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  • Commemorating the National Pet Poison Prevention Week

    Commemorating the National Pet Poison Prevention Week

    The third week of March every year is routinely dedicated to raising awareness of pet poison prevention in the United States. And this year is no different: From March 19 to 25th, 2017, pet-owners are encouraged to join hands in eradicating the ever-present hazard of potential pet poisons in their homes and workplaces that are responsible for over a million deaths of our treasured companions every year.

    History of the NPPW ( National Pet Poison Prevention Week)

    It was first observed in March 1961 as a way of calling to attention the unseen dangers of pet poisons lying around in our homes and offices and how one can prevent accidental pet poisoning. In the past two years, hundreds of thousands of pets across the US, and millions of others in other countries have died from both deliberate and accidental chemical poisoning. This, coupled with the fact the environmental pollution is at its record high, has threatened to exterminate a significant pet population around the world.

    How you Can Join the Movement

    As a pet owner, you can contribute to this cause by playing your role in raising awareness of the unseen danger lurking in our homes in the form of potential pet poisons. It can be as simple as sharing ‘pet poison facts’ with your online family via social media tweets and hashtags either on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. Again, spread the message by viewing and sharing pet poison statistics [ http://poisoncontrol.utah.edu/publiced/pdfs/PoisonByTheNumbers2010.pdf ]

    In similar tandem, lead by example by cleaning out all potential pet poisons in your home’s basement, store, garage or cellar. This might range from unused and expired medicine tablets to undisposed old bottles that previously contained toxic substances such as household detergents and cleaning aids. Also, this is a good time to rid your garage of any potentially hazardous chemical. Alternatively, lock it up securely in a place where it is not easily accessible to pets.

    Poison Control Centers

    Lastly, when was the last time you visited or called your nearest poison control center or veterinary? The pet poison prevention week is also an opportune time to familiarize with the location and staff of your nearest poison center.

    SOURCE: American Association Poison Control Centers
    COPYRIGHT: Local Value

  • K9 Veterans Day

    K9 Veterans Day

    Let’s Join Hands To Commend the Bravery of our Canine Friends.  

    It is a day to recognize, commend and extol the courage of each dog that protects and serve this nation in any military or law-enforcement position.

    Did You Know that a Dog is Man’s Most Loyal Sentry?

    Established by the celebrated famous dog handler, Joe White, March 13th is gradually becoming a nationally recognized pet holiday for commemorating the bravery and devotion of four-legged heroes. Throughout the United States, dogs serve in many enviable positions not just in the armed and disciplined forces but also in the customs, law enforcement, police and search & rescue teams. And this year, on 13th March 2017, the date is set to honor and recognize the launch of the United States Army k-9 Program back in 1942. It is a day to commemorate the bravery of all Belgian Sheep Dogs, Eskimo dogs, Doberman Pinchers, German Shepherds, Collies, and Malamutes that were trained to become sentries, scouts, and messengers during the 2nd World War.

    What Does it Mean to a Pet Lover?

    Pet dog owners and animal lovers who would wish to show their devotion, appreciation, and respect for the selfless contribution made by dogs in the past and present while serving this country can sign an ongoing online petition to have March 13th instituted as a National Pet Holiday. You can visit www.kcfadogs.org for more information on this. They are also several other ways of honoring the service and effort of such dogs in our military and law-enforcement agencies. A good way is making a donation to a non-profit organization at the forefront of providing life-saving protective gear to these fluffy soldiers.

    That being said, on a more personal level, if you have a 4-legged pooch as a treasured companion, the National K9 Veterans Day should be a time when you take time off your busy schedule and visit your local veterinarian accompanied by your pet for a thorough and comprehensive check-up.

    SOURCE: Dog Tipper, KCFA Dogs
    COPYRIGHT: Local Value

  • National Professional Pet Sitters Week

    National Professional Pet Sitters Week

    A Close Look at the National Professional Pet Sitters Week

    There is no denying that some of you have had a pet sitter ( trained or untrained ) at some point. It is pretty common for pet owners to feel a bit tied down or even obliged to take care of their pets, be they cats or dogs, instead of going out of town without having to worry incessantly about the treasured companions that they have left behind. We all also know that even if you a few close friends and family in your neighborhood, you are not entirely guaranteed that they will watch your 4-legged furry friend throughout the time that you will be away. And this is where pet sitters will often come to the rescue!

    Recognizing the Valuable Efforts of Pet Sitters

    Pet sitters should without a doubt be honored and recognized for the invaluable service that they extend to pet owners in different parts of the world. For this very reason, the PSI ( Pet Sitters International ) started the Professional Pet Sitters Week ( PPSW ) back in 1995. It is typically observed during the first week of March, and this year, it falls between 6th and 11th March 2017.

    Dedicated to all Pet Sitters

    The week is dedicated to all professional and expert pet sitters across the globe who sacrifice their time to keep a watchful eye on pet animals of all sorts. They are also trained to feed and clean them while their usual owners are either unable to take care of them or away on vacation. It is their prized job to keep our pets happy, active, healthy and cared for. The seven days between March 5th and 11th is also a good time to raise awareness and educate people on how they can start a rewarding pet-sitting career.

    On a more personal level, this can also be an excellent time to take care of your pet’s annual checkup. Visit us and have them checked thoroughly for any possible unseen ailment or deficiency that they may have.

    SOURCE: Pet Sit
    COPYRIGHT: Local Value

  • Common Mistakes in Home Pet Grooming

    Common Mistakes in Home Pet Grooming

    When dog owners attempt pet grooming at home, there are several common mistakes that are made. Pet grooming is a skill, but with the right equipment and patience it can become a household duty that will save both time and money. Trust is loss once pain is inflicted and your pet may not treat you the same afterward.

    The first common mistake is waxing close to the skin while shaving. The clippers can leave a nasty razor burn that can open its way to later infections. If you accidentally give your pet a burn while grooming, stop and apply first aid. Add some anti-bacteria salve and if possible clean the wound. Hug you pet and let it know that you repent and it was an accident. Though they might not understand words, your pet will understand the tone and will react accordingly. The emotional pain is equally as bad as the physical. Watch the wound carefully and if it becomes red or issues puss, contact your veterinarian immediately. If the animal licks or otherwise irritates the wound, you might choose to get a protective plastic collar to stop the behavior.

    Another mistake in novice pet grooming is getting shampoo or other chemicals in your pet’s eye. Either from your mistake or from the animal’s head movement soap can splash. This unintentional act will sting your pet’s eyes and result in an unpleasant pet grooming experience. Wash the soap out with water or saline solution and dab the corners of the eye with a sterile cloth. Soothe you animal and aim to take the focus off their eyes and maybe gain their attention by showing them a favorite toy or ball. Hold the toy up so the animal can check it out. Move the toy in and out. As your pet tracks the toy, look at their eyes for signs of irritation.

    A possible fatal mistake in pet grooming is leaving your animal unrestrained or loose during grooming. Your dog and cat can put themselves in dangerous situations by trying to escape the pet grooming activity. You may even want to put a muzzle on your pet to protect both you and them.

    Pet grooming is best left to a professional. The bonding time with the animal is another perk to grooming your pet yourself.

    When dog owners attempt pet grooming at home, there are several common mistakes that are made. Another mistake in novice pet grooming is getting shampoo or other chemicals in your pet’s eye. A possible fatal mistake in pet grooming is leaving your animal loose or unrestrained during grooming. Your dog and cat can put themselves in dangerous situations by trying to escape the pet grooming activity. The bonding time with the animal is another perk to grooming your pet yourself.

  • Walking Your Dog Day

    Walking Your Dog Day

    It is a special time for the owner to bond with his pet. It is also an opportune moment for pet lovers, most of whom are used to a sedentary lifestyle, to get up from their haunches and exercise a little.

    You’d also like to walk your dog on this day? If that is true, then you should ensure you have appropriate clothing and footwear for the outdoor conditions. Carry water as well as some plastic bags. The plastic bags will be useful in picking up the dog’s waste. Also, don’t forget to carry your mobile phone with you.

    Across America, very few people, if any, shirk this noble responsibility of walking their dogs on this day, and that is because walking dogs is such an easy feat that you can do virtually anywhere. You may walk your pooch in the park, down the street, on the beach, in the forest- just anywhere you can think of.

    This exercise is not just important for your dog- it is also good for you. And, you and your dog will get to socialize further if you decide to go for a walk. You’ll meet with other pet owners while the dog meets other dogs.

    But, what if you do not have a dog to walk on the day? If you don’t own a dog, and you’d like to walk one on the National Walking the Dog Day, you can borrow one from a neighbor and get it walking.

    SOURCE: Pet Care RX, Days Of The Year
    COPYRIGHT: Local Value

     

  • Love Your Pet Day

    Love Your Pet Day

    On February 20th of every year, pet lovers from all parts of the United States of America observe what has come to be known as the National Love Your Pet Day.

    This is an unofficial national holiday that is set aside for pet lovers to attend to and pamper any of their pets. If you are a pet lover as well, you’ll take the opportunity the day presents to reflect and focus on the special bond or relationship you have with your pets. More, it is a great day to take that relationship a notch higher.

    The day cannot go unnoticed especially since almost every household in the United States keeps at least one pet. The most popular kind of pets many people keep in the United States are dogs and cats- dogs slightly outnumber cats. But, don’t get it twisted: pets are not confined to feline and canine categories as there are folks who prefer to keep reptiles, fish, rats, or birds as pets instead of cats and dogs. It looks creepy to keep certain animals as pets, but if their owners are comfortable having them, then it is alright.

    On the 20th February, it won’t matter what you keep as a pet. Be it a reptile, bird, fish, rat, dog, or cat, it will be very kind of you to show love, care, and attention to your particular pet. That is not to say that you shouldn’t show your pet love, care, and attention on other days, but on the National Love Your Pet Day, you’ll take it a notch higher and solely focus on your pet, ensuring it gets a splendid time and treatment.

    How do people observe the National Love Your Pet Day?

    You might be wondering how you can observe the National Love Your Pet Day. For most people, they bring their pets a special treat, take them for a long walk, or otherwise do something good and unusual to your animal companion. Whatever you decide to do, ensure it gets fun.

    SOURCE: National Day Calendar
    COPYRIGHT: Local Value

     

     

  • Just How Safe is Your Pet?

    Just How Safe is Your Pet?

    Commemorating the Pet Theft Awareness Day

    LCA ( Last Chance for Animals ) – a non-profit welfare organization – will lead the way in marking the Pet Theft Awareness day on 14th February. And this will be in response to the burgeoning problem of pet theft that has plagued many pet owners for the last several years. So if you have a treasured furry or purring companion, this Valentine’s Day is a good time to educate yourself on the best ways of preventing the theft of your 4-legged pal. And this is quite important as statistics show that only a mere 10% of pets stolen are recovered by their previous owners. Unfortunately, the rest will suffer cruel fates in the hands of dog breeders, guinea pig labs or animal sadists.

    Safety Checks

    Having said that, you can take a step to protect your pet by marking the 14th day of this year’s February to be a day when you take the initiative to implement a few safety checks for them. For instance, you should have your pet neutered/spayed to curb their natural tendency to roam or discourage an illegal pet breeder. It also the opportune time of the year to update the current photo that you have of your pet and get them a new identification tag for their collar. And speaking of identity, you can take it a notch higher and have your barking buddy or cuddly companion microchipped. This will make it significantly easier for you to track them down should they get lost or stray unexpectedly.

    Be Part of the Network

    LCA’s News Van will be doing rounds and hosting special appearances in your nearest town. Be sure to be on the lookout for LCA’s volunteers who will be giving away vital information regarding pet theft this Valentines.

  • February is National Cat Health Month

    February is National Cat Health Month

    We all know that February is the month of love. It is that time of the year when we take the time off our busy schedules and spend some quality time with our loved ones. In similar tandem, it is only fair if you extend the same ‘agape’ love to your kitty friend. And no, you don’t have to buy them a bouquet of roses, a bottle of wine or a bar of chocolates to match. But what’s a better way of showing some warmth and love to your pet than by scheduling a visit to your the local vet in the spirit of marking the National Cat Health Month?

    What’s more, the second month of the year is also the official National Prevent a Litter Month. Under this program, local vets will be running special appointments for pet owners who need their new feline altered to help curb the growing problem of pet overpopulation. And did you also know that sterilization can also tone down your beloved pet’s urge to prowl or wander around? It has also been proven to be the panacea to several types of common feline cancers.

    And as you plan to have them altered, next month is also a good time to have their pearly whites checked. In case you didn’t know this, over 70% of purring pals develop symptoms of periodontal diseases before the age of three. And, unfortunately, most of this cases go unnoticed as pet owners rarely pay any attention to a cat’s choppers. However, this is the month to get into the habit of regularly checking your feline friend’s breath, gums, and teeth for any tell-tale signs of an anomaly.

    Lastly, in the spirit of promoting healthy living even to our feline companions, February is the best time of integrating a comprehensive weight loss program to their daily feeding log. In other words, this is the month on the calendar when we spare some time to take our pets for that annual visit to the vet that somehow always seems to escape our mind.

    COPYRIGHT: Local Value