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Resources & Tips
Is your child ready for a pet?
Caring for a pet can be a rewarding, character building experience for a child. However a pet is also a major commitment and so first there are many things to consider. How would getting a pet impact ALL members of your household? You will be involved in the pet’s care to a large degree, but you must be prepared for the possibility that you’ll end up being the primary caretaker of the pet. It is important to make sure that you choose a pet that fits with your family’s lifestyle. Also consider the financial commitment. Food, toys and veterinary expenses can add up. Next consider your child’s age. It is best to wait until your child is at least 4 years old. Not only do children this age understand cause and effect (if I pull the cat’s tail he WILL scratch me), they are also better able to read the pets body language and know when the pet is angry, scared or happy. This greatly reduces the chance of your child being hurt by the pet. Still you will need to monitor your child’s interactions with the pet. Also very young children may have undiagnosed allergies to pet dander. Does your child really want a pet? Maybe last week he wanted a gerbil and this week is convinced that he needs a pet snake. Depending on his age you may ask him to research the kind of pet he wants and write down some facts about its care. If your child is very young you may do this together. Give your child some simple chores and let him know that if he shows enough responsibility, then the family will get a pet. Make sure your child understands that your family will be ADOPTING a pet and not just PURCHASING it. You’ve probably bought many toys at wal-mart that were his favorite for a week and have since been under the bed. Make sure that your child understands that a pet is a commitment that can last 15 years or more. How much your child will be able to care for the pet depends on his age. Young children may be able to assist in grooming the pet. If you have a dog you may want to attach two leashes to its collar so your child can walk the dog along with you. Children 6 and up will be able to assist with feeding the pet. Try putting a calendar in your child’s room to remind them when their pet needs to be fed. Make sure that the food is kept in a container that will be easy for them to open. Children 10 and up can assist with the more unpleasant task of cleaning up after the pet. It is important that they understand that these things are a part of pet ownership. If your pet is a dog it may be fun for your child to take the dog to an obedience class. Everyone has fond memories of their childhood pet. Taking care of another living thing teaches a child that we humans are responsible for nature and its creatures. When your family is ready, adopting a pet can bring a lot of happiness to your home.
Lost and FoundIF YOU LOSE YOUR PET: When your pet is lost, it is important to act quickly. The first thing to do is to walk around your neighborhood calling your pets name. Put up flyers with a picture of your pet and note any distinctive markings. The text on the flyer should be large enough for drivers to see as they pass. Offering even a small reward will get every kid in the neighborhood involved. As you post the flyers, look for any flyers advertising found pets. Call local shelters. This includes:
Call local veterinarians.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU FIND A PET: Check to see if the animal has tags. If the tags list a veterinarian, call and have them look up the id number. If they include vaccination information but no phone number, call the county shelter and have them look up the id number on the tag. Check to see if the animal has a tattoo. This would usually be on the abdomen, inner thigh or ear. Call a local vet and see if they or another vet can do a free scan for a microchip. If found, this should provide the info you need to return the animal to its home. Put up east to read signs at the entrances to your neighborhood. Don’t forget to check for lost posters that the owner may have already put up. Place a found ad in the local paper. Call local shelters to place a report. This includes:
Also call local veterinarians. Home for the Holidays
Choosing a pet is a very personal decision and one that comes with a lot of added responsibility and cost. Pets can live up to 20 years and require food, toys and medical attention. Families need to consider what kind of pet will fit their lifestyle. Puppies are cute but require almost constant attention, training, and tons of exercise. A cat or an older dog might be a better choice for many people. Many shelters offer gift certificates. Consider giving a stuffed animal with a gift certificate for a real one. This way the person can choose an animal that they feel a personal connection with. Also, its best not to bring home a new pet in the midst of the holiday confusion. All the hustle and bustle can confuse the animal and will not allow you to bond with your new pet. Waiting until after the holidays will allow your new pet to adjust to you and to your home. You may also consider making a donation in honor of someone as a holiday gift. This is perfect for the animal lover on your list who may not be quite ready for a pet.
Disaster Planning
Pets should NEVER be left outside during a storm. Storms are frightening to pets, especially hurricanes. When the barometer drops it can be painful to pets due to their sensitive hearing abilities. Also being alone and terrified during the long hours it takes a hurricane to pass can leave a pet emotionally scarred for a long time. Remember, if it is dangerous for you to stay then it is also dangerous for your pet. Plan your evacuation strategy and don’t forget your pet! Specialized pet shelters, animal control shelters, veterinary clinics and friends and relatives out of harms way are ALL potential refuges for your pet during a disaster. Remember that animals brought to a pet shelter are required to have proper identification collar and rabies tags, a carrier or cage, an ample supply of food and food bowls, any necessary medications, and newspapers or trash bags for clean up. The JASPCA in conjunction with Charleston County and the City of North Charleston will open its Emergency Disaster Shelter for People and their Pets in the event that a mandatory evacuation is issued by Charleston County. The disaster shelter should be considered as a last resort. The SPCA wants the animal guardians in mandatory evacuation areas to understand that they must leave the area and they must take their pets with them. Only one guardian per family of pets will be allowed to stay at the shelter. Owners will be required to bring supplies for themselves and their pets. When you return home, walk pets on a leash until they become re-oriented to their home. Familiar scents and landmarks could be altered and pets could easily be confused and become lost. Also, downed power lines, reptiles brought in with high water, and debris could all pose a threat for animals after a disaster. Following a disaster, if you are unable to locate your pet, visit your neighbors and ask them to keep an eye out. Contact your local animal control officer, contact Pet Helpers, your local SPCA and all your local veterinarians. Place an ad in the classified section of your local paper and put up flyers with a picture of your pet. Remember that when cats are frightened, they feel more secure in small enclosed spaces. A cat may stay in hiding for several days. Owners who can’t find their cats, even for several days, should not give up. Cats are extremely territorial and chances are a missing cat has not gone far. Even if your home has been destroyed, the cat may stay nearby. If you have had to move out of your home following a disaster, return each day to leave food and water and try to call your pet. Remember your pet is totally dependent on you for its protection and care. Plan ahead and keep them safe! Pet Friendly Hotels Best Western Inns 1-800-528-1234
Pets Need Dentists Too!
But pets can’t hold a toothbrush. That’s where you come in! Take your pet for a dental cleaning once a year. Hand instruments are used to clean hard to reach areas, and an instrument that produces a very high frequency is often used to remove plaque from the surface of the teeth. The teeth are then polished smooth. Your pet may also receive a fluoride treatment to harden the teeth. Because of the instruments involved, this treatment is usually done under general anesthesia. At home, regular brushing will improve your pet’s dental health. However, don’t use human toothpaste! It can cause serious stomach problems for your pet. Special enzyme-based toothpastes are made specifically for pets. Also look for C.E.T. Chews for both dogs and cats. These help dissolve plaque on your pets teeth. Look after your pet’s smile! They will thank you.
Hoppin' Down the Bunny Trail
Rabbits can be trained to use a litter box and may have free run of the house. At first it may be necessary to use a cage until your rabbit learns to use the litter box consistently. Use only treats and praise to train your rabbit. Never yell at him. Once your rabbit is litter trained its ok to let him run around freely in the house. First it is necessary to bunny proof the areas of your house where he will be allowed to roam. Enclose any electrical cords in plastic tubing from the hardware store. Make sure your rabbit has enough toys to distract him from chewing on furniture or carpet. A cardboard box stuffed with hay is an inexpensive play area for your rabbit. Rabbits and cats usually get along well. Dogs may need to be supervised for some time around the rabbit to make sure that they do not play too rough. Introducing a second rabbit to your home is easiest if they are spayed or neutered adults of opposite sexes. They should be introduced for a short period of time in an area that is unfamiliar to both rabbits.
House training tips.
Bringing home your new dog.
Prepare the things your dog will need in advance. You’ll need a collar, leash, toys, a bed and food. Try to arrange the arrival of your new dog over a weekend so that you’ll be around for the first couple days. Spend some quality time together. Let your dog know from the start that you are the alpha dog (the boss) and introduce them to the “den” rules. Let your dog know when he/she does something wrong by talking to him in a loud, disapproving voice. (No yelling please) Reward him with praise or a treat when he/she does something good. If your dog is not housetrained, you must be patient. Be consistent and maintain a routine. Using a crate can make house training much easier. To your dog, the crate will be like his own room, and dogs never use their den as a bathroom. You don’t want to crate your puppy, (under 12 weeks,) all day or night, as they truly can not hold their bladder longer than about four hours. The crate should be large enough for your dog to stand up and turn around in. Remember that dogs need to be active! Plan for plenty of exercise and play time with your pet. If running around the park is too active for you, try throwing a tennis ball or just going on a long walk together. If you are patient with your new dog you will be rewarded with a lifetime of companionship! Traveling with your pet
Grooming before a trip can make your pet more comfortable. Also be sure to bring along favorite toys and treats. Call your veterinarian to be sure that all vaccinations are up to date and request a health certificate. Bring this along with proof of rabies vaccination. Pack a simple first aid kit for your pet along with the phone number of your vet and a 24 hour emergency vet clinic. Make sure your pet has proper identification tags. Also include a travel tag on his collar with information about where you will be staying and for how long. This way if you lose your pet you can be contacted locally. Find out if pets are allowed where you sill be staying. If you leave your pet alone in a hotel room, be sure to put the do not disturb sign on the door. If you are traveling by air contact the airline in advance for specific regulations and to make a reservation for your pet. Try to book a non-stop flight. For your pet’s comfort, do not feed him before the flight. Your pet’s crate should be clearly labeled with your name and contact information, designation of “Live Animals” and arrows indicating the crate’s upright position. Dealing with Animal AllergiesStudies show that about 15% of people are allergic to animals. If you are one of them, these tips can make it easier to live with your pet.
Camping With Your Dog
First of all it is important to be able to restrain your dog, otherwise he may go bounding off into the woods after a squirrel or other wildlife and could easily get lost. Also it is important to make sure your pet is not a nuisance to other campers. This includes picking up after your pet. Your dog will also need to know to settle down when playtime is over. In the evening fellow campers may have just returned form a long day of hiking and will want a little peace and quiet. Make sure your dog’s vaccinations are up-to-date. Keep your dog leashed at all times. He may be your best friend, but to strangers he is an unfamiliar 50 pound animal with teeth. Make sure your dog has a collar and tags. You may want to make a temporary tag with your campsite information. If you do not know your campsite information ahead of time, you can leave a space to write it in or put “contact ranger”. You will want to bring bedding for your dog. If it is cold your dog may need extra protection such as a dog sweater and booties. Make sure you bring plenty of water and a collapsible water dish. Also don’t forget a pet first aid kit just in case. Do not leave your dogs food lying out overnight. Store it in your car or a bear proof container. Do not rely on a cellular phone as coverage is often unavailable. Always let a friend know where you will be camping and make arrangements to check in with them upon returning home. Spending a weekend in the great outdoors with your dog is a great opportunity for you both to relax and get some fresh air and exercise. Happy trails! |
It’s almost inevitable. Whether it’s a lizard in a jar, a goldfish from the fair, or a puppy your child finds in the neighborhood, sooner or later it’s likely your child is going to want a pet. 
Many people imagine the look of excitement on their child’s face when they wake Christmas morning to find a cute little puppy with a red bow around its neck waiting under the tree. But giving pets as holiday gifts is not such a good idea. Giving a child a pet for Christmas gives them the impression that the pet is a toy, and they often grow tired of it in a few weeks. This is why so many pets are turned in to local shelters in the months following the holidays. 
In the event of a disaster, if you must evacuate, the most important thing you can do for your pets is evacuate them too. Advanced planning is essential. 
February is National Pet Dental Health Month! Did you know that bacteria and plaque on your pets teeth can progress into diseases that can cause bleeding gums, tooth decay and even damage to the heart? Bacteria can enter the bloodstream through blood vessels in the gums and cause damage to internal organs. Some early signs of poor oral health include bad breath, loss of appetite, bleeding, and difficulty eating. 
When most people think of pets they think of dogs and cats. But rabbits make great house pets too. Rabbits are intelligent, social animals and make great companions. As with other pets, rabbits should be spayed or neutered. This can help prevent many health and behavioral problems. 
In America 90% of our dogs live in the house. This means that 90% of pet owners must go through the housebreaking process. It takes some time, but the more involved you are the faster your dog will catch on. These tips will aid in the process.
Congratulations on adopting your new best friend! These first days will be an exciting time, but can be a little confusing for both you and your new dog. It is likely he/she will be a little disoriented. It may take anywhere from a few days to two months for them to get used to their new surroundings. The best thing you can do to help your new dog is to be prepared and patient.
When planning a trip with your pet, the first thing to consider is whether or not your pet will be comfortable with traveling. Some pets o better in familiar surroundings. An upset or carsick animal could ruin the trip for everyone. You may want to consider leaving them with a friend, pet sitter, or reliable boarding service.
Camping with your dog can be great fun for both owner and canine. Dogs are thrilled with the new sights and smells and often notice things on a hike that you may have overlooked. If you’ve been camping without your dog, it only takes a little more preparation and planning to bring your pal along.