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.