February is Responsible Pet Owner Month

February is Responsible Pet Owner Month and animal societies are urging pet owners to get their favorite furry friends "fixed” and be more responsible on behalf of their family pets. Pets can instill a sense of well-being, and studies have shown that pet owners have lower blood pressure, are less likely to be depressed and have higher self-esteem than people who don't care for companion animals. Celebrate what your pet brings you by learning more about being a Responsible Pet Owner and then spend time playing with and appreciating your companion!

So how does one participate in “Responsible Pet Owner Month”, you ask?

1. Make an appointment with your veterinarian or low-cost clinic to have your dog or cat spayed or neutered, if you haven't already. Spaying and neutering not only helps control animal population, but it can also protect dogs and cats from various diseases. Keep a complete list of veterinarians, pet care providers, trainers, groomers and any other pet care “helper” on hand. Keep a list of trustworthy people you can take your pet(s) to in case something should happen to you.
2. Encourage friends and family members to get their dogs and cats spayed and neutered. Check your local phone book or the Internet for low-cost spay/neuter clinics in your area. You can make a list of the low-cost clinics and give them to any friends or family members that are struggling financially.
3. Be well informed on your pets’ care and needs.
4. Be safe and prepared when transporting or traveling with your pet.
5. Train your dog; this is extremely important. The Number One reason for dogs ending up in shelters is behavior problems. By training and socializing your dog you can greatly reduce the chances of your dog ever getting lost or ending up in a shelter.
6. Feed your dog a well-balanced and nutritious diet. There are many quality dog and cat food choices on the market today. With a little research you can find a lot of information on food, and the food that would be best for your dog or cat.
7. Clean up after your dog. Whenever you take your dog for a walk or to play at the park or beach, make sure you bring some bags to pick up after your dog. It's very irresponsible to not clean up dog waste.
8. Groom your dog on a regular basis; although some dogs don't require as much grooming as others. A Pit Bull, for instance, has a short coat that does not require any clipping. A Bichon Frise requires grooming on a weekly basis. Keep your dog's coat clean, nails trimmed, ears clean, teeth free from plaque and tartar and regular trimmings if your dog requires it.
9. Keep your dog healthy. It's important that your dog is protected against various diseases. By feeding your dog a nutritious diet you can boost your dog's immune system which will help keep your dog healthy and vibrant. Always remember animals need their exercise as part of keeping healthy.
10. Let your dog live in the house with you. You need to provide shelter for your dog; dogs are extremely social animals and need contact with their human "pack." Isolating your dog from the household is detrimental to your dog's mental well-being. It is unfair to get a dog and then banish him to a backyard kennel.
11. Make sure your dog has up-to-date identification tags on her collar. It's important to check them every once in a while, as dogs have a tendency to lose their ID tags. It's also important to make sure the information on the tag is up-to-date. You can also micro-chip your pets.
12. Be prepared for pet emergencies by setting up an emergency fund and putting together a disaster preparedness kit. Keep a well stocked first aid in the house.
13. And of course always be prepared to give lots of love, kisses, snuggles, belly rubs and hugs.


Here's some fun reading about this month you might enjoy:

5 Healthy Lifestyle Steps For Pet Owners For February ``Responsible Pet Owners Month'' article - http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS163125+19-Feb-2008+BW20080219
ASPCA's Animal Lessons - http://www2.aspca.org/site/DocServer/animalessons_vol0102.pdf?docID=1761
Feb. is Responsible Pet Owner Month, Get Fuzzy Fixed article - http://www.kyw1060.com/pages/1579239.php?

To learn more about Responsible Pet Ownership, to connect with other responsible pet owners, gain knowledge about how to care for your pets, gain advice and this special occasion try these resources:
A Dog's Plea - http://www.mathco.com/cheechwizard/animals/dogplea.html
A Happy Pets - http://www.ahappypets.com
Animal Emergency Clinic - http://www.AnimalEmergencySD.com
Animal ER of San Diego - (858) 569-0600, 5610 Kearny Mesa Road San Diego, CA 92111
Animal Hospitals USA - http://www.animalhospitals-usa.com
Animal Urgent Care of Escondido - http://www.AUC.US.com
AVMA - http://www.avma.org
California Veterinary Specialists - http://www.CaliforniaVeterinarySpecialists.com
Cats & Rabbits & More - http://www.catsandrabbitsandmore.com/san_diego_rats___others
Catster - http://www.catster.com
Classic Green Light Insurance – Pet Insurance packages – http://www.classicgreenlight.com
Classifieds For Your Pets - http://www.classifiedsforyourpets.com
DNA Testing Company to Determine Dog Breed - http://www.whatsmydog.com
Dog Breed Info - http://www.dogbreedinfo.com
Dog Pages - http://www.dogspages.net
Dog, Dogs, Canine Wonderland! – http://www.I-Love-Dogs.com
Dogster - http://www.dogster.com
Free guide for non traditional pets (birds, fowls, tortoises, etc.) - http://www.animalsinthecity.webs.com
Harmony Animal Hospital - http://www.petvets.com
Herp Center Reptile Forums - http://www.herpcenter.com
Holistic Veterinary Care – http://www.animalhealingcenter.net
I Love My Dog Contract - http://www.loveyourdog.com/contract.html
I Love Dogs - http://www.i-love-dogs.com/forums
Love Your Dog Poetry - http://www.loveyourdog.com/poetry.html
Nonprofit Veterinary Organization - nonprofit org that provides free veterinary aid - http://www.worldvets.org
Pawspot - http://www.pawspot.com
Pet Dog and Cat Services - http://www.petdogandcatservices.com
Pet Assistance Foundation - http://www.orgsites.com/ca/pet-assistance
Pet Emergency & Specialty - http://www.PESCSanDiego.com
Pet Hobbyist - http://www.pethobbyist.com
Pet Piazza - http://www.petpiazza.com
Pet Thoughts - http://www.petthoughts.com
PetCare Directory (PetCare Link Partners) - http://www.ready-pet-go.com
Petforumz – http://www.petforumz.com/
Pit Bull Chat - http://www.pitbull-chat.com
Reptile Forums - http://www.reptileforums.net
San Diego Pet – http://www.sandiegopet.com
SNAP – Spay Neuter Action - http://www.Snap-SanDiego.org
Swim Therapy - http://www.cuttingedgek9.com
Tail Feathers Bird Community - http://www.tailfeathersnetwork.com/community
VCA Emergency Animal Hospital & Referral Center - http://www.VCAEmergency.com
VCA North Coast Veterinary & Emergency - http://www.VCANorthCoast.com
Veterinary Specialty Hospital - http://www.VSHSD.com