Oh, Baby, It's a Wild World!

With the presence of spring, we welcome new growth – to include trees, plants, and baby animals.  Some of the questions that ensue every spring involve how to raise puppies and kittens, how to treat young wildlife that have been displaced, and how to acclimate our pets to the onset of higher temperatures.  The best animal advice comes from your veterinarian, but supplementary information can often be found online.  However, as is the case with people, finding reliable and verifiable online sources can be challenging.

 Random Close Encounters of the Wild Kind:

 Many people contact their veterinarian or the local animal shelter for information when they come across what appears to be abandoned baby birds or squirrels in the grass or find that they are sharing their attic or basement with an uninvited wild animal.  Other sources which may be helpful are offered below.

 The Wildlife Center of Virginia, which is located in Waynesboro, Virginia, has been around over 30 years and provides quality care to native wild animals, including on an emergency basis.

The staff have treated thousands of animals from a myriad of species, and have also trained wildlife medical practitioners to become cutting-edge professionals all over the world.  Over a million children in Virginia schools have been educated by the staff on wildlife and how to regard and treat them in a respectful way.

 http://www.wildlifecenter.org/

 On a more local level, those with wildlife concerns may contact the The Wildlife Rescue League of Virginia, a non-profit organization that provides care for sick, injured, and orphaned wildlife.    The League works with animal shelters, humane societies, and veterinary hospitals.  This organization also fields calls from citizens who have questions or need to know what to do in an emergency situation.  The League can help citizens locate licensed wildlife rehabilitators in specific areas, where wildlife can sometimes be dropped off when official transport is not available.

  http://www.wildliferescueleague.org/

Pet health and Nutrition Concerns:

 PetMD is the animal version of WebMD and a wonderful source of reliable information for pet parents.  A main feature on this site patterns itself after the WebMD site and offers myriad issues and symptom checker topics.  Also on the PetMD site is an offering called “PetMD University.”  Pet owners/parents can register to get access to the training courses offered and can choose their preference for dog or cat information.

 http://www.petmd.com/

Who's the Boss? - Pet behavioral issues and general training

 Most pet owners who have big dogs realize quickly that dog training is essential in order to keep order in the home, especially once their precious little puppy has grown into his big feet and tripled in size.  However, little dogs can need training as well, and sometimes it’s harder to train them than it is their larger counterparts.  Dog training is available through private certified dog trainers, through Fairfax County Parks and Recreation facilities, and through many local pet stores at various days and times to suit most people’s schedules.  Like many of us who have experienced dog training classes, it doesn’t take long for dog owners participating in training for their dogs to realize exactly who the classes are intended for. 

 http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/rec/classes/pet.htm

Happy Spring Tails!