Pawsitive Parenting
  • Home
  • Expert Blogs
    • Positive Pet Parenting Journal
    • Raising Pet Positive Kids
    • Supermom ...Kind Of
    • Pawsitively Adventurous Pets
    • Purrely Pawsitive & Barkably Amazing Training Tips
    • Dog Praising
    • Spirit of the Wild Lands and Animals
  • Resources
    • Sounds of Nature
  • Heart 'N Mind Paw Rescue
    • Pet Rescue Journal
  • About/Contact
  • Help Homeless Pets!

5 Ways To Ensure Your Dog Stays Healthy

3/14/2015

1 Comment

 
by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff
Picture
Image © Lyn Lomasi; All Rights Reserved
A healthy dog is a happy one and if you are a pet parent, their happiness is top on your list. Health is essential at all stages. But as a dog ages, it becomes even more important. There are simple everyday actions you can take to ensure your dog stays healthy as he grows older.

Regular visits to the vet are essential. A specialist in animal health care can detect issues that an untrained eye cannot. Just like people, dogs need to see doctors regularly for routine checkups and procedures. There are also care and maintenance tips unique to each dog that a vet can provide based on analysis. Keep up with vet visits to ensure your dog stays healthy.

Dental hygiene helps keep your dog healthy for several reasons. Dogs use their teeth for eating and for play. Both are essential to life in various ways. When the teeth are not healthy, a dog cannot chew his food properly, which can lead to poor digestion and other health issues. Dental diseases can also infect other areas of the body. Dogs with poor dental health also may not be able to defend themselves properly, due to weak teeth.

Your dog needs exercise every day. Take your dog outside to play. This could be a walk to the park, around the neighborhood, playing a game of discus or fetch in the backyard, or even a physical therapy regimen, if he needs it. Staying active helps your dog live a longer and happier life. Exercise keeps him in shape, as well as helps keep him from getting pent up energy and frustration. If your dog is lying around too much, that can do unseen damage.

Keep a proper and consistent diet for your pet. Talk to your vet to find out which foods are appropriate for your dog and stick to that diet consistently. It's important that your dog get essential nutrition every day. Any treats should also be counted in this plan to ensure your dog does not get too much or too little of the recommended vitamins and nutrients. Overfeeding and underfeeding can both cause serious damage or even death. As your dog ages, to keep him healthy, be sure to reevaluate his nutritional needs as often as recommended by the vet.

Mental well-being is just as important as the physical. Giving your dog a large dose of love and care is good for his mental state. It's also a big part of being a pet parent. Show your dog you love him by playing with him, holding him, talking to him, and being attentive to his wants and needs. Also make he sure he gets plenty of sunlight and is regularly exposed to other people and animals. Remember that depression can lead to other health issues, so it is important to keep your dog's overall mentality in mind when considering his health.


*I originally published a version of this via Yahoo Contributor Network

1 Comment

Misconceptions About Rats as Pets for Kids

3/13/2015

0 Comments

 
by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff
Rat wondering why he isn;t being picked up
When some people think about kids having rats as pets, they shudder. Many people are afraid of rats to begin with. So when they think of their kids playing with them, it gives them chills. As someone who has been around rats and even owned one, I can tell you honestly how silly these misconceptions are. Sure you don't want your kids playing with wild rats. But domesticated rats are some of the absolute best pets for kids. I recently wrote an article about why rats make good pets for kids. I was honestly surprised at all the misinformation from both public and private respondents regarding that particular article.

Aren't rats dirty?

If you are talking about rats who live in the sewers and elsewhere in the wild, you may be quite right. However, domesticated rats that become pets are actually some of the cleanest animals you can come across. They spend a good portion of the day grooming, have a shiny coat, and have a natural scent to them that is almost like a perfume.

Kids catch diseases from rats, right?

While rats can and do spread disease, typically any diseases that spread from rats to humans would occur in wild rats. There can be exceptions, but in most cases, domesticated rats are not as likely to spread disease to humans as is often thought. Because of the disease spread by wild rats, domesticated rats get a bad reputation they don't often deserve. It is in the best interest of your pet rat and your family to ensure your furry rodent family member gets regular check-ups. But your vet will probably tell you the chances of catching anything serious from your pet rat are fairly low.

Rats cannot give affection, like dogs, can they?

Because rats are so small, one might think they can't be very affectionate. Can a rat curl up in your arms and fall asleep? Can a rat snuggle? Do rats learn their names and come when you call them? Yes as the answer to all of the above and more. When one of my kids adopted a rat, the very first day, he learned his name and even snuggled with both of us. By the next day (and from then on), each time we went to his cage he was already at the top waiting before we had even finished opening the door. As soon as the door was opened, he'd hop right out, ready for some fun. Jack Frost (the rat) spent more time out of the cage than in and was very loving. He really enjoyed interacting with humans and played an active role in the family.

Rats are creepy and might bite my kids, right?

The creepiness of a rat is usually based on years of misconceptions passed from generation to generation. There is also a great deal of negativity about rats in television and movies. Most likely, your rat is not going to multiply into thousands by himself and attack your kids in the middle of the night. Rats are also very docile and generally only bite when threatened or when they smell food on someone's hands. Washing hands before handling the rats and being gentle with them will help prevent biting. Our rat never bit anyone once or even attempted to. He was very affectionate and had not an ounce of aggression in him.

Won't a rat stink up my kid's room?

Another big misconception about having rats around kids is that they stink. Just like any other caged animal, provided you or your child is cleaning the cage, a rat is not going to stink up the room. As previously mentioned, rats are unique in that their natural scent is often described as perfume-like. It is a very pleasant odor to many. You or your child should be cleaning the rat's cage at least twice per week or as often as needed. Soiled bedding areas can be scooped out and replaced with fresh bedding in between thorough cleanings.

*This article is based on the author's personal experiences and is not meant to serve as medical advice nor replace the advice of a licensed professional. Always consult your licensed pediatrician for your child's healthcare and your licensed veterinarian for matters pertaining to the health of your animals.

0 Comments

Adopting a Family Pet in Englewood, Colorado: The Wheres, Hows, and Whys

3/11/2015

0 Comments

 
by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff
Pokey
Your little girl comes to you with big puppy dog eyes and excitement in her face. It's unmistakable! You know what she wants - a pet. Whether your family is looking to adopt a cat, dog, rabbit, or other animal, there are many things you will need to consider. Is a pet right for your family? What type? Where can you adopt a pet in Englewood, CO?

What is Your Family Routine?

First and foremost, you need to see if proper pet care will fit into your family's daily routine. Is there time to walk a dog? Would said dog be included in trips to Englewood parks with the kids? Time to amuse a cat with a string of yarn? Time to brush and groom? Would a pet have plenty of time with family members for love and care or would they just be an afterthought or another cool object your child will later ditch for something else? If it's the latter two, you can scratch getting a pet off your list.

What are Your Reasons for Wanting to Adopt a Pet?

Does your family just want a particular pet just to say you have one - or do you have a genuine interest in bringing in a new family member. Cats and dogs (and any other animals) are not toys. They are living creatures with feelings. If your reasons for having them don't include providing a loving, caring home, your family shouldn't be adopting a pet. It's alright if one reason is that they are cute. But don't forget that a new pet is the same as a new family member.

How Responsible are Your Kids?

Can you trust your kids to take care of a pet properly all the time? If not, will you be doing it? Pets are a big responsibly. Yes, they are cute and cuddly and playful and fun. But, they are also a ton of work when cared for the right way. If you adopt a pet, can your family handle the responsibility? If you have any doubts, it's much better not to adopt than it is to take in a pet that may later end up in an Englewood shelter. That's not fair to the pet - and it's also not fair to your family.

Can You Handle the Expenses?

In addition to the adoption fees, there is also the constant fee of food, treats, toys, and more. Don't forget to add vet bills into your budget too. Just like your kids need to go to the doctor regularly, so do animals. If by chance, something unforeseen happens with their health, will you be able to afford medicines, surgeries, or whatever else it may take?

Just like you probably calculated expenses when you brought a new baby into the world, you need to do the same with a pet. If you are already scraping to get by now, it's best not to bring a pet into your home. Doing so would possibly be like taking food from the mouths of your kids and it's also not fair to bring a pet into a situation where each day is unsure. Love them from a distance until your financial situation (and other factors) allow better care.

Do Your Kids Know How to Treat Animals?

If your child is the one going around pulling the tails of other people's cats, he needs some instruction before you bring an animal into the home. Even if you have not seen evidence of the kids mistreating animals, it's always a good idea to have a talk about proper animal care. Many pet shelters and stores offer instruction to families looking to adopt a pet. This is to ensure that everyone knows what is good for a pet and what is not.

Where is the Best Place to Adopt a Pet in Englewood, CO?

Animal shelters are generally the best place to adopt pets. Why? You are rescuing an animal that may not otherwise survive. Most animals in shelters have been rescued from sort of unfit situation. Pet shelter animals generally come with their vaccinations and are often spayed or neutered. Some will even microchip your pet.

All of these things would cost extra time and money and they are part of what you would need to do anyway - outside of the microchip. That's obviously a personal choice. The benefit to having one is that if your pet is lost and turned into a shelter, they can scan the pet and know you are the owner. However, some people do not like to have a device implanted in their pet - and that's fine too. It's a personal choice.

Animals for Adoption in the Englewood, CO area

Animal Rescue and Adoption Society
http://www.arascolorado.org/
2390 S. Delaware Street
Denver, CO 80223
Phone: (303) 744-6076

Denver Dumb Friends League
http://www.ddfl.org/
2080 South Quebec Street
Denver, CO 80231
(303) 751-5772

Colorado Animal Welfare League
http://coloradoanimalwelfare.org/
PO Box 1071
Englewood, CO 80150
(720) 515-CAWL(2295)


*I originally published a version of thisvia Yahoo Contributor Network
0 Comments

    RSS Feed

    FEATURED CONTRIBUTORS

    Laurie Childree
    Stephanie Laursen-Nolan

    Crystal S. Kauffman
    Jeanne Frost

    OWNER

    Lyn Lomasi
    Picture
    Lyn Lomasi is founder and owner of the Brand Shamans network. She is your brand healing, soul healing, marketing & content superhero to the rescue! Running a network of websites, tackling deadlines single-handedly, and coaching fellow writers, brands, & entrepreneurs to be thought leaders is her top priority.

    While rescuing civilians from boring content and brands, this awesomely crazy family conquers the world, managing Intent-sive Nature while going on Upstream Parenting adventures & lessons, sometimes in an RV. They strive to cuddle with lions and giraffes. Until then, they settle for rescue dogs and cats.

    By supporting us, you support a single parent, healer,  and minority small business that donates to and/or stands for several causes, including homeless pets, homeless people, trans youth, equality, helping starving artists, and more! A portion of all proceeds from our all-inclusive store, Intent-sive Nature goes toward worthy causes.

    For guidance in the world of freelance writing or for advice on her specialty topics, Ask Lyn.

    Archives

    May 2018
    January 2017
    October 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    December 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013

    Categories

    All
    Animal Abuse
    Animal Neglect
    Animal Rescue
    Animal Shelter Adoption Myths
    Aurora Animal Shelter
    Baby Animals
    Breed Specific Legislation
    BSL
    Cat Adoption
    Cats
    Chihuahuas
    CO
    Colorado
    Crystal S. Kauffman
    Dehydration
    Dog Adoption
    Dogs
    Donate
    Englewood
    Florida
    Hamster
    Health
    Intake
    Kids
    Kids And Pets
    Kittens
    Lyn Lomasi
    National Adopt A Shelter Dog Month
    Pet Abandonment
    Pet Adoption
    Pet Care
    Pet Rescue
    Pets
    Pet Stores
    Poetry
    Puppies
    Rat Adoption
    Rats
    Resources
    Small Animals
    Stray Animals
    Summer
    Teens
    Tweens
    Volunteer

COMPANY & SUPPORT

About Us & Contact
Brand Healing Journal
Become an Affiliate!
Disclosure, TOU, Disclaimer, & Privacy Policy
Become A Writer!

ALL SITES

Brand Shamans
Life Successfully
Intentsive Nature
Write W.A.V.E. Media
Pawsitive Parenting

Guest Post Writers

Daily Cashouts
GoSteady.me
Article Writer For Hire
Lyn Lomasi
Heart 'N Mind Homeschool    
Pre-K Yoga
Kids Chakra

Legit Cash Now
Souls Within
Better Plumbing (Partner Site)

© 2005 - 2020 Pawsitive Parenting by Brand Shamans Content Community