Teach Your Child About Compassion And Kindness To
Animals
As with any EQ competency, reading is a good way to start. Get an age-relevant book and read it with your child. Here are some suggestions. For the 4-8 year olds, Let's Get a Pup! Says Kate" by Bob Graham,(http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1060313206/susandunnmome-20) and "Why Do Dogs Bark?" (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1060313292/susandunnmome-20) by Joan Holub.
For 9- to 12-year-olds, Walter Farley's The Black Stallion (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0679813438/susandunnmome-20) stories still reign, and there's Shiloh (http://www,amazon.com/exec/obiodos/ASIN/0689835825susandunnmome-20) by Phyllis Naylor.
Being kind to animals is not innate, stresses Cathy Rosenthal, dog expert, and you know this if you've watched a toddler and a dog.
It takes a caring not only to intervene and explain how to treat an animal but to continue to lead by example, says Rosenthal. Most of us learn more from other people's actions than from lectures.
Check out the Humane Society for more tips - www.humanesocietyspca.org.
Protect Your Dog From The Heat
Don't leave your dog outside in the heat without proper water and shelter. It can cause heat exhaustion, stroke and even . Dogs don't have sweat glands, so they have to pant to cool themselves down, and more than 200 pants per minute is a warning sign.
In addition to human thoughtlessness; the age, size, coat length, breed and ability to adapt make a difference.
Older dogs, larger dogs, and long-haired dogs are more susceptible to heat exhaustion, as are dogs with dark coats (v. light coats) and dogs with short-muzzles. Also dogs like my beloved Ygraine, who don't know when to stop running!
Remember if you leave the dog outside in the shade in the morning, it could be full sun by afternoon and plan accordingly.
Do not hesitate to instruct someone you see leaving a dog in abusive conditions, and to report them to the authorities if necessary.
Never leave your dog in a parked car. The temperature inside a parked car with the window closeded can quickly soar to 120 degrees, long before you can return.
Know What To Do For Heat Exhaustion
Submerge or soak your dog in cool water as soon as you can. If you grab the hose to do this, make sure it's running cool. Then wrap your dog in cool, wet towels as you get him or her to the vet as quickly as possible.
Do this regardless of how you think your pet is doing. Heat stroke can be serious.
Heat And Mosquitoes Don't Mix
Dogs get heartworm from mosquitoes. Get your dog tested for heartworm, and administer the prevention. SNAP (Spay/Neuter Assistance Program) can test your dog for $10 and dispense the necessary preventative.
In the case of heartworm, never has it been more true that the cure can be worse than the disease, and that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Take action now. The treatment is very hard on the dog, and there are no guarantees.
Learn To Make Your Dog Smile
There's a great book out called 97 Ways to Make Your Dog Smile. ( http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0761129030/susandunnmome-20 ). Jenny Langbehn, the veterinary nurse who wrote the book has some great ideas to get that back leg shaking. For instance No. 1 is blowing bubbles for them to chase. No. 60 is hiding treats for
them to find, like a shell game. Ear noogies? Why of course! Cute book.
More Than 85% Of Dogs Develop Periodontal Disease
This is the most common disease affecting older dogs, and it usually is there by the age of 3, so start early. Buildup of tartar and plaque over the years can cause serious health problems. Dog biscuits aren't enough; learn how to brush your dog's teeth.
How to Be Good to Your Dog This Summer
by Susan Dunn, MA Clinical Psychology, The EQ
Coach
©Susan Dunn, MA Clinical Psychology, The EQ Coach, http://www.susandunn.cc.
Coaching for all your needs & goals, resilience, transition, emotional intelligence, self-esteem, positive psychology, careers, relationships. I also train and certify
EQ coaches, http://www.eqcoach.net , and offer a Distance Learning School, and numerous ebooks http://www.webstrategies.cc. Mailto:sdunn@susandunn.cc for FREE ezine. |
