Debunking the “Seven Human Years is One Dog Year” Myth: What to Watch for in Aging Pets

The main problem with pets, as any pet lover knows, is that they don’t live as long as we do. Their time at “The Rainbow Bridge” comes much too soon.  But, the equivalent of “age in human vs. dog/cat years” is a little more complicated than a simple ratio.  And being aware of signs to watch for in aging pets can make their final years more healthful and happy.

As you can see from the graph below, dog aging is more tied to a dog’s size than anything else.  (graphic courtesy Wikipedia.org)

A cat’s years, on the other hand, are a little more constant, at least in equivalency.  (graphic courtesy bengalcatworld.com)

But pets don’t age the same way humans do, and it helps to be aware of the signs and symptoms in your pet. The following tips are part of a good regimen to keep Fido and Fluffy happy and well.

1.       Get regular vet exams:  This is important throughout your pet’s life, but it’s especially important in senior pets. Arthritis, heart problems, and teeth & gum issues are things we may not catch since we see our pet on a daily basis. A veterinarian, on the other hand, can help diagnose and treat issues, often before we even know they ARE issues.

2.       Watch your pet’s weight:  Nothing ages a pet like being overweight, and sudden weight loss can be an indicator of a serious problem. Watch that your pet’s weight doesn’t change dramatically. If it does, seek medical help. Diabetes, kidney issues, and cancer are some possible issues related to rapid weight change.

3.       Behavior changes: As pets age, their bodies may stay healthy, but behavior changes could be indicators of the onset of dementia. Some things to watch for include:

a.       Changes in ‘bathroom’ habits: Has Fido begun urinating or defecating in places he shouldn’t? Has Fluffy started “thinking outside the box” a little too often? These can be indicators of dementia (or other health issues).

b.      “Crying”: If Fluffy or Fido suddenly starts meowing/barking or whining at odd hours, especially wandering through the house while doing it, not only is it one of the saddest things to witness,  it is usually a sign of dementia.

c.       Getting lost in familiar places: Watch that your pet doesn’t wander aimlessly or confused through places like the living room.

d.      Lack of drive to interact: Sometimes it’s just ‘old age’ pain or lack of energy that makes a pet lose interest in family interaction, but sometimes it can be dementia. If a favorite toy or family member suddenly holds no charm, your pet may be exhibiting signs of dementia.

So, celebrate the years you have! Revel in the joy of pet ownership! They may not be here forever, but the joy of their camaraderie and company makes it all worthwhile! 

    

Spring Has Sprung! (At least on the calendar)

Pee-wee and his siblings were dumped in our 'burn pile'.
Luckily we found them before any harm was done.

Love is in the air. But all that ‘love’ makes for unwanted kittens and puppies.  It’s time to spay and neuter those pets, folks, and Trap, Neuter, and Release (TNR) those outside feral cats.

It’s estimated that eleven out of twelve kittens born every year are unwanted. That horrible label, “unwanted”, means that many end up euthanized in shelters. In the spring, some shelters are so inundated with babies, kittens especially, that they are euthanized immediately upon intake as there is simply no room to accommodate them.  Their only crime is being born.

For domesticated cats, it’s as easy as contacting your vet. Many shelters and veterinarians offer low-cost spay and neuter programs or know a resource that provides them.  Spaying and neutering also cuts down on behavior-related issues in the home. Many unaltered males will begin spraying to mark their territory. Early intervention is critical to curb these before they get out of hand.

It’s a little more challenging for the feral outdoor ones.

Arguments have recently been against TNR programs for feral cat colonies. Those in opposition claim the animals are a threat to local wildlife, not only as hunters of prey, but also as potential disease carriers. Opponents also claim that it is a financial burden on neighborhoods and communities to TNR and care for the colonies.  Their solution is to euthanize the trapped animals, or to find a shelter that will socialize the cats and adopt them out. Easier said than done.  With cats having a lower survival rate at shelter than dogs, placement of ferals in homes is challenging and often difficult. Resources are often not available for such socialization programs, making the feasibility improbable, especially in rural areas like where we live.  

 The argument for TNR programs is a little more clear: they stop the population from spreading.  By releasing/returning the animals to where they were found, it allows them to live out their lives, but controls the population and stops unnecessary pain and suffering for the new litters. Most animal rescue organizations support such efforts, and many communities have organizations that work with individuals and neighborhoods in these programs.  If you have a feral colony to control in your area, the best place to start, again, is with your vet. Many vets will offer assistance or find it for you. They, like you, want to see the animals free to live their lives.

But what of our beloved canines? Spay/neutering is highly recommended for your dogs. Many runaway animals are females in heat or males smelling females in heat.  That argument alone is enough to keep Rover from roaming! But there are also health benefits, especially in neutering. Many unaltered males end up with testicular cancer or other health issues. Fear of emasculating them by neutering should be greatly outweighed by the clear benefits.  In females not being used for breeding, it also cuts down on unnecessary anxiety and suffering. It’s one of the kindest things an owner can do.

Help prevent unnecessary euthanasia! Be part of the solution and not part of the problem.  Spay or neuter your pet today.

The Importance of Training Your Pet

January is National Train Your Dog month, and nothing could be more important for the health and well-being of your dog (OR cat).  A dog should understand basic commands and etiquette, if not for your sanity, then for its safety. More dogs are released to shelters annually due to “behavior” issues than for any other reason. Chances are it’s not their fault.

It is important to start training a dog as soon as you get it. This helps the dog understand your expectations right from the start.  Simple commands like, “Sit” and “Down” (for “Lie Down”), as well as “Off” (for “no jumping up”, or to get it off furniture and other undesirable areas) are important to start working on right away.

Here are some great tips for training time from The Examiner:

1. Time, patience and proper discipline are important to the success of the training program.

2. Don't start training on a day that you are in a bad mood or irritated; you might risk bringing that mood to the training, which is very counterproductive.

3. Learning how to read your dog's body language will help you to understand your dog needs. A stressed dog will show it, and that is a good time to take a break in the regimen.

4. Always use positive reinforcement methods. This is important for building a bond of trustiness with your dog. Yelling and hitting don't work, mostly because the dog doesn't understand that communication. Dogs don't punish each other.

5. End the practice sessions by playing with your dog for a few minutes, as a reward for engaging in your training.   (examiner.com - April  24, 2012)

One of the most common mistakes in training dogs is allowing the dog to be ahead of you on a walk. This encourages ‘pulling’ as the dog sees open road in front of it and does not understand what you are asking of it. Dogs should be kept by your side when walking, not allowed to pull ahead. Many unnecessary poke collars and choke chains could be left in the pet store if people would realize this simple rule gives the dog the guidance and assurance it needs.

If your dog does not respond to simple training methods, it’s time to seek a professional trainer.  Reputable trainers are out there, as are disreputable ones. It’s best to ask your veterinarian who he or she would recommend. It could save both of you a lot of headache, and heartache, in the long run.

Anxiety an issue? For information on how to help treat anxiety in dogs, please check out our August blog on how to help with anxiety issues: http://crunchkins.blogspot.com/2012_08_01_archive.html

Happy Howl-idays!

The Season is upon us! A time of joy, love, peace on earth, and CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS AND TREATS!  While the last part here is the best part for humans, it may not be the best part for your pets. Here are some reminders of some tips to help make the holidays less stressful for all, as well as a few ideas for how to help your furry loved one in the event of a holiday mishap.

"Scooby Doo! Where are you?"
"Oh, I'm just hanging out in the tree, Momma!"

Tinsel: This is never a good idea if you have pets, especially cats.  Cats are naturally curious, as we all know too well, and love shiny things and strings. Tinsel, however, can impact in Kitty’s  intestines and cause serious health issues. It’s best not to take the chance of putting it on the tree. If you do, and you notice Kitty’s eaten some, watch to see if his eating habits change. If they do, a quick thing to try first is a little hairball treatment (administer per package directions) or cooked pumpkin.  A tablespoon or so of organic or natural canned pumpkin, or boiled pumpkin of your own, can do wonders for Kitty’s digestive system . . . and Fido’s, too! It is high in water and fiber and can be mixed right in with wet food.  It helps with both diarrhea and constipation.

Ornaments: Shiny things . . . must have them! Cats and dogs both seem to love the beautiful, shiny ornaments with which we adorn our tree. I have learned over the years, and I strongly suggest, it’s better to be safe than sorry. In that vein, we put only non-breakable items at the bottom of the tree.  As we have large dogs, we start at about the height their wagging tails reach.  This also seems to be perfect for reaching kitties (about 3 foot off the ground or so).  It saves heartaches over lost heirlooms, as well as sadness over a wounded pet due to the broken glass. If Kitty or Fido should break an ornament and get glass in his/her paw, pull out your first aid kit (see our July blog post for suggestions for one of your own), then:

a.     extract any glass you can see using tweezers (and a magnifying glass as needed)  

b.      clean the site with hydrogen peroxide

c.      liberally apply some type of bacitracin ointment (Neosporin or similar)

d.      loosely cover with gauze

e.      call the vet if it continues to bleed or cause pain

Traveling with a pet: Check out our May blog for suggestions!

Holiday treats: We all know dogs especially love treats.  But we also know, for many dogs, things like chocolate and cookies (especially with certain spices and raisins) can be dangerous. Try to keep cookies out of Fido’s way (says the lady whose 3 large dogs just ate a whole tub of Snickerdoodles. IN MY DEFENSE, they were in a closed cupboard . . .  five feet off the ground). If he does over indulge, try one of two things:  induce vomiting (see our July blog for details), or if he seems okay at the time, but later has diarrhea or constipation, try the pumpkin suggestion above.  One idea, too, is that since raisins are so toxic to dogs (only a few can cause liver and kidney damage!), try using currants instead in cookies and treats. Since our emergency here, I keep no raisins in the house! And most people don’t notice the difference.

Holiday plants: Fresh holly berries, mistletoe, and poinsettias are lovely decorations and help set a festive mood. But, as many know, they are a hazard for both cats and dogs (and small children!). The best suggestion is not to use them in your decorations, but should you receive one as a gift or in a flower arrangement, be sure to put them where your loved ones can’t reach.  While it has lately been proven that poinsettias are not as toxic to pets as once believed, they can still cause stomach upset or diarrhea. Best to steer clear or take precautions. 

Live trees: Our cats love to chew these, so we have an artificial one. Our cats also love to chew IT (ugh!), so I will put it up, without decorations, for a few days. Spray bottles work wonders (except in the picture above). If you are out and about a lot, I also suggest spraying some vinegar on the lower branches before the lights and decorations go on. Dry ginger works, too, as cats don't like the smell! 

Tree lights:  I love pre-lit trees, but we learned our lesson when our Flat-Coat Retreiver mix was a puppy! It appears pets ALSO love cords (hmm, big surprise). When Allie chewed through our tree cord, thankfully she was not hurt (the lights were off). But, I took preventive measures. My solution? For the unpredictable chewer in the house: on the lower branches, where your pet can reach, I suggest a little Tabasco sauce. Put it on your hand, pinch the light cord between your fingers and palm, and slide along each section of wire between the lights. It saved our doggy from certain doom!  Tabasco’s smell is usually deterrent enough, but the taste will surely get them and with no prolonged damage. For the ones who are intrigued by the cord running from tree to wall, slit an empty wrapping paper roll lengthwise. Trim it to size to fit the length you need, then slip it over any visible wiring from tree to wall. Typically, they soon lose interest so you can remove the tube before your fussy mother-in-law arrives.  

~ Wishing you and your pets a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Your friends at Crunchkins

About the picture above:  We inherited a kitty named Scooby. Much like his namesake, you can usually find him up to some sort of shenanigans. Here, he's auditioning for "Treetop Angel: Eight-Foot-Tree". 

He didn't get the part.

Being Thankful for What We Have Received

With the stress of the Holidays upon us, it’s difficult to remember to find joy in the little things. Being an animal owner and lover is no exception. Some November or December days, a love bite from Fluffy can come poorly timed  (like when carrying the Holiday turkey to the table), Fido’s barking can be most annoying (especially as seasonal guests walk up to the house), and every little drop of kibble on the floor just before judgmental Aunt Bertha arrives only adds to the mayhem.

Calgon! Take me away!

Actually, take a few minutes and let Fluffy or Fido take YOU away. Often times, the most obvious solution isn’t the one we necessarily see first.

It is a proven medical fact that stress, like Holiday stress, raises blood pressure and that elevated blood pressure can cause a host of other problems, including risk of stroke, heightened brain-aging, and any number of organ-related issues like heart and kidney problems. It also raises cortisol levels which can contribute to belly weight gain – just what EVERYONE needs at the Holidays!   (NOT!)

But, it’s also a proven medical fact that spending time with animals lowers blood pressure.  And, oddly, the additional barking and love nips may be due to your pet wanting attention.  Want a perfect solution?  Take a break and play with your pet!  Win/win!  

Recent studies by the American Heart Association have proven that pet ownership can actually work BETTER at reducing blood pressure than some of the commonly prescribed drugs, like ACE-inhibitors.  Odd as it seems, the American Psychosomatic Society have led studies which prove that even having a dog or cat NEAR you while performing challenging tasks can help keep your blood pressure from spiking. And, through countless studies, several American psychological groups have proven that petting your animal companion will lower your blood pressure in minutes.  What more proof could you need?

While it IS indeed the “most wonderful time of the year”, it is without a doubt one of the most stressful, too.  Since roses aren’t in season, take time to smell the puppy (or kitty) belly! Get down on the floor and show a little love to the furry one who shows you love all year round.   Take a moment to be thankful for that little bundle of joy and just play!  And, while you’re doing so, you are helping your pet burn off anxiety and stress, too, which actually may help reduce YOUR stress, too!

Happy Holidays!

HOWL-oween: A Potentially Scary Time for Pets

Halloween is the favorite holiday for many, but for pets, it can be a season of undue stress and potential injury.

Everyone loves a costume . . . well, every HUMAN. If you are dressing your pet this year, try out the costume on him or her first. This not only ensures a proper fit, it also helps you gauge your pet’s reaction. For some animals, the restrictive feel of a costume can be very stressful.  And, if it’s a little loose, it can be a hazard.

Be sure to keep Fluffy or Fido in your sight at all times while wearing his/her costume. This will help prevent potential choking issues from small, dangly costume parts (like bells or fringe), as well as help you make sure your baby doesn’t get  the costume caught on something, causing a potential for strangulation.

Even the best-behaved pet can be very stressed with strangers coming to the door. You may want to keep your loved one locked in a room (after removing his/her costume) until the Trick-or-Treating festivities are over. Not only will it relieve stress, this will also help you ensure s/he doesn’t run out the door while you are handing out candy and admiring the neighborhood goblins and ghouls. A quick check at the vet to make certain your pet’s micro-chip is still working can be helpful, too, before The Big Night.

Halloween decorations can also cause unnecessary dangers. Lit candles in pumpkins are easily knocked over, and for a curious kitten, they can be a source of potential singeing or burns. It’s best to keep lit pumpkins outdoors. Please note, too, that while pumpkins and gourds are non-toxic to animals, they can cause stomach upset. Limit your pet’s access to any fresh harvest bounty to be on the safe side.

Garlands and streamers, just like any holiday decoration, pose choking hazards and entanglement issues - for cats especially. Make sure that any decorations are out of harm’s way.

By far the biggest threat, though, is Halloween treats and candy. Too much sugar can be harmful to dogs, so make sure that bowl of Snickers is out of reach at all times!  In addition to sugar, the chocolate can be potentially fatal, especially to smaller breeds. And any foil, cellophane, or even paper wrapping can cause intestinal blockage or stomach upset if ingested. No num-nums for Fido or Fluffy!

Halloween is a time when fear and mayhem rule the day. But, don’t make it unnecessarily stressful or dangerous for your pets. Keep these tricks above in mind when planning. Treat your pet right!

(Incidentally, the picture above is of the author’s cat, Lilliana. Lilli won Better Homes and Gardens’ pet costume contest in 2009 with the ironic caption, “Regardless of what my mom might tell you, I am NOT Happy Little Pumpkin Girl!”  I think the photo speaks for itself.)

Making Fido Earn His Keep . . . and Preventing Boredom

Most dog breeds were originally bred to work: to hunt, guard, or herd.  Because of this, many dogs get bored easily these days, lying around the house. Most unnecessary barking, and a good deal of chewing, is due to just that – boredom.

A very easy way to help Fido overcome boredom is to create a sense of self-importance to him – put him back to work! A fun and easy way of doing this is to have him wear a backpack during walks.  Specially -designed ones are available online at such retailers as Amazon.com. Also known as saddlebags, these packs give a dog a sense of purpose. Stuff them with a water bottle, some cleanup bags, or even just small plastic zip bags of sand, anything to give the dog added weight and a sense of contributing. (Note: I do not recommend putting a bag of treats in the backpack. Trust me on this one.  Other dogs smell them, and Fido will as well. It’s better to be safe than to potentially cause issues.)  Be sure to give him treats when first putting on his new pack so he starts to acclimatize to it quickly.

Speaking of treats, always make your dog work for one. It not only keeps him from boredom and excess pounds, it helps the dog make connections between ‘listening’ and ‘treat’.  Tricks are one way of making dogs earn treats, but other ways that are more interactive and cognitive are such things as IQ puzzles (like wooden slide puzzles that have slots for treats: dogs have to figure out how to move the puzzle to get the goodies), plastic puzzle balls that have a treat inside (more on these in a moment), or hiding the treats throughout the house! You can close off a single room, hide some small snacks, and make Fido sniff them out. Or, you can cook chicken breasts, puree them into a thick liquid with a  little water, then put the mixture in a squirt bottle (like the type you see for condiments in restaurants). A little squirt here, a little dash there, spread out over the lawn makes him ‘work’ at hunting down his meal, at least in his eyes.  Some fun things we do with our three rescue dogs are Easter Egg Hunts and Snowball Retrieves. Fill some plastic Easter Eggs with treats, hide them in the yard, and let the dog sniff them out. (Be sure to stay close so that he doesn’t chew the eggs, just finds them.) We pop them open and give them the treat as soon as they sniff the egg out.

For a Snowball Retrieve, our Flat-Coat Retriever mix LOVES the snow and is excellent off-lead. Since we have some acreage, what we do is let her sniff the treat, pack it in a snowball, then throw it out into the field. She will watch it land, hunt it down, and eat through the snowball to get the yummy. Lots of fun for everyone!  We are always amazed that she finds every one . . . even in acres of fresh snow!

Another fun thing you can do is to ‘hitch’ your dog up to a garden cart and have him help with fall raking. Set a bag or two (depending on your dog’s size) of raked leaves in the cart, and he can haul them to the curb for you!  Be sure to hold his leash and walk with him, reassuring him as you go. The sensation of the cart behind him can be a little disconcerting at first.  A treat at the curb is the sign to him that he did well!

So, give Fido a sense of importance. While it would be nice to teach him to mow the lawn or shovel the walk, at least these suggestions above are ‘jobs’ he can understand!  And they’re fun for his family, too!

(A little more on puzzle toys. Never leave your dog unattended. Not only might they chew the toy if they get frustrated, they also may do what our OES/Great Pyrenees mix did with a puzzle ball . . . take it upstairs and throw it down the stairs several times until she broke it, thus ‘earning’ her treat. Sort of.)

Photo courtesy of Doctors Foster and Smith: http://www.dfs-pet-blog.com/