by: Derek Rogers

The decision to bring a pet into your home for you and your family should not be taken lightly. A pet will become a member of your family and not just a fixture in your home. Pets are not meant to come and go, but to remain as part of your home for years to come. Unfortunately for some, pets are disposable items that will be moved if they are an inconvenience. This should be avoided since unstable homes can make unstable pets.

A checklist for pet care can be an essential tool when you first bring home your new pet. For many people, a new pet is their first experience at being a full-time pet parent, and for those this list will be most useful. Preparing yourself, your home, and your pet for those first few months in a new environment will make the change go gracefully and help everyone adjust easily.

1. The first thing you want to be sure of is that your pet has all of their vaccinations up to date. It is important that your new pet is protected from such outside irritants as fleas, tics, ringworm, or many other ailments such as distemper or rabies. The health of your pet is one of the most important aspects of ongoing care. Wellness exams each year are important for your pet. A veterinarian will perform a thorough exam on your pet looking at such things as their vital signs, ears, eyes, mouth, the heart and lungs, as well as the reproductive organs and their skin. This step is a very important preventative measure for your pet each year.

2. Getting your home ready for your new pet can be a big task, but one that is essential for the big day that your new friend comes home. If it is a small caged animal, a small space that is quiet is fine for them to be used to their surroundings. You will not want to take your new friend out just yet, but let them get used to the sounds and smells of their new home before you start introducing them outside of their immediate surroundings. If it is a larger, self-sufficient animal such as a cat or dog, you will want to make sure that they have their own space, a blanket or pet bed for retreating to, out of the way in case they are too overwhelmed at the beginning.

3. Regular physical routine is essential for any pet. This is their exercise routine since they are not like us and do activity regularly without the help of us. Larger pets such as dogs must be walked every day, smaller animals like cats, ferrets, guinea pigs, and birds can be trained to play with anyone in the family. Toys such as balls, bells, tubes, or even apparatuses are useful in helping your pet achieve physical activity during the day while you are away or even you interacting with them while they are exploring.

If you follow some simple guidelines, your new pet is sure to adapt to his new family in no time at all. Regular checkups, physical activity and preventative measures can not only make your pet more comfortable, but also extend the life of your pet. A pet is an investment so you will want to be sure to take care of him for the benefit of everyone.

by: Debbie Ray

Zoonoses is the term applied to a grouping of diseases that are transferable from canine/feline to human. Basically, these diseases fall into three groupings based on their means of transmission. This also groups these, ideally, in the means of treatment and control. The three groupings of diseases are as follows -diseases spread through :1) urine or feces, 2) hair and skin contact, or 3) bites and scratches.

Zoonoses – Spread through Urine or Feces

Hookworms

Hookworms enter the German Shepherd’s body in the area that directly comes in contact with the feces-contanimated soil. Seen more commonly in the South, these parasites are unsuited to ideally live in human beings. Traditionally they die after crawling several inches underneath the surface layer of the skin. Inflammation usually occurs as a result of these parasites in humans and causes a condition called “creeping eruption” which may last several weeks or months depending on its severity.

Leptospirosis

German Shepherd’s may come in contact with this disease through swimming, drinking, licking their fur, or by eating food contaminated with animal urine. Many animals may carry this, though rats are most often the culprit.

This zoonoses symptom in humans include flu-like including chills, body aches, vomiting, fever and headache. Sometimes kidney damage may occur or the membranes covering the spinal cord or brain may become inflamed. This disease is not usually fatal though it does make its host miserable for weeks at a time.

Roundworms

If these parasites are swallowed by humans they migrate into the body tissues and may cause damage, including symptoms of fever and liver enlargement which can last up to a year in length including symptoms of fever and liver enlargement which can last up to a year in length.

These parasites are most commonly found in small children (2-4 yrs. of age) who mistakenly swallow the eggs and become infected. Children playing in an area in which an animal has defecated in the past, who do not wash their hands after coming in contact with the eggs and inadvertently sticks their hands into their mouth are the most common receptors of roundworm. Only rarely fatal, the disease is traditionally mild though it may be long lasting.

Tapeworms

Tapeworms can easily be ingested by any German Shepherd who swallows a flea carrying the infected form when biting at or chewing their coat. Children may get it virtually the same way- minus the coat chewing.

Tapeworm infestation in humans this way is actually quite rare when compared to infestation from eating undercooked pork or beef.

Toxoplasmosis

Rarely this may cause death in humans since most people develop a resistance to it during normal exposure. It can cause many types of birth deformities in children born to mothers who have been infected for the first time without having developed an immunity before becoming pregnant. Most commonly this is “picked up” through contact with infected cat feces or in contact with contaminated soil.

Zoonoses – Prevention of Waste Transmitted Diseases

There are a few basic precautions everyone should take to prevent transmission of any of the above mentioned diseases – zoonoses. First, clean up all pet droppings and wash your hands each time you any come in contact with contaminated soil. It is extremely important to teach children these steps. Also, if your German Shepherd has gone wading or swimming in any water which may have become contaminated with animal urine, bathe it at once when you return home.

Zoonoses – Spread through Skin/Hair Contact

Fleas

Fleas prefer feeding on your German Shepherd though they will not turn up the chance of of making an occasional meal on humans as well.

Ringworm

Most commonly found in children (though anyone may be infected), this disease is caused by a skin/hair eating fungus which first appears on people as a round, red, scaly area. It grows outward in a circular formation and is the most common fungal disease currently reported.

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

Tick borne, this disease or Zoonose can cause symptoms such as fever, chills and headache though it is not usually fatal. Symptoms may last many weeks and it can be treated with antibiotics.

Most commonly this disease is transmitted through the bite of an infected tick. Also, you may become infected while pulling a tick off your German Shepherd. It is best to wear gloves when removing ticks.

Scabies

The less commonly found version of mange (as opposed to the demodetic version), this may still cause intense itching, irritation and thickening of the skin. Animal mange may live in human skin though it cannot reproduce there. Humans have their own version of the scabies mite.

Zoonoses – Prevention of Skin/Hair Contact Diseases

Overall, proper nutritional care and health of your German Shepherd is the best defense against the chance of your dog harboring any of these diseases.

Frequent grooming and herbal repellents are good choices in combating most of these diseases or Zoonoses before they become major. Stress, roaming and contact with other dogs are the three most common points of transmission among the previous diseases.

Wash your hands after dog contact and minimize contact with any infected pet until the problem is cured.

Zoonoses – Diseases Caused by Bites and Scratches

Cat Scratch Fever

Some people will develop a fever, enlarged lymph nodes and malaise near the area of a bite or scratch from a cat a few weeks after the occurrence. Though not fatal it can be very uncomfortable and can be followed by complications. Infected cat bites may become infected with an entirely different bacteria though the symptoms are similar.

Probably best, is to thoroughly wash an area bitten or scratched by a cat and to clean it liberally on a frequent basis to prevent, hopefully, infection.

Rabies

Virtually 100% fatal once the clinical symptoms appear, this disease is carried by a virus transmitted through the saliva of an infected biting animal. Symptoms include frothing at the mouth, extreme behavioral/personality changes and convulsions which usually ends in the aggressive, staggering and bleary- eyed condition.

If you happen upon an animal showing any of these disease symptoms, get away from it as quickly as possible and call your nearest animal control unit. If by chance you are bitten, try to follow it to where it lives (if it is a stray) so that the proper officials may capture it for testing. If you do kill it, do not injure the head as this will be needed for verification. Also, if you are bitten by an animal exhibiting any of the symptoms above, thoroughly wash out the wound as quickly as possible and contact your personal physician immediately. Overall, your chances of getting rabies are rare though you can never be over cautious.

Zoonoses – Prevention of Bite and Scratch Transmitted Diseases

Best advice, keep your dog in tip-top physical condition through exercise and proper nutrition to reduce its chances of picking up any diseases or parasites from less healthy animals. Also, try to minimize your pets contact with wild animals or sick pets.

About The Author

Debbie Ray, owner of http://www.pedigreedpups.com and http://www.total-german-shepherd.com, is a lifelong animal lover and dog enthusiast. Interested in more dog information? Training and health tips? Thinking about getting a purebred dog? Interested in the German Shepherd Dog in particular? Need to promote your dog related website and get additional in bound links? Check out pedigreedpups.com , total-german-shepherd.com or http://www.pedigreeddogs.com (purebred dog breed directory) for more information.

By Mike Singh

Getting a new pet is a big step. It is not just about owning a soft, cuddling creature but about taking care of another life. This life that you bring into your home needs to be properly cared for. And, it needs to be in the right setting as well. Keeping in mind that you need to take care of your animal, no matter what you do decide to bring home, here are some tips to help to prepare yourself, the animal and your home for your new adventure together.

1. Realize how much space you really do have. While everyone would like to own a pet, it’s not always the right choice. Before you even head to the pet shop, take into account the amount of room your new animal will need and how much room you have. Dogs need room to run and to play. The larger the pet, the more space he or she will need. What size pet works best for your home, then?

2. Prepare your home then. Just like having a new baby at home, there are things you need to do to prepare your home for your new pet. You’ll need to make sure they will not get hurt on anything within your home. Move furniture if necessary to keep them safe.

3. Prepare a bed or sleeping area for your pet next. A dog often enjoys sleeping on a padded, warm area whereas a cat will want more of a dark area to sleep. The larger the animal, the more room you’ll need to make room for.

4. Set up a place to feed them. The location should be someplace they can get to easily. They should be able to get to their water and food at anytime. It should be in the same place each day and should be continuously cleaned and well taken care of.

5. Time is also a necessary factor to take into consideration when choosing a pet. Dogs need to be walked. Will you commit a certain amount of time each day to doing this?

6. Let’s not forget about our animal’s bathroom needs. Where will your pet go? Who will be responsible for scooping up the cat litter or cleaning the yard as needed? This is a task no one wants to do that is necessary when it comes to properly taking care of your pet.

7. Lastly, prepare yourself. It is very important for you to be ready for the challenge of taking care of a pet. It is a large job and can be a costly one when you take into consideration your needs for a vet and pet care in general.

Mike Singh is a successful webmaster and publisher of pet-related websites. Please check out his pictures of all dog breeds and articles on buying a cat.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mike_Singh

by ALDWIN PET

Do you have a K-9? That is super-scientifically advanced talk for “dog.” If you are a dog owner, where do you keep him/her? Is it an indoor pet, or does he have to stay outside? This will certainly have some effect on your pet’s personality.

In fact, indoor pets are likely to be happier than ones who’re always forced to stay outdoors.

They just can’t receive the same level of love and affection if kept outside. Now, another concern when owning a dog is dog obedience training. What have you taught your K-9? Does he/she know how to sit, stay, roll over, and stay out of trouble? These are definitely some of the basics, but dog obedience training goes much further than this if you’re interested.

You’ve got to love pets. No matter how rough they have it or how much you’re gone at work; they tend to still love you more than anything. Okay, so I’m really just talking about dogs here. If you’ve ever owned a cat, then you must know that they can be quite bitter if neglected. Just try leaving your feline alone for a week with just food, water and a litter box. He/she may just pee in your shoe or poop on your couch out of mere spite. This is common in the cat community.

They want revenge on those who neglect them. Dogs on the other hand aren’t typically so bitter. Even with out a few dog obedience training classes, your K-9 will still probably do alright. However, if you have what’s considered a vicious dog, who may attack someone at random when you’re walking them, you may want to acquire dog obedience training. This is for your own protection and the protection of your dog. Hey you don’t want your loving pet attacking some child who just happens to look them in the eye. This would be a catastrophe.

I recall one man back where I used to live, who had a young daughter that was attacked by a pit bull, while the owner was out walking him. The aggressive dog leaped forward at the child and bit her face. Later that day the man showed up at the owner’s home and proceeded to beat the pit bull to death with a bat in his kennel. There were no charges brought against him. This is just something to consider when owning a dog. Although you assume your K-9 is perfectly harmless, he/she may need some special attention or dog obedience training. It’s worth looking into.

http://www.puppytrainingidea.com

by ARIANE BENEFIT

If you have a dog or cat, living with pet hair and fur is a fact of life.

But there are ways you can make it easier to keep it under control. Not only will these tips make it easier to keep your home clean, if you implement them all, you will likely reduce your allergy symptoms as well!

Here are the top secrets of a professional organizer who also owns three Maine Coone cats and regularly pet sits my neighbor’s two dogs!

1. Avoid carpeting. Hardwood, tile, and even linoleum floors are MUCH easier to keep clean and odor-free. Use area rugs that can easily be replaced every few years.
2. Use Woolite for Pets Carpet and Upholstery cleaner to spot clean rugs and furniture when you sweetie has an accident or vomits. It not only leaves the carpet and sofa fresh smelling, it always gets out ALL the stain.
3. Use Febreeze about once a month or so to keep fabrics such as throw pillows, area rugs and curtains fresher smelling.
4. When buying furniture, curtains and clothing, avoid microfibers and other fabrics that are magnets for pet hair. When I want to clean the sofa of pet hair, all I need to do is put on a pair of microfiber pants. I sit on the sofa for a few minutes, stand up, and I look like a cat! Leather or leatherette are great. Twill, denim, cotton and rayons are pretty easy to get pet hair off of. Chenille is not.
5. Get several great pet hair brushes. Keep one in a box or drawer in any room that has lots of fabric, like the bedroom and living room. We get ours at Linens N Things – they are called Majik Brushes. We brush the furniture and dining room chairs every few days or as needed. Plus, by having one near the front door, we can always brush ourselves (and our guests who may have become pet hair magnets) before leaving the house!
6. Get at least one or two hand held vacuums. Keep them handy wherever pet fur accumulates the most. If possible, get a HEPA-rated vacuum. Smaller vacuums are great for quick touch ups when you have hardwood floors. All the pet hair that travels to the corners comes right up! We also keep a hand held in our cleaning supply closet where the litter box lives to clean up the litter the cats track out of the box. My favorite vacuums are the Black and Decker ones that use the same rechargeable batteries as all the other B&D tools. We keep an extra set of batteries and charger by each vacuum so we never run out of power.
7. For pet food, the clear SNAPWARE® containers (we got ours at Target) are awesome. They are easy to open, easy to fill AND easy to keep a scoop inside. Whatever you do, don’t buy a container without testing if first to see how it opens and closes. So many of them are complicated and difficult to open. At least make sure you keep the receipt just in case you don’t find it easy to use.
8. For dogs, keep paper towels, pop-up wipes, and pooper scooper bags near the door where you exit to walk the dog. You can even use plastic grocery bags as pooper scoopers. If you have a little hallway with a table near your exit, you can keep a the dog’s leashes, collars, paper towels, bags, etc. in a nice decorative basket or box
9. Get dogs groomed professionally as needed to keep them and your home smelling better.
10. Here’s a tip from a friend of mine with 3 large dogs, use easy to remove and wash slipcovers for all furniture and keep special dog blankets anywhere the dogs are allowed to nap.

Organizing to have everything you need to keep your home free of pet hair and smells will make it easier to clean and give you more time to enjoy your fur babies! © 2006 Ariane Benefit, Neat Living All rights reserved.

Ariane Benefit, M.S.Ed., is a professional organizer, consultant, speaker, and author of the Neat Living Blog at http://www.neatliving.net which provides expert organizing tips, home makeover photos and much more. Her mission is to help people simplify, clear clutter, and get organized enough to live a life they love! She provides practical creative solutions for people who want a neater, simpler, less stressful life. Ariane can be found on the web at http://www.neatliving.org