August 11th, 2008
A pet like a child is a great responsibility and the animal or bird is dependant on you to care for it and protect it. And if a move is stressful for children the pressure is ten -fold for a pet that cannot quite comprehend what is happening. Often a house filled with strangers, boxes, and din is not just frightening for a pet it can be quite intimidating.
Before you move you must:
Take the pet to the vet and check whether his health will stand the move. Ask the vet about preventive health care and whether the pet will require any vaccinations.
Make a file containing the pet’s health records and registration details.
Pack all personal possessions belonging to the pet in an easily identifiable box.
Set aside things the pet will need while traveling and when you reach your destination.
Find out what the law regarding pets is in your new town or area. Ask about whether dogs or pets are allowed in your new home or apartment block and whether you need to apply for new registrations or permits.
Do a bit of research and locate a new vet in your new home. Choose one recommended by your old vet but make sure he suits your needs.
If you are moving fairly close then consider driving down with your pet and kids. Otherwise you will need to take care of details like flying with pets and the rules that apply.
While the movers are in the home packing or unpacking either keep the pet close to you or in a separate room in a crate with a few toys and plenty of water. Of course if you crate the pet you will need to remember to release him and take him for a walk ever so often.
If the move requires an overnight stop then choose a hotel that welcomes pets. This makes the move much easier on the pet as dealing with wary strangers can add to the stress.
Always carry an old sheet, a few toys, medicines, medical files, water for drinking, a little food, a sponge, plenty of plastic bags, paper towels, and a crate, cage, or leash. If it is fish you are transporting then you will need special containers sold by aquariums.
Get the pet a new Id tag and microchip in case he gets lost.
If you are nervous about transporting your pet there are professionals who will undertake to do the job for you.
In case you are moving to a new country and the climate is not suitable for your pet then consider finding the pet a new home. It is kinder than killing the pet.
While transporting pets remember that you cannot ship them in moving vans. And, except for “seeing eye” dogs pets are not allowed on buses and trains. So, you will either have to take your pet by plane or by car. If your pet appears agitated ask the vet to prescribe a sedative. Check carefully about interstate health certificates and vaccination requirements. Be a vigilant pet-parent and find out all the pros and cons of moving a pet well before the actual moving date.
Author Bio
Paul Wilson is a freelance writer for www.1888MovingCompanies.com, the premier website to find help on Moving including topics on moving companies search, compare movers, moving insurance, auto transport, moving tips and more. He also freelances for the premier REVENUE SHARING discussion forum for Pet Site www.1888Discuss.com/pet/
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October 23rd, 2007
Despite its double layered coat, the German Shepherd
does not require a lot of grooming. The outer coat of the German Shepherd is coarse with a medium-length. The undercoat, on the other hand, is soft and dense. This inner level is responsible for keeping the dog warm during the winter months and protected from the sunshine during the summer.
The best way to take care of your German Shepherd is to make sure that he is getting the right nutrition he needs. The German Shepherd gets its strength from meat and you should ensure that the meals he gets is high in vitamins and protein. The dog requires a high-protein, high-fat diet. Chicken, lamb or beef are excellent choices. If you decide to make your own dog food, be sure that it has the right balance and all of the components the dog needs to stay as healthy as possible.
Vegetables are more difficult for dogs to eat. Rather than the curved stomach like a human, dogs have a straight stomach. This can result in them having issues with their digestion of vegetables. Corn or wheat and other plant based materials can be difficult for the animal and they should make up a small fraction of your dog’s diet. Once you are sure that the dog is getting an excellent diet, you can move on to the grooming needs.
It is usually advised that you brush your dog’s fur at least 2 times per week. You want to be sure that the oil in the fur is evenly distributed to prevent matting and tangles. You can also be sure to remove the dead skin cells and loose hair clogging the coat. A basic metallic brush or slicker will do an excellent job if used correctly. You must be careful not to cut or scratch your dog’s skin while brushing.
When you start to brush, take the brush in the same direction as the coat hair. Using a variety of brushes with different size brush heads will help to ensure you reach all parts of the dog.
Depending on the dog’s typical routine, you will have to bath your dog more or less once a month. The frequency of baths will be dependent on the location of you home and your dogs favorite pastime. For example, if your dog loves to be outside in the dirt and dust, he will require a bath more frequently than an animals that loves to be indoors. If the dog is an indoor dog, taking a bath every few months will be sufficient.
If you stroke your dog and dust you can see dust waft up, that’s a clear signal it’s time for a bath. Also, if he is starting to smell, a bath will quickly solve that problem and make him more enjoyable during cuddle time. If the coat is oily, it can be a signal that it is time for a bath.
The correct shampoo is essential to the dog’s coat and condition. German Shepherds can be very sensitive to wheat and other allergic reactions, so the right shampoo can be important. Oatmeal shampoo, for example, can provide soothing relief to your animal, but they can also allow material to build up on its coat faster, causing you to bathe it more frequently. An aloe shampoo might be a good solution if you are not worried about fleas. Nevertheless, with regular care, your German Shepherd is bound to look beautiful all year long.
Moses Wright loves to help fellow dog lovers with their pet dog training problems whenever he is free. You can find more free German Shepherd facts and training problems resources on his site.
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