Animal Care

Pet Parenting Tips


*Animals are NOT disposable! Animals are not articles of clothing to be thrown out once they are no longer in style. They are capable of bonding deeply with their families and they deserve the same devotion from you. Adding a four-legged family member means making a lifelong commitment, which can easily be 10-15 years for dogs and up to 20 years for cats.

*Protect your pet’s health and safety.

*Choose the right pet for your home.

*Teach yourself, family, and children about the pet before adopting. Educate yourself and your children through reading books about pet care. Walking a dog several times a day, cleaning up feces, feeding and bathing a pet are all part of the ongoing family responsibilities of caring for an animal. No matter how mature your child is, you will need to provide constant supervision and act as a backup when your child is unable to handle the responsibility. Puppies and children may not mix well. Consider your child’s age-very young children may unwittingly mishandle or hurt a puppy or kitten, which are particularly vulnerable to being pulled at, dropped or picked up inappropriately. Most toy-sized, and touch-and noise-sensitive dogs are not suitable for young children.

*Make sure the pet suits your lifestyle.


Did you know these cold weather tips?

  1. Cats and dogs can get frostbite if left outside too long.
  2. Cats and dogs, whether inside or outside in the winter, will drink as much, if not more water. So make sure there is always fresh water available.
  3. Warm engines in parked cars attract cats and small wildlife, which may crawl up under the hood. To avoid injuring any hidden animals, bang on your car’s hood to scare them away before starting your engine.
  4. The salt and other chemicals used to melt snow and ice can irritate the pads on your pet’s feet. Wipe the feet with a damp towel before your pet licks them and irritates his or her mouth.
  5. Antifreeze is a deadly poison, but it has a sweet taste, and may attract animals and children. Wipe up spills and store antifreeze (and all household chemicals) out of reach. Better yet, use antifreeze/coolant made with propylene glycol; if swallowed in small amounts, it will not harm pets, wildlife, or your family.

Probably the best prescription for winter’s woes is to keep your dog or cat inside with your and your family. The happiest dogs are those who are taken out frequently for walks and exercise but kept inside the rest of the time. Dogs and cats are social animals, who crave human companionship. Your animal companions deserve to live indoors with you and your family.