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Bunnies and Chicks are Tempting - Top 10 Do's and Don’ts for Springtime Pets.
Dr. Cookie on the seduction of charming pets
There’s something special about Easter and springtime and pets. How often have you cooed over that adorable bunny in the pet shop window? Or when the air turns warm, haven’t we all
been tempted to take a puppy home as a family surprise?
There’s something special about Easter and springtime and pets. How often have you cooed over that adorable bunny in the pet shop window? Or when the air turns warm, haven’t we all
been tempted to take a puppy home as a family surprise?
Dr. Stefanie Schwartz – known as “Dr. Cookie” by her clients for her tendency to spoil her patients with pet treats (to reinforce desirable
behavior, of course!) – knows all about the trials and tribulations of getting that special pet on the spur of the moment. And she knows that
sometimes it works out well for the pet and the family - but sometimes it doesn’t. Dr. Schwartz, a board-certified specialist in pet behavior, is
Director of Behavior Services at the VCA South Shore Animal Hospital in South Weymouth, Massachusetts. She offers these top Dos and Don’ts for those
thinking of taking home a pet this spring:
Don’ts
1. Don’t adopt a pet on a whim. Falling in love with that ‘puppy in the window’ could be a mistake you’ll later regret. After all, falling in love should be slow and true to last!
2. Don’t fall for holiday marketing of seasonally attractive pets. Those Easter bunnies and chicks may be cute now, but they could lose their appeal
by Memorial Day! Springtime puppies and kittens may be fun now, but will you still be committed to their care at Thanksgiving?
3. Don’t adopt a pet to teach children about responsibility. Being responsible should be a prerequisite to pet guardianship. Caring for another life is an adult responsibility, and although your children may be helpful in caring for your pet, your family pet’s welfare is in your grown-up hands.
4. Don’t adopt a pet to teach children about sexuality. Sexual behavior in dogs and cats, and the delivery of a litter, shouldn’t be compared to human experiences. Teach your children to behave responsibly about sex and lovingcare by having your pet spayed or neutered before they produce a litter. If you want another pet, visit your local animal shelter to rescue a wonderful pet in need of a good home like yours!
5. Don’t adopt a pet unless you are completely ready to commit to their care for a lifetime. Consider the financial investment required for their health care, and the time and energy you will need to invest every day. If you have any doubts, wait. Your pet will pay the highest price if you are not really prepared to give your all.
Dos
1. Do make sure the pet comes from a safe, credible source. Speak with the staff of a veterinary clinic (if you already have established a relationship with a veterinary clinic, give them a call) for some good suggestions and less biased opinions. Visit your local animal shelters and meet your new best four-legged friend!
2. Do prepare for your new pets by pet proofing your home to ensure that they are raised in a safe, comfortable environment. Watch out for small
objects that could be choking hazards, access to medications and fragile keepsakes on easily accessed surfaces. Young pets, like children, explore everything and push or nibble on novel items.
3. Do your research about the kind of pet that would best fit into your family. Consider the pet’s requirement for daily exercise (now and in the future), grooming, training and attention. Although there is no such thing as a hypoallergenic breed for dogs or cats, ndividuals may be more or less sensitive to different types of coat quality (hairless breeds may be perfect
for you!). Spend some time with other people’s pets to gage an allergy to avoid heartbreak later. Also, speak with your doctor about a referral to an allergist for possible desensitizing injections so that you can fulfill your dream of becoming a pet’s guardian!
4. Do make sure your children are old enough to appreciate your pet. Pets can be injured by youngsters who are too young to know their own strength.
Children must learn to respect the family pet to avoid conflicts. If you don’t think that your child is old enough to avoid disturbing your pet while s/he sleeps or eats, wait until your child has matured. Growing up in a family with pets is a privilege, not a right. Be objective about how ready your family is to incorporate a new four-legged member who requires as much time and attention as does a child!
5. Do make regular veterinary visits as recommended by your veterinarian. Preventative medicine is always best for your pet and your pocketbook! Together, you and your veterinarian are a team to provide quality care for your new friend.
For more advice on caring for your pet, visit Dr. Schwartz’ website, www.dr-cookie.com. It’s filled with Q&A’s, pet tips, downloadable handouts on a wide variety of pet behavior topics and information about her many books on pet care. It’s been a favorite pet care website since 1997. And read her pet behavior column, Ask Dr. Cookie, in Iams/Eukanuba ‘You and Your Dog’ and ‘Your Cat’ Magazines.
About Dr. Cookie
Dr. Stefanie Schwartz (also known as Dr. Cookie), veterinarian and veterinary behavior consultant since 1984, offers guidance and support to
bewildered, frustrated and outraged pet owners. Veterinary medicine, like human medicine, is becoming increasingly specialized. Veterinary behavior is the equivalent of psychiatry and goes far above and beyond basic obedience
training.
Dr. Schwartz, known as “Dr. Cookie” by many of her clients due to her tendency to spoil her patients with pet treats, is so strongly associated with this endearing nickname that Dr. Cookie is now her trademark. The award-winning author of many books, book chapters and dozens of scientific journal articles, Dr. Schwarz continues to contribute new knowledge to the
field of veterinary behavior. Her goal is to preserve and enrich the bond between pet and pet owner by resolving undesirable behavior patterns in companion animals.
Dr. Schwartz treats dogs and cats primarily, but she also is successful with pet rabbits, Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs, ferrets, captive wild animals, horses, farm animals and birds. She is Director of Behavior Services at VCA
South Shore Animal Hospital in South Weymouth, Massachusetts. She is also Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Clinical Sciences at the School of Veterinary Medicine of Tufts University and is active in many professional organizations. Additionally, Dr. Schwartz is the veterinary behavior consultant to Antech Laboratories, a national veterinary laboratory
headquartered in California that offers specialty consults to practicing veterinarians nationwide. For more information about Dr. Schwartz, pet
behavior or her latest books, visit her website at www.dr-cookie.com.
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1. Jpegs of Dr. Cookie and pets are available for the asking.
2. For a phone briefing to expand upon the news release, Dr. Cookie can be reached directly at (781) 829-2229 or drstef@dr-cookie.com. Or contact me and I'll make arrangements for a phone briefing.
3. For more information, please Dr. Cookie's website -- www.dr-cookie.com.
Please email back a quick note as to how we can help you as a source. Thanks for your consideration. Steven V. Dubin, PR counsel to Dr. Cookie, (Telephone) (781) 878-9533 or (email) sdubin@prworkzone.com
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