Has your pup’s tail ever been closed in a door, or have you discovered ticks on your gorgeous long-haired cat?  What would you do if you found a dog in a parked car on a warm day (anything above 70°F is considered too warm to living an animal in)? How about if your terrier looks more like a bulldog from swelling caused by a bee sting or snake bite?  Bandaging, removing parasites and treating heat stroke and upset tummies are basic Pet First-Aid skills every pet parent should possess.

April is National Pet First-Aid Awareness Month, and although it is a topic pet parents should have on their minds year-round, this is a great time to make sure you are PAWpared with both great skills and an up-to-date kit. Although veterinarians are the experts, most of us are not lucky enough to have a vet velcroed to our hip 24/7.  Even if you live with 5 people in your home, odds are that when the cat stops breathing or the dog cuts his paw…you will be home alone and it will be after veterinary hours.  To be a pro-active pet parent, you MUST know how to rescue Rover or help Fluffy feel better BEFORE professional medical care is available.  What happens in those first few moments after the onset of injury or illness, can truly make a difference in your best friend’s recovery.

Preventable accidents are the leading cause of death among pets, and according to the American Veterinary Association (AVMA) 9 out of 10 dogs and cats can expect to have an emergency during their lifetime.  Do you know how to stay calm and jump to the task?

By knowing Pet First Aid, you can:
•    Lower your pet’s body temperature to prevent brain damage or death.
•    Minimize blood loss and prevent infection by properly bandaging a wound. Knowing where the critical arterial pressure points are on your pooch or kitty can be a lifesaver!
•    Alleviate choking with the doggie or kitty Heimlich-like maneuver.
•    Expel poison from your pet’s system by properly inducing vomiting.
•    Be the pump your pet’s heart can’t be, moving life-giving blood and oxygen throughout his body, until you can get him to professional medical help.
Pet First-Aid is by no means a replacement for veterinary care, and CPR (now Cardio Pulmonary Cerebral Resuscitation) is not a cure, but both can make a difference in the life of your pet.  Knowing these skills helps you work as a team with your veterinarian to help you best friend live a longer, happier, healthier life by your side.

This month, even before you get into a Pet First-Aid & CPCR Class, please do the following for your dog or cat’s sake:
1.    Down on all fours
Look at life from your dog’s perspective.  What appears as a neatly kept room from a 5’ 6” to 6’ 2” viewpoint is a completely different scenario 7” (Chihuahua) to 14” (Old English Bulldog) off the floor.  If it’s in paws reach, it’s fair game for even the most obedient canine.  Add to that their incredible sniffers! As humans we rarely notice the sweet aroma coming from our morning coffee, yet dogs can detect a spoonful of sugar in an Olympic-sized pool of water!  If it smells good, they might investigate more closely and that includes shelves, behind doors and countertops.  Cleaners and fertilizers not absorbed through paw pads will be ingested when your dog grooms himself, so take note of what you put on floors and the yard, choosing only pet friendly chemicals.

2.    Head-to-Tail check
Look your dog over from head-to-tail every week feeling for lumps and bumps. Notice if his skin his dry, his coat dull or shiny, if there is evidence of parasites (flea dirt or the actual critters), burrs or foxtails.  Anything you find early (especially a lump) may prevent a nightmare from occurring, so bring it to your veterinarian’s attention at onset.  Know your pet’s baseline vitals and pay attention to what he looks like when he stands/sits and how often he asks to go out. The more quickly you spot something ‘not quite right,’ the better chance of fixing it.  Never miss annual vet exams as each calendar year is equal to almost 7 years in the life of your dog, meaning a lot can change.

3.    Pet First-Aid Kit
Just like a carpenter or plumber, pet owners must have the right tool for the job.  So that you are prepared to bandage a wound, pull a tick or soothe an upset tummy, at the very least, have the following items on hand in an easily accessible place:
•    3% Hydrogen Peroxide to induce vomiting
•    Eye Wash (saline or purified water)
•    4″ X 4″ Gauze Squares and Gauze Roll
•    Adhesive Tape of Self-adhering Bandage
•    Cold Pack
•    Antibiotic Ointment
•    Needle-less Syringe or Eye Dropper
•    Digital Thermometer (dogs normally run 100.4°-102.5° F)
•    Styptic Powder to stop bleeding toe nails
•    Scissors & Tweezers
•    Antihistamine & Antacid Tablets
•    Portable Water Bowl, Bottled Water & Electrolytes
•    Leash to wrangle or muzzle a pet (flat faced breeds require a special muzzle)
•    Towel or Blanket to wrap an unruly puppy or use as a stretcher
•    Phone Numbers/Addresses of your Veterinarian & Animal ER
•    Pet First-Aid Handbook

4.    Animal ER
Drive there before you need to, so that you know where to enter, what services are offered and how they accept payment.  Don’t just program the number into your cell. When you have an ill or injured pet, you want to know which side of the street it is on and where the closest entrance is.

5.    Quality Time Daily
Pets are part of the family!  That’s why we bring them into our hearts and homes, so unplug from electronics when you take Rover on a walk, don’t mindlessly pet Fluffy while you’re reading a book. Animals are in the moment with us.  Give your best friend the same courtesy.  He’ll love you even more for it!

Denise Fleck is an award winning author and freelance writer.  After extensive training, practice, more training and more practice, she developed her own Pet First-Aid & CPCR curriculum and has been teaching animal life-saving skills for 16 years with many success stories to share.  Additionally, she developed a 5-month Animal Care course for high school students in conjunction with the Burbank Unified School District and Animal Shelter.  She has demonstrated animal life-saving skills on CBS –TV’s “The Doctors,” Animal Planet’s “Pit Boss,” “Kirstie Alley’s Big Life” and other shows and is emBARKing on a 10,000 mile Southern U.S. Pet Safety Tour this Fall.  Visit www.sunnydogink.com to find out if she’ll be stopping in a city near YOU!

While providing your pet an indoor sanctuary is an obvious solution to avoiding chilly weather, losing out on some of the season’s fun outdoor time can make for a bored little friend. To keep your pet happy (and their less-than-savory habits to a minimum), here are a few tips to help you create a comfy (cleanable) space for your pet.

Safety is #1

With your pet roaming indoors, safety is a top priority.

• House Plants: Many animals use vegetation as a natural digestion aid. But, because of the toxicity of certain plants, it’s important to make sure that all of your indoor vegetation is pet-safe.
• Kitchen cupboards: Similar to humans, pets will eat out of boredom. Overfeeding is bad for any animal, so investing in childproof-like latches for cabinets will ward off any unwanted snacking.
• Medications: Keep all medications out of reach of even the most determined climber.
• Electrical Wires: Pets like to chew, so it’s important to keep electrical cables tidy and out of the way of any potential gnawing.

Cut down on cleaning.

While pets place great importance on their own cleanliness, your floors and furniture are less of a priority. Without fail, sticks, shredded chew toys and even trophies of recent hunting expeditions will end up in your home. To avoid constant cleanup (and unwanted smells), ensure your home’s entrances are pet-friendly (tile and wood are easily cleaned and scent resistant). Furniture is an additional battle between many pets and their owners. While training works wonders, a favorite chair or sofa is sometimes too tempting for certain pets. To cut down on cleaning (and reupholstering costs), consider a protective covering for your pet’s cherished napping spot.

Keep them comfortable.

During colder months, many domestic animals save additional energy by sleeping more. To keep your pet comfortable (and out of trouble) during chilly weather, arrange several warm blankets in a comfy space and let them settle in. Having a nest for your pet gives them a space of their own.

Find ways to keep them excited.

Pets love new toys. The more distractions you can provide, the better chance you have of keeping idle paws occupied and out of trouble.

Conclusion

A long winter can be trying for both you and your pet. But, with a little thought and a dash of effort, your home can be transformed into a safe and stimulating haven from harsh weather.

Written contribution by Andrea Davis, Home Advisor.

During the next few months of chilly weather, you’ll want to make sure to have a cozy place in your for your pets to rest and relax. Here are eight tips to keep your pets out of the cold (and out of trouble), during the winter season:

#1 Pets don’t care if it’s cute. Keep it functional.

Yes, maybe the fancy tousled couch is adorable, but remember to keep your pet’s comfort in mind when choosing their bed. Make sure that when you buy bedding it’s easily washable or replaceable. Also, keep in mind small pieces and beading can be serious choking hazards and should be avoided.

#2 Make sure the area can be cleaned.

While your pet is permanent, their bedding doesn’t have to be. When you spring for a wintertime den, make sure it doesn’t get in the way of cleaning up accidents or any other pet related messes. Professional help is also sometimes necessary to make sure stains (and smells) don’t hang around longer than they need too.

#3 Keep the temperature in mind.

Plush, fuzzy fabrics might be nice for humans, but your pets may feel differently. If your animal has longer hair or prefers colder climates, a bundle of old comforters might make them too toasty. Also, check your thermostat to make sure your home isn’t too hot–your animals don’t like sweating any more than you do.

#4 Safety first.

When choosing a cozy area for your pet, safety should be a primary concern. Avoid leaving things like cords and small chewable items near your pet’s bed. Also, depending on the size of your furry friend, open windows can be a serious hazard as well. Likewise, make sure your animal’s bedding isn’t blocked off and offers a clear escape route in case of fire.

#5 Pets like privacy.

After a long day tending to their human, your pet likes a little “me time” just like anybody else.  When crafting your animal’s bed, make sure it offers privacy from the rest of the family (especially other pets).

#6 Consider your pet’s personality.

They may not be able to tell you, but your pet has preferences as well. If your fuzzy friend enjoys cozy, snug places, provide one. If they prefer a cooler environment, cut a piece of linoleum to line their bed or remove the excess of blankets and pillows in their space.

#7 Use safe materials.

Whatever you use to design your pet’s living area, it’s likely to get wet, chewed on, scratched and rubbed. Make sure the material is up to the potential damage. If a fabric shreds and can get eaten, it’s not appropriate for a pet area. Likewise, remember that colors can bleed and you don’t want your pets to come into contact with the potentially toxic paint or dye.

#8 Mix it up.

Because your pet’s area is generally small, it’s easy to change seasonally. Snuggly fabrics will make a pet’s bed perfect for winter and more lightweight bedding will keep them cool in the summer. Depending on your pet’s habits, their area can become an eyesore. Adding pillows that match the color of the furniture or a blanket that blends with the living room will take some of the focus away from the mayhem that can occasionally become your pet’s personal hangout.

Written contribution by Andrea Davis, Home Advisor.

The holiday season brings a lot of festivity and excitement. It makes the winter season even more enjoyable and fun for everyone. Have your pets enjoy the holidays with you and keep them safe at the same time. Here are some tips:

#1 Keep them healthy

It is important to ensure pets are kept inside to stay healthy. Small pets particularly need more attention in this regard. Make sure that their resting places are relaxing and only go outside when necessary.

#2 Make sure they’re warm

You may use towels or warm blankets to keep your pet warm. Also, assess your pet’s health and look for any possible signs of cold that would need immediate action. These include sneezing, wheezing, coughing, becoming overly lazy, refusing to eat, and so forth.

#3 Give them attention over the holiday

You must ensure that with your busy holiday planning, you do not forget to make time for your pets. Even if you cannot spend a lot of time with them, have the family take turns petting and loving on your dog or cat.

#4 Schedule time in the day for play

Dogs love to play. Depending on the weather, plan activities in the house to keep them active and happy. Play fetch at small distances with your dog and let it play with small objects like a ball or a toy.

#5 Give them holiday treats

In addition, it is a good idea to reward your pets with little treats to make them happy. Remember the holidays are a festive occasion for all so you must ensure that your pets join in and are kept happy and active.

#6 Avoid harmful foods

When you’re preparing holiday meals, make sure to keep some of the dangerous foods for pets away from them. Store them in the refrigerator when you’re not using them or in a pantry that’s not easy to open with paws. There are a variety of foods that are bad for pets, including chocolate, chicken bones, grapes, onions and macadamia nuts.

Written contribution by Andrea Davis, Home Advisor.

Winter is coming around the corner quickly, which means it’s time to start planning a winter warmth strategy for your pets. Here are some tips to keep your pets safe and secure through the frigid months ahead:

#1 Stay inside!

Keep your pets inside as much as possible. Dogs will need to go out to do their business from time to time; otherwise, keep them warm and cozy inside. When taking your dogs outside, bundle them up in warm clothing — sweaters, mittens, hats, etc. — just like you would your children. Many pets are sensitive to the cold — and more susceptible breeds are prone to hypothermia and frostbite.

#2 Protect paws from salt and other damage.

Sidewalks and roads will sometimes be covered in salt, which your pets will likely trudge through as well. This chemical can irritate the pads of their feet. Be sure to wipe it from their paws as you’re coming into the house, before long-term damage can occur. Also check their paws for other cold weather injuries, such as bleeding or lameness caused by ice. Cut risk by clipping the hair in-between their toes.

#3 Know pet limits.

Dogs’ limits will vary depending on their coat, body fat, activity levels and general health. Dogs — especially older dogs — require shorter walks in the cold weather. Long-haired dogs can handle the cold better than short-haired pets, just like long-legged pets can get through the snow faster than short-legged pets. Pet suffering from any kind of disease will have a harder time regulating their body temperature and should not remain outside for long.

#4 Look for signs of cold-related diseases.

If your pets:

• Whine
• Shiver
• Slow down or stop moving
• Seem anxious
• Try to burrow

They are probably starting to show signs of hypothermia and need to be taken inside immediately. It’s harder to detect frostbite in dogs, but if you suspect it, head to the vet right away.

#5 Provide choices

Just like during the summer, your pets will look for comfortable places to sleep — and it may not be on the bed that you gave them. In the winter, they’re going to search for places of warmth. For dogs, consider putting a blanket on the floor near a screened in fireplace. Remember to make sure the fireplace is well-guarded by a screen and that pets do not get too close. For cats, consider placing a plush blanket or towel on the couch or atop the mantel, depending on its height and width.

Written contribution by Andrea Davis, Home Advisor.

“Hello! I would like to thank your organization immensely for introducing my husband and I to our two little loved ones, Artie and Ella. With the recent passing of my husband’s 17 year old Golden Retriever, we knew it would take some time and a lot of research before we were ready to adopt. I signed up to receive emails about any puppies available for adoption near us and up popped Artie and Ella. We knew we wanted to adopt a mixed breed and these little ones were Husky/German Shepherd mixes (at least that’s what we think) and were perfect! We emailed the rescue Monday morning and were able to adopt them on Tuesday evening! It’s been fun and challenging raising these two but we wouldn’t change it for the world. They are now in training classes and are very smart! We’re in agility classes and basic obedience. Artie acts more like a Husky while Ella has the temperament of a German. People would stop us on the street to ask where we got them and we would always say Adoptapet.com! Thank you again, here are a couple cute photos :)” — Even more photos below!

Thanks Kate C. for sending us your Happy Beginnings adoption story and photos!

We’d love to hear your Happy Beginnings story too! Send your pet adoption story to info@cms.adoptapet.com with a photo or two, and tell us how Adopt-a-Pet.com helped you with your adoption. Thank you for adopting a pet and saving a life!

Our pets enjoy our backyards as much as we do, whether they’re digging, running or laying in the grass on a sunny day. So, here are some quick and easy yard maintenance tips to help you keep your entire family yard-happy — the furry and the non-furry alike!

#1 Manicure it.

Give your lawn a deep manicure before you even think about mowing it. Just like the underside of your nails, your lawn can accumulate a lot of nasty stuff. Have dead grass and leaves piled up over the last few months? Remove them with a rake or another gardening tool. Manicuring rejuvenates your lawn and helps it to grow without any obstructions.

Inclement weather and pet use can pack soil down. So, you should also think about aerating the lawn to freshen and feed the earth. The cost to aerate a lawn is about $120, depending on its square footage. You can also do it yourself, though professional equipment is proven to better move the soil.

#2 Mow it.

Once you’ve spruced up the surface of your lawn, it’s time to mow it. Too-tall grass makes it difficult for dogs to move around, and too-short grass is susceptible to damage. So, aim for grass about 1/2 inch high, unless you’re working with a newly seeded lawn. In that case, you’ll want to give it more room to grow — keeping the length at about 3/4 inch until it’s settled. Want to put those grass clippings to good use? Dogs love to roll around in them. And they also work well as a natural garden mulch.

#3 Weed it.

To keep weeds from growing back quickly, pull them up from their roots. Many weeds and plants are potentially harmful to pets — including surprising varieties such as daylilies, daffodils, foxglove and morning glory. Closely monitor your pets to make sure they don’t eat poisonous plants when they’re outside. Even when you think you’ve eradicated anything harmful, pets are mysteriously good at finding the things you may have missed.

#4 Soak it.

Give your lawn a thorough soaking to keep it fresh and green. Water plants, trees, shrubs and garden areas while hosing down any problem areas in your lawn. If you’re pressed for time or live in an area prone to drought, consider installing a sprinkler system. A sprinkler system is a good investment because you can time it to water early in the morning, when there’s less water evaporation, and also schedule watering in accordance with your county’s water schedule. Plus, watering early gives your lawn more time to dry off before you let the pets out to play.

#5 Hardscape it.

Don’t forget about the hardscape areas in your backyard — rock beds, gravel pathways, stepping stones, etc. If they’re looking worse for wear, fix them up. Your backyard may be a playground, but you’ll have to teach your pets to leave certain areas alone if you want to keep it looking good.

#6 Leave it to the pros.

If you don’t have time for all of this maintenance, you can always get a lawn and garden care professional to come out to your home. This affords you more time to spend with your family and pets. Plus, if there is a major problem in your backyard — patches in your grass, pests in the garden, etc. — a professional has the experience and the equipment to resolve it quickly.

Written contribution by Andrea Davis, Home Advisor.

“I just want to say thank you to your organization for helping to connect me to my new pet dog Abigail. She is beautiful and an amazing animal. She is still acclimating to her new home but I absolutely love her. She looks around and is hesitant to approach anything but I keep telling her, “Yes baby, this is your home, these are your toys, this is your blanket, no more shelter and no more sharing. Everything here is yours.”

I had been looking for a dog to adopt for a few months when I came across Adopt-a-Pet.com on the internet in Oct 2014. I received numerous notices regarding available pets. I went to the shelters to spend time with the dogs when possible but none were quite right for me. I believed (in my heart) that something would click and I would immediately know MY dog. And that’s exactly what happened. I received a notice in September 2015 on a Tuesday, went to the shelter on Thursday and brought her home on Friday. My search took almost a year but my new pet was indeed worth the wait. Thank you again Adopt-a-Pet.com. I am attaching a few pictures of my Beautiful Abigail.”

We’d love to hear your Happy Beginnings story too! Send your pet adoption story to info@cms.adoptapet.com with a photo or two, and tell us how Adopt-a-Pet.com helped you with your adoption. Thank you for adopting a pet and saving a life!