pets

During the holidays, a pet owner may forget that changes in routine and activities can make your furry companion anxious and uneasy, which could leave both of you feeling, well, less than festive.   Giving your pet a little extra time and attention may help ease the stress for you and your best friend.

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You may notice there is no pet in this picture of the Menorrah.  Our furry friends should not be near lit candles or open flames.  Keeping your pet safe during Hanukkah will help to ensure that all family members enjoy the holiday, including the four-footed ones.

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Pets like to be at the center of all the family activities, but at Christmas time, there are dangers lurking amidst the fun and decorations!

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The dramatic rescue of a horse that miraculously survived the raging California wildfire by stumbling into a back yard swimming pool is one amazing victory to be celebrated.  But so many animals - and humans - that survived the devastation are injured or homeless or both.  As we prepare for the Thanksgiving holiday this coming week, remember to be grateful for all who are willing to pitch in, rescue and provide care.

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Some people may have a negative attitude toward animal shelters, but for homeless dogs and cats a shelter may be their only refuge from hunger, fear and unforgiving elements.  If you have the chance, say "thank you" to a shelter worker for caring about these often forgotten animals.

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In my personal experience, I have enjoyed the companionship of an elderly dog who lived to be age 19, and a senior cat who lived to be over 20.  I know just how special older pets can be.  The Facebook page banner for  the Grey Muzzle Organization says, "Blessed is the person who has earned the love of an old dog."  Find out for yourself.  Adopt a senior pet this month!

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Chi Chi, found in a trash bag in a dumpster, is the 2018 Hero Dog of the Year!  The competition included more than 260 brave dogs nominated for the award.  Over a million votes were cast in favor of this brave canine hero who has overcome so much in her young life and still has such a great attitude!

Most dogs like to chew on things, so we offer a substitute to our shoes and furniture by giving them doggie chew toys.  But find the right alternative that protects your belongings and also is safe for your best friend.  The  nylon chew bone pictured here caused digestive problems for my friend's sweet little dog.

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Adopting a dog from a shelter or rescue group saves that animal's life and changes yours for the better in ways you cannot imagine.  And it will make a space in the shelter to give another dog a chance to find a home!

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Sure it feels good to scratch an itch, but in a pet it could be a sign of a flea problem.  While it's important to keep your pet healthy (and that includes keeping fleas and ticks away), consult with your veterinarian about the best and safest products to use on and around your furry friend.

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Rabies is prevented, by vaccinating animals that come in contact with humans.  If it's been a while since your pet was vaccinated  make an appointment with your veterinarian this week.   

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You can put together an emergency kit for your pet in a hurry.  Most of what you need will fit in a plastic zip bag.  Food and necessary medications are at the top of the list.  And - some folks might pack their best friend's rain gear!

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It's true - a pet can make wherever you live feel like home.  That feeling of comfort and familiarity is born from a relationship that develops over time.  If you have been listening to Alabama Public Radio for a while, maybe it's time to make a contribution.  Welcome home!

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Keeping your pet happy, healthy and safe should always be part of your holiday plans, and Labor Day is no exception.    The idea is to enjoy sharing the celebration with your best friend, not rushing your furry buddy to the emergency vet clinic!

The 2018 Hero Dog Awards seek to find and recognize dogs who help people in many important ways. Dogs are nominated in one of seven categories: Service Dogs, Emerging Hero Dogs, Law Enforcement/Arson Dogs, Therapy Dogs, Military Dogs, Guide/Hearing Dogs, Search and Rescue Dogs.

The Emerging Hero category honors the partnership that often develops between human and dog. Some of these animals are trained in such areas as detection of diseases such as cancer; others are just pets who, without any special training, instinctively assist their human companions, and some are overcomers who have triumphed over adversity in an extraordinary way.      

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The 2018 Hero Dog Awards seek to find and recognize dogs who help people in many important ways. Dogs are nominated in one of seven categories: Service Dogs, Emerging Hero Dogs, Law Enforcement/ Arson Dogs, Therapy Dogs, Military Dogs, Guide/Hearing Dogs, Search and Rescue Dogs.

A Guide Dog is trained to lead, follow commands, ignore distractions, and even disobey a command that would put its human partner in danger. The human also must be trained on how to handle the dog and how to be a good leader of the team. A Hearing Dog is specially trained to alert its deaf owner to sounds we all take for granted. Unlike a Guide Dog that must be of a certain body size in order to lead a person, a Hearing Dog can be large or small, pure-bred or mixed breed. Many are shelter animals who are determined to have the intelligence and temperament to serve as a Hearing Dog. It is a perfect blending of needs - deaf individuals have the opportunity to live an independent life, and dogs who may literally die for lack of homes are given a purpose and owners that will love and care for them. Guide dogs and hearing dogs are living examples of the trust bond between human and animal.

In the world of Search and Rescue operations, dogs have a very special place.  Their keen sense of smell, excellent night vision, extremely sensitive hearing and endurance have made them crucial in efforts to locate people or animals who are missing or trapped.  They truly are life savers!

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The 2018 Hero Dog Awards seek to find and recognize dogs who help people in many important ways.  Dogs are nominated in one of seven categories:  Service Dogs, Emerging Hero Dogs, Law Enforcement/Arson Dogs, Therapy Dogs, Military Dogs, Search and Rescue Dogs, Guide/Hearing Dogs. 

Interacting with an animal can be very theraputic for humans. While other animals can be great therapy animals, dogs really excel in helping humans who are going through a difficult or troubling time. A certified Therapy Dog can make a significant contribution to many treatment programs.

Dogs began helping our military forces as early as World War I, but it wasn't until World War II that the Army established its first K-9 Corps. They serve as scouts, detection specialists for explosives, and assist on guard duty to protect US service men and women around the world. Nowadays, dogs have their own military service records and can be awarded commendations for outstanding service. It is not possible to count the number of lives military dogs have saved, sometimes at the extreme cost of their own. The Military Dog category seeks to recognize the dedication and valor of these extraordinary animals.

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The 2018 Hero Dog Awards seek to find and recognize dogs who help people in many important ways. Dogs are nominated in one of seven categories: Service Dogs, Law Enforcement/Arson Dogs, Therapy Dogs, Military Dogs, Search and Rescue Dogs, Guide/Hearing Dogs, and Emerging Hero Dogs.

The Service Dog category includes animals that assist people with disabilities other than sight and hearing. Most have received special training.

Law Enforcement dogs include what we often think of as police dogs, animals specially trained to patrol, search buildings, track criminals, and to detect drugs, narcotics and explosive devices.  Arson dogs are animals trained to sniff out accelerants that may have been used to start a fire.      

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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration  is investigating a possible link between incidents of canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs and extended consumption of "grain-free" dog food, after several reports from veterinarians.  

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Not only is chaining (or tethering) considered inhumane and unsafe for animals, it is illegal in more than 20 states and the District of Columbia.

One of the best ways to keep your pet safe is to keep your home safe.  And often, one of the best ways to keep your home safe may be to keep your pet from dangerous situations that could cause a fire!

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Being outside on a sunny summer day may seem like a great idea, but hot humid weather can be dangerous for our furry friends.  Your four-legged companion depends on you to keep it safe and healthy in the sweltering summer heat.

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We love to include our pets in our celebrations, but this is one time they might be better off at home.  Loud, noisy fireworks are not fun for your furry friend.  Add the summer heat and the dangers in some of the holiday foods, and including your pet might not be the best choice.

Chubbs, a Himalayan mix estimated to be about 10 years old, was grossly overweight.  His long fur was so matted it seemed to be painful for him, and much of it had to be shaved (or cut) off.  Perhaps he was never brushed, or he was just too large to groom himself.  

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Take Your Dog To Work Day is always celebrated on the Friday after Father's Day.  It tops off  Take Your Pet To Work Week, all created and supported by Pet Sitters International to celebrate dogs as great companions and encourage adoptions of homeless pets.

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A happy dog sitting in a car, hoping to go for a ride - what is wrong with this picture?  Nothing really, if the human makes sure the pet can ride safely, and does not leave the animal alone in the car, even for a few minutes.  

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What is it about boxes that cats love so much?  They are good places to hide, snooze, relax - and it doesn't have to be roomy.  Facebook is full of videos of cats scrunching and snuggling down into unbelievably small containers.   If you want to entertain your feline friend, just find a clean empty box.

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A military or war dog can be a soldier's greatest asset and the enemy's worst nightmare.  They are loyal, intelligent,  and they have an average accuracy rate of 98% in sniffing out bombs, gas, drugs and enemy forces.   It's no wonder that most of them are adopted by former handlers when they retire!

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Hugging a pet may not do much for the animal, but it sure can bring the human a great feeling of companionship and comfort.  If you have a pet that likes to be hugged, you have a special friend!