One of our Wordless Wednesday submissions was from Foster Mommy and it got us to thinking about the wonderful people that open their homes to pets that need our help.

Foster homes are extremely useful to assist animal shelters, local humane societies and breed rescues. There are so many pets in need that some of them could use a little extra help to find a permanent, loving home. Fostering a pet may seem like a huge task but it is a very good way to make a difference. A break from kennel life will give the pet a second chance at becoming someone’s forever cherished pet. Fostered pets become better adapted to home life and increases their chance of remaining in the new home permanently. The individual love and care of a foster parent gives the animal an opportunity to flourish. After some of these lovable pets have spent several weeks or months at the shelter without being adopted they are euthanized for lack of space. Getting involved and doing whatever we can to prevent this fate is worth the little time and effort it takes.

Medium-to-large, adolescent, untrained dogs are prime candidates for foster homes. So often they are overlooked for adoption because they are too big, unruly, or just too ordinary. Their behavior becomes worse from the stress of being kenneled. Can you imagine being in a cage with countless others and watching as people go through to choose a pet? What do you think these sweet animals are thinking after time and again not being the picked one? The adorable puppy stage has long passed. They do however have a lot to offer each in their own way. Foster homes can provide a stable home setting where they can become the perfect adoptee.

Other common reasons pets are fostered are kittens and puppies who are too young to be spayed or neutered, cats and dogs who are nursing a litter, orphaned kittens and puppies or pets that are being treated for injury or illness. This group will take a lot more time and dedication to foster. The orphans will need to be bottle fed as often as you would feed a baby. Injuries and illness will be challenging to say the least. Once they are old enough or well enough to be adopted you will experience the feeling of a job well done.

Aside from regular day-to-day care of feeding, grooming and exercise, the responsibilities of a foster home may include basic training in house training, walking on leash, sit, down and stay. Some of our furry friends need behavior modification to correct problems such as jumping, barking, destructive chewing, and just not listening. Socialization skills help to determine whether the dog is good with different types of people and other animals. If needed you may be asked to dispense medication or take the animal to vet appointments. And the most important of all is to lavish them with plenty of playtime, cuddling and love.

Foster volunteers are the key to saving the lives of homeless pets. Do a little homework to find out what the foster programs are all about. Learn how to get ready to become a foster parent. The rewards is knowing you provided the individualized care and affection to restore the optimal state of your visitor. The feeling that you were instrumental in getting them on the path to a great new life will last a lifetime.

Foster programs can provide you with all the information you need. If this is something you would be interested in getting involved with, then please contact your local humane society, animal shelter, or a breed rescue organization.

by Tiffany Current

Moving in together can be a big adjustment. Instead of making decisions for one, you have to compromise on everything — the dishes, the dusting, the dinner parties. If your partner has a pet, it complicates things even more. Sure, seeing this cuddly creature on an occasional basis was a breeze, but how will you handle living with it every single day?

Pretend like you’re dealing with your in-laws. After all, it’s practically the same thing. You’re two parties brought together by one common interest — your partner. So if you want to make the best of your new situation (and live in pet harmony), follow these simple guidelines:

Give ‘em a reason to like you

You can win over your partner’s pooch or calico kitty the same way you won over your mother-in-law. By showering it with gifts and attention. Give Whiskers her favorite treats, change Fido’s water, play catch with Rags. Just keep rewarding your pet-in-law, so it will start seeing you in a favorably light — instead of as competition for your partner’s love. In time, this positive reinforcement will help you gain your new pet’s trust and affection.

Don’t Go Overboard

You want your in-laws to like you, but you need to know when to take a step back too. The same logic applies to your partner’s pet. Remember, animals like attention, but they don’t want to be smothered. So give them a little space when they ask for it. If Snuggles is tired of playing with his ball, don’t force him into another round. If Snowball wants to take a catnap, let her sleep without being interrupted. You can’t force your in-laws into liking you. Just let it happen naturally — or it may not happen at all.

Don’t be the bad guy

Inevitably, your in-laws will do or say something that’ll get under your skin (whether it’s intentional or not). Your new pet is no different. One day you’ll discover Frisky scratching your loveseat or using your favorite shoe as a chew toy. When that happens, make sure you have a good disciplinary plan in place. Talk to your partner beforehand about what to do if (or, more accurately, when) your pet acts out. Should you speak to Coju in a stern voice? Or simply spray him with a quick squirt of water? Figure out a punishment that both you and your partner can agree on.

During the first few weeks of your cohabitation, have your significant other dole out the punishment. After all, you’re in a new living situation with your pet-in-law. You don’t want Rover associating any negative behavior with you. Over time, you can ease into the disciplinary role. But for now, stand on the sidelines until your new pet warms up to you.

Pull Your Weight

In-laws can be a lot of work. Sometimes you’ll waste a whole day running errands for your father-in-law or making small talk with your partner’s sister. It’s no fun. In fact, it’s a chore. And chores are a big part of caring for your new pet-in-law too — like cleaning out the litter box, brushing your puppy’s matted fur, or struggling to cut your cat’s nails.

Right off the bat, you and your partner should discuss who does what when it comes to pet chores. Are you doing a 50/50 split, 80/20, or 100/0? By talking it out beforehand, you cut down on any potential disagreements and unrealistic expectations. So figure out what type of split works best for your live-in relationship (and for your pet too).

The Cost of Living

Just like you have to pitch in for your in-laws’ birthdays, anniversaries, and holiday gifts, you’ll have to pitch in for your pet-in-law too. There’s the vet bill, toys, endless supply of kibble. It all adds up. So how much are you willing to contribute to your new pet’s cause? Will you even be able to afford it?

Before you pull out that checkbook, make a list of all your typical monthly pet expenses. Now look at your own monthly budget. What percentage can you allocate to pet costs without breaking the bank? Go with that number (even if it’s a small one). Because giving a little is better than giving nothing at all.

Remember, it took time and effort to win the love and respect of your in-laws. Stick with it, and you can do the same with your pet-in-law too.

Tiffany Current is a relationship expert and author of the book, “How to Move in with Your Boyfriend (and Not Break Up with Him)”. She likes to spend her time writing, watching movies with her husband, and pestering Shelly her own cat-in-law.

It’s usually no secret to a pet owner if their furry friend isn’t comfortable with their veterinarian; anxiety, defensive biting or scratching, hiding when it’s time to go to the vet, or creating a racket are all common signs that your pet is not pleased with the idea of a trip to the vet’s office.

Ways to Prepare Your Pet:

Socialization of pets is important for more reasons than just helping to make trips to the vet go more smoothly; socialization will create a more balanced, well behaved animal that can cope more easily with a variety of situations and stresses. If possible, start socializing your pet at a young age by having them meet and be petted by your friends, family members and children.

Dogs especially need to get used to being around other animals, too, and should always be kept on a leash when visiting the veterinarian. This helps keep them safe and other pets safe, and can also help calm them down if they are already leash trained. The familiarity of the leash and the pressure of your hand on it can alleviate fear and stress.

Bring your pet in for routine visits to their veterinarian just so they become more familiar and comfortable with the place, people and atmosphere. Bring along a few treats for them to have at the animal clinic. If your pet associates the vet’s office with good food and petting, it may help them feel more calm during checkups and other medical procedures.

Finding the Right Veterinarian:

Finding a right veterinarian is as important for your pet as finding the right doctor is for you. There are a few specific things to look for when considering which vet is right for you and your pet.

Ideally, a professional veterinarian has a clean, well maintained office. Overly strong animal smells may be a sign of poor cleaning and may also cause more upset to your pet than they may already feel. The veterinarian should also be calm, patient and show an interest in you and your pet that goes beyond asking the routine questions. A veterinarian that talks to your pet soothingly and does not become angry or flustered if a defensive pet tries to bite or scratch will help create an atmosphere of calm that will be projected onto your animal.

Finally, if your pet just doesn’t warm up to a specific vet, try another one to gauge if the problem is with one particular doctor or the entire experience. It’s completely all right to shop around for a veterinarian that your pet feels most comfortable with and trusts, so don’t hesitate in asking for recommendations from friends or other pet owners.

This post was contributed by Kelly Austin from Higher Salary. Kelly has always been fond of pets and has had a variety of them since childhood. She is now happily taking care of a healthy bullmastiff. Visit her site for information on the average medical billing and coding salary and guides to other popular careers.

Everyone knows that proper diet is important to keep us healthy and happy – but do you realize that the same applies to your cats? But what’s best? Should you feed them commercial products such as Royal Canin cat food, or homemade choices? Age targeted meals, or cover-all options.

Felines are ‘obligate carnivores’ and must have meat and fish in their diet, and lots of it, to stay in top shape. And while they can digest carbohydrates, there’s no real need for them to be included in their food.

But cats have different needs and requirements, depending on their age, underlying health and lifestyle. Older cats will usually need less food than a young cat – and, just like us, if your cat likes to lie in front of the TV instead of running around the garden, the amount of sustenance they need varies.

You must keep this in mind when selecting cat food.

Commercially prepared cat food is scientifically tested to ensure it contains the right mix of nutrients, which is difficult in homemade food. Brands usually have a wide range of choices, including those aimed at different age brackets.

In terms of those added vitamins, the most important are B-group vitamins for the central nervous system, vitamin A to keep cells working properly, vitamin D and phosphorous for health bones and teeth and vitamin E to protect against cell damage.

Check the back of the label to ensure that these are all included in your chosen product, as this will make sure you’re giving your pet what you need.

Dry and wet foods have different benefits. With dry foods, it’s easy to measure and use, easier to store and have a long shelf life, as well as helping to keep a cat’s teeth healthy by removing plaque. However, some cats prefer wet food’s smell and texture. It also allows them to eat more in one sitting and requires them to drink less water. Many owners choose a mixture of these two options.

Grass is useful for cats to induce vomiting, which helps them to empty their body of potentially harmful parasites and hairballs. The vegetation contains high levels of folic acid, which will react with a cat’s digestion. “Cat grass” from pet shops is free of pesticides and weed killer, so is therefore a good option.

Follow this simple guide and you’ll be able to keep your cat at the top of its game – and, for more intricate enquiries, always ask your vet for advice.

This guest post comes courtesy of Pets at Home, the UK’s leading pet supplies retailer. The company offers a wide range of cat supplies as well as specialist insurance, to ensure your pet’s long-term health and to make sure that any trips to the vet don’t prove too costly.

“All the most acute, most powerful, and most deadly diseases, and those most difficult to be understood … fall upon the brain.”
–Hippocrates

Epilepsy can be a very frightening experience for both your pet and you. With little warning your companion will start to shake, fall down and be unresponsive. Understanding what to do if this happens may prepare you to handle the situation better.

Epilepsy is one of the more common neurologic diseases in dogs. There are studies that estimate up to 4% of all dogs are affected. The repeated seizures are due to abnormal activity in the brain. Not all seizures are epilepsy, some can be caused by other problems in the body like heart disease where oxygen is deprived from the brain. If your pet has any seizures at all you should visit your vet to determine what the cause of the seizure is.

Canine epilepsy is often genetic. Breeds most prone to idiopathic (generic)epilepsy include the Beagle, Keeshond, Belgian Tervuren, Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, Vizsla, Shetland Sheepdog, Dachshund, German Shepherd, Boxers, Cocker Spaniels, Collies, Irish Setters, Miniature Schnauzers, Poodles, Saint Bernards, Siberian Huskies, and Wire-Haired Terriers.

Epilepsy occurs less frequently in cats and other pets because there is no hereditary component to epilepsy in these animals.

There are 3 forms of epilepsy:

1. Idiopathic or Primary Epilepsy
   Genetic, and usually shows up in a dog at somewhere between about six months and five years of age.
2. Secondary Epilepsy
   Chemical or physical abnormalities of the dog’s brain, which may have been caused by an injury or disease.
3. Reactive Epilepsy
   Caused by a condition as low blood sugar, heart disease, cancer or an infection.

There are 4 basic stages to a seizure:

1. The prodome
   This precedes the actual seizure by hours or days. There will be a change in mood or behavior.
2. The aura
   You may notice signs of restlessness, nervousness, whining, trembling, salivation, affection, wandering, hiding, hysterical running, and apprehension.
3. The ictus
   This is the actual seizure. There is an involuntary contraction of muscles and loss of consciousness. The dog usually falls to his side with the legs stretched out and the head back. The seizure usually lasts from 1-3 minutes.
4. The postictus
   The aftermath of the seizure may last for minutes to days. Your pet is conscious but not totally functional. You may notice your dog is confused, disoriented, restless, unresponsive, may wander around or suffer from transient blindness.

If you suspect that your dog does have epilepsy by all means visit your vet. If your pet has a seizure longer than 5-10 minutes or 3 seizures in a day, seek veterinary care immediately! Phenobarbitol and primidone can be prescribed if your pet has one or more seizures per month. The abnormalities are genetic so there is little you can do to prevent them. Educate yourself about your pet’s disease and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Holistic veterinarian Roger DeHaan, DVM states that some forms of epilepsy respond to supplementation of vitamin B6, magnesium, and manganese.

During a seizure keep your pet as quiet as possible. Keep other animals away from the area. Stay with them to keep them calm with physical and voice contact. Once they return to consciousness your presence with be a comfort they need.

Keep a journal of each seizure so you will be able to let your vet know if the frequency increases.

As with any ailment your pet may have, the more you know the better. Understanding Your Pet’s Epilepsy by Dennis O’Brien, DVM, PhD is an excellent source for more detailed information.

The Food and Drug Administration is warning veterinarians and pet owners, particularly cat owners, of the possible risk of fractures with the Vet Jet™ transdermal vaccination system device. The device, made by Bioject, Inc., is sold exclusively as the delivery system for the Merial product, PUREVAX® Recombinant Feline Leukemia Vaccine. The device delivers the leukemia vaccine through the skin to cats.

FDA is aware of three recent adverse event reports involving the use of the Vet Jet™ device in kittens. In two of the cases, the user failed or may have failed to properly lock the nozzle into the device before using it. The nozzle subsequently dislodged at the time of vaccination, causing a fracture of the femur (the thigh bone).

Merial is fully investigating the three cases. The company is also revising the “Instructions for Use” for the Vet Jet™ device to stress that users need to securely lock the nozzle into the device. In addition, Merial is sending a letter to all Vet Jet™ device users urging them to carefully follow the nozzle locking procedure.

FDA asks veterinarians and pet owners who want to report problems with the Vet Jet™ device to first contact Merial. They can also report problems to FDA by submitting FORM FDA 1932a.

by Aaron Garcia

When it’s time to choose among the many pet sitters available in your area, follow these tips to help you find the best one for your pet.

You should start by asking your friends, family and even veterinarian if they know of any reliable pet sitters. You also can check online yellow pages or even just do a Google search, for example, for “cat sitting in Boston, MA.”

Take a look at each sitter’s website to see if the sitter offers the services your pet needs. Does your dog need to be walked more than once a day? Not every sitter offers multiple walks every day; it’s best to find this out at the beginning.

You’ll then want to call two or three sitters to discuss their availability and fees. If you like what you hear, you’ll want to meet the sitter. If possible, ask the sitter to come to your home to meet your pet or at least make arrangements for the sitter and your pet to meet before you leave.

Be sure to get names and contact information of past clients. And then contact these references to see how satisfied they were with the person you found. If they were unhappy with the sitter, be sure to ask why.

If you’re going to need pet sitters around the holidays or summer, you’ll want to be sure you make reservations early. Summer and the holiday season is prime pet-sitting season and you don’t want to find that your favorite sitter is unavailable!

You should purchase extra food and supplies — you never know when your trip home could be delayed.

As you get ready to leave, type up a list of instructions as well as your contact information which you will give to the sitter. Be sure to include your pets’ veterinarian’s number, as well.

Pet sitters understand that you likely will want to hear how your pet is doing while you’re away. Make arrangements before you go as to how the sitter can keep you updated regarding how your pets are doing. You shouldn’t be stressed out about leaving your pet with someone else, so make sure that the company or person you choose is more than capable of the task at hand.

Aaron Garcia has owned numerous pets throughout his life, and has had to find pet sitters for all of them. He understands the stress associated with leaving a pet in someone else’s care and knows how to manage the process.

by Rupert Brown

The UK is a nation of animal lovers, with almost half of the population sharing their lives and homes with a cornucopia of mammals, birds and reptiles.

We buy pet insurance, pay exorbitant vet bills and purchase the best quality food. We groom them, exercise them in the rain, sing to them and pick up their mess. You wouldn’t do some of these things for another human being, but are rewarded with devotion, trust and hours of fun.

‘Pet power’ has real benefits to humans. Pet groups claim that contact with animals can reduce stress, help prevent allergies and illness, lower blood pressure and boost the chances of survival after a life threatening illness.

We love our pets and what better way to show it than splurging on the odd pet accessory here and there? Dressing pets can seem amusing, but animal clothes can prove practical in some cases. Raincoats for dogs are a good idea if you are on a long walk and the weather is damp and chilly. These garments are easy to put on your pet, with one zip they provide extra protection from the elements. You wrap up warm, so why shouldn’t Rover?

Or perhaps treat your cat to an indoor entertainment system? Incorporating a scratch post, toys and cat beds, these systems comprise multiple bases and poles which can be contracted in a number of configurations; providing your feline friend with hours of fun, stimulation and exercise.

If you don’t want to encourage your pets to sleep on the sofa, buy them a cat or dog bed. It’s hard to discipline your best friend; however, if they’ve got a nice bed to rest on, you won’t feel so guilty. All dog beds ought to be easy to clean, obviously, and ensure they are constructed of supportive and comfortable materials.

Some designs resemble chic sofas, upholstered in faux leather and ideal for the most discerning pet. Others come complete with a matching cushion and wouldn’t look out of place in an upmarket bistro or bar.

For sophisticated aquatics, why not treat your fish to a swanky tank which has day and night light settings? Furnish their underwater paradise with lots of plants, rocks and little models. The Spongebob Squarepants range is particularly entertaining. Watch as your fish swim to the Crusty Crab or play with Patrick the pink starfish.

Rupert Brown as a freelance author writes articles on various topics. To learn more about dog beds and dog blankets he recommends you to visit Muddy Paws.