Tips

This page will be under construction continuously as we try to bring you valuable information for your life with your pet.

Please, before you buy an animal whose origins you do not know, consider adopting an animal from your local animal control facility, shelter, rescue organization, or even from a friend who can no longer care for their pet. Also, please watch this youtube video, I'm Sorry. It truly shows the need for spaying/neutering your pets and thinking carefully before you bring an animal into your home. Many breeds will share your home with you for a longer period of time than your human children.

There are many reasons that dogs and cats end up at animal shelters. These reasons may include, and are not limited to: lack of finances, time constraints, inability to train, illness (both human and pet). Here are some tips and pointers that may help and also some resources that are available to keep your pet in your home and keep everyone, safe, happy, and healthy.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ANIMAL CARE TIPS
* Please, please, please: If your animal is micro-chipped and you have moved, changed names, changed phone numbers, dropped your home line for a cellular, or have had any other changes since you registered your animal's microchip please contact the company that retains this information and have it updated! When a pet is brought to a shelter and a microchip is found, it does absolutely no good when your phone is disconnected.

*Dogs and cats need exercise too!
Dogs: Your dog may have a fenced in yard to run around in but your best friend still needs regular exercise. Going out into the yard to use the bathroom is no different than a human getting out of bed to use the bathroom. Dogs need jobs and exercise just like humans. Try a walk around the block with your dog when you get home from work. How about a game of catch in the back yard for 5 minutes during lunch? If you like to jog I am betting your dog would like to jog right along side of you. Regular canine exercise will make for a happier and healthier pet and may even get you moving a little more if that is your goal! 
Cats: Sitting on your living room floor while your favorite sitcom is on is all it takes. Tie a feather to the end of a dowel rod or small stick and let the fun begin! If you have a little extra material and some fluff/stuffing why not sew or tie up a ball and watch 'em go. Cats love bells too just make sure they are not too small for your favorite feline to swallow. Remember those annoying laser pointers? Nothing says "I love you" like a moving red dot on the floor.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SAFETY TIPS
Feeding your pets human food is not a very good idea unless you are feeding them a veterinarian approved diet of whole, pet friendly, nutritionally balanced foods. With that said many people like to give their dogs treats. There are many great treats available at retail and specialty stores but if you choose to give your pet foods that you like to eat please keep in mind that their digestive systems are not the same as a humans and some human foods are very dangerous for your pet and even in small amounts could injure or even kill them. This is a list of foods from the ASPCA that may or may not be complete:

Chocolate, Macadamia nuts, avocados…these foods may sound delicious to you, but they’re actually quite dangerous for our animal companions. Our nutrition experts have put together a handy list of the top toxic people foods to avoid feeding your pet. As always, if you suspect your pet has eaten any of the following foods, please note the amount ingested and contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Raw/Undercooked Meat, Eggs and Bones
Raw meat and raw eggs can contain bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli 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.

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.

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.

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.

Salt
Large amounts of salt can produce excessive thirst and urination, or even sodium ion poisoning in pets. Signs that your pet may have eaten too many salty foods include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, tremors, elevated body temperature, seizures and even death. In other words, keep those salty chips to yourself!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DOG TRAINING TIPS
* Consistency and patience are key whether you are training your dog to sit and stay or housebreaking your pet. Dogs learn through repetition. There are several methods that may be used and it will depend on your dog as to which methods work best. Some dogs will learn best using treats as rewards and others will learn using a simple pat on the head. Still others may need special training collars. It is best to consult with a trainer or enroll your new dog in a beginning obedience class at one of the many great training facilities in central Illinois. If this is your first attempt at training or if you just need to brush up on your training skills there are many options available in the forms of books, blogs, internet forums and websites, dog trainers, and even advice from current owners of well mannered pets.

* Remembering Housetraining After Adoption:
If you choose to adopt an older dog he/she may need some time to ajust to their new home. A newly adopted dog may be under stress while adjusting to his/her new home. If he/she has been abandoned or abused (emotionally or physically) or if the dog has been in a shelter environment very long it may be hard to remember how to tell someone he/she has to go outside. They still need your supervision so they know what you expect from them. When you can't be with them put them in a small room or in a crate. When you return home take them outside immediately where you want them to go potty. Take them to the same location a few minutes after they eat, after there has been excitement, anxiety, or lots of activity. Reward and treat them every time they go potty in the correct place. In the house watch for signs that he/she needs to go out again. Be consistent and compassionate as housetraining takes a little time even if the dog was previously housebroke. If the dog is still having trouble you may want to call your veterinarian to rule out any health issues.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Please consider making a donation to Logan County Animal Rescue!