| How to Play With Dogs Posted: 08 Jun 2016 05:00 PM PDT Most owners are happy to let people play with their dog, especially if you are at a dog park. Ask permission and approach the dog cautiously, and you can usually make a new friend. If you've just brought a new dog into your house, it's especially important to play safely and respectfully. EditGetting to Know a Dog - Talk to the owner. If you meet a dog on the street or at a dog park, ask the owner for permission to play with the dog. Do not approach a dog without an owner.
- Let the dog sniff your hand. If the dog doesn't know you, approach it slowly. Put your fist out in front of the dog's nose. Do not bend over the dog, as this may intimidate him.
- Back off if the dog growls, barks, or stiffens.
- If a small dog seems nervous, squat down closer to his level.
- Scratch the dog's ears. If the dog is done sniffing your hand and doesn't seem hostile, reach out from the side of her head and scratch behind her ears. This is a good place to start petting a dog who doesn't know you.
- Learn where the dog likes being touched. The dog may let you pet his neck, shoulders, and upper back as well. Many dogs do not like strangers petting their legs, belly, or lower back, but there are exceptions.
- If the dog is not yours, ask the dog's owner if there are any injuries or sensitive spots you should avoid.
- Learn the dog's body language. Stop petting or playing if you see any of the following signs of discomfort:
- Raised hairs on the scruff or down the back
- Stiffened posture and deliberate movements
- Mouth closed accompanied with wide pupils or a sideways look
- Excessive mouthing to the point of red marks, bruising, or teeth marks
- Shying away with tail tucked down
- Crouching down
- Get to know the dog. Just like people, different dogs enjoy playing in different ways. Some dogs love their toys, and others prefer to play by wrestling or running. If this is a new dog in your household, you can guess what it might enjoy by researching its breed online. Over time, you'll get to know the dog's individual personality and exactly what it enjoys.
- Smaller dogs and dogs with poor upbringings tend to be more skittish and nervous.
EditPlaying Games - Talk to the dog in an excited voice. A cheerful, high-pitched voice will get the dog in "play mode." These are all signs that the dog is feeling playful:
- Stretching with his rear in the air and front legs on the ground
- Wagging his tail or acting "wiggly"
- Pricking his ears up or forward
- Play fetch. Throwing a ball or stick is a good way to start, although not all dogs love fetch. Wave the object to get the dog's attention, then throw it so she can see where it goes.
- Use caution when retrieving toys. If an unfamiliar dog doesn't drop the ball at your feet, don't try to pry it out of its mouth. Until you know the dog won't nip you, it's best to wait until the dog drops the toy on its own.
- To protect your fingers, keep your hand clenched in a fist when near an unfamiliar dog's mouth.
- Chase after a toy together. If the dog isn't great at fetch or if you find it boring, try holding up the toy and running with it. Make sure the dog sees the toy and gets excited by it. Many dogs have a natural instinct to chase running people anyway, but it's best not to encourage it outside of playtime.
- Roughhouse carefully. Many dogs love play-wrestling, tug-of-war, and other rough games. This can be great fun, but it can be unsafe with an unfamiliar dog. Get to know the dog first, or ask the owner if light roughhousing is okay. Even if the dog is friendly, one of you could hurt the other by accident.
- Never hit a dog, pretend to bite it, pin it down, or provoke a dog for a reaction.
- Some dog trainers believe that letting a dog win rough games could encourage negative behavior, but animal behavior scientists disagree.[1]
- Make walks more fun. Your dog enjoys the attention it gets from daily walks. If you don't have time to play today, go for an on-leash run with the dog instead. The occasional trip to the dog park gives the dog a chance to socialize with other dogs.
- Bring water for the dog, especially in warm weather.
- City dogs love to get a taste of nature. Most state parks allow dogs on the hiking trails, and sometimes even in the cabins.
- Watch out for fear reactions. Some dogs are scared of water, squeaky toys, or toys shaped a certain way. Don't push a dog to play when it seems uncomfortable. If it goes into full-blown "fight or flight" mode, back off until it calms down.
- Stop when the dog gets too tired or hyper. If the dog loses interest and walks away, let it go. Bothering it to keep on playing could make it grumpy. Also stop if the dog starts getting rougher or play-biting more aggressively than he should, even if it doesn't hurt.
- It may seem cute when a puppy gnaws your hand or jumps on your head, but these are behaviors it will learn and continue doing as it grows up. Teach it appropriate limits now to save yourself effort later.
- Do not punish them or scare the dog. Just walk away and stop engaging with the dog. Even bad attention ("stop") may encourage the dog to keep trying.
EditPlaying with Toys - Play with rope toys. To play tug of war, show the dog the rope and let him take it in his mouth. Hold onto the other end and pull the rope a little, but not so much it hurts his teeth. Let him pull it back and forth, then let him take it, while you smile and look happy.
- Growling is normal in this context, not hostile.
- Some dogs might interpret tug-of-war as a game of dominance.
- Give the dog chew toys. Most dogs love raw hides, bully sticks, and other natural chew toys. Durable, nontoxic rubber chew toys are a longer-lasting option. Either way, supervise the dog to make sure she doesn't injure her gums from over-chewing or from splintered pieces of bone.
- Buy the dog puzzle toys. These toys usually have a hidden container that you stock with treats. This could be a good choice to entertain your dog while he's home alone.
- Explore other options. There are all kinds of other toys for different kinds of dogs. Here are a few to consider:
- If your dog loves to run, get a supply of balls for him to chase. Some dogs prefer soft fabric balls, but these quickly become dirty and worn.
- Many dogs grow attached to animal toys. Get stuffing-free toys from a pet store, since stuffing can be messy and could injure the dog if eaten.
- If you have cats, see if the dog likes cat toys. Some dogs enjoy laser pointers and string.
- Do not forcefully remove a toy. This can upset or alarm the dog. If your dog acts violent or overprotective around toys, food, or other objects, learn about resource guarding and how to change the behavior.
- You can give food incentives to encourage healthy play, but do this in moderation with healthy treats.
- If your dog likes chasing balls but doesn't give them back, go to a tennis court and find a wall that no one is using. Hit the ball against the wall for about 10–15 minutes and let the dog tire himself out chasing it.
- Smile! Dogs like to approach figures that look happy and friendly. Try not to show your teeth, as dogs might see this as a sign of aggression.
- Running too long on hard surfaces can injure the pads of the dogs' feet.
- Unless you are training the dog to hunt, do not let your dog kill animals or play with dead animals. This encourages the dog to attack other pets, and can spread diseases to your dog.
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| How to Obtain a Visa for Brazil Posted: 08 Jun 2016 09:00 AM PDT If you are planning to visit Brazil in the future, you may need to acquire a visa. A visa is a document that shows you have permission from a country to visit or work there.[1] Make sure you start the application process well before your trip, as it may take some time to receive your visa. EditLearning What To Expect - Determine if you need a visa. Brazil requires that visitors from many other countries obtain a visa before they visit. However, there are countries that Brazil allows nationals to enter from without a visa. Research your country to learn if you need to apply for a visa.[2]
- A full list of nationalities required to apply for a visa are available on-line, at the Brazilian consulates official website.
- Countries that require Brazilian nationals file with them for a visa, are generally required to obtain a visa from Brazil when visiting.
- Countries that do not require Brazilian nationals to file for a visa, will generally not require those nationals to obtain a visa when travelling to Brazil.
- Learn which type of visa is right for you. There are a few types of visas that you can obtain, each determined by the purpose of your visit. Make sure you apply for the correct type of visa when submitting your information. The types of visa are:[3]
- Tourist visas are ideal for any short trip that doesn't involve any business or financial compensations.
- Business visas are intended to allow the individual to enter Brazil in order to sign documents, conduct audits, make purchases, or other activities related to their professional life.
- Permanent visas may be sought out if you are planning on moving to Brazil permanently.
- A temporary visa may be obtained if you are a student, performer, journalist or other similar roles.
- If you are a diplomat or government official, you should apply for such a visa.
- Understand the applicable fees. Filing for your visa will require you to pay certain fees. These fees are variable, based on the length of your stay, type of visa, and your nationality.[4]
- Visa fees are payable only by USPS money order and should be made payable to consulate general of Brazil.
- No other forms of payment are accepted.
- You will pay the exact amount required and payments are non-refundable.
- You can expect to pay the basic fee and a processing fee, for your nationality listing.
- Current fees are set at the following rates:
- Algeria: USD 60.00
- Australia: USD 35.00
- Angola: USD 100.00
- Canada: USD 65.00
- Japan: USD 25.00
- Mexico: USD 30.00
- Nigeria: USD 65.00
- United Arab Emirates: USD 55.00
- USA: USD 160.00
- All other remaining countries: USD 20.00
EditPreparing and Submitting Your Application - Prepare your documents. Filing for your visa, either in person or by visa service, will require you to produce certain documentation. These documents help prove and accurately represent your identity.[5]
- You will need an application form. These can be found on-line, at the Brazilian consulate's website.
- If applying in person, bring your passport and a self addressed, prepaid envelope with a tracking number, issued by the USPS. The envelope will be used to send your passport back to you after it has been processed.
- If applying through a visa or travel agency, you will need to bring your passport and driver's license. Your license will be used to prove that you live in the area served by the consulate you are applying to.
- It is recommend that you submit a Yellow Fever International Certificate of Vaccination (ICV), if you have visited countries with yellow fever within 90 days of your visit.
- Additional documents that are required include:[6]
- Full travel itinerary, documented by flight tickets or cruise dates.
- Proof of earnings. This can be a bank statement or tax documents.
- A color photo of your face will likely be needed.
- Plan enough time for processing. Your application for a visa will take time. Applying too late could prevent you from receiving it before your trip. Learn how much time you can expect the process to take to ensure you obtain the visa before you embark.[7]
- If you apply in person, you can expect at least five business days for processing time. This does not include mailing time.
- Applying through a travel of visa agency will also take up to five business days for processing time.
- Some factors are not accounted for in these estimates. For example, additional documents may be required for submission and some visa types may require longer periods of processing. These may include documents such as VITEM I, VITEM VI, or VIPER forms.
- Some seasons are considered "busy", and processing times may take longer.
- Visa status updates are not provided by the consulate.
- Locate your nearest Brazilian embassy or consulate and submit. You will need to file with a Brazilian embassy to finally obtain your visa. You can visit the consulate in person or you can make use of a travel or visa service, should you live too far away from your nearest consulate. [8]
- Keep in mind that embassies or consulates only serve a limited geographical area around them. You will need to find one that serves your location.
- Information and documents can be sent through travel or visa services, if you are unable to visit in person.
- Leave yourself enough time for the application process.
- You will be refused entry without a visa.
- You cannot obtain a visa when you arrive in Brazil.
- You will be given a form upon arrival in Brazil. This form needs to be retained and returned upon your departure. If you lose this form you will likely have to pay a fine and you will need permission from the federal police to leave the country.[9]
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| How to Recover from an Ectopic Pregnancy Posted: 08 Jun 2016 01:00 AM PDT In an ectopic pregnancy, the embryo (the fertilized egg) implants in a different area of the reproductive tract than the uterus. Although the most common location for an ectopic pregnancy is the fallopian tube, in rare instances, it might also implant in the ovary or abdomen. Ectopic pregnancies are not viable-- meaning the embryo cannot develop into a healthy fetus -- and pose serious danger to the woman's body. They require prompt treatment.[1] Once treatment is complete, the patient begins the sometimes difficult process of recovering from an ectopic pregnancy. EditRecovering Physically - Understand your treatment options. How your doctor and you choose to treat the ectopic pregnancy will depend on your health, the location of the ectopic pregnancy, and the extent of existing damage to your reproductive organs.[2]
 - Some ectopic pregnancies are eliminated by the woman's body. If your ectopic pregnancy is very early and you have no negative symptoms, your doctor may recommend "expectant management" or "active monitoring." With this process, you wait for approximately a month, with frequent doctor supervision, to see whether your body can resolve the ectopic pregnancy without additional treatment. In general, this approach only makes sense when your hCG (a hormone produced during pregnancy) levels are low and declining, and when you have no symptoms.[3][4]
- If the ectopic pregnancy has been diagnosed very early and you do not have internal bleeding, your doctor may suggest an injection of methotrexate. Methotrexate will stop the growth of rapidly dividing cells, including pregnancy tissue (so it's important to rule out a normal pregnancy). It could take a couple of injections for this method to work completely.[5]
- A laparoscopic salpingostomy is a procedure that removes the pregnancy tissue without removing any portion of the tube. This treatment is generally appropriate for early ectopic pregnancies where the fallopian tube has not ruptured. Most surgical treatments of ectopic pregnancies use laparoscopy, which is done under general anesthesia and involves using a small tube with a camera and light inserted through a small incision.[6][7]
- A total salpingectomy may be necessary if the fallopian tube is very damaged, if you have very heavy bleeding, or in the case of a large ectopic pregnancy. In a total salpingectomy, the fallopian tube containing the ectopic pregnancy is removed.[8]
- A laparotomy is an abdominal surgery that is usually required in emergency cases of ruptured fallopian tubes or heavy bleeding. Laparotomies involve larger incisions and longer recovery times than laparoscopies.[9]
- Ask your doctor about the physical recovery process. Recovery time depends on the specific type of procedure that was used. In
- With laparoscopic surgeries, you will usually be able to go home the same day as surgery. Recovery is fairly quick, with most women being able to resume walking. You can usually resume your regular activities within 7 to 14 days.[10][11] It can take about a month to fully recover from laparoscopy.[12]
- Surgeries done by laparotomy usually require several days in the hospital. This is because the incision is more extensive, and it will interfere with the functioning of your intestines. You will get clear liquids the morning after surgery and start solid foods within 24-36 hours. Laparotomy incisions may take up to 6 weeks to heal.[13]
- While there may be little physical recovery necessary for early ectopic pregnancies that don't require surgery, your doctor will carefully monitor your health to ensure the ectopic pregnancy resolves on its own.
- Avoid exercise or excessive physical activity. You may begin to feel better within a few days after your surgery. Do not push your body by exercising or doing too much physical activity. You also want to avoid any movements that may stretch or put strain on your incisions.[14]
- Do not lift anything that weighs more than 20 pounds for the first week.
- Climb stairs slowly, pausing after every few steps.
- Walk around whenever you feel able to. Do not try to jog or run.
- Expect constipation. Abdominal surgery can interfere with the functioning of your intestines and cause constipation. Your doctor will provide you with instructions on how to treat constipation. Some things you can do on your own include:[15]
- Eat high-fiber foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Use laxatives or stool softeners (as recommended by your doctor).
- Be prepared for regular hospital testing. If you had a salpingostomy or were treated by methotrexate injection, you will need to have regular tests to determine if the hCG levels in your blood return to zero. If they do not, you may need additional treatment with methotrexate.[16]
- Expect some pain. There are many possible reasons why you would experience pain after an ectopic pregnancy. The incisions can take time to heal, and the resulting scar tissue may cause pain as well. If the pain becomes persistent, severe or unmanageable, contact your doctor.[17]
- Pain may also be due to your body trying to resume its normal menstrual cycle. Your body may resume its normal cycle between 4-6 weeks after treatment, although it could take longer.[18]
- Some women report that they are more aware of ovulation following an ectopic pregnancy. They may experience pain when ovulating.[19]
- Recognize signs that you should seek medical help. Pain is usually your body's way of telling you to rest. However, if you have any of the following symptoms along with pain, you should contact your doctor:[20][21]
- Fever (above 100F or 38C)
- Vaginal discharge, especially if it smells "fishy" or "funky"
- Lumps or bumps around the incision or scar that are red or hot to the touch
- Discharge from the incision site
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Dizziness or fainting
- Discuss contraception with your doctor. After an ectopic pregnancy, you may not be able to use some contraception methods. You should discuss your options with your physician to determine what will work best for you.[22]
- IUDs and progesterone-only contraception are usually not recommended after an ectopic pregnancy.[23]
- You should also speak with your doctor to determine when it is safe to have sexual intercourse again.The treatment you received will largely determine this.[24]
- Wait to become pregnant again. If your ectopic pregnancy was treated with methotrexate, your doctor will advise you on how long you should wait before trying to become pregnant again. This is generally about one to three months, depending on the dosage you received. Methotrexate can cause problems for an early pregnancy by reducing the availability of folic acid to the fetus, so you need to wait until the drug is out of your system.[25]
EditRecovering Emotionally - Understand that your feelings are natural. An ectopic pregnancy is a physically and emotionally taxing experience. There are several reasons why you might feel angry, worried, or sad. You should know that these feelings are natural, and there is nothing "wrong" with you. There is no "right" or "wrong" way to feel.[26]
- Your body's hormonal balance has been in flux. This can lead to depressive symptoms. It can also cause symptoms such as palpitations, agitation, and dizziness.[27]
- Even though your body cannot carry an ectopic pregnancy to term, it can be devastating to learn that your pregnancy must be terminated.
- You may be worried about your health and your ability to have another pregnancy.
- You may blame yourself or feel guilty. You should know that ectopic pregnancies are not your fault.[28]
- Recovering from a major surgery can put further strain on your emotions.[29]
- Ask your doctor about counseling. Your hospital or community clinic may be able to refer you to counselors with special training in pregnancy-related issues. Losing a pregnancy and having major surgery are both experiences that you may find helpful to discuss with a mental health professional.[30]
- You may also wish to involve your partner in counseling. Some people may have difficulty expressing their feelings, and going to counseling together may help both of you work through this difficult time.[31][32]
- It is a common myth that men do not grieve the loss of a pregnancy. However, research suggests this is not true. Men may express their grief differently than women, but they may also experience anger or depression after their partners lose a pregnancy.[33]
- Talk with friends or family. There is nothing that says you have to talk if you don't want to. However, you may find that it helps to get support from those close to you. Find friends or family members that aren't afraid to acknowledge your loss and provide the support you need to work through this difficult time.[34]
- Find a support group. One of the most important elements that helps recovery is not feeling alone. You may find that a support group where you can talk with others who have had similar experiences will help you process your feelings.[35]
- In the United States, RESOLVE, the National Infertility Association, has support groups across the country. You can find a listing at their website.[36]
- SHARE Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support also has local support groups in the US. You can find a support group in your area on their website.[37]
- In the UK, the Ectopic Pregnancy Trust and the Miscarriage Association both offer resources and counseling for women who have lost pregnancies.[38][39]
- You may find that online support forums also provide a space for you to talk about your feelings. The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust maintains online forums overseen by medical professionals where you can discuss your experience and share your feelings.[40]
- Treat yourself with kindness. Some women find that doing something special for themselves helps them deal with the difficult days after an ectopic pregnancy. A trip to the spa or similar outing may alleviate the sadness and provide welcome pampering. You may just wish to sit on the couch and watch your favorite movies. Give yourself the love you need.[41]
- Do not feel guilty about treating yourself with kindness. Ectopic pregnancy can be physically and emotionally exhausting, and you need time to recover.
- Get exercise once it is safe to do so. Exercise after recovery is complete can be an effective way to minimize sadness and regain lost energy. Physical activity releases feel-good hormones called endorphins into the body, which are a natural mood-booster. Ask your doctor when you can begin an exercise regimen.[42]
- Do not do anything high-impact or vigorous without consulting with your doctor.
- Talk to your doctor before trying to get pregnant again after ectopic pregnancy. Your doctor will tell you when your body is physically ready and advise you about potential risk for another ectopic pregnancy. Some risk factors include smoking, endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease and a previous ectopic pregnancy. Those at risk will be closely monitored during a subsequent pregnancy, in order to catch potential problems and treat them early.[43]
- Consider seeing a reproductive endocrinologist, who is an ob/gyn with subspecialty training in fertility treatment. You will need evaluation of the fallopian tubes, for example, and this kind of doctor is the best person to provide that. You can find a board certified REI at www.srei.org.
- Over half of women who have an ectopic pregnancy are able to have a healthy pregnancy later.[44] Some studies suggest that up to 85% of women who wanted to become pregnant are able to conceive within two years after an ectopic pregnancy.[45]
- An ectopic pregnancy does reduce your chances of becoming pregnant again, and it increases your risk of having another ectopic pregnancy.
- Ectopic pregnancy can be a life-threatening medical condition. It cannot become a healthy fetus. You must get treatment.
- If you are pregnant and have abdominal pain, dizziness, faintness, diarrhea, or painful urination or bowel movements, seek medical help immediately.[46]
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