Dangers of “Free to Good Home” ads

You see them everywhere you turn, in the newspapers, on grocery store bulletin boards, and in a cardboard box at stores. Animals that are “Free to a good home”. Often these animals are puppies and kittens from irresponsible owners, cats and dogs that are no longer wanted, and of course the occasional good samaritan that found a lost dog or cat that they are unable to keep.

Placing a “free to good home” ad is down right dangerous. Often people known as “bouchers” (French for butchers) search the newspapers, the Internet, and bulletin boards for free animals, only to turn around and sell them to research laboratories, to illegally train fighting, hunting, and guard dogs, to sacrifice in cult rituals, and other cruel purposes. Yes this is indeed true, and it doesn’t just happen in the big cities. I am extremely offended by anyone who would want to get rid of their own animal, and even more offended by anyone who would allow their own animal to become pregnant. Remember pets are for life, and you permitted your animal to have puppies and kittens by not spaying, and by not keeping them indoors/supervised. However, if you are going to do this, I feel it needs to be done correctly.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis in cats and dogs

Over the last few days the signs have been getting worse. Your pet isn’t doing well; it is depressed, isn’t eating, and may even be vomiting. You thought it would get better, but it hasn’t and in fact your pet …

Choosing Fish for Aquariums

Once you have furnished your aquarium with the correct equipment and cycled the tank, you can start the most exciting step of setting up a new tank: stocking the community. This may include the fish you have already used to …

Tip – 17 – Cat play or cat fight ?

Are my cats playing or fighting – How do I tell?

If you have a multi cat household or your outdoor cats hang out with other cats, chances are you will encounter cat play. Cat play usually involves chasing, swatting, …

How Dogs See – Pet tip 117

Through a dog’s eyes, the world is a very different place: every fire hydrant is a toilet, every shoe is a chew toy, and every person is a ticket to kibble and treats. Though this is perhaps a bit of …

Medication and Pets

At some point during your pet’s life, it will go on medication. It might only be for a week, or it could be permanently. Your veterinarian uses drugs as a tool to help a dog or cat heal itself, or …

Food Allergies in Dogs & Cats

Many people have allergies and it’s no fun to have them. Maybe you have a mild allergy, perhaps to pollen. In the spring and summer you sneeze and your eyes get red and runny. You can take some medication that …

Cat Games – Think Like a Cat – Pet tip 195

Many cat lovers realize how important play is to their cat’s well being. Especially given that more and more cat owners are keeping their cats indoors due to health and safety concerns, games are indeed important. Games keep your kitty …

Birds as Pets

Getting Ready for a New Bird

Whether your knowledge of birds comes from Woody Woodpecker, Tweety or “Polly wanna cracker?”, they make great companions: Some will cuddle with you, others will play and, of course, many will chat. Just keep …

Dog clothing is essential

If you walk into a room full of dog owners and you want to start some arguments, start talking about clothing for dogs. Everyone seems to have a strong opinion about people ‘dressing up their dogs’. Regardless, dog clothing does have its purpose.

Why do humans in Canada wear coats, gloves, scarves, and winter boots? It’s because for many months of the year, it is too cold to walk around in tank tops, shorts, and flip-flops. We are a species with very little hair, and therefore have very little protection against the cold. Anyone who has braved the snow in bare feet can attest to that fact!