We all love our feline pets. They love to show they love us by bringing us little presents they capture in the wild. Many a cat lover has discovered a half eaten mouse or bird on their doorstep left by their kitty as a token of love for being such a good caretaker. But, we wonder, is it safe that they have eaten some of that wild animal, especially when we have no idea where it has been?
Cats are carnivores and predators. In fact they are obligate carnivores meaning they must have meat to live. Meat contains taurine which is one of the essential nutrients to a cat’s diet. The bones of the animals they consume are full of calcium and are easily broken down and digested. The bones, guts, fur and feathers of mice and birds contain fiber which is another essential nutrient. They obtain water from their prey as well. Cats enjoy a variety of textures which is why they relish chewing on mice and birds. Their natural instinct is to hunt. If you do not wish to have them bring home such wildlife, you will have to keep them indoors or monitor their time outdoors.
If your cat is allowed to roam, be sure it gets regular check-ups for worms and other parasites. Be sure vaccines such as rabies and feline leukemia are up to date. In very rare cases, a cat can contract a disease such as toxoplasmosis which can lead to uvitis and glaucoma. Again, regular checkups for your outdoor cat are good preventative medicine.
Humans should take care when disposing of their little presents of mice and birds. Take care to wear gloves and even a mask when handling the gift. Viruses, such as the sometimes deadly hantavirus, can be spread for example, by handling a mouse. Scrub any surface that the mouse came in contact with. Cats are not carriers of the virus nor can it be transferred from one person to another.
In general, it is not harmful for cats to eat mice and birds. This is how many cats live in the wild. However, keep your cat safe by keeping it’s checkups regular and keep yourself safe by using gloves when you handle strange wildlife. Happy hunting!
With summer temperatures climbing above the 90 degree range for days on end this summer, we need to take precautions to insure the safety of our pets. As humans we are able to rely on our sweat glands throughout our bodies to help keep us cool. Cats and dogs do not have this luxury. Except for a few sweat glands in their foot pads and noses, cats and dogs rely on panting to keep them cool. They exhale the hot air and inhale the cooler air to keep them from overheating. So you can imagine when the air they are inhaling is in the 90 degree range, this method of self cooling is not as efficient. This is a major reason why we never leave a pet in a closed car where, even with the windows cracked, the temperature can soar above 120 degrees in minutes. It is best to leave your pet in a nice air conditioned environment or fan-cooled area while you run those errands.
Other things you can do to keep your pets safe include walking them in the early morning or later evening when the sun is less intense. Keep in mind that the pavement can be scorching to those paw pads over prolonged exposure and look for shady places or cool grassy paths to walk on. If you have an outdoor cat or dog, bring them inside during the peak heating hours. Be sure when they are outside that there are shady areas and plenty of water available. A few ice cubes in the water keeps it nice and cool.
For summer haircuts, the one inch rule is a good one. It allows protection from sunburn as well as the coolness of a shorter cut. If your pet is a hairless or very short-haired breed, invest in pet approved sun tan lotion for those times when he will be exposed to the sun. It is also a good idea to brush your cat or dog frequently to prevent matting as mats do not allow air to circulate between the hair and skin.
A kiddy pool in the backyard can provide cooling fun for your dog. A lawn sprinkler is also a fun method for keeping your dog cool.
Watch for symptoms of overheating. If your pet shows signs of excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, dark, red gums, difficulty getting up, vomiting, or other unusual behaviors such as confusion, he may be suffering from heatstroke. Cats and dogs with flat faces such as pugs and Persians do not pant as effectively as other breeds and are more susceptible. Pets who are elderly, overweight, have heart or other medical conditions should be kept in an air conditioned environment. If you suspect heatstroke, you must get to the vet immediately as this is a life threatening condition. It can cause damage to vital organs such as the heart, liver, kidneys and brain. Apply towels soaked in cool water to hairless areas of the body, especially the feet during the transport to the vet.
Keep your pets safe with these tips and enjoy your summer!
When a dog reaches the age of 12 and older, many things change in terms of their physical and mental status. Senior dogs who were once loving, playful and docile animals may begin to display agressive behaviors. A senior dog who’s hearing or vision is failing may exhibit growling or snapping behaviors as they do not hear or see when people approach them and are startled. As a dog ages, there are many mental and physical changes that affect its stress level. Arthritic joints and restricted movement do not allow your pet to move as easily, causing him to feel trapped in an annoying situation. A well-intended affectionate rub may be causing your canine friend irritation to sore joints without you knowing it. He may snap at you when you try to pick him up for the same reason. Changes in routines, new family members, moving, loud noises, or the fast movement of children can startle the dog into an aggressive action.
It is important to have your pet checked by a veterinarian. If biting is a reaction to pain, this can possible be alleviated by medication, acupuncture or other holistic therapies. Brain tumors are another possibility that can cause behavioral changes. The vet would do a CT scan or MRI to determine the type of tumor and prognosis for treatment.
In the long run, the toughest decision we all must make with our senior pets is when is it time to let go? We love them as a member of our family and do not want the burden of making that decision. But it is part of the responsibility we take on when we decide to bring a pet into our lives. We wish they could talk and tell us it is okay. ‘I’m uncomfortable, my body is tired and sore and I don’t like snapping at the people I love!’ It requires soul-searching, sacrifice and courage. Don’t let others judge you. Move ahead with resolve and know it is right for you, your family and your beloved pet.
Everyone loves to hug a clean smelling pet. As our dogs age, their skin and body parts age and require different handling. Usually a dog should be bathed no more than once a month but it depends on the type of dog. Those with smooth, oily coats should only get a bath when needed. Dogs with thick undercoats can go as long as 6 months. Dogs with longer or curly hair can be bathed every 4 to 6 weeks. Senior pets, however, are prone to accidents, especially if they can’t get around too well or are growing senile. They may need baths more frequently, though sometimes spot bathing will do.
Being prepared for the bath is important. Have a cup, wash cloth, several soft, absorbent towels as well as the dog shampoo close by the tub. It is very important to use a very mild shampoo that is specially formulated for an older dog. Older dogs are prone to allergies and dryness so the proper shampoo is essential. Be sure the room is warm and use warm water which will be easy on the skin and ease joint discomfort. Put an inch of water in the tub and talk to him in a loving way. Ease your dog into the water. Use the cup to add more water to the bath as you pour it gently over your dog to cover his body. Use the wash cloth to clean around the eyes, inside the ears and under the chin.
Bathing is a good way to check your senior dog for any changes in skin condition and to check for abnormal growths or tumors. The skin can be an indicator of internal health problems so watch for things such as dryness or roughness. As you wash your pet, use circular motions with your fingertips all over the body. This is good for the circulation and skin. Plus your pet will love the mini-massage. Rinse your pet thoroughly and rub gently with towels. Let him shake off excess water and dry with the towels. Hair dryers can be harsh for the dog”s skin, so if you must use one, keep it on low and not too close to the dog’s skin.
Special attention and pre-planning will help to make bathing your senior dog an enjoyable event for both of you.
*Photo courtesy of Pampered puppy.com website contest winner
Louie
Photographer: Shannon
There is nothing more beautiful than the joys of new birth. Puppies are tiny balls of softness, innocence and cuddly cuteness. There are many things you can do to help prepare for your female dog’s pregnancy. Your dog should be over one year of age and have had its 2nd or 3rd heat. Most dogs will have their cycle every 5-7 months. Be sure your female is in good shape prior to becoming pregnant. An overweight dog may run into more complications with pregnancy than a lean, healthy weight dog.
As with any pregnancy, your dog will likely go through emotional changes. Give her lots of love and attention with gentle words and lots of strokes. She may not feel very well in the first few weeks so this extra love will be very soothing.
After the first 6 weeks of pregnancy, your pet will need to consume more food, as well as after the birth of the litter. You should increase her food intake by about 25%. She may need several small meals as the puppies growing inside of her put pressure on her internal organs. Providing clean, fresh water is very important. The need for extra food and fluids increases at this time and helps your dog and her puppies have the nutrition they require.
Exercise is very important as well. Even though she is pregnant, she needs to run and play as she always did. Playtime makes your dog happy and gives her a boost towards a happy pregnancy. Walks alone won’t do it. You will need to walk her more, however, because she is increasing her fluid intake and the puppies put increased pressure on her bladder.
It is important to get her checkups with the vet. Prior to breeding she should test negative for heartworms and intestinal parasites which can be passed along to the pups. All of her immunizations should be up-to-date. The mother’s immunity to infectious diseases is given to her puppies during their nursing of her milk.
Be sure to set aside an area with an easy to clean surface where she can have her pups when the time comes. A low, shallow box lined with clean old blankets, sheets or old clothing will give her a soft and comfortable place to give birth. Get her used to it ahead of time, even offering treats there to get her to go to that spot. If she were to have the puppies outside of that area, move them right to the designated spot so she will follow. Since this will be her resting spot for several weeks with the puppies, it is important to keep it clean and comfortable.
The joys of motherhood will fill the air when the puppies are born. It is a wonderful experience that is best when you have taken the time to prepare for it. All of these suggestions will help to ensure a happy, healthy new litter of puppies!
Who doesn’t love being totally pampered by a full-body massage? It helps the body to relax and improves physical and mental health. It releases endorphins which are the chemicals produced by your body that relieve pain and make you feel healthy. Massage for your pet offers the same kinds of benefits as it does for us. In addition to the calming effects, massage has been known to increase circulation, muscle tone and mobility which is important to aging pets. Massage also helps to eliminate toxins and waste from your pet’s body. It can improve behavior and makes a skittish pet feel calmer and more secure.
Pet massage is usually performed by a certified animal massage practitioner who has been trained in animal anatomy and movement. The masseuse will consult with you and observe your pet’s behavior. He will choose a type of massage that is custom designed to your pet’s needs. The massage therapist can give you techniques that you can use at home. These might include a friction-type massage where you take the tips of your fingers and make a circular pattern all over your cat or dog’s body. You can adjust the pressure by noting how your pet responds. Smaller dogs and cats need a lighter pressure than larger ones. The average massage usually lasts about 30 minutes, but smaller amounts of time at home will still be of benefit and your pet will love it.
It is always best to check with your vet if your pet has any illnesses or injuries to be sure massage will be appropriate for him. Have fun and know you are giving your pet a loving, healthy, and relaxing treat!
In these frosty days of winter, we need to keep our pets in mind when venturing out in the cold. Contrary to popular belief, having fur does not prevent a pet from hypothermia or frostbite. Injury or death of tissue can happen from exposure to freezing or sub-freezing temperatures. Frostbite affects the tips of the ears, tail and toes. Dogs with longer ears like Bassett Hounds are at greater risk as well as small dogs like Daschunds. Cats will usually find a way to keep warm such as under the hood of a car, but it is best to keep them inside. For those strays that might end up under the hood, always rap on the hood a few times before you start your engine.
When the pet’s body is exposed to extreme cold, the blood vessals constrict to try to keep the body’s core warm. The core of the body includes the heart, lungs, liver and kidneys. The result is that the tissues of the extremities have less blood supply and can freeze and die. Certain medications and medical conditions such as heart disease and diabetes can cause increased susceptibility.
What you need to look for is tissue that appears pale or gray and feels hard and cold. As the tissue thaws, it will turn red and become very painful. If the frostbite is severe, the tissue may blister, turn black and slough off. If you suspect frostbite, do not rub the area or apply hot water, a heating pad or hairdryer. Wrap the pet in warm dry towels and blankets. You can use warm, not hot water on the affected area. The water should be about 104 degrees or just warm enough that you can keep your hand submerged in it. Apply the water with towels or soak the specific area in warm water. Dry thoroughly and carefully so as not to disturb the tissue. Take your pet to the vet for an evaluation of the area and to check for hypothermia. The vet will often give pain relief medication and antibiotics for damaged tissue to prevent infection. The vet may do blood or urine tests to look for the possibility of internal organ damage.
To be safe, keep outdoor walks to a minimum; just enough time for your pet to do it’s business. Sweaters and even booties are recommended in extreme temperatures. Always keep your pet warm and dry after being outside. It is up to us to help prevent frostbite from happening. Remember, Spring will be here before you know it and you can go back to those nice, leisurely outdoor adventures!
There are many myths that have been handed down through the generations about dogs and cats. Some have sprung up from human’s observations about pet behavior and actions in an attempt to understand them. Some need to be cleared up so they don’t lead to bad decisions about pet care. The following are some of the common myths and the truth about them.
DOGS
. You can tell a dog’s age to a human’s with a 7 to 1 formula, giving the dog 7 years for every 1 human year.
This is not an accurate measure. Aging is an individual thing. Large dogs age more quickly starting at about 7 human years. A rough guide for all dogs is that at 1 dog year, a dog is about 15 human years old. At 10 years it is about 56 and at 15, about 76 years.
. Dogs only see in black and white.
Actually dogs can see in color but differently than humans. They may not be able to distinguish between red and green. However they can tell the difference between shades of blue, gray and violet. Dog’s also rely on brightness, contrast and motion to interpret visual stimuli.
. Dog saliva is safe and antiseptic.
Even though a dog’s saliva may kill some bacteria, it also has it’s own unique bacteria that can cause infections to itself and young children or older people whose immune systems are not strong. It is best not to swap spit with your dog.
. Dogs show remorse for doing something wrong.
A dog may cower or have a hang-dog expression after doing something bad. Actually the look represents fear. Since you are the “pack leader”, the dog can sense when you are displeased. However, he can’t tell what it is related to unless you catch him in the act.
. A warm nose on a dog means it is not healthy.
A cold, wet nose or a warm, dry nose are just that. They do not mean that the dog is healthy or sick.
. You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.
Dogs of all breeds can learn new tricks throughout their lives. They just need to be physically able and responsive to you.
. Dogs eat grass because they have an upset stomach.
Some dogs like to graze casually in the grass. They do not tend to throw up and it is not a sign that they are sick. If a dog eats grass too vigorously, they may vomit the grass as well as other stomach contents. It just results from too much grass and is not always a sign of an upset stomach.
CATS
. Cats purr when they are happy.
While this is often the case, it can also be a cat’s way of calming itself down when it is hurt, sick or stressed. It is a kind of coping mechanism for the feeling of strong emotions.
. Cats always land on their feet.
A cat tends to be very agile and can twist it’s body into a feet down position as it falls. However, if they fall from too great a height, even if they do land on their feet, the fall could injure them or even cause death. It has spawned the myth that cats have 9 lives. Though they tend to be healthy animals who can care for many of their needs. they only have one life to live like all mammals.
. Cats are not highly social and prefer to be left alone.
Cats actually crave attention and want to be cuddled or petted. They may want it on their own terms but they all need your love and affection.
. Cats are easier to care for than dogs.
While cats do not need daily leash walks, they still need regular exercise through play and mental stimulation. They need to be fed, given a clean litter box and given regular visits to the vet.
There are many more myths about cats and dogs. However these are the ones frequently thought of. It is important to recognize these as myths and not allow them to color the way you handle or interact with your pet. They all need our love and understanding!
We all love to reward our special pets with treats for good behavior and just for being them. What we don’t want to do is give our pets treats that contain all sorts of additives and preservatives. So here are some recipes that are simple and easy to do that allow us to feed our pets healthy treats.
Homemade Dog Treats
1 cup all purpose flour
1/4 cup wheat germ
1/4 cup brewer’s yeast
1 tsp. salt
1-1/2 tbsp. canola oil
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken stock, plus extra for brushing
Oven : 400 degrees
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, wheat germ, yeast and salt and set aside. Place oil in a large bowl. Add stock and flour mixture in three alternating additions, beginning and ending with the stock. Mix well. On a lightly floured board, roll dough to 3/8 inch thick. Shape biscuits with a cookie cutter shaped like a bone or other object that is appropriate for your dog’s size. Transfer to parchment lined cookie sheets. Bake biscuits for 10 minutes. Brush with stock and bake ten minutes more. Turn off the oven, leaving the door closed with the biscuits inside to dry completely. This takes approximately 1-1/2 hours. Store at room temperature in an airtight container.
Cat Treats
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/4 cup soy flour
1 tsp. catnip
1 egg
1/3 cup milk
2 Tbsp wheat germ
1/3 cup powdered milk
1 Tbsp unsulfured molasses
2 Tbsp butter or oil
Oven: 350 degrees
Preheat the oven. Mix the dry ingredients together. Add the molasses, egg, oil or butter and milk. Roll out flat and cut into cat bite-sized pieces. Place on oiled cookie sheets. Bake for 20 minutes. Let cool and store in a tightly sealed container.
Your pets will love their special cookies and you will know you are providing them with wholesome ingredients. Enjoy!
As our pets age, they can develop a kind of dementia that is also referred to as CCD, or Canine Cognitive Dysfunction. If your once friendly and cuddly pooch seems to be getting more distant with you and even tends not to recognize you at first when you walk in the door, these may be signs that your dog is having the effects of cognitive dysfunction or dementia. Other signs include the following:
– You notice your pet seems lost in familiar places around your home or yard
-He doesn’t respond to your commands or even to his name
-He seems startled when you approach him
-Your pet seems to have trouble sleeping and often paces around the house
-There are frequent accidents around the house, no matter how often he is walked
-Can be hesitant to take treats or seems less hungry, almost as if forgetting to eat
-Seems to stare into space and is startled by noises
-Your pet makes frequent noises, growls or barks for no apparent reason
So what can a loving pet owner do to make the last golden years comfortable? There are drugs available that will help many dogs. These work on the amount of dopamine in your dog’s brain. Apoequorin and Anipryl are two such drugs. They may help your dog to think more clearly and help with their memory. They can enhance your dog’s enjoyment of life. Other things you can do are to keep their environment as consistent as possible. Rearranging a room can create much confusion to your pet, so try to keep things in the order your dog is used to. Older pets should have stable floors to walk on and if you have wood or tile, you might want to invest in runner rugs throughout the areas they tend to walk. Stick to routines like feeding times and walking schedules. Keep your playtimes relaxed and gentle. The best thing that you can do is show your dog that you are patient and loving and that you respect the changes he is going through. Enjoy your senior companion and make the end of life’s journey a happy and comfortable one!
| Name: | Weezie |
| Nickname(s): | The Boss |
| Gender: | female |
| Characteristics: | One eye, white face, very large pointy ears |
| Personality: | stealthy, determined, quiet, funny |
