PetLvr.com - [The Blog]

Halloween can be a stressful holiday for your pets. Strangers in gruesome and outlandish costumes knock on the door, unusual noises come from ghostly figures, and decorations transform your home into a graveyard. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) says that Halloween can be dangerous for pets, so precautionary measures need to be taken to keep your pet as well as your guests safe.

Dogs can have different reactions to people in costumes. Some might understand that it’s just a costume and that a person is underneath it, while others might become aggressive or fearful of the individual. In order to prevent dog bites, take preventative action and put your dog in its crate or another place where it will feel safe and calm but be away from trick-or-treaters and other guests.

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Foreclosures and the recent economic meltdown have made it difficult for pet owners to continue to provide for their pets. As a result, animal shelters are experiencing an influx of pets. Wayside Waifs animal shelter in Kansas City has had 32 pets enter their shelter because of financial issues. This shelter has also had 79 animals come in because their owner’s lifestyle has changed, and 193 pets were surrendered because their owners were moving. Although cutting back on your overall expenses might be out of necessity and not choice, there are some ways that you can help keep your pet during these difficult times.

One way to cut back on your pet expenses is to eliminate the toys, treats, clothing and other accessories that spoil your pet. Keep in mind that your pet needs food, water, shelter and love. Give your pets natural treats like carrots and be creative by turning common household items into toys. For example, cats love string and tin foil balls, and dogs can chew on tennis balls or fetch Frisbees.

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This post was submitted to heighten awareness about animal shelter adoption. Adopt a pet today!

So you want to adopt a pet but don’t know where to begin or how to go about buying one. If fears are holding you back from adopting a pet, you need to face those fears and come to the realization that adopting a pet may be one of the best decisions you make in your life.

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This post was submitted to heighten awareness about animal shelter adoption. Adopt a pet today!

I have visited many animal shelters in my day, and it’s an unsettling feeling seeing all of the innocent dogs and cats in cages without a home. Shelters do the best they can to feed and provide shelter for these homeless pets, but their help is limited by money and the amount of boarding available. It’s up to the public to step in and adopt these precious animals.

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This post was submitted to heighten awareness about animal shelter adoption. Adopt a pet today!

Whether you are young or old, single or married, pets can bring joy and compassion to your life. So if you are starting out on your own or managing a family, a cat can be a trusty companion that can bring a smile to your face when times are rough. Below are ten more reasons why adopting a cat can change your life for the better.

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This post was submitted to heighten awareness about animal shelter adoption. Adopt a pet today!

Pets make great companions, and they can teach you about how to enjoy life. If you are the adventurous type who spends your free time camping or hiking, a dog will rough it out with you. A dog can also enhance a family by acting as a trusty playmate for your children. There are also other endearing qualities about dogs, which make them desirable animals for adoption.

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This post was submitted to heighten awareness about animal shelter adoption. Adopt a pet today!

Opening your heart to adopt an animal is a life changing experience. Dogs and Cats are similar to people in that they need companionship in order to live a fulfilling life. There are so many homeless animals, but you can change that for at least one or maybe even more pets.

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There has been much discussion about the health concern with regard to owning exotic pets. The Associated Press (AP) sent out a warning in an article stating, “young children should not keep hedgehogs as pets-or hamsters, baby chicks, lizards and turtles, for that matter-because of risks for disease.” This warning originated from the American Academy of Pediatrics who published a report on the adverse health affects from owning exotic pets. While exotic pets have the potential to carry disease and other germs, people should not abandon or become fearful of the exotic pets they already own or would like to own.

It is obvious that every pet owner runs the risk of bringing disease and germs into their home with any animal that they purchase or adopt. Some pets have worms or fleas, but these issues as well as others can be taken care of properly if pet owners take immediate action and see a veterinarian for treatment. It is also important to groom the pet on a regular basis by cleaning their claws and fur and by disinfecting their food and bathroom area. Counters, especially kitchen counters, should be disinfected too.

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As a pet owner, you have to take responsibility for your pet just like you would for your own child. If you are not prepared to breed animals, you should take immediate action to spay or neuter your pet. When this part of pet ownership is neglected, it only makes pets suffer. During October, the point to spay and neuter pets will be a main focus for many animal organizations.

Spaying and neutering is important to reduce the amount of homeless and neglected animals around the world. The population of dogs and cats only increases when action isn’t taken, which means that more animals will end up in shelters or not have a home at all. The simple procedure to spay or neuter has the potential to alleviate behavioral problems too. Animals have instincts, which can be strong enough to make them run away from home or impregnate another pet during your walk in the park.

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Make a difference this month by showing your dog to support a cause. Whether it’s supporting a food bank or local pet organizations, you and your dog can take part in the festivities dedicated to raising money for these important causes.

This weekend two dog festivals will be held in Virginia. Caroline County will hold its first annual Dog Day Festival on Saturday, Oct. 4 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Mr. B’s Bluegrass Park. The festival will have a bone hunt, hot-dog relay race and other contests. Money raised at this festival will be donated to local humane societies, rescue groups and dog clubs.

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