Can dogs be given aspirin?
Aspirin is one of the commonest drugs in use today, and it is widely used by people for pain and inflammation because it reduces inflammation and fever and soothes the pain. It is commonly regarded as harmless if taken at the recommended dosage. But is it safe to give aspirin to your pet dog?
Just like humans, dogs develop painful conditions such as arthritis and joint pain as they age, and young dogs can have painful injuries or other conditions. These problems CAN be treated with aspirin, but aspirin must be used with caution. It is no longer recommended by many vets because of the side effects, and because newer and more effective drugs are now available. Please talk to your vet before taking your dog’s health into your own hands.
NEVER GIVE ASPIRIN TO PUPPIES (OR CATS) because they lack the enzyme needed to process aspirin.
Aspirin can be given to most dogs for short term pain relief provided the dosage is correct. It should not be given unless there is a serious condition, and it should not be used for extended periods because the side effects of long-term use can be serious. Just because aspirin is a common drug does not mean it is not dangerous, and even a single baby aspirin can be extremely toxic to a very small dog.
The dosage recommended for a dog depends on its size. Aspirin is toxic at 30 mg per lb (less for small dogs), which means that an adult aspirin (320 mg) would be toxic to a 10 lb dog. The recommended dosage is 5-10 mg per lb of dog (slightly less for small dogs) given with food no more than twice a day. Start at the lowest dose and increase only if necessary. So, for example, for a 32 lb dog, the recommended dosage is half an adult aspirin (or 2 baby (80 mg) aspirin) every 12 hours, giving a dose of 5 mg per lb.
The best way to divide a tablet is to crush it up and divide the powder (or open a capsule and divide the contents). The powder can then be mixed with food.
The effects of aspirin overdose and the side effects of poorly tolerated aspirin use and for long term use are the same in dogs as in people. Symptoms include stomach upsets, poor appetite, lethargy, ulcers, vomiting (sometimes with blood), breathing difficulties, bleeding, black stools, and kidney failure.
If ANY of these side effects occur, stop giving aspirin immediately and see your veterinarian for advice on alternative veterinary drugs especially developed for dogs.
DO NOT GIVE enteric-coated aspirin to dogs to avoid the stomach upsets because
How to litter box train a stray kitten
Liter box training a kitten, rather it is a stray, one you have purchased, or your Queen Cat had a litter of kittens, can be very elementary. Sometimes we tend to make it harder than it should be or has to be.
All kitten are born with the natural instinct to dig or paw around prior to going to the bathroom. It is also a part of the nature to naturally paw in dirt, or something soft and moveable as to make a space and cover there mess after they are done.
If you have had other pets in the house, especially kittens, and they have urinated on the floor, rather it be visible or not, the new kitten can smell this and this will be a cue for her to potty in this spot. So, if your kitten is doing this once bring him/her home, you must buy a bottle of spray for the carpet that removes the urine or potty odor. I think a large spray bottle cost about $6.00 and last a very long time. Once you have the area cleaned up, I would suggest confining the kitten to a room with his litter box not to close to his food and, if time permits, stay in the room for a bit after he eats or wakes up and make sure he/she knows and goes to her box.
Once they learn to use the litter box, it is really easy for them to go back. You shouldn’t have to work with the kitten more than 4 to 5 times, as in helping he/she to get in the litter box after waking and or eating.
Just remember that when they are very small, they tend to get confused sometimes, especially when introduced to new surroundings, so it is really just a matter of routine. Once, he/she learns where their box is, their should be no problems.
Also remember cats have a very keen sense of smell, and if you let their litter box get to dirty, they won’t go in it. They will find a cleaner place. Cats usually won’t defecate where they live, they are such clean and picky animals. This is another reason why they are very easily trained to a litter box.
I would keep their food and litter box in close proximity to the other, so they can find the litter box quickly after eating, just remember not to get too close as the kitten may accidentally throw or kick litter on the food.
If the kitten is real small, make sure you have a litter box that they are able to crawl into and if they throw to much litter out while trying to master their skills when very small, you can always start out with shredded newspaper in a small box cut down to size till they get a little larger.
One last tip, but relatively important; try to clean their litter box out once a day. It only takes a minute or two, and gives them a fresh place to go leaving the rest of your home as their home too..
I have had many cats and help care for several liters of kittens, it truly is a very simple method that is based on their own natural instincts.
Hope this helps.
Getting financial help with your pets medical expenses – Part 2
Where to Turn for Financial Help for Your Pet’s Medical Expenses
If you’re anything at all like most pet lovers, our furry companions are more than just our friends, they’re beloved members of the family that depend on us for all of their basic needs, including plenty of love and companionship. And, when one of our pets becomes ill, it’s up to us as responsible pet parents to see to it that they are well taken care of, getting the much needed veterinary care that all pets require, and also kept as comfortable and happy as possible.
But, when an ailment or accident strike our pets, we’re often left unprepared for the great financial expense that’s sure to follow, and in the trying economic times of today, many of us are busy struggling with all of the other monthly bills we face before adding the worry of wondering how to properly care for our beloved animals to the mix.
There’s absolutely no reason in the world our precious pets have to suffer, or even worse, simply because we’re having financial difficulties at the moment, especially when we as humans are the one who domesticated and took these animals into our homes.
Fortunately, there are several resources to consider and different avenues to explore when tragedy or illness strikes the family pet.
Organizations to Help Sick and Injured Pets
- IMOM.org: Accepting applications for those in financial need as well as donations from others, www.IMOM.org offers help to pet owners whose animals are suffering from a life threatening condition. They will require that documentation be sent by your veterinarian describing the incident at hand as well as other relevant information.
- ThePetFund.com: The Pet Fund is a non-profit organization that provides financial assistance to needy pet owners who are unable to afford their pet’s medical care. Visit www.thepetfund.com and you’ll see links to the applications page, one for vets who may be interested in working with the fund, as well as one for donations, or they can be reached by phone at (916) 443-6007 at info@thepetfund.com.
If none of these generous organizations are able to help, do not give up hope as there are other resources to consider, including asking your own veterinarian, or a new one, if they’ll consider a payment plan. Also inquire if they’re associated with any type of credit card such as CareCredit that can be used on dental care and other needs as well as your pet’s veterinary care. For information visit their site at www.carecredit.com.
Also ask your existing credit card companies if they’ll consider raising your limit, if your account is in good standing, of course, and consider debt consolidation, or if it comes down to it, refinance your mortgage.
Ask friends and family for their help, scour the house for unused or unwanted items and have a garage sale, or set up an account at eBay to earn extra money. You may also want to consider one of the many different types of pet insurance and their available plans, which have the potential to offer a large savings on your pet’s veterinary fees.
Tips for general pet care – Part 3
Caring for your pets this summer
Too many pets die from thirst and dehydration. It happens every year, in our own back yards. Not always from lack of attention, sometimes because of our excessive heat conditions. Older animals usually, become affected first.
Don’t leave pets in cars in the summer. Even with windows wound down a bit, cars are very hot and animals can die as they dehydrate very quickly.
We complain ourselves, about the heat and water restrictions imposed upon us, or having no air-conditioning when the power is off. We can still take a shower or help ourselves to a cold drink. Our pets can’t.
So avoid leaving your dog or cat, out in the back yard all day, completely at the mercy of you and the heat.
Make sure that all your pets have plenty of fresh water and access to shade. Keep them out of the direct sun where possible. Like us, they can suffer from sunburn, heat exhaustion and will quickly dehydrate without water. If for some reason the dog has to be kept on a leash or chain, be sure that he can’t tip his water over, or become entangled, therefore unable to reach it.
The same applies to birds; make sure they have plenty of shade and water. Some of the smaller varieties like finches will die more easily in extreme heat conditions, even the larger birds can die, if not looked after properly.
Birds have a habit of bathing more often to keep cool, which will pollute the water quicker in the heat. Water left in the sun becomes hot to drink and will evaporate quicker. Be aware of that. Automatic feeders are good for water, although these can become blocked with dust and seed.
Fish ponds need to be topped up more often, due to evaporation and heat. The heat and sun causes algae to grow more quickly in the summer months. Check that your filters haven’t become blocked with it.
It helps if you have an automatic, reticulated garden. Add an extra water outlet for each of your pets, this will give them a fresh flow water if you forget. Although you still need to check.
When you take your pet for a walk, be considerate; you wear shoes to protect your feet. Don’t make them walk on the hot pavement or bitumen roads.
Don’t forget, when you complain about the heat in your air-conditioned home – Spare a thought for your pets outside, left to the mercy of you and the heat.
Dogs: Some Information Regarding the Kerry Blue Terrier Pet Dog
The Blue Kerry terrier pet dog is one of the most mysterious breeds of terriers. This is because of the fact that even though the breed has been known by the Irish for at least 150 years, nobody really knows where they came from or how they were first bred.
Various legends are told in order to explain the appearance of the Kerry blue terrier breed. Some say that the peasants bred them for hunting purposes since noblemen monopolized the use of wolfhounds. Thus, noblemen hunted with their wolfhounds while peasants poached with their Kerries.
Another legend speaks of a wrecked Russian ship that contained a blue dog. This dog swam into Irish shores and there, mated with the local terrier population. This, of course, started the genetic pool of blue Kerry terriers.
Whatever the case, the blue Kerry terrier sure has a colorful history. It started as a working dog, helping hunters bring in prey. It would also be trained as a police dog by the English. Today, it is considered to be one of the best breeds of dogs that one can own. This is in part of its excellent abilities as a watchdog.
One thing that is so cool about owning a Blue Kerry terrier pet dog is the fact that this breed is adaptable to every situation. It can be a hardworking hunter’s dog. It can become the vigilant watchdog. If you want companionship, it can also provide that. People who are fortunate to have a Blue Kerry terrier pet dog even say that once you are a Kerry lover, you are forever a Kerry lover.
There are some terrier characteristics which may cause a bit of trouble for your dog. Like all terriers, the Blue Kerry terrier pet dog can get into fights with other dogs. In order to prevent this, you need to make sure that the Blue Kerry terrier pet dog is properly socialized. Usually this is done by the breeder.
Most people, when they are getting a pet often ask the question of whether or not a pet can be housebroken easily. Thankfully enough, the Blue Kerry terrier pet dog has a disposition that is easily house trained. The Blue Kerry terrier pet dog is actually quite eager to learn. This means that you will be able to train it very quickly.
Although a Blue Kerry terrier can become an excellent playmate for children, it must be taken that the children do not show any cruelty to the dog.
The Blue Kerry terrier is also one of the more hardy types of terriers. This is because the Blue Kerry terrier has very few genetic problems. Before buying one, however, you need to ask for eye certifications and hip x-rays. These are the most commonly afflicted parts of the Blue Kerry terrier.
A Blue Kerry terrier is not really for everyone. Some people may find it a bit too playful. Some people may not really get used to the Blue Kerry terrier’s curiosity. People may not really understand its habit of following everyone around. Today, the fate of the Blue Kerry terrier dog lies in the hands of the breeders who care for them, nurture them, and make sure that they have great homes to stay in.
Allergies Cats Can Have
When people think of cat allergies they often think of people being allergic to the cat dander and the mild to severe reactions a person can have. It is important to realize that just as people have allergies cats can have allergies too. A cat can not tell a person when something is bothering them and they have to rely on their owners being alert enough to notice a problem.
It is important for cat owners to know and understand about cat allergies so that they can be aware of a problem their cat might develop and be ready to treat the problem correctly.
Common Cat Allergies
It is estimated that at least fifteen percent of all cats suffer with some type of allergy and if a cat has one allergy they most likely have several. Cats suffer with the same types of allergies as humans. A cat can be allergic to dust and pollen, foods, and plants they come in contact with and medications.
Most of the time a cat allergy will present itself as a skin irritation or may be seen as digestive upset such as vomiting or diarrhoea. Since these conditions may be caused by several things it will be important to have the cat examined by a veterinarian.
If a person suspects their cat is allergic to some substance they should do their best to remove the substance from the cat or the cat from the substance. In the case of food allergies there are many different types of foods available from pet stores and online that use different ingredients such as rice and lamb.
These foods may help if the cat has allergies to corn meal or to common cat foods such as chicken and fish. If there are plants in the home or yard that cause the cats allergies the owner may want to get rid of them or at least move them to areas the cat does not go. For dust and pollen a cat will appreciate the use of an air filtration system in the home and the owner will benefit from this as well.
It is strange to think of a cat having allergies but it is important that cat owner recognize the potential for the problem and be prepared to care for the pet. Cats are wonderful pets and do deserve the time and effort of people to provide good allergy care. If a pet owner suspects their cat is suffering from cat allergies they should make an appointment to see the veterinarian as soon as possible.
Which makes a better pet: A dog or a cat? – Part 24
-Dogs Are a Better Pet-
Yes I love Dogs and Cats. Even though I love cats, I think dogs are defiantly a better pet than a cat. Now I want everybody to think long and hard about this. I am going to explain some of the reasons WHY Dogs are way better pets than cats.
~Here are only a few bad things about cats~
*Cats have claws which scratch you and hurt very much, yes you can dewclaw a cat but then the cat can’t climb any more and I would think it would be embarrassing for a cat not to be able to climb.
*Cats bite, they can bite very hard, they have sharp teeth and are not afraid to use them.
*Cats hiss: Some cats may seem cute but they can hiss at you. I would be annoyed by a cat that hissed at me all the time.
*Cats have an attitude problem: They seem like they want something and then get angry at you for no reason, even after you give them what they want.
*Cats run away all the time. It’s hard to keep up with them.
Now I know some people may disagree with me on this but you have to admit that it’s true. It’s sad because usually cats die more then dogs do, because they just run off. There are lots of reasons though that dogs are better then cats. Cats are also scare kids more then dogs do usually. This is why I prefer dogs. Here are some reasons why too:
*Dogs are loyal.
*Dogs can learn tricks.
*Dogs are fun for kids to play with and they are very intelligent.
*Dogs can fetch the newspaper for you so you don’t have to get up and go get it.
*Dogs are very reliable.
*Dogs are always there for you, you can rely on them.
*Dogs are great pets.
*There are lots of fun things you and your dog can enter, I have never heard of things for cats though.
*You can jog and play with your dog, if you try to jog with your cat; it’s not going to work.
There are millions of other reasons too but you would get bored to tears if I named them all. I entirely think that everybody should have a dog. I think it is sad that some people don’t have dogs because they are amazing pets and are fun to have. There are loads of breeds to choose from too. You can choose the perfect dog for your family. Be sure to think long and hard about all of these tips I have gave you, you would be surprised of how many people choose dogs over cats after they think about it. You should think about it too! Good Luck and be sure to choose the right pet, a dog!
Websites every pet owner should know about – Part 15
Good news! As a pet owner you’ve just stumbled upon an article that’s going to answer all your pet questions. This article is a summary of some fantastic websites and forums, both informal and professional.
Here are my suggestions from many hours of research on the topic of animal care. Imagine how many hours i’m saving you and your pet. (BBB) = Better Business Bureau.
PET INSURANCE : www.PetInsurance.com (BBB registered 01.23.01 rated satisfactory) They offer an exciting website loaded with features and insurance options for your pet. Including but not limited to x-rays, surgery, accidents, cancer, flea control, heart worms, dental, spay / neutering and more. Pet insurance has become an enormous success as pet owners have learned over the years, pet care can be quite expensive. Reasonable monthly rates at www.PetInsurance.com can easily pay for itself in only a few visits or one unfortunate turn of events.
JUST ANSWER – PET HEALTH QUESTIONS : www.JustAnswer.com (BBB registered 07.19.06 rated satisfactory) This websites promise is to answer all pet related questions. Something that makes this site standout more than others is that they offer professional veterinarians online to answer your questions. An example of their commitment being that it is 2:46a on a Saturday morning and there are 9 pet vets and experts online waiting for your questions. Most questions are answered for a mere $15 plus any tip you care to offer. There are several answers that cost less than $15. Professional answers to your necessary pet questions.
DORANS CANINE COLLEGE – PET TRAINING OPTIONS : www.DoransCanineCollege.com (BBB registered 02.15.94 rated satisfactory) This canine college hosts a fantastic program. They are proud that their BBB rating has zero customer complaints to date. Their rates are kept low because they have built a facilities on their home property. Most of their teaching is aimed at canine obedience. Although dogs are their most often requested service, they do provide care and training to other pets.
PETS WELCOME – PET TRAVEL : www.PetsWelcome.com (BBB non-member at this time) They offer a multitude of pet travel information. From vehicle travels to air travels they have the answers. They keep communication with the travel industry so that they can keep their customers aware of any pet travel policy changes.
HUMAN SOCIETY of the UNITED STATES – CHOOSING A VET & CHOOSING AN ANIMAL BREEDER: www.hsus.org – Human Society (BBB non-member at this time) This
Teach your cat to fetch – Part 5
A cat, fetching? Sure! While cats are independent creatures, they’re still domesticated animals. They have been living, playing and working with human beings for thousands of years, so while they’re not pack animals like dogs, they still know how to have a good time with people.
We often characterize cats as the charming, uppity rulers of our lives, but we don’t have to see them that way just because they aren’t needy or compliant with their owners.
Cats don’t own us, nor do we own them: this is the best attitude to adopt when applying the game of fetch to a cat.
You’re not teaching or commanding it to fetch, as you would a dog, you’re convincing it to fetch. You’re showing it what’s so fun about the game of fetch, and making sure it knows what you mean. It should want to play fetch for the same reasons you do! The goal isn’t to show the cat something new, it’s to nourish the fetching-conducive traits already present in your cat until it plays the game with you.
Consider yourself a pruner of your cat’s natural behavior.
Almost all cats, especially females, and of females, especially kittens, can play fetch. Kittens are more boisterous and energetic, and while all cats are used to carrying things in their mouths, females have a special knack for carrying both prey AND their young. So if you want to train a cat to fetch, start with a female.
First, you need to know your cat’s favorite kind of toy – and this toy does not have to be anything special or expensive. Try different toys, like a small toy mouse, a crumpled piece of paper (the extra bonus of crumpled items is that the crumpling usually gets the cat’s attention), a tinfoil or cellophane ball, or a plastic bottle cap.
Make sure the toys are small enough to be carried in the cat’s mouth, and throw them around to see if your cat chases them. If you ever notice the animal carrying any particular toy around naturally, that’s your cue! Use that toy to begin showing your cat the game of fetch.
If you have multiple cats, try to isolate the one you want to play fetch with, minimizing distraction. Wiggle the toy until it has your cat’s attention, and let the cat play with it a while. Sit close by while it plays.
You may notice, when observing kittens, that they seem to play jokes on themselves once in a while – they’ll pounce on a toy, attack it, then get up and leave it to “see” if it moves. Then they’ll (accidentally?) nudge it with a hind leg so that it moves or makes noise. The kitten pounces, and the
Does having pets in the home create or relieve stress?
Hi. I am a 17 year old senior in high school, and as a teenager, stress is a major obstacle that affects us everyday.
When you wake up at the ripe time of about 6 am, go to school, encounter friends and or enemies, sit in a desk for 90 minutes at a time, and go home, you get pretty tired of the same schedule everyday. Some teenagers play sports, do after school activities, and even work as soon as the last school bell rings. Besides our hobbies and passions, there are not alot of stress relievers in our lives.
I would have to agree that pets relieve stress in our homes. To some of us, you could say that our pet is our best friend. They don’t ever have anything to say, they are with us when we are happy or upset, and they even love us when they have done something bad. A pet lets us realize that we don’t have to let our lives be overrun by worrying about tomorrow or whats going to happen if this person does this or that.
The wonderful thing about animals is the simple fact that they are amoral, meaning they are not involved with what is right or what is wrong. Animals learn by memory. If you let your pet comfort you whenever you are upset, then they will continue to do so. The same applies to if you are in total bliss at the moment. Pets have a way of knowing our emotions for the moment. They can tell if we are happy, sad, rejoiceful, or mad. Memory lets them know how to react to our emotional situation from previous occurrences.
With pets, there is no such thing as choosing the “wrong pet”. Pets are all capable of reacting in similar matters to each emotion. But I must warn you, if you decide to venture into a steamy jungle or arid desert, I would not recommend finding a pet in those areas. Practically any animal is suitable to characterized as a pet. Dogs, cats, fish, birds, rabbits, and even frogs can be a good pet. It’s all about what you think of your pet.
I have 3 dogs, two which are off springs of my first dog. I love them, although they are chewers. When I come home, I can expect to see them at the gate waiting for me. They are not the brightest, but they do a wonderful job at keeping me company. And of course, I have to think about feeding them, walking them, bathing them, making sure they visit the vet, and keeping their diet healthy, but they seem to repay me by always being there. If you think about it, a pet can act somewhat like we are a child of theirs.
