There is a common misconception among some pet owners that dogs and cats cannot co-exist together within a house. While there are some breeds of dogs that do not naturally interact well with other pets most breeds of dogs can be socialized to interact appropriately with cats and live together in a house. The way that the two species are introduced to each other as well as the age of both the dog and cat are key. In addition the pets prior history with the other species really makes a difference as well.

Puppies and cats

If you are considering bringing home a new puppy and you currently have cats there are some steps that you can do to provide the best possible first meeting.

· Keep the puppy separate from the cats for the first few days.

· Allow the cats to smell the blankets that the puppy has slept on and vice versa.

· Hold the puppy and allow the cats to smell him or her without the puppy being able to move towards the cats. This is best done if the puppy is held securely on the floor or on a lap.

· Once they have had a chance to see each other when the puppy is under control consider allowing the puppy to walk around the room with the cats.

· The cats should not be held; rather they should be allowed to move away from the puppy when they want.

· If the puppy barks or attempts to chase the cats correct the puppy with a quick “No” and give them an appropriate toy to play with. Soon the puppy will realize that they are to chew on the toy, not try to chase the cats.

· Supervise all interactions between the cat and puppy until you are confident that they are well socialized. This may take several weeks depending on the comfort level of the cat and the size of the puppy.

Remember the younger this process starts the easier it will be. Keep in mind that some breeds are naturally more aggressive, particularly terriers and other hunting breeds such as Akitas, Dobermans, Rottweilers and hound varieties. Some of the smaller and toy dogs are also not well suited to interacting with cats, so research the breed and talk to current owners and breeders before you choose.

Dogs and cats

If you are considering a mature dog from a rescue or private home be sure to ask if they get along with cats. Most mature dogs that have been properly socialized with cats will get along with all cats after an initial “get to know each other” period. Often this is relatively short, lasting only a couple of days. Some mature dogs do very will with cats in the house but will immediately chase the same cat if they are outside. Carefully monitoring the dog and cat for the first few days is key for both safety and security for the cat and dog.

If you are not sure if the dog is socialized with cats assume that they are not, especially for large breeds of dogs or hunting type dogs including terriers. Keep the dog and the cat separate and only try to introduce them if the dog is on a very short leash and you have another adult there to work with the cat.

Often mature dogs will not interact well with cats but may develop an attitude of ignoring the cat. This may be acceptable but does not mean that the dog may not become aggressive towards the cat under certain conditions. Consider crate training or keeping your dog in a kennel or separate room when you are not able to supervise to prevent any fighting between the two species.

Most breeds of dogs do well with cats, especially when they are introduced slowly and at a young age. Proper socialization with other species will make your dog more accepting of all sorts of animals and will minimize their aggression towards others.

Author
Kelly Marshall

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Brushing Your Pets Teeth At Home
Importance of Oral Care

According to the American Dental Society, 80% of dogs and 70% of cats show signs of oral disease by age three. This can lead to even more serious health problems including heart, lung and kidney disease. Ensuring your pet receives proper dental care from an early age is critical. In addition to oral examinations and dental cleanings performed by your veterinarian, there are several things you can do to ensure the mouth of your dog or cat stays healthy. Brushing at Home Brushing your pet's teeth daily helps prevent a multitude of oral and other health problems. It is best to introduce dental home care early with your new puppy or kitten. During your first veterinary visit, request a demonstration of how to properly and effectively brush your pet's teeth. Below are step-by-step instructions on how to brush your pet's teeth at home.

1. Start with a healthy, comfortable mouth by having your veterinarian perform a dental cleaning. Existing problems may cause pain leading to an uncooperative dog or cat.

2. Start slowly by letting your pet become comfortable with you working inside their mouth with your finger. Gently rub along the gumline. Start at the front and move toward the back upper and then lower teeth and gums.

3. Pull his lip up to rub the outside of the teeth and gums.

4. Pull his head back gently to encourage him to open his mouth so you can clean the inside of his teeth.

5. Repeat on the opposite side of the mouth.

6. After your dog or cat becomes comfortable with your finger, place gauze over your finger and rub their teeth in a circular motion.

7. When your pet can handle the gauze, introduce a toothbrush during the next brushing session. It is important to make this switch because a bristled toothbrush cleans below the gumline where gauze or pads cannot reach.

8. Apply the bristles at a 45 degree angle to the surface of the tooth. Using small, circular motions, brush around the outside of the teeth ensuring the bristles get under the gumline. Brushing the sides of the teeth is not as important, as dogs and cats typically do not have tartar build-up between teeth like humans do.

9. Gradually add toothpaste designed for dogs or cats. Do not use people toothpaste or baking soda as both can upset your pet's stomach.

10. Place your hand over your pet's muzzle gently squeezing from the top.

11. Help keep your pet calm by praising your pet, speaking reassuringly and keeping the brushing sessions short. Remember, you will not always have a perfect teeth brushing session, but it's important to be consistent and keep trying.

Other Considerations for a Healthy Mouth :

Hard food and teeth cleaning biscuits can help keep your pet's mouth clean in between brushings. You should also be sure to regularly examine your pet's mouth for signs of periodontal disease. Brownish teeth, consistently bad breath, swollen or bleeding gums and pus between the teeth and gums are all warning signs. If your dog or cat has these symptoms, consult your veterinarian.

Contributed by: Pet First Health Care

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How To Teach Children To Care For The Dog

If you have a child, you've probably heard those familiar words, "Can we keep him?" Dog's aren't just a man's best friend anymore; they've become the whole family's friend. If you're like any typical family, the children will probably spend the most time with your new dog. This is why it's very important you teach your child how to take care of him. Here are a few dog rules to teach them:

1. Make sure you remember to feed the dog and give him fresh water each day. Explain that dogs, especially puppies, need nutrition each day for energy and proper growth. If you have an outside dog, it's especially important that his water dish is changed everyday. Standing water is a breeding place for mosquitoes. Also dirt can get flung into their dish. It is equally important for small children to be supervised when dealing with this type of responsibility. Sometimes smaller children can be too eager to help. Explain to your children why we don't feed dog's certain foods such as sweets. Dog food is made to meet their dog's nutritional needs and sweets can make their dog sick.

2. Being N-I-C-E to your dog is another lesson to teach children. Younger children, particularly under the age of four, have a tendency to be rough with animals. Pulling tails and ears just comes naturally with their curiosity. With a new dog, you may not know his temperament very well or how he may react to your child's curiosity. Lead by example. Show your child how to be kind to animals. Show them how to gently pet them on the head or back and that hitting or pulling can hurt the dog.

3. Teach your child about the importance of exercise with the family dog. In order for the dog to stay healthy he must move around and play. If the dog is not overpowering, let your child walk the dog with a leash. Another fun activity for exercise is fetch. Let your child throw a ball or stick for the pet to chase. This is lots of fun for both participants.

4. If you have a rambunctious puppy, make sure your child doesn't leave things lying around. Puppies love to chew on whatever they can sink their teeth into. If they see your daughter's favorite dolly on the floor, or your son's tennis shoe, the puppy will show no reserve. They will usually dive right in. Tell your child that your puppy is too young to understand, and that until he gets older, be extra careful about leaving things lying around.

5. Keep bathroom doors shut. Dogs are notorious for drinking from the toilet bowl. If you can help it, reduce the temptation for him, by teaching your child to keep bathroom doors shut.

6. If you have an indoor dog then he's got to have potty breaks outside. Keep a schedule of bathroom breaks for your dog. This is one of the not so fun parts of taking care of a new pet. Remind your child that if the new dog doesn't keep to the scheduled potty breaks that he may find a place in the house. In training a new dog to use the bathroom outside, the scheduled times must be strictly kept.

7. Make a chart. If you child is having problems remembering to feed the pet or take it out for breaks, it would be a great idea to make a chart of things to do each day. Let your child mark a check when the chore has been completed. The more he completes the chore, the easier it will be to remember.

Children don't always see the bigger picture of taking care of a new dog, but with our guidance, they will no doubt become good little pet owners. It's a good idea to applaud your child when he takes on responsibility and follows through with it. This will give them confidence to mature and take on more responsibility as they get older. Taking care of a pet is a big responsibility. Teach your kids that just as they have to be taken care of by parents, their pet has to be taken care of as well. Our pets depend on us everyday.