About Us
Canine Assisted Therapy is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization and relies solely on donations from the community for support. Your donation will help us to provide support, training, education and mentoring to those interested in dog therapy programs. Please help us to continue our service to those in need by donating generously today. Thank you! Donate to C.A.T. |
Upcoming Events
C.A.T. Continuing Education Seminar
Thursday, February 18th
SPACE IS LIMITED!
Find Out More!
Pet First-Aid
and CPR
Thursday, February 25th
SIGN UP TODAY!
Find Out More!
C.A.T. Teen Corps
Training Class
Sunday, February 7th
Oxford, Florida
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This Week's Sponsors
Salon Bark
Bayview Animal Clinic
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
954-771-8520
HoneyBaked Ham
Davie, Florida |
Next Week
 Choose Wisely - How to Select a Good Groomer
Dog Strollers -
Luxury or Necessity?
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Community Happenings
 Palm Beach County Dog Fanciers All Breed Dog Show March 13th & 14th |
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 Administering Pet Medication
Having a sick pet at home is tough enough without the added stress of
medication. Some dogs and cats take their medicine with ease while
others need a little coercing.
No matter how difficult it may be
to get your dog or cat to take medication, it is important to follow
your veterinarian's instructions carefully.
Pills or Capsules - Step-by-Step
PetFirst Tip
Ask your veterinarian if your pet's medication can be given with food. If so, trying placing the pill in a small treat.
1. Hold the pill between your thumb and index finger.
2. Firmly grasp your pet's upper jaw with your other hand tilting your pet's head back gently.
3. Using your middle finger, slowly open the lower jaw.
4. Keep your middle finger over the small incisor teeth and deposit the pill as far back on the tongue as possible.
5. Close the mouth immediately while keeping your hand over the mouth.
6. Stroke the throat or blow gently into your pet's nostrils. This will encourage your pet to swallow.
Liquids and Syrups - Step-by-Step
1. Fill the syringe or dropper with medication before beginning.
2. Insert the syringe or dropper between your pet's teeth and cheek.
3. Close your pet's mouth and tilt the head back slightly.
4. Gently release the medication from the syringe or dropper.
5. Keep the mouth closed and stroke the throat or blow gently into your pet's nostrils.
Make
sure you stay calm when you are administering medication. You pets can
perceive your stress making them more nervous. Praise and a reward
after your pet successfully takes their medicine is always a good idea.
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Introducing the C.A.T. Teen Corps
The Teen Corps is a new program and has been implemented at The Villages in Oxford, Florida by Susan McCauley, a dedicated and experienced C.A.T. volunteer and board member.
Teens and their canine companions have committed to a six to ten week course training their canine companions for the American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Certification. This activity is a perfect opportunity for teens looking to fill community service requirements for school and have a great time too! The training focuses on team building and leadership development to prepare the Teen Corps for training and serving the community with their therapy dog. Service opportunities will focus on rewarding activities that will be both fun and challenging.
The teens will learn lessons in commitment, responsibility and interaction with people of all ages. They will learn to train their dogs to respond to the requirements of a Canine Good Citizen and a Certified Canine Assisted Therapy dog. Once trained, they will assist in training new members to the organization creating a sense of camaraderie and achievement.
They will be dedicated to helping others through the use of their own innovation and also through the use of their therapy dog. They will be a Team with their pet.
When asked about the Teen Corps Program, Vanessa Bryant writes, "Doing this Canine Assisted Therapy Teen Corps Program is a huge advantage to me! I think I will learn many things about myself and my dog as well. I'm the type of person that will help anyone and with my dog's help is even more special to me. So far I am enjoying the program and my heart is in this all the way! My dog and I are going to be great volunteers as a team because I have the passion to lend out a helping hand to people. I think that there should be more groups around like this because it teaches respect, ownership, responsibility and companionship. When people help others, I think it makes all of us better and happier people! I love my dog, I love helping people and my dog and I want to be certified as a C.A.T dog and companion!"
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Dear Georgia: Cookie Caper!
Dear Georgia: While we were visiting a facility, one of the residents gave my dog a cookie faster than I could say "no". How do I avoid this from happening again? Should I bring my own treats for residents to give to him? I tried to explain to this lady not to feed my dog, but she did it anyway. I didn't even get the chance to give my dog the "leave it" command. - Cookie CaperDear Cookie: It's amazing how unexpectedly fast patients can be! The residents feel grateful that you and your dog are there to visit with them and they want to give back and make the dog feel good too. To have some control over what is being fed to your dog, it's a great idea to bring your own treats. You can also tell the residents that your dog is "on a special diet". Many of them can relate to the special diet and most will comply, especially if you provide an alternative treat for them to give the dog. Just remember to adjust your feeding amounts if your dog is getting lots of treats during visits. - GeorgiaEmail your questions to DearGeorgia@catdogs.orgBack to Top |
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Volunteer Tip:
 Be courteous by turning off your cell phone before you enter a facility. It is very important to give the patients and residents your undivided attention when you are visiting with them. Remember, you should be in control of your dog at all times, and that means staying focused and aware. Talking on a phone takes your attention away from the patient and from your dog. Back to TopA special "Thank You!" to HoneyBaked Ham in Davie, Florida for catering the Continuing Education Seminar on February 18th! |
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