|
Happy March Everypawdy!
We have a big update coming soon in April where we will focus once again on Easter Pets but also Kittens! We will unveil a new section of the website dedicated to information on Training, Pet Health, Safety, and more. You will be able to meet a new ALPRAS Dog who will be up for adoption soon and also get to know a recently official Sanctuary Cat, her story, how she got her status, and have a chance to follow her recovery back to health. We hope you have a great March, and as always, if there isn't an ALPRAS animal available that is the pot of gold at the end of your rainbow, there are shelters, rescues, and organizations filled with animals just waiting to be the four leaf clover in your garden! - ALPRAS Team |
Healthy Habits
While there are various way to get fit with your pet, it is also important to follow some simple guidelines that apply to both person and pet
|
First things first!
Before starting any Exercise regime, it is recommended that both You and Your Pet have a vet visit. Whether you all are in pawfect health or have some medical concerns, its always best for your physician to know your plans so they can answer questions, offer advice, and navigate any risks you could face. |
|
Warming up is important and can help prevent injuries. Someone who hasn't run a marathon before usually doesn't start to do one by joining the current race. Don't ask you, or your pet's, body to do exercises its not ready for yet, especially without warming up.
For You: Some stretches and some simple exercises is going to be a good start, even before you walk out the door.
For Dogs: Starting off with a walk that gains momentum as you go or keeping to the walk and then engaging in more rigorous activity when you get to the park is the all warm up they might need if they are generally healthy.
For Cat: Start their activity slowly. You can do some guided training movements in the house and slowly build up their activity with an interactive cat toy such as a kitty wand before letting them go nuts over that little red laser point dot!
For You: Some stretches and some simple exercises is going to be a good start, even before you walk out the door.
For Dogs: Starting off with a walk that gains momentum as you go or keeping to the walk and then engaging in more rigorous activity when you get to the park is the all warm up they might need if they are generally healthy.
For Cat: Start their activity slowly. You can do some guided training movements in the house and slowly build up their activity with an interactive cat toy such as a kitty wand before letting them go nuts over that little red laser point dot!
Get Healthy Safely! It isn't a race, its a Journey
If you and/or your pet are out of shape, one of the worst things you can do is overdo it.
When in a very cold or very hot climate,
pushing it too hard and too fast can have ruff consequences on your health. You could get a cold or heat exhaustion depending on climate or injure muscles and tendons unused to a high level of strain.
When in a very cold or very hot climate,
pushing it too hard and too fast can have ruff consequences on your health. You could get a cold or heat exhaustion depending on climate or injure muscles and tendons unused to a high level of strain.
Cats can be very active, especially when they are kittens.
It doesn't take much to get a kitten going and that is a great time to interact with them and teach them proper play behavior. Older cats may take some convincing, but you may be surprised how readily they are willing to play if given the chance. It is very important that you start slow with very overweight cats and monitor older cats as they increase activity.
You never want your cat to be panting like a dog. If this happens, play needs to end immediately. Usually a good start is 5-15 minutes a day. For more active cats this can happen several times a day or longer time frames for athletic or high energy breeds/types.
It doesn't take much to get a kitten going and that is a great time to interact with them and teach them proper play behavior. Older cats may take some convincing, but you may be surprised how readily they are willing to play if given the chance. It is very important that you start slow with very overweight cats and monitor older cats as they increase activity.
You never want your cat to be panting like a dog. If this happens, play needs to end immediately. Usually a good start is 5-15 minutes a day. For more active cats this can happen several times a day or longer time frames for athletic or high energy breeds/types.
Dogs stamina is often overlooked. People expect their dogs to pant and forget that these animals do not sweat as we do. Humans also forget to pay attention to what is happening at the end of the leash since most dogs will willingly follow their person until they collapse. This can lead to catastrophic results. Your dog's breed, size, age, weight, health, and stamina are very important. This is especially true for Brachycephalic dog breeds, such as the Pug or Bulldog. Their pushed in and upturned noses can make breathing much harder and cause faster overheating. Severe cases may have important limitations for their safety.
Its always better to err on the side of caution. It will be harder to reach the next goal if you are set back from moving too fast too soon. Slow and steady wins the race, which is why turtles have been around for millions of years vs rabbits only 4,000!!!
We'll be adding more soon!
WELL COOKED
Skinless and Boneless
Turkey and Chicken
Skinless and Boneless
Turkey and Chicken
Cooked or Baked Sweet Potatoes
Sweet Potatoes are a great treat,
especially when Baked into
yummy Jerky for Dogs or
a mixed Pate for Cats
Sweet Potatoes are a great treat,
especially when Baked into
yummy Jerky for Dogs or
a mixed Pate for Cats
Green Beans
Green Beans are filled with Iron and Vitamins
beneficial to both Dogs and Cats.
Fresh or Cooked, this is a safe healthy treat to share with your pet
Just remember: NO SALT
Green Beans are filled with Iron and Vitamins
beneficial to both Dogs and Cats.
Fresh or Cooked, this is a safe healthy treat to share with your pet
Just remember: NO SALT
Cranberries
Cranberries have many benefits for Dogs and Cats
which include Teeth, Brian, Eyesight, and Kidney Health.
Use Dried Cranberries in small amounts with the dogs size in mind.
Make sure you don't use a fruit or trail mix as they often contain other toxic substances for pets such as
Chocolate, Nuts, Salty tidbits, and especially Raisins.
Don't use Cranberry Sauce as it has very high Sugar content.
Cranberries have many benefits for Dogs and Cats
which include Teeth, Brian, Eyesight, and Kidney Health.
Use Dried Cranberries in small amounts with the dogs size in mind.
Make sure you don't use a fruit or trail mix as they often contain other toxic substances for pets such as
Chocolate, Nuts, Salty tidbits, and especially Raisins.
Don't use Cranberry Sauce as it has very high Sugar content.
Carrots
Carrots are another excellent treat for both Cats and Dogs.
Dogs teeth can benefit from crunching on them and help with losing weight as they are low in calories and high in fiber.
Cats get a lot of nutritional benefits including Beta-Carotene just remember that cats need to have their carrots cooked and cut in small pieces or turned into a Pate.
Carrots are another excellent treat for both Cats and Dogs.
Dogs teeth can benefit from crunching on them and help with losing weight as they are low in calories and high in fiber.
Cats get a lot of nutritional benefits including Beta-Carotene just remember that cats need to have their carrots cooked and cut in small pieces or turned into a Pate.
Apples
Apples are another high fiber food filled and Vitamins A and C.
Some simple safety rules for sharing with your Dogs and Cats:
No Seeds for the same reason they aren't great for humans
No Core in general as it can be a choking hazard
No Skin for cats
Apples are another high fiber food filled and Vitamins A and C.
Some simple safety rules for sharing with your Dogs and Cats:
No Seeds for the same reason they aren't great for humans
No Core in general as it can be a choking hazard
No Skin for cats
Training your pet is important but it all starts with you! There are a few simple tips that will go a long way into helping you understand and train your pet easier.
|
Prepare: Gather all the materials you need for the training session. Things you may need are Collar, Leash, Treats, Clicker, Mat (towel, bed, or training stand)
Calm and Time: Training always works better when the human is calm, unrushed, and confident. Animals, especially dogs, feed of our energy. Patience: When we learn something it takes time, practice, and execution before we get the ability, confidence, and reward of accomplishment. This is the same for animals except they also have to learn a new language while doing it! |
|
Voice: One big mistake people make is how they use their voice. Commands should be Even, Calm, Firm, and Short. An Incorrect tone, such as raising your voice at the end of the command, shows uncertainty. Commands are not questions, they are statements. So it isn't 'Siiiiitt', it's 'Sit'.
Location: Begin in a Quiet and Calm environment with little distraction. As you both begin to ace your training, you can challenge you both by adding in distractions, training outside, around other people, children, and/or animals. Variation: Make your pet an ace at training by changing how you are positioned. After they have mastered the commands while you stand, continue doing so by sitting, or laying down yourself. You never know when this extra talent will be needed, such as if a family member is ill or in a wheelchair. |
|
There are a few commands that are crucial to general good dog behavior.
Most you have probably heard of, but did you know dogs respond faster to hand commands?
Animals communicate better between species than we manage with man's best friend!
Here are the Five easy commands to start with and hand signals we use with them.
|
'Look' or 'Watch Me' Brings the dog's attention to you. Eye contact lets you know they are paying attention and builds focus and trust. It is an important building block for all training. You may need to use high reward treats for shy, nervous, or very submissive dogs. Show the treat, and bring your hand with it up next to your eyes. The moment they make eye contact say 'Yes!' (and/or click) and treat immediately.
Command: 'Look' or 'Watch Me' Hand Signal: Bring two fingers from their vision towards your eyes. Sit: The most required of all commands of every dog. They should do it before just about everything they do. Dogs should sit before getting their food, treats, fresh water, before going out the door, to be pet, greet guests, or just about anything. Think of it as their way of asking permission or saying 'please' may I. If using a treat, hold it in your fingertips just above their nose and curve your hand up towards you while giving the command. It brings the head up and usually the butt goes down.
Command: Sit (never 'sit down') Hand Signal: Extend your arm outwards palm up and raise it upwards towards you. Down: The Down action means more than just having the dog on the floor. Down has many future applications in intermediate, advanced training, and for fun tricks. It also forces the dog in a lower more submissive posture that can create a calmness that a 'sit' may not. Placing the treat between your thumb and palm, lower you hand, palm down, towards the floor while saying 'Down' once. Reward when they complete the action or close too it for dogs who need more practice.
Command: Down (or Lay Down) Hand Signal: Extend your arm out palm down and lower it down wards. Down can be confusing for dogs when people use it for different reasons, such as to tell a dog to take its paws off you or stop him from jumping. Instead, make that command the word 'Off' or say 'Four on the Floor' while pointing to the ground.
Stand: Stand is not commonly used for most beginners, but it should be. While practicing commands, it is easier to go from a down, to a stand, and then to a sit. The three very different actions also have different mindsets. Stand creates an alerted mind and prepares them for the next action while having them stay in one place. As with 'down' place the treat between the thumb and palm, but lift your hand palm up from their level to stand. Be sure to Reward the moment they rise.
Command: Stand Hand Signal: Extend your arm outwards palm up and lift it straight upwards Wait: Wait is a good step towards 'Stay', the 'Extended Stay', and patience training. Using 'Wait' is asking for a pause that helps with concentration and focus for the next task whether it is walking out the door after sitting or putting their food down. When you begin, have them Sit, Watch/Look and then use the command and hand signal right in front of them, try and start with a 3 count (inside your head!) and if they wait there, praise and treat immediately. Slowly increase the time and distance.
Command: Wait Hand Signal: Extend hand next to you outwards at an angle palm facing the dog. |
Did you know Cats and Kittens can be trained?
We don't just mean the litter box either!
|
Many Cats are just as Treat Oriented as Dogs are for training. You can start with kibble, use small treats, bits of cooked lean chicken or fish, or wet food on a spoon. (Really great for advanced training!) |
|
Cats do excellent with
Clicker and Target training. Our Little Lions, Tiny Tigers, and Pint Sized Panthers are just as smart if not smarter than their wild counterparts. If you have ever been to the circus or seen big cats in movies then you have seen them acting from the same art that you can use to train your Fantastic Feline at home. Que the applause! |
|
|
Just like dogs, cats should work for their food by sitting too! This simple exercise has improved many cat behavior problems, especially food aggression, and it is just as easy to train them to sit as it is for dogs and while using the same technique! |
|
Wow everyone you know by teaching your cat a few simple tricks or get the most out of athletic breeds by making the house an obstacle course (on approved surfaces only!) or using hoops and stands to challenge their bodies and minds. With their limber bodies and sharp reaction time you'll be amazed what they can do.
The best part is the trust and bonding you and cat will achieve together! |
|
Due to the Severe Winter weather across the states,
we will be keeping up a couple of our
Winter Seasonal Safety tips up for a while longer.
Please stay safe and keep your pets safe as well.
Even though our rescue is based in Florida,
it still gets cold (usually a wet cold) and there can be frost on the ground.
It's important to remember that while we can bundle and boot up,
they only have fur and paws to protect them.
Some breeds are very susceptible to cold and damp. Learn more about your dog's breed(s) to make sure you have the best information and way to keep your pup's health at a maximum!
it still gets cold (usually a wet cold) and there can be frost on the ground.
It's important to remember that while we can bundle and boot up,
they only have fur and paws to protect them.
Some breeds are very susceptible to cold and damp. Learn more about your dog's breed(s) to make sure you have the best information and way to keep your pup's health at a maximum!
|
Walking in a Winter Wonderland |
|
|
Fireside Safety
Pet Fire SafetyEach year, more than 500,000 pets are affected by house fires, with 1,000 house fires started by pets themselves. In order to prevent and prepare for a possible house fire, it is important to remember your pets when thinking about your fire preparedness plan.
PREVENTING A FIRE
PREVENTING A FIRE
- Reduce open flame exposure – Pets are curious and may try to investigate your unattended candles or fireplace. Opt instead for flameless candles or an enclosed fireplace to prevent an accidental knock or escaped ember from burning out of control.
- Put covers on or remove stove knobs and discourage climbing in the kitchen – An accidental nudge of a stove knob is the number one cause of house fires started by pets. By preventing your pet from interacting with a stove, you can take a big step toward preventing fires.
- Secure loose wires – Pets may like to chew on wires and cords, but ensure that these items are out of reach from your pet, as they can lead to fires.
- Never put a glass bowl on a wooden porch – The sun’s rays can heat the bowl and cause a fire on your wooden deck. Opt instead for ceramic or stainless-steel dishes when outside.
- Include your pet into your family emergency plan and practice taking them with you. Talk with your family members to determine who is responsible for grabbing your pets and who should grab their supplies (food, medication, photo, leashes and carriers, medical records) during an emergency so you can reduce scrambling and redundancy when speed and efficiency are needed.
- Put a decal in your home’s front window indicating the number and type of pets you have – Providing this information can cut down on the time responders spend searching your home in the case of a fire.
- Make sure your pet’s updated contact information is reflected on their ID collar and in the microchip database – If your pet gets lost during a fire, this will help rescuers get him or her back to you.
- Use monitored smoke detectors that are connected to emergency responders – Should a fire start while you are away from your home, you’ll rest assured that your pet has access to emergency response services even if no one is home to call them.
- Know your pets’ hideaways and create ways for easy access to them in case of an emergency – It’s nice that your pet can get away if he or she wants to, but in an emergency, you need to be able to locate and extract your pet as quickly as possible.
Pupdates!
Spock - Adopted August 8, 2018
|
Its been 5 months!
I am one lucky pup! My new family really loves me and says I am doing really well. I get along with everyone and have settled in. They've really been super diligent about my skin and I'm doing better than ever! We found out that I can actually eat Lamb now, so I have a brand new food. Super cool to be able to have more than Fish! My new brother Herschel is my best friend and I have some pictures to share with everyone. Its hard to believe its been 4 months already but I'm looking forward to a lifetime with my new pawsome family! |
|
We can hardly believe its been 3 Years for both of these girls!
Lily (below) and Aurora (on the right) were both adopted as Senior dogs and prove that you don't have to be a young dog to be a pawsome dog deserving of love. 
|
|
Check out our Success Stories
page to see new pictures of
Spock, Lily, Aurora, & others
from their Forever Families
Some Changes
We've just had a big move to the West Coast of Florida! Though we won't be on the South East Coast, we will still adopt out to both coasts and central Florida. This move will have a lot of impact on us as we will have to begin from the ground up in our local area. We know this will take some time and will be tough in the beginning as we reorganize our personal lives.
Due to this we will not be currently bringing in more animals (unless its an emergency we run into) until we have the capability to have the time, space, funding, and foster homes available. We will never stop being committed to the animals we have in the Rescue and Sanctuary and will continue to support animals in whatever way we can during this time period. Thank you all for your continued support, it means so much to us and we are eternally grateful.
Due to this we will not be currently bringing in more animals (unless its an emergency we run into) until we have the capability to have the time, space, funding, and foster homes available. We will never stop being committed to the animals we have in the Rescue and Sanctuary and will continue to support animals in whatever way we can during this time period. Thank you all for your continued support, it means so much to us and we are eternally grateful.
Pet in Need
Jack Sparrow, a Sanctuary, cat needs you! - Current Need: Dental Work
|
Saying our Goodbyes,
|
|
On January 29th we lost a beloved ALPRAS dog,
|
There are no new events currently scheduled, we hope to add one in soon!
Thank you so much to everyone who gifts a donation we appreciate it so much!
|
|
|
|
