PETS AS TOYS AND TOYS FOR PETS

PICKING THE PERFECT PET

      A pet will become an important part of your family for several years, so picking the perfect companion must be done carefully. Toy Tips consulted several veterinarians to help you. Consider these guidelines while searching for your new family friend, and remember a perfect pet for one family may not be the perfect match for the next family.

LIFESTYLE
      What is your lifestyle? Do you have a lot of time for a pet? A person who travels or works long hours may not be well suited for a dog while a person who likes to go for long walks may not be best matched with a cat.

LIVING SITUATION
      Cats are more independent than dogs and require less space. Exotics, including snakes, fish, iguanas and ferrets take up little room. Reptiles require little attention on a daily basis. Consider the size of your house and yard before settling on a large dog.

FAMILY NEEDS
      Do you have Children? If so, consider an animal with a mild temperament and an animal willing to play with your children.

ADVICE FROM VETERINARIANS

"Retrievers and Labradors tend to be very affectionate and gentle with kids."
"Smaller breed dogs tend to be snappy and may also be fragile."
"Exotics are also fragile."
"Cats generally don't like to be pulled on by kids."
"A kitten that will grow up with your kids would probably be more tolerant."
     
      Dr. Thomas Pastor
      Audubon Veterinary Hospital
      New Orleans, LA

"Golden Retrievers and Labradors can generally be counted on to be loving and safe."
"Terriers as a whole are too excitable for young children. Chows, Rottweilers, Dalmatians are not best."

     Dr. Randy McBride
     Neartown Animal Clinic
     Houston, TX

"A mid to large breed of dog will usually be better suited to families with children, however, any breed should be researched by the parents."
"Visits with dogs of your chosen breed should be made to increase compatibility."
"Any aggressive or older animal should be kept away from kids."

     Dr. Bonnie L. Cate
     Audubon Veterinary Hospital
     New Orleans, LA 70115

"There is no specific 'best' type of pet for everyone."
"A pet and its owner need to be carefully matched to ensure a fulfilling relationship for both."
"For example, a person who is away often may not be well suited to a dog."
"A person who likes to go for long walks may not be best matched with a cat."
"There is no specific breed of dog that can unequivocally be trusted with small children."
"Just as there are Doberman, Retrievers and Pit Bulls that are very good with children, there are Labrador retrievers and poodles that are not."
"In general, Labrador and Golden Retrievers are considered excellent choices for a family pet, but any dog may be a potentially good match with children."

     Bath-Brunswick Veterinary Associates
     257 Bath Road
     Brunswick, Maine 04011
     ( 207) 729-4164
     email: bbva@ime.net

PETS AS GIFTS?

      Bunnies and Chicks for Easter or how about a new puppy for your nephew's birthday. While you may be the hit of the party you could be the next unwelcome guest. Cute and cuddly soon become big and messy so think twice before you give a pet as a gift. Veterinarians recommend:

1) Make sure the recipient of the gift wants the pet and is prepared and willing to provide the care needed.
2) Chickens and rabbits are cute but when they mature they are loud and messy. Both chickens and rabbits should be kept outside.
3) Easter bunnies and chicks grow up and require years of care.
4) Pets should only be given as gifts if the person specifically asks for it. The recipient should be involved in the selection process.

WHERE TO LOOK FOR A PET

      Veterinarians suggest you research the type of animal you've selected. There is information on the Internet and library. It is helpful to contact an association or club to get a list of reputable breeders. They may not name breeders to stay away from but they will give you a list of approved breeders. Most veterinarians prefer you find your new pet at a breeder or shelter before you consider a pet store.

QUESTIONS TO ASK A BREEDER
1) Ask about the animal's parents' temperament.
2) What kind of care does this animal require?
3) What is the parent's health history and puppy's health history?
4) Ask for a vaccination history.

QUESTIONS FOR A SHELTER
1) Where did the animal come from?
2) Are there any obvious problems?
3) What is its vaccination history?

It is very important to take you your new pet to your veterinarian for a check up.

PET CARE AND HUMAN MISTAKES

      "A healthy pet is a happy pet." It's a saying we've all heard and it can not be ignored. Regular vaccinations, flea control and a regular diet are a must for every pet owner. Any kind of change in your animal's behavior could signal a problem. The sooner your veterinarian is consulted the sooner both you and your pet are put at ease. Veterinarians warn not to take the advice of a friend when it comes to a sick pet. The wrong treatment or lack of medical attention could permanently affect your pet's life.
      Our veterinarians say these are the most common mistakes pet owners make:

"Many people seek the advice of friends rather than a veterinary professional and are sometimes misguided, which could affect their pets' health"
     
      Bonnie Cate, DVM
      Audubon Veterinary Hospital

"Some pet owners try to give their animal vaccinations or wormings."
     
      Randy McBride, DVM
      Neartown Animal Clinic

"Not maintaining good communication with their veterinarian regarding their pet, and not maintaining their pet's health with annual vaccinations, preventative medicine and a physical exam yearly." "Pet owners need to obtain information from their veterinarian regarding their pet's needs before there is a problem."
     
      Bath-Brunswick Veterinary Associates

"Not researching how much time and money are involved with raising a pet." "Not seeking veterinary advice over a breeder's, pet store's or even a friend's advice."
     
      Thomas Pastor, DVM
      Audubon Veterinary Hospital

TOYS FOR PETS

      Making sure toys for your pets are safe is as important as making sure toys for your kids are safe and for some of the very same reasons. The best toys for dogs are those that are safe, and can not be ingested. The toys should also be safe for the humans who are also playing with them.

TOY WARNINGS AND TIPS FROM OUR VETERINARIANS:

BEST TOYS FOR DOGS
      RAWHIDE: not too hard
      CHEWY TREATS BALLS: large enough and can't be swallowed
      HARD RUBBER TOYS: these toys aren't chewed apart and swallowed

TOYS TO BE AVOIDED FOR DOGS
      BONES: break and leave splinters in your dog's teeth
      TOYS WITH A SQUEAKER OR BELL: it can be chewed out of a toy and swallowed
      ROPE & STRING TOYS: may cause blockage if swallowed
      STUFFED TOYS: stuffing can be swallowed

BEST TOYS FOR CATS
      CATNIP: toys filled with catnip
      FEATHER & POLE: a feather tied to a string and attached at the end of a pole
      BALLS: too large to eat
      STUFFED TOYS: with or without catnip

TOYS TO BE AVOIDED FOR CATS:
      SMALL BALLS
      STRING BALLS: string can be ingested
      SOFT RUBBER TOYS: can be ingested
      TOYS WITH BELLS & SQUEAKERS: bell and squeaker can be ingested.

If your pet is pooped out after playing with toys you've chosen, then you've picked the right toys!


VETERINARIANS CONSULTED FOR TOY TIPS ADVICE:

Dr. Thomas Pastor DVM
Audubon Veterinary Clinic
731 Nashville Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70115
504-891-0685
E-mail: TPASTOR2@aol.com

Dr. Randy McBride DVM
Neartown Animal Clinic
1314 Woodhead
Houston, TX 77019
713-526-1502
E-mail: neartownvet.com or rhmc@neartown.com

Dr. Bonnie L. Cate DVM
Audubon Veterinary Clinic
731 Nashville Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70115
504-891-0685

Bath-Brunswick Veterinary Associates
257 Bath Road
Brunswick, Maine 04011
207-729-4164
E-mail: bbva@ime.net