Dog biting is a serious social and medical problem. Most dogs and puppies are generally loving, affectionate companions and only rarely does something happen that makes a dog react by biting. But the number of dog bites each year exceeds 4 million instances and 800,000 of these bites require medical attention. The majority of dogs that bite either belong to the family or to friends of the family. Most bites occur at home or in another familiar place. Most owners wait until a bite happens before trying to deal with their dog biting problem, and are generally unprepared when it does happen. Many times, the owner’s response when they are faced with a biting dog does little more than make the problem worse.

Dog biting and mouthing are common in puppies especially while playing and teething. Without hands, puppies and dogs rely on their mouths to explore their surroundings. Puppies need to learn to inhibit their bite. Normally, they would learn this from their mother and littermates. As they play, they bite each other and if they are too rough, the other dogs and puppies will react negatively (yelp, avoidance, etc.).

Since puppies, for the most part, are not with their mothers or littermates, it is the owner’s responsibility to socialize their dogs. As stated before, puppies learn to inhibit their mouthing and biting by being socialized with other dogs. Lack of socialization with people and other dogs often results in fearful or aggressive behavior - such as dog biting. Introducing your dog to many different types of people and situations can build confidence. Dogs that are not socialized with children often end up biting them since they do not know the proper way to interact with kids, especially when the kids are playing rough or running and yelling.

Inconsistency will sabotage your training. If you let your dog bite some of the time, then dog biting will never be completely eliminated. When a puppy or dog mouths or bites, yelp in a loud pitch voice and turn away from the puppy. This behavior mimics the natural responses of other dogs. When a puppy mouths or bites, give him a toy to redirect his or her energy away from biting. Obedience classes are a great place to start - especially when all members of the family learn training techniques and participate in your dog’s training. Also, teaching your children the proper way to approach and play with a dog will help cut down on snapping and mouthing.

What to do if your dog bites someone – confine the dog and check on the person that was bitten. Be ready to provide the date of the dog’s last rabies vaccination. If you can not provide proof of a rabies vaccination, your dog might be quarantined for an extended period of time or even euthanized to prove that the animal does not have rabies. All dog bites should be completely cleaned, dressed and examined by a physician, if necessary.

Dog biting seems to be nearing epidemic proportions in the United States. With proper training (of both your dog and your family members and friends) and socialization, dog biting need not be something that you need to worry about.

A small animal that is sick or injured is often in a frightened state, so if emergency small pet care is deemed necessary it is important to protect yourself – even if the small animal is your own pet – with protective hand covering, such as gloves.

If there is any question as to the seriousness of your pet’s condition, you should follow up your emergency small pet care with advice from your veterinarian. Of course, before an emergency should ever arise, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with emergency small pet care and techniques.

Never leave dangerous objects like pins, needles, nails or fish hooks within your small pet’s reach. And, be well aware of your pet’s normal behavior, so you can easily recognize when he is exhibiting signs of abnormal behavior. Remember, the objective is to relieve pain and suffering…perhaps even save the animal’s life. Emergency small pet care and first aid is always most effective when it is rendered quickly and calmly.

Small animals are at risk for numerous kinds of poisoning from a variety of sources i.e. snakes, plants, and literally hundreds of poisonous materials which are used around the home every day. Here’s what you can do if your pet is poisoned:

1. Keep the small animal warm and quiet
2. Attempt to determine the source of the poison, when it was ingested, and the amount swallowed
3. Call your veterinarian or nearest poison control center immediately

Should you determine it necessary to take your pet to your veterinarian, bring the container (or the label) of the suspected poison source with you. Keep poisonous elements out of reach, know what your pet is doing at all times, and keep emergency telephone numbers in a readily accessible location.

Since you never know when an accident will occur, having an emergency small pet care kit available is an excellent idea. You can assemble a first aid kit yourself and purchase the necessary items separately, or buy one which contains all the first aid items needed for emergency situations. If you make one yourself, use a small plastic container with a tight fitting lid to store the following items:

Important Phone Numbers

1. Veterinary clinic phone number and directions to the clinic
2. Poison control center phone numbers

Equipment and Supplies

1. Travel cage
2. Scissors
3. Tweezers
4. Nail clippers
5. Styptic powder or sticks
6. Cotton swabs and/or Q-Tips
7. Clean towels - cloth and paper
8. Disposable gloves
9. Wire cutters
10. Roll of gauze
11. Sterile gauze or telfa pads
12. Tape
13. Wound disinfectant
14. Triple antibiotic ointment

Taking precautionary measures to ensure that your small pet thrives in a safe and healthy environment is always encouraged – but should a situation occur where emergency small pet care is required – be prepared. Your pet’s well-being is of utmost importance.

One very common aspect of animal behavior that can prove to be somewhat challenging to a pet owner is small pet biting – as well as finding an effective training method to discourage this undesirable behavior. Even though playful biting is an inherent trait for many small animals, it is a habit that should not be allowed to continue without some form of correction. Obviously, the younger the small animal is, the easier it will be to teach him what behaviors you consider to be inappropriate. And, small pet biting is definitely a behavior that should be “nipped in the bud”.

The simplest and most common training method designed to dissuade small pet biting is to withhold attention when biting or nipping occurs. A stern “no” combined with pulling away should send a clear message to your small pet that biting is unacceptable and you want the behavior to cease.

If you find that verbal correction alone is not a sufficient behavior-modifying method for your small pet biting habit, time-out in his cage or other suitable form of confinement may prove to be a necessary and more effective deterrent for biting. This time-out period also provides your pet with an opportunity to calm down, since an excited or overly stimulated animal is more likely to bite – playfully or otherwise. Bitter apple spray on your hands can also be an effective way to discourage small pet biting – your small friend will come to realize that biting tastes bad.

Tapping or flicking the nose in order to discourage small pet biting may be a fairly common form of discipline, but might not produce the positive results you are attempting to achieve. In some cases, physical discipline may encourage aggression and make your pet feel anxious or fearful. Some animals may even misinterpret their owner’s attempt at correction as rough play, which may very well lead to an increase in the biting behavior. It’s not advisable to resort to nose-tapping or other physical discipline with a small animal that may have been mistreated or who exhibits unusually aggressive or fearful behavior. Physical methods of discipline are therefore not recommended as an effective form of behavior modification.

In all cases of small pet biting, patience while your pet is learning what your expectations are and positive reinforcement when he meets them, are always necessary ingredients for behavior modification. Perseverance pays and your small pet will respond positively to training that is immediate and consistent.

The majority of small animals rarely run short on energy, thus the decision to exercise your small pet is a wise one. Just like you, your small friend can benefit in a variety of ways from a regular exercise routine. Exercise improves muscle tone, joint flexibility, digestion and cardiovascular fitness. An active lifestyle also aids in the prevention of obesity, which can lead to a myriad of health problems in pets.

Thankfully, it is fairly simple to exercise your small pet and only requires that you become familiar with your particular pet’s instinctive proclivity for exercise. Once you have determined your small animal’s activity of choice (running, jumping, climbing, etc.) you will know what accessories are needed to make exercise an enjoyable and natural part of your pet’s healthy lifestyle.

In order to provide the maximum amount of space essential to effectively exercise your small pet, you may want to consider an exercise pen. Your pet will then have ample room in which to get the exercise he needs, plus it is also less likely that he will suffer from the health conditions which can result from being restricted in a small cage. If you choose an exercise pen, it is a good idea to place it in an area with easy-to-clean flooring. You will still need to provide a covered area, such as a cardboard box so that your small pet has a place to retreat for a little privacy.

Since some small animals have the ability to jump quite high and even scale an exercise pen, it is necessary that you always supervise your pet. Even if you assume your small pet is unable to escape the pen, it’s still advisable to place it in an area of your home that is fully “pet-proof.” This means taking precautionary measures while you exercise your small pet to ensure that the small animal cannot chew on electrical cords, toxic plants, furniture, etc., or that he cannot squeeze into spaces behind furniture or appliances.

When the weather is suitable, you can exercise your small pet and at the same time easily create an outdoor pet paradise by inverting a playpen or the top of a large indoor cage. By moving the pen to a new location each day, your small animal friend can graze on fresh greens. Be mindful of pesticides and weed killers that can poison your pet – don’t let him graze if you spray your yard.

With a little planning, research, and insight into your pet’s specific needs and preferences, you can successfully exercise your small pet and choose exercise accessories that provide the entertainment and activity your pet requires to thrive.

A specific method of small pet training that has proven to be one of the most effective revolves around the concept of positive reinforcement. Small animals are known to possess a high level of curiosity and well developed problem solving skills. These character traits combined with their inherent intelligence make them well suited for small pet training.

The basic idea of utilizing positive reinforcement as a small pet training technique is rewarding your small animal when he performs a particular desired action. Incorrect behavior is not acknowledged; only correct behavior is recognized and rewarded. The reward indicates to your pet that he has accomplished what you want him to do.

You will need to decide in advance what reward(s) you’re going to utilize. Rewards can be a treat, praise, toys – anything that your small pet enjoys will suffice. Next you want the small animal to associate the desired repeat actions with the reward. Wait for your pet to perform the action, and then offer the reward. Your small pet will very quickly realize that if and when he does something repeatedly, he will receive a reward.

Make sure that the small pet training occurs in a relatively empty space at first. If there are numerous things in the room for the small animal to explore, your training session may not prove to be very successful. You want yourself and the reward to be the most intriguing objects in the room.

Fine-tune your training to ensure that it fits with your small pet’s unique personality and level of intelligence. Some small animals will soar through training, whereas others may have a more difficult time understanding and repeating the desired actions. Because of this, you may need to be creative and come up with a few different training ideas. Make sure to always have the next few steps of your small pet training program planned out in case your pet surprises you! On the other hand, be ready to utilize an alternate, less aggressive training program in the event your small animal progresses at a slower pace.

Small pet training sessions should be brief at first, and if your pet appears to be getting bored or distracted, change the direction of the training to another action. The object isn’t just to train your small pet, but also to enhance your relationship with him. Small pet training provides a form of enrichment for your small pet and a great opportunity for the both of you to interact – so be patient and enjoy!

When in the process of selecting small pet toys for your special friend, one of the primary considerations should be the safety factor and whether or not your particular choice of toy is appropriate for your always-chewing, highly inquisitive pet. Next, a little creativity on your part is also beneficial when choosing small pet toys that will pique your pet’s interest and appeal to the animal’s natural penchant for exploration and entertainment.

You will want to make sure that the small pet toys you select are made of non-toxic materials since it is highly likely that your pet will chew on them. Take special precaution to ensure that there are no small pieces that could potentially loosen and become a choking hazard to your small animal. A good rule of thumb is to check for the notation “Pet Safe” on the toy. Also, if you allow your pet to play outside of the cage or habitat, make sure he cannot access electrical cords, heating/cooling vents, wood furniture, or anything else that might be unsafe for your small animal. Your pet may have a different idea as to what falls into the toy and entertainment category.

A myriad of household objects may also be introduced as toys, so long as they meet the standard criteria of small pet safety. If you use a little imagination, chances are you can provide your pet with toys available right in your home. Any safe, non-toxic objects that your small pet can climb or explore will likely keep him enchanted for hours. In addition, your pet will also take pleasure in the many small pet toys that are commercially available for his enjoyment.

When selecting small pet toys, keep in mind that chew toys are also an absolute must for your small animal. Because the incisors of most small animals grow continuously, your special pet will need a chew toy to keep his teeth filed down. There are a variety of chew toys which are available for every type of small animal…your pet included.

It’s a good idea to rotate the small pet toys frequently so there is always something new for your small animal to explore and entertain himself with. Likewise, you will ensure that your small pet does not become bored or lose interest in his toys. Consider engaging your small pet in interactive play that requires his participation and your encouragement. Play is not only beneficial to the growing relationship between you and your small pet, but also keeps him mentally stimulated and physically healthy.

The familiar old adage “the more, the merrier” is not necessarily applicable in all situations and in the case of an ever-growing overpopulation of unwanted animals, there are a myriad of reasons to consider neutering your small pet - the most obvious being the prevention of pregnancy and reproduction.

Neutering your small pet can easily eliminate or reduce the incidence of a number of health related issues that can be very complicated and/or expensive to treat, such as diseases of the reproductive system – many of which can pose a life-threatening risk to your small pet. A female small animal that is neutered before her first estrous cycle has a substantially reduced risk of developing ovarian, uterine, or breast cancer. In addition, the threat of developing pyometra – a serious infection of the uterus – is eliminated once the procedure of neutering your small pet has been performed. Males are also subject to a number of hormone-related medical issues, especially as they age. They may develop prostate, perianal, and testicular cancers. Neutering greatly reduces the risk and incidence of these diseases, as well.

A number of behavioral issues can be resolved or minimized by neutering your small pet. Some small animals – male and female – will mark their territory by spraying urine on vertical surfaces. Although the spraying of urine is a sexual behavior, if it continues for an extended period of time it may become a troublesome habit – and not one easily corrected, even with eventual neutering.

The majority of aggressive or fighting behavior in small animals is territorial by nature. Both small animal sexes (especially a pregnant female) will forcefully defend their established territory – often resulting in serious injury or even death. No doubt about it, neutered small animals not only make a better pet for their owner, but they also get along better with other small animals, as well. Multiple small animals can often be housed together, if neutered, and live quite peaceably under the same roof – since there is less fighting over territory and mates.

Once you have considered the numerous health benefits and made the decision that neutering your small pet is wise in many ways – for you and your special companion – you will want to make an appointment with your veterinarian. He or she can fully explain the neutering process, discuss the cost involved with the procedure, and answer any questions you may have regarding pre and post operative small animal care.

Potty training your bird can be a fairly easy and straightforward process. It will likely take some time and patience, but the rewards will be well worth it. Be sure your pet is old enough before potty training your bird; most birds younger than 4 months of age are not mature enough to handle potty training. Concentrate on positive reinforcement when potty training your bird; praise is far more effective than scolding. Remember to be patient and consistent in your potty training efforts.

Most birds do not defecate during the night, and therefore need to do so in the morning. Many birds are more likely to “go” shortly after they eat, and many birds poop frequently throughout the day. Generally speaking, the larger the bird, the longer she can go between poops. Spend some time each day observing before you start potty training your bird. Each bird is different, and you may be able to identify some clear behavioral patterns in your pet. Many birds exhibit the same behaviors or mannerisms before eliminating. Knowing these will make potty training your bird easier.

Decide where you want your bird to poop, before you begin potty training your bird. Once you start training, try to keep things as consistent as possible, until the desired behaviors are well established. Try to select a location and setting that will be easily accessible and convenient. You may wish to decide on a specific phrase to use while potty training your bird to signal to the bird that you want her to poop. If your bird is a talking breed, remember that she may repeat the phrase you use; be sure to select your “trigger phrase” judiciously.

Once you have observed your bird to identify her natural cues, selected a location or setting for the potty training, and decided on a specific word or phrase to use, you are ready to begin potty training your bird. Before you begin playing with your bird, start by going to the designated potty spot and saying the chosen phrase. You may have to repeat it a few times, so be patient. Wait for her to relive herself, and then praise your bird lavishly. While you are playing, watch for cues that your bird needs to “go.” Even in the absence of these cues, plan to take your bird to the designated potty spot at regular intervals based on the frequency of normal elimination that you have already observed. Each time, be very consistent in your words and actions, and praise your bird highly for each elimination. Potty training your bird will take time and patience, but birds are intelligent and learn quickly. Remember that accidents are inevitable, but scolding does little to minimize them. Instead, rely on plenty of praise while potty training your bird. You will soon find that you both enjoy playtime more and bond better when potty training is successfully completed.

Bird foot problems can be caused by injury or illness, and most are avoidable. Because the feet of birds are not covered in feathers and because many birds perch on their human companions, observing bird foot problems is usually fairly easy. Bird foot problems caused by injury most often include those as a result of getting trapped in cage bars or on toys. Cage bars that are very ornate can include uneven spacing and small holes that can be dangerous to birds. Such cages are best used as decoration and not housing. Cage bars should never have a wider spacing at the top than at the bottom. Such spacing can cause a bird’s leg or foot to become trapped. Toys with small openings that could trap a bird’s foot, or portion of the foot, are unsafe and should never be used. Rope that is used as a perch or as part of a toy should be checked regularly for signs of fraying. Rope perches should not be used with birds who have very sharp nails as the nails could get caught in the fibers of the rope. Bird foot problems caused by illness or health issues can include skin diseases, infections, and parasites. Amazon foot necrosis, a fairly common bird foot problem, may be caused by the presence of allergens such as food ingredients, tobacco smoke, or cosmetics. (These last two relate to human companions, not the birds themselves!) Although this ailment is widely-known among avian veterinarians, its causes are not definitively known. A common infectious bird foot problem is known as bumblefoot and afflicts many types of birds. Common symptoms are swelling on the bottom of the foot, often accompanied by a small crust on the skin. Some common causes of this condition are inactivity, obesity, and dirty perches. The best treatment is simple prevention: keep your bird at a healthy weight and be sure her cage and perches clean. Foot mites are a bird foot problem that most often affects canaries and parakeets. Infestation by these foot mites is often referred to as tasselfoot, since tassel-like projections grow from the feet of infected birds. Many bird foot problems can be prevented by ensuring that your bird stays active and maintains a healthy weight. Since caged birds spend a good deal of time on their feet, avian obesity contributes to foot problems. Clean cages, selecting appropriate perches and keeping them hygienic will also help to minimize bird foot problems.

The bird flu is a strain of influenza that is highly contagious and should be taken very seriously. Symptoms in birds differ according to the species but can include diarrhea, breathing difficulties, a swollen head and death. The birds can pass the virus for up to ten days through their stools, nasal secretions, or saliva.

If you suspect a wild bird has the bird flu, contact your local police department or wildlife department. If you think your pet bird has the bird flu, contact your local veterinarian immediately. If you believe you have come in contact with a bird that has the bird flu, make sure you wash your hands and clothes thoroughly and immediately. Keep pet birds inside and take great care to wash your hands after handling him or his food or water. If your domestic bird has contracted bird flu, your veterinarian will likely order him quarantined for a period of time to make sure any danger of spreading the disease has passed.

Bird flu can range from a minor illness to a profound epidemic in very little time. In some circumstances, death will occur as a result of being infected with the bird flu. Prevention is relatively simple. Stay away from outdoor birds, especially dead ones you find on your property. If you must dispose of the bird, lift it with a shovel or other tool that makes sure you will never touch the body. Bury the body deep enough that scavenging animals will not be able to dig it up. If the bird died from bird flu, it is possible it may spread the disease to any animal or person that comes in contact with it, so caution is very important.

Perhaps the most important precaution is the most overlooked – wash your hands. Most of us say we wash our hands frequently, but really do little more than rinse them under running water. To be truly effective, you must scrub your hands, nails, and wrists with soap for at least 30 seconds. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that you’re washing long enough. Count the next time you wash your hands, you may be surprised to find you’re actually spending about half that time on your routine.

A little prevention and care can help stop the spread of the dreaded bird flu in homes and domestic animals. You’ve spent a lot of time caring for and loving your pet bird, and it’s very important to continue that now. The steps you take can save both you and your pet, and help control the outbreak of this disease.