Tag: pets

Why We’re Thankful for Our Pets

Posted on November 20, 2023 - 2:26 pm by
A dog lying with its head in its owner’s lap on the floor next to a Christmas tree.

What are you most grateful for this Thanksgiving season? If your pet(s) made the list, you’re not alone! Let’s dive into all the reasons we’re thankful for pets this season and beyond.

We’re Thankful That Pets Bring the Funny

Laughter relaxes our body, boosts our immune system and lowers our blood pressure, epinephrine and glucose levels. We never know what our pets will do next or when they’ll provide us with a good laugh. Just off the top of our thankful, chuckling heads, we’re thinking about:

  • Unexpected zoomies
  • Those times they think they’re ninjas, trying to sneak people food in plain sight
  • Talking to their favorite toy and carrying it around like a baby
  • The endless chasing of their elusive tails

It’s an endless parade of laughs and giggles trying to figure out what goes on in those cat and dog brains. And we love every minute of the comedy fest.

But they offer health benefits beyond the healing power of comedy. Research shows that simply being around our pets decreases levels of cortisol (a stress-related hormone), which leads to reduced feelings of loneliness, anxiety, depression and/or symptoms of PTSD. Petting an animal for at least 10 minutes at a time can provide us with comfort and pause. That brings us back to the present moment. Simply thinking about our favorite fluff can immediately boost our mood. Did you just think about your pet as you read that? Did you feel that glimmer of joy? We bet you did.

We’re Thankful for the Unconditional Love Pets Provide

Pets provide us with unconditional love, no matter how we look, who we voted for or how many Instagram followers we have. Returning home from a long day at work, our pets are the first to greet us with wet, slobbery kisses or headbutts. When we’ve had a bad day, our pets sense it and snuggle up to help provide us with comfort. They love us for who we are and the care we show them. Pets also show us how deeply we can love another being, too! They’re part of our family, after all.

We’re Thankful For All the Jobs Our Pets Do

Our pets wear many little hats throughout the day, being there for us in ways that they might not even be aware of. With a pet, you don’t have to wonder if the mail has been delivered or if your houseguests have arrived. They’ll be the first to alert you to someone or something in the area. Guard pet on duty!

You’ll also never be without a furry bathroom attendant. They may not have opposable thumbs to fetch you another roll of toilet paper, but by golly they’ll make sure you’re not without company.

If you’re cold in bed, there’s always a fluffy foot (or arm, chest, back and neck) warmer ready to snuggle in and raise the temperatures. Sometimes whether you want it or not!

Lastly, they are great at listening to our problems and comforting us in our times of need; they maybe don’t understand, but they also don’t interrupt when we spill our hearts. They don’t know it, but many pets wear the furry hat of an in-home therapist. We are grateful for each and every hat they wear.

We’re Thankful Our Pets Get Us into Shape

To quote Sir Isaac Newton, a body in motion stays in motion. The more active we are with our pets, the better it is for their health and our health. Between walking the dog or dragging a ribbon around the house for the cat to chase, we’re getting those steps in! Need ideas for staying active with the upcoming cooler weather? We’ve got a blog for that.

Adventures Await Us When Pets Are Around

Our pets are always up for an adventure, and we can learn from their examples! Cooking in the kitchen, a furry tail is close behind you. Ready to rake a pile of leaves? You know Rover’s nose is pressed up against the back door eager to help. There’s not much your animal won’t accompany you with around the house. Pets who love adventuring outside of the neighborhood also make great companions for running errands or sightseeing. Oh, the adventures that await us!

We’re Thankful to Pets for Helping Develop Our Younger Generations

Pets help teach our younger family members how to be responsible. Whether they’re helping refill the water bowl or they’re being diligent about playtime with Rover, our young ’uns learn to understand consistency and obligations through the power of pets. Caring for an animal gives a child a sense of feeling valued and grows their self-esteem. Pets can also teach children the importance of patience, trust, compassion and respect. These are just some of the many benefits of raising kids with pets.

Did we miss any reasons YOU might be grateful for your pet(s)? Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), and let us know why YOU’RE grateful for your animal companion. Your pet photos and stories are something we’re also grateful for.

RELATED POST: Help Homeless Pets Celebrate Thanksgiving

Movies to Watch with Your Dog This Holiday Season

Posted on December 23, 2021 - 3:30 pm by
A couple sitting on the couch holding a television remote with a dog sitting between them.

Only so much eggnog and sugar cookies can be consumed before your family eventually plops on the couch, ready to snuggle in for a traditional evening of movies. But since your dog is truly a part of your family, why not let them pick the flick this time? Here are a few dog-themed holiday movies to watch that might just keep your pooch on the edge of their seat.

A Dog Named Christmas

In this Hallmark Hall of Fame feel-good movie, a young man with a learning disability shows just how powerful the unconditional love for animals can be. When the local animal shelter launches a campaign to promote dog adoption for the holidays, the boy puts his all into convincing the people of his Midwestern town to participate. At the same time, one dog in particular captures his heart.

I Want a Dog for Christmas, Charlie Brown

What kid doesn’t dream of a puppy under the tree with a red satin bow around its neck? So it goes for Linus’s little brother, Rerun. In this Peanuts’ classic, Rerun sets his sights on bringing Snoopy’s less civilized brother Spike into the family.

The Search for Santa Paws

In this heartwarming fantasy/adventure film, Santa’s head elf brings a stuffed dog to life, which Santa names Paws, and the jolly guy vows to be his best friend for life. When the pair travel to New York, Santa is hit by a cab and loses his memory. Paws teams up with a young orphan named Quinn, her friend, and a group of magical talking dogs to help save Santa and show the real meaning of the holiday.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Who doesn’t love Max, the loyal dog of the “mean one” in this holiday classic? In the live-action version, Max is actually played by six different shelter dogs who all found homes after the movie. What a happy ending!

Lady and the Tramp

While you may not instantly think of Lady and the Tramp as a holiday movie, it starts with Lady, a cocker spaniel, arriving as a Christmas gift and ends with Tramp, a stray mutt… Well, we don’t want to give away the ending, but it ends at Christmas!

Beethoven’s Christmas Adventure

Beethoven, the lovable St. Bernard, returns to help save Christmas in this sequel. After Santa’s sleigh crashes and his magic toy bag goes missing, Beethoven comes to the rescue just in time. And Beethoven speaks for the first time in this movie!

What’s your favorite movie to watch while you’re cuddled up on the couch with your canine companion?

When the Temperature Plummets, Should You Feed Your Pet More?

Posted on December 16, 2021 - 3:30 pm by
Taste of the Wild

With winter comes crisper temperatures, waning daylight hours and more time padding around your house in wool socks. It’s a time when we crave comfort foods bubbling with cheese, as if a primordial instinct compels us to add another layer of insulation before we hibernate for the season.

But what about your pet — do his or her nutritional needs change with the season?

Cold-weather pet food

Like people, pets may tend to eat a little less in the summer and slightly more in the winter. But any abrupt change in appetite — eating a lot more or a lot less — or any noticeable changes in weight could be the sign of an underlying health problem. In these cases, check in with your veterinarian.

Still, unless your dog is training for the Iditarod or sleeps outside, it probably spends most of the winter in the comfort of your climate-controlled home. Same goes for your cat. In these cases, there’s usually no need to increase your pet’s food intake in the winter.

When to feed less

If you live in the northern part of the United States, there’s a good chance your dog walks may be shorter (or nonexistent), compared to summer. If your pet is getting less exercise this winter but eating the same amount of food as the summer, he or she is likely to put on some extra pounds. To avoid this, talk to your veterinarian about safe ways to trim food intake.

When to feed the same amount

Even when the thermometer takes a nosedive, your pet still needs daily physical and mental stimulation.  Certain breeds and puppies, especially, need to work off excess energy. And regular exercise can help prevent behavior problems from developing out of sheer boredom. With consistent exercise, you can continue to feed your pet the same amount of food all year ‘round.

Exercising your pet, even in the winter, can help pry you off the couch, too. Consider making the most of winter by taking your dog snowshoeing or skijoring in the snow. Or explore warm, indoor activities like playtime at doggie day care. You can even set up an obstacle course in your living room. Your cat could also benefit from games of laser tag and interactive food puzzles.

When to feed more

Pets that live outdoors or spend considerable amounts of time in harsh weather will burn more calories to maintain their body temperature. These pets will need more food than they eat in the summer, a place to escape from the weather and a source of fresh water that isn’t frozen.

If your dog engages in high-energy activities in the winter, such as all-day hunting trials, with prolonged exposure to icy temperatures, they will also require additional food. As a rule of thumb, for every 10-degree drop from normal temperatures, a dog will need about 7% more calories. In either case, your veterinarian can help you determine your pet’s caloric needs.

Keeping your pet “just right”

No matter what the season, dogs and cats should be fed to maintain a healthy body condition score. That means they should have an hourglass waist when viewed from above, a tuck in the tummy when seen from the side, and ribs that can be easily felt, but aren’t visible.

Other winter comforts

If your pet spends any time outdoors in icy temperatures, consider a coat to help keep them warm and dry, especially if they have short, thin hair. For pets with longer hair, remove any hair mats, which can pull painfully against the skin, preventing the coat from providing proper insulation by allowing cold air to pass close to the skin.

Trim the hair between the footpads to prevent ice balls from accumulating there. If your dog is tolerant, consider booties, which can also prevent exposure to salt and sidewalk deicers. Any questions? Your veterinarian is the best source for tips on keeping your pet healthy this winter.

Acute vs. Chronic Pain: When Your Pet Needs Help

Posted on December 2, 2021 - 3:30 pm by
Taste of the Wild

Your dog or cat can feel pain in all the ways you do. Maybe it’s the throbbing of a sore tooth. The dull ache from an old knee injury. Or the sharp stab of a cut on a paw pad. The difference with pets’ pain is that they don’t always tell you when it hurts.

Like animals in the wild, pets may hide signs of pain to prevent them from appearing vulnerable to predators. That’s why it’s your job to keep close tabs on your pet and notice when something may be wrong. If your pet isn’t as active as they used to be, don’t write it off as just part of the natural aging process. Any change in your pet’s behavior could be a sign of pain.

Acute vs. chronic pain

In medicine, most pain is classified as either acute or chronic. Acute pain tends to come on suddenly or lasts for a short time, dissipating once inflammation resolves and healing occurs. It’s often brought on by trauma, surgery or an inflammatory condition, such as an illness.

If you twist your ankle, for example, you’ll probably feel immediate pain, which will improve once you prop up that leg on a pillow and allow the swelling to resolve. It’s important to recognize acute pain and treat it immediately, or acute pain can become chronic.

Compared to acute pain, chronic pain is more complicated and generally lasts longer, sometimes even for the pet’s lifetime. Osteoarthritis is one condition that can cause chronic pain, because the disease can’t be cured and tends to progress over time.

Left untreated, chronic pain can snowball. The animal’s brain can become so sensitized to pain that a nerve signal meant to relay a small amount of pain is perceived as being much more painful. Early recognition and treatment of pain is important to prevent this exaggerated form of pain perception from developing.

Acute pain may be treated by resolving the source of the problem, such as removing a fractured tooth or resting the affected area and/or a short course of veterinary pain relief medications. Chronic pain, on the other hand, is typically managed with a combination of treatments which may include medications, physical therapy and other interventions.

Signs of pain in pets

Sometimes, it can be obvious that your pet is in pain. Maybe they’re limping on a bad foot or pawing at a broken tooth. But since pets often will try to hide pain, the signs can be subtle. Since you know your pet better than anyone, you’re the best person to recognize when your dog or cat is a little “off.”

Possible signs of pain (both acute and chronic) include:

    • Whining, whimpering or groaning (dogs)
    • Meowing, hissing or even purring (cats)
    • Decreased appetite
    • Withdrawal or hiding
    • Obsessively licking or biting at a body part
    • Restlessness
    • Reluctance to move
    • No longer jumping up or using the stairs
    • Seeking affection more than usual
    • Dilated (enlarged) pupils
    • Flattened ears
    • Aggression in a normally friendly pet
    • Guarding a body part

How to help your pet

  • Schedule a veterinary exam as soon as possible — The doctor will try to determine the source of the pain and possible treatment.
  • Give veterinary prescriptions as directed — Try not to miss a dose and call your veterinarian if your pet shows evidence of any side effects.
  • Keep a pain journal — Note how often your pet seems to be in pain, and if possible, videotape the painful behavior for your veterinarian to observe.
  • Make your pet more comfortable at home — Depending on the source of your pet’s pain, small changes can be made to help your pet’s well-being. For example, pets with arthritis may benefit from a padded bed and ramps to make it easier to get into the car or onto furniture.
  • Don’t give your pet any human medications — Some can be dangerous for pets, so always consult your veterinarian first.
  • Keep your pet at a healthy weight — Extra pounds can put additional stress on painful, arthritic joints.

Whether it’s acute or chronic pain your pet is dealing with, if you pay attention to the signs, there’s almost always something you can do to make them feel better.

Help Homeless Pets Celebrate Thanksgiving

Posted on November 18, 2021 - 3:30 pm by
Taste of the Wild

Many families extend a Thanksgiving invitation to friends who don’t have family nearby. Since dogs and cats are part of the family, shouldn’t we offer the same courtesy to animals in the same predicament? In other words, why not share some Thanksgiving love with shelter and rescue dogs and cats?

Here are a few ways you can give thanks for pets by helping those without families this holiday season:

Foster a homeless pet for the holidays. Shelter and rescue facilities can be full of sights, sounds and smells that are unfamiliar and even scary for dogs and cats. Many of these organizations are looking for temporary homes for animals for a week or more. When you foster a pet, you can provide a quiet and loving home for these pets during the holiday season.

Put together a care package. Rescues and shelters are always in need of supplies, from dry and canned dog or cat food to toys and treats, kitty litter and large, gently used towels. Why not bring homeless pets a gift basket from your family? You can always call your favorite local rescue and ask what items are especially needed at this time of year.

Feed a homeless person’s pet. For someone living on the streets, it can be hard enough to find a nutritious meal for yourself, let alone for your dog. The nonprofit organization Pets of the Homeless lists drop-off centers for pet food or donations for emergency veterinary care. This organization is linked with food banks, homeless shelters, food pantries and soup kitchens that can deliver the pet food to those who really need it.

Volunteer your time at the shelter. Plenty of animals could use some one-on-one time with a human being. And what human couldn’t use another dog or cat fix? Many shelter and rescue organizations are looking for a people who can help walk dogs, exercise small critters, socialize cats and scrub kennels. It won’t cost you a thing, but it’ll sure make some animals feel good.

Participate in Giving Tuesday. On the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, people all over the world will make donations to their favorite nonprofit organizations. It’s your chance to support a cause that’s close to your heart, like your local shelter or rescue. You can even specify where you’d like the money to go, such as a fund for those animals who are sick and need medical or surgical care.

The best gift of all: adoption. Do you have room in your heart and home for a new pet? There are plenty of dogs and cats who would love nothing better than a forever home. It’s a tremendous kindness to a lonely dog or cat. But it’s also a gift to yourself — and one that truly keeps on giving.

Snakes Alive! What to Do About Snake Bites on Dogs

Posted on September 2, 2021 - 2:30 pm by
A close-up of a dog sniffing a small snake.

Most snakes are happy to go about their business, keeping the local population of pesky rodents and insects under control, but some dogs just can’t leave well enough alone. Just like a bee sting, hopefully it will never happen to your dog, but if it does, this article will help you know what to do if your dog gets bitten by a snake.

Venomous Snakes Do Bite Dogs

About 150,000 dogs and cats are bitten by venomous snakes in the United States each year. In the U.S., snakes that are venomous include rattlesnakes, copperheads, cottonmouths (water moccasins) and coral snakes. If a venomous snake encounters your dog and bites them, it can be a life-threatening medical emergency.

What Does a Snake Bite Look Like on a Dog?

Much like bee stings, a snake bite on a dog’s legs or face is most common. You may or may not see fang marks because swelling around the bite wound can hide them. The severity of the bite depends on a number of factors: the type of snake, the bite site, the size of the dog, how much venom is injected by the fangs and the amount of time between when the bite occurs and when medical treatment is started. Therefore, assume the snake was venomous and immediately seek veterinary care to treat snake bites, even if your dog has received the snake bite vaccine.

Dog Snake Bite Symptoms

Bites from nonvenomous snakes may cause pain, bruising and swelling around the bite site. Puncture wounds (fang marks) may be visible. A nonvenomous snake bite on a dog’s body may become infected; otherwise, for most dogs, swelling resolves in a few days.

The signs of a venomous bite can vary, but may include pronounced swelling, which may spread quickly. Due to this swelling, fang marks may not be obvious. The dog may have severe pain, muscle tremors or respiratory distress (trouble breathing), and may go into shock, which is why immediate veterinary assistance is important.

What to Do If Your Dog Is Bitten by a Snake

  • Move yourself and your dog away from the snake immediately. If possible, take a photo of the snake to aid in identification.
  • Try to calm your dog and keep them from moving. If you need to get your dog to the car, carry them (if possible); too much movement can increase the spread of venom in the body.
  • Remove their collar and muzzle your dog. Dogs that are frightened or in pain may bite, so wrap a bandana or leash around their muzzle to protect yourself.
  • Keep the body part with the bite wound at or below the heart. If the snake was venomous, this may help slow the distribution of venom.
  • See a veterinarian as soon as possible. Dog snake bites can be a medical emergency. Don’t waste time trying to determine if the snake is venomous or not. If it’s after hours, go to the nearest emergency vet clinic.

What NOT to Do If Your Dog Is Bitten by a Snake

  • Don’t try to kill or capture the snake. This could put you at risk of a bite.
  • Don’t slice over the bite wounds and try to suck out venom. What may be a good idea in movies is not a good idea in real life.
  • Do not apply a tourniquet, pressure bandage or ice pack. While these tactics can help slow the venom from moving to other parts of the body, if the venom is sequestered, it can cause tissue damage.
  • Don’t administer any medications. Only give medications under the guidance of a vet.

Treatment for Venomous Snake Bites on Dogs

Hospitalization is often required for snake bites. For venomous bites, like rattlesnake bites, antivenin (antivenom) specific to the type of snake venom injected may be administered intravenously if it’s available — that’s why it’s helpful to have a photo of the offending snake. This treatment can be very expensive, especially for large dogs, and some dogs may have side effects. Pain medications, intravenous fluids, antibiotics to treat an infection and other treatments may also be recommended.

How to Prevent Snake Bites in Dogs

It’s better to try and avoid an emergency trip to the hospital. Take these steps to help prevent your dog from a nonvenomous or venomous snake bite:

  • Know the snakes that are common in your region or the area you will be visiting with your dog.
  • On hikes, stay on open paths and keep your dog on a leash.
  • Avoid off-trail hiking and areas where snakes are commonly found, such as rock formations and high grass.
  • Hike during the day (rattlers are nocturnal) or during cooler months when snakes may not be as active.
  • Don’t let your dog sniff at dying or injured snakes — they can still bite and inject venom.
  • If you live in or are visiting an area where rattlesnakes are common, talk to your vet about the rattlesnake vaccine for dogs. It is approved for use in dogs, however the jury is still out on its efficacy.

Let the Snake Slither Away

If snakes are common in your area, especially venomous ones, ask your veterinarian about snake avoidance training classes that teach your dog how to avoid the smell, sound and sight of snakes. If you do encounter a snake, stop and give it a chance to slither away on its own; most snakes aren’t aggressive and would rather not deal with people or dogs.

Lymphoma in Dogs

Posted on May 13, 2021 - 2:30 pm by
A brown dog sitting down next to text that reads, ‘Understanding Lymphoma’.

Thanks to advances in veterinary medicine, nutrition and good daily care from owners like you, dogs are living longer than ever before. But unfortunately, pets can be diagnosed with cancer, especially as grey creeps into the fur around their faces.

One of the most common pet cancers is lymphoma in dogs. As you might know, cancer occurs when there is uncontrolled division (and proliferation) of abnormal cells. In the case of dog lymphoma, a group of cells in the immune system called lymphocytes go haywire and continue to multiply.

Lymphoma can affect dogs of any breed and any age, but it’s more frequently diagnosed in middle-aged and older dogs.

RISK FACTORS

No one is sure what, exactly, causes lymphoma in dogs.

Since certain breeds, such as golden retrievers, tend to be more affected than others, it’s possible there’s a genetic component to lymphoma in dogs.

SIGNS TO WATCH FOR

Because lymphocytes can travel anywhere in the body, dog lymphoma may be widespread, or it can be localized to particular organs, including the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, spleen, liver, bone marrow, skin, central nervous system or other organs. As a result, the signs can vary, depending on what part of the body is affected. Some pets may just show general signs that they don’t feel well, such as lethargy and loss of appetite.

For lymphoma in dogs, it’s common to have one or more firm, swollen lymph nodes that can be seen or felt in locations such as the neck and behind the knee. The lymph nodes can enlarge quickly and potentially press against other body parts, compromising function. Lymph nodes in the neck, for example, can compress the trachea, making it difficult for the dog to breathe.

LYMPHOMA DIAGNOSIS IN DOGS

The diagnosis is usually made by taking a sample of the malignant cells, either through a fine-needle aspirate or a biopsy of an affected organ. By analyzing a biopsy sample, a specialist can determine whether the cancer is low, intermediate or high grade, depending on how rapidly the cells appear to be dividing. High-grade lymphoma in dogs is typically considered more malignant, but in some cases may be more responsive to treatment.

Other tests may be recommended such as blood tests (including feline leukemia testing in cats) and a urinalysis, to assess the pet’s overall health.

Once a diagnosis is made, dog lymphoma is typically classified by the anatomic area affected, type of lymphocyte (T-cell or B-cell) and by stages, to determine the extent of the disease, potential treatments and prognosis and to monitor response to therapy. Other tests may be needed, including a bone marrow biopsy, X-rays and an ultrasound.

The stages range from I to V, with a single lymph node involvement in stage I to bone marrow or other organ involvement in stage V. Each stage also has a substage, depending on whether the animal is showing signs of illness. Dogs may progress from one stage to the next over time.

PROGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

The prognosis for pets with lymphoma depends on a number of factors including overall health, stage of the disease and type of tumor.

Your veterinarian or a veterinary oncologist (a cancer specialist) can outline treatments that can help your pet feel more comfortable and potentially put the cancer in remission, although this is usually temporary.

Because dog lymphoma is generally considered a systemic disease, some type of chemotherapy is usually recommended. Dogs typically tolerate chemotherapy fairly well, without as many side effects as humans. If the cancer is localized to a specific area, surgery or radiation therapy may be options. Your veterinarian can help you decide the right approach for you and your pet.

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.

Is It a Good Idea to Give a Puppy as a Gift?

Posted on December 16, 2020 - 4:00 pm by
Kitten Coming Out of Gift Box

For years, animal welfare organizations wagged a finger at the idea of giving a puppy as a gift. They warned that most of these puppies would be surrendered to shelters and left homeless because of impulsive gift-giving whims.

But one ASPCA study shows otherwise. In a survey of people who received pet gifts, 86 percent of those pets were still in the home, according to a survey by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).  The gift didn’t have to be a surprise — people who knew about the gift in advance became every bit as attached to the pet. Even more remarkable, other studies showed that pets given as gifts were less likely to be relinquished than those acquired by the pet owners themselves.

That said, don’t forget that giving a puppy as a gift is essentially giving someone a lifelong family member, with lifelong responsibilities. It’s not something that’s easy to return, like an ugly sweater. Remember; it’s a pet, not just a gift puppy. Here are some tips to help you make the best decisions for person and pet when giving a puppy as a gift.

ASSUME NOTHING WHEN GIVING A PUPPY AS A GIFT

Just because someone used to have a pet doesn’t mean they want one now. Perhaps they’re still mourning their last pet and just aren’t ready yet. They may have extended travel plans. Or they may be planning on moving to an apartment or condo that isn’t pet friendly. And even though that mastiff puppy is adorable, don’t assume your grandma can handle it once it grows up.

NIX THE SURPRISE

Have an honest discussion with your friend or family member and tell them about your potential gift. Make sure they truly want a pet at this point in their lives and they have the financial means to care for it, including the budget for food, supplies and veterinary care it will need. If you’re considering a puppy as a gift for a child, it’s especially important to clear this with the parents, since they will likely shoulder much of the responsibility for the pet.

Consider your friend or family member’s lifestyle: do they have time to spend with the pet, or are they away at work for most of the day? And make sure no one in the house is allergic to pet dander.

CONSIDER A GIFT CERTIFICATE IN LIEU OF A PUPPY AS A GIFT

That way, the person can pick out their own puppy. Pets from rescues and shelters have typically received a medical exam along with any needed treatment and vaccines. They’re also usually spayed and neutered, which can reduce initial expenses for the new owner. Many rescue organizations foster new pets temporarily, so they can provide guidance on whether pets are good with kids, are amenable to living with other pets, or need patience and help with any issues.

A voucher for a reputable breeder is another option. If there’s a particular breed of puppy the person on your list prefers, work with them to find a good breeder. Reputable breeders go to great lengths to make sure their pets are healthy, free from genetic disorders and well socialized. They will also welcome you to tour their facility, so you can see for yourself that all animals receive proper care. That gives you the peace of mind that you’re not supporting a puppy mill.

A puppy supply basket can be a welcome gift. If you still want your gift to be a surprise, and you’re confident your friend or family member wants a pet, consider giving pet supplies instead. Giving supplies such as a pet bed, collar, leash, food dishes, toys, treats and grooming supplies can help allay some of the initial expenses that go with a new puppy.

With any luck, your gift can help bring years of furry companionship. And what could be a better present than that?

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

When the Leaves Change Color, Can Your Pets See It?

Posted on October 22, 2020 - 3:00 pm by
Taste of the Wild

Autumn plays with all your senses, but none so much as your sense of sight, as deciduous trees burst into shades of brilliant red, vibrant orange and buttery yellow. This vivid array is enough to make you wonder: Does my dog or cat enjoy these colors like I do?

For decades, many people believed that dogs and cats were colorblind, or could only see shades of black, white and gray.  The truth is, they do see colors, but not in the way we do.

Your dog’s true colors

For people and pets, color perception begins at the retina, or the tissue lining the back of the eye. The retina contains two kinds of photoreceptor cells: rods, which perceive low and shifting light, and cones, which discern colors.

Humans have three kinds of cones, which can pick up red, blue and green wavelengths. Dogs only have two kinds of cones: those that are sensitive to blue and those that pick up yellow-green. That means dogs can’t see the full range of colors, or the richness or intensity, that humans do. Their world is essentially limited to shades of blue, yellow and gray.

Putting dogs to the test

To determine how dogs see colors, scientist Jay Neitz at the University of California, Santa Barbara, performed a unique test. Dogs were shown three panels of light, two of which were the same color. Dogs were rewarded with a treat when they touched their noses to the panel with the different color.

In this way, Neitz found the hues dogs could distinguish ranged from dark and light blue to dark and light yellow and shades of gray.

How about cats?

Cats, like humans, have three types of cones in their retinas but fewer cones overall. So they may see a similar range of colors that you do, but the colors tend to be less vibrant. Within that spectrum of colors, cats tend to see blue, violet, yellow and green better than red.

Seeing the light

While dogs and cats may have fewer cones than humans, they make up for it with more rods, helping them to see better in the dark than humans. Dogs can have up to three times the rods as humans, according to Alexandra Horowitz, author of Inside a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell and Know. Cats are even more suited to nocturnal wandering, with as many as eight times the rods as humans.

Dogs and cats can also see the type B ultraviolet (UVB) spectrum, meaning some colors, such as white, may fluoresce and be disturbing for animals.

Work with your pet’s color spectrum

How can you use this color knowledge to your advantage? First, understand that a red or orange toy may appear gray, brown or black to your pet, or just doesn’t “pop” from the environment like it does for you. A blue toy may capture your pet’s attention better.

If you want to create a soothing environment for your pet at home, again, work with your dog or cat’s visible spectrum. Choose wall paints, pillows and blankets in the blue, green or violet range of the spectrum, rather than oranges and reds. Avoid bright white when possible because it might light up or flare for your pet more than it does for you.

But what about all those red and orange leaves piled in your backyard? Your pet may not appreciate the colors, but he or she can certainly have fun leaping and rolling in all of them with you.