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/

Every Time We Say Goodbye: Dogs and Separation Anxiety

“Every time we say goodbye,  

I die a little. 

Every time we say goodbye, 

I wonder why a little.

Why the gods above me,

Who must be in the know,

Think so little to me 

They allow you to go.”
                                                ~ Cole Porter

It’s almost school time again. It’s not only a hard time for kids, it’s a hard time for dogs. They just get used to someone being around all day, then, too soon, they have no one home again. Or, their family changes as a young adult goes away to college. For many dogs, this can be a stressful time as separation anxiety kicks in. But here are some ways to recognize this, and some tricks to make Fido feel a little better about this transition.

Recognizing the symptoms

When you’re gone, does your dog -

• Urinate or defecate?
• Howl or bark?
• Chew or destroy household items?
• Try to escape – digging at doors and windows? Chewing windowsills?
• Pace uncontrollably?

Chances are, your dog is exhibiting signs of separation anxiety.

A Few Things to try

Counterconditioning:  Try making the association with your departure a positive thing. A great way to do this is with a ‘puzzle toy’ – such as a Kong or other item that gives a treat, but requires your dog to ‘work’ for it. Another great trick is leaving little piles of treats or kibble around the house for him/her to find. (This works really well with cats, too!) If you are consistent about leaving something positive for them to nibble on when you leave, your dog learns to look for a treat while you are gone!

Minimize the departure and greeting: It’s hard saying goodbye, for us, too! But, upon departure, just walk out – don’t make a big deal out of the fact you are leaving. And, when you return, minimize contact with your pet for a few minutes, then give a few strokes with minimal talking. Dogs mimic our behavior, and if it’s a big deal to leave or come home to us, it’s also a big deal to them.

Give ‘em dirty laundry: Dogs love our smell. Yes, even if we haven’t showered! Try leaving a pile of dirty laundry on the floor for them to sniff while you are gone. (That’s NEVER hard to do around here!) This helps them keep your scent on their mind, comforting them while you are gone.

These boots are made for walkin’: Make time for a walk before departing. This helps calm dogs and reduces anxiety. If the walk is long and strenuous enough, your dog may even sleep until you return!

If These Don’t Work

Some new products on the market are showing positive results. One of our favorites around here is the Thundershirt. It’s like you’re home, hugging your dog the entire time! The Thundershirt is made from soft cotton material which you can adjust to adequately snuggle your dog when you’re not around. It’s available through your vet, at some pet supply stores (like PetSmart), or through their website at www.thundershirt.com  and it works well for many issues!

We also keep a bottle of a calming herbal remedy in our fridge called LessStress, by NHV, available from www.petwellbeing.com (also available in a feline formula). It not only lessens anxiety, it boosts the dog’s immune system, as well as improving the overall disposition.  Its herbal blend contains chamomile, passion flower, lemon balm, and other calming ingredients.  We love this one!

If All Else Fails

If these ideas are not working, it may be best to seek the advice of a professional. Properly trained dog trainers and behaviorists are well-versed in anxiety disorders.  Ask around – especially at your vet’s office. They may have the help you need on speed dial!

*****************************

Sources:
http://pets.webmd.com

http://www.aspcabehavior.org

http://www.humanesociety.org http://www.petwellbeing.com/ 

. . . and personal experience. Much too much personal experience!

The 4-1-1 on Simple 9-1-1 for Your Pet

Sometimes, dangerous situations arise  requiring emergency action for your animal’s sake. The first line of defense should always be to contact your veterinarian, however, preparedness and quick response can save your pet’s life!  And save a costly trip to the vet if all turns out well.

Here are some tips on simple first aid for your pet. This is in no way meant to replace veterinary care and should be used with veterinary permission or on the way to the vet, depending on the severity of the situation:

Ingesting something foreign: First, try to verify what the animal has eaten. This information may be critical for poisoning purposes.  Next, check the airway by feeling the throat and looking in the mouth (if safely permitted). For dogs: If there is no blockage, administer one teaspoon (5 ml or 5cc) of 3% hydrogen peroxide for every 10 pounds of dog’s weight. Rub the belly to mix contents. If the dog does not vomit in 10 – 15 minutes, it is safe to repeat once.  If dog does not vomit after second administration, go immediately to a veterinary emergency center. And take lots of towels. Sometimes the movement of a vehicle can help the peroxide! For cats, rule of thumb is 3 teaspoons of 3% peroxide. Wrap the cat firmly in a towel, burrito-style,  and administer via eyedropper. Repeat up to three times (at 10 -minute intervals) before taking him to the vet.

Bleeding from toenail: It’s easy to cut your pet’s toenail too short and cause bleeding, especially if your pet has black nails. Be sure to keep cornstarch on hand at it is an effective coagulant. Dip the affected toe in the cornstarch. Bleeding should stop within a minute or so. A styptic pencil also works great.

Small cut or laceration: For deep puncture wounds, seek immediate medical attention. For shallower surface wounds, try to limit the use of bacitracin, adhesive bandages, or anything that may cause the pet to lick or dig at the wound. Instead, try cleaning it with saline or water, and then wrap it in gauze with a non-adhesive bandage (Ace bandage or like). If bleeding does not stop, or the wound is deeper than suspected, contact your veterinarian or emergency center immediately.

If your pet gets hit by a vehicle: Sadly, this happens too often, but if s/he is still breathing, first muzzle the animal. Even the best pet may bite in defense when it is injured.  After assessing injury and administering any necessary immediate first aid, wrap your pet in a towel or blanket to minimize movement and lessen the chance of shock. Secure the blanketed animal to an improvised stretcher (based on size of animal – for example, a cat may only require cardboard which has been folded several times, whereas a larger dog may need more support, such as wrapping a blanket around two poles, like broom handles or shovel hands, spaced 2 feet apart). Call your vet from the car!

Your pet stops breathing: Check the diagram below for how to administer CPR to a pet. And be sure to go straight to the vet!

Recommended items for a pet first aid kit (we keep ours in a plastic bin as the cover doubles as a makeshift stretcher for our cats):

3% Hydrogen Peroxide
Latex gloves
Elastic, non-adhesive bandages (example: ACE)
Gauze pads & sterile ones
Towels
Blanket
Muzzle (cat and dog, if you have both pets)
Sterile saline solution
Eyedropper
Cornstarch or a styptic pencil
List of emergency phone numbers: Regular vet, Emergency vet center, and the National Animal Poison Control Center (1-888-426-4435). If you regularly have dogwalkers or petsitters, you may wish to include a nearby friend or family member’s number as well.

These are only a few tips to help Fido or Fluffy in an emergency. You are the most important resource to your pet. The hardest part of an emergency is staying calm, but do so for your pet’s sake. By preparing a few things ahead of time, you can be sure of yourself and keep your pet calm and well!

For more tips on pet first aid kits, visit http://www.redcross.org/images/pdfs/code/First_Aid_Kit_for_Pets.pdf

For more information on pet first aid in general, visit http://vetmed.illinois.edu/petcolumns/petcols_article_page.php?OLDPETCOLID=530

Summertime and the Livin' is . . . HOT!

Many years ago, my elderly grandmother and I spent a few days visiting my cousins, her grandchildren, down in Miami. Bear, my cousin’s Lab, kept getting in the way of my grandmother’s walker, licking her face when she was seated, and generally being a nuisance to a  poor soul who wasn’t used to indoor animals. Much as they hated to do it, my cousins put the dog outside.  He had water, trees for shade, and he was at least comfortable, if not happy.

As the nation’s temperatures set daily records this year, it’s time to think of ways to keep your doggy cool – that is if you absolutely MUST keep him or her outside for any length of time!  If allergic company is visiting, or small children (or Grandma!) who rambunctious Fido easily knocks over by mistake, your dog will appreciate these fun and easy tips to help keep cool in the summer heat!

Water: Make certain to have fresh, cool water available to your dog at all times.  Having a water dish is problematic as it is easily knocked over by a running dog or (if applicable) his chain.  A great tip is to dig a hole, put in a shallow bucket that holds sufficient water but won’t easily pop out of the hole, and fill it to the brim! Another great tip is to freeze smaller bowls of water, then pop the ice out of the bowl and into his dish. It keeps the water cool and your dog, too!

Shade: Make sure you provide shade for your dog while it’s outside. If your yard does not have trees or any form of shade available, an easy option may be to build Fido an open-sided fort – much like you made as a child. Make sure there are no cords or nails for him to catch on. A couple of lawnchairs, a little blanket, and some imagination, and Fido can stay cool all day! Just make sure it’s secure and he has easy access to it.

A Children’s Pool: A few inches of water is a whole lotta heaven for some dogs!

Frozen Treats: Some great treat ideas for Fido are cropping up all over! Kong recently released an ice-cube style tray – complete with packets of mix for broth-flavored ice cubes! Our dogs love them! Also a new favorite treat this year is the frozen yogurt/peanut butter treats shown in the picture. Easy to make, too!

CREAMY FROZEN DOG TREATS
18 oz of low fat, unflavored yogurt
1/2 cup peanut butter  (we use Krema – just peanuts and a little salt)
1 4oz. jar banana baby food (our dogs prefer meat-flavored. Just make sure there is no onion or garlic in it!)
1 tablespoon of honey

Combine all ingredients and blend well. Pour mixture into small paper cups and freeze. Bone appetit!

So, be sure to keep an outdoor dog cool this year! He will thank you for it!

(Oh, final word on my cousin’s dog: Bear got Grandma back later that night. . . when my cousins let him in the house for the evening, he quickly hunted down her suitcase, lifted his leg, and, well, I think you know the rest.)

Gone to look for America . . .

Summer is soon upon us, and all across America, we are getting out the camping gear, fueling up the Winebago, and making reservations.

But, what to do with Fluffy and Fido? Can they come, too?

It is preferable, for your sake and theirs, to leave cats home. No cat likes to travel, and the stress of the trip in a carrier, coupled with time in a strange location, can cause many cats unnecessary anxiety, digestive issues, and behavior issues, too (like urinating). Find a reputable petsitter and leave Fluffy in her palace!

As for Fido, many service organizations these days are more than willing to accommodate a dog. It is always wise to call ahead to campgrounds and hotels. Many require a pet deposit, usually refundable, just to ensure your little furry darling does no damage.

Airlines are no exception to the ‘pet-friendly’ rule.  A good place to start for information on flying with one is the airline’s website. Most will accommodate, but depending on the animal’s breed and size, may require special handling and placement in the cargo area. Water dish requirements, proper labeling of the pet crate, and a sampling of Fido’s favorite dinner are a must in case your pet is lost like luggage! Call ahead if the website is not clear on requirements. Proper adherence to the rules is a must or the airline has the right to refuse! 

Some really great things to keep in mind before any trip with a dog (especially) are to ensure his/her vaccines are up-to-date and a microchip is in place with your current contact information.  Many vets and animal specialists also suggest taking the dog’s vaccination history records, too. This little tip could really help in an emergency.

Pet-friendly spas and resorts are popping up all over, and they don’t limit their clientele to just cats and dogs! Many cater to exotic birds, smaller fur-babies, and even reptiles! For a great list of really great places to take your pets to be pampered (because they can never be pampered enough!), or to just pass a night or two, check out http://www.petswelcome.com , a fantastic resource for the jet set!

The last little piece of advice we can offer is to be honest with yourself and your dog: is your dog travel-friendly? Or does the stress of an extended car ride make for a grumpy pup? If you feel the stress would be too great, it is preferable to find a petsitter or reputable kennel and just leave home without it! 

Either way, happy summer! Happy travels! Safe journey to all!

Heartworms on the rise this year!

Pet News Alert:  Heartworms are on the rise this year! With unseasonably high temperatures throughout most of the country this winter, the American Heartworm Association and The Companion Animal Parasite Council indicate that heartworms are at a near record risk this year.  According to a recent publication:

‘Through April 2012, the forecast calls for the following levels of heartworm populations in five U.S. regions: “extremely high” in the South; “high” in the Northeast and Midwest; “moderate to higher-than-normal” in the Northwest; and “persistent spikes” in parts of the West.’

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Veterinary Practice News

                                                                                             April 23, 2012

They cause pulmonary and coronary issues in both dogs and cats and are one of the most preventable forms of death in pets.  Last year’s mosquito bites could be this year’s heartworm. Take action!

Have you had Fido or Fluffy tested this year? Have you and your vet discussed a preventative plan?

As shown in the graphic above, the heartworm can reproduce rapidly in just a few months following a bite from an infected mosquito. With dogs and cats of any age and breed being susceptible, and tapeworms reaching up to 14 inches in length with a lifespan of 7 years in dogs (2-3 in cats), it’s easy to see how dangerous these parasites are to pets: they literally can fill the heart and that blockage can be fatal. It’s a case where the best cure is actually prevention. Be sure to have your pet tested annually and to use a reputable brand of heartworm prevention. It’s better to be safe than sorry! 

Spring has sprung!

Spring has sprung! And, if you are like most American homeowners, that means lawn and garden season. But, do you choose landscaping plants or weed your garden with your pets in mind?

More research is emerging on the connection between house/ garden plants and pet poisoning.  One of the most common toxic plants is a weed, Deadly Nightshade (aka Belladona – seen below). It is not only poisonous to cats and dogs, it can also poison children as its berries contain atropine, known to cause respiratory issues as it limits saliva and fluid production.

 Another plant popular with gardeners is the common landscaping bush, the English Yew, which is one of the deadliest plants on the planet! Who doesn’t remember playing with those red berries as a child? Little did we know then that those berries contain a cardiac inhibitive with no known antidote!

The lovely rhododendron (with its cousin, the azalea) is a gorgeous bush, avid flowering plant, and deadly toxin!  All parts of this plant are deadly – causing severe cramping, vomiting, coma, and even death. Best to steer clear of this beauty all together!

 

These are a small sample of all the known toxic plants but some of the most common. For a more complete listing of poisonous plants, broken down for cats, dogs, and even horses, as well as a list of non-toxic ideas, check out the ASPCA’s website at the link below. 

A great guideline for the pet, and plant, lover in all of us!

Link to Toxic and Non-Toxic plant lists at the ASPCA:

http://www.aspca.org/Pet-care/poison-control/Plants.aspx

Give me your unconditional love . . .

Those who don’t own pets simply don’t understand. Conversely, many who own pets simply don’t get it. There is an unconditional bond when you give of yourself for your pets. But it goes deeper than that.

Research over the past 25 years has proven that pets not only enrich our lives, they enrich our health. Studies show that pets increase social activity (and get us outdoors), lower blood pressure and cholesterol, reduce depression and anxiety (especially in Alzheimer’s patients), and contribute to boosting our immune system. While previous medical knowledge led us to believe that pets were a cause of allergies and asthma in children, recent research has proven exactly the opposite. (Source: Center for Disease Control)

Living with a pet, especially a dog, lowers an infant’s chances of allergies, including eczema -- an allergic reaction of the skin. Children living with dogs also show higher levels of immune system chemicals. (Source: WebMD)

Additionally, the increased exercise levels, coupled with lowered cholesterol and stress, can positively impact our heart health. In an older study by the National Institute for Health, it was shown that, post heart-attack (Myocardial Infarction), “all myocardial infarction (MI) patients who owned a pet were in relatively better health . . . “. But, we pet-owners already know animals are good for our heart.

There is something to be said for having the security and reassurance of a wagging tail or purr upon arriving home after a long day at the office. The stress of the world just seems to melt away when we feel that furry loved one reaching out to us.

One thing we don’t realize as pet-owners is that our pets live for that moment, too. Seeing us as leaders and providers, dogs rely heavily on us for guidance and security. And, as several studies have shown, when we leave for a period of time, cats (being the wild-at-heart animals they truly are) believe us to have been eaten by a predator. So, imagine their relief when we come home!

As Antoine de Saint Exupéry wrote in his classic book, The Little Prince, "Men have forgotten this truth," said the fox. "But you must not forget it. You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed."

That’s a two-way street.

Happy New Year! Happy New Pet!

Happy New Year from the staff and pets here at Crunchkins!

For some of you, the Holidays meant a new pet in the household. For many more, another season of happiness with your current pets. But how do you know if Fido indulged 'til he bulged this year? Or if Fluffy is just a little too, well, fluffy?

The best way to tell if a pet is overweight is a three step test:

1. rib rub: With Fluffy or Fido standing in front of you, try to feel for his/her ribs and pelvic bone. You should be able to count each rib, with only skin and a small amount of fat over each one.

2. tummy tuck: Does his/her tummy 'tuck' upwards? Look at your pet from the side. You should be able to see a strong definition between where the ribcage ends and where the tummy goes upwards.

3. hourglass figure: Straddle your pet while s/he is standing. For long-haired pets, smooth down the fur. Do you see a sharp definition, like an hourglass, from ribcage to pelvis?

See the illustrations below for reference.

(Images courtesy of UNH Veterinary Program)

If your pet failed the above tests, s/he is most likely overweight. With the rise in pet obesity, this is a (pardon the pun) growing epidemic! Overweight animals are at higher risk for health issues such as diabetes, heart troubles, and other organ failure.

But, what are some ways to get your pet down to a normal weight? Check with your veterinarian if your pet has previous health issues, but for most pets (and humans, for that matter!), cutting calories and increasing exercise are two great ways to start. Consider additional playtoys for your kitty or dog, including ones that are interactive with you and your family. Cut out high-fat treats for sure, and consider metering out food in small meals throughout the day instead of one large meal in the morning or evening.

By now, the 68% of Americans who have made New Year's Resolutions to 'lose weight' or 'get back in shape' have left them by the wayside. Why not take this opportunity to get back on track by walking Fido daily? Not only will it make a happy, healthier pet, it will make a happy, healthier you!
_________________________

For some other great low-fat and low-to-NO-cal treats for pets, check out our website at http://www.crunchkins.com/! From edible rawhide greeting cards for dogs to catnip toys for cats, there are hours of fun to be had . . . and treats, too!