Health

February 22 2018

The Perils of Chocolate & Pets

melissa Health, Pets, Safety cat health, chocolate and cats, chocolate and dogs, chocolate poisoning, chocolate poisoning in cats, chocolate toxicity, dog health, pet health, pet health tips, pet safety, why is chocolate bad for pets

Always keep the tempting sweets away from your dogs and cats.

The weeks before and after Easter are typically drenched in chocolate. And those fun-looking baskets filled with intriguingly shaped (and scented) candies can be an irresistible temptation for curious dogs. Cats could also discover that those foil-wrapped eggs make excellent toys.

The guilty look and doleful eyes aside, such an escapade can be very harmful to your dog—and cat.

Chocolate is poisonous to dogs and cats; although your cat is less likely to be interested in the chocolate and probably more fixated by the nesting material that cushions it or the challenge of squeezing into the basket.

Chocolate contains theobromine a naturally occurring chemical compound found in the cacao plant from which all chocolate products are made. Humans can metabolize theobromine with no ill effects that comes from eating too many chocolates. Dog process the compound at a much slower rate which means its toxicity levels will build up in their system.

Chocolate and Cats — Cats will more likely be interested in getting into the basket and playing with its contents than eating the chocolate.
©vvvita/Adobe Stock

The first sign of chocolate toxicity is hyperactivity, similar to a sugar rush in children. Other initial symptoms include vomiting and even diarrhea. Depending on the amount consumed, theobromine can produce muscle tremors, full-on seizures, an irregular heartbeat and internal bleeding, and can ultimately be fatal.

Larger breeds can tolerate larger amounts of chocolate than a smaller dog. But as little as a single ounce of a dark chocolate could kill a 45-lb. dog. It’s important to note that some cacao and chocolate products are more toxic than others. All cooking/baking chocolate, cocoa powder and dark chocolate contain the highest levels of theobromine. Milk chocolate and white chocolate have the lowest quantities.

Any indication that something is amiss with your dog (or cat) must be taken very seriously; get to a veterinarian immediately. Because it can difficult to get a vomiting dog into your vehicle, you should always have ready access to a pet poison hotline. Pet Poison Helpline: 855-764-7661; ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: 888-426-4435. They charge for a call but it is certainly well worth it to have a professional guide help you and your pet.

Chocolate and Dogs — If you allow your dog to get near an Easter basket, make sure it does not contain any chocolate or other tempting items that might be harmful to him.
©iofoto/Adobe Stock

If your dog isn’t vomiting, your vet or poison control center specialist might advise you to induce vomiting by using 3 percent hydrogen peroxide. The dosage is dependent on your dog’s weight; typically, it’s 1 teaspoon per 10 lb. It’s always a good idea to keep a bottle of hydrogen peroxide at home as it has many uses. Also keep a veterinary syringe handy to get the solution down your dog’s throat. Do not try this without the advice of a veterinary professional first. And keep those chocolates for yourself!

close up of golden retriever dog at vet clinic

February 7 2018

How To Break Up With Your Veterinarian

melissa Health animal care tips, breaking up with your vet, can i switch vets, changing vets, changing vets moving, divorcing your vet, dog health, how to switch veterinarians, pet vet records, transferring vet records, veterinary care

What’s Involved When Changing Vets

Breaking up with anyone is difficult. Choosing to leave your current veterinarian, regardless of the reason, is extremely uncomfortable. Many pet owners put off this decision, hoping something changes soon, but it rarely does. If your gut is screaming that you and your dog need a new vet, then it’s time to pull up your socks and get it done. Yes, switching veterinarians can be done painlessly and graciously.

Trust Your Gut

It’s easy to second-guess your gut feeling, but that feeling is there for a reason. If your previous vet left your vet clinic, you can’t get a timely appointments for your pets, your appointments always run behind because the clinic you visit needs more vet assistants or other support staff, or if you’ve simply moved then breaking up with your vet is easy.

When you’re dissatisfied with your dog’s health care or staff members are rude, then that’s when it gets tricky. Many times staff members are rude because there was a misunderstanding. In that case, speak with your veterinarian or practice manager about it. However, sometimes those discussions just don’t work and it’s time to move on.

Trust and listen to your gut, and start looking for a new vet before something happens to your dog. Ask dog friends or your dog trainer for referrals and look into force-free vet clinics.

Transferring Vet Records

This is the point where most pet owners chicken out. While it’s easy to start from scratch with a new vet, it’s not fair to your dog. Your dog’s previous health records are extremely valuable to your new vet.

There are two ways you can transfer vet records. One way is to ask your previous vet to transfer your dog’s health records to your new vet. The second way, which may be a little less uncomfortable for you, is to contact your new vet’s office and have them request your dog’s medical records from your previous vet. What’s most important is your new vet receives those health records.

Remember, you don’t owe anyone an explanation unless you want to. Do tread carefully though and explain why you’re searching for a new vet. Maybe mention that you’re seeking a more integrative approach, you need a vet closer to your home or you received a referral from a fabulous dog-savvy friend. Never burn bridges, so handle this situation politely.

Meeting the New Vet

Assuming you’ve completed extensive research, it’s time to meet your new vet. Keep an open mind and refrain from bashing your previous vet. When pet owners speak negatively about others, it’s uncomfortable for everyone in the room. Switching vets is explanation enough; your new vet knows there was a reason. Instead of explaining why you left, provide details of your dog’s medical history that your vet may need to know.

Also, observe how your new vet and her staff handle your dog, how she explains your dog’s health, and how she answers your questions.

Never Give Up

Hopefully, your new vet fulfills your and your dog’s needs. Sometimes, it just doesn’t work out and that’s OK. Remember, you’re your dog’s voice, so never give up until you find the best veterinarian and support staff. Yes, it’s difficult and uncomfortable, but it’s completely worth it. You’re your dog’s advocate, so speak up. 🙂

December 13 2017

Home Sweet (Inside) Home

melissa Health, Lifestyle, Pets, Safety can you train cats, cat health, cat safety, cat training, cat wants to go outside, happy indoor cats, how to leash train a cat, keeping cats indoors, leash training a cat, reasons to keep a cat inside, training cats

Keep your cats indoors to protect them from outside dangers.

Your cat sits by the back door, looking plaintively outside and meowing in her best “please let me outside” voice. You want to provide the best life for your cat, and you wonder if being able to play and explore outside will add to her quality of life. Before you invite her to play outside, however, consider the dangers that may await her outside your home.

Indoor-only cats typically live longer lives than cats who go outside. In fact, the average life span of an outdoor cat is 3 to 5 years, while that of an indoor cat is well over 10 years. An outdoor cat’s life may be shortened by:

Being hit by cars
Being attacked by dogs or other outdoor wildlife
Suffering wounds from fights with other outdoor cats
Contracting feline diseases from other outdoor cats
Getting fleas, ticks or other pests
Becoming lost or stolen

If you adopted a cat who was already accustomed to being outside, and providing her with ample cat trees, window perches and interactive cat toys, and plenty of daily play time with you isn’t working, you could opt for controlled outdoor excursions. You could leash-train your cat for trips to the backyard and beyond.

To leash train your cat, follow these steps:

Buy a harness specifically designed for cats.
Make sure you are in the right frame of mind to train your cat. By approaching leash training with a calm, peaceful attitude, you can encourage your cat to be open to the experience.
Select a safe place inside to start training, and make it as welcoming to your cat as possible.
Over a period of time, in small daily sessions lasting 10 to 15 minutes, move through the stages of placing the harness on your cat. Such steps include:
- Placing the harness around your cat’s body.
- Gently buckling the harness in place.
- Adjusting the straps so the harness fits snugly around your cat’s body. The optimum fit allows you to fit no more than two fingers between the harness and her body.
Reward your cat with praise and a small treat at each progressive step while you introduce the harness.
When your cat is comfortable wearing the harness, attach the leash. This step takes place indoors, too, in an area that is clear of obstacles. Let her walk around with the leash dragging behind her, and reward her with praise and a treat. Repeat this process several days in a row, and be sure to stay in the room with her.
Next, hold the leash while your cat walks around the house. Let her go where she wants, and simply hold the leash loosely without pulling or tugging on it.
You might be content to let your cat direct all your walks outdoors. If so, when your cat is comfortable walking about the house with you holding the leash, consider taking your next short walk outdoors, in a quiet spot such as your backyard. If you hope to gently guide your cat during your outdoor excursions, employ these next few steps suggested by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (aspca.org) before heading outdoors:
- While your cat is wearing the leash, walk a few feet away from him. Gently ask her to follow you in a calm voice.
- Drop a treat on the ground at your feet. When she comes over to eat it, walk away to the end of the leash.
- Call to her again, and when her comes over to you, praise her and give him another treat. Repeat this process many times.
- If your cat tries to go in a different direction, apply gentle, persistent pressure on the leash and wait patiently. When she takes a few steps toward you and the leash goes a bit slack, praise her and give him a treat.
With your cat accustomed to your gentle guidance, begin taking short walks outside.

Leash Training a Cat — If your cat really wants to go outside, you could train her how to walk on leash, thus ensuring her outdoor excursions are safe.
©pimmimemom/Adobe Stock

You might also want to investigate purchasing or constructing an outdoor enclosure for your cat, so she can enjoy the outdoors without encountering the dangers that can lurk outside. Some companies offer window boxes that are accessed from inside the house and allow you cat to nap in the sunshine and fresh air. Others offer ledges that fit onto a window’s indoor sill, giving your cat a place to perch with a view outside.

Does your cat still stand by the back door, meowing to go out? If you’ve created safe situations for your feline friend to have a taste of the outdoors and it still doesn’t seem to satisfy his love for the outdoors, your cat’s hormones may be to blame. If you haven’t already, have your cat spayed or neutered to curb his (or her) hormonal-driven desire to seek out romantic encounters with other cats.

About the Author: Stacy N. Hackett is an award-winning writer with more than 25 years’ experience in the pet industry. She is the former editor of Pet Product News and a former staff editor with Cat Fancy, Cats USA, Critters USA and Ferrets USA. To learn more about her work, visit stacynhackett.vpweb.com.

November 15 2017

Why You Shouldn’t Toilet Train Your Cat

melissa Cats, Health, Lifestyle, Pets, Training cat behavior, cat toilet training, cat toilet training problems, cat training, cat training tips, do not toilet train a cat, how to toilet train a cat, how to train your cat to use the toilet, litterbox, toilet training cats, train cat to use toilet, why is it bad to toilet train a cat

Teaching the behavior causes more problems than it solves.

In “Meet the Parents,” Robert DeNiro’s character owns a cat named Jinx that has a unique talent: The cat uses the toilet instead of the litterbox. At first thought, the idea of your cat using the toilet instead the litterbox may have great appeal. Who wouldn’t like to avoid scooping the litterbox.

However, the majority of cat behavior experts agree that cats should not be toilet trained. It’s worth noting that in the aforementioned movie, the cat did not really pee into a toilet. Jinx was actually played by two 5-year-old Himalayans, Bailey and Misha. In the two scenes in the movie where Jinx uses the toilet, both cat actors were trained to sit and stay on an empty commode.

Besides taking a considerable amount of time and effort on your part, training your cat to use a toilet instead of a litterbox turns her simple act of eliminating into an anxiety-filled event. It prevents your cat from following her natural instinct to dig, eliminate and then bury her waste—she cannot do that on a toilet seat.

Your cat also cannot “mark” her territory on a toilet. Even a well-cleaned litterbox retains scents that cats can detect but humans cannot. When these scents are flushed away, your cat might become insecure in her territory and could begin to urinate in inappropriate locations.

Toilet Training a Cat — No matter how much owners would like to get rid of their cats’ litterboxes, they are essential for feline health and well-being.
©ajlatan/Adobe Stock

In addition, adult cats (you cannot toilet train kittens as they are too small) typically resist changes to their normal routine. A cat who has used a litterbox for several years will most likely become stressed when introduced to toilet training, which could also result in elimination accidents.

Another thing to consider is that is your cat will need to balance on the edge of the toilet during training and for regular use. This can be difficult especially if she is older, very young or suffering from illness or in pain. If your cat should slip and fall in, she will most likely reject the toilet altogether and begin eliminating elsewhere in your home.

One of the biggest cons to toilet training a cat noted by the majority of animal experts involves changes in a cat’s waste. Such changes typically indicate health problems or issues. If your cat begins eliminating in the toilet, you will not be able to see changes in her type or frequency of output, which will affect your ability to catch health issues early on. This can drastically effect treatment options and prognoses—sometimes at great cost to your cat’s health and/or your finances.

Toilet training a cat is not recommended and really should not be done.

The British Grey Cat is Biting Open Book,Funny Pet on the Wood F

November 15 2017

Feline Chewing Problems

melissa Cats, Health, Pets, Safety, Training cat behavior, cat behavior issues, cat behavior modification, cat chewing, cat chewing cords, cat chews everything, cat trainer, cat training, cats with pica, pica in cats, stop cat chewing cords, stop cat from chewing, training cats

Taking a few effective measures can help keep your cats safe and sound.

Cat Chewing on Toilet Paper — While chewing on toilet paper might seem relatively harmless (albeit messy), a cat could ingest too much and/or decide that all types of paper are fair game.
©kozorog/Adobe Stock

There are a variety of reasons cats might chew on and/or eat nonfood items. Felines might chew if they are bored or have too much excess energy. Highly stressed or anxious cats often chew as a self-soothing technique. Chewing on or ingesting nonfood items can not only be destructive, it can be very hazardous to a cat’s health. This is why it’s best to stop your cat from chewing on such items.

Read more about our unique Cat Training course.

Cats can be very effective paper-shredding “machines” and can do an efficient job of tearing up confidential and personal documents you don’t want destroyed. And, while it can be amusing to watch them chase and tear paper balls to shreds or unravel toilet paper rolls, there is a cautionary side to these behaviors. Ingesting paper can be dangerous and even life-threatening to felines.

When opening packages, you should remove the purchase and instantly discard the box and its cat-attractive contents. In addition to the box to chew on, there’s the temptation of the paper invoice, Styrofoam packing chips and/or inflated plastic bags.

Cats are also very adept at going on fishing expeditions into open bathroom trashcans. Many felines love diving into discarded tissues to snag cotton swabs and bite off their heads. Dental floss presents another serious issue and should never be left lying around. If ingested, it can harm a cat’s intestines and result in a life-threatening emergency. Securing every trashcan in a home is the solution to preventing these scrummaging expeditions.

Cat Chews on Wires — Chewing on any type of wire is hazardous to a cat’s health.
©evakid/Adobe Stock

Electrical cords and cables are another potential hazard. Most homes have a plethora of cords, from the entertainment system to the computer setup to the vacuum cleaner and other appliances. A cat could easily bite through a cord and cause burns to the mouth area as well as singe her whiskers. And, the frayed wires could also cut her tongue or gums. Ingesting the cords’ covering can be harmful and contact with the wires can result in electrocution. To keep your cats safe, you should use protective cord or cable covers; some of which are infused with citronella to deter chewing.

Many felines also have a penchant for chewing on houseplants, which is why you need to ensure your plants are of a non-toxic variety. Sprinkling leaves with ordinary ground or cayenne pepper, or misting them with non-toxic bitter spray can help keep cats out of your plants. With the holidays approaching, you could also use these deterrents on holiday tree skirts as well as the lower branches to discourage your cats from chewing on or climbing into them.

Chewing and sucking on fabric is also relatively common in cats; wool can be a favorite substance for felines to gnaw on. Fabric chewing might be a sign of obsessive compulsive disorder. You can use the above mentioned deterrents to keep your cat from chewing on furniture, drapes and other household fabrics. You should also secure closets, cupboards and drawer so that you cat is unable to sneak in and start chewing up garments.

Play With Your Cat — Playing with your cat on a daily basis can help prevent many behavior issues by expending her excess energy.
©liukovmaksym/Adobe Stock

In addition to making items unpleasant to chew on, you should help your cat expend any excess energy by playing with her more often. You should also give her a range of toys to keep her occupied, especially solo interactive ones, such as puzzle feeders and ball-and-track toys.

Sometimes eating nonfood items (a condition called pica) can be caused by a medical issue, such as hyperthyroidism or nutrient deficiency. If your cat is chewing and eating nonfood items, you should take her to a veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical causes.

About the Author: Sandy Robins is the 2013 winner of the “Excellence in Journalism and Outstanding Contribution to the Pet Industry Award.” Her work appears on many of the country’s leading pet platforms, such as MSNBC.com, MSN.com and TODAYShow.com. She is a regular contributor and columnist in multiple national and international publications, including Catster, as well as the author of the award-winning books “Fabulous Felines: Health and Beauty Secrets for the Pampered Cat” and “For The Love of Cats.” Learn more about Sandy on her website or Facebook page. #welovecats

October 11 2017

Anxious Felines

melissa Health, Lifestyle, Pets can cats be trained, cat anxiety, cat anxiety symptoms, cat behavior, cat behavior tips, cat behavorial issues, cat physical issues, cat stress, cat training, how to train cats, how to treat anxiety in cats, training cats

How to tell if your cat is stressed—and how to help.

Cat Communication — Learning more about how cats communicate and their behavior will help owners determine when and why their beloved feline is stressed. ©koldunova/Adobe Stock

Cats are complex creatures and identifying the reasons why one chooses to do (or not do) something can be quite vexing for humans. When evaluating a cat-related problem you need to realize that just like humans: 1) Cats never do anything without a reason—even if you don’t truly understand the motivation; and 2) Nearly every problem can be resolved by considering two aspects: Physical and/or Behavioral.

Inappropriate Urination

Cats use scent to communicate to one another; spraying, defecating or urinating outside of a litterbox is their way of signaling specific things, such as “this is my territory,” “I don’t feel well” or “stay away.”

Cat Litterbox Issues — Stress due to a dirty litterbox could cause a cat to go outside it.
©zorantino/Adobe Stock

How to Help

Physical: The most important thing to do is get your cat to a veterinarian to rule out cystitis, urinary tract conditions or bladder problems, some of which can become deadly in hours.

Behavioral: Once physical issues have been ruled out, you can begin working on behavioral problems. You might need to change a litterbox’s location, increase the number of litter boxes change the litter type and/or clean the boxes more often.

Sometimes, if a medical condition causes a cat pain during elimination, she will start associating that the litterbox and avoid using it. Try the aforementioned solutions, and/or using calming pheromone-based products to help ease her anxiety.

Excessive Grooming

Cats will spend about 15 to 50 percent of their life grooming themselves, so it can sometimes be difficult to tell if they are doing it too often.[1] Cats groom to self-calm, remove parasites and keep their fur clean and tangle-free. Signs of excessive grooming include thinning fur, bald patches of skin or “twitch” grooming (when your cat suddenly lunges to groom herself). Excessive grooming might be a result of infection, gland or urinary conditions, parasites or even a stress response.

How to Help

Physical: Check for parasites—fleas, ticks, mites—or other skin problems. You should also take your cat to the veterinarian to find out if there are any underlying medical conditions and/or inquire about using a parasite prevention program.

Behavioral: Regularly brushing your cat could help prevent future excessive grooming episodes. If your cat has outdoor access, you could limit her roaming by installing an enclosure such as a catio. If your cat uses grooming as a way to cope with stressful situations you could also consider using a pheromone-based product to help calm her.

Appetite Changes

Stressed Cat — Stress could cause a cat to stop eating, even when presented with food she normally loves.
©sharafmaksumov/Adode Stock

Cats prefer to eat multiple times a day on a regular schedule and many aren’t shy about letting their owners when they are hungry. There are many things that could alter a cat’s eating behavior, including physical problems (e.g., digestive conditions, internal parasite, dental pain, kidney disease, thyroid conditions) and behavioral issues (e.g., boredom, stress).

How to Help

Physical: Take your cat to the veterinarian for an examination, which might include a dental check for teeth and/or gum issues; a stool sample for internal parasites; and blood work for other medical conditions. You could also talk with your veterinarian about using supplements and/or changing your cat’s feeding regimen.

Behavioral: Is another cat bullying your cat away from the food? If so, a simple change in feeding locations or using an automated feeder that only opens when the correct cat approaches could help.

Boredom or stress could also cause changes in eating behavior. A cat might eat more because she’s bored; while cat might eat less if she’s stressed. Increasing a cat’s daily activity, such as walks, play sessions and interactive toys, can help reduce boredom. Providing a cat with safe “feline-only” zones, such as trees or condos, could help reduce stress.

[1] Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. (n.d.). Cats that lick too much. Retrieved September 27, 2017, from https://www.vet.cornell.edu/fhc/Health_Information/CW_lick.cfm

About the Author: Stacy Mantle is a fulltime freelance writer, bestselling author and founder of PetsWeekly.com. She resides in the deserts of the Southwest with a few dogs, several cats and a very understanding husband.

October 11 2017

No More Sneezing

melissa Health, Lifestyle, Pets airedale terrier, allergy-friendly pets, bichon frise, colorpoint shorthair, cornish rex, devon rex, dog breeds, hypoallergenic cats, hypoallergenic dog breeds, hypoallergenic dog mixes, hypoallergenic dogs, hypoallergenic pets, list of hypoallergenic dog breeds, poodle, sphynx

One of these hypoallergenic breeds might help reduce your allergic reactions.

Have you been longing to add a cat or dog to your home but thought your allergies prevented you from joining the ranks of happy pet owners? While no animal is completely free of allergens, several cat and dog breeds are considered “hypoallergenic,” meaning they have fewer allergens than other breeds, making them less likely to cause allergic reactions in people.

Take a look at the sampling of hypoallergenic breeds described below; talk to your doctor about the severity of your allergies; and then consider adding one of these adorable breeds to your home. Please note: These lists are not all inclusive—many other breeds enjoy reputations as hypoallergenic pets.

Dogs

Airedale Terrier: The largest of all the terrier breeds, the Airedale Terrier can reach 23 inches in height and can weigh from about 50 to 65 pounds. The dog’s coat has two layers: a dense, wiry topcoat and a short, soft undercoat. The fur does not shed excessively, which helps contribute to the breed’s hypoallergenic reputation. This is a high energy dog who thrives when he has a job to do—otherwise, he might give himself the job of digging up your vegetable garden.

Bichon Frise: This small, fluffy white dog makes a friendly, playful companion while enjoying a reputation as a breed that causes fewer allergic reactions. The distinctive coat does not shed as much as those of other breeds, though they do require regular grooming. When full grown, the Bichon Frise stands about 10 inches tall and weighs 7 to 12 pounds.

Poodle: This affectionate, clever, elegant canine has won the hearts of dog lovers for hundreds of years. The distinctive curly coat—which can be professionally groomed into a work of art or clipped close for easier care—is known for its non-shedding qualities. Still, owners will need to groom them frequently to prevent the coat from matting. The breed comes in three sizes: toy (10 inches tall, 6 to 9 pounds), miniature (11 to 15 inches tall, 15 to 17 pounds) and standard (15 to 22 inches tall, 45 to 70 pounds).

Cats

Colorpoint Shorthair: A cross between a Siamese and an American Shorthair, the Cat Fanciers Association considers the Colorpoint Shorthair to be a distinct breed. It shares the Siamese’s long, lithe body but comes in a rainbow of coat colors and patterns. The cat’s short, fine coat (courtesy of the American Shorthair) requires minimal grooming—just comb it every few weeks to remove dead hair. Because the coat is so short, it sheds less than those of longer haired breeds, making it less likely to cause allergic reactions in its human companions.

Cornish Rex/Devon Rex: With their super short, curly coats, the Cornish Rex and Devon Rex enjoy reputations as being two of the more hypoallergenic breeds in the cat world. And while both breeds have long, slim bodies, the Devon Rex has a more impish look to its wedge-shaped head and slightly stockier body, while the Cornish Rex maintains a longer, leaner look from head to tail. Both breeds come in many colors and patterns.

A family of Sphynxes
©Asichka/Adobe Stock

Sphynx: This instantly recognizable breed is known for its lack of coat, which many people associate with a lack of allergens altogether. And while the Sphynx certainly seems to produce fewer allergic reactions in humans who are prone to allergies, he is not completely allergen free. Still, the sweet, snuggly Sphynx may make an ideal pet for someone with mild to moderate allergies.

Funny samoyed puppy playing with a brush

July 11 2017

From Head to Tail

melissa Grooming, Health, Lifestyle, Pets bathe your dog, brush your dog, dog grooming, dog grooming tools, groom your dog

Keeping the right grooming tools on hand will help your dogs look their best.

Long-haired dogs, short-haired dogs and those with fur lengths in between—they all need help keeping their coats in top shape. And while every breed of dog will have different grooming requirements, you can help your furry friend look his best by keeping these dog grooming tools on hand.

Comb

Using a comb can help you remove dead hair and stimulate the skin on a shorthaired dog (image right). A comb also can help gently tease out mats that might form in the fur of longhaired dogs. Many different types of combs are available, from all-metal versions to those with ergonomically designed handles, as well as de-matting combs, flea combs, undercoat rakes and rubber curry combs.

Combs can also come with fine or coarse teeth—in other words, with bigger spaces between the teeth (coarse) or with teeth closer together (fine). If you are unsure which type of comb is best for your dog, ask a groomer or an employee at a local pet store.

Brush

Four main types of brushes are available for grooming: slicker brushes, rakes, bristle brushes and pin brushes. Each is designed for different coat lengths and fur types—again, check with your breeder or groomer to determine which is best for your dog.

In general, though, slicker brushes are designed to remove mats from medium to long coats (image right); rakes are meant to remove mats from thick coats; bristle brushes remove loose hair from shorthaired coats; and pin brushes remove dead hair and “fluff” already brushed or combed fur that is free from tangles or mats. Regular brushing will help keep your dog’s coat in good condition.

Shampoo and Conditioner Formulated for Dogs

Just as humans can choose from a range of shampoos and conditioners formulated to address different types of hair conditions, so can dog owners choose from a range of dog shampoos (image right) and conditioners.

Manufacturers offer formulas for sensitive skin, fur that tangles easily, and dogs with allergies. Other formulas are meant for puppies, dogs with black fur or for dogs with fleas.

Additional Tools

For the finishing touches on your dog’s appearance (and to help keep him healthy and happy), make sure your grooming tools include nail clippers designed for use on dogs (image right).

You will also need a toothbrush and toothpaste formulated for dogs. If you are familiar with their use, you mightalso want to keep electric clippers on hand to trim your dog’s coat as needed.

Dog puppy eating chicken neck - 8 weeks old - jack russell terri

June 7 2017

Ew! Don’t Eat That!

melissa Health, Lifestyle, Pets, Safety coprophagia, dog health, dogs eating gross things, pica

Why your dog eats gross things, and how you can help prevent him from doing so.

Disgusting as it is, eating poop isn’t usually harmful to dogs. However, it should still be discouraged to prevent the possibility of your dog ingesting parasites.
Mark/Adobe Stock

Smelly garbage, used tissues, even (don’t gag)—poop. Dogs eat some really gross things sometimes. What seems unappealing and nasty to humans sometimes smells so interesting or out of the ordinary that a curious dog has to fully investigate it. Sometimes boredom or anxiety leads a dog to eat things that seem truly disgusting.

In some cases, too, the tendency to eat non-nutritive items (a condition called “pica”) might indicate that a dog has a medical condition. A mineral deficiency, electrolyte imbalance, or anemia might compel a dog to eat things such as dirt, clay, sand, paper, plastic, chalk, fabric, compost, moldy garbage or—you guessed it—poop.

This behavior, the most common type of pica in dogs, has an official name: coporophagia. And while it seems completely gross, it typically isn’t harmful to your dog, unless he is eating feces from another animal that might contain intestinal parasites.

Ingesting foreign objects, such as rocks, could cause serious medical problems, which is why should always discourage your dog from eating non-food items.
Jana Behr/Adobe Stock

So how can you keep your dog from engaging in this behavior? First and foremost, if your dog begins displaying signs of pica, that is, eating items other than his regular food or treats, have him examined by your vet. Again, pica can be a sign of a medical condition, and you’ll want your vet to rule out any underlying veterinary issues.

Eating objects such as rocks, string, fabric or plastic can also lead to gastric upset, vomiting, diarrhea and even intestinal obstructions. Your vet can offer suggestions on how to prevent the behavior, including making sure your pet is receiving all the nutrients he needs from his regular diet. Other tips for discouraging your dog from eating weird or gross things include:

Clean up after your dog right away, so he doesn’t have access to his own feces.
Consider using an additive with his food that makes his feces unappealing to him. Check with your vet before adding this to his food.
Make sure he can’t access the litter box (but make sure your cat still can!).
Watch him carefully when you visit areas frequented by other dogs so he doesn’t ingest another animal’s waste.
Use garbage cans with lids that close securely.
Take out indoor trash frequently, especially particularly smelly items.
If your dog still goes after the trash when you’re not home to supervise him, consider crate training him so he can’t access it when you’re away.
Be vigilant about keeping items such as string, plastic, and fabric out of his reach.

June 6 2017

Cat Litterboxes & Litter

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What’s new in jumbo-sized pans and dust-free litters for felines

The Catit Cat Pan with Rim
Image courtesy of Drs. Foster & Smith

One of my biggest complaints about litterboxes has always been that they are too small, especially if you have a large cat or multiple cats. Even if you have one box per cat as per the recommended guidelines, they do tend to use any box in the home. And if the boxes are small, it is difficult for them to avoid stepping on fecal matter and urine litter clumps.

And then, of course, there is the problem of litter being kicked out and going everywhere.

Recently, I was researching jumbo litterboxes with high sides in an attempt to take care of both of these issues. I was pleasantly surprised to find a growing selection to meet these needs.

Most behaviorists suggest open boxes so that cats have a clear view of anyone or another cat approaching— and possibly trying to ambush them—while they are doing their business. As such, a high-sided box is a good choice because it offers relative privacy and a view.

A word of warning before you shop online (where most jumbo high-sided boxes can be found). Check the measurements to determine whether they denote the pan’s dimensions or the box’s overall size. I was interested in a litterbox that turned out to be 5 inches smaller in both width and length because the measurements included the box’s extremities—handles and the extended lip at the access point.

Among the high-sided jumbo litter pans I found worth considering is the Petmate Jackson Galaxy Giant Litter Pan, which has a high back and sides and a lower entrance area (about 7 inches), for easy access.

“Cats need to feel a sense of space in their place; that is, room to turn around, to cover what they’ve eliminated, to choose one corner over another,” said Galaxy.

Another box I really liked is the Catit Cat Pan with Rim; it has a generous 22.4 in. x 15.3 in. pan. The rim of the Catit is great to keep litter liners in place and it also has a lower entry point. For single- cat households with a small feline, there is the circular Booda High-Back Cat Litter Pan with a ramp. It’s ideal for placement in a corner.

One of my biggest gripes about litter is the dust that permeates the air when you fill the box or the cat scratches around. It’s not healthy for both human and animal residents. The new Cats Incredible Cat Litter from Lucy Pet Products has proprietary non-toxic technology that prevents any ammonia smell from building up in the box and the packaging claims its 99.9 per cent dust free—and it is. Plus it comes in a bag with a pouring spout that makes it very user-friendly.

Another excellent dust-free and environmentally friendly choice is the Okocat Soft Step Clumping Wood Litter, which is also biodegradable and flushable.

Silica crystal litters are also dust-free. The latest version of the PetSafe ScoopFree Ultra Self-Cleaning Litterbox uses crystal litter cartridges that only have to be replaced weekly now comes with an Amazon Dash button so that reordering cartridges is quick and simple. This smart litterbox can be set to scoop at different time intervals so as not to spook your cat and also has a health counter to track how many times your cat uses the box.

The latest litters also include a variety of diagnostic litters designed to alert pet parents to potential health issues, such as kidney disease, urinary tract infections, diabetes and food sensitivities, and allow effective monitoring the situation on a daily basis so that this detailed information can then be referred to a veterinarian.

Most diagnostic litters use assorted pH indicators that react to the introduction of urine and change color alerting to a potential problem. Diagnostic litter brands include Dr. Elsey’s Health Monitor™ Everyday Litter, LifeMate Clumping Cat Litter with Health Alert from Pestell Pet Products and Monthly Monitor from the Ultra Pet Company and Pretty Litter. And just like jumbo litterboxes, diagnostic litters are sold online and delivered to your door.

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Cat Litterboxes & Litter

What’s new in jumbo-sized pans and dust-free litters for felines

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