Animal Care Knowledge For Kids

To home a pet is serious business, the animal whether a dog or any other animal becomes a family member and the right animal care knowledge for kids is very essential. This article gives a broad overview of the basic considerations and care that need to be taken for dogs.

Dogs are probably the most loving of all pets; they give love unlimited and want the same in return. As a parent it is your responsibility to teach your child the importance of loving and caring for the animal as a first step in keeping a pet. A dog needs to be fed right, exercised and groomed at regular intervals. Training the dog to live indoors, obey commands and not chew your favorite rug or slippers is all a part of owning a dog.

Some basic tips on the right kind of animal care knowledge for kids to be practiced:

• Sweets are poison for your dog; the Xylitol an artificial sweetener is very dangerous because it causes the animal's blood sugar to drop dangerously causing seizures, lack of coordination and even depression.

• Chocolate for dogs is an absolute NO! It can cause seizures, diarrhea and vomiting and has been known to be fatal for the animal.

• Dogs by nature are curious animals especially in the puppy and growing stages, keep them away from electrical cables and power outlets, glass and plastic. They can get an electrical shock, choke on plastic and the glass when ingested can cause internal bleeding.

• Dressing up your dog may cater to your fantasies but for the dog it may mean skin irritations and breathing problems.

• Your dog should be registered and wear a collar and dog tag ID attached to the collar at all times. Make sure your contact details are on the Identification tag.

• It is not advisable to bathe a dog too often due to skin problems; your vet can guide you on the right bathing intervals. Practice grooming the dog on a regular basis; everyday is best and give the animal plenty of fresh air and good nutrition. You can always sponge the animal down with warm water if he gets too dirty.

• You need to do a physical exam of the animal at least once a month - check the teeth for tartar, the gums for disease, the pads of the feet for cuts and bruises, the ears for infection. The dog needs to be taken to the vet for annual checkups and booster shots.

Use these basic tips as a starting point and build on your animal care knowledge for kids.

Volunteering at a Local Animal Shelter

By Jacqui Odell

Let's face it- we have millions too many animals in our world today, largely due to the fact that many people either refuse or are unable to spay or neuter their pets. To help combat the pet overpopulation problem, we have animal shelters.

However, most animal shelters are critically understaffed and underfunded. Volunteers of any kind are always needed!

If you choose to spend some of your time volunteering* in any way for a local animal shelter, here are some things you can do which will greatly help the shelter.

*You should contact the shelter of your choice to determine what their specific needs are as all shelters differ in their choice of cleaning supplies, food, vet care and the like.

SUPPLIES:

Of course, first and foremost, are monetary donations, no matter how small. The money goes towards food, much needed vet care, electricity for the shelter, any shelter employees salaries, possible needed advertising, upkeep of the shelter... and the list goes on. Every dollar is very well spent and greatly appreciated.

Cleaning supplies. This includes paper towels, bleach, laundry soap, dish soap, sponges, disinfectant, mops, brooms.

Old towels, toys, old clothes, blankets, shampoo, newspapers, dog and cat houses, batteries of any size.

Dry food. Most shelters use dry dog and cat food, however, either will be greatly appreciated.

THINGS YOU CAN DO:

Show up at a shelter one day and ask to be put to work. You can wash dishes, clean the stalls, foster pets, walk the dogs, groom the pets, and possibly assist with adoptions and pet therapy.

If you are going to be doing the cleaning, prepare to get dirty. Stalls must be cleaned daily. Dishes are usually washed with bleach, so ensure you wear old clothes. All towels, blankets, etc must be laundered daily. Litter boxes must be cleaned daily. The outside kennels must be cleaned daily. The indoor dogs must be walked daily.

Remember- people do these jobs every day, Monday through Sunday, and it's a very tiring job. Help for even a few hours one day is extremely welcomed.

It's an established fact that those who help others- even if that other is not of the human variety- feel better about themselves. Giving releases a feel good chemical in our brains which induces a feeling of well being and we all could use a dose of that!

The animals, and volunteers will thank you for it and you will feel great knowing you did your part in helping those who cannot help themselves.

So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and give a little today! The rewards are tremendous.



Read Also About For the Not-So-Animal Lovers
Read Also About Animal Adoption For Kids
Read Also About Animal care and Woun Aid
Read Also About Animal Pets care Cost
Read Also About How To Show Animal Kindness

For the Not-So-Animal Lovers

By Vanessa Ann Lea


Do you have pets? Maybe, this article is not for you so don't read further. There are some people who are not pet-lovers, who just love animals as long as they (especially dogs) keep a good distance away from them. This article is for them. Not being "animal-lovers" don't mean that they spit at animals, kick them, throw them stones, eat and kill them. In fact, they care a lot about these animals and recognize them as creatures needing protection.

Animals have feelings, too (they grow tired and hungry, too). They have their own set of needs (aside from shelter and food) such as freedom and a good well-being, although they have no ability to recognize these needs because of their lack of intellectual capacity. It's good to take care of these animals, provide their needs and not cause them harm. However, there's one problem with many pet owners nowadays. Lest one forgets, they are not the same as human beings but they are treated like humans. They were created for a different reason and purpose. For one, they don't need clothes; they have furs created to protect them. They don't need pedicures, milk bath and toothpaste and perfumes and earrings. They are not humans, that's why they're called animals so they should be treated like how they're created. As animals. The problem is that we've attached a different meaning to the word animal, meaning it to be bad and cruel and something gross.

Do you know that Americans spend about seven billion dollars a year on dogs? Twenty-three percent of American children eat and live below the poverty line yet most dogs eat better than them. And here, 90% of American dogs live better than 75% of the world's population. Some may say that we don't understand them. Maybe, yes. We don't understand their indifference. You see, it's an insult to the human race. Makes them think they'd rather become dogs. Just think about it.




Read Also About Animal Adoption For Kids
Read Also About Animal care and Woun Aid
Read Also About Animal Pets care Cost
Read Also About How To Show Animal Kindness
Read Also About Working with Animal

Animal Adoption For Kids

By Aldric Chang

Animal adoption for kids is an important topic and this article focuses on what to expect when you plan to adopt a pet for your kids. Many pets especially dogs and cats are being abandoned for a number of reasons that may include: inability to afford pet care costs; allergies; inadequate facilities; landlord issues and lack of time to care for the pet(s).

When you are considering animal adoption for kids you need to be aware that it is a very serious matter. You are taking an animal out of the shelter to provide a stable home and lots of love to that animal, and it is important that your kids have time for their new pet.

Read on to find out what will be expected of you when you approach the pet shelter or rescue group to adopt a pet.

The shelter or rescue agency will ask you several questions to ensure that you can provide a long term, stable home for the animal, and to ensure the right match between pet and adopted family. You will in all probability be required to fill out an application form and provide information that includes, complete contact information; type of housing you inhabit, rental or ownership; number and ages of children in your family; number and type of existing pets if any; previous experience with pets and lifestyle and expectations from the pet. Be prepared to answer all of the questions asked in a frank manner because every agency has its own rules and regulations.

When planning on animal adoption for kids it is well worth the time you invest in considering your family size and the home size; facilities for housing a pet; the kind of pet you would like to home - big or small, hyper active or regular level of activity; what sort of pet - dog, cat, rabbit, etc. It is a good idea for the entire family to sit down and discuss the adoption process; you can always get a wealth of information of the internet. As a family decide on the type of pet and the handling of responsibilities of looking after the animal. You children need to clearly understand that you are adopting a pet for them and looking after the animal will be their responsibility.

Do not hesitate to ask questions, the usual tendency is to go with the cute factor and adopt a puppy; now bear in mind that a puppy will need to be house trained and can be very chewy indeed. Furthermore, you will need to consider your preparedness in terms of handling an overgrown mutt when the cute puppy grows.

The above is just an example but it is well worth the effort of doing your research throughly when considering animal adoption for kids.


Read Also About Animal care and Woun Aid
Read Also About Animal Pets care Cost
Read Also About How To Show Animal Kindness
Read Also About Working with Animal
Read Also About Animal Good Control

Working With Animals - Do What You Love

By Catherine Smith


If you love animals, want to stand up for animal rights and need to make a living, then you may want to explore the possibilities of working in an animal sanctuary or for an animal rights organization. This is a great option for people who cannot afford to start their own sanctuary, or simply need more experience with animals and the running of a shelter.

Are You Suited to Working in an Animal Sanctuary?

To work in an animal sanctuary you need to have a huge love of animals. The work can be hard and somewhat draining, so a true desire to help animals will make this so much easier. As well as loving spending time with animals, it is important to be compassionate. Rescued animals have sometimes been through hard times. They may be traumatized and have behavioral problems. They could be skittish or even aggressive. Patience and empathy are needed to help these animals.

Working for an animal rights organization is suited to both practical (hands on) people and people who are more academic. There are jobs available working with the animals and others where you can work in the office and on animal rights campaigns.

You may want to look into the kind of animal shelter/organization you are applying for a job at. Some may be no-kill shelters, but others may take in so many cats and dogs etc that they have little option but to euthanize some of these animals. This can be very hard to deal with, especially if you are very sensitive (like me). If you find this hard to deal with you may want to apply at no kill shelters or an office job involving animal rights.

You must try and remember that euthanasia is sometimes the kindest option, especially for very sick animals. This is why it is essential to spread the message to spay and neuter pets, so that less animals are euthanized in shelters.

You have more chance of getting a job in animal rights if you have shown a true commitment to the cause. Gain experience by volunteering at a shelter, or perhaps organize protests and leafleting campaigns in your local area.

Many animal sanctuaries advocate vegetarianism and veganism. Out of respect for the animals you work with/for you should consider changing your diet to a more compassionate one.

A qualification in animal care may help you get a job and if you are a qualified vet or veterinary nurse even better!

What Kind of Jobs Are Available in an Animal Sanctuary?

Many sanctuaries do not have the funds to employ anyone and rely heavily on volunteers, but larger (better funded) sanctuaries and organizations employ people in many different roles. You could be a shelter manager, animal carer, driver, receptionist, administrator, accountant, campaign organizer, fund raising manager, vet, vet nurse, animal behaviorist, education organizer, school speaker, employee trainer. There are other jobs you may not even have thought of.

How Much Money Can You Make?

Generally jobs in not for profit organizations such as animal sanctuaries and animal rights organizations are low paid. People who work in this field, do not do it for the money. They do it for the love of the animals and a desire to bring about change. Of course you will be paid a liveable wage and this will vary from place to place. Your compensation will be huge in that you will have a very rewarding job and will be making a difference in the world. You will also be gaining valuable experience if one day you plan to start your own sanctuary or non profit organization.

How Will You Be Able to Help Animals?

Working as part of an animal rights organization or a sanctuary is a great way to help animals. You may already volunteer, write letters and take part in protests and you will know how great it feels to be proactive and part of bringing about change. Imagine how great you would feel if that was part of your 9-5 job.

You can make a difference to individual animals lives as well as progressing the movement as a whole. Working with animals really is a wonderful way to spend your life.

Consider Volunteering

There are limited paid jobs available in the sanctuary and animal rights movement. A great way to get your foot in the door is to volunteer or become an intern. You can gain loads of knowledge and hands on experience.

Even if it does not lead to a job volunteering is a wonderful thing to do in your spare time and can make a huge difference to the organization. It also looks good on your resume when you apply for other jobs.


Read Also About Animal Good Control
Read Also About Animal Care
Read Also About Animal CareTaker
Read Also About Tips On stuffed Animal Care