Can Cats Eat Catnip?

Posted on April 29, 2021 - 2:30 pm by
A black and tan striped cat lying on the floor staring at a ball of catnip.

If you’re wondering if your cat can have catnip, the answer is a resounding yes! Catnip is safe for cats and is a great way to add some entertainment to your cat’s (and your) life. But it’s a roll of the dice whether your cat will respond to catnip. Some cats don’t experience any effects, some cats drool and chill out, while other cats take off in a burst of energy and ricochet around the room!

Is Catnip Bad for Cats?

The good news is that catnip is nontoxic and safe for cats. In fact, it’s often used as a form of enrichment for indoor cats to help prevent boredom and stress and keep your cat happy. As well as fresh catnip, you can purchase dried catnip and catnip spray, as well as catnip balls, bubbles and chew sticks. You can also buy your kitty catnip-infused toys or toys that can be refilled with dried catnip.

About the Catnip Plant

Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is a perennial herb in the same mint family as peppermint and spearmint. It is native to Europe, Asia and Africa, and was thought to have been brought to North America by settlers. Catnip is now considered a pesky weed, but it also remains a favorite in the herb gardens of cat owners who like to grow fresh catnip.

The catnip plant contains several essential oils and other compounds that are stored in tiny bulbs that cover the leaves, stems and seedpods of the plant. The oils are released when a cat (or other animal) brushes up against the plant. The release of one compound in particular, nepetalactone, is why some cats react to catnip.

How Does Catnip Work?

The mood-altering effect of catnip is associated with a cat’s sense of smell. Nepetalactone, the active ingredient in catnip, rapidly changes from a liquid to a gas and binds to receptors in a cat’s nose. So the effect of nepetalactone on a cat’s brain is from the system responsible for a cat’s sense of smell — not from eating catnip.

Can Cats Overdose on Catnip?

No, cats can’t overdose on catnip, but they can get an upset tummy if they eat too much. There’s also no need to worry about your cat getting addicted to catnip. However, if cats are exposed to catnip too frequently, they can become accustomed to the effects. So it’s best to limit your cat’s access to catnip.

The Catnip Effect Isn’t Guaranteed

Only about 50 to 80 percent of cats are sensitive to nepetalactone, so not all cats will experience the catnip “buzz.” For some cats, catnip causes them to be very active and playful whereas other cats become calm and mellow. Most cats who are sensitive to nepetalactone will respond by displaying some of these behaviors:

  • Sniffing, licking and biting
  • Shaking their heads
  • Rubbing their heads, chins or cheeks against it
  • Rolling over
  • Drooling
  • Vocalizing
  • Kicking the catnip with their back paws

The euphoria that catnip brings cats doesn’t last long, typically 5–15 minutes. After that, they’ll be temporarily “immune” to the intoxicating effects of the ’nip for about two hours.

If your cat doesn’t respond to catnip, there are other plants you can try like silvervine and Tatarian honeysuckle. These plants are also nontoxic and non-addictive for cats and can also be used as a form of enrichment.

Can Kittens Have Catnip?

Kittens can experience catnip safely, but if they’re less than 3 to 6 months old, they typically won’t respond to it and may actually turn their nose up at it. Whether or not an older kitten will react to catnip depends on their parents — the reaction to catnip is hereditary. The catnip effect is caused by multiple genes, and without those genes, your cat will think catnip is just another boring plant.

How Much Catnip Is Too Much Catnip?

Eating too much catnip can cause an upset stomach. If your cat has overindulged, you may notice vomiting and diarrhea that will resolve over time. Contact your veterinarian if you’re worried about the vomiting and diarrhea, especially if you think your cat might be dehydrated. Limiting your cat’s access to catnip will help prevent future tummy problems.

Does Catnip Affect Other Animals?

Some big cats also react to catnip. Lions, jaguars, leopards and snow leopards appear to be sensitive to catnip, but tigers, not so much. Dogs can react mildly to catnip but it only has a sedative effect on them, which is why it’s sometimes used to reduce anxiety. Dogs won’t experience the burst of energy like some cats.

Catnip Benefits Go Beyond Feeling Gooood

Catnip is mostly used as enrichment for cats, but cats may have another reason for being attracted to it. Nepetalactone is an effective mosquito repellent, so it’s possible that cats rub their heads in catnip to fend off annoying and possibly harmful mosquitoes. Whatever the reason, some cats definitely go crazy for catnip!

Be Environmentally Friendly with Your Pet This Earth Day

Posted on April 21, 2021 - 2:24 pm by
Taste of the Wild

Last year, Americans spent an estimated $58 billion on pet food, treats, supplies, over-the-counter medicines and other items, according to the American Pet Products Association. Imagine how much of that could be channeled into greener, more sustainable alternatives, without much extra effort.

As part of Earth Day, we’ve compiled a list of ways you can make your dog or cat a more environmentally friendly pet:

Reduce pet food packaging — Consider buying food and treats in bulk. Of course, only buy what you can use before the expiration date and always store food in a cool, dry place. If possible, look for packaging that’s recyclable. If it isn’t, make the empty bag do double duty and use it for disposing of household trash.

Donate gently used pet items — If your pet just got an upgrade in bedding, leash, litter box, bowl or other item, consider donating the old gear that is still in good condition to your local shelter or rescue. Some organizations may also appreciate leftover pet food, as well as flea and tick medications that are still in their original packaging. Most can’t accept unused prescription medications, but you can always ask. (And be sure that any donation, from food to meds to toys, isn’t past its expiration date!)

Give linens a second life — Veterinary clinics and shelters are always in need of your old blankets and towels. Give them a good wash and drop them off so they can be put to good use.

Make your own pet toys — The single sock that’s lost its mate could be made into a great pet toy. Just take an empty water bottle, remove the cap, and slip it inside the sock. Dogs love the crinkly sound it makes when they chew on it. Or cut off the sock above the toe, fill it with catnip and sew it shut for a simple cat toy. It’s a great way to upcycle items that would otherwise end up in a landfill. Always be sure to run your homemade toys by your veterinarian; some materials are no-nos.

Search out recyclable or sustainably sourced pet products — Look for companies that are certified B corporations. This gives you the confidence that the things you buy are more likely to be made from recycled or natural materials. Consider leashes and collars made from materials such as hemp, soy, bamboo and cotton.

Choose kitty litter made from natural materials — You can find litter made of everything from wheat or corn to newspaper and wood shavings. Many of these materials are biodegradable, so they can be flushed down the toilet or disposed of in biodegradable bags.

Walk your pet instead of driving your car — The next time you need something from the corner store, consider leaving your car keys behind and taking a more sustainable walk. (Remember to bring biodegradable poop bags with you.) If possible, buy pet products locally, further reducing environmental hazards associated with transportation.

Repurpose your pet’s fur — Do you have a heavy shedder at home? You can have their fur spun into yarn, so you could knit a dog coat — out of your dog’s coat. Or make a point of brushing your pet outside and leaving the fur for birds and other wildlife to weave into a warm lining for their nests.

It’s always a good idea to consider your impact on the world. You include your pet in everything else, so why not here?

Adventures in the Wild: Camping with Your Dog

Posted on April 15, 2021 - 3:00 pm by
Taste of the Wild

What could be better than stretching out in the moonlight, lulled to sleep by the rustling of leaves, a chorus of crickets and the gentle snoring of your canine companion? Camping with your dog can be truly memorable. Here are a few tips to get you started safely.

Talk to your veterinarian. With any luck, your dog will make friends on your camping trip, so you want to make sure he or she is current on vaccines. Now’s a good time to stock up on flea, tick and heartworm preventives, too.

Be easy to find if your dog gets lost.  Even the best-behaved dogs can get distracted (squirrel!) and take off running. Before you go, make sure your dog’s ID tags contain all your current contact information. Consider a temporary tag with your campground and campsite number, or the number for the nearest ranger station. If your dog has a microchip, call the manufacturer to make sure the chip is registered with the current contact information. You might also want a dog collar with a GPS feature.

Pack all your pooch supplies.  Think of everything your dog needs during a 24-hour period, including food (pack enough for a few extra days), bowls, medications, bedding, a leash, toys, a crate, a yard stake with a short cable, poop bags, towel, brushes and a first aid kit that includes fine-tipped tweezers for removing ticks.

Find dog-friendly campsites: Most national and state park websites will tell you if dogs are welcome, but you can also try searching the web for pet-friendly campsites. Helpful websites include Bring Fido and GoPetFriendly.

Know trail regulations. Just because the campsite is dog friendly doesn’t mean the hiking trails are. Most U.S. national parks don’t allow dogs on trails, even if they’re leashed. If you plan on hiking with your dog, make sure to check the rules before you go.

Drill your dog on obedience skills. To be respectful of your camping neighbors, refresh your dog’s memory on commands such as “come,” “stay,” “drop it” and “quiet.”

Plan for your dog’s drinking water. If the campsite doesn’t offer drinking water, don’t rely on lakes, rivers or streams for your dog to lap from. Some natural bodies of water may contain toxins such as blue algae or harmful germs like Giardia. If using water from natural sources, bring a water purifying kit.

Make your dog comfortable. While you’re setting up the campsite, stake your dog on a short cable or let them relax in the comfort of their crate, so your hands are free. Place a tarp under your tent to protect your dog from the cold, damp ground and bring foam padding and a comforter for bedding. If your dog has a short, thin, coat, consider bringing a doggy sweater for when the temperatures drop at night.

Keep food locked away. You shouldn’t tempt bears and other wildlife with your food, so remember to protect your dog’s food as you would your own. Keep it in a sealed, waterproof container and hoist it high off the ground, if necessary.

Be a good campsite neighbor. Most campsites require your dog to be leashed at all times, so keep your dog from wandering to meet the neighbors. Don’t go on hikes and leave your dog behind on a cable, in a crate or in the car. You don’t want your dog to become a barking nuisance, run after wildlife or be caught in sudden weather changes.

Know the location of the closest emergency veterinary clinic. If your dog has a close encounter of the wildlife kind, such as a tangle with a rattlesnake or porcupine, you will need to seek veterinary help fast.

With a little planning, you can create great memories camping with your dog.

What’s the Right Way to Remove a Tick?

Posted on April 8, 2021 - 3:00 pm by
Taste of the Wild

Only you know that special hollow, at the base of your dog’s neck, where you can scritch and send a hind paw banging on the floor, scratching at a phantom itch. But wait… what’s this? You part the hair. Eeewww, it’s a bloated tick.

If it’s an adult deer tick, it can latch on with a tenacity unmatched by most other ticks. First, the tick inserts its long mouthparts, which are barbed to firmly anchor it to the host. Then, the tick secretes a cement-like substance that bonds it to the skin until it’s satiated and ready to drop off.

Still, a deer tick must feed for 24 to 48 hours before it can transmit the organisms responsible for Lyme disease. Removing the tick as soon as you find it reduces your dog’s risk for Lyme or other tick-borne diseases. As part of Prevention of Lyme Disease in Dogs Month, we’re sharing the right — and not-so-right — ways to remove a tick.

Avoid these tick removal methods

There’s a lot of misinformation on the internet, including the following tick removal suggestions, which should be filed under “Bad ideas”:

  • Pinch the tick between your thumb and forefinger and pull it out — Many (but not all) ticks are infected with pathogens, or disease-causing agents. Pressing on the tick body may actually force pathogens in the tick gut into your pet.
  • Burn the tick with a lit match or lighter — Some claim applying heat to the tick body will make it back out of the skin. In reality, heat may cause the tick to regurgitate gut contents into the bite. And chances are good that you could burn your pet’s skin or hair.
  • Suffocate the tick with petroleum jelly, fingernail polish, alcohol or essential oils. Ticks generally only breathe between 1 and 15 times an hour out of spiracles, or openings on the sides of their bodies. While the tick may back out to escape the irritating solution, it will probably disgorge gut contents into the pet first.

So how to you get the darn thing off?

Tick removal the right way

If your dog is covered with hundreds of ticks, call your veterinarian. He or she can recommend a fast-acting tick-killing product for the majority of ticks, and the remaining ticks can be removed manually.

If you’ve only found a few ticks on your dog, removing them is relatively easy:

An interior graphic detailing eight tips for safely removing a tick from your pet.

Not all ticks carry disease-causing agents, but it’s a good idea to watch your dog for signs of tick-borne illnesses such as Lyme disease for a few weeks after tick removal. Signs of Lyme disease may include lethargy, loss of appetite and shifting-leg lameness. Remember, flea and tick prevention is always important. Your veterinarian can also recommend tick preventives to help kill ticks that come in contact with your dog.

How Often Should You Bathe Your Dog?

Posted on April 1, 2021 - 3:00 pm by
A brown dog with bubbles on its head getting bathed by two hands.

Obviously, there are times when your dog definitely needs a bath — like after a morning of mud-puddle mayhem or after rolling in something that’s now unidentifiable and stiiiiinky. But if your dog isn’t covered in a smelly mess, how often should you bathe them?

Can long time intervals between baths cause health problems? If you don’t bathe your dog every month, is it unsanitary? If you bathe your canine companion too often, will they develop dry skin? Well, like many things, the answer is “it depends.”

When to Give Your Dog a Bath

Your dog’s bathing needs depend on their lifestyle, breed, type of coat and the health of their skin. Most dogs with normal skin don’t need to bathe that often, especially if they have short hair. Given that many of them groom themselves to some degree, less-frequent baths — like a bath every few months — should suffice. Obviously, if your dog loves to roll in dirt with carefree abandon or has a certain stank about them, you probably want to start bathing your dog more often.

Longer-haired dogs, as well as those with continuously growing coats such as poodles, typically need regular brushing and more frequent bathing. Professional groomers may recommend a visit every 6 to 8 weeks.

How Often Can You Bathe a Dog?

It was once believed that weekly baths or bathing dogs frequently could strip the coat of important oils and result in dry skin. But as long as you’re using the right pet shampoo, that doesn’t have to be the case (more on that later).

Dogs with skin conditions require more frequent bathing, perhaps even twice a week. The type of therapeutic shampoo will depend on the dog’s skin condition. Some medicated shampoos contain antimicrobials to help with bacterial or fungal skin infections, anti-inflammatories and anti-itch ingredients for dogs with allergies or itchy skin, and degreasing agents for other skin conditions. Medicated veterinary shampoos often contain moisturizers to help replenish natural oils for dogs that are bathed frequently.

Can You Use Human Shampoo on Dogs?

No matter how often you bathe your dog, make sure to use a dog shampoo that’s specifically designed for dogs. Since the pH of dog skin tends to be more alkaline than human skin, human shampoo, even baby shampoo, can be irritating to dogs. Some dog shampoos are specially formulated for different types of coats — thick coats, oily coats, even hairless breeds. If you have any specific questions about what’s right for your dog, ask your veterinarian.

If you have a cat in the house, be careful when using flea shampoo on your dog. Some dog flea shampoos contain ingredients that are toxic to cats. Be sure to read the label before bathing your dog.

Can You Blow Dry a Dog?

It’s important to dry your dog thoroughly after a bath to prevent tangles, skin infections and mats forming. Dogs with short hair can probably do with just being toweled dry by patting (not rubbing) them with a towel designed for dogs. But for dogs with longer fur or double coats, you may want to use a dog dryer as well to make sure they’re really dry.

Dog owners should never use a human hair dryer on a dog — they can be too hot on a dog’s skin. A specifically designed dog dryer (a forced-air dryer) uses airflow to dry the hair, not heat. You’ll need to slowly introduce the dryer to your dog, starting with it turned off, then turned on but not blowing on them and then slowly blowing air on small parts of their body at a time, but avoiding their face and ears. Make sure it’s always a positive experience for them, giving them plenty of praise, high-value treats or other rewards.

Benefits of Dog Bathing

Giving your dog a periodic bath is a good way to help keep your pup clean and freshen the scent of their coat. Plus, it’s an opportunity for you to run your fingers over their skin to check for any lumps or bumps. It may also be a good time to clean their ears — if your veterinarian approves, as cleaning dog ears isn’t always necessary.

When Can You Give a Puppy a Bath?

As a general rule, you can start bathing your puppy after they are 8 weeks old, which is when their body has the ability to regulate temperature and they won’t get too hot or cold. While getting your pup clean, make bath time fun and relaxing. That way, future you won’t be dealing with a scared, anxious adult dog that needs a bath.

Is your dog’s coat due for a spring cleaning? If so, check out more grooming tips and tricks in our guide to pet grooming.

A Taste of the Wild Guide to Choosing the Right Pet Food

Posted on March 31, 2021 - 3:00 pm by
Taste of the Wild

Choosing the right pet food isn’t easy. Simply walking into the pet food aisle can be daunting. So many choices you need to make, and so many options for each choice. All life stages dog food. Senior cat food. High-protein food. Flavor. Price point. Quantity. Ingredient. Nutrient. Protein source. What’s it all mean?

Anyone who has ever loved a pet knows that it’s not just a matter of picking out the coolest looking bag of food. If you get anything right for your furry family members, it has to be their nutrition. You could argue that choosing the right food is the most important choice you’ll make in the life of your cat or dog.

We’re in the pet nutrition business, and we understand how difficult it can be to wade through the formulas and flavors of pet food to pick exactly the right food. So we’ve assembled some of our best articles below, to help you choose the right food for your pet. We’ve considered everything from the basics of pet nutrition to best practices for pet food storage (because you don’t just buy a bag of food and forget it, right?) to how to understand the difference between “adult” pet food and “senior” food. You’ll always have more questions about how to be best feeding your dog or cat, but the following primer should get you started on the right four feet.

The Basics of Pet Nutrition

You want to do right by your pet. But cat and dog food can be so complicated. What do the ingredients actually do? Does your cat need different nutrients than your dog? If you take vitamins, does that mean your pet should, too? The best way to get a foothold is to start learning some of the basics of pet food. We’ll get you started.

  1. All pets need dietary protein.
  2. Fats are the most concentrated energy source.
  3. Carbohydrates help promote GI health.
  4. Cats are obligate carnivores.
  5. Cats are usually lactose intolerant.
  6. Proteins are the triggers for most food allergies.
  7. Pets typically don’t need extra vitamins.

Read More About the 7 Basics of Pet Nutrition

An interior graphic detailing seven basic facts about pet nutrition.

How to Change Your Pet’s Diet

There are many reasons to consider switching dog food or cat food recipes, types or brands. But how do you actually go about changing their food if there’s an ingredient they don’t agree with, and how do you know it’s really time?

Your dog or cat may eagerly devour a new type of pet food, but his or her digestive tract may not be as enthusiastic if they aren’t eased into the process. Vomiting, diarrhea and gas are just a few of the potential consequences to a sudden food switch. That’s why food transitions should be made gradually, over the course of a week or more, to give your pet’s digestive tract a chance to adjust.

Read More About Changing Your Pet’s Diet

An interior graphic detailing how to slowly introduce new pet food into an animal's diet.

Working Dog Nutrition

Working dogs have unique nutritional needs that must be met in order for them to perform at their best. Just like physical human laborers, working dogs get a workout every day (or they should). And as a result of their active lifestyle, they need more calories to operate at peak performance. Depending on the workload, working dogs need 1.5 to 2.5 times the amount of dog food as a relatively sedentary dog. Does your choice of pet foods work as hard as your dog?

Read Everything You Need to Know About Working Dog Nutrition

All Life Stages Pet Food

Your dog isn’t a puppy. Your cat isn’t a senior. Does that mean that they should be eating an “all life stages” diet? Diets that are designed for all life stages meet the nutritional requirements for both growth and reproduction as well as maintenance diets. But there’s so much more to it. Click to find out exactly what pet food companies mean when they say “all life stages” dog food or cat food. Is it just complete and balanced nutrition, or is it more than that?

Read More About All Life Stages Pet Food

An overhead view of a white ceramic bowl filled with dog kibble.

Properly Measuring Pet Food

So you spent all this time figuring out what type of dog food or cat food your pet should eat. Why would you undermine your perfect choice by feeding your pet too much or too little? Believe it or not, feeding  food in proper amounts is tougher than it seems.

That’s right. According to a study done by University of Guelph veterinary researchers, pet owners need to rethink how they measure dry food. Consistent measurement errors such as those found in the Guelph study could lead to undernourishment, but more likely would result in weight gain or obesity.

Read More About the Science of Properly Measuring Pet Food

Pet Food Storage

How do you store that big bag of dog food after you lug it in from the car? Do you crack the seal and leave it in a corner? Dump the food into an easy-access tote? More importantly, how should you store the food? We have some tips and best practices for all pet owners!

Read Our Do’s and Don’ts of Pet Food Storage

Feeding your dog or cat properly matters

Caring for a pet dog or cat is incredibly rewarding, but it is not always easy for pet owners. Everything from choosing their food to choosing the right pet food storage can be the reason your pet grows healthy and strong. If you have any concerns whatsoever about the nutrition you have chosen for your pet, do not hesitate to contact your veterinarian. Pet care is their top concern, after all.

No guide to the pet food label or pet nutrition can be truly comprehensive because the subject is so vast and so personal. But we hope this guide to choosing the right dog food helps you build a strong nutritional foundation for your pet.

A new puppy text graphic with a white, tan and black puppy lying in the grass.

Dogs at Work: K9 Cops

Posted on March 25, 2021 - 3:00 pm by
Taste of the Wild

One of the most famous police dogs in Canadian history, Cloud II helped his handler capture 123 fugitives as well as numerous lost children and hunters. After a career of just four years, the German Shepherd lost his life in the line of duty after tracking a fugitive to a remote cabin in Ontario.

As part of the NYPD, Appollo was a first responder at the World Trade Center. The German Shepherd tirelessly searched the smoking wreckage for survivors and victims, eventually earning the Dickin Medal, the highest honor bestowed on animals for gallantry or devotion to duty.

As a member of the Connecticut State Police, Mattie was the first working accelerant-detection dog in the United States. Trained to detect evidence of arson, the Labrador Retriever could identify 17 different accelerants and even sniff out suspects observing the aftermath of a fire.

These are just a few of the police dogs who are specially trained to patrol the streets, help with search and rescue or use their powerful noses to track down drugs, explosives or other vital evidence.

To protect and serve

Day after day, police dogs risk their lives to work in dangerous situations and help protect their handlers from harm. As you can imagine, this takes an inordinate amount of training. Teaching a dog the intricacies of patrol work, urban tracking and detection can cost between $12,000 and $15,000, according to the National Police Dog Foundation. Most police departments simply don’t have the budget for this kind of expense and rely on donations from private citizens and corporations.

Trainers generally start with puppies that are specially bred for the job. The most common dogs used are herding breeds such as German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois and Dutch Shepherds because they are intelligent, physically strong, and have a strong prey drive. (It doesn’t hurt that they can have a menacing demeanor.)

Training starts early with basic obedience, and dogs learn to focus in public and ignore distractions. General training can take about 8 months or longer, when they’re teamed with a handler for as long as six months or more of additional training. Most handlers keep training dogs on a regular basis and complete annual certification.

Single or dual purpose

Single-purpose police dogs are generally used for patrol duties, which can include officer protection, suspect apprehension, area or building clearance and security. In some cases, dogs may be used only for tracking purposes, such as locating missing people.

Dual-purpose canines are trained to perform patrol duties plus certain kinds of detection, whiffing out scents such as narcotics, explosives or other evidence that may be easy to miss with the human eye.

When off duty, police dogs generally live with their handlers as part of the family. Depending on their health, K9 cops can serve anywhere from 6 to 10 years before retiring to a life of heroic leisure.

Road Trip! RV Life with Pets

Posted on March 18, 2021 - 3:00 pm by
Taste of the Wild

Some people travel with garden gnomes, posting photos at famous landmarks. But we’re guessing snapshots of your dog or cat in front of an alien spaceship in Roswell, New Mexico, would garner a lot more attention.

Isn’t it time to indulge your pent-up wanderlust, load up the recreational vehicle with pets, then hit the road? All it takes is a little planning. Here are some suggestions to help make your wilderness adventure with your favorite four-footed friends a success.

Map your trip. Not every campsite accepts pets. Once you have a general idea of where you want to go, find pet-friendly RV parks or campsites along the way. Some campsites offer fenced-in play areas for dogs, which is a great way to wear off energy after a long drive.

Meet with your veterinarian. Your pet should be current on all vaccines. Many campsites will ask for proof of vaccination, so ask for vaccination records and other pertinent medical records. You typically won’t need a health certificate when driving with your pet, but it’s a good idea to check the U.S. Department of Agriculture for the states you’ll visit, just to be sure.

Now’s the time to stock up on medications as well as flea/tick/heartworm preventives to last the whole trip.

Help your pet feel at home. A few weeks before you travel, give your pet a chance to get accustomed to RV living. Start by letting them explore the RV interior in your driveway, so they can get used to where their food, water, beds or litter boxes are located. Provide them with positive reinforcement in the form of treats and praise.

Then, try a few short rides (now’s the best time to find out if they get carsick). If you’re towing a camper, your pet will need to ride in the car.  Make sure you have a seat-halter system or a way to secure their kennel to keep them safe. If you’re driving an RV, your pets will still need to be inside a secured kennel to help prevent injury if you make any sudden stops.

Get your pet’s identification in order. If your pet wanders away at a rest stop or campsite, a current ID tag is the best way to get them back to you. All pets should have an ID tag with your address and cell phone. If your pet has a microchip, check with the manufacturer to make sure they have your current contact information. It can’t hurt to pack a current photo of your pet in case you need to make Lost Pet posters.

Make a pet packing list. You don’t want to be stranded in the middle of the wilderness without a pet necessity. So, start making a list of everything your pet will need, such as: food, bowls, medications, beds, kennels, leashes, litter box, toys, poop bags, swimming life vest, pet sunscreen, playpen for campsite, and a pet first aid kit.

On the road. Schedule stops every few hours, so your pet gets a chance to stretch his or her legs and take care of potty business. Better yet, take a hike along the shoreline or into the woods. Always keep your dog on leash so it doesn’t bolt at an unfamiliar sound or sight.

At the campsite. Always be respectful of your neighbors, which means picking up after your dog, holding barking to a minimum and keeping your dog on a leash so it doesn’t snatch hot dogs off the neighbor’s grill, or worse, wander off.

If you leave your pet behind. You can plan short excursions without your pet, but try not to leave them in the RV for long periods of time. If the weather is hot, make sure to leave the air conditioner and fans on so your pet stays cool.

What are you waiting for? Time to start planning.

How to Help a Poisoned Pet

Posted on March 4, 2021 - 4:00 pm by
Taste of the Wild

Curious pets have a way of getting into things they shouldn’t. Maybe your dog nosed through the garbage can. Or your cat gnawed on a new houseplant. Or a pet pried open the bottle of human medications in your backpack.

Dogs and cats are often inadvertently poisoned by ingesting toxins, but like people, they can also be poisoned by inhaling noxious fumes or if their skin comes into contact with certain chemicals.

When exposed to toxins, a healthy pet can become ill before you know it. Of course, the severity and timing of signs varies depending on the toxin involved. Signs like lethargy or loss of appetite can be subtle or they can be severe, ranging from vomiting and diarrhea to collapse and seizures.

Would you know what to do, if you suspect your pet has been poisoned?

Practice poison prevention

Help protect your pet from poisoning with the following:

Know about potential poisons. When you’re aware that many common lilies can be toxic to cats, you can keep them out of your house.  Visit the Pet Poison Helpline to learn what plants, household and garden items may cause trouble. For cats, common toxins include acetaminophen, flea and tick medications containing pyrethrin, and human antidepressants. The list for dogs includes chocolate, the artificial sweetener xylitol and grapes.

Store toxins out of paw’s reach. Carefully place household, yard and automotive chemicals where pets can’t access them. Replace toxic house and garden plants with pet-safe versions. Secure rodenticides where mice can access them but pets can’t. All human and pet medications should be kept in a medicine cabinet or drawer. Never leave human foods in places where counter surfers can reach them.

Keep important numbers close. Program the following numbers into your phone, so they’re close at hand: your regular veterinarian (if potential poisoning happens during regular business hours), the closest 24-hour emergency veterinary clinic (for after hours) and ASPCA Poison Control (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (there may be a fee).

Be prepared for an emergency. Keep 3 percent hydrogen peroxide in your medicine cabinet, in case your veterinarian asks you to induce vomiting in your dog. Replace the bottle when it reaches the expiration date. It may help to have a syringe on hand, for administration. Hydrogen peroxide is only for use in dogs; there is no at-home medication to induce vomiting in cats. Avoid internet suggestions for making your pet vomit, such as using vegetable oil or salt.

With any toxin exposure, act fast

If you suspect your pet has been poisoned, contact your veterinarian immediately, even if your pet is acting normal. The sooner your pet can be treated, the more likely it is for a good prognosis. Other important steps include:

Try to identify the toxin involved. If possible, bring the product packaging, plant, medication or photos of the poisoning site to the clinic. This will help the doctor better identify the toxin so the appropriate treatment can be started as soon as possible.

Bring a vomit sample to the vet in a clear, plastic bag. If you’re unsure what your pet may have gotten into, the vomit may contain materials that can help your veterinarian identify potential toxins.

Never induce vomiting or provide treatment unless directed by your veterinarian. Some toxins can cause damage to the esophagus, mouth or nose, or be aspirated into the lungs if vomiting is induced. Do not induce vomiting if your dog is unconscious, unable to stand, is having trouble breathing or is having a seizure. Giving your pet milk will not neutralize the toxin. And never give any human over-the-counter medicine as a treatment, unless you are asked to do so by your veterinarian.

Even if you’re careful, toxin exposure can happen. Knowing when your pet may be in trouble and seeking immediate veterinary help are the best ways to help keep your pet safe and healthy.

Helping Solve Digital Crimes: Electronic Storage Detection Dogs

Posted on February 25, 2021 - 3:48 pm by
Taste of the Wild

With the constant miniaturization of electronics, digital information can now be stored on a microSD card the size of a fingernail. Which makes it almost impossible for detectives to find when searching through a cluttered house or storage locker.

Enter electronic storage detection (ESD) dogs. It’s a new breed of service dog trained to sniff out cell phones, thumb drives, hard drives, computers and tablets, no matter how tiny they are.

More and more, ESD dogs are used across the country for cases such as political or corporate espionage, fraud, terrorism and other crimes. They can even sniff out hidden cameras in office buildings or the homes of CEOs, designed to pick up competitive intelligence. Nothing is safe from the finely honed nose of an ESD dog.

Training to pinpoint the scent

The idea for training Electronic Storage Detection (ESD) dogs began in 2012 as a joint effort among the Connecticut State Police computer crimes unit, their canine unit, and the forensic lab.

A chemist in the laboratory was able to isolate triphenylphosphine oxide (TPPO), a compound used to coat circuit boards in storage devices to prevent overheating. The canine unit started training dogs to recognize pure TPPO in a jar. Once the dogs imprinted on the scent, the trainers used smaller and smaller amounts of TPPO, hiding it in various areas for the dogs to find.

When a dog finds the scent, it’s trained to alert the handler by sitting down and pointing its nose toward the object. Successful dogs are rewarded with food.

In some cases, dogs may be trained to find another chemical, hydroxycyclohexyl phenyl ketone (HPK), a compound typically found on storage media such as CDs, DVDs and floppy disks.

While there are other ESD dog training services around the country, the Connecticut program generally requires about five weeks to imprint the dogs to the scent and six weeks to train dogs with their handlers as a team.

A job made for Labrador retrievers

To date, the vast majority of ESD dogs belong to a single breed: Labrador retrievers.

The breed’s easygoing temperament makes them ideal to search in areas crowded with people, without getting nervous or distracted. The dogs are also typically high energy, often food motivated, and have an insatiable drive to please people. For these dogs, a methodical search through a suspect’s house is generally all fun and games.

Training is ongoing

A properly trained ESD dog can find thumb drives, even when they’re disguised as lighters or cufflinks. They can track down a computer, when it’s turned off. Even when dogs nose out hard drives that have been erased, forensic specialists may be able to recover valuable files that have been deleted.

Of course, training doesn’t stop once they’ve successfully completed the program. Handlers need to continue putting dogs to the test to keep their training fresh. Even so, it’s not all hard work and no play. Dogs get to go home with their handlers, where there’s plenty of time for belly rubs and snoozes on the couch.