Please provide some do's and don'ts on being healthy with pets.

Be: Be like your dog: when loved ones come home, always run to greet them.

Be: Be like your dog: if what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.

Pet: Pet allergy strategies: your dog or cat should be brushed regularly outdoors.

Pet: Pet allergy strategies: the litter box should be kept far from any person w pet allergies.

Pet: Pet allergy strategies: if your child has a pet allergy – don't let the pet sleep on the bed!

Pet: Pet allergy strategies: severe pet allergies may not be compatible with owning a pet.

Pet: Pet allergy strategies: keep pets off of upholstered furniture to reduce dander contact.

Pet: Pet allergy strategies: someone without a pet allergy should clean the pet's kennel.

Pet: Pet allergy strategies: wash bedding often in hot water to get rid of dander.

Pet: Pet allergy strategies: bichon frise ; poodles may cause less problems (soft, rapid growth hair).

Pet: Pet allergy strategies: if you have allergies wear a face mask when cleaning.

Pet: Pet allergy facts: selecting a pet: snakes, lizards ; turtles are hypoallergenic.

Pet: Pet allergy strategies: your allergy specialist can determine if you have pet allergies.

Pet: Pet allergy strategies: an allergy skin test can help pinpoint your allergies.

Pet: Pet allergy strategies: sometimes blood tests are required to diagnose allergies.

Pet: Pet allergy strategies: immunotherapy (shots) is one allergy treatment option.

Pet: Pet allergy strategies: antihistamines, decongestants ; corticosteroids are forms of treatment.

Pet: Pet allergy strategies: leukotriene modifiers ; Cromolyn Sodium are treatment options.

Pet: Pet allergy strategies: hepa vacuum cleaners/bags are the safest option.

Rescuing: Rescuing a pet might just rescue you.

Pet: Pet allergy strategies: hard floors attract less dander than carpets.

Pet: Pet allergy strategies: try to keep clothes in closets ; drawers (to protect from dander).

Pet: Pet allergy strategies: use anti-allergen covers for pillow, mattress ; box spring.

Pet: Pet allergy strategies: pet allergen sprays can decrease allergens (but not as well as bathing).

Teach: Teach your child to keep hands away from your dog’s bowl when it is eating.

Teach: Teach your child to let your dog ; / or cat eat in peace.

Teach: Teach your child to ask permission before touching an unknown pet.

Pet: Pet safety: teach your child – not to let pets lick their lips/ mouth.

Pet: Pet safety: teach your child to play nice with pets. No fur or ear pulling.

Pet: Pet safety: teach your child that a dog is not a horse. It is best not to ride them.

Pet: Pet safety: teach your child to move slowly when petting or greeting a dog.

Pet: Pet safety: dog owner- to avoid injuries –teach your dog not to jump on people.

Frightening: Frightening dog? Back off slowly ; avoid eye contact.

Pet: Pet safety: when approached by an unknown dog –stand still. Don’t run or scream.

For: For safety’s sake – petting a dog under their chin is usually safer then the top of the head.

Teach: Teach children to approach pets from the front – not from behind. No one likes to be scared.

Teach: Teach children to call an adult for help if there is a dog fight – not to handle it themselves.

Pet: Pet safety: Teach children to wash their hands or to use sanitizer after handling pets.

Teach: Teach children to allow an previously unknown dog or cat to smell them before touching the animal.

Teach: Teach your child to leave a dog alone if it’s ears are up ; the hair is upright.

For: For safety’s sake – be aware that some dogs feel threatened when patted on top of the head.

For: For safety’s sake – avoid running and screaming around dogs.

Teach: Teach children not to bother a cat that is hissing, with ears pulled back ; hair that is upright.

Pet: Pet safety: don’t piss off cats – they have 5 points of attack (teeth and 4 sets of claws).

Teach: Teach your child not to try to put his or her hand through a fence to pet an unknown dog.

Pet: Pet safety: teach your child not to allow pets to lick open cuts or wounds.

When: When you have new children over to the house, insure that they are treating your pets properly.

Don’t: Don’t purchase or adopt a pet based on cuteness – base the choice on compatibility.

Never: Never ridicule another's grief for the loss of their pet.

When: When a beloved pet dies – encourage you children to share their feelings with the family.

For: For the safety of all, don’t push a dog to interact with someone if the dog is clearly uncomfortable.

Pet: Pet safety: staring some dogs in the eyes may provoke them.

When: When you are dealing with the anticipated loss of a pet or it’s death – share your feelings – grieve.

When: When your pet dies – be honest with your children.

At: At times it's better not to prolong your pet’s pain ; your suffering. Discuss euthanasia w your vet.

Loss: Loss of your pet? It is ok to feel numb, angry, sad, unbelieving. It is part of grieving.

Service: Service dogs ; emotional support animals can't obstruct aisle /emergency evacuation on aircraft.

In: In aircraft cabin, service dog is usually required to be on floor between your legs.

Don't: Don't handle a kitty liter while you are pregnant. It prevent newborn from congenital toxoplasmosis.

Ignore: Pets need yearly physicals just like humans!

Ensure: Ensure that you are able to care for a dog before you buy one. They require a lot of attention.

After: After petting dogs or cats, wash your hands before eating.

Praise: Praise the good behavior often . It works!

Clean: Clean kitty litter daily with gloves to avoid cat scratch fever. Brush the cat to decrease dander.

Take: Take 5 minutes to brush your dog every day - it's therapeutic for both of you.

Ignore: Rescue your next pet from a shelter; they will thank you everyday! And give you unconditional love!

Ignore: Children with pets are less likely to have severe allergies.

Don't: Don't sleep in bed with your pets.

Ignore: Do wash your child's hands before leaving a Petting Zoo & don't let animals lick your child.

Ignore: Pets are family members and need to be treated as such. Include them in everything or don't have one.

Ignore: Make sure your pets get adequate exercise , just like you.