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Written by: DJ Geribo

Category: Petpourri

In the Northeast United States where I live, it gets very cold in the winter months, January and February in particular. For some odd reason, some people think that just because their dog or cat has fur, that they can withstand any temperature, no matter how cold it gets. This is simply not true and if they decide to leave their pets out in this frigid weather, they will soon discover the dire consequence of committing such a crime: their animals will freeze to death.

This is a gentle reminder that if you are cold your pet is cold, too. Bring them indoors. If you do not allow dogs or cats in your house (and personally, I have to wonder why someone would have a dog or cat if they didn't allow them in the house since they are members of your family) at least have a warm place for them in your basement or a shed where they can get out of the frigid temperatures.

Help Shelter Pets Persian cat card sold in The Card Shop

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Written by: DJ Geribo

Category: Petpourri

Almost everyone I know who has a dog or a cat complains about the bad breath problem, particularly from their dog (since they are more apt to want to kiss their owners than a cat does.) But bad breath can be a serious problem and lead to gum disease and teeth extractions, and they should have their teeth cleaned regularly. Small dogs seem to have more of a problem with this than bigger dogs, who are more apt to chew beef bones that help clean their teeth.

We just had Meko's teeth cleaned in November and now Kitsu will be having her teeth cleaned in February. Our dog's vet offers teeth cleaning discounts in February - your dog's vet probably offers teeth cleaning discounts, too.

A regular teeth cleaning is all part of good health maintenance, just the same as we do for ourselves.

Help Shelter Pets German Short-Haired Pointer dog card sold in The Card Shop.

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Written by: DJ Geribo

Category: Petpourri

Your 3-year old is crying for a new puppy for Christmas. As a parent, you want to give your child everything their heart desires. But wait, what about the puppy? First of all, a 3-year-old is too young to make any kind of decision about bringing a puppy into the home. The first time the fingers go into the puppy's mouth and those sharp little teeth bite down, you'll be dumping the innocent pup at the local shelter. Spare the pup the trauma and start first with a guinea pig, and not until your child is about 5-years-old. For 5-to 10-year-olds mice, rats, or fish are good choices for pets. Your child will learn about responsibility in the form of cleaning a cage or a tank and making sure the new pet has food each day.

Not until a child is between 10 and 13 are they ready to take on the responsibility of a dog or even a cat. Both demand a certain amount of time each day (dogs more than cats) and need to be fed, have water, and played with or make sure they have some kind of exercise. But as the parent, you should always oversee the child's responsibility and make sure the animal is taken care of everyday.

And then there is all the excitement around the holidays not to mention company that can terrify a new dog or cat. There should be quiet and a normal everyday environment for them to come into when you bring a new pet home. Wait a month or so after the holidays before you purchase a new pet, especially a puppy.

If your 3-year-old wants a puppy for Christmas, they make some very life-like stuffed animals.

Help Shelter Pets Yorkshire Terrier puppy card sold in The Card Shop.