Around schools, at kids’-eye level. Children can be more observant than adults, especially when it comes to animals.
Note, be sure to ask permission before posting your flyers!
Hit the ‘Net
The Internet was made for networking. Send descriptive emails about your lost pet to your local friends, colleagues and family members, and ask them to pass on the info to anyone they can. Post messages to animal forums and message boards run by groups based in your area—lots of parks and dog runs have online communities.
Don’t Give Up!
This one’s important! And remember that many lost animals have found their way back home.
Cutting Pet Care Costs
Designer collars, faux-mink coats, doggie donuts―you may love the novelties, but do your pets really need ‘em?“A tremendous amount of the growth in pet industry sales have probably been due to things people don’t really need for their pets,” says Dr. Stephen Zawistowski, Ph. D., Executive Vice President, ASPCA National Program Office. While it’s great to pamper Fifi and Fido, it’s also important to budget for the essentials. Bottom line? Stick with the basics, and remember—preventative measures are excellent money savers!
1. Go to the Vet!
“A number-one money-saver is preventative veterinary care,” says Dr. Z. Annual veterinary exams can catch health crises early on and can save you a lot of time and money. This includes heartworm preventative treatment, flea and tick control, and a thorough check-up of your pet’s gums, teeth, heart, lungs and internal organs. If it’s been a year or more since your pet has seen a vet, make that appointment today!
2. Give Your Pet Regular Check-Ups
Weekly home checkups are a great way to nip potential health problems in the bud.
- Check under your pet’s fur for lumps, bumps, flakes or scabs. Check your pet’s ears and eyes for signs of redness or discharge. Make note of any changes in her eating or drinking habits. If something seems off, call your vet right away.
- Learn how to clean your pet’s ears, especially if your dog is prone to ear infections.
- Brush your pet’s teeth regularly with a toothpaste formulated for pets, and check his gums. In some cases, this can help prevent the need for dental cleanings, which can run up to $200 per visit.
- Check your pet’s breath. Bad breath can indicate a digestive problem that’s better dealt with sooner rather than later.
3. Vaccinate Wisely
“Although certain vaccines are required by law, there is no longer automatically one policy for all animals,” says Dr. Lila Miller, Vice President, ASPCA Veterinary Outreach. “Veterinarians are now advised to assess each individual animal's risk of exposure when designing a vaccination program.” So before subjecting your pet―and your wallet—to general vaccinations, ask your pet’s vet which vaccines he or she recommends.
4. Spay/Neuter Your Pets
“Spaying and neutering your pet will have a dramatic impact on their health,” says Dr. Z. “For females, it dramatically reduces the potentiality for breast cancer, and ovarian and uterine cancer disappears.” Neutering also reduces chances of testicular cancer in males. Not only will spaying or neutering save you on future health care, but it will significantly diminish your pet’s desire to wander―and will save you the surprise of an unplanned litter.
5. Invest in Training
“A lot of people don’t think about dog and cat training as a way to save money,” observes Dr. Z, “but a well-trained dog will be easier to walk, will be calmer in most situations and will be less likely to get into things he shouldn’t.” Teaching your dog to stay by your side and to come when he is called proves far cheaper than paying for expensive emergency care caused by his running off―possibly into the street―and eating items that he shouldn’t.
6. Consider Pet Insurance
“One of the reasons why medical care has become so expensive,” explains Dr. Z, “is the recent growth spurt of procedures your pet can undergo―MRIs, cat scans, cancer treatments. Kidney transplants, though life-saving, are a $15,000 surgery that also typically requires the pet owner to adopt the donor animal.”
Accidents, too, can be costly. Pet insurance is one way to take some sting out of the bill. The cost of a policy typically runs about $300-$400 per year and many cover both regular and emergency visits.
7. Save Up for the Future
Pet Emergencies
Invest the money you spend on toys and extra snacks into a fund for possible emergencies, and deposit a fixed amount into it every two weeks. If no emergencies arise, you’ll be all the richer, but if something does come up, money will not stand in the way of getting your pet the care she needs.
Elderly Pet Care
The great news is that pets are living longer, thanks to better nutrition and veterinary care. But this often entails more frequent trips to the vet, blood screenings tests, special food and medication. “Very often you see people bringing older pets into shelters because they are confronted with bills they can’t manage,” says Dr. Z. You can avoid an ambush of sudden bills by saving up while your pet is young.
End-of-life care
Caring for your pet at death could cost between $300 to $1,000, depending upon the services you choose. Some insurance policies cover the cost of euthanasia and cremation, but it is a smart idea to put aside a savings account that will cover those bills. This way you won’t have to haggle when the time comes.
8. Serve Healthy Food in Moderate Portions
Buy premium-quality food
“Buy a good, premium-quality dog or cat food,” advises Dr. Z. “Don’t go crazy,” he says, but remember that cheaper foods will set you back in the end. They are full of less digestible filler material and artificial colors that offer no nutrients and can contribute to allergies and digestive problems. A high-quality, age-appropriate food results in a healthy coat, more energy and fewer costly trips to the vet.
Don’t overfeed
This includes resisting the urge to spoil your pets with too many treats! “You don’t need to feed your pets as much as people do,” Dr. Z. reminds us. “One of the things we’re confronting is a huge obesity problem. Serving moderate portions not only saves you money on food ―it also reduces the likelihood of obesity.”
9. Shop Around
Medications
Call the local pharmacy or look online for lower prices. Just be sure to compare the same quantities and dosages when you’re looking at prices.
Veterinarians and Hospitals
When looking for a reliable, cost-effective veterinarian’s office, check out a few before you settle on one. Ask for recommendations from pet owners you know. Most vets’ offices also offer multi-pet or senior pet discounts. Compare fees and be sure to find out what is covered during a routine visit in each office.
Pet Supplies
Buy supplies online or in bulk. Just keep in mind that it’s wise to get product recommendations from your vet first. Online or store-bought products that you know nothing about could prove to be harmful or of poor quality. And if you rotate your pet’s toys, they’ll stay interested without you having to buy new ones every few months.
10. Groom Your Pets at Home
- Save the price of a visit to your groomer with regular brushings. While you’re at it, you’ll reduce the hair around your home and your cats will have fewer hairballs.
- Trim your pet’s nails on a regular basis. It’s not hard to do, and you’ll likely save yourself the cost of new furniture and curtains. Still got visions of your dog gliding down the cat walk in a couture collar? Face it, your pet could probably care less whether she’s wearing Gucci. “A good quality leash and collar with a nylon braid should run you no more than $10 and should last for years,” advises Dr. Z. “You don’t need to buy all the fancy stuff.” Yes, your pets love toys and an occasional treat, but the best gift you can give to your furry loved one is your attention!
Top 10 Human Medications
That Poison Our Pets
If you suspect your pet has ingested any of the following items, please call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center’s 24-hour hotline at (888) 426-4435. And remember to keep all medications tucked away in bathroom cabinets—and far from curious cats and dogs.
NSAIDs
NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like ibuprofen or naproxen are the most common cause of pet poisoning in small animals, and can cause serious problems even in minimal doses. Pets are extremely sensitive to their effects, and may experience stomach and intestinal ulcers and—in the case of cats—kidney damage.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants can cause vomiting and lethargy and certain types can lead to serotonin syndrome—a condition marked by agitation, elevated body temperature, heart rate and blood pressure, disorientation, vocalization, tremors and seizures.
Acetaminophen
Cats are especially sensitive to acetaminophen, which can damage red blood cells and interfere with their ability to transport oxygen. In dogs, it can cause liver damage and, at higher doses, red blood cell damage.
Methylphenidate (for ADHD)
Medications used to treat ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) in people act as stimulants in pets and can dangerously elevate heart rates, blood pressure and body temperature, as well as cause seizures.
Fluorouracil
Fluorouracil—an anti-cancer drug—is used topically to treat minor skin cancers and solar keratitis in humans. It has proven to be rapidly fatal to dogs, causing severe vomiting, seizures and cardiac arrest even in those who’ve chewed on discarded cotton swabs used to apply the medication.
Isoniazid
Often the first line of defense against tuberculosis, isoniazid is particularly toxic for dogs because they don’t metabolize it as well as other species. It can cause a rapid onset of severe seizures that may ultimately result in death.
Pseudoephedrine
Pseudoephedrine is a popular decongestant in many cold and sinus products, and acts like a stimulant if accidentally ingested by pets. In cats and dogs, it causes elevated heart rates, blood pressure and body temperature as well as seizures.
Anti-diabetics
Many oral diabetes treatments—including glipizide and glyburide—can cause a major drop in blood sugar levels of affected pets. Clinical signs of ingestion include disorientation, lack of coordination and seizures.
Vitamin D derivatives
Even small exposures to Vitamin D analogues like calcipotriene and calcitriol can cause life-threatening spikes in blood calcium levels in pets. Clinical signs of exposure—including vomiting, loss of appetite, increased urination and thirst due to kidney failure—often don't occur for more than 24 hours after ingestion.
Baclofen
Baclofen is a muscle relaxant that can impair the central nervous systems of cats and dogs. Some symptoms of ingestion include significant depression, disorientation, vocalization, seizures and coma, which can lead to death.
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