education(health)-

BRUSH THOSE TEETH, circle slow,

gums and ALL

7 Tips for Doggie Dental Care

1. If your dog hasn't received a dental exam, take him to the vet first! He may require a cleaning, and then you can maintain his clean teeth at home.

2. Create a regular dental care routine at home. For example, you can brush your dog's teeth with special canine toothpaste.

3. Never use human toothpaste or mouthwash. They can make your dog sick.

4. Start early! Grown dogs can learn to become comfortable with brushing, but make things easier for yourself by working with your dog as a puppy.

5. Take your dog to the vet if you see signs of dental problems:

6. Aggressive chewing on hard objects can cause broken teeth. Make sure you are providing safe objects for your dog to gnaw on.

7. During your dog's annual check-ups, make sure your veterinarian takes a good look at his or her teeth to keep an eye out for any issue you may miss.

click image above for complete article and links

What to do ...

if having trouble affording Veterinary Care?

In addition to preparing for routine pet-care costs, you can set aside money to cover for unexpected veterinary bills or consider pet health insurance.

If, despite your planning, you pet incurs major veterinary expenses that you have trouble affording, consider these suggestions:

*  Ask your vet if he or she will let you work out a payment plan.  Many vets are willing to work out a weekly or monthly payment plan.

*  Contact your local shelter, some shelters operate or know of local subsidized vet clinics or veterinary assistance programs.

*  If you have a specific breed of dog, contact the National Club for that breed.  In some cases, these clubs offer a vet financial assistance fund.

*  Ask you vet to submit an assistance request to the American Animal Hospital Associations's "Helping Pets Fund".

*  Check with veterinary schools in your state to see if they offer discount services to the public.

* Start your own fundraising collection.

Given the state of the economy, many pet caregivers are in need of basic necessities such as pet food.  I if you find yourself in this position, be sure to contact your local shelter.  WE HAVE A LIST OF ORGANIZATIONS TO ASK AS WELL AS A LIST OF BREED SPECIFIC ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS.

PET ALERT

PROTECT YOUR PETS IN CASE OF FIRE !

Click on pup above for the link to the complete article.

Take safe measures before your home is threatened.  The following is a check list from the above linked article to make your house safe for all your family members in the event of an emergency.

STOP OUT AT SHELTER

TO GET YOUR

PET RESCUE FIRE SAFTEY STICKER

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          education(fun)-

FUN with ANIMALS

Diamond DOG Necklace

Tools / Materials

measuring tape

grosgrain ribbon

scissors

pinking shears

sewing machine

needle & thread

rhinestone trim & dangle

two 3/8-inch snaps

Instructions

1. Begin by measuring your dog's collar size using measuring tape. Cut a strip of 3/4-inch-wide grosgrain ribbon to your dog's collar length, plus an additional 3 inches. Fray check each end of the cut ribbon. Trim the ribbon ends with pinking shears.

2. Fold under 1 inch of the ribbon at each end. Using a sewing machine, stitch the folded ribbon hem in place.

3. Cut two pieces of rhinestone -- one a rhinestone dangle, the other a strip of rhinestone trim -- to fit the hemmed collar, minus 1 inch.

4. Using a sewing machine, sew the rhinestone dangle trim to the bottom of the grosgrain ribbon. Then use a needle and thread to hand-stitch a strip of rhinestone trim directly above the dangling rhinestone.

5. Unsnap two 3/8-inch snaps. Hand-stitch the snap sockets (the indented sides of snaps), one beside the other, to the 1-inch hem. Stitch the snap balls (the protruding sides of snaps) on reverse side of other end, so snaps will meet when hems are brought together.

Resources
Rhinestone trim and dangles are available from M&J Trimming, 800-965-8746.  You can also find what you need at Joann.com.

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Kitty Sock Toy - HOW TO

Tools / Materials

  -sock, baby sock perfect size

  -scissors

  -dried catnip

  -needle & thread

  -yarn

  -paper, for cylinder

Instructions

1) If using a baby sock, skip this step and go right to step two.  Cut sock to desired size.  With needle and thread, blind-stitch along one end of sock.

2) Insert a paper cylinder into a sock, and use a spoon to fill the sock with dried catnip, breaking up any large pieces with your hands. Be sure to use dried catnip fresh herb will mold and pack toy tightly.

2)  With a needle and thread, blind-stitch along the top of open end of sock; to refill the sock, simply take apart the stitching, refill, and re stitch. To dangle the toy from a doorknob or your hand, thread a piece of yarn through the back top of the sock so the yarn doubles itself, cut it to the desired length, and knot it in a few places to prevent tangling.

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Teach your dog some

ABC's

Increase your dog's vocabulary by teaching him to retrieve toys by their name.  Start with his/her two favorites, and teach them by name one at a time.  Make sure there are no other toys in the room to distract or confuse Fido. 

If he is not a natural at fetch, use lots of praise, tug or treats to reward the good fetches. 

Once Fido know the names of the two toys, put them both on the floor and ask to return one at a time.  Reward the correct choices and continue the game.  Respond to incorrect choices by repeating the request and eventually guiding Fido to the right toy if more help is needed.

This is really tough brain work, but Rico the world-famous Border Collie has a vocabulary of 200 words!

Have fun and Best of Luck-

_________

to GET INVOLVED; send in your suggestions or ideas please CALL SHELTER OFFICE

360.378.2158

_________

CHECK BACK FOR MORE FUN WITH ANIMALS PROJECTS

THROUGHOUT THE SUMMER OR TO CHECK OUT SOME FUN LINKS . . .

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Common Ailments Affecting

Canines & Felines

If your dog or puppy is not eating and seems quiet, first offer a small amount of a bland diet (baby food or boiled chicken and rice). If your pet still does not eat, or has any vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, or sneezing, have your pet seen by a veterinarian right away. A puppy that does not eat for 24 hours must be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible.

If your cat or kitten is not eating, try feeding a good commercial brand of canned cat food or chicken baby food. If your pet still does not eat, or has any vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, or sneezing, have your pet seen by a veterinarian right away. A kitten that does not eat for 24 hours must be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Important! Have a bowl of fresh, clean, cold water available to your pet at all times. Do not give your pet milk; it is a common cause of diarrhea.

One episode of vomiting or diarrhea may be caused by your pet’s change in diet and environment. If, however, your pet has multiple bouts of vomiting or diarrhea over a 24-hour period, or if your pet is also lethargic or not eating, seek veterinary care right away. If you notice any blood in your pet’s vomit or stool, see a veterinarian immediately. Always bring in a stool sample with your pet when possible.

Occasional coughing or sneezing without a discharge from the eyes or nose may be normal. If your pet has repeated episodes of coughing or sneezing over 24 to 48 hours, or if it is accompanied by any discharge from the eyes or nose, a loss of appetite, vomiting or diarrhea, your pet should be seen by a veterinarian right away.

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PET SAFETY

Ten Most Common Pet Poisons of 2009

click image for link to story

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CATnip FISH tOY

click above image for fish template link

Tools / Materials

fish template

Fabric
Pins
Pinking shears
Cotton batting or wool scraps
Piece of paper
Catnip
Needle and thread
Upholstery needle and thin sturdy twine, for hanging

Instructions

1. Trace template onto two layers of fabric. Cut out shapes.

2. Pin right sides together, leaving 1/4-inch seam allowance. Sew seam, and leave 1 1/2-inch opening for filling.

3. Trim seams with pinking shears.

4. Turn right side out. Press seams flat.

5. Stuff with cotton batting or wool scraps until firm. Shape a piece of paper into a funnel, and use it to add 1 to 2 tablespoons of dried catnip or to fill the whole toy with catnip.

6. Hand-stitch opening closed.

7. If desired, make fishing line: Thread an upholstery needle with 30 inches of thin sturdy twine, and sew through the seam of the fish's mouth. Tie knot to secure.

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MAKE your pet

an ID tag -

use Martha's downloadable template

& easy to find materials to create a

customized ID tag for your pet.

Tools / Materials

  -shrinky dinks printable plastic sheets

  -scissors

  -hole punch

  -matte clear-coat spray

Instructions

1) Download Martha's pet ID tag template to desktop.  CLICK HERE FOR LINK <<>>

2) Print tags on a shrinky dink printable plastic

sheet.  Cut out and punch a hole where indicated.  Bake according to package instructions;

let cool.  Seal both sides with matte clear-coat spray before attaching to collar.

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HOMEmade

KITTY TREATS

make your own healthy kitty treats at home

Savory Cheese Treats

• 3/4 cup white flour
  
• 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  
• 5 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
  
• 1/4 cup plain yogurt or sour cream
  
• 1/4 cup cornmeal
  
  Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Combine cheeses and yogurt. Add flour and cornmeal. If needed, add a small amount of water to create a nice dough. Knead dough into a ball and roll to 1/4 inch. Cut into one inch sized pieces and place on greased cookie sheet. Bake for 25 minutes. Makes 2 dozen.

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PetSaver Class

offered on San Juan Island

contact PATRICIA BENTON to sign up

360.378.6360 / bentpick@rockisland.com

"WAGS TO RICHES" July 26, 2009 is the date of our annual fundraiser atop the Westside!