First Annual Pet ‘Net Adoption Event To Be Held on Thursday, October 16, 2008
Press Release
Archive for the .: In The News category
Health Concern: Exotic Pets
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.
October is Spay and Neuter Month
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.
Show for a Cause
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.
Trick and Treat
Maybe your pet is not agility show material, but that doesn’t mean your pet isn’t unique in some way or another. Some pets can perform amazing tricks like back flips, singing, dancing, etc. If your pet is talented, show off their skills at a contest where they can do a trick and get more of a treat than you would ever dream of.
A Stupid Pet Tricks contest will be held at John Pierson’s Toyota of Stuart, Florida on Saturday, Sept. 28 from 9 am to noon. Contestants will be narrowed down to 12 pets, which will then compete at the West Palm Beach Home and Garden Show on Oct. 17-19. The winner of the grand prize will receive a trip to New York City and tickets to the “Late Show with David Letterman.” Also the winning pet’s name will be announced at The Paws & Claws gala on Feb. 19, 2009.
Creepy Crawlers
Slimy, slithering, wriggly creatures can make interesting pets, and there are so many different ones to choose from. Veiled chameleons are lime green and fit on your finger when they are babies. Geckos, Dragons, Monitor and Jeweled Lacerta are some common lizards. Or you can choose various colored snakes that wouldn’t mind wrapping their bodies around you.
The Tucson Reptile and Amphibian Show and Sale will take place Saturday, Sept. 27 from 9 am to 6 pm and Sunday, Sept. 28 from 10 am to 4 pm at the Tucson Expo Center in Arizona. At this event, you can simply view or go a step further and purchase these reptiles and amphibians.
Rescue Pets
Over the last week, emotions have run high for the Montgomery County Animal Shelter, which provides a home for an average of 3,000 pets every month. Shelters have been banning together to rescue animals abandoned and homeless from the hurricanes, but they cannot continue their efforts without the help from the public. Shelters have limited space to care for animals, and if the animals are not adopted, they have to be put down. However, Brazos Valley residents stepped in and helped adopt the rescued animals.
During the next week, the Montgomery County Animal Shelter is expecting to receive hundreds of more animals from Galveston and Houston. These pets go through a traumatic experience, and it doesn’t end when they reach a shelter. It’s up to individuals and families to adopt these animals, so they don’t become euthanized.
Craze for Sugar Gliders
Almost as addicting as sugar, the adorable squirrel-like sugar gliders are hard to resist. Times Online says that sugar gliders are the latest animal craze in Britain, and why wouldn’t you want a small, flying marsupial from Australia in your home? But before you soar, you should have a crash course in pet ownership because this is one unusual pet to own.
These darling exotic animals have the energy level of a chinchilla, so prepare yourself especially if you have had mellow animals in the past. So that they expend their energy, it’s best to have a 24 x 24 cage with accessories like toys, a nest box or hammock, branches, ropes, ladders, exercise wheel, etc. These animals also have sharp nails and teeth, which they use in their natural habitat to hide and fend off larger predators. However, their nails can be trimmed and as long as they don’t feel threatened they will most likely not scratch or bite.
Pet CPR
You grab your pet and run out of your house as fast as you can, but when you get outside you realize your pet isn’t breathing. No one is around and you don’t have a cell phone to call for help, so what do you do?
This week a New Bedford firefighter, Al Machado, rescued a cat from a burning building by performing mouth to snout resuscitation. In another house fire in Gillette, Wyoming that occurred last week, over 50 pets were not so lucky. By the time firefighters arrived at the scene, the animals inside the home died due to smoke inhalation. Emergencies happen but your pet might have a better chance of survival if you know some basic first aid tips. Performing CPR and rescue breaths on an animal is different than when you perform it on a person, but if you remember your ABCs you will have no problem learning.
Pets Weather the Storm
With the passing of Gustav and Hanna, the East Coast is still not out of harm’s way. Scientists have predicted that there will be five major tropical storms in September. Each storm brings disarray to the cities, families and homes, which is why preparation and plans for evacuation are crucial in order to keep your family safe and together. With so many things to remember and the expense of evacuating, pets can be forgotten or left behind. Before more storms hit the coast, develop a plan of action for your family that is also in the best interest of your pet. The tips below can help ensure that your pet is safe and sound.
- Put updated ID tags on your pet, which includes their name, address and phone number. Schedule a visit with your veterinarian to have your pet microchipped. This can cost anywhere from $20 to $60.
- Purchase or prepare a pet carrier for smaller pets. Keep a blanket, bowls, food and water in the carrier so your pet will have everything it needs in case you have a long car ride to a safer location. If you have larger pets, setup an overnight bag that contains their leash and other essential items.
- Always keep your pets on a leash or keep them in a carrier. The sounds of the storm can scare them and cause them to run away out of fear.
- Never leave your animals behind or tie them up somewhere, because they will most likely not survive the rising floodwaters and lack of food.
- Determine where you would go in case a mandatory evacuation takes place. This will prevent you from wasting time thinking about where to go.
Articles, Tips, Stories, Breeds, Ferrets, Rabbits, Snakes, Rodents, Chinchillas, Guinea Pigs, Hamsters, Sugar Gliders, Turtles, 
