Paw Prints--a Family pet page

Even a nice dog may try to protect himself with a growl and a nip at certain times. Biting is a dog's natural way of protecting himself. Since dogs sometimes see kids as equals, they may try to send them a warning, doggy-style, when things get tense. Here are a few safety tips for kids to help avoid misunderstandings with your own or anyone else's dog.

1. Always ask a dog's owner if you may pet the dog. There may be a very good reason why a dog should not be touched. He may be "on duty" as a handicapped person's assistance dog, or he may be injured, ill, or afraid of children.
2. Approach a dog from the front or side. Hold your hands low and speak softly. Surprising a dog from behind or forcing him into a corner may cause him to snap in fear. Waving hands in the air or screaming may over excite him, causing him to snap in fear or even in play.
3. Let a dog eat in peace. If there's one place a dog may get defensive, it's at the food dish. Your dog shouldn't growl when you get near his dish, but you shouldn't interfere with his eating.
4. Watch out for special toys. Some dogs have powerful feelings for their balls or chew toys. Never take a bone or toy from a dog's mouth unless you have trained him to drop it and give it to you first.
5. Avoid teasing, rough wrestling, or tug-of-war games. Dogs may get too enthusiastic in these sorts of games and forget you're not a dog. Fetch, Frisbee, hide and seek, agility courses, and flyball are better outlets for your dog's energy.
6. Respect a dog's space. Dogs naturally defend their territories. Sticking your hand inside a strange dog's pen or in a car window where a dog is sitting may put him in a defensive situation and he might bite to protect his territory.
7. Leave fighting dogs alone. Don't try to break up a dogfight! Most fights end quickly, but it's a good idea to remain quiet and get an adult who can stop the fight with a garden hose or lemon juice in a squirt bottle. Trying to separate or yelling at fighting dogs makes them more excited and they might turn on you.
8. Observe dog body language. Dogs normally resort to biting only when they think you haven't listened to their warnings. Watch out for a dog who is barking, growling, or showing his teeth. Beware if his ears are back, legs stiff, tail up or hair standing up on his back. Slowly walk away and say "no" firmly, arms by your side. Do not scream, stare into his eyes, or run away. If you run, he will chase you and may attack.
9. Tell your friends what you know. When friends come to your house, introduce them to your dog and explain the house rules. When you're out, share your knowledge. The more everyone knows about dogs, the better world it will be for dogs and people.
10. Keep vaccinations current on your dog. Have a regular yearly examination by your local veterinarian. Current rabies inoculation is critical if the unthinkable happens and your pet may bite someone. Yearly DHLP-P vaccinations will protect your pet against possible fatal viruses such as parvo. Regular dental check ups will keep your pet eating well, happy, and have been proven to help extend life expectancy and quality of life your dog can have.

Cats by Eleanor Farjeon Cats sleep Anywhere, Any table, Any chair, Top of piano, Window ledge, In the middle, On the edge, open drawer, Empty shoe, Anybody's Lap will do, Fitted in a Cardboard Box, In the cupboard With your frocks- Anywhere! They don't care! Cats sleep Anywhere.

Did you know spaying and neutering prevents many health problems and thus helps your pet live a longer and healthier life? Unneutered make cats and dogs roam more, fight more, and get into more trouble, thus lowering their life expectancies.

The primary mode of transmission of feline leukemia is through biting.

When a female dog is in heat, male dogs are attracted for miles, stop eating, fight, and are apt to tear up property to get to the female dog.

Spaying and neutering can help prevent certain kinds of cancers and infections. To helo your pet live a longer, healthier and happier life, spay and neuter!

Every single action you take to stop dog and cat overpopulation makes a difference. your actions are desperately needed. Below are some suggestions for action. Be creative!

1. Spay and neuter your cats or dogs. Don't let them breed. Encourage everyone you know who live with a companion animal to spay and neuter.
2. Provide your dog and cat with current identification. If there are license laws in your area, obey them.
3. Never let your animals roam freely. Always be at the other end of the leash to provide proper and safe supervision.
4. Consider making your cat an indoor cat. Less than three percent of cats who go into shelters come out alive.
5. Adopt a dog or cat from an animal shelter, humane society, or local veterinary office. Never purchase from a pet shop.
6. Give spay and neuter certificates as gifts to friends and family.

If your pet isn't spayed or neutered, make an appointment for surgery as soon as possible. The more altered animals there are, the fewer homeless ones there will be.