Visit healthydogforlife.com Dan Scott tells it like it is on dog bones, the role bones play in dog digestion and just how powerful bones really are for your dog's health.
Filed under dogs by 
In my position as the Health Science lecturer in a college in N.Ireland I lecture in Human Health and Animal Health. The Human Health Diploma course is vocational and entails the students working in Residential homes throughout the year. The Animal Health focuses on the health of animals and also their behavior.
When I visit the students it is usually to asses how they are settling into the home and interacting with the clients. Some weeks ago I happened to visit a home in a residential suburb of middle class Belfast.This home was a new one on my list and one that I had not visited before. It was a very attractive old redbrick Georgian house hidden down a side street off a busy road.
Each home has its own atmosphere and as I entered this one it immediately felt different. I really could not put my finger on the reason why until I knocked on the Managers door and entered her office. There on the carpet in front of me was a 6 inch high arching back hissing feline monster puffed up to three times its size and rather humorous in its display!
" Oh never mind Molly" says the manager, "she is one of our residents new kittens and a bit wild!" At that moment Molly took off across the floor,jumped onto the seat,from the seat to the table and behind the curtains. Wonderful I thought a residential home that has a pet!
Not one pet it seems, as I observed several pairs of eyes fixed on me from different corners of the room. Cages were on the floor against the wall and each cage had its own little blanket and water bowl. I could not believe my luck at coming across this home and this amazing lady who could see the benefits of pet ownership for her residents. A lady who also went against the grain.
Given that around 140,000 people a year in the UK are forced to give up their pets with 40,000 pets a year being put to sleep because their owners are going into care homes,having pets in a care home is something that rarely happens. It is actually a fact that I am totally appalled at.
For many older people a dog or a cat is what makes their home. Their pet is more than just a pet, he or she is their friend,a member of the family and a companion that is always there. Their pet is often a reason to get up in the morning and for many it can become their whole life.The Health benefits of owning a dog are known and for older people it is especially true. As well as lowering blood pressure and promoting exercise they also promote a feeling of well being that comes from loving and being loved in return. Dogs help people by listening to them by giving affection and by being a distraction.
It is therefore heartbreaking to know that in the UK most older people who enter homes not only have to give up their homes and their freedom but they have to give up their pets as well. So why if the Health benefits of owning pets is known do old age homes not allow the pets?
It boils down to concerns over disease and litigation if injury or illness occurred as a result of having animal contact. On researching this issue in my position in the college I have found this to be unfounded and in fact in the small percent of homes that allow dogs there have been few if any problems. In fact by allowing pets in the home huge benefits are passed to the residents creating a positive atmosphere in the home and greater social interaction between the staff and the residents. Growing older should focus on what a person can still do and not on what they cannot do. It should focus on what an older person can retain and for many of them it is their pet.
Here in the UK we are known as an animal loving nation,we care and spent a lot of money on our pets, Isn't it now time we start to demand that we keep them?
Look to other countries and you will find many that allow pets into homes. Countries such as France, Spain, Greece and USA have recognized the benefits of pet ownership and have enacted legislation demonstrating the rights of older people to keep their pets in sheltered or public housing.They have recognized that it becomes crucial for older people to retain as much normality and stability as possible.Their pet is their family and surely given the benefits of this relationship we could manage to facilitate and support these relationships?
Take one manager of a sheltered housing complex in Arizona, he went so far as to actively encourage the residents to adopt pets.He even drove them to the nearest animal shelter himself. A win win situation for the shelter and the home residents and maybe a possible outlet for all those abandoned animals that are looking for a home?
Filed under Pets at Home by
There are many people who are extremely passionate about spaying and neutering dogs and cats. Most of these individuals want to put an end to pet overpopulation. Others, however, simply feel spaying and neutering is best for the health of dogs and cats. If you are on the fence about spaying and neutering, there is plenty of information available to help you make your decision.What does a Spaying or Neutering Procedure Entail?Although it is extremely common to spay or neuter pets, it is serious surgery. Male dogs and cats are castrated. This means there testicles are removed. Female cats undergo a procedure that removes their uterus, Fallopian tubes, and ovaries.When Should a Dog or Cat be Spayed or Neutered?Of course, a dog or cat of any age can be spayed or neutered. The recommended age, however, is right around 6 months. This is before the male hormones have kicked into full gear. It is also usually before the female dog or cat goes through her first heat cycle. Avoiding the cycle all together is ideal.Are Their Risks to the Procedure?As with any surgery, there are risks associated with spaying and neutering. Since the procedures are performed all the time, however, risks are minimal. The most common risk is infection. Usually this is indicated by extreme redness and swelling at the incision site. If pet owners notice this, they should contact a veterinarian immediately.What are the Male Benefits of Neutering?There are many benefits of neutering a male dog or cat. Owner sanity is one. Removing the dog or cat's testicles eliminates the aggressive tendencies in males. Male dogs and cats also spray urine to mark their territories. This can leave homes smelling awful for months. Neutering eliminates this problem. The males no longer have the urge to spray.The other main benefit of male neutering deals with health. Dogs and cats who have not been neutered have a strong possibility of developing prostate problems or testicular cancer. Removing the testicles eliminates the testicular worry, and minimizes prostate issues.What are the Female Benefits of Spaying?The benefits of spaying a female dog or cat are also twofold. The lives of pet owners are much easier with a spayed animal. Unspayed females can have heat cycles that last up to 21 days. This can get messy with blood stains all over the house. She can also get moody and restless until she gets pregnant.Health is another reason to spay your female dog or cat. Once they are spayed, they are much less likely to develop breast cancer or tumors. An infection called pyometritis is also much less common in spayed dogs and cats. This infection can be life-threatening.Is the Procedure Expensive?Since spaying and neutering are surgical procedures, there is money involved. The cost is, however, quite affordable. Also, the money you will save in the long run is great. A pet with cancer, for example, costs much more than a simple neutering or spaying procedure. If you have adopted your pet from an Animal Welfare organisation they will often supply this service at low cost or in some cases give you a voucher for a reduced cost at a local veterinarian. Sometimes your adoption fee includes the cost of this and when the procedure is completed you can return to the shelter or rescue group for a refund.There is one obvious reason why people would not want to spay or neuter their dogs and cats: offspring. If you don't care about puppies and kittens, however, sterilization is a smart choice. Neutering and spaying improves dog and cat health and pet owner sanity.To stop overpopulation of cats and dogs though it is a very good public spirited action you should take
Filed under Animal Welfare, Health by
