Not sure about you, but it’s not refined to let your dog eat at the table.

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From Hunter to Hunted

Many people don’t understand that Pit Bulls are not a solitary breed of dog. The breed title can be applied to a numerous variety of dogs with similar origins. What is commonly called an American Pit Bull today is a medium to large sized dog with heritage tied to bulldogs and terriers. The dogs are well known for their athletic and muscular bodies. Most notably, cousins of heritage include Staffordshire Terriers and Staffordshire Bull Terriers.

The breed was originally created in England and came over with settlers. The original purpose for the Pit was to aid in the hunt as a catch dog for large hogs or wild wild cattle. Over time the dogs became domesticated and used as family companions. Eventually other breeders noted the superior fighting ability and strong jaw muscles of the breed. These breeders then began to selectively breed dogs within the breed that exhibited factors of a strong sport fighting dog. This deviation in breeding is at the root of much controversy surrounding Pit Bulls today.

Pit Bulls in the Press

News reporting agencies often showcase Pit Bulls as uncontrollable and needlessly vicious. They choose to focus only on the negative attributes of a few dogs as opposed to the breed as a whole. Despite the often publicized reports of Pit Bull attacks, only a limited number of studies have ever been conducted on dog bite fatalities at all. A study released in 2000 for the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) compiled attack reports and fatalities over a 20 year period (1979-1998). This report highlighted more than one million annual reported bites. Of those just over 200 were fatal. Within the 238 reported fatalities, roughly 32% could be contributed to dogs within the Pit Bull breed. The CDC attaches a disclaimer to this and all other dog bite publications stating that no specific breed is more prone to attack than any other. Because of this, the CDC does not endorse creating legislation or restriction on ownership based solely on a specific breed or the assumed probability of attack.

It makes better common sense to assume that a dog attack has more to do with the dog’s situation, surroundings and training than the dog’s breed or lineage. A dog who has been mistreated or poorly socialized will always be more volatile than one with proper attention and training. Likewise, a dog who feels cornered or threatened will attack regardless of breed. Proper training and attention will always lead to more predictable and controlled dog behavior in any breed.

Restricted Ownership & Breed Kills

Despite a statement from the Center for Disease Control that there is no definitive way to determine which dog breeds may be more prone to attack, many states and counties continue to institute laws to limit ownership of the breed. Discrimination of the breed runs the spectrum from unfair air travel to what some consider unethical euthanasia.

Many major airlines will not allow Pit Bull type dogs to be carried on their airlines. While Air France, British Airlines and Continental Airlines list the reason for their refusal as safety related, many other airlines including Alaska Airlines, American Airlines and Delta Airlines will not welcome the dogs on-board for what they deem “health” concerns. The airlines list health concerns as flights in areas where temperatures exceed a comfortable 75 degrees.

Restricted ownership of Pit Bull or “snub nosed” dog breeds exist in local communities across the country. Notable cities on the list include Miami, Florida, Denver, Colorado and throughout all of Franklin County in Ohio. In these areas it can be downright illegal to simply own this breed of dog. In other less severe cases ownership  is often limited to rural areas with no proximity to other neighbors.

Perhaps the most aggressive form of discrimination against the breed exists in the form of euthanasia. Many animal rescue shelters will not offer rescued or surrendered Pit Bull type breeds for adoption. They are instead “put to sleep.” Many animal right’s advocates claim this is cruel and inhumane.

A 2005 California law gives the state the right to mandate spay and neuter practices on certain breeds regardless of owner preference. This law is often misunderstood as an “extermination” law which would allow government officials to round up Pit Bulls and destroy them without cause. However, the scope of this law does not give the government that ability.

The truth behind the Pit Bull breed is that it is really not so differet from any other dog breed. While it can be violent and prone to attack studies have proven definitivly that the breed is no more volatile or dangerous than any other. Perhaps the best way to break the unfair reputation that has been bestowed on the Pit is to educate others about their redeeming factors. Studying the breed as a companion dog or service dog can certainly change the mental landscape that is often associated with these animals.

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She is currently being boarded at a vet’s office in downtown Columbia, SC. The staff have fallen in love with her sweet disposition. Our client is happy to assist with having her spayed, getting her vaccinations and a microchip. If interested, please contact scjudes@gmail.com or lostpets@awayhomeandpetcare.com.

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Benefits of Pet Sitting

Best Bets for A Pet Sitter

Benefits of Using a Kennel

Opt for A Kennel

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Prepare Yourself

The first step you should take is to prepare yourself for your new puppy. Remember that you’re making a lifetime dedication to a living thing. All cute puppies will eventually turn into full grown dogs. Make sure you’re ready for the 10 plus year responsibility you’re signing up for, including the financial burden of vet bills and general care. If you’re not sure you want a full grown dog, perhaps you should give the decision to buy a puppy a bit more thought. This is the kindest and most fair thing you can do for the dog and yourself.

Prepare Your Home

It is incredibly important to prepare your home for your new puppy. Make sure you have the basics like a collar, leash, pet kennel, dog shampoo, treats and food on hand. You’ll also want to place delicate objects out of the puppy’s reach.  You should have the phone number of the vet you plan to use nearby as shots and check ups will begin soon. If you don’t want your new pet to sit on furniture make sure you have baby gates ready to make certain areas off limits from day one. Good training is the result of good persistence and your work begins now!

If You Have Kids

If your new addition is meant to be a family dog you will have additional considerations to keep in mind. Perhaps the most important one is to make sure the breed is child friendly and appropriate for the age of your children. Also look for an individual dog with an outgoing nature within that breed. You’ll want to allow the kids to play with the puppy openly, but without allowing ear and tail pulling or other roughhouse activities.

Make sure you teach your children to leave puppy alone during meal times. Allowing the puppy to learn that his food time will not be bothered by children’s interruptions will reduce the risk of the dog developing food aggression. Finally, set strict rules with your children regarding their roles in the puppy’s life. Make sure their chores as they relate to the dog (feeding, walking, yard cleaning etc.) are clearly understood and enforced from the onset.

If You Have Other Pets

Introducing a new puppy into a home where there are already established pets can be extra tricky. Here’s a look at how to ease the transition in home with other dogs or cats.

-Cats. The first thing to keep in mind is that felines and canines think differently. You’ll want to make sure to do introductions of the animals in a controlled setting. This means that the dog must be on a leash. For the first several weeks or months you should always supervise common time between the pets and keep physical freedom of both pets as separate as possible. When you’re not come, you’ll need to be sure to put the puppy in a crate. To a cat, territorial dominance is everything. In a dog’s world it’s social dominance that plays a mighty role. Keep the peace by ensuring the cat has places that the dog is not allowed to intrude upon.

-Dogs. The biggest consideration is to avoid conflict and territorial disputes. The best way to do this is to introduce the dogs in a nuetral setting like a park. This ensures that the older dog doesn’t see the new puppy as an intruder. You’ll want to use strong positive reinforcement for both dogs to keep the mood light and happy. Watch for defensive poses or growls between the two. If there is animosity switch to a strong positive reinforcement method to get things calm again. Let the dogs play together until you’re sure they can handle a ride home together safely. Once home be sure to monitor the behavior of the dogs closely over the first couple of weeks of co-habitation. You may need to intercede to help establish new house rules for both pets.

Away Home & Pet Care, a professional dog walking and pet sitting company that services the Columbia, South Carolina and Ogden, Utah areas, offers services geared toward puppies, including our popular Lunch Xpress service that provide a mid-day walk and potty break during the week. You can check us out at www.awayhomeandpetcare.com or call us at (877) 272-4035.

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Outdoor Pets Outdoor pets need a great deal of care and attention in the winter. Remember to never leave your pet outside overnight when temperatures will fall below freezing (32 degrees).  Check out these other often overlooked safety tips.

• Double up on serving size. Outdoor pets need to eat more in the winter months in order to stay healthy. This is because their metabolisms have to work twice as hard to keep warm. You’ll want to offer food more regularly and in greater portions. Also, make sure to check the water supply frequently to ensure it is not frozen.
• Wind Chill Concerns. You’re also going to want to give your dog’s outside home a closer look to make sure it’s winter ready. You should make sure it blocks wind and is not drafty. The inside should have old bankets or other items your pet can use to build a nest. The smaller the house the better, so long as your pet can move comfortably inside. The small size allows your pet’s body heat to insultate the cavern. Finally, try to set the house an inch or two off of the frozen ground, face the opening away from the direction of northern winds and use a heavy plastic to cover the opening.
• Perhaps the greatest danger to outside pets comes from your car. Pets will frequently climb under the hood of your car after it’s been turned off in order to warm themselves by the heat of your engine. Before starting your car, be sure to knock on the hood a few times in order to scare off any potential pets hiding underneath. This will not only save a pet’s life, but also your car’s engine! Additionally, be sure to watch for leaking antifreeze from your car. It tastes sweet to your pet, but it’s a harsh chemical that can kill him if consumed.

Grooming Hints

Just like your skin needs additional hydration in the winter, your pet will need different types of attention and care to stay healthy and well groomed in colder temperatures. Here are a few things to keep an eye out for in your pets physical apperance as winter progresses

• Outside Salt. It’s probably unlikely that you’re thinking about your furry four legged friend when you’re purchasing sidewalk salt. The reality is that you should be looking for a pet friendly version. That’s because the salt can dry out the sensitive pads on your pet’s paws, causing them to split and bleed. Keep your eye out for early signs of irritation like redness or swelling. Avoid this problem by using pet friendly salt and wiping your pets paws down after walks.
• Bathing. Your pooch still needs to be bathed in the winter. Change things up by using a less drying shampoo, and introducing conditioner. Adding a tablespoon of olive, canola, or flax seed oil to the wash can make a big difference in your pet’s comfort level.  If you notice dandruff flakes or increased chewing or scratching of the skin it’s safe to say your pet’s skin is too dry. Remember to completely dry your pet before allowing him back outdoors. Use a blow dryer if necessary.

Walking the Dog

The debate over dog sweaters rages on! Yes, your dog has a fur coat already. But in the coldest of weather that coat may not be enough to keep your dog warm on long walks. While a rhinestone encrusted peat coat with leather trim may defeat the purpose of warmth and comfort, considering a general dog coat rated for snow and ice shouldn’t be ruled out based on fashion alone. An extra layer will also keep falling snow, ice and rain off of your pet’s fur. This keeps your pet dry and much warmer.

You should also pay attention to how you’re dressed before heading out for a walk as well. While you’d never dream of heading out without a coat, you may not realize that you can also over bundle yourself. Make sure you’re not sweating under all your layers as this can be just as dangerous. Aim for leather gloves that break the wind and block moisture, comfortable shoes with good tread, a coat that covers your thighs and cinches at the wrists and a warm hat. Don’t forget to pack water for you and your pet. Staying hydrated is especially important in the winter months.

Of course, if you don’t want to deal with walking your dog in the cold, consider hiring Away Home & Pet Care, a professional pet sitting and dog walking company located in Columbia, South Carolina and Ogden, Utah. You can check out their rates at www.awayhomeandpetcare.com or call (877) 272-4035.

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Are You Allergic?

Many people living with pets may not even realize they have pet allergies and are therefore left unable to treat them. It is estimated that as many as one in ten people suffer from some form of animal allergy. If you also suffer from Asthma, your odds of having pet allergies sky rocket to 20-30%. Common signs of pet allergies include wheezing, sneezing and itchy or puffy eyes.

While many people think the amount of fur that your pet sheds is directly connected to how large the allergic reaction will be, this is not always the case. It is true that specific pet dander (skin flakes) as well as pet saliva and urine can cause an allergic reaction. However, the more common culprit are the allergens that attach to your pet and live in their fur. These include some of the most common allergen offenders out there; pollen, dust and mold.

Home Remedies

If you do have pet allergies you can rest assured that this does not mean you can not keep pets. There are several simple solutions that can help combat the symptoms of pet allergies. In some cases these simple fixes can keep the pet in your home and keep you off medication and comfortable. Popular options include:

-Clean Your House. Take this advice both literally and figuratively. Not only should you clean your home often to keep dander and dust away from your nose, mouth and eyes, but you should also consider getting rid of several household items that can trap dander and allergens. Easy fixes include removing carpet and putting in hardwood floors, keeping pets out of rooms with upholstered furniture, and use HEPA Filters around the house to purify the air. Replacing old mattresses and blankets and working to keep your animals off the new bedding can also help.
-Clean Your Pet. This means doing more than simply bathing your animal. While frequent baths will keep dander washed away, you will need to do more to ensure a healthy experience for you. You should also enlist the help of a professional groomer to brush and trim your pet’s fur coat and make sure to change the dog’s collar frequently. Also try to avoid padded pet beds.

HypoAllergenic Dog Breeds

You can still have a dog without having to endure any of the lifestyle changes listed above. The most simple solution is to choose a dog breed that is hypo allergenic. They do exist, and they are just as cute and lovable and their allergy causing counterparts. A long list of breeds exist that are known to be great fits for households with allergy sufferers. A partial list highlights several popular breeds in a variety of sizes. Examples include:

-Small Dogs. Yorkshire Terrier, Wire Fox Terrier, Shih Tzu, Rat Terrier, Maltese, Italian Greyhound
-Mid Sized Dogs. Basenji, Border Terrier, Labradoodle, Poodle
-Large Dogs. Kerry Blue Terrier, Irish Water Spaniel, Giant Schnauzer, Afghan Hound

This is just a partial list of common breeds. A simple internet search can turn up many more breeds that will be easier to have in a home with those suffering from animal allergies. You can compare size and behavioral habits of each breed to find the one that fits best into your family.

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