Talking With Your Dog
Unfortunately, although you may constantly talk with your dog and even ask them questions, it is rare that you will receive an answer or response.
Are they hungry, do they need to go outside, are they feeling okay?
We can only guess at what they need or desire.
In my opinion, any tips or help that we can receive to try to take care of them are always welcome.
The following aids are from dogage.com:
General Health
• Brush teeth three times a week and have chew toys or biscuits for additional teeth cleaning
• Spay or neuter to help improve a dog's disposition, prevent unwanted behaviors and reduce the chance for infections, tumors and cancers
• Maintain a Home Health check-list and examine coat, ribs, eyes, ears and nose regularly
• Groom regularly by brushing, bathing and clipping according to breed, size and your dog's indoor or outdoor habits
• Post emergency numbers and keep and first-aid supplies on hand such as, gauze, bandages, eyewash, tweezers, cold pack, thermometer, towel and gloves
Medical History
• Maintain regular veterinarian visits for routine health check-ups including vaccinations and preventative care measures
• Learn about the breed of your dog for any specific diseases or body conditions
• Look for any change in behavior or eating habits that might signal a medical problem
• Keep a log of vaccinations and medical problems
Food/Nutrition
• Monitor diet and caloric intake by measuring food and limiting treats
• Avoid human food – it can upset a dog's stomach and diet
• Talk to your veterinarian about nutritional requirements for age or breed specific food
• Provide fresh, clean water daily
Exercise
• Exercise pets regularly, as approved by a veterinarian
• Be aware of the weather, monitor temperatures to determine the best time of day to exercise your dog outside
• Select toys that are safe and stimulating for your pet, such as hard rubber balls or raw hides
Social Health
• Stay in command – training a dog to respond to direction makes the pet and owner relationship easier and safer
• Practice safety in the yard, on walks and trips by using barriers, leashes, carriers and proper identification
• Give your dog a clean and comfortable sleeping area
• Socialize your dog around other pets and people to help him learn to adjust to changes in his environment
These tips provide a good outline for you to follow.
Apply these guidelines to the care of your pet.
Dog or not.
If they could, they would thank you!
Pet Owners Can Be Responsible Tenants
I am in the process of moving to a new apartment. I know that you have written before about pet rules in condominium associations, can my landlord also place restrictions on me and my new best friend, my cat Abigail?
Chris, San Diego, California
Chris, we have written before, here, generally about rules and regulations that can be, and are usually imposed upon pet owners of condominiums.
Although case law in each state may vary, within reason the landlord can restrict and in some cases, even entirely prohibit, the occupation of condo, a single family residence or an apartment by a pet.
We have noted before that Hawaii is one of the more aggressive states with individuals advocating for animal owner’s rights.
The Hawaiian Humane Society, has an article that suggests that pet owners plan ahead for their moves and be proactive with their new landlords to alleviate potential problems with their animals.
Some of their suggestions are…
"...Make your request to have a pet to the individual or group who has the ultimate authority to grant you permission. Usually, this will be the owner of the house or apartment. The owner may, however, delegate the decision to a property manager or resident manager. Check to see if, in addition to your own landlord’s approval, you must also submit written request to the building’s board of directors or a pet committee.
Invite the landlord to “interview” your freshly groomed, well-behaved pet, possibly at your current home, to show that your pet has not caused any damage.
Provide your landlord with letters of references from previous landlords.
Responsible pet owners take good care of their pet’s health. Offer copies of health certificates showing that your pet’s vaccinations are up-to-date, and maintain an active flea and tick control program.
Have your pet spayed or neutered. An altered pet is less likely to create a nuisance.
Offer to sign a pet addendum to your rental agreement that makes you responsible for possible damage to property, injury to others, or any pest infestation caused by your pet.
Let the landlord know that you keep your cat inside and your dog under control at all times and that you understand the health and safety benefits of doing so.
If you are seeking a rental unit in a condominium, request a copy of the building’s house rules pertaining to pets. Let the landlord know that you will abide by the rules set for the broader community and respect the concerns of residents who do not own pets.
Once you obtain permission to have a pet, be sure to get it in writing. If your lease has a “no-pets” clause in it, simply getting verbal permission is not enough. The “no-pets” clause should be crossed out of the lease before you sign it and be sure it’s crossed out on the landlord’s copy, too..."
This list is by no means comprehensive, but it is certainly a good starting point for you and your prospective landlord to make sure that you are on the same page before you make a new move with your pet.
Be a responsible tenant and a responsible pet owner.
