Baby Boomers State That Pet Care Is A Basic Need
How important are pets to baby boomers?
Well, according to a recent survey by MainStay Investments, fifty-one percent of all baby boomers said that Pet Care was a basic need for them.
Pets followed the need for Internet access and birthday shopping as necessities cited by the interviewed adults; aged 45 to 65.
Many boomers stated that they were willing to continue working and push back their retirement dates to maintain their current lifestyles.
See more on the survey at www.seniorrealestate.com.
In addition, keep on working and providing for your pets.
Pet Health Insurance Is Part of Estate Planning For Your Pets
One question that I constantly receive concerns pet health insurance.
I have stated on many occasions that I have no opinion either way, although I personally do not have any pet heath insurance for our dog, Anna.
There are numerous plans for you to review and compare as to coverage and rates.
This site is a good place to begin your inquiries.
Let me know what you decide.
Is There A New Tax Break for Pet Owners?
Did the Happy Law Pass? Am I able to take the 3500 off my 2009 taxes?
Terri
Terri, as well as one can understand the machinations of congressional activity, it appears that the "Humanity and Pets Partnered Through The Years", also known as the Happy Pet Bill, has gone nowhere.
The proposed bill would amend the Internal Revenue Code to allow pet owners to take a deduction for pet care for up to $3,500.00 a year.
I will keep you advised of any progress on this legislation sponsored by Rep. Thaddeus McCotter (R., Mich.).
When Can I Tell My Pet Is In Pain?
I often times forget that my dog is a dog and not a real person. However, are there any ways that I can actually tell if Max is in real pain and not just something within my imagination? Thanks.
Connie Palm Beach, Miami
Connie, obviously pets like humans are going to differ from species to species.
However, according to Eric Barchas, a veterinarian who lives and works in San Francisco, here are some common symptoms:
Cats instinctively hide pain. Therefore, signs of pain in cats are usually subtle. A cat in pain may:
o Hide or act quiet and withdrawn.
o Lose its appetite.
o Breathe rapidly or pant.
o Act agitated or refuse to lie down, rest, or sleep.
o Become aggressive or suffer personality changes.
o Limp, favor a painful area, or resent it when a painful area is touched.
Vocalization (howling or crying) may be a sign of anxiety, agitation, fear, hunger, or severe pain. Most cats suffering from pain do not vocalize. Lack of vocalization should not be construed as absence of pain.
Dogs' responses to pain vary. Some dogs are very stoic, and will show few outward signs even when in extreme pain. Others are more dramatic, and will make their pain quite clear. A dog in pain may:
o Whine, whimper, or vocalize. This occurs less often in cats.
o Pant.
o Limp, favor a painful area, or resent it when a painful area is touched.
o Act agitated or refuse to lie down, rest, or sleep.
o Become aggressive or suffer personality changes.
o Lose its appetite.
o Stand with its back arched.
o Hide or act quiet and withdrawn.
You can receive additional information from Dr. Barchas here.
Check Your Pet's Prescription
According to Veterinarian Nancy Kay, the prescription medication for your pet should contain some very specific information such as:
The date the medication was prescribed
Your pet’s name
Your name
The prescribing veterinarian’s name
Address and telephone number of the facility filling the prescription
Amount of medication dispensed (milliliters, ounces, number of tablets or capsules)
Strength of the medication (milligrams, micrograms)
Dosage and duration of treatment
Route of administration (orally, applied to the skin, in the ear)
Number of refills
Cautionary instructions (shake well, keep refrigerated)
Expiration date
To protect the health of your pet, check out her website here, for additional information on this issue.
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.
