Shout About Pets

As soon as you can when you get a puppy you need to start training to create good walking behaviour on the lead.  It can happen rapidly that you become one of the many harassed and harangued dog owners who get dragged along down the street by their naughty and unruly pet dog – but if you do unfortunately you only have your self to blame!

A puppy can very quickly connect the command ‘heel’ with walking well at your side in the very same way they will quickly connect that the sound of a tin being opened means its dinner time!  Here are some guidelines to making training easier:

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Most children will covet the idea of owning a pet of some sort at some time.  If you decide to introduce an animal friend to your home not only will your children be delighted but they will experience the many benefits that animal ownership can bring.  Children absorb information rapidly and will enjoy learning how to care for their pet and in the long term grow to appreciate and respect all living creatures.  It is a great gift to develop this nurturing behaviour in children as it has been found in studies to promote good social behaviour and a general responsible attitude to other in later years.

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It can be very rewarding to give a home to a rescue dog.   When settling a rescue dog in the general advice is to view them in the same light you would a foster child.  They often have formed certain associations and attachments with a previous owner and are likely to feel insecure as a result.  It is perfectly understandable that your new dog is unsure and nervous in his new home initially.

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If you’re in Knightsbridge on 29th November 2008 you’re in for a treat as the world of Diamond Dogs and pampered pooches showcases at the Harrods Pet a Porter Fashion Show.  It is a must-see for all canine fashionistas as the catwalk transforms into a dogwalk for the evening. 

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The decision to adopt a rescue animal is a hugely rewarding one.  Its not jut cats and dogs that become in need of new homes.  There are many rabbits across the UK looking for loving owners.  Before you take the plunge however here are some tips for helping your pet rabbit to settle in.

Any rescue pet should be viewed in a similar light to that of foster children.  They will have formed attachments and associations with a previous owner.  Their response to a breakdown in a relationship is the same as in humans – they are left with a deep sense of insecurity.  So you need to be patient and remember just how nervous and unsure your new arrival is.

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The Dog Trust charity cares for around 15,000 homeless dogs across it 17 re-homing centres across the UK.  The aim is to find the loving new owners however there are some dogs that are difficult t re-home due to things like behavioural issues for example and they may ‘stick’ at a re-homing centre for some time.  These dogs have been nicknamed ‘sticky’ dogs. 

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The most important thing you’ll buy for your pet bird will be a cage.  So your bird feels at home you need to create a secure and safe living environment.  There are many cages on offer in different styles and sizes so narrowing down the selection can be difficult.

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It’s a common occurrence with dogs to be afflicted with tummy bugs from time to time.  It’s an occupational hazard of being a dog – they love to lick, chew, eat and nibble on all kinds of things that look of interest to them and the consequences of some of more stomach curdling exploits can result in diarrhea.  There are many different causes of diarrhea some of which very serious, others no so. 

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Bonfire Night is finally here and there’s no denying it most dogs hate the fire work season.  Some dogs like my mum’s basset hound will visibly quake in their doggy boots, whereas others will bark at them in an attempt to protect their owners from the noisy intrusion like my own shih tzu and then you’ll get the odd dog who’ll remain blissfully unaffected like my sister’s basset hound Harvey, who will happily sniff around the garden whilst the night sky is exploding with fireworks!

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Reports were released this year from the veterinary charity, PDSA, this year regarding the sharp increase in reported cases of myxomatosis, an illness that can cause fatalities in pet rabbits. 

The PDSA vets working within the Hull and Romford area reported increases of over 300 per cent in a twelve month period.  There were also large increases reported in Birmingham of rabbits being treated with the disease.

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