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Bird Basics: Finches

If you love birds but don’t have much time for a pet, or prefer to watch birds over handling them, then finches are the perfect bird for you.  They’re not too affectionate and don’t like being handled very much, so they’re the perfect pet for an observer. First a note: as with all birds, it’s best to purchase your bird from a reputable breeder.  Before bringing one home, make sure you’ve located a vet in your area that can treat your bird. It’s important that you get more than one finch, as they are social birds and will need the … Continue reading →

Burger Basics

What are the basics of a good burger? It needs to be juicy, a little charred but not too much and cooked to perfection. Here are some tips that you can use this summer to grill yourself the best burgers that you have ever had. The Perfect Size While we all picture big burgers, the best ones start out thin. This is because thin burgers will cook more evenly than thicker ones. Three-quarters- to one-inch thick are perfect. This way you won’t wind up with burgers that are charred on the outside but undercooked in the middle. Better Browning If … Continue reading →

Hot Days (and Hot Dogs) Ahead

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The temperature yesterday was in the 70s in the Portland, Oregon area. By tomorrow, forecasts are calling for temperatures in the 90s! It looks to me like summer is coming… and coming fast. Dealing with the heat is somewhat easier for people than for pets. After all, we have thumbs for turning on the air conditioning… or the option of escaping to a cool, dark movie theater when the sun is too much. Some dogs do love the sun and heat, though. My brother’s American Staffordshire Terrier Lily Biscuits just loves sunshine. She’ll sprawl out on the warm concrete sidewalk … Continue reading →

The Pets Blog Week in Review for Aug 27-Sep 2

Happy Labor Day! I hope you have the kind of job where you’ve enjoyed the day off and maybe even a nice three-day weekend. In case you’re trying to spend what’s left of today catching up on blogs, here’s your breakdown of what Aimee and myself covered last week in the Pets Blog. Monday, August 27 Does your pet like to run errands with you? Murph does, because I know where to take him to get drive-thru donuts and coffee for dogs to reward him for helping me. Tuesday, August 28 If you’ve been following the Michael Vick case, then … Continue reading →

Hot Spots: Treatment and Prevention

If your dog has a circular, red, weeping sore — it may be a hot spot! Treating a hot spot isn’t just about dealing with the wound; you also have to take a look at the cause and work to prevent the hot spot from coming back. You can try to treat a hot spot at home without calling the vet, but an office visit and a course of antibiotics may be necessary to clear things up entirely. Try this at home: Trim the hair away from the sore to prevent matting, help stop the infection from spreading, and expose … Continue reading →

Hot Spots: The Basics

If your dog has a raw, open, oozing sore, it may be a hotspot! Also known as a superficial pyoderma or pyotraumatic dermatitis, this is a surface skin infection that can pop up quickly and be very painful or unpleasant for both dog and owner. How do hot spots start? Any dog can develop a hot spot, but there are some things you can watch out for. Dogs with heavy coats may develop hot spots when shedding, if undercoat hair gets trapped next to the skin. Dogs with histories of skin allergies may be susceptible to hot spots. Dogs who … Continue reading →

Homemade Coleslaw

Having a bevy of recipes for the backyard barbecue can come in handy, whether you are hosting your own party or need a dish to bring to someone else’s party. Make sure you have enough recipes that produce food that is both delicious and quick to prepare. This way, you can get back to enjoying summer. Here is a summer barbecue recipe that I hope will fit the bill. Sweet and tangy coleslaw, made fresh, will pair with any traditional summer food. In fact, it is a summer food in itself. Here is one tried and true recipe that can … Continue reading →

Are You a Green Traveler?

Forget about toting burlap bags and recyclable water bottles to environmentally-friendly vacation spots, I talking about the basics: Do you think twice about leaving the lights on in your hotel room while you’re throwing back Cosmos during Happy Hour in the lobby? Do you spend an hour singing in the shower because you’re not paying for the water? Do you fall asleep with the television on, and then leave it on because you can’t find the remote and don’t want to get out of bed to look for it? Bottom line: How much do you really care about conserving water … Continue reading →

The Difference a Day Makes

Spring is… well… springing, and that usually means allergy trouble for my dogs Moose and Lally. Lally is more sensitive than Moose is — especially as she ages. A few years ago, the vet suggested giving the dogs Benadryl when they need it for allergy problems. I’ve almost always got a bottle on hand and can dole out doses with dinner as needed. It’s worked really well for my furry pals. Lally’s been itching like crazy for the last week or so — especially on her face. She’s been rubbing her head and muzzle against everything for relief: the couch, … Continue reading →

Camera Care Tips

My 3-year-old daughter is a self-described “big girl” now and consequently she doesn’t like me to push her on the swings at the park. Instead, she feels it is her job to push me. Frankly, I enjoy the ride, and the other day it gave me the opportunity to witness an unfortunate scene. To placate her screaming toddler one of the moms at the park handed her son what looked to be a very expensive camera. Within seconds of getting his hands on the device he tossed it into a nearby sandbox. (Surprise, surprise.) I winced and wondered what might … Continue reading →