Pet Euthanasia: When It’s Time for Your Pet to Go

Pet Euthanasia: When It’s Time for Your Pet to Go

By Tracy Hargraves [ 09/06/2007 ]
[ viewed 12 times ]

One of the most troubling things in life is having to deal with a seriously ill pet, a pet that literally is on its last legs. As a corollary of that trauma, one of the most difficult decisions that a person can face in life is making the determination as to whether or not the time has come to euthanize a beloved companion animal.

There are some factors that you can weigh and balance to assist you in your own decision making process when it comes to dealing with end of life issues of a much loved pet.

The Issue is About Your Pet -- Not You
Oftentimes when a person has a very ill pet, you hear that person make statements to the effect of:
“I am really going to Miss Rover” or “I don’t know what I will do without Fluffy” or (worst of all) “I am going to keep Boxer until the bitter end.”
In other words, these men and women are putting their own feelings and interests before those of their pet. They seem to be overlooking the fact that it is the pet that is in dire pain.
When it comes to making these life or death decisions involving your pet, it is important to keep in mind that while you might have feelings, it is the feelings of your pet -- particularly the pain your pet is suffering -- that must be your paramount concern.

Consult with a Vet Early and Often
It is very important that you keep your vet closely involved in the process of determining when the time is right to euthanize your pet. Your vet will have been down this road many times. You vet will be able to five you unbiased and coolheaded advice about whether or not the time has come to bring about your pet’s final passing.
It also is very important that you take your vet’s advice seriously. There really will be no reason for you not to follow the advice of your vet if he or she finally concludes that the time has arrived to euthanize your companion animal. As mentioned, your vet will be unbiased and objective and will be better able to gauge what level of pain your pet is going through.

Should You be There for the End?
One question that may be haunting you is whether or not you should be present in the room when the time comes to euthanize your pet. In fact, some vet clinics have rules against having owners in the room during that procedure. Therefore the question actually may be resolved for you from the start. You may not even have the option of being present in the procedure room for the procedure.
However, if the vet or clinic does give you the option to be present at the time your pet actually is euthanized, you need to be very thoughtful about the decision you make. The ultimate question needs to be whether or not you can really provide your pet with any true comfort during those final moments and how painful the procedure will be for you. This is the juncture in the whole process when you can think of your own feelings and emotions. Moreover, you will not want to have the memory of your pet’s death be the final memory that is etched into your mind.
About the author:
Just like your pets at home, pet portrait paintings have become significant parts of your family portraiture. Pet photography have been raised a level higher as pet portrait artists from http://www.portraitkingdom.com painted exact pet images from photos into oil paintings.
Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com

Kid Proofing Your Pets

Kid Proofing Your Pets

By Tracy Hargraves [ 14/06/2007 ]
[ viewed 13 times ]

Before you introduce your children to a pet, you have to make sure that both your children and the pet in question are ready for the encounter. In this regard, it is important that your children properly are trained to handle and to interact with the pet. In addition, it is equally important that your pet be trained to appropriately interact with your children.

By making certain that both your children and your pet are prepared for each other, you will be able to ensure that they enjoy a mutually healthy and enjoyable relationship. There are some specific steps that you need to take in regard to kid proofing your pets, in regard to making absolutely certain your pet is ready to begin a healthy relationship with your children. By appreciating some of these steps, you will be in a far better position to appropriate integrate your pet with your children

Basic Training and Your Pet
The first step that you have to take when it comes to kid proofing your pet is making sure that your pet has received all of his basic training. You want to have a pet that already has mastered the basic parameters of how it is to behave before it does have any actual contact with a youngster.
You might want to consider having a professional pet trainer deal with your companion animal. In this regard, you will have a better chance of having a pet that will be most likely to get along smoothly with children in a home. Professionals understand some special techniques that can be helpful in training a pet in anticipation of ultimate interaction with children.

Transitional Introduction
When it comes to your pet and your children having actual contact, you will want to make sure that you employ a transitional process. You simply do not want to drop the pet into a room in which your children are located.
You will want to have your children and your pet spend short amounts of supervised time together in the beginning. The two key elements are short amounts of time and supervision.
You will be able to observe how your children and the pet are bonding and getting along. Through these observations you will be able to gauge how far you should go in accelerating the process.
You need to keep in mind that you should never leave very young children with a pet unattended. It simply is not safe for either the child or the pet. And, of course, you want your children and your pet to be as safe as possible.

Kid Proofing Your Pet and Your Vet
Your vet will be a solid resource when it comes to kid proofing your pet and preparing your pet to better interact with the younger members of your family. You should consult with your vet and get advice from him or her about any suggestions that your vet might have in regard to helping ensure that your children and your new pet best come together.

Different Pets, Different Breeds
As a final thought, you do need to understand that different types of pets and different breeds of animals get along better with children. Therefore, as you go about selecting a particular pet to be added to your own home, you will want to seriously consider which animals have a better track record with children in the age categories of your own. By doing so, you will significantly enhance the chances that your children and your pet will have a healthy, safe and enjoyable relationship today and well into the future.
About the author:
Original handmade pet portraits of your pets from photographs are not a luxury. Capture the love of your pet in a portrait painting created by a pet portrait artist from Portrait Kingdom like Tracy Hargraves.
Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com

Pet Doors ...

Pet Doors Makes Pet Owners Life Easier

By Mike II Arroyo

Going home from the office with a day full of accomplishments makes you want to rest in a comfty couch as a reward for job well done. Upon entering your house you see a pile of pet waste in your expensive Persian carpet and more than a hundred deep scratches in your white door’s paint job; which makes your idea of peace frustrating. These are some situations that are a major bummer. If you’re having a problem with your pet unattended in your house then you might want to consider buying a pet door and an invisible fence which will enable your dog to go outside whenever he need to take a poop, while an invisible fence restrict their freedom from places that are dangerous to them.Pet doors give your pet a sense of freedom to roam around your house and in the backyard, especially your dog who always want to see who enters the gate and your cat that will find a way whenever it wants to go outside. Not to mention the damage that dogs and cats do when they are being restricted from getting out.In buying a pet door you should consider the following:

• The Size of Your Pet: To get the right size for your pet measure their height and width. Don’t forget to consider your pet’s breed; if it is a large breed dog then choose a dog door that your dog can fit even if it becomes an adult, same goes for cats in buying a cat door.
• Thickness of the Door: Aside from the measurement of your pet, you also need to know the thickness of the door or wall frame where your pet door will be attached to, so you can get the right pet door that will best suit your pet. Quality dog doors and cat doors always comes with instruction manual and by following it you can install your pet door perfectly.
• Type of Pet Door: There are several pet doors to choose from, which will depend on your preference and also whether you own a cat or a dog. There are those Magnetic pet doors which uses magnetism in order to open the pet door. This is done through magnet attach to your pet’s collar, thus restricting other animals from entering your house.Infrared cat and dog doors are consider one of the most reliable products. It is designed to open through an infrared signal triggered by the collar worn by the pet. Unlike magnetic pet doors, infrared pet doors use a programmed code which specifically made only for your pet’s collar and the pet door. With an infrared pet door no other pet can enter your house unlike magnetic dog collars.

With a dog door you can definitely increase your peace of mind while having fun with your pet.

Pet Food

Pet Food: What is the best food for your dog or cat?

By Dr. Andrew Jones

The Pet Food Recall of 2007 has brought an enormous amount of attention to pet food. With tens of thousands of pets affected by the recall and with the death of several thousand pets from tainted food (refer to the PetConnection Database), it is not at all surprising that we have questions. The surprising thing is that it’s taken us all so long to ask these questions.

What have we been feeding our pets all these years? We’ve all, including Veterinarians like myself, trusted the pet food companies completely. We believed they have always held our pets – and our – best interests to heart. But in the case of the large multinational pet food companies, apparently not.

What we’ve been feeding has obviously not been what’s best for our pets. What we’re seen is shorter life spans, more disease, and more cancer – not healthier pets. While genetics do play a role, our pets are just like us. Garbage in... you know the result.

Pet food company ethics aside, the ultimate question that needs to be answered is this: what is the best food that we can feed our pets? Should we feed home diets, or are there companies that we can still trust? And what about raw food home diets?

The quick, simple answer, regardless of what you choose to do, is this: be informed. Be an informed, educated pet owner, and know what you are feeding your pet. You are your pet’s guardian. You know your pet better than anyone else, including your veterinarian. Your pet’s health is ultimately your responsibility – and that definitely includes what you feed your pet. If you feed home diets, you’ll clearly know the ingredients, and can find the ultimate sources of the foods you buy.

If you feed prepared food (kibble or canned), make sure you know what really goes in that food. Make sure you know the company very well – that they have trustworthy sources for their ingredients, and that they can prove it.

The other consideration, and I am hearing this quite a lot lately, is simplicity and convenience. The main reason prepared pet food became popular in the first place was because of convenience. Many of the dog and cat home diets you see tend to be quite complicated, and this scares many pet owners away.

I also hear many pet owners voicing concerns about home diets, wanting to ensure that they are ‘nutritionally balanced’. And while this is a consideration, the truth is that it’s not difficult to attain.

And again, what about raw food diets? Raw food and all of the apparent concerns (founded or unfounded) are definitely the subject of another article entirely, although it is definitely something I do recommend to some degree. So where does this leave us?

Ideally, I would recommend a switch to home diets, whether raw or cooked. You have the most control (again, in as much as we trust our own food sources) over the ingredients. You see, every day, exactly what you are feeding your pets.

However, the ideal is not always the most practical for many pet owners. There is also a consideration of the transition from completely packaged kibble to home food preparation. Many pet owners are unsure of how to prepare the foods properly, especially when dealing with raw food.

A great way to start, and this is what I am currently doing, is to feed a combination of home diets and packaged kibble. Again, make sure that you trust the company that produces the packaged food – do your own research! But I have found that this works well for most pet owners. Start with a home diet that you are comfortable with and feed it once or twice per week, and go from there. For my own pets, I feed one home cooked diet and one prepared, pre-frozen raw food diet. My dog and cat both love their new diets and are responding very well.

The other benefit of doing a combination is that you are providing a varied diet, something I definitely recommend now. There is not one food – packaged or otherwise – that is going to be perfect for all pets. By varying the diet you will make up for any nutritional imbalances your pet may experience from one particular diet or another.

For home diets, I have several available on my site, “Dr. Andrew Jones’ Inner Circle”, theonlinevet – please see the link in my bio. I’ve also prepared a list of pet food companies that I feel are trustworthy. In addition, I’m in the process of writing a book on pet food that will take on all of the subjects in this article, and provide many home diets and recommendations. Please visit my sites below to sign up for my newsletter if you would like to be notified when the book is available.

Being an informed pet owner includes not only diet, but health in general. I have an e-book and complete home study course on just that – visit Veterinary Secrets Revealed for more information.

To your pet’s good health...

Dog house training

Dog house training

By john edwards

Dog house training Lets look at this term of phrase Dog house training it seem`s to suggest you train your dog just so you keep your home clean ,but there`s far more to it than that , as i`ve mentioned in previous article`s you train your dog to be as part of the family as much as you are or what is the point of your dog being present in the first place!

If dog house training is integrated in the correct way not only is the family dog rehearsed in toiletry matter`s and other behavioural element`s but will also naturally form the correct bond that will be in place for your pet dog`s natural life ! I`ve had many years of pleasure from my dog by following certain guideline`s in dog house training using dog training books , dog obedience training techniques , but wasn`t a great believer in the dog training collar personally i think it`s not as involving as signal techniques and motion control!

Also a very important part of dog house training is potty training your dog which form`s the foundation of self discipline which is easyly instilled if done correctly, i`ve learn`t the best techniques and method`s on all section`s of dog house training from an amazing american woman called Dove Cresswell she`s renoun and highly respected throughout the world for her unique refreshing insight to what dog house training is all about !

Dove has an inpecable CV and credential`s that are second to none , when i visited her site i found it very easy to navigate and i could`nt believe how easy the dog house training method`s step by step where i`ve seen a great improvement in my terrier his behavior has turned so laid back it`s calming but that`s also down to Doves tip`s on diet! I could really go on forever about this hollywood dog trainer but i suggest you visit http://dog---house--training.blogspot.com to read more on her !!

Have Pet ... Can Travel

Have Pet ... Can Travel

By: Gerry Neustatl

If you are reading this, I guess you have a pet, need a holiday and don't want to waste your next hard-earned break watching round-the-clock rubbish on televsion. In days gone many pet owners simply did not go on holidays! "Why", I would ask them, and the answer was always the same: "Because we own a pet."

Fortunately pet owners have more options than they used to. These days you can often take your pet with you. Otherwise you can leave it in a secure boarding kennel or cattery, or even commission a pet minding service to visit and service your pet in its familiar environment. But which option is right for you and your pet?

So now you've taken the first step and put in for some annual leave. Your vacation is coming up... but what are you going to do with the family pet?

Option One: Pet Friendly Holidaying

Taking your pet with you on holidays is an option particularly popular among dog owners whose charges travel well. Gone are the days when travelling "pet friendly" meant rotting linoleum and a leaky roof. Many holiday venue operators now recognise that most pet owners are responsible adults who will look after a nice house in order to be invited back.

When travelling don't forget to take frequent rests, pack water for the travel along with your dog's water bowl, and don't leave your dog to bake in your car! You'll generally also be required to bring your pet's bedding, food and food containers.

Your pet should also be fully vaccinated, wormed and on a current flea treatment program. A first aid kit including tweezers or tick removers as well as antiseptic makes good sense, especially if there are likely to be ticks in the area.

Other pets can make excellent travel companions - cats and horses, for example, are welcomed at many holiday venues these days.

FOLLOW THE RULES: If you will be having your pet with you on holidays there are likely to be conditions. Find out what they are and follow them or you will not be welcomed back!

AVOID THE TELEVISION. Hopefully there isn't a TV there, but if there is, don't turn it on. You can watch TV at home and there are too many exciting things to do with your pet, friends and family, like bush walking, swimming... no, don't reach for the remote control. Make the most of your holiday and enjoy the Great Outdoors!

There are times when you can't take your pet with you, such as overseas holidays, business trips and when you are holidaying in regions that don't permit pets. So what are your options?

Option Two: In Home Pet Minding Services

If your pet is unlikely to fret excessively in your absence it can make sense to leave them in their familiar territory. A Pet Minder can visit your pet in your home or garden, supplying food, entertainment, a walk and maybe even a bath in your absence.

Leaving a pet in the house can even assist with security - who's going to break in when Cujo's guarding the front door?

As an added bonus a pet minder will often undertake additional duties including collecting mail, putting out the garbage and watering the plants. They can often attend to the other members of your family including fish, mice, birds etc.

Keeping up your dog's exercise regime is important. If your chosen pet minder cannot exercise your pet then arrange for a family member or professional dog walker to look after this for you.

When interviewing for a pet minder, it is OK, and expected that you will ask for references.

Not all dogs and cats are suited to staying home while you're away, especially if you'll be gone for an extended period. If your pet is likely to fret terribly, howl through the night, disturb neighbours or go wandering, then a boarding facility might be a better option for your pet's safety and security!

Option Three: Boarding Kennels and Catteries

A boarding kennel or cattery can provide a safe environment in your absence. Your pet will be fed according to the diet that you have prearranged - many boarding services can cater for the fussiest of animals.

Most boarding kennels have excellent exercise options available as well as ready access to a vet in case of emergency.

Know what to look for! Most boarding kennels and catteries are happy to show you through their premises if you make an appointment, but I favour boarding facilities that welcome your inspection without an appointment. Who knows what might get swept under the rug!

Your holiday - Relax and enjoy yourself

Now that your pets are taken care of, go and enjoy your holiday! Hang on a moment... what about the kids?

Pet Insurance

Pet Insurance – Check Out 10 Key Questions Before You Buy

By: Michael Challiner

If your bones and joints are strong and flexible, they move smoothly. And that means life can be fun, and appreciated fully. But for one in seven people, movement is restricted by a musculoskeletal disorder - arthritis, back pain, fracture, osteoporosis, or sports trauma. Faced with such pain and discomfort, you may be pleased to pay £3,500 for orthopaedic surgery or hydrotherapy to get those painful joints flexible again. But would you be so willing to spend the same money on your pet Labrador?

Veterinary care has developed fast over the last 10 years and as pets get older they are increasingly likely to suffer illness that can be lengthy and expensive to treat. Take diabetes for example. It's relatively common in dogs over the age of 6 and whilst it can be successfully treated, the treatment is ongoing and expensive – one vet estimated that treatment could cost around £2,500 per year. Eczema is yet another condition which can require a long period of treatment.

But as with humans, pets can require emergency treatment at any time. In fact one in three pets make an unplanned visit to the vet every year (source Mintel). Labradors and Golden Retrievers can have conditions such progressive retinal atrophy, Setters can get canine leucocyte adhesion deficiency (can someone tell me what that is?!), Alsations are prone to hip dysplasia and Boxers and Spaniels are susceptible to dodgy hearts. And then there are always those accidents and scrapes in which our pets are so likely to become involved. Your puss may have nine lives but you might have nine vets' bills! With a series of x-rays costing £400 and an MRI scan putting you back £1,500 the case for pet insurance becomes compelling.

Against this background, pet insurance is becoming the fastest growing form of insurance in the UK. Halifax, Petplan, PDSA, Petwise, Sainsburys and Marks and Spencers are all names in the market. Indeed, competition for your business is so fierce there are over 60 mainline insurers offering over 220 different policies. This flood of choice makes the job of choosing a policy somewhat complicated. So lets try and keep things simple. Pet Plans fall into three basic groups. The first limits the amount paid per condition; the second limits the total paid annually; and the third and usually cheaper, but only suitable for one-off emergencies, limits the claim to per condition per 12 months. Not too good for diabetes!

So faced with all this choice what should you look out for?

Here's 10 key questions to ask:

• Are claims covered annually or on a “per condition” basis?

• If the cover is “per condition”, what is the time limit?

• What is the excess per claim?

• Find out if your breed of pet is susceptible to any hereditary condition and whether the plan will cover that. For dogs you'll find information about hereditary conditions at www.the-kennel-club.org.uk and for cats try www.petplanet.co.uk/petplanet/breeds/cats-breeds

• What is the £ limit on vets' fees?

• Does the insurance plan cover the cost of advertising and rewards if you pet is lost or stolen?

• If you are in hospital does the insurance cover kennel or cattery fees? Some plans will payout after the owner has been in hospital for a minimum number of days.

• Is your dog covered for third party liability? Remember, if your dog causes damage or injury you personally, could be liable for damages.

• If you pet has to have urgent surgery shortly before you are due to go on holiday, will the plan pay your holiday cancellation costs?

• Does the plan make a payout if your pet dies?

Where can you find this information? Surprisingly, vets are not always that helpful. They normally carry details of one or two plans but are rarely up to date with the pet insurance market generally. Not surprising really with all the developments in veterinary treatments to keep abreast of! No, the Internet is the best source of information. Search for pet, dog or cat insurance and you'll find all the information you need. It might take you an hour or so to search out the answers to the key questions but it will be worth it in the end.