92 percent of animals will experience an emergency during their lifetime. Perhaps just as important is information from the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), which reports that 25 percent more pets would survive if just one pet first aid technique were applied prior to getting emergency veterinary care.
Rob Nager, owner of Decadent Dog in Needham, MA and certified PetTech™ CPR and first aid instructor, believes that the most important thing for pet owners to be aware of is that pet CPR and first aid classes exist.
“In my experience, most pet owners just aren’t aware that they can spend four hours learning crucial techniques that may someday help them save the life of their beloved pet,” Nager said. “In any emergency, feeling helpless is excruciating and, because of pet CPR and first aid classes, unnecessary.”
According to Nager, Pet Sitters International’s 2008 Pet Sitter of the Year™, abrasions and choking are the two most frequent pet injuries he encounters.
''Dogs are usually eager to make the most of their outside time by running and playing with reckless abandon,'' he said. ''Unfortunately the world is filled with rocks, sticks, trees, broken glass, pieces of metal and other sharp objects that can quickly puncture or cut the pads of their feet. Additionally, dogs and cats are both prone to choking hazards by eating too quickly and from swallowing toys, balls, string, tinsel, bones and biscuits.''
Simple first-aid procedures can make the difference between life and death. Nager recommends that all pet owners and pet-care givers know how to perform rescue breathing and/or CPR, as well as be able to respond effectively to bleeding, poisoning and injuries such as heatstroke and frostbite.
The best piece of advice Nager gives pet owners is to stay calm when dealing with a pet emergency.
“By taking a deep breath when you first discover an injured pet, you are more able to assess the situation and react with safety as you put your knowledge and experience into action,” he said.
Nager says that becoming a certified CPR and first aid instructor has been enormously beneficial to his business.
''I’ve earned the respect of my clients, staff and other pet professionals like veterinarians, groomers, trainers and pet-store owners in the Boston area,'' he said. “By being PetTech™ certified, I have earned a level of credibility as a knowledgeable professional within my community. There is no doubt in my mind that this knowledge helped our company achieve solid growth last year in a down economy.”
The decision to become certified in CPR and pet first aid was an easy one for Nager.
“As a pet sitter, the health and well-being of my clients’ pets are in my hands,” he said. “My first priority and pledge to every one of my clients is that I will do everything I can to keep their pets safe.”
To find the best care for your best friends, please visit The Pet Sitter Locator (http://www.petsit.com/locate/). And to find a pet first aid class in your community, please visit PetTech (http://www.pettech.net/)
Showing posts with label pets. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pets. Show all posts
Friday, April 23, 2010
Friday, April 16, 2010
How to Green Your Pet
From the 8 billion pounds of kitty litter heading to landfills each year to the effects of a pet's carnivorous diet, pet parents should be aware of the substantial carbon footprint (www.PETCO.com) left by pets. To address this important matter, PETCO has developed an exclusive partnership with Greenwala.com, the leading online resource empowering people to go "green". With the help of both Greenwala.com and Tracie Hotchner, author and host of NPR's Gracie-Award winning show, "Cat Chat" on Sirius Radio, PETCO has compiled a list of simple ways to reduce the environmental impact of pets.
"When you consider the carbon pawprint of your pet, it also makes you think about some of the ways our own actions are affecting the environment," said Hotchner. "I encourage pet parents to take this opportunity to make changes in their behaviors and purchases to help take all of us into a new era of environmental responsibility."
10 Steps to Reduce Your Pet’s Carbon Pawprint:
1) Go Bio-degradable and Sustainable to Clean up Poop -- Who wants to populate the landfill will plastic bags full of dog do-do? And are you aware that cat-litter made from clay is mined much like coal? Use bio-degradable poop bags when walking your dog and an eco-friendly (www.PETCO.com) cat-litter in the kitty box. Look for PETCO’s Natural line of litters made of corn, paper and pine pellets.
2) Think Adoption First -- The HSUS estimates that animal shelters care for 6-8 million dogs and cats every year in the United States, of whom approximately 3-4 million are euthanized. Find the perfect addition to your family at one of PETCO’s monthly in-store national adoption events where local shelters match pets in need with parents.
3) Spay or Neuter Your Pet -- Over 70K puppies and kittens are born every day. We are already at crisis mode in terms of homeless and abandoned animals. Thanks to the economy, this has only gotten worse. Help decrease the number of homeless animals in the United States by spaying or neutering your animals. Not only does it help control animal over-population and homelessness, but it also has been demonstrated to provide long-term health and behavioral benefits for pets.
4) Use Natural and Organic Pet Food -- Your pets should eat the same quality foods you do. Natural, organic and holistic pet foods use proteins that are raised in sustainable, humane ways and do not contain hormones. They are preserved with natural vitamins. In addition, these healthy foods create less waste for you to clean up at the dog park. Look for the labels and see that they are full of vitamins, and nutrients and free of pesticides, and any attempt to bio-engineer the product. Check out the following high-quality brands; Halo, Blue Buffalo, and Wellness -- all available at PETCO in their ‘Healthy Living Naturally’ sections.
5) Use Organic Grooming and Cleaning Products -- Make cleaning product choices that are as safe for the planet as they are for you and your pets and children. Many pet shampoos and cleaning supplies use plant-based cleansers and natural bio-cultures to remove pet stains and odors. These products are completely non-toxic for pets and people, including natural flea removers. Look for Simple Solution Natural Cleaners and Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Totally Natural Pet Shampoo both available at PETCO stores and www.PETCO.com.
6) Use Organic and Sustainable Pet Accessories (Bedding, Collars and Leashes) -- We humans spend a third of life sleeping. Well so do most dogs. We obviously want to be comfortable so look for organic cotton and sustainable bedding to help give your dog a sound sleep. While you are at it, you can also look to get collars, leashes and PET bottles made from recycled materials or sustainable fibers without herbicides or pesticide as well. Bison branded collars and leads are made from recycled plastic bottles from landfills that are melted and spun into fibers that are woven into strong material. PETCO Naturals line of cat feeding bowls have been produced from fully compostable corn and their dog and cat toys are made with safe, natural vegetable dyes and non-toxic organic materials.
7) Avoid Pet Toys with Harmful Toxins Such as Lead -- When looking for pet toys do the same thing that you would do for your kids and that's to read the label and avoid toys with lead in them. Lead in products are equally as harmful for pets as they are for humans. In fact, the best thing to do is to get creative and create toys from recycled items that you have laying around the house.
8) Be Active and Live a Healthy Lifestyle -- Get out and get active. Not only is this a great tip for humans, but it is absolutely the best thing to do for your dog. Don't have a dog, then let your cat run around outside but make sure there is a cat enclosure. In fact, if you want to get out with your dog, go to a dog park to play with other dogs because usually the vegetation around the park can handle your dog jumping around looking for the ball that you threw a little too hard. However, when in doubt always leash your dog, since accidents can happen.
9) Planet-Friendly Manufacturing -- Choosing natural and organic based products is important. However, it's just as important to support brands that incorporate sustainability into their everyday business practices such as packaging, ingredient sourcing and recycling. Most companies proudly share their eco-conscious efforts on their websites where you can easily find it.
10) Be Committed to Your Pet -- The worse thing a pet owner could do is not be committed to them once they own one. Owning a pet is a big responsibility and not just to have fun or because it is the latest trend/fad or it was in the latest pet movie. Yes pets are fun for all ages, but they need care like a child and if you are committed to your pet it will be easier for you to also implement the other tips above.
"When you consider the carbon pawprint of your pet, it also makes you think about some of the ways our own actions are affecting the environment," said Hotchner. "I encourage pet parents to take this opportunity to make changes in their behaviors and purchases to help take all of us into a new era of environmental responsibility."
10 Steps to Reduce Your Pet’s Carbon Pawprint:
1) Go Bio-degradable and Sustainable to Clean up Poop -- Who wants to populate the landfill will plastic bags full of dog do-do? And are you aware that cat-litter made from clay is mined much like coal? Use bio-degradable poop bags when walking your dog and an eco-friendly (www.PETCO.com) cat-litter in the kitty box. Look for PETCO’s Natural line of litters made of corn, paper and pine pellets.
2) Think Adoption First -- The HSUS estimates that animal shelters care for 6-8 million dogs and cats every year in the United States, of whom approximately 3-4 million are euthanized. Find the perfect addition to your family at one of PETCO’s monthly in-store national adoption events where local shelters match pets in need with parents.
3) Spay or Neuter Your Pet -- Over 70K puppies and kittens are born every day. We are already at crisis mode in terms of homeless and abandoned animals. Thanks to the economy, this has only gotten worse. Help decrease the number of homeless animals in the United States by spaying or neutering your animals. Not only does it help control animal over-population and homelessness, but it also has been demonstrated to provide long-term health and behavioral benefits for pets.
4) Use Natural and Organic Pet Food -- Your pets should eat the same quality foods you do. Natural, organic and holistic pet foods use proteins that are raised in sustainable, humane ways and do not contain hormones. They are preserved with natural vitamins. In addition, these healthy foods create less waste for you to clean up at the dog park. Look for the labels and see that they are full of vitamins, and nutrients and free of pesticides, and any attempt to bio-engineer the product. Check out the following high-quality brands; Halo, Blue Buffalo, and Wellness -- all available at PETCO in their ‘Healthy Living Naturally’ sections.
5) Use Organic Grooming and Cleaning Products -- Make cleaning product choices that are as safe for the planet as they are for you and your pets and children. Many pet shampoos and cleaning supplies use plant-based cleansers and natural bio-cultures to remove pet stains and odors. These products are completely non-toxic for pets and people, including natural flea removers. Look for Simple Solution Natural Cleaners and Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Totally Natural Pet Shampoo both available at PETCO stores and www.PETCO.com.
6) Use Organic and Sustainable Pet Accessories (Bedding, Collars and Leashes) -- We humans spend a third of life sleeping. Well so do most dogs. We obviously want to be comfortable so look for organic cotton and sustainable bedding to help give your dog a sound sleep. While you are at it, you can also look to get collars, leashes and PET bottles made from recycled materials or sustainable fibers without herbicides or pesticide as well. Bison branded collars and leads are made from recycled plastic bottles from landfills that are melted and spun into fibers that are woven into strong material. PETCO Naturals line of cat feeding bowls have been produced from fully compostable corn and their dog and cat toys are made with safe, natural vegetable dyes and non-toxic organic materials.
7) Avoid Pet Toys with Harmful Toxins Such as Lead -- When looking for pet toys do the same thing that you would do for your kids and that's to read the label and avoid toys with lead in them. Lead in products are equally as harmful for pets as they are for humans. In fact, the best thing to do is to get creative and create toys from recycled items that you have laying around the house.
8) Be Active and Live a Healthy Lifestyle -- Get out and get active. Not only is this a great tip for humans, but it is absolutely the best thing to do for your dog. Don't have a dog, then let your cat run around outside but make sure there is a cat enclosure. In fact, if you want to get out with your dog, go to a dog park to play with other dogs because usually the vegetation around the park can handle your dog jumping around looking for the ball that you threw a little too hard. However, when in doubt always leash your dog, since accidents can happen.
9) Planet-Friendly Manufacturing -- Choosing natural and organic based products is important. However, it's just as important to support brands that incorporate sustainability into their everyday business practices such as packaging, ingredient sourcing and recycling. Most companies proudly share their eco-conscious efforts on their websites where you can easily find it.
10) Be Committed to Your Pet -- The worse thing a pet owner could do is not be committed to them once they own one. Owning a pet is a big responsibility and not just to have fun or because it is the latest trend/fad or it was in the latest pet movie. Yes pets are fun for all ages, but they need care like a child and if you are committed to your pet it will be easier for you to also implement the other tips above.
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