Keep your pets safe during the holiday celebrations

July 4, 2014September 30, 2014Pet information

Happy 4th of July! This is a wonderful holiday, and here are some tips to keep your family together. Everyone should be happy and safe, right!

With 4th of July comes celebrations, fireworks, and firecrackers. While all this can be great fun for humans, pets are generally less impressed. They don’t associate the flashes, noise, and smell of fireworks with something happy; most pets are very afraid of fireworks and many panic and run.

Every year on July 5th, animal shelters drown in pets that panicked and fled. They can’t find their way home, many are injured, and some die.

During holidays such as 4th of July, keep your pets inside, and keep an eye on them every time someone opens a door to the outside.

They might bolt through a crack in the door. Even if your dog is used to hanging out in the yard on their own, keep them indoors. They can hurt themselves, break restraints, and jump fences in an attempt to find safety from the scary bangs.

Naturally, don’t leave your pet in the car, and don’t bring them the fireworks displays.

Make sure your pet has proper ID. They should carry a tag with their name and your phone number, and they should be microchipped.

Summer safety tips for pets

July 3, 2014September 30, 2014Pet information

Most Chinese Crested require a medium PlexiDor dog door, but small individuals can get by with a small PlexiDor dog door — Hairless breeds such as Chinese Crested need to use sunscreen in summer. Be careful not to use human products as they can be toxic to dogs.

With summertime, holidays, and nice weather comes barbecues and other outdoors activities. It’s great to have pets join in, and some easy precautions can make the season safer for them.

Mosquitos are not just annoying; they’re dangerous. Dogs and cats should be on proper heart worm preventatives. Pets can get West Nile virus that is transmitted from mosquitos, and even if the disease generally isn’t deadly to them it’s still unpleasant. There is special insect repellents for pets. Never use insect repellents meant for humans on a pet.

Many use citronella-baed insect repellants, such as candles, oils, and similar. While these are great for keeping bugs away, they should be at a distance from pets. Inhaling the smoke can lead to pneumonia and other respiratory illnesses. A pet accidentally eating them can harm their nervous system.

Pets can get overhead and/or get sunburn, and on hot days they should be indoors or at least in the shade. If your pet is with you in the sun, make sure they’re not overheating. Some breeds, such as Chinese Crested and other hairless dogs, have extra sensitive skin and should wear sunblock. Never use sunblock intended for humans; many kinds are toxic to dogs.

Never give pets alcoholic beverages. Even beer is toxic to them. Allowing a dog to drink beer or anything else with alcohol can lead to coma and in worst case scenario death.

Innovative adoption campaign with 100 percent success rate

July 2, 2014July 18, 2014Pet information

Many campaigns that raise awareness for shelter animals or attempt to influence adoption are utterly depressing. How many people have cried to the ASPCA commercials showing sad puppies and kittens in cages set to heartbreaking music? The Human Walking Program in Melbourne Australia tried the opposite approach.

Sad humans working all day clearly needed rescuing. Happy dogs came along, ready for funfilled walks in the park. The project put up posters around the city, showing sad humans in office environments. “For 9 hours a day he is kept in a tiny box. And ignored. He needs to go walkies.”

The result? Astounding success. The campaign led to a 100 percent adoption rate.

Desensitize your dog to fireworks

June 30, 2014September 30, 2014Pet information

Many dogs suffer a fear of fireworks, and with the upcoming holiday it’s extra important to know about this, protect the dogs, and prepare them the best we can. Even a confident dog can be terrified by the loud and unpredictable noises and bright lights.

Pets should be kept indoors during 4th of July and other firework-holidays. There are some things we can do to help them manage the fireworks. The fear might never disappear completely, but we can make it easier.

Find a video of fireworks and play it on lowest possible volume a few times during the day. While you play it, give your dogs treats, cuddle, and play. You want doggie to connect the sound with positive things.

During the course of a few days, increase the volume slowly. Keep doing fun stuff every time you play it.

If your dog shows fear at any time when you play the video, turn the volume back down and keep the positive reinforcement with play and treats.

It might take time, but eventually your dog should be able to hear the sound at a fairly loud volume without being afraid.

Desensitizing takes time, and it doesn’t always make the fear go away. Keep your pets inside. Try to drown out the sound the best you can, and allow him or her to hide. Pulling them out or trying to coax them can reinforce the fear. Also, don’t coddle the dogs when they show fear; acting naturally shows there’s no danger.

Some dogs have severe firework phobia, and in these cases you should discuss the problem with your veterinarian. There are anti-anxiety medications that can help your pet get through the holiday.

Pets are good for the health

June 26, 2014September 30, 2014Pet information

Everyone with a cat or dog knows they’re great company. Many pet owners see their furry friends as family members, and they make great snuggle-buddies. Did you know that they add other health benefits to human lives?

Cats and dogs protect children against developing allergies

This is particularly true for cats. A child under the age of one living with two or more cats or dogs has a smaller risk of developing allergies as he or she grows up. Living with pets is good for the human immune system.

Cats and dogs reduce stress in our lives

Petting a cat or dog has been shown to lower blood pressure and help humans relax. Pets have a knack for knowing when they’re needed, and even the most elusive kitty tends to show up when their human needs a friendly ear. Pet owners also adapt better to stressful situation than people without pets. And if anyone doubts the benefit of a dog, consider all the therapy and emotional support dogs that help people cope with everything from depression to post traumatic stress disorder.

Dogs keep us fit

The average American without a dog moves significantly less than the average dog owner. Daily walks, exercising, and playing with a dog helps us stay in shape, keep a healthy weight, and lessens the risk for health problems.

Pets give healthy hearts

The American Heart Association recently reported that pets help reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Pet owners who suffer a heart attack recover quickly than people without pets. They also help lower cholesterol.

Pets improve our social lives

Walking a dog inspires conversations with other pet owners, neighbors, and strangers out for a stroll. Meeting new people and getting to know those around us battles isolation, loneliness, and depression.

Ice does not cause bloat in dogs

June 25, 2014September 30, 2014Pet information

Bloat is a dangerous condition caused by a dog or cat eating too fast, sucking in air with their food or water. If this happens, the dog needs to see a vet immediately and might need emergency surgery.

Many people believe that ice or ice water causes bloat in dogs, and this is caused by blog posts and images going viral on Facebook and other social media platforms a couple of years ago.

The important thing to know is that ice does not cause bloat. Drinking or eating too quickly causes bloat.

If a dog slurps down ice water on a hot day, it’s easy to get a connection between the ice and the bloat, but it’s the speed of eating or drinking that’s the culprit.

When a dog is hot and thirsty, portion out water. Don’t let them drink too much at once. If a dog eats very quickly, portion out their food on several small meals during the day. Also, dogs who eat or drink quickly should avoid exercise for at least an hour after eating.

Service dogs have access

June 24, 2014July 18, 2014Pet information

Service dogs have access to all places open to the public. According to the Americans with Disabilities Act, they are not required to wear a special vest or collar, even though many choose to give service dogs special vests.

Keeping this in mind, it’s not a big surprise that a Walgreens store in North Texas recently made the news when the manager kicked out a war veteran and his service dog. The war veteran showed the dog’s special tag and ID card, but the manager still didn’t accept their presence.

A business can ask if a dog is a service dog and what it is trained to do.

A business cannot ask a service dog and/or owner to leave as long as the dog is behaving.

Many people depend on dogs trained to do everything from retrieving objects to detecting upcoming seizures, and these dogs make important contribution to their humans’ lives.

If you see a service dog, do not approach, try to pet it, insist that your children get to pet it, or talk to it. The dog is working and doesn’t need distractions.

For more information on service dogs, check out these posts:
Different types of assistance dogs
What is a therapy dog
What is an emotional support dog

Florida landlord implements reverse breed restrictions

June 20, 2014September 30, 2014Pet information

Renters can have a tough time finding somewhere to live that accepts pets at all, and many landlords only welcome smaller pets. Some accept one dog or cat but not several, and many have breed or size restrictions.

Jacksonville landlord Jade Rouzeau loves large dogs, particularly pit bulls, and she decided to turn these conventions upside down. She only rents to tenants with large dogs. Furthermore, at least one dog in the household must be of a breed most renters put on the “forbidden” list, such as German Shepherds, Huskies, Staffordshire Terriers, Dalmatians, Rottweilers, and Pit Bull Terriers.

Besides looking at the dogs, Rouzeau wants friendly and good-natured people who will appreciate the home.

It is difficult to find pet friendly rentals; only 12 percent of rentals nationwide welcome pets. The number in the Jacksonville area is even lower, and this initiative will be a welcome one for dog lovers.

Have you tried to rent a place to live and been turned down because of your pets?

Tip to teach a dog to play fetch

June 19, 2014September 30, 2014Pet information

Many dogs love to play fetch and seem to get the idea naturally. Others might need some encouragement. If you want to play fetch and your dog looks at you like you’re a peculiar organism when you toss a tennis ball, this trick might help.

Cut a slit in a tennis ball and put some treats in. Make sure your dog sees the treats and give them one, so they know it’s something worth working for.

Throw the ball, and follow the dog to go get it. Once you and the dog have the ball, give a treat. Odds are your dog will figure it out quickly and go get the ball. Give a treat when he or she brings the ball back.

Soon you’ll be able to give a treat every second time the dog brings the ball, and then every third time. You get the idea =)

Brazilian multi-tasker protects gold and hunts jaguars

June 18, 2014September 30, 2014Pet information

The Fila Brasileiro is a very large dog breed from Brazil. These dogs are intelligent, sturdy, and strong, and the Brazilian army uses them for work in the jungle under conditions no other dogs can stand up to.

These versatile working dogs have an interesting history; they have been used for everything from guarding gold mines to hunting Jaguars. A Jaguar can run 40 miles per hour, and few dogs can keep up. The breed is also often used as trackers, hunters, or herders.

This breed is loving and loyal to a fault towards their family and will put up with a lot from children and other pets, but they are inherently suspicious against strangers. This is a natural guardian who lives to protect their loved ones.

Puppies should get to meet many different people in positive situations, and since the dogs become very large – up to 180 lbs – and are very strong, it is extra important to train them well.

Unique nose prints

June 13, 2014September 30, 2014Pet information

Human fingers have little ridges that form our unique finger prints. Did you know that dogs have something similar? They don’t have fingertips, of course, but every dog’s nose is unique. There is only one, and no other like it.

The nose print of a dog is a unique as a fingerprint. If you take a peek at your dog’s nose through a magnifying glass you’ll see all sorts of patterns and creases. They are never the same between two individuals.

Thus far, nose prints aren’t used for dog identification. There’s no central dog database with nose prints, but rumors have it that companies are looking into offering nose print identification.

The dog’s nose is remarkable in more ways. An average dog’s sense of smell is about 1,000 times better than a human’s. Some dogs can smell dead bodies under water, they can smell termites, and natural gas buried under 40 feet of dirty. They can also be taught to detect cancer too small to be detected by medical equipment, and can sense lung cancer through a person’s breath.

Why do dogs love being stinky?

June 12, 2014September 30, 2014Pet information

Dogs love to roll around in smelly stuff and often look very happy with themselves as they’re doing it – at least until they end up in the inevitable bath. What’s so great with being dirty?

In order to understand this strange behavior we need to go back in time.

The ancestors of our modern dogs needed to hunt to live, and the dogs’ prey was cautious. Dogs need to eat, but that doesn’t mean the food wants to be eaten. In order to make hunting easier, the dogs would attempt to disguise their scent, luring the pray into thinking they weren’t a threat. Disguising their scent could also protect them from being found and eaten themselves.

This behavior is so deeply rooted it’s difficult to break. Most dogs only roll themselves in icky stuff from time to time, but if it becomes a problem many dog trainers recommend making the pleasurable (rolling in something smelly) less pleasurable. For instance through squirting the dog with a little water when it does the rolling. Keeping the dog on a short leash can also help, so it doesn’t have a chance to roll in the stink.

Funny dog

Why do dogs like to walk around before lying down?

June 11, 2014September 30, 2014Pet information

Everyone who knows a dog has seen the bedding dance; walking around and around before lying down with a contented sigh. Ever wonder why they do that?

Humans and dogs have a lot in common. Both species like to be comfortable. The walking around in circles doesn’t seem to make much sense on a doggie bed or carpeted floor, but a long time ago dogs made little nests for themselves through stomping the grass. It exposed the cooler ground below the grass, and marked the area with the dog’s scent, signaling to others that the place was claimed.

Today, some dogs still do the circle dance, but others can be much more particular with their sleeping area. Some want all their toys near, and others don’t like to sleep without their favorite blanket or towel. It’s like a human being uncomfortable when the pillow is wrong.

Having the sleeping area just the way they want it helps the dogs feel secure and comfortable. Removing a favorite piece of bedding can in extreme cases make a dog anxious and unable to relax.

Guide dog makes it into middle school’s year book

June 10, 2014September 30, 2014Pet information

Hector Gracia Middle School’s yearbook is a little different this year; it features Taxi Benke, a seizure alert service dog.

Taxi looks out for his human, 14-year old Rachel, and predicts her epileptic seizures. He attends class with Rachel every day and can sense problems up to an hour and a half before something happens.

Taxi has been with Rachel for the last four years and prevented her from drowning at several occasions. When he senses a seizure coming up, he can alert her family and teachers, and he orients herself to break her fall.

Are your dogs stealing your stuff?

June 10, 2014September 30, 2014Pet information

There are many stories about magpies being attracted to shiny things and taking off with silverware or jewelry, but other species than birds are also attracted to bling. Some dogs, for example, like to steal to shiny objects.

Many dogs snatch up things such as necklaces or small sparkling purses, carry them off, and hide them. Owners who find their cell phone with sparkling cover in the laundry pile or a bracelet under the sofa cushions might be tempted to blame the children, but the culprit might have four legs.

There are several theories to why some dogs like to hide things. Some believe the habit is genetic and stems back to a time when meals weren’t guaranteed and all excesses had to be preserved. Burying leftovers helped preserve the food, and protect it from others. The dogs would come back later and eat the buried food when they wanted or needed it.

Other theories state that the dog might be bored, and hiding things gives something to do, or that lonely dogs feel better because they have something stashed away that smells like their human.

The behavior can also stem from wanting attention. Some dogs and young children will take whatever attention they can get, even if it involves being scolded. In this case, the dog hides your things because it likes the interaction it gets when you find the things – even if you’re yelling at it. These dogs need more interaction, and maybe a puzzle toy to help keep them occupied.