Pet Cup

Many people hold the belief that every child needs a dog. Though this article is not about the benefits of dogs to children, it is about how children can help dogs. When children are young, they often express a desire to their mommies that they want to help. They want to be a big kid and help mom with the dishes, the laundry, and even taking care of the dog! Here are a few ways children can help care for the family pet.

First and foremost, it is important to know the age appropriateness of tasks for children as they are related to caring for their pets. Toddlers are often very willing to help, but partly because of their size, and mainly due to their age, they simply cannot help the way “big kids” can. So, how can toddlers help? They can help feed and water the dog. Simply get two plastic cups, divide your dog’s dinner portion between the two cups. Take your toddler to the food bowl and show them how to pour the food into the dish. Then go ahead and do the same thing with the water. Young children love this, and they really feel like they are helping mommy! Also, if your toddler is gentle enough, you can hand them a doggie brush and they can help you groom your dog’s coat. Taking the dog on walks with the stroller is also an excellent way your child can help.

For children who are still young, mainly from about 4 to 7 years of age, you can gradually increase their responsibility. Children of this age are able to pour the food and water into the dishes, they can groom the pet on their own, and they can begin helping you bathe your dog by handing you the shampoo, or by gently spraying the water over the dog as you hold him still.

Once your kids reach older ages, they are able to help in many more ways. They can clean up pet accidents in the house, they can usually (depending on your child’s maturity) be responsible for feeding and watering your pooch, take him or her out to do their business in the yard, or even depending on your dog’s size and temperament, bathe them as well.

Once your kids become teenagers, they should be responsible enough to feed and water the dog, take them out on walks daily, give them baths, and they may even be able to take Fido to the vet for their annual routine check-up.

It is always a joy to allow your kids to grow up with a dog aside from giving them good memories and a better appreciation for simple things. If your children express interest in helping take care of your pet, let them! Consider the age appropriateness of their tasks, and they will love it! To young children, responsibility is fun. Use this as a learning experience, and you and your children will be able to bond with the family pet as you all bond together!

Pets are one of the most unselfish beings in anyone’s household. So treating them when any problem arises is one of the most important things to do by any pet owner.

- When your Pet gets Stung

• If your pet is stung remove the stinger with tweezers, this increases his/her chances of survival with the removal of the venomous stinger.

• The stung area can get some relief with the use baking soda and water solution.

• To reduce the swelling apply ice pack covered with a thin towel over the affected area. Do it within every five minutes.

- For Skin Irritation

• If your pet has suffered insect bites, hot spots or other skin problems you can dab some milk of magnesia to soothe and calm the irritated skin.

• Apply aloe vera gel over the affected area. If you have aloe vera plant you can cut the leaf and use it as a soothing gel.

• Apply organic apple cider vinegar over the irritated skin.

• For hot spots you can use witch hazel for a continuous period of time.

• For itchy skin and paws you can bathe your pet in Epsom salt solution. In 2 cups of warm water mix 1 teaspoon Epsom salt.

• You can make a home-made spray to treat any skin problems. Use 3 capsules of sage, 1/4 teaspoon of Epsom salt and 2 cups of water. Boil this solution and let it cool. After straining, store this solution in spray bottle and keep it in the refrigerator.

- Other Problems

• Emu oil is can be used for many problems such as ringworms, flea bites, bee stings, rashes, hot spots and laceration.

• If your pet has been poisoned notify the vet immediately.

• If the pet has swallowed any toxic substance except for caustic substances, getting him to vomit, this would reduce the danger.

• If the pet has ingested alkaline substance such as cleanser or kerosene, vomiting would not be a good solution. Instead give 3 teaspoon vinegar or lemon juice diluted in equal amounts of water.

• If a battery has been ingested which is acidic, 1 tsp milk of magnesia, per 5 Lbs. of pet.

• If your pup has diarrhea and adult dog suffers with soft stool problem you can add canned pumpkin in their diet.

• A very common problem in pets is loss of vision caused mainly due to cataract. A very useful flower called cineraria has been known to reduce the size of cataract as well as minimize its existence. With the help of tincture, dilute 1/2 saline (to be purchased) and 1/2 cineraria to make eye drops. A daily dosage of 2 drops for 3 months can help to solve this problem.

• If your pet has lost his or her sense of smell, a nutritious meal can just be the right motivator. Feed your pet a rich and nutritious diet which improves the keen sense of smell. Warm canned food without salt, but with a dash of garlic powder is a good way to improve that smell.

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.