We are very pleased to have our guest blogger, Stephanie Lynch, howmuchisit.org, share this wonderful article on Dog Barking Laws. A special thanks to Stephanie from all of us at Tails Untold Personalized Pet Books.
Barking Laws
Barking laws are designed to protect you from chronic barking at your neighbor’s house. Dogs barking can disrupt your sleep, your daily routine and even your health. To protect you from such harm, anti-barking laws are made.
Now, before we get into the specifics of dog barking laws, keep in mind that usually, the best course of action is to contact your neighbor in person. 90 percent of the time, your neighbor wonít know about the issue and will usually do something to resolve the problem. Bypassing this step may often lead to tension or even a lot of wasted time on your part.
Barking laws differ from city to city, but you can learn about them by calling the nearest animal control center or even contacting the local police department. Most of the time, if you search your city plus the word dog barking laws, you will get an official page telling you the local law and how to dispute a barking dog. Do keep in mind that before making a dispute, the local police department will put these complaints on the bottom of the list.
There are many common barking laws found throughout the United States and listed below are the most common types you may find in your local city.
The Multiple-Household Laws
According to this law, barking is considered illegal if the case goes to the court and the victim provides detailed information about the owner, dog and neighbors. The victim has to come forward with some neighbors who have the same complaints before the authorities can take any legal action.
Before it can go to court, however, you will more than likely have to meet with the neighbor, write a detailed letter complaint, file legal papers and gather relevant data. As you can only imagine, hiring a lawyer can be expensive, www.howmuchisit.org if you choose to do it on your own, it can eat up a lot of your time.
This is the only law that requires more than one complaint before the judge may agree to take legal action. There is no specific information in the ordinances of this law as to whether or not it is illegal for the owner to allow their dog to bark. It only depends on the judge to declare that, whether or not, the barking in your situation is illegal. In simple words, this law states the barking is illegal only if the judge says that it is illegal.
The major problem with this law is that most people do not agree to get involved since it can cause conflicts or can take up too much of their time.
The Single Complaint Victim-Driven Laws
To file a complaint according to this law, one has to pass all the procedures as with multiple-household laws but with a single complaint in effect. Only a single victim without any neighbors within a certain radius can take advantage of this law, but most cities don’t have this law in effect, so don’t count on this working for your situation.
The major problem with this law is that it’s going to be you versus the neighbor and most cases don’t make it to court.
The Consecutive-Disruption Ordinances
The consecutive-disruption law only protects you from the noise of a dog that has the habit of barking virtually non-stop. The authorities only take action when the dog barks continuously for a number of minutes, and the amount can be random depending on the local law. Most of the time, it will be around 20 minutes.
This law is not exactly the answer to your problems. Under these ordinances, barking is illegal only if the owner allows the dog to bark continuously without any breaks. But, if the dog stops barking after a few minutes and starts after a few seconds, the countdown resets and begins from the start.
The Common Law
According to this law, if your neighbor’s dog is barking, you can settle the dispute by talking to your neighbor. This law forces the people to settle their disputes by talking to each other before going to the authorities. Most of the time, a neighbor may not know about their dog’s barking and will take action to prevent it, while others may be stubborn and tell you to get lost. Whatever your local laws may be, this is often the first route you will have to take. If you’re curious about the dog laws more in details, BarkingDogs.net went into more detail, along with stories about people who have successfully worked with the law.
One of my favorite “dog tails,” especially when it comes to healthy eating habits and snacks for our pets, actually comes from one my own personal experiences. It happened one day when I took my dog to the vet when she was acting particularly peculiar. She was very listless, lethargic and was showing some obvious signs of doggie dehydration.
Come to find out, my canine had accidentally consumed a large quantity of carpet fibers and the mass was blocking and interfering with her digestive system. When my caring veterinarian suggested surgery might be necessary, I was mortified, but she said she wanted to try something much cheaper and less invasive first … pumpkin … and I was intrigued.
Pumpkin Patch
The good dog doctor led me behind the front counter of her office and opened a cupboard that contained dozens of cans of neatly stacked, solid-pack pumpkin, the kind used to make holiday pies. Unbeknownst to me at the time, pumpkin aides with a dog’s overall digestive system along with a number of other healthy benefits. Low and behold, several hours later, my canine had “passed” the mass without the need of a scalpel.
To this very day, I still keep pumpkin on hand, mostly in portions that I keep frozen, and give them to my dog as a treat, especially during warmer summer months as a “pup-sicle”. You can also mix it in with their regular food as a digestive aid and offers a number of additional health benefits.
Chewy Carrots & Crunchy Yams
Another healthy treat from my personal vault of pet stories, my dog also enjoys raw carrots. She thinks they’re some kind of a chew toy and when I toss one to her, she gnaws on it until it eventually disappears, as she devours every last scrap. Yams and sweet potatoes are also enjoyed by canines and can be served sliced raw or dehydrated.
Carrots and sweet potatoes are obviously a lot cheaper than traditional chew toys and snacks and much better for them. They’re packed with many important vitamins and nutrients that can be very beneficial for canines, young and
.Broccoli and Other Greens
Being a fan of Paul Bunyan as a child (giving away my age a little), I was fascinated with trees and when my Mom told me Broccoli were in fact tiny trees, I gobbled them up without thinking. Broccoli and many other types of greens are just as healthy for canines as they are for kids.
When I was younger, when spinach went on my plate, since I grew up on old Popeye cartoon reruns (I get it – I’m old), my Mother didn’t have to sell this healthy, leafy green vegetable to me since I wanted to grow up big and strong like the sailor man. The same is true for dogs since spinach is just as healthy for canines as it is for kids.
Just like human children, you’d be surprise at how many of them actually like fruits and vegetables, whether you’re including them in their regular serving of food or serving them outright. Don’t discount certain healthier food choices from your dog’s diet assuming they might not enjoy them … you might be surprised.
For more information on healthy fruits and vegetables for your four-legged best friend, check out this infographic on “7 Superfoods To Add To Your Dog’s Diet.” You’ll both be glad you did.
Tails Untold Personalized Pet Books would like to thank, Amber Kingsley, for this wonderful and informative Guest Blog.
Most dogs are very perceptive at reading their owner’s body language. They seem to know when their owners are happy, sad, distressed or anxious. This ability has allowed some dogs to be able to sense changes in their owner’s body or behaviors prior to a seizure. They do this within seconds minutes or hours before the seizure occurs.
Dogs have their own ways of letting their owners know of an impending seizure. They may bark, become restless, paw at or lick their owner’s hand. This alerts the person to seek a safe place to sit or lie down to prevent falls that might occur with the seizure.
No one is sure why or how a dog is able to recognize that a seizure is coming. Theorists believe that it may be a change in the person’s behavior, body language or even an odor that the person emits prior to the seizure. This ability to recognize an impending seizure is not something that is trained and is a common phenomenon in many dogs. It does not seem to be related to a dog’s breed, age or whether the dog is a male or a female. Seizure alert dogs are ones that are very sensitive to a humans behavior or emotions. When a person comes out of a seizure, they tend to be disoriented or confused. Having their dog by their side can help re-orient them to their environment. Their dog’s presence is also a comfort. It is known that dogs can help to eliminate daily stressors in our lives. People with seizure disorders can sometimes increase their number of seizures when under stress. Having a loving canine companion may help to prevent this increase.
So seizure alert dogs are important to helping keep their owners safe. They help eliminate their owners fears of seizures and make their daily lives much easier.
Hello All you Pet Lovers,
I am pleased to share this information from Canine Camp Getaway’s Veterinarians. This is excellent advice and something I think all pet owners should review every summer, so please pass along.
1) Be cautious walking your dogs on hot pavement or cement — their pads are tough, but can burn just like your skin.
2) A summer haircut CAN help keep your pets cooler, but a too-short cut can make them even more vulnerable to the effects of sun and heat.
3) This seems like a no-brainer, but every year dogs die in hot cars. There is no “okay” time frame to leave a dog in a car in the summer.
4) Summer pests don’t only trouble humans — be sure your dog is protected from both internal and external parasites.
5) Drive carefully! More outdoor activities and open doors/windows can mean more dogs outside, on-leash and off, so slow down — and don’t get distracted by cell phones, texts or changing radio stations. Be sure to regularly inspect your yard for any holes or breaks in perimeter security.
6) Practice water safety — not all dogs can swim, especially in ocean water with waves and currents.
7) Be cautious of which pesticides, fertilizers, and mulches you or your landscaper are using; not all are pet-safe.
8) Wildlife is out and about — be sure your dog is current on vaccinations such as rabies and leptospirosis, if appropriate.
9) We see far more dog fights in the summer months than others — when socializing your dog at the park, be alert to his or her activities. Avoid distractions such as talking on your cell phone which may impede your response time.
10) Access to fresh, cold water is even more important now than other times of year.
11) BBQs can be great ways to visit with friends in the summer months but can be dangerous for your dog. Alcohol, hot BBQ drippings and coals, skewers, and even ingesting certain (or too much) food can all cause your pet harm. Be mindful of the grill and remind guests to please not feed your pup!
12) Buckle up! Remember to restrain your pet in the car. This will keep them safe if the event of an accident, and also keep them from jumping from an open window.
If you are thinking about a summer vacation to include your special furry family member, please chec
k out Canine Camp Getaway Vacation . It is a wonderful place to go and located in the beautiful Lake George, NY area. Maybe all your friends with Tails Untold Personalized Pet Books http://www.tailsuntold.com will see you there.
Why does my dog follow my every move? Why does my dog destroy things when I am away? Why does my dog pace or run in circles when I am leaving the house?
These behaviors and others like:
can be signs that your dog is suffering from separation anxiety. Separation anxiety in terms of pets describes stress and anxiousness brought on by leaving your dog alone even if for a split second. Often these signs are confused with “bad manners”, which is true in some cases, but not all. Separation anxiety can be a serious issue and disciplining (eg. yelling or scolding), can make the anxiety worsen. Often, regular obedience training does not help.
What can I do to help my dog get over separation anxiety?
First, please consult your veterinarian. Sometimes the treatment requires a combination of medication(s) with behavior modification, especially when the case is severe.
What types of behavior modifications are suggested for separation anxiety?
First, be sure your dog is not bored by adding more physical and mental stimulation. This will usually take care of boredom issues but will usually not take care of separation anxiety issues. Often bored dogs will scarf down their food then look for more, anywhere including your garbage, but in most cases, the opposite is true of a dog with separation anxiety.
Behaviorists suggest changing up your “leaving routine”. Your pet is very aware of your routine before leaving home, grabbing your coat first, or shutting off the lights, then lastly grabbing your keys. Mix this up and do some of these things randomly during the day while you are still remaining home. In time, perhaps only a few weeks, your dog may see that these behaviors don’t mean you are leaving and some or all of this anxiety may lessen greatly.
Also, don’t overcompensate your departure or return. Don’t give treats or give special attention before you leave or when you return. Don’t fuss over them, as hard as this is to do, especially when you are so happy to see them when you come home. Try to ignore your dog for a few minutes before you leave and when you return. Your dog may get the idea that your leaving is not a big deal.
For extreme cases, there is a program you can try, but first, consult your veterinarian to be sure there your dog is not suffering from some other ailment or illness. This program * requires a huge time commitment on your part, at least several weeks. This will mean you will need to take time off ,if you work, use your vacation time, or find a pet sitter or doggie daycare to assist you. You will need to spend 30 minutes to an hour every training session. It requires patience and consistency. Initially, you leave your home for a few seconds and step right back in so your pet has little or no time to experience separation anxiety. Always stay calm while inside. Continue to do this until you see no signs of anxiety. Gradually increase the time you are out, but change up the time (eg. 2 minutes, 1 minute, 4 minutes, 1 minute, 5 minutes) until you see no signs of anxiety. You continue to do this gradually increasing to an hour, two hours, etc. until you can be away a full work day.
If this does not help, you will need to contact your veterinarian,again, who, hopefully will be able to help you find the cause of your dog’s anxiety issues and perhaps recommend an experience behaviorist who has worked with this disorder and/or prescribe proper medication.
*This program is suggested by Amy Bender, Dog Expert (www.dogs.about.com).
Please note: This article has been provided for informational purposes only. If your pet is showing any signs of illness, please consult a veterinarian as quickly as possible.
We all have witnessed how dogs tend to greet each other. They sniff each other’s rear end! Can you imagine us doing that instead of a handshake? Why do they have that often embarrassing habit of greeting new doggie friends with their noses? There are many reasons why dogs do this. They want to find out each other’s gender, what they had for breakfast or if they’re sending out friendly vibes.
A dog’s sense of smell is its most powerful sense. We humans rely so much more on our sense of sight to learn about our world. A human nose has about 5 million odor receptors. Compare that to a hound dog’s 300 million receptors! Now you can understand why a dog can sniff out a single ounce of marijuana buried deep within a mountain of luggage filled with clothes scents and toiletries.
Our noses breathe air and odors in and out through our nostrils. A dog’s nose divides the air into two areas; the olfactory area and through the pharynx into the lungs. That way a dog can dedicate a portion of inspired air just to its sense of smell area of the brain. The dog is able to identify incoming odor molecules by their unique characteristics and send the signal to the brain for deciphering. Our nostrils are designed so that we inhale and exhale, sending the aromas we encounter out as soon as they come in. Dogs have slits in their nostrils that let exhaled air aerodynamically push new scents into the nose. These specially designed nostrils allow a dog to sniff in a more continuous, efficient way. A dog’s nostrils can also move independently which lets them know which direction a smell is coming from. That is why you will see a dog that is following a scent move its head from side to side. And, unlike us, dogs have a unique scent detecting organ that can recognize pheromones which are unique to each animal species.
Finally, a dog’s wet nose aids in its sense of smell. By having a damp nose, the mucus can trap dissipating odors in the air. Dogs will lick their noses which allows them to taste the chemicals in the odor which goes to another olfactory organ via the mouth to be analyzed by the dog’s brain.
So the next time you’re wondering about your pet’s odd habit of leg and butt sniffing, you’ll know why. Only the nose knows!
If something touches a person’s skin, it is felt. Our skin is a major sensory organ in our bodies. If lightly brushed, the hairs on our arm, for example, might stand up on end and we get a slight sensation because the hair is rooted in the skin.
The whiskers on a cat act in a similar way but are highly sensitive organs, more so than the fur on their bodies. There are numerous nerve endings on the skin at the base of the whiskers. Whiskers are thicker than ordinary hair and more deeply rooted. A cat’s sense of touch is enhanced by long whiskers.
The brain region where information from whiskers is received is similar to the visual cortex. It allows a cat a 3D map of its surroundings without being a true visual sense. It is a sense of touch. Cats depend on their whiskers to give them information on many things, such as balance and precision with their bodies in space. They help a cat know where objects are around them. The whiskers act as a measuring device such as allowing a cat to know if it can fit through a narrow space. The upper and lower whiskers can move independently for greater precision during measurement. They also allow a cat to navigate better in the dark.
Whiskers aid in hunting as they help a cat to detect a preys location. As the air is disturbed by the movement of the prey, a cat’s whiskers help it know in which direction the object has moved. They are part of the reason that cats are such accurate hunters.
Dogs, on the other hand, do not depend on whiskers as much as cats do. They rely more heavily on their senses of sight and smell. Whiskers can help dogs be more aware of an object they are smelling, such as its composition.
So take care when brushing and grooming your cat. Do not trim the whiskers. They are more important than just hair. A cat needs its whiskers to sense and interpret the world around them. Just let those whiskers just tickle your cheeks and let them grow.
Making the decision to spay or neuter your pet or not requires a lot of thought. When you spay or neuter, you are removing the female’s ovaries and uterus and the male’s testicles. Unspayed or neutered cats can have their first heat as early as 4 months and dogs at 5-6 months. Cats can have 3 litters and dogs 2 litters per year.
There are pros and cons to both. The media has informed us of the plight of homeless pets in our country. There are 7 puppies and kittens born in the US for each 1 human. There are as many as 6-8 million homeless pets in the US per year. As many as 30-50% of these animals are euthanized due to a lack of people adopting them. Shelters are not just home to feral pets but to litters of unwanted pets or pets that people could not care for. This is a significant pro for why we should spay or neuter our dogs and cats.
Also on the pro side to spaying or neutering, studies have shown that spayed or neutered pets live longer; as much as 18% longer for males and 23% longer for females. This is due to the fact that these animals have reduced risk from health issues or aberrant behaviors.
Some of the health issues related to not spaying or neutering are an increased risk of life threatening conditions such as females having mammary infections or cancer including mammary, ovarian and uterine cancers. In males, there is increased risk of testicular and prostate infections and cancer. Mammary gland tumors in female dogs and cats who are not spayed are more common in older females. Female dogs and cats that are spayed before the first heat have almost no chance of developing mammary cancer later in life. Spaying after the first heat increases the risk to 7% and spaying after the second heat increases the risk to 25%. Cancer of the uterus, ovaries and testicles is twice as common in dogs than in cats. But by removing these sexual organs, the chance for infections and cancer in these areas is reduced to none. Also for females, having a litter can also be physically dangerous and stressful to them.
In the behavioral realm, unneutered males can become more aggressive which can be a problem for children and other animals. They tend to become frustrated in their search for a mate and have a tendency to roam more. This puts them in potential danger from car accidents or fights with other animals, which can cause serious injuries. Males will also do more urine marking. Some females also urine mark or become irritable in heat. Pets may exhibit more dominance related behavior such as excessive barking in dogs and howling in cats. Spayed or neutered pets are often more relaxed and less prone to aggressive behaviors or roaming. They do not have to get fat although they can have a decrease in metabolism. The pet owner will need to monitor food intake and nutrition and give their pet the opportunity for exercize. Spaying or neutering does not change the pet’s basic personality, like being protective, which is formed more by genetics and the environment. Animals do not recognize their sexual identity so there will not be an identity crisis if you remove their sexual organs. However, in all cases, pets require basic behavior training with or without spaying or neutering surgery.
Then there is the cost and population crisis. It is not cheap to care for a litter of puppies or kittens. By bringing more litters into the world, it decreases the number of adoptions from shelters and leads to more euthanization of unadopted animals. There is a relatively low cost to spaying or neutering a pet, especially at clinics that specialize in this. The dog or cat that has not been spayed or neutered may roam more and end up in an accident or fight that requires huge veterinary bills due to injuries.
On the con side of whether to neuter or spay, there are also behavior, health and cost issues. Some feel that females need their estrogen and oxytocin hormones to keep them calm and less anxious. It is felt that without these hormones, they can become more aggressive.
Some studies have shown that spayed females tend to develop more frequent urinary tract infections. As many as 5-20% of the spayed females have an increased incidence of spay incontinence. The risk is even higher for overweight dogs. Dogs spayed or neutered before reaching adult size may grow a little taller than if not surgically altered. In dogs prone to certain conditions, there can be an increase in risk of getting transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder, osteosarcoma and hemangiosarcoma. There is also a risk of increased hypothyroidism, knee and hip problems. There is an increased risk for endocrine issues due to hormone imbalance. These can lead to Cushing’s disease and other adrenal diseases. Endocrine issues can be difficult and involve costly tests to diagnose. Many studies have shown changes in appetite, metabolism and weight gain do occur, especially in animals that lead a more sedentary existence. However all studies say that monitoring the diet can prevent weight gain.
The majority of the articles researched conclude with the fact that the benefits of spaying or neutering cats and dogs far outweigh those of not spaying or neutering. It is an individual decision but soliciting the advice of your veterinarian is also important. They can advise you based on your particular pet’s breed and predisposition to behavioral and health issues.
* Editors note: Tails Untold is presenting these facts that have been taken from numerous articles on the subject in order for readers to be informed in their choices. It was not written to question the idea of whether to spay or neuter or not. However, the Tails Untold Company does donate proceeds from their books to animal shelters and causes that protect animals.
When we think of cats, we imagine soft fur, cuddly rubs and gentle purring sounds. However many cats do not seek out this affection and remain aloof. Some of this is personality, upbringing or breed. In order to optimize the possibility of obtaining that loving interaction from our feline pets, there are several things cat owners can do.
First be sure your cat can depend on you to be her provider of nutritious food, fresh water, a clean litter box and fun toys to engage her. A happy cat will be more open to your attention and affection.
Next you need to spend quality time with your cat. Giving her attention, such as talking to her in a loving way and stroking her fur may lead to her coming to you more often for it. If you do this while you are preparing her food, she will associate this with the positive experience of being fed and cared for. Also, when sharing affection at other times, give your pet a treat. Again this will help your cat associate affectionate behavior with a rewarding experience.
Play with your cat often. Cats prefer to chase than be chased. Dangle a string behind you as you walk so your cat will follow you. Play laser tag with a pointer, but be sure not to shine it in your pet’s eyes. Bat a catnip filled ball back and forth. A little catnip can often help a reluctant cat become more engaged and affectionate towards you.
You can purchase a cat bed or have a special cushion or blanket for your cat. “Mark” the area with your scent by rubbing the bedding on yourself. Your pet will pair your scent with the comfy feeling she gets when she cozies up in her special resting area.
Cats enjoy gentle petting around their cheeks, under their chin, in front of and behind their ears and on their backs. You can often tell if this is giving your cat pleasure when she curls the end of her tail. A straight tail or ears back usually means the cat is not enjoying what you are doing to her. Always put yourself at the cat’s level. Bring your hand in from the side of your cat and work your way up so as not to startle her.
Although your cat may still spend much of her day off to herself, you will be rewarded with more affection and purrs if you keep these simple strategies in mind.
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!
| Name: | Weezie |
| Nickname(s): | The Boss |
| Gender: | female |
| Characteristics: | One eye, white face, very large pointy ears |
| Personality: | stealthy, determined, quiet, funny |
