Companion Connection

News Articles—Many Written by our CC President after Research

"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated...

I hold that, the more helpless a creature, the more entitled it is to protection by man from the cruelty of man." -Mahatma Gandhi-

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Tethering or chaining dogs pose a danger to humans:  Dogs Deserve Better

How does tethering or chaining dogs pose a danger to humans?  Dogs tethered for long periods can become highly aggressive. Dogs feel naturally protective of their territory; when confronted with a perceived threat, they respond according to their fight-or-flight instinct. A chained dog, unable to take flight, often feels forced to fight, attacking any unfamiliar animal or person who unwittingly wanders into his or her territory.

 

Tips for a Pet Safe Summer

 

Why Should I Microchip My Companion Animal?

Nationwide, every 4.5 seconds a lost companion animal is taken to the Humane Society or other animal control agency. Only one pet in five is successfully returned to his/her guardian. What can you do to ensure you have the best chance of getting your pet back?          Read More

Autumn Pet Safety Tips ASPCA

 

Previous Articles

Cold Weather Tips  ASPCA

 

“Should I Spay or Neuter My Pet”

 

First things first –

Both spaying and neutering (altering) are licensed veterinary procedures. Spaying removes the ovaries and uterus of a female pet, while neutering remove the testicles of a male pet. This is where I usually lose the male readers, but stay with me for a few minutes and let me explain further.   Read More

Sunny With a Chance of Rabies?  By Amy Jo Miller, Pets Matter

 

Rabies is a serious illness caused by a virus that attacks the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system). All warm-blooded animals, including wild animals, dogs, cats and humans, are susceptible to it. The disease usually spreads through saliva, for example, when an infected animal bites or scratches another animal or human. With kids out of school for the summer and more time spent outdoors, families should educate themselves about rabies and caution their children about the possibility of exposure.

 

Poison Control:  ASPCA

Human medications, insecticides, OTC medications, people food, household products, veterinary medications, rodenticides, plants, lawn & garden products, automotive products.

Allergies in Pets WebMD

Is your cat grooming half of her hair off, or is your dog licking his paws raw? It may well be that your pet is experiencing allergies, one of the most common health problems for pets.

 

 

 

Acclimating your new Cat

Helping Your New Cat Adjust

Over the past several months, Companion Connection has had a few cats adopted and then returned to us within days because the new guardians did not understand how to    acclimate the cat to their new home.

Thinking of Adopting a Puppy?

So you’re thinking about adopting a puppy.  Before you do, there are a number of things to be considered:

Do I have sufficient free time to spend with the puppy now and later when the puppy becomes a dog? Dogs are social animals. They need companionship, especially from their human, to be happy, healthy and well adjusted. In this sense, they are just like humans. Ignoring their need for companionship will create serious behavior issues which will hamper you relationship

“What You Should Know About Dog Aggression”  by Jerry Vinyard

 

The news media, with all its good intentions, has tarnished the good name of dogs with its sensational reporting of dog attacks. Yes, dogs do occasionally bite people and I am sure it is very unpleasant when it happens. However, the seriousness of the bite is generally mild. In fact, 99% of dog bites treated in emergency rooms are rated as a level one, which is the least serious of six levels on the accepted injury severity scale. (A level one injury is one in which the patient recovers quickly with no lasting impairment; a level six injury is one likely to be fatal.) By comparison, treatment of injuries from falls average at a level 4 rating and are six times more likely to result in hospitalization than dog bite injuries.

Selecting a Veterinarian by Jerry Vinyard

 

Next to you and your family, the most important person to your pet is the veterinarian (vet) that you choose, so it is worthwhile to spend a little time making that selection. There is no proven, exact method that you can follow to get the needed information, but the following basics should help.

15 Ways to Keep Your Dog Safe and Warm in the Winter  Your Dog Advisor

 

If you have a dog, it can be wonderful to see them romping in the snow for the first time but harsh winters can be tough for our four-legged friends too. So, we thought it would be useful to provide a list of things to consider at this time of year.

Be Prepared! Helpful Disaster Safety Tips for Pet Owners  Top Dog

 

Posted on April 23, 2019 by  Jackie Shelton  

 

 

Many areas are subject to one or more forms of natural disasters. Depending on geographical location, these may include hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, wildfires, blizzards or floods. Most disasters offer limited time to prepare. That is why it is best to plan ahead of time, not only for you and your family, but for your pets as well.

 

While most people know the dangers associated with natural disasters, few are aware of the significant problem of lost and injured pets as well as pet fatalities that can occur during a disastrous event. During and after Hurricane Katrina, for example, over 15,000 pets had to be rescued, with the Louisiana SPCA estimating that about 85% never being reunited with their owners. With 68% of households owning pets and with ever-increasing population in disaster-prone areas, preparing for disasters with pets in mind is more important than ever.

 

The importance of having pets ready fo a disaster at any time cannot be overstated. This guide will show pet owners how to better prepare for disasters and why it is important to have a plan in place. It will discuss the various options you have for taking care of your pet during (and after) a disaster — including suggestions on what to do should your pet become lost during a disaster and resources that may be able to assist. It will also address the period following a disaster as well as what to do during the recovery period.

 

Natural disasters are better discussed under the pretense of how and when rather than if. Being properly prepared may make all the difference for you and your pet.

Diagnosing and Treating Allergies in Dogs

March 9, 2019 by Your Dog Advisor Staff     

 

Have you ever noticed your dog obsessively licking or scratching his skin, biting or chewing his paws, or dragging his butt across the carpet or floors as you desperately try to redirect your dinner guests’ attention?

 

These behaviors are nothing to sneeze at.  If your dog has shown any of these symptoms, chances are good that he is suffering from allergies.

How to Keep Dogs Safe During Fireworks

Adopting Your First Pet? Keep These Tips in Mind as You Choose Your Perfect Animal Companion

 

Whether you’re thinking of welcoming a dog, cat, rabbit, bird, or guinea pig into your home, adopting any type of domesticated animal is a huge commitment, especially if you’re a first-time pet owner and have a lot to learn about the responsibilities of pet ownership.

These Budget Hacks Will Make Your Pet’s Summer the Best Ever

Summertime is fun for all ages and species—especially dogs. But when it comes time to enjoy the season, it’s easy to overblow your budget and forget all about the essentials. Here are all the budget hacks you need to keep your beloved companion safe and happy this season.

5 Facts About “Community Cats” and why they’re important in our neighborhoods.

 

By Jack Hagerman, Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA  09/20/2021

 

No matter where you are, community cats probably live among you.  Community cats (what people often refer to as “feral”)  are un-owned cats who live outdoors in virtually every landscape on every continent where people live. 

How to Launch a Business and Adopt an Animal Companion at the Same Time

By Cindy Aldridge 3/31/2022

 

You've finally decided to take the plunge and start your dream business, and at the same time, a little, furry companion has arrived to join your family. This is enough to make anyone feel a bit overwhelmed sometimes, but you can navigate starting a business and adopting an animal by following a few tips and tricks.