Yes, I have received my book. I am very pleased with it. You did a super job on it. We laugh every time we look at it. I have shared it with More »
Hello Tails Untold, I got the book today. Thank you so much, it is amazing! You did a lovely job, thank you, again. Larissa from Australia. More »
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 More »
A new baby is on the way and your pets will need to adjust. After all, they were the new babies first. It is a lot like preparing a sibling for a More »
Tails Untold is very proud to announce that Sebastian, who recently was the Star of a Tails Untold New York City Adventure Book was just featured in an article in the New More »
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.
A lovely note from Cheryl after she read our Tails Untold Personalized Pet Book FB page. “I just have to get some rolled out and try this recipe. By the way, my sister read her book from Tails Untold that was personally created for KONA…. would you believe that KONA wags his tail when she reads it out loud? The dog knows it’s about him! And for all you pet lovin’ foks – go to Tails Untold and look what you can have created for your pet – dog or cat. It is something that you will have forever and it’s personalized just for your pet. We’ve had several created for our pets already.”
To like our Facebook Page please copy this address into your browser. http://on.fb.me/YkwqAG or visit our website www.tailsuntold.com and you can link directly to our Facebook page there.
“Yes!!! Our Bosco Book arrived on Saturday so I was able to wrap and give it over the weekend. It’s amazing and was received with much happiness! Thank you so much for all your inquiries to ensure the storybook turned out so well! It met and exceeded all my expectations!”Courtnie
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!
Many people suffer from some type of allergy, be it pollen, dust, food borne, etc. A good percentage of these people also suffer from allergies to dogs and cats. What exactly is the cause of a pet allergy? Contrary to popular belief, it is not the hair or the fur that causes the allergic reaction. It is the proteins in the pet’s dander (dead skin that is shed) or in their saliva or urine. These proteins are the source of the allergens. Pet fur or hair can collect the dander and cause it to be spread around. Also, think of your pet’s fur like a dust mop. Dust and pollen can cling to it and be brought into the home, spreading additional allergens beyond the dander.
Cat and dog allergens are small and sticky particles that can stay in the air for a long time. All dogs and cats produce these allergens. Many of the particles can be inhaled which causes itching and swelling of the mucous membranes. The eyes may become red and irritated. In the lungs, the allergens react with antibodies and result in breathing problems such as shortness of breath, coughing and wheezing. Hypersensitive people may break out in a rash on their face, neck and arms.
The best treatment is to avoid contact with cats or dogs or their dander. For us pet lovers, this can be devastating. However, some people with allergies can try immunotherapy to alleviate the symptoms. It involves once or twice weekly injections of small amounts of the allergen. The body then produces antibodies that block the allergic reaction. It can take several months to become effective and must be continued for several years.
Finally, over-the-counter or prescription antihistamines and decongestants can reduce the allergic symptoms. It is up to you to determine if keeping your pet is not putting an undue burden on your quality of life.
*Photo: Courtesy of David Castillo Dominici & Freedigitalphotos.net
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!
One of the most frequently heard complaints from cat owners is “Why does my precious kitty cat go outside of the litterbox? Is she mad at me?”
There are many reasons pets can have accidents around the house. But spitefulness is not one of them. Pets do not hold grudges or try to get back at their owners. People, on the other hand…,but that would be a different article. Usually when a cat goes outside of the box, she is trying to tell you something. She is trying to communicate that something is wrong. You should not punish your pet for what you feel is spiteful behavior. Stress and fear only exacerbate the issue. Having accidents can start out as indicators of medical problems and then become behavioral problems. The following are possible issues that can lead to outside of the box elimination:
– anything causing pain that is then associated with the litter box such as;
*pain upon urination or bowel movement
*arthritis
*urinary tract infection or disease or bladder infection
*pelvic fractures
*lameness
*obesity making movement difficult
-diseases such as kidney disease, diabetes, diarrhea, parasites
-changes in the environment including new people, routines, new pets, moving, renovations, etc.
-dirty litter boxes
-change in litter box style, size, type of litter, pan liner, location of litter box
It is important to rule out medical problems first then to make behavioral management changes. Once the medical aspect is fine, the following suggestions may be helpful:
-have a litter box for each cat you own in all levels of your home
-don’t put the box in a corner where your cat might feel too closed in
-scoop out the litter daily and regularly clean with warm water and soap
-avoid permeable plastic boxes which absorb odor or use a plastic liner
-if your cat has an accident, clean the area with enzymatic cleaner and cover the site for a few days to avoid recurrence
-use unscented, clumping sand type litter in a large low box. A liner makes for easier cleanup.
We love our cats and want to understand when they are trying to tell us something. At least we know they are not trying to get back at us for not remembering a card on their birthday!
| Name: | Weezie |
| Nickname(s): | The Boss |
| Gender: | female |
| Characteristics: | One eye, white face, very large pointy ears |
| Personality: | stealthy, determined, quiet, funny |
