Good Behavior…
The Need for Reinforcement Training

Much like children, dogs must be taught the difference between good and bad behavior. Without proper guidance from owners, dogs can become a handful and may even wind up in a local humane shelter. In fact, the majority of dogs turned over to shelters are due to behavioral issues. Such dogs are harder to find homes because prospective owners would need to spend time and effort on behavior correction.

Unfortunately these dogs are not to blame for their particular predicaments. Instead, it is the owners who are accountable for properly caring for their dogs. Proper behavior correction is a large part of that responsibility. Especially from a young age, pets should be trained to adhere to the basics of good behavior. Remember, your special pet is a dog, not a person and does not understand our pleading for good behavior. They must be shown proper behavior and have consistency in what we tell them is good or bad.

Use reinforcement training for:
· Aggression
· Barking
· Digging
· Escaping
· House-training

Too many good dogs are given up to shelters because owners were unable to provide proper reinforcement training. If your dog is displaying undesirable traits in their behavior, remember that it is never too late to properly train them. Contact a trainer or make a visit to your local library to learn more about effective training.

Pets as Presents

As the holidays approach, many people begin to consider giving puppies, kittens, and other pets as presents. While receiving a pet as a gift can always be exciting, it is important for the gift giver to ensure their loved one can properly care for their new addition.

Time & Money

Pets come with responsibility and their care and training can be costly. Make sure whomever you present a pet to can afford veterinary bills and day-to-day expenses like food, toys, and shelter. Also make certain your loved one has the time available to properly train a new pet, if need be.

Shelter Pets

Before purchasing a puppy or kitten from a breeder, consider finding a suitable pet in one of your local shelters. Many adult dogs and cats are already trained and just waiting for a caring home of which to be a part. Make sure, however, that your loved one is prepared to take in such a companion and the responsibility that goes with it.

Pets’ Needs

Avoid surprising someone with a pet who hasn’t recently expressed a desire for such a gift. Many people are allergic to different types of animals and your ‘thoughtful’ gift may have to find a new home. So take care when purchasing a pet to give as a present and remember that these animals have needs, just like us.

Diabetes in Cats

Information on Symptoms and Treatments

This month is National Diabetes Awareness Month and a great reminder for owners to educate themselves on diabetes in cats. Like humans, cats are susceptible to both Type I and Type II Diabetes. However, the majority of feline diabetics have Type II Diabetes.

Diagnosis can be made by your veterinarian through blood and urine tests. High glucose levels are usually an indication of Diabetes; however, cats can exhibit this as a stress reaction. (A Serum Fructosamine test can help further diagnosis.) Problems with Type II Diabetic cats can usually be treated with strict dieting and weight loss.

Many cats are diagnosed with Diabetes because their owners notice a weakness in the cat’s rear legs. However, it’s important to know if your cat is at a higher risk for Diabetes before they begin displaying Diabetic signs.

Higher risks in felines include:

• Cats Over 6 Years (Majority 8-13 Years)
• Cats Over 15lbs.
• Neutered Male Cats

Even with Type II Diabetes, cats can recover enough from the condition to lead fruitful lives. Although they will continue to require special attention, these felines can still be a delightful and happy member of your family.

Animal Poison Control…

Protecting Pets from Household Dangers

Every year, numerous pets become ill and some even die from ingesting hazardous materials. Many of these poisonous items are present in the average household and their consumption can be easily prevented. However, even with attentive owners, mischievous pets have a tendency to locate these potentially harmful articles.

Below are some common household items which can pose a threat to your pet:

Alcohol	Iron	Rodenticides
Avocados	Mistletoe	Sago Palms
Batteries	Mothballs	Snail and Slug Bait
Chocolate	Wild Mushrooms	Systemic Insecticides
Fruits	Chives, Garlic, Onions	Yeast Dough

If you’re concerned a companion may have been poisoned, take rapid – yet calm – steps to get your pet the treatment they need. Foremost, collect the offending item, the container with label, and anything your pet may have vomited up. Having these materials on hand can tremendously help your vet or toxicologist identify what has poisoned your companion.

If your pet is having difficultly breathing, seizures, losing consciousness or unconscious, immediately call ahead and then take them to your vet or nearest animal emergency center. Otherwise, you can call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) which offers consultation to pet owners who believe their animals have been poisoned. They charge $55 for the service, but this hotline could mean life or death to your family pet.