www.masbakersfield.com

Did Santa bring your family a new pet?

larger view larger view

By Lauren Ziegeler    •   MÁS staff

When it comes to hide-and-seek, you can’t fool this dog.
     His sense of smell, a slight rustle of movement or even the quietest of whispers will lead Apache — a 6-month-old boxer — straight to the children in the Gutierrez family, no matter how well they think they’ve hidden from their beloved pet.
Along with his keen senses, Apache also has a deep sense of love and loyalty for his new family — something that all pet owners, or those hoping to add a furry one to their brood, can appreciate.
And since many people may have become “pet parents” over the holiday season, MÁS enlisted the help of Dr. Rose Rakow of Stiern Veterinary Hospital for some tips on getting your new pet on the right track for the New Year.

Step 1 — What to feed Fido
With a myriad of different pet food brands on the market, choosing the right one for your new companion can be overwhelming.
However, Rakow says the decision can be made much easier simply by paying close attention to the age recommendations for the food.
She also adds that when purchasing pet food, it is not necessarily the time to shop for bargains.
“By buying cheaper dog food, you are only hurting yourself since you will end up having to feed your pet more and not really save money,” Rakow said.
Also, remember feeding table scraps to your pet should be kept to a minimum, if at all, according to Rakow.
Rakow stressed that dogs are very similar to humans and also have daily nutritional needs, as well as the need for exercise.
“Just like you or me, if you go to McDonald’s everyday, you are going to gain weight. If you feed your dogs table scraps, it’s the same thing,” Rakow said.
Overfeeding or providing high-calorie food from your dinner leftovers is not good idea and can lead to obesity, she said.
Feeding meats to dogs as a treat or a reward is all too common, but again, it’s not the best type of nutrition for them, according to Rakow.
She cautioned pet owners against giving their animals any high calorie or fatty foods, adding that cured meats are a no-no, too.
Instead of bacon, for example, Rakow suggested pet owners offer lean meats and veggies as treats/rewards.
“Most of the time, the dog just wants something — it doesn’t matter what it is,” Rakow said. “And always, in small portions.”

Step 2 — Keeping Fido fit
For humans, it’s suggested that we exercise three to five times a week. Well, the same fitness advice can be applied to dogs, according to Rakow.
She advises dogs be given adequate opportunities to get outside and get moving!
“Just like us, dogs don’t like to be cooped up all day,” Rakow said. “Try to walk your dog twice a day — It isn’t enough that dogs are in a yard, interact with them by throwing a ball.”

Step 3 — Visit your vet
While exercise and diet options will do much to ensure your new dog’s health and happiness, remember to take them to a qualified veterinarian for an annual check-up — again, just like we people do!
Annual check-ups for pets are necessary and can lead to earlier diagnosis for diseases.
Vaccinations for puppies should start at six to eight weeks, and they should continue every two to three weeks until completed.
Spraying or neutering your pet can be considered at around six months of age.
For online help with new puppies, Rakow suggested the following Web site since it was created by veterinarians like herself: http://www.veterinarypartner.com/

So if you received a new friend over the holidays, follow these tips, but don’t forget to have fun, too.
John Gutierrez, Apache’s owner, says his new dog is full of energy and has brought great joy to his family.
The 39-year-old Juvenile Correctional Officer received the dog as a pleasant surprise for his birthday in June.
“I have always wanted a boxer, but we could never afford one,” Gutierrez said. “He was the second biggest out of his litter, and he is a fawn with light tan and white.”
Apache fits right in with the Gutierrez family, even if it means sometimes he has to go looking for the youngest members.
“He’ll go around the house and try to find them,” Gutierrez said of Apache’s penchant for a good game of hide-and-seek. “My kids just love him.”

Top Tips

•  When switching pet foods, make sure to mix the new food in evenly with the old to ensure an easier transition for the dog and alleviate side effects such as vomiting or diarrhea.
•  Vaccinations for puppies should start at six to eight weeks, and they should continue every two to three weeks until completed.
•  Spraying or neutering your pet can be considered at around six months of age.
•  Even though, the summer months are far off, it is important to remember the dangers of leaving a pet in a car. If the temperatures reach 100 degrees outside, the temperatures inside a car double, so remember to never leave a pet in a car. In case of emergencies when you must leave your pet in the car, park in the shade and leave the windows down.