Boating With Your Dog.

If you own a boat and a dog, here are some great safety tips to ensure that your day on the water with your best "bud" is a safe and fun one. First, don't assume that all dogs can swim, because they can't. And, the ones that can, may not be the best swimmers. They are like humans in that respect. People are not the only ones that need to wear a PFD (personal floatation device) or life jacket. If your buddy would happen to fall overboard without a life jacket, they could succumb to exhaustion or hypothermia (depending on the time of year) before you could rescue them. You can find life jackets online very readily. We got Chance's online from Cabela's.

Make sure that the PFD fits securely and allow your dog to practice swimming in it before heading out for that weekend boat ride. If your pet has never worn one, give them time to adjust to having it on, as most of the time, they will resist a little at first. Most of them have straps that fit up under the groin area, and under the arm pit area. Follow the instructions on how to fit it properly, and your dog should have no trouble adjusting.

The next vitally important tip is plenty of fresh, cold water. We keep a cooler full of ice and water for Chance. Take their water bowl, too. Dogs lose a fair amount of body fluids when they pant, so hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! The sun is the next factor. Just like humans, excessive sun exposure is totally dangerous. It can cause heat problems such as sun stoke, heat cramps and heat exhaustion. Have an area on your boat that is shaded so your dog can get in out of the sun. Plus, letting them swim is the best way to keep them cool. Remember, the sun is like a giant reflector. Most boat surfaces are made of fiberglass, and it gets extremely hot, and dogs absorb heat through the pads of their feet, so keep them protected.

With all the water drinking, your dog will need to potty. So, every hour or so, go ashore and let them potty. Some say to train your dog to go in a specific area of your boat, but personally, I think that is a bad idea. It takes less time to go ashore to let them potty for a few minutes, than clean up a mess on your boat. And, if you happen to beach on someones property, clean up your mess. Keep a scoop and plastic bags on board. You can dispose of the bag when you get back to the dock or boat launch.

Before I got Chance, my old girl Kallee, did not like to boat. So don't "assume" that your dog will enjoy the experience. Often times, they prefer a still and stable surface. So, a day or two before you plan to go out, let them get acquainted with the boat while it is still on the trailer or moored at the dock. Plus, this is a great time to let them get used to their new "clothes." (life jacket).

The next step is to crank over the engine and let them get used to the sound and vibration. Make the first outing (for the inexperienced boat dog) a short one. This will allow them to get acclimated to the movement of the boat. Remember, dogs are like humans in the respect that they can get seasick, too. If you do this, your dog should have a great time with his "pack" out on the water.

Be safe and have fun.

Are You Prepared In Case Of A Natural Disaster? Part 2.

Chance says, "Don't get caught sleeping, be prepared!"

Identification: Having identification on your animals, including rabies and license tags, if applicable, may help reunite you with your animal(s) in the event that you are separated. Identification should provide your name, home address, a phone number where you can be reached, and an out-of-state phone number of someone with whom you will be in contact during or soon after the disaster/evacuation.

If possible, include your veterinarian's name, location, and phone number. Examples of some forms of identification are listed below. Small Animal: Collar tag (a piece of tape applied to the back of the collar tag can provide evacuation site information – use waterproof ink) microchip, tattoo, temporary neckband, waterproof pouch attached to collar with identification information inside, clear identification on cage/housing for confined animals.

Transportation/Housing: It is important to separate animals from different households as much as possible and to maintain the best possible hygiene to decrease disease transmission. Small Animal: Leash, collar, and/or harness for each pet. Collapsible cage or airline approved carrier should also be available for each pet, and bedded properly, for transportation and housing purposes - owning enough carriers to accommodate your pets, facilitates a speedy evacuation and may mean the difference between the life or death of your pet.

Familiarize your animals with evacuation procedures and cages/carriers. Take the cage/carrier out several times a year and put dog or cat treats inside with blankets and toys. By doing this, you hope to reinforce positive feelings associated with the animal carrier. Cat carriers should be large enough to hold a small litter pan and two small dishes and still allow your cat enough room to lie down comfortably or stand to use the litter pan.

Dog kennels or collapsible cages should be large enough to hold two no-spill bowls and still allow enough room for your dog to stand and turn around. For added assurance, clearly label each carrier with your identification and contact information. Locate and pre-arrange an evacuation site for your family and animals outside your immediate area. Ideally, this will be a friend/relative or a pet-friendly hotel that is willing to let your family and animals stay in the event of a disaster. Other possible animal housing options include veterinary hospitals, boarding kennels, and animal shelters.

Are You Prepared In Case Of A Natural Disaster? Part 1.

Chance is ready for any disaster! Nature and life have fury days: Tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, fires, blizzards, terrorism... Devastating natural and man-made disasters can ravage our lives. No one is exempt from the possibility of being affected personally. You need to prepare for yourself and for your animals in case of disaster. Countless times people have been told to leave their homes for a "short time," only to find that they cannot return for days or weeks.

Even disasters like gas leaks and minor flooding can keep you from tending to your animals for extended periods of time. To prevent situations such as these take your animals with you. It is best to be overly cautious during a disaster warning. Preparing ahead of time and acting quickly is the best way to keep you and your family, including your animals, out of danger. Be familiar with all types of disasters, including a hazardous material spill. Also, be prepared for extended loss of utilities.

Prepare a plan: Talk with your vet and assemble an animal evacuation kit. Develop a plan and practice it. If you live in an apartment, make sure your animals are on record with the management of the apartment bldg. and can be evacuate down the stairwell. Dogs should be taught to go up and down stairs to better aid first responders. Be sure you are able to give rescue responders exact directions to your home or apartment bldg. Keep your vehicles full of gas and have emergency cash on hand.

In Case You Are Not At Home: Preplace stickers on front and back house doors, and bedroom windows and any other entrances to notify neighbors, fire fighters, police, and other rescue personnel that animals are on your property and where to find your evacuation supplies. Provide a list near your evacuation supplies of the number, type, and location of your animals, noting favorite hiding spots, in order to save precious rescue time.

To facilitate a successful rescue, provide muzzles, handling gloves, catch nets, and animal restraints where rescue personnel can find them. Keep in mind that animals may become unpredictable when frightened. Designate a willing neighbor to tend to your animals in the event that a disaster occurs when you are not at home. This person should have a key to your home, be familiar with your animals, know your evacuation procedures, and know where your evacuation supplies are kept.

In your evacuation kit, keep a pre-signed letter that releases your neighbor from responsibility if one of your animals becomes injured during the evacuation. You may also want to have a pre-signed veterinary medical treatment authorization with your Evacuation kit – this will aid your veterinarian if your animal must be treated during your absence.

Animals And The Film Media.

Ever wonder about that statement - "no animals were harmed in the making of this film?" The American Humane film and TV unit is the organization responsible for that slogan. That is the highest rating that can be given to any film media. By film media, I mean any motion picture or TV show.


Now, they are totally different from the HSUS (Humane Society of the United States). For over 65 years, this organization has been monitoring motion pictures and TV shows to ensure that all animal actors are being treated humanely.


Since the introduction of their guidelines, illnesses, animal accidents and deaths have declined dramatically. Prior to 1980, 107 films were listed as "unacceptable" because of deliberate neglect or malice. But, from 1980 to 1988, when the guidelines were debuted, 31 films were found "unacceptable", and since 1988, only 16 films received the ignoble distinction.

Sometimes, an unpreventable illness, injury or fatality can occur to an animal on a monitored movie set. If, after a complete investigation, American Humane determines that the production followed the Guidelines and cooperated fully with their Safety Representatives, they will rate the film Monitored: Special Circumstances. Obviously, such a film could never carry the "No Animals Were Harmed" end credit. Instead, such films have always carried the modified disclaimer of “American Humane monitored the animal action.”

Chance Throws The Ball. His big movie break!

Dog - Proofing Your Home.

You may think your home is perfectly safe, but it may not be - especially when viewed by your dog. To your dog the cleaning products in your cupboard may be especially interesting. And although they are stored in a cupboard, your dog may not find them very difficult to get to. Most dogs are very adept at using their paws and muzzle to nudge things like cupboard doors open.


Child-proof locks are a good idea for keeping household items that may be dangerous to your dog safely out of his reach. If you get a second dog, don't assume that because your first dog isn't curious about the floor wax your new dog will follow suit. In fact, your new dog is likely to be interested in everything in your home because it's all new to him. Take a tour through your home, looking at each room through a dog's eye view. The following will give you an idea of what to look for.


Garbage receptacle: Make sure that your garbage receptacle has a tight fitting lid. Most dogs love to nose around in garbage when they have the opportunity and items such as candy wrappers and chicken bones can be choking hazards. Chocolate can be poisonous to your dog, and food that has spoiled can make him very ill.


Electrical cords: Chewing behavior is common to most dogs and cords can be very appealing. Cords should be coiled and tucked away, even if this means rearranging your furniture. A bit of careful thought about how to keep cords safely unavailable to your dog's teeth may prevent him from being electrocuted.


Cleaning supplies, disinfectants, shampoos and perfumes: These items may smell, and even taste, great to your dog but they should be kept safely out of his reach as they can make him very ill. Household cleaning supplies should be kept in a high cupboard that your dog can't reach, or in a cupboard protected by a child-proof lock. Shampoos shouldn't sit on the side of your tub where your dog might easily reach them. Instead use a shower caddy or a high cupboard or shelf to keep them away from curious canines.


Jewelry and loose change: Jewelry is often of the right size to be easily swallowed by most dogs, and is dangerous to your dog as he may choke on it. The same goes for loose change that is left lying about. Some coins, for example pennies, contain zinc which can cause vomiting, anemia, or even death if ingested by your dog.


Garbage bags and nylons: Garbage bags can be very tempting to most dogs but they are dangerous because it's easy for your dog to get tangled up in them, and this could lead to suffocation. Nylons are also very tempting toys and can obstruct your dog's intestine if swallowed.


Plants: Many are toxic in live or dried form. Ask your nursery for a complete reference on plants you want to purchase. When in doubt, keep the plants well out of your dog's reach.


Nails, screws, needles: These are small, easily overlooked objects in your home that are easily swallowed and very dangerous to your dog.


Medication: If your dog swallows your medication he will usually become ill. Ibuprofen can cause kidney damage or gastric ulcers in dogs. To keep your dog safe, medication should never be within his reach.


The best rule of thumb when dog-proofing your home is to follow the same steps you would if you were child-proofing your home. Take a careful walk through each room and place any items that could harm your dog safely out of his reach.

Tips To Keep Your Pet Safe At Easter.

Happy Easter Everyone!

Spring has sprung and it's almost time for the Easter bunny to make his rounds. But before you start celebrating, here are five tips for keeping your pet safe and happy this holiday weekend.

1. Pass on Poisonous Plants. Some popular plants—including Easter lilies—are highly toxic to pets and can easily prove fatal if eaten.

2. Resist Pet Purchases. Bunnies, chicks, ducks and other animals are adorable, but resist the urge to buy or adopt a pet on impulse. People often forget that these cute little animals grow up into adult animals who require a commitment to provide daily care for the rest of their lives. Remember bringing any animal, including small animals like rabbits and chicks, into your home places demands on your time and financial resources and should be done only after carefully assessing your family's ability to meet the animal's needs.

3. Ditch the Dangerous Decor. Easter basket decorations, including plastic grass, are dangerous to animals if ingested. The grass can become twisted within a pet's intestines and can be fatal if not caught quickly enough. Often, the only solution is expensive surgery. Candy wrappers, plastic eggs and small toy parts can also pose a danger to critters. Keep your pet out of harm's way by using tissue paper instead of plastic grass and doing a thorough clean-up after Easter celebrations.

4. Give Your Pet Some Peace. Consider your pets when planning family gatherings or parties at home. Loud noises, erratic movements from children and crowds of people can be very stressful for animals. If your pet isn't up for the chaos of an Easter egg hunt or family dinner, put him/her in a quiet area of the house when guests are visiting.

5. Bag the Basket Booty. Keep your pet out of the Easter basket and away from candy, including chocolate. Candy can be harmful to pets, and chocolate is toxic to cats, dogs and ferrets. As many of you pet owners know, animals will eat just about anything that they can find, including Easter treats.

Chocolates and candies that are high in sugar and caffeine are especially bad for our animal companions. Every pet owner should make an effort to keep these foods out of the reach of their furry friends.

Educating children in what is good and bad for the family pet is very important.

For a total list of all the toxic plants go to: http://majordogquestions.blogspot.com/ and type in toxic plants in the search blog box, click search and then scroll to the bottom. The list is too extensive for this blog.