Oct 10

Understanding Your Cat’s Nutritional Needs

The Basics of Feline Nutrition

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Because nutrition is one of the most essential keys to your cat’s health and longevity, one of your most important responsibilities as a cat owner is to be able to provide your cat with the necessary required nutrients for her growth and life maintenance.

There is a significant difference between “thriving” and “surviving”.  Please keep this in mind while you read this article and especially when you are making decisions in purchasing food for your cat.  We are what we eat is not a useless cliché, but rather a truth.  As for humans, our pets’ diets are the foundation for optimal health – not just survival.

Facts

Cats are obligate carnivores. That means that cats are strict carnivores that rely on nutrients in animal tissue to meet their specific nutritional requirements.

Facts About Dry Kibble

An increasing number of nutrition-savvy veterinarians are now strongly recommending the feeding of canned food instead of dry kibble.

The water content of dry kibble is too low and this predisposes your cat to serious and life-threatening urinary tract diseases.

The carbohydrate load is too high which predisposes your cats to diabetes, obesity, and intestinal diseases.

The type of protein in dry kibble is too high in plant-based versus animal-based proteins. Being obligate carnivores, cats are designed to eat meat, not grains and plant-based food.

There is no beneficial effect of dry kibble on a cat’s dental health and there is no scientific support for its use in preventing dental disease.  The best way to keep your cat’s mouth healthy is to brush her teeth daily.

Although a cat may be doing “fine” on dry kibble, many health problems can be avoided in the future by feeding your cat a species-appropriate diet from the start.  (And it’s never too late to start!)  This is preventative nutrition and it will pay off in your cat being healthy and living a long life with you.

Other Facts

Treats should be given in moderation and should only represent 5% or less of a cat’s daily food intake. The remainder should come from a nutritionally complete cat food.

Milk should not be fed to cats as a treat or substitute for water.  Cats do not have significant amounts of lactase (the enzyme that breaks down lactose in milk), and feeding them milk or milk-based products can cause intestinal upset.

Kittens can start the weaning process to solid food around 4 weeks old, and the process is normally completed when they reach 8-10 weeks.  There will be an article on Weaning Your Kitten coming in the next few weeks.

You should start your cat on a senior diet at about age 7 to maintain health and optimum body weight, and to slow or prevent chronic diseases.  I will be writing an article on Feeding Your Senior Cat in the near future regarding this topic.

*What About Homemade or Raw Diets?

Raw or homemade diets are not recommended for several reasons.  They are often nutritionally unbalanced and they can cause gastrointestinal upset. A cat may survive on these diets, but most often not thrive because striking the right balance of nutritional ingredients, including vitamins and minerals, and proper storage of the food is difficult and is critical in keeping your cat healthy.

How Often Should You Feed Your Cat?

Kittens require more food per pound of body weight to support their growth than do adult cats. Therefore, kittens should be fed more often. Growing kittens up to 6 months may require three meals a day, and from 6 months to maturity, most cats do well when fed two times a day. Once a cat becomes an adult, once a day feeding is alright as long as they are healthy and have no disease problems suggesting a reason to feed differently.

Cats suffering from diabetes may need to be fed based on whenever they are administered insulin. If a cat has hyperthyroidism they will want to eat all the time, but the disease needs to be treated and the cat needs to be fed normally.

Free feeding of dry food is risky and can add up to extra pounds unless the cat exercises self-control, which is rare because cats like to snack. Feeding several small meals during the course of the day may make them feel less hungry, if that works with your schedule.  The main thing to remember is to keep the meals nutritionally balanced and proportionate for your cat’s healthy weight maintenance.

What Cats Need In Their Diet

Water – Cats need plenty of water with their food as they do not have a very strong thirst drive compared to other species. It is therefore critical for them to have a water-rich diet.

Keep in mind that the cheapest canned cat food is better than any dry food on the market. Think of canned food as flushing your cat’s urinary tract several times a day.  This is very important because canned foods are better suited to meet your cat’s water needs.

A water-rich diet is important in keeping your cat from developing urinary tract problems, including urethral blockages, infection, cystitis, and possibly chronic kidney disease (which is the leading cause of death in cats).

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Protein – Cats need animal-based protein in particular, and not-plant based protein. Dietary protein provides essential amino acids which are needed for the manufacture of antibodies, enzymes, hormones, and tissues for a proper pH balance. Animal-based protein provides energy for cats and is essential for their growth and development. The essential amino acids are found in foods such as meat, fish, eggs, and poultry.

Taurine –  Taurine is an amino acid that is found in animal-based protein and it is essential for your cat’s health. It is critical for normal vision, normal digestion, normal heart muscle function, to maintain normal pregnancy and fetal development, and to maintain a healthy immune system.  Taurine is found primarily in muscle meat, and is completely absent in cereal grains. The lack of taurine in the diet can cause serious eye and heart diseases to develop.

Taurine has many biological and metabolic functions within the cat’s body including:

·         Formation of bile salts which aids the digestion of fats and absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

·         It is necessary for cardiac (heart) function, brain, and nervous system function.

·         Essential for the development and function of cells in the retina of the eye,

·         Female reproduction and fetal growth.

·         Maintains a healthy immune system.

·         Helps to control blood sugar levels.

As a general guideline, an intake of 400 mg of taurine per kg of body weight is recommended for younger cats whereas for adult cats, an intake of 500 mg of taurine per kg of body weight is recommended. Studies suggest 75 to 100 mg of taurine per day should be supplied to the cat.  According to other studies, for every 2.2 pounds of food consumed, it’s recommended that cats consume 1000 mg of taurine. It’s difficult to overdose the pet as excess taurine isn’t stored, but excreted.

Depending on the nutritional values in your cat’s food, you may need to boost her Taurine levels with supplements.

Fat – Essential fatty acids are essential for your cat’s health, and cats cannot make them in their own body – they need to be supplied by the diet. The main essential fatty acids that your cat’s diet needs to include are arachidonic acid (AA), eicosapentanoic acid (EPA) anddocosahexaneoic acid (DHA).  Focus on fish oil.  Omega-3 fatty acids are most commonly found in high amounts in cold water fish such as salmon and tuna. Omega-3 fatty acids are helpful for numerous inflammatory conditions that occur in cats. These conditions include, but are not limited to, skin diseases (especially allergies), asthma, gastrointestinal disease (especially inflammatory bowel disease), arthritis, diseases of the immune system, and any kind of cancer.

Minerals and Vitamins – These are essential for metabolism regulation and normal growth and function. Minerals needed in your cat’s diet include calcium, chloride, chromium, cobalt, copper, fluorine, iodine, iron, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, selenium, zinc, and others.  Vitamins include A, D, E, and K, which are fat-soluble (generally stored in the body), and water-soluble vitamins C and B complex.  The water-soluble vitamins pass through the cat’s system more quickly.

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Please visit the site on Reviews.com for The Best Cat Food, which is a current (2016) in-depth listing and review of the best cat foods available. In reviewing the listings, you should be able to determine what brand and type of food is best for your cat.  When doing your research in finding the best canned food for your cat, remember that the cost of food may be more than dry kibble. But, do keep in mind that in feeding your cat the best possible diet, you will be preventing her from the possibility of illness and various health problems in her lifetime.

 

For optimal feline nutrition, read the labels of your cat’s food to ensure that she is getting all of the nutrients needed for a healthy diet.  A nutritious diet is the foundation for excellent health of any living being – including our favorite four-legged friends.

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Oct 03

Can Dogs Sense Our Emotions?

How Dogs Sense Our Emotions

Woman Rubbing Noses with Puppy ca. 2002

If you are a dog owner and have a close, loving bond with your pup, you have probably wondered if he can read your mind or know what kind of mood you are feeling.  Does he get clingy when you’re depressed or feeling sick?  When you have an argument with your partner, does your dog go and hide?

Our dogs aren’t clairvoyant, but they do have an uncanny ability to sense our emotions.  How do they do it?

Dog Truth

Humans and dogs have similar social systems. Both live in tight-knit family units (or packs) who protect each other and are very loyal. We both have complex language of facial expressions, vocalizations, and body posture that promote bonding.  At some point in history, the early dogs learned to decode human nonverbal language.  The better they anticipated our feelings and thoughts, the more they were rewarded with food, shelter, and affection.

Are They Mind Readers?

We are often amazed that our dogs are so astute, but think about it….. why wouldn’t they be? A renowned dog trainer and author, Brian Kilcommons, pointed out:  what else do they have to do but watch us all day and study our every move?  “Is she happy?”  “Is she angry or upset?” “Should I find a place to hide?”  Dogs must realize somehow that their fates are so closely tied to our feelings and whims, and so they are wise to monitor our moods.  A good mood might mean an extra ear scratch or snuggle or a game of fetch….or even a treat!  A bad mood might mean scary loud noises and yelling, and a day spent hiding under the bed.   It makes good sense that our dogs would watch us closely because our changing moods give them essential clues as to what is about to happen next for them.

Dogs are great watchers and may be better observers than humans. We pay so much attention to spoken language that it often interferes with our ability to see the other things that are happening around us. In some ways, we rely too heavily on what we can see.  Our visual system is so highly evolved that it tends to override the more primitive senses – smell, touch, and hearing.  Those senses are highly developed in dogs, and we are often not aware of what we are missing.

Another point is that we can’t see ourselves.  Your family, your friends, and your dog know your habitual movements, expressions, and verbalizations, but you may not.  If you make a video of yourself interacting with your dog, you may be amazed at what you notice.

Body Language

It is commonly said that around 90% of human communication is nonverbal (and only 10% is verbal).  This may be difficult to believe, but if that is true then it’s no wonder that our dogs can read us like a book.  Our posture, gait, head carriage, and facial expressions speak volumes about our mood, motivation, and intent.  If we act happy, our dogs wag tails excitedly and bring you their favorite toy for us to toss, or roll over for a belly rub.   If we hang our head in sorrow, they slowly slink over and may affectionately press their head in our lap.

Sorrow little boy with best friend looking through window

Dogs can sense our feelings of sadness

Dogs are so good at reading facial expressions. Just for fun, try this mirroring experiment:  Sit facing your dog and make an exaggerated happy face. There’s a very good chance that your dog will light up as well with an open mouth, relaxed ears, open facial expression……in other words, a big puppy grin.  Now try furrowing your brow and look stern and angry.  Your dog will avert his eyes, stiffen, and look scared or ashamed.

A dog’s understanding of body language can explain their uncanny ability to find the one person in the room who doesn’t like dogs.  A fearful person tends to tense up and stare.  Dogs sometimes mis-read a fearful person’s behavior as being a “challenge” posture, similar to that of a dominant dog squaring up to an opponent.  This immediately puts a dog on the defensive.

Sounds

Dogs can hear a wider range of frequencies and their ears are much more sensitive than ours. If you’ve ever wondered how your dog anticipates your arrival home, their radar ears pick up the subtle sounds of your car braking, your car door closing, footfalls on the sidewalk, and the jingle of your keys. These sounds may seem inaudible to us, but our dogs hear them very well.

Your dog may not understand every word you say, but he definitely knows the tone of your voice. Dogs can hear the different inflections in our voices that mean we’re happy, anxious, tentative, sad, or angry.  All you have to do is start a sentence when you discover the overturned kitchen trash and your dog will hang his head and skulk away.  To most dogs, the sound or tone of your voice is worth a thousand words.

 

Smell

As with hearing, a dog’s sense of smell is so much more sensitive than ours.  For one thing, they possess up to 300 million olfactory receptors in their noses, compared to about six million in ours.  And the part of a dog’s brain that is devoted to analyzing smells is, proportionally speaking, 40 times greater than ours.  Subtle changes in a person’s scent are obvious to our dogs, just as we might notice a person’s new haircut or if they’ve lost weight.

This may be one way that dogs detect illness.  When we are sick, our metabolism changes and different chemicals appear in our breath and through our skin.  Dogs can sense this. Changes in breath chemicals may be one way that seizure-alert dogs recognize when a person is about to have a seizure.

The belief that dogs can “smell fear” is probably true because when we are anxious, we start to perspire lightly.  It may not be visible or felt, and you can’t smell it, but a dog can.

 

Me and my brother, Arco von Portenfels, in my Grandma’s backyard.

I remember as a little girl riding my tricycle on the sidewalk in front of my Grandma’s house and my beloved Arco, a black poodle who came from Germany with my Dad after WWII, was there with me.  A man was walking toward me on the sidewalk but was still a good distance away. As he got a little closer, Arco growled and took off running.  He grabbed the man’s pants leg and started pulling it and shaking it in his teeth.  Of course, the man pulled loose and very quickly ran back the way he came. Arco was a sweet, loving dog who got along with everyone, but he sensed something that day.  Whether it was fear in me or something of harmful intent in that man, he acted on it and protected me.

 

Humans and dogs have lived and evolved together for at least 15,000 years and probably much longer. Given this, and the close bond that many people have with their dogs, it may not come as any surprise that dogs appear to have developed this skill in recognizing human emotions.  It sometimes seems as though they know us better than we know ourselves!

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Sep 26

Camping With Your Dog

Tips For Camping With Your Dog

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If you are thinking about taking your dog camping, keep in mind that there are many advantages to sharing the great outdoors with your pet.  Camping is an excellent way for people and their dogs to get away from the stressors of life and relax, and it helps strengthen the bond between you and your dog.  Your pup will be in his natural element and will love all the new sights, sounds and smells. Here are a few tips that may make camping with your dog a bit more enjoyable and possibly safer.

Finding A Pet Friendly Campsite/Campground

Finding the perfect pet friendly campsite requires a bit of research on your part. There are some campsites that allow pets, others allow but have restrictions and some that strictly do not allow pets. As you might guess, you will want to be sure your campsite does allow pets before you make the long journey out there; you don’t want to arrive, only to discover that your furry friend is banned. Find out in advance if your campsite, cabin or trails are pet friendly.

Make Sure You Know The Following:

·         Is my dog permitted on the campsite?

·         Is my dog permitted on the trails on or near the campsite?

·         Are there any restrictions for my dog on the campsite or in its surroundings?

·         Is there a fee to have my dog stay at the campsite? (Many campsites will charge a fee)

In the United States most of the state parks allow dogs on their campsite and many also allow dogs on some or all hiking trails. Dogs must be leashed  at all times!

Dogs are normally allowed in the campsites of National Parks, National Forests and National Monuments. However, they are usually restricted from the trails.

Private campsites can vary with accommodating dogs. Some are very dog friendly and allow you and your dog a lot of access. Other private campsites are less accommodating and may only provide a patch of grass for your dog to sniff and roam. This may not be overly enjoyable for your dog.

Some Things Your Campsite will Likely Require:

·         Your dog has to be on a leash  or tied up at all times and not be left unattended.

·         You take responsibility for your dog’s behavior and actions.

·         You respect your camping neighbors.

·         You clean up after your dog in the campsite and its surroundings.

Pet Friendly Campsites and Campgrounds

Here’s a great website to help you find a pet friendly campsite in your country/area and that inform you of pet policies in your destination:

Worldwide/United States: Bring Fido

It is a good idea when selecting a campsite to find one that offers shade. This helps prevent your dog from full and direct sunlight. It is also ideal to find a campsite that is near a stream or lake to give your dog an easy source of water.

Again, it is important to do your research and find a campsite that will suit you and your dogs needs. The best thing to do is to look online on the campsites website or call them up and ask the necessary questions.

 

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Canine Camping Tips

Consider a pre-traveling vet visit. Ask your vet about the best insect control program for your dog while camping.

Get current on all shots and vaccinations and obtain a Rabies tag for your dog’s collar.

Consider a possible Lyme disease vaccine.

Obtain a current copy of their records and vet’s phone number.

Provide ID tags for your dog with their name, your name and address and phone number.

Microchipping your dog is always a good idea. Please see my article on Microchipping Your Pets, dated  March 7, 2016.

Bring medications and copy of prescriptions.

Consider use of a crate for travel and short term restraint.

Don’t forget to pack plenty of water from home for your dog. Bring their regular food bowls, food and treats. To avoid problems, keep them on their regular schedule.

Bring their chew toys and dog brush.

Always bring their collar and leash.

For unexpected situations, pack first aid items or a first aid kit for your dog, and also a towel.

Obtain the phone number of a vet in the area where you are staying.

Make sure you have complete control over your dog at all times. Keep them on their leash.

Do not allow your dog to bark. Frequent and continued barking disturbs the wildlife and other campers.

Closely supervise your dog around children, other visitors and other dogs.

Never leave your dog outside unattended.

Always pick up after your dog.

Make use of designated dog walking areas.

Use ziplock bags to pick up after them and properly dispose of them in appropriate trash containers.

Give your dog time to adjust to his new surroundings. Give him time to rest.

Ensure that your dog doesn’t get tangled around tent poles or stakes, tables, trees, rocks etc.

Make sure your dog is getting enough exercise, but consider the effect of activity and energy levels on your pup’s health.

Be aware of how weather conditions effect your dog – heat, cold, rain etc. Keep him hydrated and ensure that he is getting nutrition from his food.

Remove any leftover food after your dog eats. This food could attract unwanted insects or wildlife.

Be courteous of others while walking your dog. Keep your dog calm and controlled.

Consider your dog’s sleeping arrangements and ensure that he is warm enough during the night. It’s best to keep him near you so that he doesn’t wander off or encounter any potential danger while you are sleeping.

Be aware that your dog may have increased exposure to ticks and fleas. Have the proper tick/flea collars, repellents or use Frontline applications, as discussed with your dog’s veterinarian.  Check your dog often for ticks that have made their way onto your pup and remove them before they attach, if possible. If they are already attached, have a Tick Twister handy to easily remove them.

Never leave your pet alone!!

Be aware that wildlife may pose dangers for your dog if he is left unattended. Predatory animals like coyotes, hawks, bears, wolves, and others should be considered when taking your dog camping, so keep your pup safe at all times. Smaller animals like raccoons and possum may rouse curiosity in your dog which might result in fighting or attack, and there’s always that elusive skunk to watch out for!  (See Skunk Recipe for De-Skunking your Pet, located at the bottom of the article on Basic First Aid for Pets.)

There are so many advantages in taking your dog camping with you.  Although there are some things to consider in keeping him safe and healthy during your shared adventure, he will surely enjoy being outdoors in the fresh air and sunshine.  It is certain that he will appreciate the time spent with you even more.  So, have fun…..and take lots of photos!

 

 

Sep 19

Shopping With Your Dog

Taking Your Dog Shopping

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I think most of us would agree that shopping with a friend is much more fun than shopping alone.  Dog lovers already know that a trip to the store with our four-legged buddies is particularly awesome when they are allowed to come with us.

There are some major retailers that are pet friendly, provided that your dog is always under your control and as long as you clean up after them should they make any messes.  It is important to call first and confirm their pet policies, as many stores leave it up to the individual manager’s discretion whether their store will allow dogs.  Best to check first!!

Also, remember that while the store may be dog-friendly, the shopping mall where it’s located might not be.  If the store you plan to visit, like Nordstrom or Macy’s is in a mall, you’ll need to call the shopping mall office ahead of time and find out their policy on pets.

Stores That Allow (Well-Behaved) Dogs

Taking your dog to pet friendly stores helps her to socialize and builds her confidence

The obvious stores that are pet friendly are, of course, Petco, PetSmart, Pet Valu, and other pet stores that deal in pet products. Here are some others:

·         Home Depot

·         Lowe’s

·         Barnes & Noble

·         Macy’s

·         Pottery Barn

·         Bass Pro Shops

·         Restoration Hardware

·         Bloomingdale’s

·         Anthropologie

·         Gap

·         Nordstrom

·         Lush Cosmetics

·         Urban Outfitters

*Keep in mind that there are stores with policies that allow dogs but specific store managers will not.  Conversely, there are stores that prohibit dogs, but certain store managers welcome them.  The safest plan is to check first before you and your buddy head out for your shopping trips.

*Also, dogs are usually not allowed in the restaurant areas of the stores that allow dogs, like Nordstrom and Bass Pro Shops.

Some local stores also allow dogs to accompany their owners while shopping. You can check to see if your local stores, restaurants, and attractions are dog-friendly at BringFido.com.

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Shopping with you in a store is a new experience for your dog, so it’s best to start small and work up to the bigger stores.  Start with an outdoor mall before taking her into a big business with shelves and racks, which might be confusing and scary to her. If you can take her outside where there is pedestrian traffic first and acclimate her to people coming up to her and petting her, then you can watch her stress level and adjust accordingly.  When she is calm and is used to smells and activity, you can then take her inside a store. The best place to start with a shopping trip with your dog is in a pet store where the smells will be somewhat familiar and friendly with treats, toys, food, and other dogs.  Once she is a pet store shopping pro, you can take her on other shopping adventures.

Shopping with your dog can be a wonderful bonding experience, and it helps with socializing and also boosts her confidence.  Another bonus to shopping with your dog is that a well-behaved dog can be a great ambassador for their species or breed.

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Sep 12

Separation Anxiety In Dogs

How to Control Separation Anxiety in Dogs

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Separation anxiety in dogs is a common problem and it can affect most breeds. It is your dog’s panicked response to being left alone and the results can be devastating.  The destruction of your belongings and the deterioration of your dog’s health can be serious issues.  Separation anxiety is very different from misbehavior and it should never be considered as revenge.

Causes

Dog owners may sometimes unknowingly cause separation anxiety in their pets by making a big fuss when we leave or come home.  In doing so, we reward the dog’s concern with our absence.  This is sometimes difficult to understand, but it provokes even more stress in the dog every time we leave.

If you have had your dog since she was a puppy, it’s likely that she was with you most of the time while growing up.  We like to have our dogs with us when they are puppies, and we take them everywhere for socialization.  Then, when they are at an age when they feel the need to be with us, we sometimes have to leave them alone.  We have been their source of confidence and love, their security and their pack, and then….. we leave, and they don’t understand.

Your dog has “pack” instincts and wants her family (litter mates or humans) around so that she knows where everyone is. When you leave the house, she doesn’t know where you are and she feels alone and stressed.  These feelings put her in a state of nervous anxiety.

A change in routines can cause separation anxiety, such as moving, change in family dynamics, or a new pet in the household. Puppies that were separated from their mothers and siblings too soon are especially prone to dog separation anxiety.

Separation Anxiety vs Misbehavior

Not all unwanted behaviors can be called separation anxiety. Misbehavior is a learned behavior and is often manifested when the dog lacks leadership and self-control.  True separation anxiety causes the dog to experience real stress during her owner’s absence.

Separation anxiety occurs every time you leave and only in your absence, and can begin even before you go. If certain things you do trigger certain anxious behaviors in your dog, such as her barking or howling when you reach for your keys or your jacket, then she is experiencing separation anxiety.

Some misbehaviors in dogs are brought about by lack of exercise or just boredom.

What the Problem Looks Like                      happy pets blog separation anxiety in dogs 3

Destructive behavior – chewing furniture and other items, scratching at doors and windows

Constant barking, whining or howling

Urinating or defecating indoors

Persistent pacing

Attempted escapes from a room or crate – which can result in self-injury

Treating the Problem

The most important thing to remember in all types of training of your dog or puppy is this:  only reward desired behavior.  The most important thing for you to remember for yourself is to have patience.

This is very difficult to do, but in order to have a harmonious relationship with mutual confidence, understanding, and respect, you will need to remember to reward desired behavior in your dog.  When a puppy comes into the family, she is picked up when she cries and snuggled and loved; her crying is rewarded.  When a young dog is in her crate and she cries or howls, we let her out and then she is being rewarded for her howling.  So, it can start at a very early age and we must remember to reward only the behavior that is desired.

Again, do not punish your pup for having separation anxiety.  It is not revenge, but her real response to being left alone without you.

Exercise!

A long, brisk walk will be stimulating for her but will also tire her out so that she will settle down into resting mode and nap time when you leave.  If a walk isn’t possible, a good 20 to 30 minutes of play time with your pup will have the same effect as an energized walk.  This is good for both of you as you are spending quality time with her and that strengthens your bond.

Desensitize Your Dog To Anxiety Triggers

To teach your pup that jingling keys or putting on your jacket don’t necessarily mean that you are leaving, pick up your keys or purse, etc, and sit and watch tv for a while, or just hang around at home so that she will learn not to associate those routines with you leaving.

Independence Exercises

Start by walking out of the house, saying nothing to your dog. Come back in after a minute or two. Continue the exercises by leaving your pup alone for short periods of time, waiting a little longer before returning. Each time you return, say nothing and just come in and go about your business like you never left.  Act as if leaving is a common occurrence and that there is nothing for her to get excited about. If she barks and jumps up and down when you return, ignore her and go about your business.  This is hard to do, and it takes tough love, but it will teach her to understand that your leaving her alone is just part of her day.  The idea is to do this until your pup gets bored and your leaving is no longer of interest to her.

When you are ready to leave for a longer period of time keep these things in mind:

Give your dog lots of exercise before you go (a walk or play time with you)

Say goodbye to her long before you leave. Take a moment to share affection and tell her that you will miss her long before you actually leave.

Leave a chew toy, such as a Kong stuffed with peanut butter, ready for her or leave her favorite treats around the house so that she can search for them. This will help distract her from your leaving.

If possible, give your dog a view of the outdoors. This is stimulating to them and it’s the next best thing to being outside.

Most dogs enjoy music and the tv, so leave it on for them, if possible.  It provides background sound for them which gives them security. Soft music is calming and soothing, so a radio left on will help with separation anxiety.

Remember when you leave and when you return to be low-key and nonchalant.  Do not make a fuss.  As difficult as it will be to do this, your dog will learn not to associate your departures and returns as a big deal and will not have the anxiety while you are gone.  Say your goodbyes long before you leave, and wait a while to give her hello hugs after you return home.

*Exercise, obedience, lifestyle training, rules and boundaries, all of these are necessary for a happy, balanced dog.

Using A Crate

A crate can also be an effective tool in preventing or treating separation anxiety. Dogs who have been successfully introduced to using their crate tend to feel safe and secure in their private den, and in some cases they prefer their sanctuary to being left alone in a big open house.  Please check out my article on Crate Training Your Dog, dated February 29,  for more information.

 

Separation anxiety can be very stressful for the dog and the owner, but successful treatment is possible.  The key to all these solutions is to have patience, and stay calm and assertive.  Let your dog know that all is okay by projecting the confident energy of a pack leader.  Consistency from you and everyone in your household is crucial to build your dog’s confidence….in you as her pack leader, and in herself.

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Sep 05

Separation Anxiety in Cats

Feline Separation Anxiety

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Separation anxiety is a well-recognized issue in dogs, but many do not realize that cats can experience it, as well. Conventional wisdom tells us that cats are aloof, independent, and solitary creatures who don’t need companionship, but this is not so.  In truth, cats are highly social with the ability to form deep attachments and bonds to their human family members and other animal companions.

Feline separation anxiety usually presents itself more subtly than it does in dogs, and for this reason it may go undiagnosed, or misdiagnosed, for years.

CAUSES

Cats who were orphaned or who were weaned too early may be more prone to separation anxiety. Cats may go for years without issues, and then suddenly act out when your work schedule changes and keeps you away for long hours. Vacations also tend to trigger feline separation anxiety. Think of separation anxiety as a form of grief. Cats don’t mean to “act bad,” they just miss you so much they can’t help themselves.

happy pets blog cat separation anxiety 1

SYMPTOMS

Signs of separation anxiety may occur when the cat is separated from his owner or another companion pet with whom he has a strong bond.

Over-attachment to the owner, following that person from room to room around the house.
Distress as the owner prepares to depart (pre-departure anxiety).
Vocalization (crying, moaning, meowing) right after the owner has left
Appetite loss or anorexia – the affected cat is often too anxious to eat when left alone.

Inappropriate elimination – often in the form of urine marking, though fecal marking may also occur. Stress can also be a factor in the development of recurrent cystitis, so it is important to see your vet if you notice your cat urinating little and often, and/or urinating outside of the litter-tray
Vomiting – only in the owner’s absence.
Excessive self-grooming. This starts as a displacement behavior but can progress to compulsive self-grooming, if       unchecked.
Destructive behavior –some cats may claw and scratch door edges presumably in an attempt to escape from their     solitary confinement.
Exuberant greeting behavior

TREATMENT

Some of the symptoms of feline separation anxiety are very similar to physical ailments and illnesses found in cats, so it is wise to seek veterinary advice to make sure that your cat’s behavior is not due to an underlying physical problem.

Enriching the environment – Enriching the cat’s environment may help if no medical problems can be found, this can be achieved by means of:

Climbing frames positioned to give the cat a good view of the outside world.

Scratching posts

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Bird feeders that fasten to a window with a one-way visibility can keep a lonely, anxious cat busy and mentally stimulated.

Strategically positioned (ie. visible from a window your cat can access) bird feeders

An assortment of mobile toys enhanced with catnip

Putting the day’s ration of kibble in a food toy

Leaving the radio or television on

Environmental pheromone therapy such as Feliway spray or diffuser

Desensitizing and Conditioning (Behavior Modification)

Cats often recognize subtle clues that you’re preparing to leave long before you realize. A cat may figure out that you always do a specific thing (picking up or keys, putting on lipstick, etc) just before you leave.  Use behavior modification techniques so the triggers lose their power in making your cat anxious. Pick up the car keys 50 times a day, and then set them down. Carry your purse over your arm throughout the day off and on, vary your normal routine before you leave. When you repeat cues often enough, your cat stops caring about them and will remain calm when you do leave.

When you do leave, don’t make a big production about it. Make your goodbyes very casual, as cats easily pick up on emotions of their family members.  Ask another family member to interact with the cat during this time. A fishing-polehappy pets blog cat separation anxiety 4 lure toy such as da Bird, or chasing the beam of a flashlight can take the cat’s mind off her worries. If she enjoys petting or grooming, they can indulge her in a loving brushing or petting fest.

 


Find a committed cat sitter. If possible, your sitter should engage in twice-daily play and petting sessions with your cat. However, you may want to consider having someone stay overnight with your cat to provide more regular interaction and help keep his stress level low while you’re away.

Not all tips work with every cat, because every feline is an individual. But by using these techniques alone or in combination, they can heal upset kitty feelings and turn homecomings into joyful reunions.

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Aug 29

The Barking Dog

Excessive  Barking in Dogs

Barking is a natural and important means of communication for dogs. But excessive barking can become a problem.  As with all dog training and behavior modification, teaching a puppy or young dog is always easier than changing behavior that has become a bad habit in an older dog.  By starting to train your puppy in obedience and relaxation at an early age, you can greatly reduce the chances that he will grow into a problem barker.

The first step towards controlling excessive barking is to understand the specific reasons behind it.

Why They Do It

Territorial or defensive barking
Excitement, or happiness at seeing you
Play and exercise  (Pent up energy)
To get your attention or to signal you (i.e. “I have to go potty!”)
Aggravation over not being able to attain something (such as your piece of pizza).
Social barking in response to other dogs
Separation anxiety and trepidation
To get attention
Compulsive behavior

*** Please note that there there are instances of excessive barking for which it is a good idea to seek the advice of a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist, a Veterinary Behaviorist, or a Certified Professional Dog Trainer first.

These include:

  • Over-protective behavior in addition to the barking, such as growling, snapping, lunging, etc.
  • Extreme separation anxiety or fear of objects, sights, sounds, people etc.
  • Obsessive/Compulsive barking which is identified as excessive barking for no apparent reason or at things that wouldn’t bother other dogs. This may be accompanied by other compulsive behaviors such as spinning or jumping.

Don’t Do These Things

Don’t encourage your dog to bark at strangers or people walking by the door. Asking your dog “who’s that?” in a happy pets blog the barking dog 2querying tone will excite their curiosity. Looking out the window or door will encourage him to do the same, and once there, he will bark.  Remember that dogs mirror our energy.

Don’t yell at your dog to stop or to be quiet – to him, he thinks you’re barking, too!

Don’t punish your dog if the barking is due to fright or separation anxiety. These are real causes of his barking and should be addressed as the issues they are.  You may have the opposite effect if you do this and his anxiety will increase, and so will his barking.

Don’t be inconsistent in your rules, so as not to confuse him.  Everyone in your family must apply the training methods and rules every time your dog barks inappropriately. For example, if you yell at him for barking at some sights or sounds, like kids leaving for school and then encourage him to bark at others.

Don’t use a muzzle, either store bought or home made as a substitute for training or while you are absent.  Dogs regulate their temperatures through the mouth by panting and muzzles prevent the dog from doing this.

Please don’t use a corrective collar.  Used alone, they will not correct the problem and if a dogs barks because he’s anxious, the collars correction process may make his anxiety worse.

What You Can Do
As pet owners we tend to make a big deal out of coming and going from home (I’ve done it myself many, many times), and this puts your dog in the wrong state of mind.

If you greet your dog in an excited manner, then he will come to expect your return to be a time of excitement, as dogs are creatures of habit. While he’s waiting for you to come back he will anticipate that excitement and become frustrated and bored.  Also, if you make a big deal before you leave, you’ve left your dog in an excited state as well, and this sets up a perfect formula for creating an excessive barking problem.

Be very calm, quiet, and matter-of-fact when leaving or returning home so that your dog will also remain calm.  I learned that leaving a few treats in a room away from the door, like the kitchen, would distract my dogs while I was leaving. This would prevent the excitement or anxiety of my departure. When returning, I would walk into the house and put my purse and keys away quietly and after a few minutes talk softly to my dog and give them some snuggly love while they were still calm.  This shows them that calm and quiet is rewarded with love and attention.

Stay calm when trying to stop dog barking!
Dogs don’t follow unbalanced pack leaders, so you must remember this at all times if you want to remedy the problem. If you are frustrated, he will be, too! And, barking is a great release for your dog’s frustrated energy.

Ignore the barking
Ignore your dog’s barking for as long as it takes him to stop, which means don’t give him any attention while he’s barking.  I saw a lady with a small, excited dog that wouldn’t stop barking. She picked up the dog to try to stop it.  That is the wrong approach because the attention and affection from being picked up tells the dog, “I like what you’re doing right now and so I’ll pick you up.”

When your dog barks, don’t talk to him, touch him, or look at him.  When he finally quiets, reward him with a treat.  It may take a while for your dog to stop barking, but you must wait until he is quiet to reward him. It would work in the same way if your dog barks while in his crate. When he barks turn around and ignore him, and once he stops barking, praise him and give him a treat.  After a while he will understand that being quiet = a treat and praise.

Cesar Milan has a process where you tell your dog to stop barking (calmly) using a look, a sound, or a physical correction. He sometimes makes a sound (pssshhhh! or ssssshhh!) while quickly touching the dog in the middle of his side or on the hip.  This distracts the dog from his focusing on the barking motivation. Your dog may pause when you do this and then go right back to what he was doing, so you would do the same thing again using a sound or touch until he completely submits to your correction.  Remember, you are the alpha in the pack!

Teach Your Dog The Quiet Command
 Challenge Your Dog Mentally and Physically

Make sure that your dog is getting sufficient physical and mental exercise every day, as barking is sometimes a result of pent-up energy.  Please see my article Exercising Your Dog, posted April 11, 2016.   Depending on his age, health, and breed, your dog may need several good walks as well as games of chasing the ball and playing with some interactive toys.  I had a sweet, adorable Retriever mix many years ago named Dottie, who loved to play hide and seek games outside with my daughter.

Kami -4 yrs old and Dottie

My daughter at 4 yrs old with Dottie, who loved to play hide-and-seek with her.

Dogs need physical and mental stimulation in order to stay healthy and happy. A tired dog is a good dog, and a good dog is less likely to bark from boredom or frustration.                                                                                                                            

 

Aug 22

Adopting a Feral Cat – Arya’s Story

Adopting a Feral Cat* – The Story of Arya

 

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*A feral cat is a cat that has been born into wildness or has not had human interaction for a significant period of time and is self-sufficient.  Feral cats are usually considered to be distinct from stray cats, which are socialized cats who no longer live in homes, but could potentially be reintroduced successfully to a home environment.

Arya was found on a cold February day in 2013 by a BARCS (Baltimore Area Rescue and Care Shelter) volunteer who saw a small kitten scavenging in the dumpster for food outside of a downtown Baltimore City grocery store. When the volunteer called for the kitten to come, she surprisingly went to the volunteer.  She was then taken to BARCS where she was assessed and immediately put on antibiotics. There was severe conjunctivitis in both eyes, lung congestion, and she was thin and malnourished. Through the course of a few weeks, one eye healed but the other had to be removed and sutured shut while she was under anesthesia for spay surgery.

BARCS then sent Arya to a foster to see if she was able to be adopted.  Some feral cats are not capable of being socialized and adopted, depending on their background, on their age when found, and because of health issues.  Because Arya came to the BARCS volunteer that day she was found, it was determined that there may have been a good Samaritan feeding her and that she did have some contact with humans. Also, Arya was probably only three months old when she was rescued and this made it easier for her to acclimate to human contact.

Arya was first named Arlington by BARCS just before they sent her to be fostered, and she flourished under the care of that loving, caring person. She was then selected to be featured at a Pet Valu store in Baltimore so she would get greater exposure to prospective adopters who have a soft spot for ‘undesirable’ cats.  Undesirable cats are categorized as being older, black, missing limbs or an eye, or having FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus, positive).

Arya at Pet Valu adoption event, waiting for a forever home

Fortunately for all involved, my daughter was managing a Pet Valu store in another location in Baltimore and happened to be in the store where Arya was being featured for adoption. My daughter, Kami, told me, “She was soooo tiny and scroungy, but she spoke to me. She came right over to the edge of the kennel and let me pet her, she looked at me with that one eye and I wanted her.”  Keeping in mind that she already had a 13 year old cat at home (Keke) who was the only pet and who has diabetes, Kami decided to resist her impulse to take Arya that same day and to wait a week.  If the kitten was still there a week later, she would know that it was meant to be and she would take Arya home.

After a week of looking at her picture, and thinking of the pros and cons, Kami went back and little Arya was still there. An application was filled out, supplies bought, and research done on how to introduce a new cat to another cat. She came back to the Pet Valu store the next evening to take Arya home and saw the “I Have Been Adopted” sign on the cage, knowing that her new kitten was ready to go to her new home and her new life. At that time, Kami decided to rename her new baby “Arya” (after Arya Stark in Game of Thrones because she’s a small but mighty female).

In her research, Kami found that she needed to get everything new for Arya, from litter box to water bowls, toys, and lots of blankets. She also read that the relationship of a younger female cat with the established older male cat worked out best in bringing a new cat into a household. This was a perfect match so far!  She had a spare bedroom where she set up all of Arya’s new things.

Arya went to her new home with Kami on April Fool’s Day and lived in her own separate room for two days. Kami would visit with her several times a day and she would let her other cat, Keke, smell through the door. After the third day, Arya was ready to come out and see her new home and meet her new brother, Keke. After a few hisses from the old guy and after a few days they were alright with each other.  On her first night out of her own little room she slept curled up on Kami’s neck.

Arya has adapted well to her home and to her Mom and brother.

It’s interesting how Arya’s first three months of life alone in the big city, fending for herself to stay alive, have affected some of her behavior and personality quirks.  She is very independent, doesn’t like to be picked up or held, and she was initially very slow to trust and accept attention. Kami knew to let her go at her own pace and they are both still taking small steps toward Arya becoming more affectionate.

Kami has noticed that Arya tends to be sensitive to cold and so she loves to lie on the heating vents or be covered up with blankets when she naps.  Survival on the streets of Baltimore in the cold winter has understandably made her warmth and food driven, and she’s a formidable one-eyed huntress with a commendable hunt count of four mice and countless bugs and flies.

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Arya and Keke, enjoying a morning sunbath

She loves to wrestle with her big brother, and this has definitely helped with his health and keeping him young and playful. She is afraid of thunder and fireworks, and hides under the bed. When this happens, Kami puts a smooth jazz radio channel on for her and sits on the bed while she’s in the room.  Regarding her nutritional needs, Arya has had a very healthy diet which consists of organic wet and dry food, supplemented by a multi-vitamin that contains Omega 3 & 6, Taurine, and other good things.


It is very important to remember to be patient with rescued cats that were living on their own, as it is difficult for them to trust and to acclimate to a home environment. Arya is not a lap cat these days, but she always wants to be near her Mom and her brother, Keke. Kami feels rewarded by the baby steps that she and Arya are taking in their relationship and bond. In Kami’s words, “Whenever I get flustered with Arya, I remember that her birthday is in November and that she was found in Baltimore City in a dumpster, in February – poor thing was a baby surviving out in the cold. No wonder she loves the sun and to be under blankets! I am really happy that we’re making progress, like when I wake up and she’s on the bed next to me.”

Adopting a cat from a shelter or rescue group is a wonderful thing because it gives many animals a chance for a happy, healthy life that they would not have otherwise had.  I cannot say enough about the wonderful rescue groups throughout the country.  In my particular area, organizations like BARCS and Cats R Us are continually working hard to save homeless, sick, elderly, and unwanted animals and finding good loving homes for them.  In Arya’s case, she was a sickly kitten trying to stay alive in the cold winter weather on city streets. Her life was saved twice, first by the BARCS volunteer who found her in the dumpster, and then again by Kami, who adopted her and has given her a safe, comfortable, loving, forever home.

My daughter and Arya, my Grandcat

Update – 11/2016  Arya’s brother, Keke, passed away several months ago from complications of his diabetes.  Arya still misses him very much, but now she has a new brother – Rhett!  Rhett was adopted from BARCS and was also a feral cat found on the streets of Baltimore.  They have many things in common, and they love each other already!

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Rhett – Arya’s new brother. He’s such a handsome guy!

Aug 15

Socializing Your Bully Breed Dog

Canine Breed Discrimination  – IV

Socializing Your Bully Breed Dog

happy pets blog socializing bully breeds 4 pits

 

If you own a bully breed dog (see my article Bully Breed Dogs, dated Aug 1), or are thinking of adopting one, you are a special soul because you have decided to give a beautiful animal a chance to live a happy healthy life with you and your family.  I salute you, and I thank you!

Bully breed dogs are naturally social animals who love being around people. As with other dogs, if they are not properly socialized they can become timid or develop behavioral issues.  Unlike other dogs, however, bully breeds already have an enormous strike against them due to misconceptions about their temperament.  Because of the fear, misunderstanding, and lack of education regarding the bully breeds, it is especially crucial that your dog knows how to behave in public and in certain situations.

As with any new pet, it’s important to introduce your bully to all types of people as soon as possible so that strangers won’t faze her.

The Key To Socializing Bully Breeds Is Taking It Slow And Easy

It is important to prevent them from engaging in bad behavior from the beginning because even rough, unruly play with other dogs can later develop into aggression and fighting behavior.  You must prevent bad behavior and reward good, calm, obedient behavior.

Elizabeth Meyer, 77, with Lily

Socializing with People        

You will need to establish a close bond with your pup before you socialize her with other people, so plan to spend the first few weeks getting her adjusted to her new surroundings and giving her lots of one-on-one attention. When you have earned your bully’s trust and admiration, you will be ready to socialize her with other people and you will have better results.

Consider registering your bully for basic obedience classes where she will be around trainers who can work on any bad habits, such as jumping.  After she has learned a few basic commands, start introducing her to men, women, children, people of different sizes, races, men with facial hair, people wearing hats, glasses, etc.  Variety is the key to getting your bully accustomed to different people and faces, and the more she’s around all types of people, the more comfortable she will become.  Always remember that safety comes first, so always have your pup leashed and under your control when you are introducing him to strangers.

Bullies, as a breed, love people and are happy to be around them at any age, especially when they have been taught from early on that people are associated with good stuff like belly rubs, hugs, treats, and toys.  Always look to create good interactions, start slow, and be patient with your bully baby.

Socializing with Other Dogs

If you adopt your bully breed when she’s a puppy, you will find it a bit easier to socialize her with other dogs while she’s young.  The sooner you begin introducing your baby to other dogs, the more likely she is to accept them when she’s an adult.

Introducing your bully breed to other dogs is more of a challenge, as they tend to prefer people.  Not all bullies get along well with other dogs, so it’s important to know your dog’s tolerance level before moving ahead. If you are adopting a grown dog from a shelter, ask them about the dog’s temperament and tolerance level toward other animals.   If your pup seems open to interaction with other dogs or cats, work with a trainer to introduce her to other dogs gradually.

Taking long leash walks with other dogs of good temperament and good social skills who are with responsible owners is happy pets blog socializing bully breeds pit on leash smilinga very good way to begin socializing your pup.  Remember not to pull back on the leash or yell at your dog if she barks or acts up.  This will only increase her excitement level and make the experience negative, and she will then associate that feeling with other dogs.  This is when you need to maintain a calm, assertive energy and distract her with a correction, be it a sound you’ve trained her with, a quick sideways tug of the leash, or a touch.   If these actions don’t work, you can always calmly walk away.

 

Keep a bunch of your dog’s favorite treats on hand whenever you are heading out to socialize and always reward her for good, calm, obedient behavior. Sitting politely for petting and accepting attention from people also deserves a reward.  Be sure to let her act on her on accord, when she feels ready and encourage her and praise, but never force.  Calmly encourage and reassure your pup when she is feeling unsure.  If your dog seems indifferent, don’t force the interaction.  Bully breeds prefer the company of their humans, and the main goal of socialization is to help your dog learn to behave around other dogs, not to teach him to like them.

Dog Parks are not the best place to socialize your dog, and are not recommended for bully breeds, regardless of how well-mannered they may be.  There is no way to predict or to know the behavior of other dogs at a park or in a doggie daycare. Many people take their dogs to those places with little understanding of their own dog’s tolerance for interacting with other dogs.  And, there is often expectation that if you leave the dogs alone, they will “work it out”.  This can result in a situation that may result in injury.   If something does go wrong, whether or not the bully breed instigates it, the bully is usually blamed.   Unfortunately, every negative incident reflects not only on the individual dog, but on the bully breeds as a whole.

Take your dog to places where she can have positive, controlled encounters with new people and other dogs, whether it be shopping at the pet store, a visit to your vet’s office, training classes, or outside at a local strip mall.  Never push your pup into interacting with a person or dog if she seems hesitant or timid.  Pay attention to her body language and trust her instincts, and she will trust you.

I would like to add here that the idea that the bully breeds are naturally aggressive is a myth.  As Cesar Millan stated, “Any dog that is not raised properly by humans can become aggressive.  With proper training (and socialization), a bully breed dog can be as laid back as a basset hound. “

This handsome pup is Grant, a non-judgmental listener who encourages children to read

When you are out socializing with your Bully baby, you will probably encounter people who will be afraid or who may give you an attitude for having a dog of that breed. But, by taking your well-behaved pup out into the world, you will have the wonderful opportunity to talk to lots of folks that you meet and help dispel the myths about these breeds.  By proudly showing off that loveable tail-wagger by your side, there will be chances for you to engage in conversations and make friends while you are changing minds.

happy pets blog socializing bully breed pit with flower hat

Aug 06

DOGust – A Month to Celebrate Shelter and Rescue Dogs

DOGust – Celebration of Rescued and Adopted Dogs’ Birthdays

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For all of those wonderful pet parents out there who don’t know their adopted dog’s birthday, August 1 is the perfect time to celebrate. If you’ve ever shared your life with a rescue pup you’ve realized that you don’t know their birth date.  Now, DOGust 1 is designated as the official birthday of all shelter pets and rescued dogs whose birthdate is unknown.  That day is now universally known so that all shelter and rescued dogs will have their own special day of recognition and support.

As August 1 has come and gone (I missed the post date, sorry), you can still celebrate the month of DOGust by supporting rescue organizations and missions and by giving your rescued pet extra attention (which they richly deserve).

happy pets blog DOGust 1Many shelters and pet stores (such as BARCS and Pet Valu) are using the entire month of DOGust to hold special events to support the adoption and recognition of rescued pets. These wonderful animals, many still waiting patiently in shelters for their adopters, are so full of love and loyalty. They live to please us, so now there is a day (and month) set aside to honor and recognize them and return the unconditional love they give us.These animals crave our affection and company, and we need to give them extra attention on their special day.

If you are one of the special people who have adopted a rescued pet, be sure to spoil that amazing pup in your life. Spoil them with delicious treats or toys, an extra-long belly rub or ear-scratch, a walk to their favorite place, or all of these!

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“Miracle” Molly McMullen at the DOGust birthday celebration at Pet Valu in Baltimore, MD

Please see the rescue stories on my blog (The Story of Miracle Molly and Underdog to Wonderdog-The Story of  Delilah).  I have a special place in my heart regarding rescued dogs and those amazing people who open their hearts to these animals. Most of the dogs I’ve had in my life were rescues, and they were all wonderful.  I couldn’t have asked for more loving, loyal companions, and I miss them all.

 

 

 

 

 

If you don’t have a dog, please consider visiting your local shelter or adoption event and find a place in your heart for one of these beautiful furry souls. Giving one of these wonderful animals a forever home will enrich your life and will save theirs.  The love and devotion they will give you cannot be measured.  The happiness and gratitude you will both experience is priceless.

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