Pet Monologues

Petmonologues was solicited by an author to purchase his new book. He is against commercial dog food. PM also recently listened to a radio talk show about how home-cooked pet food needs to be carefully created because ingredients, or lack of ingredients, affect your pet. For example, animals in the wild eat the whole carcass, i.e., bones, organs, etc., a source of vitamins that may not be in home-cooked food.

PM and all animal-caring individuals applaud that pet foods are squarely in the public eye, and more importantly, on our minds. What is best practice?

When feeding your pet, take into account their needs, their age, their activities, whether it is commercial or home-cooked. We like dry food because it cleans teeth and gums. We portion out wet foods for variety. We don’t feed leftovers for many reasons. If you wish to know those reasons, just ask us. Also, check out PM’s recipe section! Read the rest of this entry »

Dog Training Online. Dear Dog lover, there’s no shortage of dog trainers, each one saying something different – all claiming that theirs is simple, fast, and easy. And since it’s so important to start your dog off on the right paw, I want to ask you an important question: Why should you listen to me? Read the rest of this entry »

Abstract

Relationships inevitably develop between humans and animals, regardless of the function or use of the animal partners. The need to recognize the existence of these human-animal bonds, as well as acknowledge the use of the animals, is widespread. Religious memorial services for animals in certain areas of the world provide an historical basis for such acknowledgment activities. The diversity of sacred and secular approaches to memorializing or acknowledging animals is illustrated by representative examples of such events. The need to establish such events, particularly in academic and research settings, is emphasized. The pros and cons of developing and establishing acknowledgment activities in addition to the benefits of implementing such events are discussed. Read the rest of this entry »

Can cats talk? Many cat owners would like to think so and some even claim that their cats speak a number of recognisable words. A Brazilian cat takes claims one step further by apparently being able to sing a number of well known songs while the Fortean Times carried a report of a cat which speaks several words in Turkish and suggested, with tongue firmly in cheek, that the reason many owners cannot understand their cats is because the cats are speaking Turkish. But before cat-owners rush out for phrase books, are these cats really speaking or are their owners just talking turkey?
Photo: Kevin Steele

For humans, the terms ’speech’ and ‘talk’ are not restricted to vocalization, but encompass human body language (which most of us read without realising it), gestural languages (sign language) and tactile languages (of deaf-blind individuals) which are equally expressive among those fluent in their use. Further, human language comprises both verbal and non-verbal components (including the written extension of body language through gestural substitutes such as the , symbols within Internet communication). Read the rest of this entry »

What’s the Big Deal?
Ah, the pitter patter of four-legged feet as they whip through your living room at overclocked speeds or uproot your prize gladiolas with manic fervor. But Snookiepuss and Mrs. Fluffypants are practically family, right?

So why should they settle for anything less than top drawer when their health and wellbeing are at stake? Throw the planet a bone while you’re at it; we’ve got the goods on how to reduce your pets’ carbon paw prints—without making your wallet roll over and play dead. Read the rest of this entry »

If you have pets, you may have wondered whether they know what you’re thinking. Perhaps your cat hides when you start planning a trip to the vet. Or maybe your dog runs in circles when you think about going out to play. Both of these events can have logical explanations. Your cat might have heard you pull the carrier off the shelf; your dog must have seen you glance at a favorite ball. Read the rest of this entry »

So It’s Time To Buy A Dog!

After listening to your kids beg for a puppy for years, you’re finally ready to give in and buy a dog. Before you take this big step though, stop to consider a few facts that should influence your decision. After all, you are about to enter into a 10+ year commitment, and you want to make sure you’re prepared!….Don’t You?

[youtube]V-tNAIRdoTk[/youtube]

First, consider your impulse to begin with a puppy. Puppies are undeniably adorable and appealing, but they need lots of exercise, training, and supervision. Depending on your work schedule and the ages of your children, do you really have time to handle a rambunctious pup?
Read the rest of this entry »

After purchasing a new puppy, it should be taken to a licensed veterinarian for a total health examination. Owners should make sure the puppy is of good quality, and do all that they can to insure that the puppy is healthy at the time of acquisition. You should find out which shots have already been administered and then set about completing the puppy’s entire series of vaccinations. This will protect the new puppy from diseases and worms.

During this time, it is best to keep your puppy away from strays and other animals, which may not have been vaccinated. Also, keep poisonous substances out of your dog’s reach. Some indoor plants are poisonous to dogs, so don’t let your puppy chew on their leaves or play near them. Ask a veterinarian for a list of hazardous plants and other potential toxins, including insecticides, household detergents, and household plants.

At first, your puppy will need lots of rest, so handling and playtime should be minimized. Your puppy should have a quiet place reserved for feeding and for resting. This area should be a light traffic area, and free from drafts and excessive sunshine. Most importantly, the puppy should feel safe and comfortable in the spot you have chosen. No radical changes in diet should be made without consulting a veterinarian, and you should also refrain from feeding your puppy “human” food because it may upset his stomach.

If you have children or frequent visitors, you should show them how to handle the puppy (i.e. a puppy should never be picked up by its front legs or neck), and focus on properly socializing and introducing the puppy to them.

With consistence and compassion, preparation and patience, your puppy will make a comfortable transition into your family and reward you with unconditional love and friendship.