Coping with Foreclosure: How to Ensure Family Pets Receive Care

Times are tight for Americans. Around every corner lurks more news about rising fuel prices, expensive food and families forced to leave their homes to make ends meet. According to RealtyTrac, home foreclosures in the first quarter of 2008 increased 23 percent from the previous quarter and jumped 112 percent from the first quarter of 2007. These increases in foreclosures have given rise to an unexpected problem: pet abandonment.

There are no figures to estimate the number of animals being abandoned or surrendered due to current economic hardships, but animal shelters across the country are taking in more animals every day as families find themselves without other options. Some families are taking advantage of shelters to temporarily board their pets with the hope of picking them up in a few days or weeks. Meanwhile, local authorities are seeing an increase in the number of pets being abandoned by their owners.

In Arkansas, three dogs were found starved to death in their kennels. The homeowners had left the dogs behind when they moved. Two dogs in San Diego were left at a vacant home for several months, but survived. In Downy, Calif., four birds were found abandoned in their cages.

But abandonment is never the answer, animal welfare experts say. “Whether it’s asking a friend to pet sit, finding an apartment that accepts animals, finding a local shelter that can help or asking your veterinarian for low-cost boarding, there’s always a humane option,” says Allie Phillips, director of public policy for the American Humane Association, the 130-year-old child and animal welfare organization.

To help struggling families find options, American Humane has put together a list of tips to help homeowners either relocate with their pets or find other safe placement options for them. Some of those tips include:

* Look for apartments and rental homes that will take pets.

* If you cannot take your pet, ask your veterinarian if you can receive low-cost boarding for your pet or set up a payment plan.

* Check www.petfinder.com for a list of shelters and rescue organizations in your area that can help board your animal or will accept it for adoption.

* Strongly consider taking your pet with you. The comfort and companionship of pets can help ease the strain of a move.

"There's a lot of news about the stock market and a struggling economy lately, but it's not the economy that's struggling. It's you, us, our friends and neighbors," says Marie Belew Wheatley, president and CEO of American Humane. “It’s a tough place for any family to find themselves. Bills need to be paid and in order to make ends meet, sometimes sacrifices have to be made. It’s not easy, but pet abandonment isn’t the answer.”

Tip sheets for homeowners looking for ways to keep or care for their pets during a foreclosure can be found at www.americanhumane.org. Also available online are tip sheets for bank and mortgage companies that may find abandoned pets in vacated homes. In addition, local animal shelters may be eligible for grants from American Humane to help families stay with their pets.

Neighbors Can Help, Too

Often a neighbor can help authorities and animal welfare groups spot an abandoned animal before it’s too late. Neighbors should listen for animal sounds, look in windows, check with other neighbors and be on the lookout for signs that the previous homeowners had pets. If pets are known or suspected to be on the property, animal control should be called immediately. With a neighbor’s help, animal control can get a search warrant to enter the home and check for pets that are abandoned or neglected.

American Humane is quick to point out that animals left behind or simply set free will probably not survive. It can be weeks or months before a bank or mortgage company will visit an abandoned home to make an assessment or a neighbor notices that pets are trapped in a house. That’s too long for any animal to go without food and water. If abandoned, there is also a chance that the state criminal animal-cruelty laws might apply, even if arrangements are made for somebody to feed and water the animals after the home has been vacated.

“It’s a terrible situation for any family to find themselves in, but to leave an animal behind only makes it worse,” says Belew Wheatley. “It seems when times are tough we find the best in our friends, family and neighbors. If they’re unable to help there are always other options, from a vet to a local animal shelter. These are our family pets, and they count on us to take care of them.”

Visit www.americanhumane.org for more information.

Symptoms of Dog Worms

We all know that dogs should be wormed regularly, but do we really know why? It is more important than you ever would have thought to keep your dogs worm free. While worms do not always cause dogs to exhibit visible symptoms, they do pose a health risk to humans, other animals and of course the dog itself. In this article I will be talking about how to spot the symptoms of worms in dogs.

So what should you look out for to see whether your dog has worms? Here are five symptoms of dog worms.

1.Weight Loss

Dogs with worms often visibly lose weight, and in a relatively short time span. Of course this can occur if the dog is being underfed, but if you know you are feeding properly and the dog is still losing weight there is a good chance you may have a worm problem.

2.Low energy levels

Has your dog begun to lose its energy? A healthy dog loves to use up its energy, especially on walks. Each dog has a different energy level, but you should notice if your dog begins to be unwilling to go for walks or seems to spend a lot more time lazing around.

3.Coughing and vomiting

A heavily infested dog will often have coughing fits, as well as vomiting. You may even be able to see worms in your dogs vomit. It's not a task you will relish, but if your dog has begun to be sick often it is worth checking the vomit for worms.

4.Dog looks pot-bellied

This is especially common in puppies that have worms, but often fully grown dogs will begin to look pot bellied.

5.Irregular appetite

All owners will know their dogs usual appetite, so if yours starts eating irregularly it is a good indicator that it may have worms. By irregular, I mean if the dog is very hungry one day, and then the next won't eat at all.

With these five symptoms of dog worms, you should be able to identify whether your dog has a worm problem or not. There are many different types of worm, but a lot of them share common symptoms. Dogs with worms are generally unhappy, so all owners should endeavour to keep their dogs worm free. There are plenty of great products on the market to deal with worms in dogs (and other household pets) and it if often a good idea to have a supply of at least one of these products in your house at all times.

Richard Cross is owner and webmaster of Dogsandyou.co.uk. Some top quality dog worming products can be found at the Dog Worm Products page.

Two-headed turtle at Brooklyn pet store

Customers will surely take a second look on this turtle because of its two heads.

Sean Casey got this unusual turtle from a man in Florida, and has displayed it in his pet store for the past couple of weeks.


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Top Family Dog Breeds

Many families across the country make the decision to get a dog for the family every year. Many of them do their homework and pick an appropriate breed for the family based on the breed temperament and the ages of the children in the family. Unfortunately, many other families make unfortunate choices and end up re-homing, giving away, or abandoning their pets. Before any discussion concerning getting a dog takes place, the parents in the house need to set down some ground rules and know acceptable breeds to consider.

1. Golden Retriever

A perennial favorite on the "most common breeds" list, this type of dog is excellent for families that enjoy lots of time being active and doing outdoor activities. The breed was originally developed to retrieve birds on hunting expeditions but soon proved its worth as a loyal family companion. One downside of the breed is its mountains of fur. While beautiful when maintained, the dog will require daily brushing and might shed a lot.

2. West Highland Terrier

The West Highland Terrier, or Westie, is a small white terrier that is playful and loveable. Like all terriers, and really all dogs, this breed requires some exercise to keep him happy. Westies are good watch dogs and loyal friends. These little guys are great for older children but have been known not to tolerate accidental mistreatment from younger children. For this reason, they are not generally recommended for houses with children under the age of ten. Like the golden retriever, the Westie needs some grooming to keep his coat mat and tangle free.

3. Cairn Terrier

A cousin of the West Highland Terrier, these are tough little dogs. This dog is very fond of people and will do well in any living environment as long as there are people around. Just like its cousin the West Highland Terrier, this breed needs exercise to stay happy. The Cairn Terrier is available in a variety of colors including cream, wheaten, red, sandy, grey, or brindled in a combination of these colors.

4. Irish Setter

The Irish Setter is another dog that was originally bred to hunt birds. Being a bird dog, they can be excitable. Their beautiful red coat makes them popular and loved by many families. The dog breed, on the whole, is always eager to please. The red coat that makes the dog so popular need to be brushed and trimmed or it will look less than its best.

5. Schnauzer

Another terrier, Schnauzers are full of personality and are available in three sizes. The largest Schnauzer size might not be appropriate for a family with small children as the dog is quite large. The two smaller available sizes are better for families. The Schnauzer is a wonderful family pet that is both eager to please and loves to keep the family safe. Like all dogs, the Schnauzer does require daily exercise. In addition, Schnauzers need to be groomed or their coat will get matted. There is a breed standard cut that many people choose for their pets.

6. Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Weighing in at around 25 pounds, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a popular family pet. These dogs are stocky with short tails and require daily exercise. Fortunately, they love romps with kids. These dogs are best for people with children over the age of five. Some of them have a tendency to be bossy or possessive as they were originally bred for herding animals. Apparently, the breed sometimes thinks that children need to be herded.

7. Labrador Retriever

Another popular choice, the Labrador Retriever is great for families that do a lot, particularly activities that involve water. These dogs frequently have endless energy that is great for keeping up with numerous kids. While originally developed to retrieve birds on hunting trips, the lab is a loyal and devoted family member. Their shorter hair frequently makes them a better choice for families with little time to do their own hair, let alone that of the dog. Labs are available in three standard colors.

8. Poodle

Another water dog, the poodle is an intelligent and friendly dog that craves human companionship. These dogs are happiest when they are allowed to run and play. A plus on poodles is that they are very low shed. Unfortunately, they have to be clipped because their hair so infrequently falls out. These dogs come in a variety of sizes to suit any need.

9. Bichon Frise

Frequently resembling a cotton ball as a puppy, these happy-go-lucky dogs are faithful and obedient. They are a fantastic addition to any home. They love to participate in anything as well as investigate. These dogs are also known for being exceptionally bright and able to escape from a variety of situations. To keep their fur looking its best, the Bichon Frise needs to be groomed regularly.

10. Airedale

Yet another terrier, the Airedale is a sturdy dog that understands the importance of his or her job of protecting the family. While a diligent defender, the Airedale is also a great family friend. These dogs are generally willing to play at any time.

11. Basset Hound

These low to the ground dogs may look sad all the time with their droopy eyes, but they're really more than willing to join in any fun and games that may be around at the time. As a hound, they may be known to howl.

12. Beagle

The beagle fits in really well with active families. The dog only requires a nice bed in which to sleep and plenty of play time to be happy. The breed can fit in with pretty much any family.

13. Shih Tzu

These little guys were originally bred as companion animals for royalty. Despite this, the dog is just fine with getting dirty while playing with the kids and yet will still hold still for a tea party in the afternoon. These dogs love people.

14. Boxer

Despite their intimidating face, Boxers are usually sweet, friendly dogs. They get their name from their tendency to stand on their rear legs while play fighting and use their front paws for boxing. These dogs are natural guardians that are extremely loyal. It is important to note that Boxers generally prefer the company of people to other dogs. The breed will do well in a quiet home or with an active family.

15. Collie

The Collie originally became a family pet with the debut of "Lassie". To this day, the dog is considered to be one of the best family pets available. The breed has a lot of fur that needs maintenance so it might not be the best dog for a family with no time to brush the dog. The dogs are generally intelligent and patient.

16. Boston Terrier

Yet another terrier, these small black and white dogs love to make their families laugh. These dogs prefer brief periods of activity and then love nothing more than to curl up on the sofa to help you read a book or watch TV. These dogs are obedient and loyal while being a good watch dog and loyal family pet. These dogs may be ideal for less active families.

17. Newfoundland

These gentle giants may drool a bit too much for some people but they have made a fantastic living teddy bear for numerous families. Because of their size, families with very small children might want to wait for the kids to get a bit bigger. These dogs are excellent swimmers and have been known to jump in after family members in trouble. Families that live with water may be able to rest a little easier with one of these guys standing guard.

18. Pomeranian

These fluffy fur balls look just like small foxes. They typically weigh in around five pounds and are an adorable breed. These dogs thrive on human companionship and require very little space. Pomeranians are ideal for families with older children.

19. Pug

Not at all standoffish, the pug is a loving, affectionate, even-tempered breed. Pugs love being part of the family and will gladly romp with children or curl up on your lap for a nap.

20. Whippet

Whippets are quiet, small dogs that resemble a very small version of a greyhound. They tend to greet strangers with a kiss and love children. These dogs are very fast and love to chase things so they should be kept on a leash when out on a walk and the yard needs to be secure as well.

Source:
While many guides exist, contact a vet with any questions. For more information on dog breeeds and healthcare, please visit http://austinveterinarianclinics.com/articles.aspx

Joseph Devine

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joseph_Devine

Vampire Dog Spotted in Texas

A mysterious "vampire dog" blamed for a series of attacks on farm animals has been spotted by a police sheriff in Texas.

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Poisonous plants to dogs

Listed below is a list of plants which are considered poisonous for our pets. You will even be amazed that some of these plants are very common garden and household plants which you may have in your yard. This may not be a complete list of all poisonous plants but at least you will have enough idea which plants are dangerous for your pet's health. Your pet may have an allergy or sensitive to the plants listed or not listed below. These plants can be toxic to your furry little friends. Dont forget to contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet have ingested one of the plants listed below. If you don't find the information you're seeking listed below you can check out ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center for our more information about poisonous plants, effects and plant photos from the various veterinary/horticultural schools.

Poisonous plants to dogs
Aloe
Amaryllis
Aloe
American Bittersweet
Andromeda Japonica
Asian Lily
Asparagus Fern
Australian Nut
Autumn Crocus
Avocado
Azalea
Bird of Paradise
Branching Ivy
Buckeye
Buddist Pine
Caladium
Calla Lily
Castor Bean
Ceriman
Charming
Chinaberry Tree
Chinese Evergreen
Christmas Rose
Clematis
Cordatum
Corn Plant
Cornstalk Plant
Cutleaf Philodendron
Cycads
Cyclamen
Daffodil
Day Lily
Deadly Nightshade
Devils Ivy
Diffenbachia
Dumb Cane
Easter Lily
Elephant Ears
Emerald Feather
Emerald Fern
English Ivy
European Bittersweet
Fiddle-Leaf Philodendron
Flamingo Plant
Florida Beauty
Foxglove
Fruit Salad Plant
Glacier Ivy
Gladiolas
Glory Lily
Gold Dieffenbachia
Gold Dust Dracaena
Golden Pothos
Green Gold Nephthysis
Hahns self branching English Ivy
Heartleaf Philodendron
Heavenly Bamboo
Holly
Horsehead Philodendron
Hurricane Plant
Hyacinth
Hydrangea
Iris
Japanese Show Lily
Japanese Yew
Jerusalem Cherry
Kalanchoe
Lace Fern
Lacy Tree
Lily of the Valley
Macadamia Nut
Madagascar Dragon Tree
Marble Queen
Marijuana
Mauna Loa Peace Lily
Mexican Breadfruit
Mistletoe American
Morning Glory
Narcissus
Needlepoint Ivy
Nephthytis
Nightshade
Oleander
Onion
Orange Day Lily
Panda
Peace Lily
Philodendron Pertusum
Plumosa Fern
Precatory Bean
Queensland Nut
Red Emerald
Red Lily
Red Princess
Red-Margined Dracaena
Rhododendron
Ribbon Plant
Rubrum Lily
Saddle Leaf Philodendron
Sago Palm
Satin Pothos
Schefflera
Spotted Dumb Cane
Stargazer Lily
Striped Dracaena
Sweetheart Ivy
Swiss Cheese Plant
Taro Vine
Tiger Lily
Tomato Plant
Tree Philodendron
Tropic Snow Dumbcane
Tulip
Variable Dieffenbachia
Variegated Philodendron
Warneckei Dracaena
Wood Lily
Yew
Yucca