Having your pets spayed and neutered is a very controversial subject. There are many reasons why pet owners choose not to spay or neuter there pets. I want to go over just a few Myths and Facts about spaying and neutering.
MYTH: My pet will get fat and lazy.
FACT: The truth is that most pets get fat and lazy because their owners feed them too much and don't give them enough exercise.
MYTH: I can make some extra money selling the puppies/kittens.
FACT: Breeding cats or dogs isn't always a money making experience. There are the veterinary bills, shots, food, and advertising costs. There is also the time spent caring for the puppies and kittens and showing them to prospective owners. Don't forget the temptation to keep "just one" that often happens with the first litter. What if the pregnancy puts the mother in medical danger that causes her to suffer or even die -- can you put a price on the loss of a pet? Also, for every heat cycle a female goes through, her odds of having medical problems later multiplies by ten. By the time the puppies or kittens are sold, has a significant amount of money really been made?
MYTH: My male cat or dog will be kept indoors away from any females.
FACT: Male pets will smell females in heat and many have been known to escape their homes to reach the female.
MYTH: It's better to have one litter first.
FACT: Medical evidence indicates just the opposite. In fact, the evidence shows that females spayed before their first heat are typically healthier. Many veterinarians now sterilize dogs and cats as young as eight weeks of age. Check with your veterinarian about the appropriate time for these procedures.
MYTH: But my pet is a purebred.
FACT: So is at least one out of every four pets brought to animal shelters around the country. There are just too many dogs and cats—mixed breed and purebred
MYTH: I want my dog to be protective.
FACT: Spaying or neutering does not affect a dog's natural instinct to protect home and family. A dog's personality is formed more by genetics and environment than by sex hormones.
MYTH: I don't want my male dog or cat to feel like less of a male.
FACT: Pets don't have any concept of sexual identity or ego. Neutering will not change a pet's basic personality. He doesn't suffer any kind of emotional reaction or identity crisis when neutered.
MYTH: But my dog or cat is so special, I want a puppy or kitten just like her.
FACT: A dog or cat may be a great pet, but that doesn't mean her offspring will be a carbon copy. Professional animal breeders who follow generations of bloodlines can't guarantee they will get just what they want out of a particular litter. A pet owner's chances are even slimmer. In fact, an entire litter of puppies or kittens might receive all of a pet's (and her mate's) worst characteristics.
MYTH: It's too expensive to have my pet spayed or neutered.
FACT: The cost of spaying or neutering depends on the sex, size, and age of the pet, your veterinarian's fees, and a number of other variables. But whatever the actual price, spay or neuter surgery is a one-time cost—a relatively small cost when compared to all the benefits. It's a bargain compared to the cost of having a litter and ensuring the health of the mother and litter; two months of pregnancy and another two months until the litter is weaned can add up to significant veterinary bills and food costs if complications develop. Most importantly, it's a very small price to pay for the health of your pet and the prevention of the births of more unwanted pets.
MYTH: I'll find good homes for all the puppies and kittens.
FACT: You may find homes for all of your pet's litter. But each home you find means one less home for the dogs and cats in shelters who need good homes. Also, in less than one year's time, each of your pet's offspring may have his or her own litter, adding even more animals to the population. The problem of pet overpopulation is created and perpetuated one litter at a time.
Welcome to Pawz 4 Life's Pet Education, where we will have lots of tips, facts, and helpful ideas for you and your family.
We will cover things like dog breeds, dog & cat nutrition, training methods, pet safety tips for kids and much more.
PIT BULL EDUCATION LOCATED AT BOTTOM OF PAGE
If you have any pet related questions or ideas that you would like to see on this page please feel free to email us and we will be sure to get it up. We love to see the public involved with our rescue and hope you find this page very helpful.
*Always ask for the owner's permission to pet an unknown dog or cat.
* Do not invade a dog's space.
* Never take a toy or bone from a dog's mouth.
* Let your cat or dog eat without being disturbed.
* Never sneak up on a pet.
* Never approach and animal that appears injured or sick or stray animals.
* Do not get near or EVER try to stop two dogs from fighting.
* Teach your children to wash there hands after playing with any animal or pet.
Animal Safety For Kids Education Print Out
~FUN ACTIVITIES~
Pet Education For Kids Coloring Page
Pet Education For Kids Worksheet
Homemade Healthy
Dog Treats
Did you know that black dogs & cats are the last to get adopted??
Did you know that 6-8 million dogs and cats enter shelters/animal controls/pounds every year and that 3-4 million of them are euthanized?
Did you also know that over 25% are purbred?
~Dog Breed Education~
Pawz 4 Life feels that knowing and understanding the breed you have or are interested in adopting is very important. There are several breeds that are just not for everyone nor for the inexperienced dog owner. We feel that when you are well educated on your breed, the dog has a much better chance of remaining in that home and makes for a much happier family.
Its Winter time!!!
Brrrrrr!!! Its cold out there..
Now that winter is here, pet owners should take extra precautions with their pet’s wellness and safety.
Cats and dogs need protection from
the wet and cold weather, just like we do.
Baby Beef Dog Treats
I N G R E D I E N T S:
2 3/4 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 cup powdered milk
1 teaspoon salt
1 egg
6 tablespoons vegetable oil
8-10 tablespoons water
2 small jars (about 2.5oz each) strained baby food (beef, chicken, lamb, or liver)
I N S T R U C T I O N S:
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl and knead for about 3 minutes. Roll out to 1/2 inch thick. Cut with bone-shaped cookie cutter and place biscuits on an ungreased baking sheet.
Bake in preheated oven for 20 to 25 min.
Did you know that dog bites to people of the male gender are approximately 2x greater than the incidence involving females and that canines not spayed or neutered are 3x more likely to bite than sterilized ones?
Did you know that the most popluar dog breed is the Labrador Retriever? Than comes the Yorkshire Terrier.
German Shepherd
Breed Group: Herding
Weight: Anywhere from 70-90 pounds
Life Expectancy: Around 13 years
Owner Level: For experienced involved dog owners
Character: The German Shepherd is a breed of classic beauty and possesses superior intelligence. They are highly adaptable, energetic, curious, strong, and dependable. This breed displays a magnificent appearance and is extremely agile with great stamina and endurance.
Temperament: A member of the herding group, the German Shepherd is fearless, bold, hard working, and alert. They are esteemed for their loyalty, deep devotion, and courage. This breed thrives on human interaction from their family and does not like to be left alone for extended periods of time. German Shepherds are exceptionally wary of strangers. They will most generally get along with other household pets they have been raised with. This breed will attempt to perform the task of herding on anything and everything that moves. The German Shepherd is not recommended for the novice, apathetic, or sedentary owner.
Care: This breed requires daily brushing to minimize loose hair. Bathing should only be done when absolutely necessary using a mild shampoo to preserve the integrity of the coat. German Shepherds are prone to such health issues as blood disorders, elbow and hip dysplasia, epilepsy, flea allergies, digestive problems, and chronic eczema.
Training: The German Shepherd requires early intensive and extensive socialization and obedience training. They will not respond to harsh or heavy-handed methods. This breed is obedient and quick to learn. Training must be done with respect, firmness, fairness, reward, and consistency. They are exceptionally talented in tracking, schutzhund, agility, obedience, fly-ball, and ring sport. The German Shepherd is often used in police work, search and rescue, as a guide for the blind, and military work.
Activity: This breed is happiest when given a job to do. They require strenuous exercise and enjoy securely leashed walks, family play sessions, and a large safely fenced area to romp and run freely in. The German Shepherd will do okay in an apartment or condominium dwelling provided they are given sufficient exercise, stimulation, and attention.
~Weather Tips For Your Pet~
~Poisonous Foods for Dogs~
* Chocolate (contains Theobromine), can cause seizures, coma and death. Baker’s chocolate is the most dangerous
* Onions (destroy red blood cells and can cause anemia)
* Pear pips, the kernels of plums, peaches and apricots, apple core pips (contain cyanogenic glycosides, resulting in cyanide poisoning)
* Bones (can splinter and damage a dog’s internal organs)
* Potato peelings and green looking potatoes
* Rhubarb leaves
* Moldy/spoiled foods
* Alcohol
* Yeast dough
* Coffee grounds, beans & tea (caffeine)
* Hops (used in home brewing)
* Tomato leaves & stems (green parts)
* Broccoli (in large amounts)
* Raisins and grapes (damages the kidneys)
* Cigarettes, tobacco, cigars
* Nutmeg (causes tremors, seizures and death)
* Raw Potatoes
* Turkey skin ( thought to cause acute pancreatis in dogs)
* Voltarin (in arthritis medication)-Very Fatal
* Citrus oil
* Fat trimmings (Can cause pancreatitis).
* Human vitamins containing iron (can damage the lining of the digestive system)
* Large amounts of liver
* Mushrooms
* Raw fish
~Poisonous Foods for Cats~
* Apple Seeds
* Apricot seeds/pits
* Avocado fruit/pits
* Cherry (the whole thing)
* Eggplant (the greens)
* Elderberry
* Green Tomatoes
* Mushrooms
* Onions
* Potato
* Rhubarb leaf
* Tobacco
* Tomato (greens)
Tyson emailed wanting to know about discounted certificates on neutering his dog?
At this time Pawz 4 Life Animal Rescue Inc. does not offer these certificates, but plan to in the future. Contact your local rescues and shelters, as some already do this for there county, but i do believe you have to be a resident for that certain county in order to receive it.
Some really nice, cheaper vets are in St. Charles, Vassar, Mayville, and Millington.
Hope this helps!!
Did you know???
"The American Pit Bull Terrier is a "Terrier."
All Terriers have animal prey drive, but this does not make them dangerous or vicious."
~Pit Bull Education~
Pit bulls have superior physical and mental characteristics that make them excellent partners for responsible, active, and caring owners. These same outstanding qualities can, however, make them a little difficult to handle for people who don't have a lot of experience with dog ownership or for those who don't understand the breed well. Luckily, pit bulls are intelligent, very responsive to training, and, above all, eager to please. Therefore, pit bulls should be enrolled in obedience classes as soon as they are up-to-date on their shots. (Pit bulls are more susceptible to parvovirus, so it is important that they receive all their vaccinations before coming into contact with other dogs or entering areas of high canine traffic.) A well-behaved pit bull is the best ambassador for the breed. As we’ve already noted, this is the easiest way to fight breed prejudice and misconception.
Pit bulls are quite resilient and can do well in an urban environment, provided they have enough exercise and other positive outlets for their energy. Many pit bulls are easygoing couch potatoes, but like all terriers, they can also be somewhat rambunctious until they mature. Maturity can come relatively late with this breed (two to three years old in some cases). Pit bulls remain playful throughout their lifespan (nine to fifteen years) and have a great sense of humor. True clowns at heart, these dogs will make you laugh like no other.
Pit bulls are energetic, agile, and strong. They are also very resourceful and driven. Determination is one of their most notable traits. They put their heart and soul into whatever they set out to do: whether it is escaping an inadequately fenced yard to explore the neighborhood, destroying your new couch when left home alone, or climbing into your lap to shower you with kisses!
"The American Pit Bull Terrier, or the AmStaff, is certainly not the right pet for everyone. Being a powerful dog, it will require sufficient and adequate control.
An insecure person who wants only an aggressive dog to bolster some personal human inadequacy should never become an owner of one of these dogs. Nor should an uncaring or negligent person.
Perhaps the most important characteristic of pit bulls is their amazing love of people. Many people are surprised by the loving personality of these dogs the first time they meet one. Pit bulls are remarkably affectionate and truly enjoy human attention. They are wonderful cuddlers and love nothing more than a belly rub. In fact, most pit bulls think they are lap dogs!
Pit bull type dogs are wonderful, loving, and very loyal companions; however, it is important to understand the breed's nature, to provide a structured environment, and to establish a positive leadership role. In order to do so, pit bull owners must understand the original purpose of the breed, respect its limits, and help it fulfill its tremendous potential. This is sound advice for dog owners of any breed.
Pit Bull Facts
1.Pit Bulls have locking jaws. NO!
The pit bull's jaws are the same as any other breed of dog! Any Vet can verify this is simply a myth. Actually, pit bulls do less damage because they bite and hold, where other dogs bite/release/bite that causes more bleeding and damage.
2. Pit Bulls are born to be mean. NOT TRUE!
Pit bulls like all other breeds are not born inherently mean or bad! They can, like any other breed, become mean through lack of training, abuse, neglect, and irresponsible ownership and breeding.
3. Will a Pit Bull that shows aggression towards a dog, go after people next? NO!
Animal aggression and human aggression are 2 completely different things! There are many types of aggression in the canine world and they are all very different.
4. Pit Bulls attack more than any other breed. NO!
The statistical data on dog bites and attacks are inaccurate. Many dog bites are never reported. There is nothing in place to track dog bites in the US accurately. There are 25+ breeds that are commonly wrongly identified as pit bulls, those of us who have been involved with the breed for years have trouble identifying them 100% of the time, so we certainly cant expect inexperienced people to be able to properly ID a dog. That said, it leads to believe that many of the bites that claim to be from pit bulls are in fact, inflicted by other breeds.
5. Pit Bulls make good guard dogs. NO!
The only "guard dog" qualities of a pit bull are its formidable appearance and its name. Other than that, they are usually not very good at this job. Unlike the German Shepherds, Dobermans ect.
Pit Bulls were not created to perform the task of protecting someone's home or property. In many cases pit bulls are just too friendly with people to be good at this. They must bark and "look" scary, as soon as the intruder smiles at them, most pit bulls think they have made a new friend!
In fact, Pit Bulls are very much at risk of being stolen, Due to there generally friendly and trusting nature, they are often led right out of there owners yard. Unfortunately, in the lat 10 years or so, we've seen alot of backyard breeders producing these dogs with people aggression in mind. Since the breed was not originally created for this purpose, the result can be dogs with serious temperament problems. Pit Bulls should not show aggression towards humans, and should NEVER be encouraged to attack strangers under any circumstances.
Take a look at these 3 pictures......
Look like Pit Bulls?
For many people, a Pit Bull is a big headed dog, or a dog with cropped ears. For some it’s a brindle dog, one with a patch on one eye, or it’s a big stocky dog. The general public, just has no idea what a real Pit Bull is.
Breed misidentification is a scary thing in a time when Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) is growing. Pit Bull dogs are often blamed for dog attacks that may very well have been caused by another breed.
When it comes to identifying a dogs breed, looks can be deceiving and the mind can easily be fooled. Especially during a dog attack. Most people admit that they only get a quick glance at the offender. . . . These same people admit they were in shock at the time of the attack. Think about it. . . . . Again, these are not mixed breed dogs here on this poster board, but actual pure bred dogs that people mistake for Pure Bred Pit Bulls all the time, just imagine the endless number of mixed breed dogs that resemble this breed, yet Pit Bulls are always to blame. Pit Bulls are NOT to blame the majority of the time, but the word ”Pit Bull” sells, they make the headlines and there the ones to pay the consequences & its not fair!!
Just think. . . . . Have you or anyone you know ever misidentified a dog for being a pit bull?? And how many times??? Makes you wonder!!
Well, Are the 3 dogs located above Pit Bulls??
NOPE, none of them are.
The 1st is a Cane Corso, the 2nd is a Dogo Argentino and the 3rd is an American Bulldog.
RESPONSIBLE Pit Bull OWNERSHIP
"Let's show the world why Pit Bull dogs are so deserving of our love"
Responsible Pit Bull ownership:
1. Never allow your Pit Bull to roam free. Dogs are just like human children. When not supervised, the decisions they make are often not for their best interest. When a Golden Retriever runs up to a person, they say, “How sweet!” When a Pit Bull does the exact same thing, people say, “Vicious dog!” The public doesn't wait before calling animal control or even the cops when they see a Pit Bull on the loose. Due to their bad reputation, these dogs are frequently killed by police officers. This is an unfortunate truth. Let’s not make the reputation of the Pit Bull worse than it already is. For the safety of your dog and the general dog population, keep your Pit Bull behind a fence!
2. Always keep your Pit Bull on leash. Even if you believe you have full control of your dog and a good recall, you can't predict his/her reaction if a cat or a squirrel runs in front of him. Keep in mind that those dogs are "Terriers". A high prey drive and urge to chase other animals is an inherent trait of the breed.
3. Never take your Pit Bull to a dog park. Even if you think your Pit Bull is wonderful with other dogs, all it takes is once. If a Labrador starts a fight and your Pit Bull finishes it, whom will everyone blame? Let’s face it; the Pit Bull is always at fault in the eyes of the public.
4. Take your Pit Bull to obedience classes. Yet again, in the eyes of the general public Pit Bulls are menacing creatures. The more socially acceptable they are by having impeccable manners, the better the reputation they will have. And remember, once is NOT enough. Ongoing obedience classes are best.
5. Socialize your Pit Bull as much as possible before and after they reach maturity. A shy Pit Bull is a pathetic creature indeed. Not only is being shy an abnormal Pit Bull trait, it also could be dangerous. You want your dog to be able to handle new situations with confidence and pleasure. As with obedience classes, once is not enough! Ongoing socialization will ensure your dog’s happiness by showing him the world is a wonderful place. And please remember, socialization does not mean your dog running around with other dogs off leash! An obedience class in which he may never get to ‘say hi’ to any other dog is socialization!
6. Be a responsible parent! Do not allow your Pit Bull to be subjected to people who are belligerent or cruel. By ‘forcing’ your dog to ‘say hi’ to these types of people, you are being an irresponsible parent! You would never expect your human child to simply take whatever you dish out and like it. Please do not expect this from your dog.
7. Know where your dog is at all times. Don’t leave your Pit Bull outside unattended. Who knows what is going on in the back yard while you are away. Are children teasing your dog? Is your dog learning to be aggressive by having to defend himself in these situations? Don’t leave the parenting up to others. Responsibility is the key to proper and safe Pit Bull ownership.
8. Pit Bulls need a job. Whether this job is obedience classes, taking a walk with you everyday, sitting at your feet while you are on the computer in the evenings, or something more intense such as search and rescue, a Pit Bull needs to feel important and needed. They are highly intelligent animals with fine tuned problem solving skills. They need an outlet for this energy.
9. Daily exercise is a must! Playing fetch, hiking or whatever you love to do, your Pit Bull will be more than willing to participate.
10. Spay and neuter your Pit Bull. Altered pets live longer, "happier" and healthier life. They are also more stable and easier to raise when not triggered by their sexual hormones. To date, no fatal dog attack by an altered dog was ever reported.
11. Understand that Pit Bulls may be dog-aggressive. The breed was initially created and developed for the sport of dog-fighting. As a result, Pit Bulls have an important predisposition for dog-aggression. Take precautions and use common sense. Don’t allow your Pit Bull to run up to unknown dogs and never allow unknown dogs to run up to your Pit Bull. Remember, you are the leader! Pit Bull owners should not expect their dog to be friends with unfamiliar dogs. Some Pit Bulls cannot be around any other dogs at all. With Pit Bulls you cannot ‘train out’ the desire to fight another dog anymore than you can ‘train out’ the desire to chase running rabbits in the Greyhound. You can curb this behavior and often control it, but not stop it altogether. As long as you understand this and can love your dog for who and what he is, you’ve got it made!
12. Never leave Pit Bulls alone and unsupervised with other animals. Even though you think they are the best of friends, it’s better to be safe than sorry! All it takes is one time for a fight to break out. This is especially true with multiple Pit Bulls in one household. Don’t take any chances and remember this saying… Never trust your Pit Bull not to fight another dog… ever!
13. Keep your Pit Bull in an enclosure that is escape proof. Pit Bull proof your fence. Those dogs are very strong and resourceful. Pit Bulls should be kept in the house in crates when home alone. This is the utmost in safety. Just make sure your dog cannot get out to roam. If your dog makes a mistake, all Pit Bull owners pay for it!
14. Don’t breed or buy while shelter animals die. With thousands of Pit Bulls dying in shelters, don’t be a part of the problem. Be part of the solution!
A Good Pit Bull
A Good Pit Bull is a very people-oriented dog. It's a dog who smiles at your visitors and greets them with a wagging tail. A good Pit Bull is confident and alert, and like most canines, will let you know if there is something around the house or in your driveway. However, a good Pit Bull will let YOU take care of intruders because YOU are the leader and its YOUR job to protect the pack. Your dog should not have to interpret threats and act on them.
You "hopefully" didn't get a Pit Bull to protect you anyway. If you needed a guard dog, you would have looked into other breeds more suitable for protection, or best, just get a good alarm system. You would not impose to an animal the responsibility to judge situations and make intelligent decisions that could eventually bite him back in the ass if ever he was wrong...!
You got a Pit Bull because you wanted a trustworthy and friendly companion, and maybe a dog with an impressive look and confidant demeanor so people would "think" you have a good guard dog. You have since realized that YOU better be the guard dog because your Pit Bull is indeed more at risk of being stolen than your TV.
Don't be bummed. If ever you are the victim of an act of violence, a good Pit Bull will probably instinctively attempt to defend you because you are the food provider and he depends on you for his survival (and yes, he loves you too ;-) If you are not being aggressed though, a good Pit Bull will be friendly with anyone with no distinction in regard to age, sex, skin color, clothing, ect, because a good Pit Bull is a stable dog and you have socialized him well.
You can take your good Pit Bull in public and do breed PR with him because you trust your dog and your dog trusts you. He is not unpredictable, unstable, fearful, uncontrollable, or selective of who he "likes" and who makes him uncomfortable. Your good Pit Bull will work with you to improve the reputation of the breed by showing people how cool and friendly good Pit Bulls really are.
If your dog is not like that, please do not take him in public and do all you can to keep him out of trouble. Remember that we are the solders of an important battle. Our dogs are no ordinary dogs. They are being "targeted", "pointed at" and "outcast" by society. They are on the verge of being completely banned out of this country. Our dogs have something to prove right now, and so do we.
Good Pit Bulls have good owners!
The Pit Bull dog's athletic build and legendary determination to get the job done makes him a perfect candidate for detection work.
Nothing deters him - not heat or cold, not fatigue, not the things that make lesser dogs quit.
Drugs or explosives - if they are there, the pit bull will find them. It is his nature.
Turning Pit Bulls into patrol partners
Diane Jessup of LawDogs USA rescues pit bulls from animal shelters and dog- fighting busts nationwide and helps turn them into crime fighters at her Thurston County kennel.
Pit bulls are unfair victims of negative publicity because some bad owners breed and train them for aggressiveness, Jessup said. Pit bulls are naturally friendly and good natured, she said.
"If a pit bull kills a cat in Kansas, you'll hear about it. A lot of antisocial people own them," she said. "It would be nice if people saw the reality that most pit bulls are good."
.Visit this AWSOME site and meet some of these DEDICATED dogs and police officers that risk there lives everyday to make a DIFFERENCE!!
* After a walk, remove any ice or snow from your pet’s paws and towel him/her off to avoid a chill.
* Make sure your pet receives plenty of high-quality protein if he or she is outside – staying warm burns more calories.
* Always give the hood of your car a sharp knock before starting the engine. Cats and other small animals sometimes climb up under car hoods to get warm. The noise will wake them up and give them time to escape.
* Never leave your pet in a car in cold weather, a car is like a refrigerator and may cause hypothermia.
* Make sure your pet has a warm place to sleep. Some helpful hints include placing a pet bed away from drafts; lining the floor with an old rug, blanket or dry straw; and facing the opening of a dog house away from the wind and add a door flap to keep the warmth in.
* Never use metal water bowls outside. When it’s cold, a pet’s tongue could stick to the metal. Check water frequently to ensure it has not frozen.
* Save that shaved look for warm weather. Dogs can use a bit of a fur coat when temperatures dip.
* Like coolant, antifreeze is a lethal poison for dogs and cats. Be sure to thoroughly clean up any spills from your vehicle, and consider using products that contain propylene glycol rather than ethylene glycol.
* Never use blankets and sheets for your outdoors dogs, always use lots of straw or hay. Blankets tend to get wet and draw in moisture and will freeze.
