Tidbit: Dosing with an Eyedropper
When administering a dropper of medicine to small dogs or cats don't just SQUIRT the dropper into the mouth. Aside from the taste being a surprise the mouth is suddenly filled and some of the spitting-out is merely an attempt to breath.
A few drops at a time avoids choking.
I have had to administer some nasty liquid antibiotics to my dogs lately and have found that if I hold a piece of hot dog in the same hand with the eyedropper the dog gets distracted by the smell enough that I can squirt the whole dropper full down his throat, followed by the hot dog. (CA)
Tidbit: "Stimulating" a Kitten
When "stimulating" a kitten to urinate/defecate don't expect either instant or consistent results. A bottle fed kitten drinks milk much faster than the natural way. Mom doesn't stimulate instantly after every feeding. Being too insistent can result in a sore, chapped, inflamed, and swollen rear (and the kitten will definitely tell you about it).
Tidbit: Lost Pet
If your pet is missing, TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE!
- Add an entry to MFOA's lost and found website.
- Add an entry to CARE's lost and found website.
- Register with TabbyTracker.
- Check the neighborhood - ask everyone you see if they have seen your pet.
- Post flyers (neighborhood, animal shelters, veterinary clinics, and stores)
- Place an ad in the newspaper. Maumelle Monitor | Democrat Gazette.
- Check the found ads in the newspaper.
- Visit all the local shelters everyday if possible, don't just call.
- Do not assume that because your pet had ID you will be called.
- Have a current photograph - a picture is worth a thousand words
Tidbit: Squirt Bottle Training
The best form of discipline for any animal is a water squirt bottle! Just squirt the offender(s) when they are doing things that are not approved behavior. This is not frightening as much as it is startling or irritating. It helps to not raise your voice as much and prevents physical punishment on the animal. (Tonya)
Tidbit: Toy Envy
If you have many dogs and want to give them a treat like a rawhide but know your dogs will fight over them, put them in a kennel in your home so they can enjoy their treats with out the fuss! (Tonya)
Tidbit: Puppy Potty Training
The best way to potty train a puppy is to have an older potty trained dog around to "be an example" for the young pup. They potty train much faster this way. (Tonya)
Tidbit: Pilling
Need to give your pup a pill? Wrap it in cheese or a piece of bread. He'll never know you just gave them meds! (Tonya) Embeded in peanut butter - even chunky. (CA)
Tidbit: Food Dangerous to Dogs
Never feed your dog chicken bones or chocolate. Chicken bones can splinter and tear up the dogs insides and chocolate is toxic to dogs. Also don't let your dogs eat cat food, it's not good for a dog's liver. (Tonya) No grapes or raisins either. (CA)
Tidbit: Don't De-claw. Provide an Alternative
Instead of taking your cat to the vet to get them "de-clawed" did you know you can clip their claws just like a dogs? And this will save you money!!!! (Tonya)
(Provide at least 3 scratching posts and when your cat begins to scratch the furniture move the cat to a post. Do this gently so the cat isn't surprised or frightened. Ed.)
Tidbit: Destructive Dogs
Have a dog that is destructive when you leave the house for short periods? Invest in a kennel in the house and save your house! It's also good for if the unthinkable happens and there is a fire. The firemen can easily find and retrieve your pet and get them to safety. (Tonya)
Tidbit: Getting Kittens to Sleep
Ninety percent of the time if you want a kitten to sleep simply put the kitten in a totally dark room with his "cave" (box or kennel). This simulates the kittens "den" while mom is away hunting. If this doesn't work then your kitten is especially not ready to sleep. I listen for 3 cries in 90 seconds. Three cries and I go hug the kitten, let him out, and take him with me to where I am. Soon enough the kitten will get sleepy and you can try again.
Tidbit: Boarding with a Kong
If you have to kennel (board) your dog for any length of time consider giving him a "kong" filled with kibbles glued together with peanut butter. It takes them forever to get it all out. Kongs can be obtained at most any pet supply area of stores.
Tidbit: Approaching to Pet/Stroke
For dogs and cats, the final means of identification is smelling. Seeing and hearing are OK, but Fido and Fluffy want to smell. As you approach a cat or dog, calling causes him to hear and see but he wants to smell. If you pat him on the top of the head he is likely to quickly, almost anxiously, raise his nose to get a whiff.
Avoid this awkward irritation by offering your hand to the side of the face. Stroking the cheek first allows him to smell. He is then relaxed and ready for a pat on the head.