At least 2 weeks before the pups are due, let the dog explore her whelping box. Make sure it's placed somewhere quiet. She will want to nest in a quiet place in the time leading up to the birth. To help your dog get used to the box, plant treats in it regularly. Then she will associate this box as a quiet place with good things. Don't worry if the dog doesn't choose to labor in the whelping box. She will choose a place where she feels safe. This might be behind a sofa or under a bed. As long as she is not in danger of hurting herself or the pups, leave her be. If you try to move her, she may become distressed. This can slow down or even stop labor. If the dog chooses to labor under a bed or behind a sofa, it can be helpful to have a flashlight. This way, you can visually check on her. Program your vet's number into your phone or post it on your fridge. If an emergency arises, you want to have ready access to the number. Consult with your vet about how to get a hold of them if your dog gives birth at night. A trusted person should stay with the dog to make sure things go smoothly during the birth. This person should be very familiar to the dog. Limit people entering and leaving the space where the dog is giving birth. This can distress and distract the dog, potentially postponing her labor. Your dog needs to concentrate on giving birth. Do not invite the neighbors, children or other friends to watch the action. This will distract and distress the dog and could potentially postpone her labor.

Summary: Let your dog explore the whelping box. Put your dog's favorite treats in the box. Let your pregnant dog choose the place to labor. Keep a flashlight handy. Keep your vet's phone number handy. Have one adult monitor the birth. Do not bring visitors to watch the birth.

In order to train your puppy effectively, make sure she knows her name. Say her name clearly. When she looks at you, give her a treat. Continue doing so until she learns that when you say her name, she should look at you. Now you can use her name before issuing other commands. This is one of the easiest behaviors to teach a puppy, and almost any puppy can learn how to do it. The trick is to get your puppy to associate the act of placing her bottom on the floor with the sound of your voice saying "sit." Tell her to "sit" in a clear, firm but friendly voice. When she does, give her a treat. Practice often. Sitting can be practiced inside, outside, and anywhere you take your puppy. Carry treats with you so you can turn any moment into a training session. Eventually phase out the treats so that your puppy can sit on command without a reward. Now that she can sit, teach her to stay seated. It's a slightly more complicated process, but the same command and reward system is used. Tell your dog to sit, and when she does, say "stay" and wait a few seconds. If she moves, tell her to "sit," then try again. When she successfully stays, reward her with treats and praise. After she has learned how to stay in one place for about 10 seconds, start walking away after you tell her to stay. If she follows you, turn around and tell her to "sit." Say stay and walk away again. Be sure to reward her when she gets it right. Some puppies respond well to a hand signal with the "stay" command. Hold up your hand each time you say "stay." Eventually your puppy may be able to stay without hearing the verbal command. . It's easiest to do this with a partner. Have someone hold your puppy across the room or yard. Look at your puppy and say her name. When she looks at you, say "come" in a clear voice, and have your partner release her. Say her name again if she doesn't seem to know what to do at first. When she makes her way to you, reward her with praise and treats. Repeat this until she knows that "come" means she should run to you. Make it fun for your puppy to come to you by clapping, smiling, and acting excited when she does. Teach her that coming to you is the best thing she can do. Practice the "come" command often in a variety of situations. It's important that your puppy knows to come when she's called, so that when she's in a dangerous situation she doesn't end up getting lost or hurt.

Summary: Start by teaching your puppy her/his name. Teach your puppy to sit. Teach your puppy to stay. Teach your puppy to come

If your cat has ingested motor oil and appears sick, you should go to the vet right away. Don't wait until after you've finished washing the oil off. The following signs are good indications that your cat has been poisoned by the motor oil: Stomach-related symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, or cries of pain when you touch its abdomen. Behavioral symptoms such as confusion, dizziness, lethargy, pawing at its muzzle, and/or difficulty walking. More severe symptoms like extreme difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, or an irregular heartbeat. You will also notice greasy, dark material on its hair, coat, or paws, and you may smell motor oil. It's likely that your cat's collar has also been contaminated by the motor oil. This will need to be washed as well. Once you've removed it, set it aside to deal with later. Depending on the material, you can either hand wash your cat's collar with dish soap and water or run it through the washing machine. Put your cat on a stable, flat surface. Keep your cat calm by speaking to it in soothing tones. Take the loose skin at the back of your cat's neck in your hand and tighten your grip. Your hand should be close to the ears, and the ears should move back slightly when you close your hand. This grip should help prevent your cat from biting or scratching you while you handle it. Never pick an adult cat up by its scruff, as this could injure the cat. thoroughly contaminated fur. If the oil is sticky or has caused mats to develop in your cat's fur, you may need to clip it off. This is the fastest and most effective way to remove large amounts of motor oil. Without using pressure, lightly graze the electric clippers in the same direction that your cat's fur lies. Clip off only the matted fur without shaving down to your cat's skin. Do not use scissors to clip off the affected fur, as you may accidentally cut the cat. Only clip off your cat's fur if you already have a pair of electric pet clippers at home that you can use immediately. It's best to get the oil off as quickly as possible, so go to the vet if there are mats of oily fur you can't remove. For smaller areas of motor oil or oily spots that remain after you've finished clipping, you can remove the oil with oil! Only use vegetable oil, as it's safe for cats to consume in small doses. Pour a small amount in your hand and rub the oil into the fur that's been affected. Do not use other oil products (such as essential oils) on your cat. Transfer your cat to the kitchen sink. This will give you enough space but should also make it a little easier to control your cat. Cover your cat in warm water and then lather the soap into their wet fur. Rinse and repeat as many times as you need to completely remove all traces of both types of oil. As you bathe the cat, check for any burns or scalding to its skin and any signs of skin irritation, such as redness or scabs. Be sure to use dish soap, as it contains degreasers that will remove the oils. Most regular soaps do not contain degreasers. Continue using the scruff hold to restrain your cat. Use a fluffy towel to get as much water as possible off your cat. Once it's no longer dripping, keep it in a warm room until it's completely dry. You can also try wrapping your cat in a blanket to keep it warm while it dries. If your cat hasn't shown signs of poisoning after twelve hours, it's likely that they're okay. However, watch your cat for a full day and night to be safe. If your cat begins panting, coughing, or vomiting, call your vet right away.
Summary: Look for signs of poisoning before you start washing. Remove your cat's collar. Grab your cat's scruff gently to restrain it. Clip off Cover the oily area with vegetable oil. Bathe your cat with warm water and mild dish soap. Dry your cat thoroughly and keep it warm. Observe your cat for 24 hours for signs of poisoning.