Pause for Healthy Paws
Would you walk around with bare feet just any ‘ole where? Probably not. While shoes or dog booties may seem a bit extreme (our dogs don’t have any), it’s ALWAYS a smart thing to steer clear of spots you wouldn’t walk upon. AND after all, we don’t lick our feet..BUT your pets do!
Out for a stroll? Avoid these spots and keep your pups healthy:
- any oily or auto fluid stained pavement or drive ways
- grass or fields recently treated with pesticides
There are others to steer clear of but just use your best judgement and keep your dogs healthy!
QUICK TIP: Think about it: If you don’t want to track it in your home, you don’t want it on your dogs paws either.
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Five tips for Living Well with Your Apartment Dog
The Apartment folks over at Select My Space asked me to contribute a few pointers to their blog regarding keeping a pet in an apartment. Hey, I’m no trainer…but after living with three medium sized dogs in an apartment for years, time and patience has taught me a’plenty. Besides, the key is really to use your very own noodle. Ya know, common sense!
TIPS FOR KEEPING DOGS IN APARTMENTS
A vast majority of the apartments that we rent in Birmingham are pet friendly, and most of those don’t have weight or breed restrictions for dogs. So how can you find the best apartment for your furry friend? Below are a few tips compiled from both online publications and Jessica over at Dogingham. Jessica, a local blogger, artist, and dog fanatic, has three wonderful dogs who have lived with her in several Birmingham apartments.
First off, if you haven’t heard of Dogingham then you need to check it out. Jessica, a Birmingham local, has started a fantastic photo blog with great pictures, stories, details, and events all about dogs in Birmingham, Alabama. She also is an active tweeter. If you want to be in the know about dogs and dog events make sure to visit and bookmark her site dogingham and follow her on Twitter: @dogingham
Follow these easy tips and your neighbors and your landlord will love you. Read on…
1) Priority number one! Make sure your apartment building or complex allows dogs as pets. Are there any size or breed restrictions? If there are no pets allowed, do not try to sneak your dog in. Respect the rules to avoid prejudice against otherwise responsible pet owners. (Quick tip: Make it the first question you ask. Even before asking the rent amount, first and always ask if pets are allowed.)
2) Pets Allowed? It’s always handy to have a resume for your dog! Prepare a simple yet effective document with desirable indoor doggie points like letters of recommendation from: your former neighbors, landlord and proof of vet care. Obedience class records and a Canine Good Citizen certification are great to have too. Let those documents speak for you! (Quick tip: Ask your vet for obedience class and good citizenship certification referrals.)
3) Move-in prep: when bringing your dog into a new apartment or multi-living complex, don’t assume she will behave the same as before. House-to-apartment living can be a big challenge if not handled properly. Example: Your dog may not be used to hearing strangers consistently near their front door. Consult a trainer for any behavior you cannot handle on your own. There are lots of free resources available if you are willing to do the research and take action. (Quick tip: visit www.creativedogtrainingonline.com online for Free training podcasts!)
4) Move-in day! Be courteous of your neighbors. Introduce your dog to your immediate neighbors. (Quick tip: Smile and respect personal boundaries. Not every one may be a dog lover. They may even have dog allergies!)
5) Settled in? Be a super pooper-scooper! Always have at least two bags handy per pet. You never know when potty time could occur. (Quick tip: You would never run out of toilet tissue for yourself, right? Treat poop scoop bags in the same manner.)
*All content is copyright-protected. To share our pet information with others, please link or refer people to our website. To request permission to reprint material from our site, please contact Dogingham (at) yahoo (dot) com.
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Birmingham Metro Lost Pet Helpful Tips
Contact the following:
- Alabama Pet Registry 205-969-2241
- Your veterinarian
- Your neighbors
Search Tips and Tactics:
- Search the surrounding areas each morning and again at dusk (very important as your pet may be too scared to venture out during the bustle of the day)
- Place an ad in the lost and found section of the newspaper and fliers throughout the neighborhood and surrounding areas.
- Put the following information on all flyers, notices, and ads: breed, color, sex, age, date lost, your name, and two phone numbers. (Add a picture if at all possible!)
- Ask Postal Workers and children in the neighborhood during your searches.
- Postal Workers are always aware of loose dogs. Children are usually very observant and enjoy being helpful.
- Contact veterinarians and animal clinics in your area.
- Be sure to visit Animal Control Facilities immediately, personally, and often!
Also provide the following details to your vet and vets in the surrounding area(s) where your pet was lost:
- Pet Species
- Date Lost/Found
- Breed(s)
- Color/Markings (including any distinguishing features)
- Gender
- Spay/Neuter Status
- Age
- Collar (color, type, & attached tags)
- Pet’s Name
- Microchipped?
- List any other forms of identification
- Any other information that would differentiate this pet from any others
- Contact Name for pet
- At least two contact phone numbers, including number type (i.e. cell, home, work)
- Area of Town and Zip Code where lost/found
- If lost, exactly where the pet was last seen & circumstances surrounding pets disappearance
Animal Control and/or Animal Shelters
Alabaster 205-664-6761
Bessemer 205-426-5586
Birmingham 205-591-6522
Calera 205-668-3500
Cleveland 205-625-6026
Columbiana 205-669-3916
Homewood 205-332-6842
Hoover 205-444-7760
Jasper 205-221-6294
Montevallo 205-665-2555
Mountain Brook 205-879-0486
Pelham 205-663-3901
Tuscaloosa 205-752-9101
Vestavia Hills 205-978-0151
County Animal Control Agencies
Blount County 205-625-6026
Jefferson County 205-591-6522
Saint Clair County 205-814-1567
Shelby County 205-669-8766
Tuscaloosa County 205-752-9101
Walker County 205-221-6294
Post online with
Friends of Cats and Dogs HERE
Alabama Pet Registry HERE
and The Greater Birmingham Humane Society HERE.
A helpful tip to keep in mind from GBHS.org
Warning! Sometimes unfriendly citizens use these types of websites to prey on people. GBHS urges you to use caution if you are contacted by someone claiming to have found your pet and asks you for a reward in exchange for the animal. This is a common con and should be reported to your local law enforcement.
