The holidays are here and we love to shower our pets with love and gifts to show how much we care. Our wish to you is for a safe and healthy environment for you and your pets. With that in mind, there are some precautions we should take when we celebrate with decorations and good cheer. The following are some safety tips to keep your pet happy and healthy this holiday season.
* Christmas tree – Be sure to place your tree in a corner, anchored so it won’t fall on an excited pet. Keep in mind that the water in the stand can contain pesticides and bacteria, so keep your cat or dog from drinking it. If your tree is cut low to the ground, your pet won’t be able to get under it and take a drink. Remember to sweep up fallen needles. These can become lodged in your pet’s paws and eating them can cause intestinal punctures.
*Christmas lights – Be sure to keep lights away from the bottom-most branches. Use a cord container so your pet does not try to chew on the wires and become shocked. Always unplug the tree when you will not be home.
* Ornaments – Try to use unbreakable ornaments, especially near the bottom of the tree. A broken glass ornament splinters into shards and can cause a choking hazard, cuts, and intestinal distress.
* Tinsel – This lovely decoration is a big attraction to cats who love to bat at the shiny strands. Dogs or cats who eat the tinsel can block their intestines and cause severe vomiting. It is best to skip the tinsel.
* Holiday plants – Holly, mistletoe, poinsettia, amarylis and lilies should not be put within your pet’s reach. The leaves, berries or sap from these are poisonous to your pet.
* Edible decorations – Many people string cranberries or popcorn. These are attractive to dogs and may result in intestinal upset if consumed. It is best not to use them for decorations.
* Gift wrap – Wrapping paper and ribbons can be fun for a pet to play with. Yet ingesting them can cause intestinal blockage. Be sure to dispose of used wrappings once those holiday gifts are opened.
* Chocolate – We often give chocolate as a gift. Dogs can sniff this right through the wrapping paper and can tear open a box to get at the treat. We all know chocolate can be lethal to pets. The higher the cocoa content, the more toxic the chocolate.
* Candy – some candy and most gum is sweetened with xylitol. This is also toxic to a pet so keep it out of reach.
* People food – Try to avoid giving your pet leftover food. Bones, high fat-content or spicy foods can lead to pancreatitis, pain and vomiting. Stick to your pet’s veterinarian approved kibble or canned food.
* Fireplaces and Candles – Be sure to keep the fireplace screened in and candles up high. Candles can easily be knocked over by a wagging tail or leaping kitty.
* Adult beverages – Eggnog and sweet drinks can entice a pet to taste them. They cause nausea and can be lethal. Keep these drinks out of reach.
* Tablecloths and runners – Keep these from hanging too low to the floor. Dogs may tug at them and end up pulling the contents of the table upon himself. This is also how a dog can obtain no-no foods and candies.
With this lengthy but pet friendly list, you can do your best to insure that the most joyful time of the year stays that way for you and your pets. Try to stick to your routines of walking and playtimes so your pet feels comfortable and relaxed, in spite of the hustle and bustle that the holidays bring.
Wishing you all the best at this special time of year. Peace, hope and love to all from your Tails Untold friends!
Comic strips first began in the 19th century in North America. They were part of the newspaper wars between Pulitzer and Hearst newspapers. As children, we used to wait in eager anticipation for the Sunday comics. They were in color and there were snippets from all of our favorite comic book characters. Early comic strips were in black and white and several featured unforgettable felines.
One of the earliest cats to appear in a comic strip was Krazy Kat who first appeared in 1913 in a Hearst publication, the New York Evening Journal. Krazy Kat was created by George Herriman and was set in Herriman’s vacation home of Coconino County, Arizona. Krazy Kat was a naive, carefree, simpleminded cat of undetermined gender, referred to as “he” and “she” at different times. He/she was often seen singing and dancing about. Krazy Kat had an unrequited love for a mouse named Ignatz. Ignatz had given Krazy Kat his/her name and was constantly trying to throw bricks at the cat’s head. The crazy thing about this was that Krazy thought this meant that Ignatz was demonstrating his love by throwing bricks at him/her. Krazy called him “my l’il ainjul”. The dialect of the comic strip was a combination of English, French, Spanish, Yiddish and others.
The other main character was Offissa Bull Pupp who was always trying to stop Ignatz from throwing the bricks, and lock him in the county jail. It was a bitter rivalry that Krazy Kat in her guileless ways, was totally unaware of. Krazy assumed they were always playing a game of tag. “Ever times I see them two playing games togedda, Ignatz seems to be it.” The comic strip was last published in 1944.
Another famous cat was Felix the Cat. His name possibly came from the Latin “felis” (cat) and “felix” (lucky). Felix was a big screen cat before he became a comic strip in 1923. He was created as a comic strip by Otto Messmer. Felix’s start on the big screen came in 1919 in “Feline Follies”. He appeared as a cunning, communicative, big-eyed black cat who walked upright, always on the prowl for his own food and basic needs. At the time, people embraced him because they were tired of the silent stars. His thoughts could be read in bubbles on the screen. He was full of curiosity and ready to help those in need. One of his film cartoons showed him pulling the beard and tufts of white hair off of a sleeping black man so he could exchange the “cotton” for a chicken dinner. He has the dinner but in the end, thoughtfully puts the “cotton” hair back on the man. (Unlike the personality of the next comic strip cat to be mentioned). Felix also had a television series in 1958 about Felix’s Magic Bag of Tricks and in the mid 1990’s, Tales of Felix the Cat. Otto Messmer’s Felix with his nephews Inky and Winky continue in various media to this day.
And then there’s Garfield. This orange, fuzzy tabby cat of Maine coon origin was born in the kitchen of an Italian restaurant; hence his love of pasta and lasagna. Garfield was created in 1978 by Jim Davis and was named after Jim’s grandfather, an obstinate old man. Garfield is owned by Jon Arbuckle and lives in a home with a dog named Odie. The original Garfield had a fourth character named Lyman who was Odie’s original owner. The reason for having Lyman was so that Jon could have someone to talk to. Later on, Davis realized he could give Garfield a non-verbal voice and Lyman was written out. That was when Jon adopted Odie.
Garfield lives in Muncie, Indiana, which is the home of Jim Davis. Garfield is a very lazy, pessimistic, sarcastic, scornful, obnoxious character with a compulsive eating habit. He hates Mondays, diets, and makes a point of tormenting Odie or being snide to Jon about his appearance or getting a date. (Though, now Jon is happily involved with Garfield’s veterinarian, Liz.) Garfield has a rare soft spot for his teddy bear Pooky and of course food and sleep.
Over the years since Garfield was first created, he has undergone some significant physical changes, unlike the other two comic strip characters mentioned before. He was originally quite overweight, had very squinty eyes and walked on all four legs. He also did not communicate his thoughts in a bubble. Now his body is slimmed down, his eyes are open wide and he walks on two legs. This helps him to see things such as food on the table and to be able to reach higher. And of course, make his sarcastic remarks.
Garfield was syndicated in roughly 2,580 newspapers and journals as of 2007. It held the Guinness World Record for the most widely syndicated comic strip. It’s broad appeal among the population of fans is its lack of social or political satire. It is still going strong as a comic strip, film, and television entertainment.
Recently dog restraints for cars have come to light as not being as safe as they’re meant or advertised to be. Before you jump to conclusions, it is important to look at the type and number of restraints that were tested. It is certainly a step in the right direction for consumers to begin looking at car seat belts, harnesses and crates that have been “crash tested”. After all, safety for our pets is our number one concern.
Several states now require that pets be restrained when traveling in a motor vehicle. In states such as Arizona, Connecticut, New Jersey, and Maine, you can be fined from $200. to $1,000. if you are caught driving with your dog in your lap. Legislatures in other states are looking at driving with a pet in your lap as akin to texting or driving under the influence and are putting forth bills to prevent this from happening.
Seat belts and other car restraints protect you from being distracted by your pet. They in turn protect your pet from being tossed about in the car due to sudden stops or sharp turns. In a collision, an unrestrained pet is like a flying projectile which can be slammed into a dashboard or window or even thrown from a vehicle. Many unrestrained dogs like to stick their heads out of the windows which can subject them to eye or nose injuries from flying debris. An open window at a stop sign might entice your pet to jump out if he sees something interesting walking by.
There are many types of restraints that are available to help keep your pet comfortable and ensure his safety on the road. A seat belt or harness will secure a dog, with limited mobility, allowing them to sit or lay down in one place. A tether can be attached to a harness to give your pet a bit more mobility in the back seat. There are soft-sided dog crates for smaller dogs that can be belted into the passenger front seat that can be coordinated with the car’s airbag. A crate or kennel made to have a seatbelt strapped to it for larger dogs is used in the back seat. If the dog is very large, a crate can be placed in the cargo area or a steel grate can be used to separate the cargo area from the rest of the car. The area should be well padded.
When looking at safety harnesses, choose ones with thick, padded straps to protect your dog’s chest and distribute the force of any impact or sudden stop or swerve. The fasteners and tether should be strong and well-constructed. Do not have too much play in the tether and be sure it fastens at the dog’s back, not at the neck.
If you decide to use a crate, choose one that is not make of a brittle plastic material. Go for the sturdier plastics and other materials that won’t shatter. It is best if the crate is positioned lengthwise to the seat and secured with more than a seatbelt. Use wide, heavy duty luggage straps as well. Having a mechanic install anchors for these would be a good idea.
Remember that you would not allow your human passengers to ride with you unprotected by seatbelts. Your pets deserve the same care. Enjoy your travels together!
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!
When it comes to adopting a new cat or kitten, the question often arises is it better to adopt two so they can have companionship when we are not home? There are certainly some advantages to having two cats:
-they can chase away more spiders and mice
-you have more to snuggle up with or to pin you down in your bed
-twice the entertainment factor as they chase each other and swat tails or fall all over each other
-they can keep each other company when you are away
-they provide each other with exercise and mental stimulation
-the happier and more confident they feel together decreases the chance for behavioral problems
The disadvantages are that it does cost more for veterinary care, food, pet supplies, boarding over vacations and emergencies. Then there are the day-to-day clean up chores like changing two litter boxes, sweeping up extra cat hair and the occasional furballs or dead critters they have bestowed upon you as gifts. Additionally, cats often mimic each other, so if one scratches the furniture or marks its territory on your bed, the other may follow suit.
If you decide to get two cats, know that cats that are familiar with each other will get along easier and be more adaptable to their new home with you together. Often the shelter you adopt from can tell you two cats or kittens that appear to be compatible. They will provide you with suggestions for introducing them at the same time into your home. Kittens from the same litter have already been socialized together. They tend to know each others limits when it comes to play and tussles. They come from the same background. For example, if they were strays, they will have the special sense of survival bonding.
If you already have an adult cat at home, look for a companion with similar habits and personality. There are many websites that can help you with step by step rules for introducing a new pet with an already established one. This will ease the transition and make life enjoyable for all of you.
The best thing about adopting 2 kittens or cats is that you are saving two lives. On top of that you are enhancing your own with the fun and laughter that comes from watching them get crazy with each other!
Photo: Courtesy of a repin on Pinterest from Rapidnewstweets
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!
Many pet owners enjoy both feathered and furry friends. But as we have all seen in cartoons, the cat always chases the bird. By nature, cats tend to be the predator and birds the prey. Those of us who have an outdoor roaming cat might just find a dead bird on our doorstep one day as proof of this. But what if we want to enjoy the delightful sounds of a songbird or the companionship of a talking parrot? Can we also keep our cuddly furry friend as well?
It is possible for cats and birds to co-exist in the same household. There are some important precautions and living arrangements that should be considered. Cats carry a bacteria in their saliva called Pasteurella. It is not harmful to the cat, dogs or humans but can be lethal to birds. Birds can contract this bacteria from a cat bite and die within 24 hours as the bacteria rapidly multiply in their bodies. Even a small scratch on the bird from a swatting cat can lead to infection. Antibiotics must be administered in that 24 hours to prevent death to the bird.
Even mild-mannered cats cannot control their predatory nature and instinct to kill a small animal. Think about the way cats play with toys dangling from a string or flitting around them. A cat will chase, pounce and attack the toy. Stalking and pouncing are reflex actions for cats. You would not want this type of reaction to occur with your beloved feathered friend.
It is best to keep a bird in a strong, solid cage high up on a stand or hanging hook that is away from furniture. Be sure that the cage has a secure, child-proof lock and that there are no free-sliding doors. Cats should not be able to reach the cage when they jump up. If the cage is within the cat’s reach, he might frighten the bird even to the point of death by pawing or pouncing at the cage. A cat sitting and staring constantly at the bird can cause the bird stress. This stress can lead to destructive behaviors on the part of the bird such at biting or feather plucking. If you have to leave the house, it is best to keep the cat and bird in separate rooms with the doors securely fastened.
Small birds such as finches and canaries usually stay within the confines of their cages and are content to be there. However, larger birds such as macaws and cockatoos enjoy interacting with people and like to be let out of their cages to play with their owners or explore. At times like these, cats should be kept away in a separate area of the home or well supervised by a second person in the room. Believe it or not, larger birds may become aggressive towards cats. A bite from a big bird can even break the skin of the cat and require stitches. Keeping the bird and the cat in separate areas and giving them both the attention they need is the best thing you can do. Enjoy your feathered and furry friends and keep them safe!
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.
What we used to call a “mixed breed” has now become known as a “designer dog”, a much more “haute couture” name than “mutt”. Actually they are a cross between two purebred dogs. New breeds have sprung up since the late 1980’s at a fast and furious pace, the earliest cross having been between a Labrador and a poodle, the Labradoodle. The following is a list of just some of the breeds that have been created by breeders of designer dogs;
– Golden Retriever + Standard Poodle = Goldendoodle
-Schnauzer + Yorkshire Terrier = Snorkie
– Pug + Beagle = Puggle
-Maltese + Pomeranian = Maltipom
-Boston Terrier + Pug = Bug
-Pomeranian + Toy Poodle = Pomapoo
-Yorkshire Terrier + Poodle = Yorkipoo
-Jack Russell Terrier + Poodle = Jack-a-Poo/Jack-a-Doodle
-Yorkshire Terrier + Shih Tzu = Shorkie
When deciding on a designer dog, it is important to read up on the characteristics of each breed. Know their temperament and the kind of care they need. If you dislike shedding, mixing a poodle or other non-shedding dog, like a Bichon Frise with one that tends to shed may be a good choice. Determine if the two breeds are good with families with children, other pets and senior citizens, if need be. Find out if the dog can handle apartment living and less exercise or needs more space and lots of area to run and play. Is the coat high maintenance requiring frequent brushing and trips to the groomer? Are they large consumers of food? These and other factors will help you choose the type of designer dog that best suits your lifestyle.
Most experienced breeders will be able to tell you what characteristics will develop as the puppy grows. They are often able to predict what coat type the dog will have and the kind of care it will need. Temperament can be harder to predict because it develops past the age of adoption. But the good breeder usually has the history of other successful litters to draw upon. The important message here is to research and select a highly regarded breeder. The AKC is a good place to start your search. Enjoy your new special companion!
| Name: | Weezie |
| Nickname(s): | The Boss |
| Gender: | female |
| Characteristics: | One eye, white face, very large pointy ears |
| Personality: | stealthy, determined, quiet, funny |
