Next week, May 19th to the 25th, marks National Dog Bite Prevention Week.  According to the Center for Disease Control, about 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year and approximately 885,000 of those bites require medical attention.  Dog Bite Prevention Week is a public safety campaign to focus on safety tips and emphasize the need for increased pet owner responsibility in the prevention of dog bites. Children are the number one victims of dog bites.  Shockingly, the ASPCA reports that 50 percent of children in the United States will be bitten by a dog before their 12th birthday.  Here are some tips to keep your child from being included in that statistic. Before bringing a dog into your …

If your canine companion isn’t too busy chasing bunnies in the backyard, maybe he would like a photo shoot with one!  On Saturday, March 30th, Paws and Claws Animal Rescue is giving you the opportunity to have your lovable pooch photographed with the Easter Bunny himself! Pictures will be from 11 AM to 2 PM at Joseph-Beth in Crestview Hills, KY (2785 Dixie Highway.) For just $10, you will receive your spring photo, with all proceeds going to benefit the rescue! Help Paws and Claws continue in its mission to give as many dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens a chance at the best furever life they can have! Keep Your Pets Safe This Easter! Easter is right around the corner with …

When the cold temperatures are upon us, the threats to our pets are not just outdoors. There are also some indoor threats you need to be cautious of to keep your pets safe through the winter. Open flames can be a hazard for your pets. The warmth and light can be attractive to them. Always monitor your pets when there are fireplaces ablaze or candles lit in your home. You don’t want your pet burned or a candle knocked over to set your home on fire! Space heaters can be a big concern for pet owners, especially cat owners who fear their furry friend will want to cuddle up to it. Consider purchasing a ceramic heater, which are extremely effective but …

So we’ve had a break from the snow and ice for a bit, but it will probably be back sooner than we would like!  When the temperatures drop again, you need to be aware of more hazards that can threaten your pet – salt and ice.  Ice and toxic chemicals found in many ice melters can put the paw pads of your pet at risk for drying, cracking, frostbite, and chemical burns. Ingesting these chemicals can also threaten your pet’s health.  Here are some tips to prevent your dog from being harmed by these elements:  Try a winter bootie on your dog.  Our friends at Paw Joggers recommend booties made by Ruff Wear or a “minimalist” rubber bootie made by Pawz if your …

With winter being in full swing, there are some things you need to be aware of to keep your pets safe through the winter months!  The next few weeks, we will be providing you with some tips to help keep your furry family members out of harm’s way. Your pets may be more likely to be exposed to hazardous chemicals in the winter months.  Antifreeze and wiper fluids contain toxins that can be poisonous or deadly to your pets.  Ethylene glycol, the main ingredient in most antifreeze products, has a sweet flavor and aroma, which may be inviting to animals.  According to the Humane Society, only a few tablespoons can jeopardize an animal’s life.  Follow these tips to protect your …

I know the snow is exciting, but with the temperatures quickly dropping, I am already thinking spring…  Unfortunately, it looks like the cold weather may just be starting.  My dogs couldn’t be happier with the snow as they are having a blast chasing snowballs, pouncing through the drifts, and sliding across the icy driveway.  But when is it time to be concerned that they are spending too much time out in the frigid temperatures?  Here are some tips when it comes to exposing your pets to the cold. Be informed…  How well your pet can tolerate the cold depends on his age, health, and coat density.  Read up on your breed to see how well it typically does in the …

It’s that time of year when everyone starts making resolutions for the new year.  Consider making 2013 a better year for animals, both the ones that you love and the ones in need of some love, with these resolutions! Making your pet’s life better can be as easy as taking some time out of your day for extra cuddle time.  Your pet is not the only one who will benefit from this.  Animals can help relieve stress and improve your overall mood! What if you don’t have your own pet at home to help relieve all of that extra stress?  Then there are plenty of volunteer opportunities at local shelters to give you the chance to spend some time with …

Halloween is a great fun for everyone. To make sure it stays that way for both youngsters out trick-or-treating and your four-legged friends, we’ve compiled a list of tips on dog safety around kids during this holiday of fun and scares. Some dogs may be upset or frightened by children in costumes and people ringing your doorbell or knocking, but never coming inside. If a dog is very frightened or startled, he may growl, snap, or even bite. To help your dog enjoy this holiday, here’s a list of things you can do to keep him comfortable and happy: 1. Keep your dog inside during trick-or-treating and keep her occupied with a tasty bone or Kong stuffed full of canned …

If you are a parent of a school age child or more, you definitely know the challenge of getting your child to read everyday! With two children of reading age and one who needs to be read to, I often find myself spread a little thin when it comes to sharing reading time with each of them.  Sometimes I have the older ones read to the toddler, and other times I even find myself telling them to read aloud to the dogs!  But what a great audience the dogs can be – they definitely aren’t constantly reaching to rip the pages like our toddler does! Some area groups have discovered this secret and offer programs for your children to get an …

In the summer, my garage is open many of the times my dogs are out, allowing them access to anything that it may hold.  They often venture in there to cool off and snoop around.  Since we never know what our family pets may get into in our garages, it is important to pet proof to ensure their safety!  Here are some tips for pet proofing your garage! 1. Keep the floor clear of anything sharp. Secure objects such as sharp tools and nails up high and out of reach of your pets. Make sure to clean up all of those pointy wood fragments after your projects are completed! 2. Make certain your pet cannot get to any chemicals, including …