NOVEMBER 2008

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Here's a Quiz for

Pet Lovers

 

By Frances Goodman

Once again it’s time for a fun pet lover’s quiz.

Here are eight questions involving different types of pets. The answers will follow below. Here are the questions:

1. A dog’s skeletal structure is minus a major bone that humans have. What is it?

2. Cats can see in the dark. Can dogs?

3. What is the biggest cause of injury or death to pocket pets that are allowed to play out of their cage?

4. True or false: Old dogs can’t be trained; they must start young.

5. True or false: A dog’s normal body temperature is 98.6 degrees.

6. In what way are cats’ claws different than most other animals’ claws?

7. What “pet” fish can live 85 years or longer?

8. Some parrots are reported to have the intelligence of a human child of what age?

Here are the answers:

1. Dogs do not have a collarbone (clavicle) across their chest as we do. This is one of the reasons they can squeeze front paws together and wiggle through amazingly narrow spaces.

2. Dogs also can see in the dark, at least much better than we can. Both cats and dogs have extra light-gathering “rods” in the retina. They also have special reflectors in the back of the eye that send extra light to the retina. These reflectors can sometimes be seen shining back as a greenish glow.

3. Being sat on is one of the biggest risks for pocket pets that are allowed out of their cages, because most have an inborn instinct to burrow. As they see it, sofa and chair cushions seem to be an ideal place. Knowing where they are at all times (supervision) is the best safeguard.

4. False. Old dogs can learn as long as they are healthy and can see and hear. (After all, senior citizens can go to college and get a degree.) It does take a little more patience. It’s better, of course, to start young, before bad habits are ingrained.

5. False. Normal body temperature for a dog is around 101 degrees.

6. Cats are one of the very few animals that can retract their claws when not in use. This keeps them from being worn dull from walking, since sharp claws are important for their self-defense and climbing. Dogs, bears and most other animals have non-retractable claws, which provide more traction for speed when running.

7. Japanese Koi, which are a colorful version of carp, are known to live 85 years and longer when the pond conditions are healthy.

8. Some parrots, especially African greys and Macaws, have shown the intelligence of a 3-to-5-year-old human child. Alex, a famous African grey, who was the subject of much research, had a vocabulary of more than 100 words. He could identify colors and shapes, and learned to count quantities up to six, including zero.

 

 

 

 

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Don't Rush Out to

Buy a Dog Like Chloe

 

By Frances Goodman

 

The American Kennel Club is advising dog lovers not to be “star-struck.”

Since the release of “Beverly Hills Chihuahua,” Chloe the Chihuahua has become the nation’s newest canine star.

As they do whenever a new canine star emerges, the AKC is reminding potential dog owners of the importance of making educated decisions before adding a dog to the family.

Distributed by Walt Disney Pictures, the movie follows the story of Chloe, a pampered Chihuahua from Beverly Hills who finds herself accidentally lost in Mexico.

Alone for the first time, Chloe must rely on new friends to lend a paw and help her find her way back home.

Like Chloe’s friends in the movie, the AKC and the Chihuahua Club of America want to help moviegoers “find their way” to a dog that best fits their lifestyle.

That may or may not be a Chihuahua.

 

About the Breed

"Chihuahuas are very delicate as puppies, and can be inadvertently injured by being dropped, stepped on, or having a small item fall on them," said Bruce Shirky, president of the Chihuahua Club of America.

"For this reason, we recommend that families with very small children perhaps consider a larger breed.

“The Chihuahua Club of America hopes that anyone who becomes interested in owning a Chihuahua as a result of seeing this movie will educate themselves on responsible dog ownership and all that it entails."

Willingness and ability to commit for the lifetime of the dog is also an important consideration.

"Chihuahuas are also known for longevity. So remember, before you add a new member to your family, dog ownership can be a 15-20-year commitment for the life of your dog." according to Lisa Peterson of the AKC.

Both groups recommend carefully researching any breed before buying a puppy, and buying only from reputable, responsible breeders.

 

Proper ID

In the movie, Chloe receives assistance from her furry friends to find her way back home. But in real life, proper ID is the best way to do that.

In addition to tags, the AKC urges owners to provide permanent ID with a microchip that is listed in a national registry.

The rush by moviegoers to buy “a dog like that” started with one of the early movies starring Dalmatians. It continued with each successive movie starring a particular breed.

The back side of that kind of popularity surge is that irresponsible breeders jump on the bandwagon to meet the public’s demand for the breed. Poor breeding standards result.

Plus, the sought-after breeds are often mis-matched with the lifestyles of the families who acquire them. And when it doesn’t work out, the dogs often end up in shelters or worse.

A good place to start researching any of the 150-plus breeds is the akc.org web site. To visit the Chihuahua Club of America web site go to chihuahuaclubofamerica.com.

 

 

 

 

Thinking of Using

a Pet-Sitter Instead?

 

By Frances Goodman

 

Thinking of using a pet sitter instead of a kennel for your next trip away from home?

Whether they are a responsible bonded professional, or a trusted pet-loving friend, here’s an important safeguard:

While you’re gone, communicate with the sitter by phone or email at least every other day to be sure all is well.

This is important because pet sitters are human. What if they should become ill? What if they should have a family emergency requiring them to rush to another city?

Worst case scenario, what if they should have an accident, wind up unconscious in the hospital, and no one knows they were supposed to be feeding your pets?

This sort of possibility makes it wise to have a back-up caregiver in place – one you can call on in case the first one becomes unexpectedly sidelined.

Here are three other important tips to remember when using a pet sitter:

1.) Always leave written instructions on medical care, veterinarian contacts, and how to reach you at all times case of emergency.

2.) If you have multiple pets, especially of different species, a pet-sitter who merely visits two or three times a day is not recommended. There are too many things that can happen when animals are left alone together in the confinement of a home.

With a combination such as cats and cage birds, dogs and cats, or even with the same species, consider the security of a trusted kennel when you must be away.

3.) In most cases, a pet-sitter who will live in your home while you’re gone (one who is trustworthy and comes well-recommended), is a better option than one who stops by to feed several times a day.

 

 

To scoop or not to scoop:

It's a neighborly issue

TODAY more than ever, pet-owner etiquette is important for good neighborly relations.

Pets can be goodwill ambassadors or the opposite -- it all depends on the caregivers.

One of the biggest complaints non-dog owners have against dog owners is not scooping after their pet, whether on public property or in someone else’s yard.

A survey by the American Kennel Club revealed this as the number one complaint, followed by not controlling the dog or “letting it jump on you.”

Here is the quiz to check your score in the area of good pet-owner etiquette.

The goal is a score of 100 on each of the following tests. Dog owners get 10 points for each yes or affirmative answer. Cat owners get 20 points for each yes or affirmative answer.

 

Dog-owners’ Etiquette Test

1. I observe leash laws and do not allow my dog to run loose.

2. I ALWAYS scoop the poop if my dog potties on someone else’s yard or on public property.

3. My dog is spayed or neutered (so will not add to the pet overpopulation crisis).

4.When we meet other dogs or people during leash walks, we do not approach without permission.

5. I do not allow my dog’s barking to disturb my neighbors.

6. My dog is not allowed to jump on guests. She is well-trained or stays in another part of the house when we have company.

7. My dog is not allowed to beg guests for food or treats.

8. My dog has been to obedience class and is well-behaved in public.

9. I do not allow my dog to fence-fight with the neighbor’s dog. If necessary I use secondary fencing to prevent this.

10. At the vet’s office, I keep my dog close to me and/or in a sit/stay so as not to disturb other pets.

Cat-owners’ Etiquette Test

1. My cat is not allowed to potty in the neighbors’ flowerbeds;

2. Or stalk birds at the neighbor’s bird feeder or birdbath;

3. Or leave paw prints on the neighbors’ cars.

4. My cat is spayed or neutered so there is no night-fighting.

5. Being spayed or neutered, my cat will not contribute to the pet over-population crisis.

Congratulations to all who scored 100!

 

 

 

How to Recognize
Heatstroke in Pets
By Frances Goodman
 

 

This is the time when the top priority for pet safety is keeping them cool.

You know the essentials: Shade and water. Walks and exercise in the cool of morning or evening only;

Older, ill or snub-nosed pets need extra heat protection;

Don’t leave pets in parked cars;

And avoid walking your barefoot dog on hot pavement.

But what if your pet should accidentally become overheated? Do you know how to recognize the symptoms of heatstroke? And what to do?

Following is the American Animal Hospital Association’s advice on heatstroke, used with their permission. It is from their web site at www.healthypet.com. Since this is a medical issue, it is quoted directly:

 

AAHA advice

 

Keep an eye out for heatstroke. Heatstroke is a medical emergency. If you suspect your pet has heatstroke (see signs listed below) act quickly and calmly. Have someone call a veterinarian immediately. In the meantime, lower the animal's body temperature by applying towels soaked in cool water (our note: not cold) to the hairless areas of the body.

“Often the pet will respond after only a few minutes of cooling, only to falter again with his temperature soaring back up or falling to well below what is normal. With this in mind, remember that it is imperative to get the animal to a veterinarian immediately.

“Once your pet is in the veterinarian's care, treatment may include further cooling techniques, intravenous fluid therapy to counter shock, or medication to prevent or reverse brain damage.

“Even with emergency treatment, heatstroke can be fatal. The best cure is prevention….

“Signs of heatstroke (are) panting, staring, anxious expression, refusal to obey commands, warm dry skin, high fever, rapid heartbeat, vomiting, collapse.”

Our note: In any emergency, be sure to call ahead to let the vet clinic know you’re coming.

 

 

 

Is your vet

current on shots?

 

By Frances Goodman

 

Is your pet being over-vaccinated?

Fortunately, most enlightened veterinarians long ago joined the vaccine revolution by switching to the revised guidelines of the American Animal Hospital Association.

Those guidelines, which recommend three-year intervals instead of one-year intervals on core vaccines for adult dogs, were adopted in 2003 and were updated in 2006.

Not all veterinarians have flexed.

If yearly boosters are still being administered by your veterinarian for distemper, adenovirus, parvo or rabies, which are classified as core vaccines, you may be paying for unnecessary and unwise vaccinations.

A maverick Texas veterinarian named Dr. Bob Rogers was a major player in the vaccination revolution.

In the late 1990s, he took the public stand that most pets were receiving unnecessary boosters every year for core vaccines that, in fact, provided protection for three years or longer.

He also publicized the negative health effects of over-vaccination.

He was unpopular and criticized professionally, but he stood fast and in the long run his position was justified.

For some fascinating insight, visit www.critterfixer.com for his notes on dog and cat vaccines, how they work, and what the negatives can be. It’s a page-by-page presentation that he used in making his stand years ago.

 

Currently

Below are excerpts from AAHA’s canine vaccine guidelines as currently published on its web site, www.healthypet.com:

“Make sure that your dog completes the initial series of core vaccines administered at the puppy stage, as well as booster shots at one year of age.

“Following these one-year boosters, the AAHA Canine Vaccine Guidelines recommend that the distemper, adenovirus and parvovirus core vaccines be administered once every three years.

“States and municipalities govern how often rabies boosters are administered. Some areas require a rabies booster be administered annually. Others require a three-year-effective rabies booster be given every three years. Still others allow either a one-year or a three-year rabies vaccine to be utilized.…”

The guidelines recommend that “non-core” vaccines, for diseases such as kennel cough, Lyme disease and leptospirosis, should be given according to a dog’s lifestyle and risk of exposure.

An example would be kennel cough vaccine every six months for dogs that are frequently boarded or shown.

 

Concern

One medical concern about switching to a three-year schedule for core vaccines was the fear that owners would only bring their pets in to the clinic every three years.

Because yearly checkups are beneficial and can be life-saving, the AAHA has placed emphasis on the importance of a yearly checkup, even though shots may not be due at that time.

To confirm the guidelines, and for more valuable information, I urge you to visit the Healthy Pet site listed earlier.

And also to communicate closely with your veterinarian regarding your pet’s individual needs.

I like the sign posted on my veterinarian’s web site:

“We will not over-vaccinate your pet. We vaccinate your pet based on its own particular lifestyle…Remember, no one size fits all.”

 

 

 

 

About volunteering…
Is fostering for you?
 

By Frances Goodman, Editor
 

If you’re a pet lover wondering how you can help animals in need, here’s a question to consider:

Can you provide a foster home for rescued pets waiting for adoption?

Area shelters do all they can. But with limited space and manpower, the homeless pets have to go, one way or another. Adoption or euthanasia are the options.

Some shelter pets have special needs that cannot be provided for in a shelter environment. Very young puppies or kittens, or a mother cat with a litter, would be an example. But there are many types of special needs.

For these pets, foster homes can be more than a safe haven – they can be a lifeline.

The socialization and nurturing that rescued pets receive by being in a typical home environment can also make a big difference in whether their future adoption is successful.

Ideally, those who volunteer as foster homes are people who have a knowledge of the species (dog, cat, bird or rabbit) and a willingness to help.

A foster caregiver must be able to keep the pet safe and secure by making it a part of their family, keeping it inside the home as much as possible; and securing it inside a locked, fenced yard when it must be outside for short periods of time.

Love is another essential ingredient, and means everything to an abandoned pet. But foster home volunteers must also be able to “let go” when a permanent home becomes available.

For more information on volunteering as a foster home call the Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control Division or the Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League. Their numbers are listed in our web site service directory under the shelters category.
 

 

 

The importance of providing

a designated caregiver

By Frances Goodman

We never know when weather, traffic, or an unexpected emergency may keep us from returning home on time to care for the pets.

For their sake, animal welfare agencies recommend that two types of care should be pre-designated by pet owners:

* A temporary or “stand-by” caregiver in case of an unexpected delay;

* A permanent caregiver (adopter) in the event you can no longer care for your pet.

 Temporary

When choosing a temporary caregiver, consider someone who lives near you, gets along with your pet, and is knowledgeable about pet care.

Someone responsible enough not to allow a pet to slip out the front door.

This person is someone who would be willing and able to go to your home and care for the pets if you have any problem that keeps you from getting home to feed, potty, water, and otherwise provide for.

A temporary caregiver should be someone who is generally available when you are working, or could easily become available.

A set of keys should be given to this trusted individual. You may even swap caregiving responsibilities, depending on schedules.

It’s good to have a back-up.

Permanent

A permanent caregiver is that reliable person to whom you would entrust your pet if something happened to you.

Life can change in day, an hour or an instant.

If something happens to us, what happens to the pets?

This person, too, should be someone who likes your pet and has successfully cared for animals in the past.

Discuss your expectations at length, to be sure he or she understands the responsibility you are asking them to accept, and is completely willing to accept it.

Be sure to make financial provisions for the pet’s care if possible.

 

 

 

 

In a Medical Emergency

Make this Call...

 

When medical emergencies happen with pets, the natural reaction is to get them in the car and rush to the vet clinic.

There’s one other important thing to do.

Making an advance call to alert the clinic that you’re on the way can save precious minutes, and sometimes a life.

An email we received from a pet lover who works at the front desk of an animal medical center reminds us that letting the staff know you’re on the way can also avoid the unhappy scenario of arriving only to find the vet is away or tied up in surgery.

She writes the following:

“I can't begin to tell you how frustrating it is when someone comes racing through our door with a pet limp in their arms and the vet is not available.

“There are times when our doctor is in pre-scheduled surgery and cannot be pulled away from the operating room.

“Other instances are when people come in with an injured or hurt animal and the doctor has stepped out to run an errand or get some lunch.

“A ‘heads up’ call could avoid a lot of unnecessary problems and delay!

“For example, if we were informed of a dog in trouble with delivery, we could get the necessary items prepared for a C-section. Or if the doctor was out of the clinic, we could redirect them to another local vet's office.”

She added:

“So much precious time is lost when people fail to call ahead to their veterinarian. We are here to save animals’ lives.

“Everyone can help with that by just giving us a ‘heads up’on emergencies.”

We appreciate the good advice and add the following:

Every pet lover should have two phone numbers posted clearly at home and/or programmed into their home and cell phones -- one for their regular veterinarian and the other for the after-hours emergency clinic that serves their area

Not having to stop and search for the number can also be a valuable time saver.

 

 

 

  What about the pets…?

When wedding bells

 are in the plans

 

By Frances Goodman

 

 

Planning a holiday wedding? For pet lovers, here’s an important question: Do you both have shared values when it comes to animals?

For serious pet lovers, a mutual attitude toward pets is important for long-term compatibility.

For those who are planning to wed, here is a checklist of issues that should be thoroughly aired before entering into a commitment to share a home:

--Will pets be allowed in the house?

--Will they be allowed to sleep on the bed?

--Are both parties willing to pay pet deposits (if renting)? Boarding fees when necessary?

--If one has cats and the other has dogs, are both willing to show the same care for each other's pets?

--Is walking the dog or having a cat-litter box in the house acceptable to both?

--What if there is an accident on the new carpet?

--Do both parties truly enjoy living with and interacting with pets--and with the same kind of pets?

Some people simply are not pet-oriented and may never be.

Many non-pet owners prefer order and structure in their surroundings. They would not easily tolerate an accident on the floor or pet hair on their good suit. In contrast, pet people tend to be more laid back.

In some cases, pet people tend to be more “touchy” and overtly affectionate that non-pet people.

And when it comes to expenditure of money for vet bills, the attitudes and values especially need to be compatible.

When two of the opposite persuasion marry, something has to give. Even in a best-case scenario, resentment may be harbored by the one who has to accept the other’s wishes. Sadly, if pets are the source of controversy, all too often they are the ones that suffer.

It’s best to be in perfect agreement ahead of time, for the sake of the pets as well as the relationship.

Best wishes!

 

 

Pet owner’s checklist for

 emergency preparedness

By Frances Goodman

Being able to live for one week without access to food, water or gasoline is considered a benchmark for survival in case of a major disaster.

Getting out early, when evacuation is called for, is another benchmark. For pets, this means being evacuated with the family or taken to safe shelter. The experts confirm that in a disaster, pets left behind are not likely to survive.

Either way, having a plan and having disaster supplies for the humans and the pets is crucial.

 

Questions to ask

Here are some important questions for pet owners to ask when planning ahead:

● How will we contain or restrain the pets in emergency conditions? (Note: If carriers are not available, a pillowcase tied shut can be used for temporary emergency evacuation of a cat or small puppy. However, carriers are more secure and are recommended for the comfort of the pet.).

● Are they properly identified with tags and/or microchip ID?

● Do we have a pet emergency/disaster kit containing food, medical records, their medications, and first aid supplies for them?

● If so, do we follow the rotation practice of putting new supplies in the kit and rotating the previous supplies out for use before they are outdated?

● At home or on the road, will there be enough drinking water for everyone including the pets? The very act of eating dry food, which absorbs moisture in the intestinal tract, can contribute to dehydration of animals if sufficient water is not provided. Is the stored water frequently rotated to maintain freshness?

● Do we make it a practice to never let our vehicle run lower than half a tank of gas at all times? Searching for a gas station when it’s time to evacuate is not a good scenario.

● In the event we are away from home during an emergency, do we have a backup caregiver who can gain access to the house and evacuate the pet? This should be someone who is familiar with the pet and is in close proximity to your home -- a responsible person with whom you can trust your housekeys and your pet.

 

At the first sign

Experts also advise that pets should be brought in and secured at the first sign of disaster. Once things start getting crazy, animals can panic and run away.

If pets are trained, socialized, and familiar with being kenneled in a carrier and riding in vehicles, they should be able to remain calm during an evacuation. This applies to cats and birds as well as dogs. And when the pets are calmer, stress on the humans is also reduced.

Spending quiet time in one’s crate occasionally under normal conditions at home should be standard fare for pets, so that when it’s necessary to be kenneled in emergency, or simply for going to the vet, the confinement is not stressful.

Maintaining disaster kits and having a plan can mean the difference between survival or suffering should an actual emergency arise.

Our pets can’t plan ahead for themselves. That part is up to us.

 

 

 

Experts advise…

Don’t rush out to buy

a dog like “Rex”

The family movie Firehouse Dog has prompted the American Kennel Club to remind moviegoers about the importance of making careful, educated decisions before adding a dog to their home.

Firehouse Dog is a comedy about a world-famous pooch -- an Irish Terrier -- who is separated from his owner and ends up as the mascot of a fire station. There, he helps turn the station into the city’s finest.

The AKC joins the Irish Terrier Club of America in reiterating the message that potential puppy owners should carefully research a breed when buying a dog and should buy only from a reputable source.

Additionally, people should be aware that movie dogs are highly trained animals; the stunts they perform on screen are not the kind of tricks dog owners should expect of their own canine companions.

“People who see the film may think about owning an Irish Terrier,” said Lisa Peterson, AKC spokesperson. She added, however: “Irish Terriers have a hearty spirit and need plenty of exercise—they probably wouldn’t be a good match for people who have a more sedate lifestyle. With 155 AKC-recognized breeds to choose from, people need to do their research and select a dog that will fit well with their family.”

To research different breeds and their characteristics, visit the AKC at www.akc.org. To learn more about Irish Terriers, visit the AKC site or the Irish Terrier Club of America at www.ITCA.info.

 

The scoop on

choosing a kennel

 

Here’s some good advice on what to look for when choosing a kennel for your pet:

Trust your senses (as well as your common sense) when inspecting a kennel as a possible "vacation" spot for your dog or cat.

Make sure the entire kennel is clean and orderly, indoor and outdoor runs included.

Make sure there are no offensive odors. There should be adequate ventilation. A well-run kennel should not reek of strong pet smells.

Make sure the temperature is adequate, not too warm and not too cold.

Ask to see the outdoor dog-running area. It should be close to spotless and made of gravel or concrete.

Ask how frequently the areas are cleaned.

The cattery should be in a separate area, shielded from dog facilities.

All responsible kennel owners and operators will ask you about your pets' vaccinations and will require proof of certain shots.

All responsible kennel owners and operators will show you each area in which the pets are kept.

The outdoor runs - and the entire kennel should be very secure. Many dogs attempt to break out, so talk to the kennel owners about this if you're worried.

Some last tips:

Bring along your pet’s bed or favorite toys. When you leave, be positive and upbeat. Tell your dog, "Here we are, Fido--it's your vacation. Good boy/girl!!" Do not apologize to your dog. He will sense your discomfort and become upset himself -- Compiled by the American Kennel Club and My Pet News.