Recent Tips from Readers
(followed by Halloween Safety Tips)

Following is an assortment of helpful tips recently received from readers.

* Ginnie Maurer sent this addition to last week's Halloween tips: Although we typically associate black cats with Halloween, white cats are in danger too. Keep all pets inside and safe.

* Irene Marsh has an additional tip for trimming nails. "Dark nails are a problem. I have a 'bastard flat file' (real term) from the hardware store which is good on big tough nails."

* Ginny Gutierrez shares a success story about Sam. Sam had horrible skin allergies and hot spots that erupted during the warm weather and lasted until the first frost. He was constantly on over-the-counter or prescription antihistimines and/or steriods if the wounds got bad enough. "Last summer, the lady at our pet supply shop told us that we should try giving Sam brewer's yeast. Long story short, Sam is scratch-free and has not had one antihistimine all summer." Ginny said the dose is one pill for every 10 pounds. She puts the brewer's yeast into Sam?s food and he eats it right up.

* Karin Anderson suggests that a good and safe way to keep mosquitos away is to spray your yard once a week with Simple Green, which can be obtained at home supply and hardware stores.

* Moira Gingery suggests broccoli stalks as a great snack and nutritious dietary supplement for dogs. She recommends it's best to skin the stalks and to steam veggies as a healthy way to cook them.

* Candy Hamner shared this fine explanation of the importance of socializing dogs: "Socialization during puppyhood makes such a big difference in your dog's outlook on life -- new things are interesting to check out instead of new things being scary and something to run from."

* Useful reference sources from Belinda Keller, Joanne Goldman and/or another helpful person who I hope will claim authorship:

First aid for dogs www.rescuecritters.com/cpr.html

First aid for cats www.sniksnak.com/cathealth/firstaid.html

Locate a vet, groomer, breeder, obedience trainer www.VetTracker.com You can also get personalized help with a medical or behavioral problem from the site's staff vet. Just click on "Ask the Vet." And for a second opinion, click on www.VetAnswers.com

Consult a virtual pet encyclopedia www.AllPets.com

Get pet travel advice www.TravelPets.com and www.TakeYourPet.com also www.petswelcome.com

Find a pet sitter www.PetSit.com

Pet news www.PetRadio.com

Have a safe and happy Halloween with your pets. In case you missed it, here's a repeat of last week's Halloween tips:

HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS FOR PET OWNERS

The following ASPCA tips were found by volunteer Liz Dietz. The ASPCA offers these common-sense cautions to keep your pets safe and sound during this time of the year:

* All but the most social dogs and cats should be kept in a separate room during peak trick-or-treat visiting hours -- too many strangers in unusual garb can be scary and stressful for pets.

* When opening the door for trick-or-treaters, take care that Fifi or Fido doesn't dart outside. Make sure they're wearing current identification, just in case.

* No tricks or treats: Keep all Halloween candy out of your pet's reach. Chocolate can be poisonous to animals, and tin foil and cellophane candy wrappers can be hazardous if swallowed.

* It's not a bright idea to keep lit pumpkins around companion animals. Pets can knock them over, and curious kittens especially run the risk of being burned.

* Don't leave your pet in the yard on Halloween. Vicious pranksters have teased, injured, stolen and even killed pets on this and other nights.

* Although the ASPCA recommends that cats remain indoors at all times, it is especially important to keep your feline inside for several days before and after Halloween. Pets may be at risk from children's pranks or other cruelty-related incidents.

* Don't dress up your dog or cat unless you know he or she loves it. If you decide to do so, make sure the costume isn't annoying or unsafe, and doesn't restrict her movement, vision, hearing or ability to breathe or bark. Avoid costumes with small or dangling accessories that she could chew off and possibly choke on.

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For more Dog Tips and other information about pet care, adoption and the work PAW does, visit our website at:
www.paw-rescue.org

Partnership for Animal Welfare, Inc.
P.O. Box 1074, Greenbelt, MD 20768