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Halloween – Pet Owners Beware!

Published October 27, 2011

 Halloween is one of the most dangerous times of the year for pets. Petplan, a company that insures 100,000 dogs and cats across the country, says that claims for pet poisoning increase by 284 percent in the week following Halloween.  Eating candy is the most common pet health danger during Halloween but there are many other additional dangers to pets. To make the holiday safer for all members of the family, Petplan would like pet owners to be aware of the following pet hazards.

Trick-Or-Treaters:  Cases of animals getting loose during Halloween soar because of doors being opened to give out Halloween candy.  To reduce the risk of getting out, make sure your pets are either on a leash or safely in another room before answering the door. Having your pet micro-chipped will help in the event that they do accidently get out. Any animal clinic, vet’s office or shelter will be able to scan the chip and get your pet back safely to you.

Pet Costumes:  The National Retail Federation reports 14.7 percent of pet owners will dress up their pets for Halloween. Your pet’s costume should leave their vision clear and not restrict movement. The costume should not have any small pieces that can be chewed off and swallowed. Also, pay attention to the temperature since pets wrapped in costumes can overheat and become dehydrated.  Cats should not be dressed up at all since they have a tendency to hide and the costume could become caught on something, causing them to become trapped. If you are planning on taking your dog door to door with you, keep in mind that this is usually a pretty scary event for any pet.  Between the different sounds, lights and all the people walking around, this is often too much for your pet to handle without becoming anxious.

Candy and Wrappers: Keep the candy out of your pet’s reach. Large quantities of sugary and high-fat candy can cause pancreatitis, which can cause expensive veterinary care. Many animals also have a toxic reaction to chocolate in any quantity. The candy wrappers can also pose a serious threat. They can cause intestinal obstruction, which often requires surgery. 

Raisins:  Some people will hand out mini boxes of raisins instead of candy. While healthier for children, raisins are extremely poisonous to pets – especially dogs. Even in small doses, raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs and cats.

Halloween is a fun time for the whole family and with a few precautions, your pet can also join in the fun.

 

Posted in Cats and Dogs | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Do the Right Thing – Spay or Neuter Your Pet

Published September 2, 2011

One of most important health decisions you can make is to spay (remove ovaries and uterus of a female pet) or neuter (remove testicles of a male) your cat or dog.  This is a veterinary procedure that requires a short hospital stay and gives your pet lifelong health benefits.

You can check with ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) to find a low-cost spay or neuter program that makes the surgery more affordable and accessible for you.  The ASPCA also has a list of reasons why you should spay or neuter your pet.

  • If your pet is a female she will live a longer, healthier life.
  • Your female pet will no longer go into heat.  Female cats can go into heat every 3 weeks during the breeding season.  A cat in heat will want to find a mate which causes them to yowl and draw the attention of the neighborhood Tom cats. This is not fun at 3:00AM in the morning every 3 weeks!  It can also cause your cat to urinate more often and leave its mark all over your house!
  • Neutering your male pet before the age of 6 months will prevent testicular cancer.
  • Your male pet will not go looking for female mates that are in heat.   A male pet that has not been neutered will try to do anything to find a mate including bolting out the open door or digging under the fence.
  • Neutering your male pet will make them a much better behaved pet.  Neutered pets are much happier to spend their time with you as opposed to finding a way to locate a mate. A neutered dog is usually less likely to be aggressive.
  • It is much less expensive to spay or neuter your pet than to pay for them having litters.
  • It will keep your male pets from getting into fights over females.
  • Spaying and neutering keeps your community from having a large stray population.  Strays can become a real problem by preying on other animals, getting into garbage, causing auto accidents, running with packs, and defecating in areas where children play.
  • Spaying and neutering helps to end the suffering of strays and unwanted litters that are euthanized.

Every year millions of cats and dogs are euthanized because of unwanted litters or become strays on the streets. This could be prevented if more people would spay and neuter their pets.

 Spaying and neutering is not only a great health benefit for your pet but also good for your community.

Spay or neuter – do the right thing!

 

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Making the Dog-Days of Summer a Breeze

Published August 22, 2011

 

 The dog-days of summer can be a very uncomfortable time to be a dog. Heatstroke can occur in dogs during the hot summer months but there are a few things you can do to make the summer more enjoyable and safe for your dog.

Some of the things that can cause heatstroke are overexertion, left in an unattended car and being left outside without enough water on a hot summer day. A dog is actually more susceptible to heatstroke than we are. What may not seem like hot enough conditions to cause problems can be fatal to your dog because of the difference in the way they cool themselves compared to us.

Dogs only have sweat glands in their noses and the pads of their feet unlike humans who are literally covered in them. This leaves them very little cooling through their sweat glands. The only other way they have of cooling themselves down is through panting. Panting moves air through their nasal passages picking up heat from their body. As they pant it back out through their mouth, the heat goes with it. When it is very humid and hot this method is not very efficient.

Puppies, older dogs, short-nosed and overweight dogs are at even great risk for heatstroke.

Summer heatstroke guidelines:

    • Try to walk your dog at the coolest part of the day and keep the pace a little slower than normal.
    • Keep in mind that asphalt gets very hot and can burn your dog’s feet during extreme conditions.
    • Make sure they have plenty of cool, clean water to drink. Take water along if you are going to be away from home for an extended length of time with them.
    • Never leave your dog unattended in the car. Leaving the window down is not enough to keep your dog cool when the sun is beating down. The temperature in the car can quickly reach 120 degrees or more.
    • Keep your dog well groomed. Having matted and tangled fur traps the hot air and doesn’t let it circulate. Giving them a light-weight summer haircut can also help keep them cooler. Only certain breeds of dogs benefit from having their fur shaved down. Dogs with an undercoat should not be shaved. Their fur protects them and insulates them from the heat. Shaving them actually makes them hotter and more uncomfortable. Their fur also protects them from sunburn. If you’re not certain about your breed of dog, check with a professional groomer.

If your dog is outside for long periods of time, make sure there is plenty of shade in the yard and access to enough water. The water should be changed often enough to keep it cool.

 Heat stroke signs:

  • Very fast or excessive panting.
  • Trouble standing or walking. Staggering gait.
  • Anxious or restless.
  • Collapsing.
  • Vomiting.
  • Red or pale gums.
  • Deep red or purple tongue.
  • Glazed eyes.

 

If your dog shows signs of heatstroke you need to immediately get them out of the sun. Lower their body temperature by putting cool, wet towels on their nose and pads of their feet. Apply cool (not cold) water all over their body. Try to get them to drink some cool water.

They also need to be taken immediately to your vets office. Dogs can respond pretty quickly after only a few minutes of cooling and then falter again with their temperature soaring back. Treatment may include further cooling, IV fluid therapy to counter shock, or medication to prevent brain damage. Heatstroke is a serious medical emergency and can be fatal if not treated immediately.

The dog-days of summer affect everyone so make sure to keep your dog cool and enjoy those lazy, crazy days.

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Summer Vacation Road Trip with Fido

Published August 12, 2011

 

Now that more and more hotels and motels are allowing pets, this is a great time to take your dog on a summer vacation road trip with you and your family.

Lodging

You can do a lot of research on the internet before you leave home to make the trip go smoothly.  There are several sites that will tell you which hotels and motels allow pets and usually you can get recommendations on which places are the best to stay.  You should plan your route ahead of time so you can select the hotels and motels along the way that allow pets and make reservations. You really don’t want to end up sleeping in the car with your family and the family dog!

Things to Bring

Make sure your dog’s vaccinations and shots are current and that you have copies of the records to take along with you.

Bring along a supply of his regular food that you will need on the road and his food and water bowl.  Your dog will also be much happier if you bring his treats, bedding and some of his toys that have his scent on them.

Bring a good dependable leash and make sure you have your dog’s tags on his collar. The tags should include your dog’s name, your name and your phone number. This would also be an excellent time to have a micro chip inserted for permanent identification if he doesn’t already have one. You should also take a current picture of your dog with you – you never know if you might need it.

On the Road

 If your dog is not used to traveling in the car, take short trips with him in the car so he gets used to the idea that not every trip ends up at the vet’s office. It will be much more enjoyable for everyone if he’s not a nervous wreck the whole time anticipating a stop at the vets.

You should either use a crate to keep your dog safe in the car or if it’s a small dog, a seat harness would work too.  Riding on your lap with his head out the window is not a good option for a long car trip! A crate is also a good idea in the hotel room. You will not be spending every second with your dog and when you do have to leave him alone in the room it will keep him out of trouble.

Never let your dog ride in the back of an open truck. If you have to stop suddenly, he has nothing to hang onto to keep him from sailing right out of the truck.

Stop often for potty breaks and to let him have a little exercise and water.

Never leave your dog alone in the car. Even with the windows cracked open to let air in, the temperature will reach extreme levels in a matter of minutes. If you have to leave the car, take your dog with you or have a family member stay in the car with him with the windows open or the air conditioning on.

Destination Fun!

When you reach your destination make sure you introduce your dog to his new “home away from home” and let him get used to his new surroundings.  Find out where the hotel would like you to walk your dog and be sure to clean up after him.   It is best not to leave your dog alone for long periods of time in the room. Many dogs will bark or destroy things in a strange place.  Using a crate in the motel room will keep your dog out of trouble when you’re not there.

When you are at your final destination it is a good idea to find out which places you can take your dog. We have a lot of great dog parks in Florida and even some on the beach but for the most part, dogs are not allowed on the beaches. There are also wildlife parks where they are not allowed for obvious reasons!

There are loads of places you can take your dog; you just have to spend the time to research where. There are plenty of parks, restaurants, walking paths and events that allow you to bring your dog. With a little research your trip can be an enjoyable one for everyone –  even Fido!

 

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Kitty Litter Training Done Right The First Time

Published August 10, 2011

 

 It is much easier to litter train your kitty if you do it right the first time. Cats have an extremely long memory when it comes to things that are unpleasant or scary to them. They also have a highly developed sense of smell and unlike dogs will not tolerate smells that are offensive to them. This could explain why you have never seen a cat rolling in anything dead or that stinks to high heaven!

The first thing you will need is a litter box with sides low enough for your kitty to get in it without any trouble. Litter boxes do come with covers but the owners prefer these much more than the cats!  The cover keeps more of the smell inside the litter box but also makes the box more objectionable to your kitty. Your goal is to always do what encourages your kitty to use the litter box over anything else. The same goes for scented litter. It is much more pleasant to the cat owner than the cat. Most cats prefer un-scented litter and also seem to prefer clumping litter. This might be because the clumping litter allows you to remove more of the smell from the box in between box changes. You also will need at least one box per cat. Some cats will not use a litter box that another cat is also using.

Place the litter box in a quiet place where your kitty will have some privacy but is still easy for her or him to find. It should not be placed near anything that makes any sudden or loud noises that could startle her while using it. Keep it away from the washing machine, dishwasher, furnace and all appliances that could scare your kitty away. Show your kitty where the litter box is, put her in it and show her how to dig by gently holding her front paw and digging into the litter. Most kitties will pick up what you want them to do almost immediately.

If your kitty has an accident outside the litter box it is very important that you do not scold or scare her. You do not want your kitty to associate you with fear. Never smack your kitty or rub her nose in her mess to teach her. All this teaches her is to be afraid of you. Clean up the mess and put the soiled paper towel in the litter box with your kitty to get her to make the association that the litter box is where she should be doing her business. It is best to clean up the accident with an enzyme cleaner such as Nature’s Miracle. You need to totally remove the smell or your kitty will associate that spot with where she should go from now on.

The litter box must be kept very clean. Nothing turns off a kitty more than having a dirty, smelly box to do her business in. The box should be cleaned at least once a day of the clumps and more often if more than one kitty is using it. I have 2 cats with 2 litter boxes and they change from day-to-day as to which box or boxes they might be using! You should also totally change the litter in the boxes a few times a month. Dump the litter and wash the box out with a vinegar and water solution. Do not use strong deodorants or detergents to make it smell better! The vinegar should take care of any odor problem and not be offensive to your kitty. Rinse the box out, dry and fill with fresh litter.

The other most important tip I can give you is when you find what works – don’t change it! Cats are not very tolerant of change and changing the type of litter or where the litter box is located can easily spell disaster! That is why it is so important to get it right the first time.

 

 

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Best Dog Breeds without All the Sneezing

Published August 8, 2011

 

 

Do you suffer from allergies but still can’t get the thought of owning a dog out of your head?  You are not alone. Approximately 10 percent of Americans are allergic to dogs with reactions ranging from red itchy eyes to more serious complications such as asthma attacks or constricted breathing and yet they still want to have a pet. There are ways you can still have a dog and not have to take medications or end up in the hospital to do so!

While no dog is 100 percent hypoallergenic, there are many breeds with consistent and predicable coats that the American Kennel Club (AKC) suggests for allergy sufferers. These breeds have non-shedding coats which produce less dander than the average dog. It’s the skin dander that’s attached to pet hair which causes most pet allergies in humans.  The American Kennel Club recognizes 11 breeds that are hypoallergenic:

  • Bedlington terrier
  • Bichon frise
  • Chinese crested
  • Irish water spaniel
  • Kerry blue terrier
  • Maltese
  • Poodle
  • Portuguese water dog
  • Schnauzer
  • Soft coated Wheaten terrier
  • Xoloitzcuintli

 Some breeders have claimed that mixed breed dogs, often mixed with poodles, are hypoallergenic but due to their unpredictable coat this is not the case. There is no way to guarantee a litter will produce puppies with equal poodle coats, making them a poor choice for people with allergies. 

The best idea if you suffer from allergies and still want to own a dog in is to spend at least 30 minutes in a small enclosed space with the dog you are thinking of getting and see if you have any kind of reaction. People claim they own dogs that are not on the approved list and have no problems with their allergies at all. No two people are the same and no two dogs are exactly the same either.

When choosing your dog there are a couple of other factors that you should consider before making your decision. First pick a breed that is known to be hypoallergenic but then check further on the traits of the dog breed. Does it get along well with kids? Does it need a lot of attention? Is it easy to train? How much grooming is involved and does it require a lot of exercise. How big will it get? All these things should be taken into consideration when choosing the breed of dog you want to own.

Some other things you can do that will make your dog less likely to produce allergic reactions in you involve your home. The bedroom of the allergy sufferer should be a dog-free area. This will help limit the amount of exposure the allergy sufferer has to the dog.  Your dog should be groomed frequently. Just because the breed doesn’t shed much doesn’t mean you don’t need to groom it. The more fur and dander you remove from your dog, the less will be floating around your house to cause you problems. You need to keep your dog’s bed clean and you should also vacuum and mop floors on a regular basis.

Fabrics tend to hold more pet hair and dander too.  Wood and tile floors are much better than carpeting.  Leather and vinyl furniture is much easier to clean than upholstered furniture. You should also try to avoid fabric curtains.  Anything you can do to try and reduce the amount of dander in your home will make a huge difference.

If you do your homework on the right breed for you and keep the pet dander to a minimum in your house, you should be able to enjoy your dog for years to come without suffering from your allergies.

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Curiosity Can Harm Your Cat

Published August 3, 2011

 Best Friends Finally!

 

Curiosity gets more cats into trouble than almost anything else.  Cats are very curious by nature and when you bring them into your house, look out!

I got a ragdoll kitten (Andy) for Christmas one year and decided we should go and get his brother from the breeder the following week. We thought Andy would be so surprised and happy to be reunited with his brother – ha! He seemed to have absolutely no recollection that he ever had a brother and had no intention of sharing his new home with another kitten. He stalked his brother (Amos ) all over the house hissing and growling until poor Amos took refuge in the basement of our house. Andy was still not happy until Amos found a small hole in the paneled wall and climbed in and disappeared!  He managed to get himself stuck in the wall where he couldn’t turn around to get himself back out and we had to tear half the wall down to rescue him. He hadn’t even been in the house for an hour yet! Moral of the story is that you need to kitten proof your house to save yourself a lot of headaches.

Placing glass decorations on high shelves turned out to be another poor decision.  I swear they would push them off on purpose.  Some of the following tips should prevent a lot of needless disasters and trips to the emergency vet’s office.

  • Tie up hanging drapery and electrical cords.
  • Remove plastic bags, twist ties, rubber bands, medications, cigarette butts and ant or roach traps from where they can get into them.
  • Check that if windows are open they have firmly attached screens.
  • Do not leave candles burning unattended.
  • Keep toilet lids closed.
  • Do not leave the stove unattended. Burners can remain hot after you turn them off especially if you have a glass top stove. I kept a tea kettle filled with water to cover hot burners.
  • Christmas trees should have a category all to themselves. You should secure it to the closest wall unless you want to pick it up off the floor after it is fully decorated! Do not use tinsel on a tree if you have a cat or dog in the house. They love to eat it right off the tree for some strange reason. Do not hang glass decorations on the lower branches for obvious reasons.

Many house plants are toxic to cats.  Some of the ones you should keep away from your cat are:

  • Mistletoe   
  • Poinsettia    
  • Oleander    
  • Elephant Ear    
  • Wisteria   
  • Boxwood    
  • Hydrangea   
  • Lilies 
  • Rhododendron 
  • Azalea

These are just to name a few. The ASPCA lists over 400 plants that are toxic to cats. I finally gave up and got rid of all of mine. Some cat owners claim that if you give your cats a small container of growing grass in your home they will leave your plants alone.  I never tried that so I don’t know if it works but it might be worth a try.

One other thing I would do to keep my curious cats safe is to have them micro chipped. A small silicone chip containing the owners’ information is painlessly inserted under the cat’s skin.  If your cat should ever accidently get outside (trust me, it happens) any local vet or animal shelter would be able to scan the chip and return your cat to you.  My cats were total inside cats and had not been outside all their lives until the day somebody didn’t close the door tightly. One stayed in the house and the other one went exploring.  Fortunately we got him back before he got too lost or into trouble he couldn’t handle. You just never know what can happen and it really helps to try and have all the bases covered before it does.

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Thundershirt To the Rescue!

Published August 1, 2011

  

 Dog wearing the Thundershirt

 

  Every once in awhile a product comes along that truly is a miracle. The Thundershirt is that product.

What is it?

The Thundershirt is a patent-pending design of material that has flaps and velcro that you use to fasten snugly around your dog’s torso. It applies a gentle constant pressure that has a dramatic calming effect for over 80% of the dogs that have used one.

My dog would hear the first rumble of thunder and immediately start shaking, barking, and peeing on the floor unless someone was there to comfort her. Not really a good option when you are away from home. My veterinarian suggested sedating her but that didn’t work very well at all.  After sedation she was unsteady on her feet but still shaking, barking, and peeing on the floor and then it would take several hours for the sedation effects to wear off.

Next we tried noise desensitization. The concept with that is to expose your dog to the noise that bothers her at a very low level and then keep increasing the level until she is no longer afraid of the noise. The recording of thunder had no effect on her  no matter what level we played it at and at the first rumble of real thunder, back to the quivering, barking, peeing mess again. Apparently she and lots of other dogs can tell the difference between fake thunder and real thunder.

Then I heard about the Thundershirt. I was pretty convinced this was just another product that wouldn’t work but I couldn’t have been more wrong. The instructions tell you how to get your dog used to it and how to put it on.  Our dog was literally afraid of everything but actually liked having the shirt on. Go figure! 

At the first hint of thunder we put the shirt on her and it was amazing! The only thing she still did was pant a little more than usual during the storm. No barking, no peeing, no pacing in circles – we couldn’t believe it. Now that we’ve used it several times, even the panting has decreased. This is truly a product that lives up to it’s claims.

The company advertises that it can help with noise, fireworks, thunderstorms, barking, separation anxiety and a host of other problems. If you have a dog with any of these kinds of problems, I would absolutely recommend that you give the shirt a try.

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