all about pets august 2013

8/22/2019 All About Pets August 2013

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Keeping Fido FitHow to get your dog in shape

Aiken Standard

AUGUST 2013 | A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO

On the

MoveMoving witha pet in tow

Solving

SeparationAnxietyHow to help dogscope

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2 | August 2013

DID YOU KNOW?If you are welcoming a new dog to thefamily but have yet to pick a name, you mightwant to consider Max. Max has been apopular name for male dogs in the UnitedStates, Canada, the United Kingdom andAustralia on and off for years, many timestopping the list as the most popular maledog name. Although names that describeddogs traits, such as Spotty or Dusty, were

popular more than 50 years ago, todaysdogs (and cats) have decidedly humannames. Dogs named Max have starred inmovies (think Max in The Grinch WhoStole Christmas,) and have also brokenrecords. A dog named Max lived to be theoldest dog at age 26. Max has been aname given to pampered Yorkies as wellas rough-and-tumble mutts.If Max is not the name foryou, Buddy, Jake andRocky are a few ofthe other popular dog

names.

In 2012, Superstorm Sandy caused

the catastrophic destruction of manyresidential areas up and down the

eastern seaboard. Just months later,

much of the country experienced extreme

temperature swings, some as much as

40 degrees in just a few days. Areas of

Georgia were overturned when a tornado

turned over cars, trapping residents of an

Atlanta suburb.

Such drastic changes are an anomaly that

have many meteorologists scratching their

heads. The aftermath of drastic weathercan sometimes result in property loss and

damage that may force families and their

pets into new living situations. Oftentimes,

pets are not able to make the move and are

surrendered to area shelters.

A struggling economy has also taken its toll

on pets. According to Hope Brustein, the

executive director at the Geauga Humane

Society in Ohio, many animals are brought

to shelters because owners have lost their

jobs or homes and tight budgets can no

longer support them. Those who have lost

their homes and need to relocate may not

be able to bring their pets along.

The ASPCA estimates 5 to 7 million

companion animals enter animal

shelters nationwide every year. Shelter

intakes are generally evenly divided

between animals that are relinquished by

owners and those picked up by animal

control. There are no rm statistics on how

many animals are surrendered to shelters

in Canada but the Winni e Humane

Society alone takes in 8,000 to 9,000

animals each year.Although the number of animals entering

shelters continues to rise, so do the

number of adoptions. This is in part to the

publicity campaigns of many area shelters

as well as the grassroots efforts of people

communicating via social media. Animal

adoption announcements are frequently

posted on Facebook, and many shelters

now have their own online presence to alert

the public to the plight of animals in theshelter. Petnder.com remains one of

the largest databases of searchable pets

available for adoption, boasting more

than 374,000 pets from nearly 14,000

adoption groups.

Parties interested in pet adoption are urged

to visit their local shelters rst and inquire

about the available animals. Some shelters

have stringent adoption guidelines and

will not entertain an inquiry without the

completion of a form and a background

check. People who are interested in

adopting a breed-specic animal can

contact rescue organizations that specialize

in these types of animals. Some shelters

will pay for shipment of the animal, while

others require adoption candidates make

their own travel arrangements.

A variety of situations have increased the

number of animals in shelters awaiting

ado tion.

Shelters have seen a rise in thenumber of surrendered pets,partly due to the displacementof families afterbad storms.

Number ofsurrenderedpets is highand growing

Number of surrendered pets is high and growingSimple ways to keep your pet healthy

Automatically keep track of pets health

Causes and remedies for bad dog breath

Adjusting to life with your newly adopted dog

Help dogs cope with separation anxiety

Pet care can be eco-friendly

How to help your pet survive a sizzling summer

Protect pets from pesticides

Moving with a pet in tow

Strap pets in for safety theirs and yours

Choose the best food for your dog

Give your cat something to savor at mealtime

Savor the moment of mealtime with your pet

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August 2013 | 3

Simple waysto keep yourpet healthy

Ahealthy petis a happypet, andresponsiblepet ownersknow thattheir belovedpets health

rests largelyon theowners

shoulders.Ensuring apet is healthyover the longhaul can bequite simple.While somepets may develop medical conditions thatrequire more attention, the following are

a few simply ways pet owners can keeptheir pets healthy.

Dont skip visits to the veterinarian.Unlike humans, pets cant speak forthemselves, so its quite possible that

a pet could be hurting or dealing with amedical condition while its owner hasno idea. Annual veterinary checkupscan help avoid such situations, and thevet might notice a developing conditionbefore it becomes anything serious. If a

pets behavior suddenly changes, thenschedule a veterinarian visit as soon aspossible, as this behaviorial change couldbe indicative of a medical issue.

Prioritize vaccinations. Vaccinationscan protect a pet from a host of ailments,including rabies, distemper and Lymedisease. New pet owners who adopteda pet from a rescue organization shouldget documentation about the animalspast vaccinations (certied kennels

typically provide such documentationat the time of adoption). If there is nosuch documentation or if there aredocuments showing the pet receivedcertain vaccinations but not necessarilyall of its vaccinations, take the pet tothe veterinarian and have the animalreceive those vaccinations that arent

documented.

Spay or neuter the pet. The ASPCAnotes that spaying or neutering a pet is apreventive measure that can help a pet

in the long haul. Spaying, or removing

the ovaries and uterus of a female dogor cat, can prevent diseases, such asbreast cancer and pyometra, as well as

infection and keep the animal from goinginto heat. Neutering a male a dog or catbefore it reaches six months can reducethe likelihood that the animal will behaveaggressively while helping to preventtesticular cancer, diseases of the prostateand hernias.

Help the pet ght heartworm.Heartworm isnt easy to treat, but it is

easily prevented. Cat owners shouldspeak to their veterinarian about

heartworm and the best course ofaction, as cats are less likely to developheartworm than dogs, who are naturalhosts for the infection. Dogs should betested for heartworm annually in theearly spring, and the veterinarian mightprescribe a preventive medication the dogwill take once per month. How long thedog must take the medication dependson the dog and the veterinarian, but dogowners should heed the vets advice.

Get your pet off the couch. Humans

should not be couch potatoes, and neithershould their pets. Regular exercise burnscalories while increasing muscle massand improving cardiovascular strength.Dog owners should know that how muchexercise their dog needs depends on itsbreed, age, sex and physical condition,so discuss a proper exercise regimen withyour veterinarian. Cats need exercise,too, and cat owners should also discussthe specics with their vet.

I

t is not always easyfor pet owners torecognize when

a companion animalis feeling sick. Dogsand cats can both bestoic when dealingwith illness, and unlessthere is somethingphysically apparent likea limp or a wound, petowners may have asick four-legged friendon their hands withouteven knowing it. Buta new technology is

aiming to change theway pet owners areinformed about theirpets health.

At least two differentinnovators have developed devices thatcontinuously monitor a pets health and alertits owners when there is something amiss.The Japanese information technology rmFujitsu announced its launch of an innovativenew device called the Wandant in 2012. Thisdevice can be afxed to dogs collars, whereit can monitor their level of activity, number ofsteps taken and other health-related data. Thedata can be uploaded to a cloud or read by a

phone or computer. Transitions inpet health can be monitored to makeit easier to understand any changesthat could be indicative of a healthproblem.

Similarly, a start-up company calledPetPace is developing a collar that

can monitor your pets health and send an earlywarning to you and your vet when something

doesnt add up. The Massachusetts-basedcompany will produce a collar and base stationthat collects the data. There will be an initialcost for the equipment and then a monthlysubscription fee for ongoing monitoring service.According to the company, the sensors inthe collar can track the animals movement,temperature, respiration and pulse. Theresalso a microphone that listens for soundslike drinking, barking or stomach gurgling.Positioning and movement sensors, like thosefound in many smartphones, can even tellwhen the animal is running, laying down or

taking a bathroom break. The data is comparedto whats normal for the breed and the animalspast behavior. Anomalies may alert pet ownersto something that is wrong.

According to chairman Avner Schneur,the company has already been testing itstechnology at several pet hospitals. Althoughhospitals will be the companys initial focus,PetPace will eventually sell the collar toconsumers.

If your dog or cat may not be feeling well butis not exhibiting any abnormal behavior, then

some new devices might be able to alert you tothe problem to take action sooner.

Automatically keeptrack of pets health

Not everyanimal exhibitsobvious signs

of physicalsuffering.

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You may have once looked

forward to sitting and pettingyour new puppy and the excited

sloppy kisses that he or she wouldlavish on your cheek. Now that yourdog is older and bad breath has set in,you may run and hide from that once-precious pooch.

Many changes take place as a cute

puppy becomes an adult dog. Manypet owners notice that some dogs gainweight, become sluggish and developfoul breath as they age. This badbreath not only can be a nuisance,but also it can be a health problem forotherwise healthy dogs.

Bad breath, medically termed

halitosis, is a conditioncommonly reported

by dog owners.There are manydifferent causesof doggie breath,but the primarycontributor is adental problem.

Some pet parents

are not awarethat dogs needto have theirteeth brushed

just like theirhuman family

members. Foodparticles can

become lodgedbetween teethand eventually rot,

causing an odor.Whats more, thisfood may causebacteria to grow,which can decayteeth and lead to

gum inammation.If left untreated,

plaque buildup andsore gums can progress

to periodontal disease.According to veterinarians,

plaque clings to the base ofyour dogs teeth, causing

the gums to recedeand become inamed.Once the gums areinamed, they tend toleak blood serum, which

blends with the plaque,increasing the amount of

bacteria in the dogs mouth. Thisappears as a yellowish coating on thedogs teeth. Some dogs affected byserious plaque buildup will eat less.

Routinely brushing the dogs teeth

can minimize plaque buildup. Feedinghard kibble, which can further dislodgeany other food, and offering chew toysand bones will also help keep plaqueproblems at bay. If plaque is a majorproblem, a veterinarian may suggest athorough cleaning under sedation.

In addition to periodontal causes, badbreath may be a symptom of otherserious conditions. Diseases of the

kidneys, gastrointestinal disorders oreven stomach cancer can cause badbreath. Diabetes and liver problemsare also culprits in halitosis.

In other cases, foreign objects thatbecome lodged in the teeth, includingthe pets own fur, can decomposeand form a foul odor. The foreignobjects also may irritate the skin andthe gums. An infection that forms may

produce an unpleasant odor.

A pet with bad breath should beexamined by a veterinarian, unlessit is obvious that it is the result ofsomething the dog ate, including stool

or spoiled garbage.

The following methods also may

keep bad breath at bay.

Brush your dogs teeth regularly.This helps prevent plaque buildup andwill keep the gums healthy.

Change the dogs food.Some canned foods may producefoul breath, as can feeding a dog rawmeat.

Prevent access to garbage ifyour dog is a routine scroungerin the trash.

If your dog isnt eating much andlooks frail, the breath may be asign of a serious illness. Visit with aveterinarian promptly.

Causes and remediesfor bad dog breath

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August 2013 | 5

Adjusting to lifewith your newly adopted dog

Bringing a new dog home from an animalshelter is an exciting experience. Dogscan bring a lot of joy and energy into

a household, quickly becoming a treasured

member of the family.

Adjusting to life with a newly adopted dog isnot always smooth sailing, as members of the

household often deal with a transition period as

they grow more acclimated to the responsibility

of pet ownership. Sometimes this transition

is easy, while other times it can be more

complicated. The following are a few tips to help

new dog owners make their transition to pet

ownership go more smoothly.

Emphasize routine. Routine makes dogs

more comfortable, and this can make things

easier on new dog owners. Get up and go tobed at the same time each day, and schedule

walks and play time at the same time each day

as well. As the dog grows more acclimated to

your home, you can gradually vary your own

schedule, but try to stick to the walking and

playtime schedule for your dog as much as

possible. Anxiety is a signicant issue for many

shelter dogs, but sticking to a routine can help

lower that anxiety signicantly.

Visit the veterinarian within days of the

adoption. A visit to the vet is necessary evenif your dog has received all of its necessary

vaccinations. The vet can examine the dog

and give advice on diet and exercise, which

is especially valuable information for those

owners who have never before owned a dog.

In addition, a vet might direct men and women

who adopted a purebred to a colleague who

specializes in that particular breed. Such vets

may be more specic when recommending a

diet or exercise regimen, which can help the

do s lon -term health

Gradually alter diet. Many shelter dogs

were on poor diets before they came to the

shelter, and the shelter or your veterinarian

might suggest changing that diet. Adapting

to a new diet wont necessarily be easy for

your dog, but gradual changes often ease thistransition. For example, if the dogs diet must

change completely, dont change it all in one

day. Gradually mix old food with the new food

over the course of several days, adding more

new food and substracting more of the old food

each day. By the fourth or fth day, the dogs

diet should consist entirely of the new food

recommended by your vet.

Behave yourself. The rst few days with a

new dog can go a long way toward making the

pooch feel comfortable or uncomfortable in its

new home. If you have never owned a dog in

the past, expect the dog to have some anxiety

in the rst few days. This anxiety can manifest

itself in a variety of ways, including chewing

furniture, going to the bathroom indoors or

general restlessness. Its easy to overreact to

such manifestations, but control your temper

and manage to discourage inappropriate

behavior without getting angry. If you can

successfully manage a dogs initial anxiety as

it transitions to its new home, the dog is more

likely to behave properly as time progresses.But if you allow your disappointment or temper

to get the better of you in those rst days after

the adoption, your chances of successfully

transitioning the dog to your home will decrease

signicantly.

Adopting a shelter dog is a great way to add a

new and loving member to your family. Though

some transitions are more difcult than others,

owners who keep calm and work to reduce their

dogs anxiety are likely to treasure their new

addition for ears to come

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Dog owners are typicallybewildered when mans bestfriend exhibits destructive or

disruptive behavior. Chewing furnitureor urinating or defecating indoors isupsetting for dog owners, who mightfeel they need to discipline their poochto ensure it does not happen again. Butdiscipline might not be the remedy for

destructive or disruptive behavior, whichmight be a sign of separation anxiety.

Separation anxiety can occur when adog is upset after it is separated fromits owner or other members of thehousehold. Dogs may become agitatedor depressed when their owners aregetting ready to leave for the day or thepets may begin barking within minutesof their owner leaving. Upon the ownersreturn, the dog might behave as if their

owner was gone for days and days.Understanding separation anxietycan help dog owners and their dogsovercome the condition, which can beoverwhelming for dogs.

What are the symptoms

of separation anxiety?Destructive or disruptive behavior isnot always a byproduct of separation

anxiety However the following

symptoms may indicate separationanxiety.

Urinating or defecating while no oneis home: Dogs who urinate or defecatewhen left home alone might be sufferingfrom separation anxiety. If a dog doesthis in the presence of its owner, thenchances are it has not been trained

properly and is not suffering fromseparation anxiety.

Destructive behavior: Door frames,furniture, window sills and otherobjects around the house are commonchewing targets for dogs suffering fromseparation anxiety. Such behavior isdone while owners are away, and it canharm the dog, causing damage to itsnails, paws and teeth.

Escape attempts: Some dogs dealing

with separation anxiety may try toescape from their connes when leftalone. Dogs might attempt to dig orchew through doors. When a dog hasseparation anxiety, its escape attemptsare limited to those times when it isseparated from its owner.

Coprophagia: Some dogs sufferingfrom separation anxiety will defecateand then consume some or all of theirexcrement.

Why do dogs develop

separation anxiety?The ASPCA notes that there is noconclusive evidence as to why dogsdevelop separation anxiety. But theorganization also notes that dogsadopted from shelters tend to exhibitbehaviors associated with separationanxiety more than dogs who are with thesame owner since birth, suggesting that

dogs might feel a sense of abandonmentwhen their owner leaves for the day thatis similar to the abandonment they feltwhen their initial owners or someoneelse brought them to the shelter.

Those feelings of abandonment maybe triggered by certain situations, suchas when a dog gets a new owner or thedogs schedule changes or the familymoves to a new residence. In addition,when a member of the household is

suddenly absent, whether that personhas passed away or moved out, thenthis absence may also trigger separationanxiety.

How can a dog with

separation anxiety be

helped?Helping a dog cope with separationanxiety involves teaching the dog

to enjoy or learn to tolerate its time

alone. But before that can be done,the ASPCA advises dog owners tovisit their veterinarian to rule out othermedical issues with similar symptoms.The aforementioned symptoms ofseparation anxiety might be indicativeof a different medical issue, and the vetcan determine if thats the case before

dog owners go forward with treatingseparation anxiety. Once the vet hasruled out other medical issues, then dogowners can consider the following waysto help their dog cope with its anxiety.

Associate being alone with somethinggood. A dog suffering from separationanxiety associates being alone with anegative. If dog owners can turn thatnegative association into a positiveone, then the dogs condition mightimprove. When leaving the house, give

the dog a treat or a food-dispensingtoy so it associates your departurewith something positive. This might bemost effective with dogs suffering mildseparation anxiety.

Work to make the dog moreaccustomed to being alone. Dogs whosuffer from severe separation anxietymay benet from more frequent yetshorter periods of separation. Theseshorter periods of separation are not

likely to produce anxiety. Over timegradually increase their length. The dog

may gradually become more comfortablewith being alone.

Control your own emotions. Controlyour emotions when leaving for the dayand when arriving home. Give the doga good-bye pat when you leave in themorning, and then be mellow when youarrive home, allowing the dog time to

relax and calm down before paying himor her any signicant attention. Thisis difcult for many dog owners, but itcan help your dog overcome separationanxiety.

Do not punish the dog. A dog doesnot engage in destructive or disruptivebehavior while its owner is away outof spite or to be disobedient. In manycases, the dog does so because itis suffering from separation anxiety,so punishing such behavior will likelyonly worsen that anxiety and the badbehavior that comes with it. Be patientand understanding when a dog exhibitsbehaviors associated with separationanxiety and resist the urge to punish thedog.

Separation anxiety can occur in varyingdegrees and manifest itself in variousways. Dog owners who react calmlyand thoughtfully to separation anxietyare more likely to be successful in their

attempts to help their dog overcome thecondition.

Help dogscope withseparation

anxiety

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Pet care can be eco-friendly Use biodegradable bags to scoop waste.

Biodegradable bags are a much more earth-friendly option than reusing a plastic bag fromthe grocery store. Thats because, unlike aplastic grocery bag, a biodegradable bagnaturally decomposes, signicantly reducinglandll waste. While no pet owner enjoyspicking up after their four-legged friends, doing

so in a way thats more eco-friendly can giveconscientious pet owners more peace of mind.

Go organic. The organic food movement hasbecome more popular at dinner tables acrossthe globe, so why not let pets get in on thetrend as well? Organic pet foods are typicallyfree of articial avors and colorings and areproduced without the use of hormones orchemicals.

Dont take the outdoors inside. Manyhomeowners use products like pesticidesin their yard in an attempt to make theirlawns appear as lush as possible. Whenpossible, avoid the use of such products sopets can roam and play in a chemical-freeenvironment. If you simply must use pesticidesor insecticides, be careful not to track them

indoors. Remove any footwear you wore inthe yard when entering your home so youarent tracking potentially harmful chemicalsinside where they can put your pets health injeopardy.

Groom in a green-friendly way. Pet ownerscan even use green grooming products whencleaning their pets. Natural products canbe just as effective as more traditional petshampoos, but natural products are not madewith chemicals that can harm the environmentand even harm your pet if the products areingested.

Take a stroll rather than a drive to thedog park. Many communities now havedog parks, where dogs can be let off theirleashes and freely play with other dogs fromthe neighborhood. Rather than driving tothe dog park, walk there to reduce your fuelconsumption. If the dog park is a bit too farfrom home for you and your pet to walk thereand back, determine if its possible to takeyour dog via bicycle instead. Riding a bicycleis great exercise, and its a much more eco-friendly way to travel than driving.

M

any petownerstake

caring fortheir pets veryseriously, carefully

monitoring theirpets diets,making visits tothe veterinarian

a part of theirroutine and

ensuring theirfurry friends getplenty of exercise.In return, those pet owners get unconditional love and

loyalty from their pets.

Though pets and pet owners can benet from proper petcare, theres a third party that can benet as well. When petcare is conducted in an eco-friendly way, the planet reapsas many rewards as pets and their owners. The followingare a few ways pet owners can incorporate some eco-

friendly practices into their pet care.

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How to help yourpet survive asizzling summer

Harsh weather conditions canthreaten the health of anyone,including the family pet. This is

especially so in the summertime, whenanimals can easily and quickly getdehydrated.

Extreme temperatures in the summerforce many pet owners to keep their

pets indoors during the daytime. Butthere are ways pets can survive asizzling summer and still enjoy somefun in the sun. Pet owners can take thefollowing precautions as the mercuryrises so their favorite four-leggedfriends are not conned to the house

when summer hits full swing.

Be attentive at all times. Pets donot hide their emotions well, and a pet

that is struggling with the heat is boundto exhibit some symptoms. Accordingto the ASPCA, symptoms of heatstroke in pets include:

- excessive pantingor difculty breathing

- increased heart rate- drooling- mild weakness- stupor- collapse

Each of these indicates a pet mightbe overheating, and a pet mightalso suffer from seizures, bloodydiarrhea and vomiting when its bodytemperature is too high. When taking apet outdoors in the heat, people shouldbe mindful of these symptoms and beattentive to the animals condition at

all times. Trim the animals coat. Long hairin the summertime can make thingsvery uncomfortable for your pet. Haircut to about one inch can help preventoverheating. When trimming theanimals coat, do not cut closer than

one inch, as anything less than an inchlikely wont provide any protection from

the sun.

Only visit areas with ample shade.

Areas that are without shade, suchas a beach or wide open park, arenot good spots to walk a pet in thesummertime. Pets can easily overheatwhen exposed to hot summer sun,even if its only for a few minutes.

Only go for walks in areas with ampleshade so pets can still get outdoorsbut get only limited exposure to the hotsummer sun.

Dont take pets on chore runs.Many pet owners like to take their pets

with them when theyre doing chores,

such as dropping mail off at the postofce or picking up a prescription

at the pharmacy. Such chores maytake just a few minutes, but thosefew minutes in a hot car can provedeadly for pets. Pets should never beleft alone in a car on a hot day, whenthe car can quickly reach extreme

temperatures. Some regions haveeven made it illegal to leave pets inunattended cars on hot days.

Steer clear of asphalt on hot days.Pet owners know enough not to walkon hot asphalt without shoes on, andthey should take the same precautionswith their pets. The padding on pets

feet can suffer considerably fromhot asphalt, and this can prove verypainful to animals. When walking pets

on a hot day, avoid asphalt, which cancause pets body temperature to riseconsiderably, especially smaller petswhose bodies are closer to the ground.Stick to the grass or other surfacesthat dont get so hot under the summer

sun.

Pets can overheat quickly and easily inthe summertime. But pet owners whotake a few precautionary measurescan still take their pets out for somefun in the summer sun.

Keeping pets on cool surfaces, suchas grass, when the temperatures arehot can help pets avoid overheating

and dehydration.

Protect petsfrom pesticides

Homeowners use pesticidesin their yards for a varietyof reasons. Some utilize

pesticides to make their lawnsappear lush and healthy, whileothers must use pesticidesto address issues like insectinfestations.

Applying pesticides is

often frowned upon byenvironmentalists, but its notjust Mother Earth who can sufferfrom the use of pesticides. If yourfamily pet loves to get outdoorsand run around in the yard, youmight be putting your four-leggedfriend in danger if youre not

careful when applying pesticides.Exposure to pesticides can makepets sick and, in some instances,prove fatal. But pet owners can

reduce that risk signicantly byadhering to the following tips.

Remove pets and their itemsfrom the lawn before applyingpesticide. Its a no-brainer tomove Fido inside before applyingpesticide to your lawn. Buthomeowners should also scourthe yard for toys, bedding andfeeding dishes and move theminside or into the garage beforeapplying a pesticide. Pet health

could be at risk if such items areleft in the yard and get even adrop or two of pesticide on them.Therefore, carefully scour theyard for your pets belongings,

raking high grass to nd toys or

bones when necessary, beforeapplying pesticides.

Adhere to the instructions on

the pesticide label. The label onthe pesticide you choose shouldhave specic instructions as to

how much pesticide you shouldapply and how long you mustwait before allowing anyone,including the family pet, to gainaccess to the treated area. Ifyou let your pet back in the areatoo quickly, the animal could bepoisoned.

Be careful inside, too.

Chemical products are not onlyused to treat lawns. If you needto use a chemical product like abug bomb indoors, keep pets inmind before application. Removebedding, feeding dishes andtoys, and cover your sh tank

to prevent liquid and vaporsfrom getting into the tank andthreatening the lives of your sh.

Keep areas treated for pests

off limits to pets If you have a

pest problem in your home, beit insects or rodents, keep anyareas you treat with chemicalproducts off limits until the issuehas been successfully resolved.Even if pets arent in the room

during or after application, theycan still be poisoned if they eatpoisoned insects or rodents. Thisis called secondary poisoning,and pet owners concerned abouttheir pets but still in need of away to eradicate pests shouldlook for a product with a low riskfor secondary poisoning.

Keep bait products out ofthe reach of your pets. Baitproducts are often effectivebecause theyre attractive to

insects or rodents. Unfortunately,the same properties that attract

pests might also attract yourcompanion animal. When usingbait products around the house,be sure to place them beyondthe reach of your pets. If youre

using bait products that you mustbury outdoors, keep in mindthat dogs and maybe even catscan often dig these products uprather easily. So once the bait isplanted, make the area off limitsto your pets.

When using pesticides or other chemical-based productsaround the house, prevent pets from accessing treatedareas after application.

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Movingwith a pet in tow

Moving can be stressful. If theprocess of nding a new place tolive wasnt difcult enough, then the

task of getting everything packed and outof your current residence on time is sure tocomplicate matters.

For pet owners, the moving process canbe even more difcult. Renters often ndthe rental market is less than enthusiasticabout pets, and even landlords who allowpets might require a larger security deposit.

But once that deposit has been made, it istime to move, a process that can be difcultfor renters and buyers alike. Pets are oftenaverse to change, and few changes areas signicant as changing residences. Butthere are ways that pet owners can makemoving easier on themselves and theirpets.

Spread things out. Sudden changes canincrease pets anxiety levels, which canalter their behavior. When getting ready tomove, spread things like packing out over

time, gradually packing items away so petswont panic as their environment changes.Avoid packing pets comfort items, such asbedding and toys, until the last minute.

Arrange for travel well in advance ofyour move. If youre moving relativelyclose by, then your trip to your new homemay be no different for a pet than astandard road trip. In such instances, packtoys and snacks in the car to keep your petoccupied throughout the trip.

If ying will be a part of your move, thenarrange for travel as soon as possible.Doing so increases the chances you can

get a nonstop ight, which will be easieron you and especially your pet, who wontbe as used to the changes in air pressureon an airplane as his or her owners are.Flying can be uncomfortable for pets nomatter how considerate an airline is, so limityour move to a single nonstop ight whenpossible.

Stick to your routine. Pets thrive withroutine, so while the days leading up toa move can be hectic, stick to your petsroutine as much as possible. This includesfeeding times, morning and evening walksand even the time you set aside for playeach day. If problems arise with your mood,dont allow your pet to see you lose yourtemper or succumb to stress, as this cancause a spike in pets anxiety levels thatcan make the move more difcult.

Give pets their own spot on moving

day. Moving day can be hectic, especiallywhen pet owners hire professional movers.It can be difcult for pets to adjust tostrangers in a home, and movers will bein and out of your home all day on movingday. Designate a room in your housefor your pet, and make sure the moversknow not to enter that room. Place feedingdishes, water bowls and toys in the roomso pets can eat, drink and remain occupieduntil the time comes to leave the house. Ona nice day, consider letting the dogs play

in a fenced-in yard or use a tree lead thatallows pets to play in the yard without thefreedom to run away.

Visit the veterinarian before makingyour trip. Pet owners should take theirpet to the veterinarian one last time beforemoving. Ask for the animals health records,including documentation of its vaccinationhistory as well as any past illnesses orconditions the pet might have experienced.The vet visit is also a good time to get the

animal one last checkup so the vet canensure that the pet is healthy enough to

travel.

When visiting the vet, discuss any pasttravel issues your pet might have had. Insome cases, the vet might prescribe ananti-anxiety medication if the pet has ahistory of anxiety when traveling.

When getting ready to move, pet ownersshould take all the necessary precautions toensure their pet has a safe and comfortable

move

When moving to a new home,pet owners should take stepsto ensure the process is notstressful for their pets.

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Strap pets in for safety

theirs and yoursMost drivers would not allow a 40-pound unsecured weight to ricochetaround the interior of their vehicles.Passengers and cargo are typically strappedin for safety. But if a driver is driving with anunsecured pet in his or her car, he or shecould be putting everyone in the car at risk.

The law states that children and adultsshould be buckled up when riding in a car.The same regulations do not always pertainto pet passengers, although some experts

think they should. According to ChristinaSelter, the founder of California-based petadvocacy group Bark Buckle Up, pets canbe very dangerous inside of a vehicle if theyare not secured. A 60-pound GoldenRetriever can hit you with 2,700pounds of force in a 35 mile-per-hour crash.However, thats not the onlydanger. A dog or cat that is allowed to roamfreely inside a car can pose a distraction tothe driver, potentially impeding a drivers lineof vision or inadvertently bumping into thegear shift. A small animal could get down into

the foot well on the drivers side and impedeoperation of the brakes or accelerator.

In addition to the passengers and driver inthe car, an unsecured pet poses a danger toitself. A dog or cat that is propelled throughthe car in a crash or sudden stop canrisk injury or death. Even simply bumpingnoses on the dashboard or a seat can bevery painful to the animal. There are otherreasons why the pet should be tethered inthe car.

A belt or tether secures the animal andprevents it from hanging its head out ofthe window, where any small speck of yingdebris can cause a serious injury to the petseyes or nose. Its important to keep the petsentire body inside of the moving vehicle.

A harness will prevent a dog or cat fromphysically jumping out of the vehicle. If asquirrel or other distraction arouses interestoutside, the pet is unable to pursue it.

In the event of an accident, a pet

seatbelt will keep the animal containeduntil emergency workers can assess thesituation. A frightened or injured pet mayscratch or bite. Having an excited animal onthe loose can make rescue dangerous.

When wearing a harness, the pet doesnthave to work as hard bracing itself whilethe car is maneuvering. The harness willkeep it secure.

There are many ways to secure pets ina motor vehicle. An animal crate that isbelted down is one option, and a pet may be

comfortable riding in a familiar crate and feelmore secure as a result.

For smaller dogs or cats, consider a petbooster seat that straps in with the vehiclessafety belt. Some drivers have usedchildrens booster seats with a pet harness.

Harnesses that work with safety belts arealso available. These can keep the pet in asitting or lying-down position.

Securing pets in the car ensures the driverssafety and the safety of the passengers aswell as the health of the pet going for a ride.

B

eing a dog owner is a big job, andensuring that your dog receives thecorrect nutrition is a key part of that

job. Here are three quick and easy tips thatwill help you make the best choice for yourpet while they savor their mealtime with youeven more:

1. Shop in a specialty pet store that sellspremium quality food. Many commerciallyavailable/economy brands of dog food aremade from inexpensive ingredients, whichmight not be easily digested due to possibledegradation of protein sources or oxidizationof fat sources. While the ingredients maytechnically meet the legal specications for

percentages of protein, fat, carbohydrates,etc., these foods have lower energy valuesand lower-grade proteins and dont providethe same quality nutrition.

2. Look at theingredient panel.

Look for a species-specic meat or meal asthe rst ingredient (e.g. chicken or chickenmeal, not poultry meal).

Ensure that the product is naturallypreserved with vitamin E (you dont want anychemical preservatives such as BHA, BHTor ethoxyquin listed).

Look for the extras (like pre- andprobiotics, digestive enzymes andantioxidant rich fruits and vegetables).

3. Consider your dogs activity level,weight and any specic health needs.Many all life stage products exist. However,some manufacturers also include life-stage-specic foods that have unique features andbenets tailored to a puppy or a senior dog.Also, there are many breed-size specicdiets and diets that are specically tailored

to unique health needs, such as allergies,mobility issues or weight management.

A store expert can help you by asking somespecic questions about your pet or onlinefood selectors, like that at petcurean.com,can help you make a good choice.

Choose the best foodfor your dog

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Give your cat somethingto savor at mealtime

C

ats sometime get a reputationfor being nicky eaters. They dohave evolved taste instincts that

help them distinguish what is good fortheir health from what isnt. But theyalso are usually very particular about thesmell of the food, the temperature of thefood and the mouth feel.

Many pet owners may not know thatproviding your cat with a healthy,nutritious cat food has many long-termbenets, including fewer trips to the vetand a shinier coat. Here are some handytips to keep your feline friendly:

1. For dry food, shop in a specialtypet store that sells premium quality

pet food. Many commercially available/economy brands of cat food are madefrom inexpensive ingredients, whichmight not be easily digested, due topossible degradation of protein sourcesor oxidization of fat sources. While theingredients may technically meet thelegal specications for percentages ofprotein, fat, carbohydrates, etc., thesefoods have lower energy values andlower-grade proteins and dont providethe same quality nutrition as premiumbrands.

2. Look at the ingredient panel:

Look for a species-specic meator meal as the rst ingredient (e.g.

chicken or chicken meal, not poultrymeal).

Ensure that the product is naturallypreserved with vitamin E. You dontwant any chemical preservatives, suchas BHA, BHT or ethoxyquin listed in theingredient panel.

Look for the extras (e.g., pre- andprobiotics, digestive enzymes andantioxidant rich fruits and vegetables).

3. Finally, ensure wet food and

plenty of water are a regular part ofyour cats diet. Cats need a great dealof moisture in their diet. Ensure youare feeding a wet food and ensure thatthey have always have access to fresh,clean water. Running water is best as itmimics their instinct to nd moving waterin the wild. At a young age, be sure tooffer different types of wet food to yourcat (e.g., chunks with gravy and pt)to ensure they dont get addicted to aspecic style of wet food. Some catsalso dont like wet food after its beenrefrigerated, so try letting the portion

youre going to feed warm up to roomtemperature before you offer it to yourcat.

There are many diets that are specicallytailored to unique health needs, suchas allergies, mobility issues or weightmanagement.

Pets live in the moment, greetingevery meal, every belly rub andevery minute of playtime with

unbridled excitement. Since your pet isalways there to greet you with that lovingenthusiasm when you come home, we

think its time to return the favor. Petslook forward to mealtime. And, whenyou feed your pet a premium, optimallynutritious food, they feel great, but youfeel even better. Here are three tipsto make sure that youre feeding themthe best quality so you can savor themoment of mealtime together:

Give your pet the best. Look for a petfood that provides the highest quality,healthiest, most avorful and least-

processed ingredients available.

Look for the little extras. A highquality pet food will provide importantextras such as pre- and probiotics,digestive enzymes and antioxidant richfruits and vegetables. Premium petfood companies like Petcurean list their

ingredients and provide an online guideabout what is found in their food atpetcurean.com.

Appreciate your pets mealtime.Life is busy, so why not make yourpets mealtime an opportunity to enjoy,relax and spend some time together?Pets seem to have it all gured out andcan certainly teach us a thing or twoabout living in the moment. And, didyou know that pet ownership can also

help decrease our blood pressure andcholesterol levels?

Savor the momentof mealtime withyour pet

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all about pets august 2013

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