The kids are now back in school and there is no one to play with our dogs or cats during the day anymore. Do our pets get bored when we are not home to interact with them?

Of course, they do!

I wish I had realized this back when I was just starting out as a dog owner. It sure would have lessened the number of crazy messes I had to clean up; chewed shoes and books I had to throw out and furniture and blinds I had to replace!!!

These days, I understand that keeping both our dogs and our cats occupied, not only makes them happier and better behaved, but an active mind also helps your pet live a richer and longer life, too. Healthy minds equal both happier pets and happier owners.

Here are some of the suggestions I came up with while researching this topic. My sources were an article from Petco’s website www.petcoach.com called, “10 Ways to Mentally Stimulate Your Dog”; an article from www.wideopenpets.com called “10 Games to Keep Your Dog Mentally Stimulated”; and an article from www.vetstreet.com called “10 Tips to Keep Your Cat’s Brain Forever Young.”

For when you are not home:

1. Buy some interactive toys and rotate which one you leave out. For dogs, and now cats, too, there are a number of toys which you can hide food in that your pets must solve the puzzle of how to open in order to get their treat. A great place to look for these kinds of toys are chewy.com or on www.amazon.com .
2. Build an indoor obstacle course that you put up before you leave and change every few days. You can hide treats to be found within the course. These can consist of boxes, containers, chairs and blankets, kids’ crawl through tunnels, etc. For kitties, they love things to climb up on, hid inside of or stuff toys into or under such as cat trees, paper bags, open drawers, and small boxes. Your imagination is the limit!
3. Set up kitty and/or puppy “TV” – give your pets access to a window that they can view outside activity through such as birds at a bird feeder/birdbath for your cats and people walking by with their dogs on the sidewalk for your dogs.
4. Keep your pet toys put up and rotate which ones are left out each day.

For when you are home – inside interactive activities:

Dogs:

1. Make your dog work for their treats. Start simple like picking which fist the treat is hidden in then move to hiding the treats in the room (i.e. under a pillow on the couch), and finally hide treats in other rooms of the house.
2. Teach your dog several tricks or simple commands such as sit, stay, lay down, roll over, shake, high five, etc. Our dogs love to please us and are stimulated by learning new tasks.
3. After your dog has learned a variety of tricks by specific command, then use the command, “new trick” and wait to see what trick they give you. Reinforce whatever they give you the first time but not the second time. Only reinforce NEW tricks until they have run through their entire repertoire!
4. Play hide and seek with your dog by ‘hiding’ behind doors, under blankets, in the tub, etc. and calling them to you.
5. Teach “names” for items starting with one and building from there using the command, “Give me the _____,” and rewarding for attempting at retrieving the correct object.

Cats:

1. Play daily with your cat with not only store-bought toys but homemade cat toys like wads of paper or foil, socks stuffed with catnip, ribbons or string to drag on the floor, big paper bags to climb in and out of, etc.
2. Shine light beams or laser beams on the floor or low on the wall and move them near your kitty and watch what happens.
3. Pick up puzzle toys for cats that dispense treats.
4. Teach to walk on a leash and go ‘exploring’ outside.

And for those times when you can get outside with your pups:

1. Change your dog walking route (where you walk) and routine (when you walk) on a regular basis to keep it exciting and novel.
2. Do some outdoor games that will be fun and provide exercise for your furry friend like the classic – retrieving a stick or ball or catching a Frisbee.
3. Periodically go to places where your dog can socialize with other dogs like a dog park or Huntington Beach’s dog beach.

In summary, remember your fur children need their ‘education’, too! Put a little extra time and effort into your interactions with your pets and it will pay off in their increased contentment and your decreased problems when you come home at the end of the day.

“…and the rocket’s red glare. Bombs bursting in air….”

We LOVE our country’s birthday and how do we Americans celebrate? We have barbecues, picnics, parties and, of course, FIREWORKS!!

But wait – for our pets this is not the laid-back, fun filled, awe inspiring holiday it is for us.

To them, the Fourth of July and the days leading up to it are some of the most terrifying days of the whole year for their little hearts and minds. The flashes and loud noises represent danger to our pets causing an extreme desire to flee, according to the Topanga Pet Resort’s article titled “6 Pet Safety Tips That Will Change the Way You Celebrate July 4^th”.

July 5^th is the busiest day of the year for animal shelters says the American Humane Association, and the AKC Reunite program says that the Fourth of July is one of their highest recovery times. PAW (Indiana Proactive Animal Welfare, Inc.) stated that animal shelters the day after the Fourth of July are “inundated with pets that panicked at the noise of firecrackers and fled into the night, winding up lost, injured or killed.”

In addition to running away, many pets injure themselves or cause damage to homes during their attempts to escape. Things like breaking chains, clawing through screen doors, jumping fences and even jumping through sliding glass doors have been reported when animals are attempting to escape the noise and confusion.

So, what can we do this year to make this an enjoyable or at least tolerable holiday for our furry loved ones?

One universal suggestion I ran across while researching for this article was this:

• Keep your pets safely INDOORS at all times on the Fourth of July.

The American Kennel Club, in their article “Pet Friendly Forth of July Tips” also suggested that you make sure your dogs (and cats, too, I would add) are wearing ID tags or have been ‘chipped’ so that if they do get out they can be identified.

Other suggestions from PetMD’s article “Top Ten Fourth of July Pet Safety Tips” include:

• Don’t take pets to firework displays.
• NEVER use fireworks around pets.
• Lighter fluid and matches are harmful to animals even unlit!
• Keep pets away from glow jewelry.
• Don’t share table food with your pets.
• Alcohol is poisonous to pets.
• Only use insect repellant and sunscreen which are made for dogs or cats on your pets – not people’s insect repellant or sunscreen and watch your animals around the Citronella, too.

A couple of great suggestions from the American Veterinary Medical Association  in their article “July 4^th Safety” are to take a current photo of your cat or dog so that if they get lost they can more easily be identified and to seek behavior therapy for chronically anxious pets so that they won’t suffer as much during high stress holidays.

And a couple final, great suggestions come again from the Topanga Pet Resort. Their first suggestion is to tire out your dogs earlier in the day with lots of exercise so that they will be more relaxed when the evening and fireworks come. And second, in recognizing that dogs are natural ‘den’ animals, they suggest that you create a small, safe “cave” for your pup to hid in like his crate with a blanket over it or a makeshift tent. I would add to the ‘cave’ his or her dog bed and favorite toys!

I hope this will help both you and your furry loved ones to have a happy Fourth of July this year!

With Memorial Day nearly here, our thoughts first go to those brave and patriotic men, women and service dogs who fought and died for our freedom. We want to take a moment to honor their memories and service.

Now, on to the fun associations we think of when we think of Memorial Day – the splash of the pool, the sound of kids’ laughter, the smell of the neighbor’s barbecue – that’s right, summer is just around the corner!

For most people, summer is the most anticipated season of the year – but not necessarily so for our furry companions. Blooming plants, swimming pools, picnics and hikes, summer foods, fireworks, the summer sun – can all present potentially dangerous situations for your pets.

In the ASPCA’s June 6, 2011 article on tips to keep pets safe in the summer, their first recommendation is a visit to the vets. Owners need to make sure vaccinations are current and to check specifically for heart worms. The number of cases of heart worms is expected to dramatically increase in Orange County this year due to the abundance of vegetation our wet spring has created.

This time of year, Southern California is awash with color as the trees and flowers bloom. Most plants and flowers are not poisonous if eaten by dogs or cats, but some can be very dangerous. Azaleas, Cyclamen, Kalanchoe, Oleanders, and Lily of the Valley flowers can cause various, serious side effects such as heart arrhythmia, gastric bleeding, coma or even death. Owners should immediately take their dog or cat to the vets if they see vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive drooling and they suspect their pet has eaten a plant or flower. Even the common weed Foxtail can lodge in and be hazardous to eyes and paws!

As we have brought up in previous blogs and is mentioned by the staff of the Animal Hospital of Waynesville in their article, “Memorial Day Safety Tips,” there are common foods which are often eaten during picnics that are toxic to our pets. These include grapes, onions, garlic, and raisins, to name a few. In general, the wisest course of action is to not feed your pets people food. We have to be strong and resist those big eyes!

Of course, the most common danger to our pets, as well as ourselves, in the summer is the heat. Here are some common-sense suggestions from Cesar Millan, from the television series “The Dog Whisperer”:

• Exercise your dog early in the morning or late at night – you may even need to back off the intensity of their exercise when temperatures soar.
• Use doggie boots – dogs absorb and release heat through their feet.
• Watch for signs of dehydration – panting, excessive drooling, lethargy, bloodshot eyes, etc.
• Keep your dog hydrated! – remember, a darker coat means a hotter dog. The same with our overweight pets!
• Swim instead of walking!

And always remember –

NEVER LEAVE YOUR DOG IN A PARKED CAR!

Charlene Lerman, from Friends to the Furry, a local dog walking and pet sitting business, agrees with Cesar. “We have to keep our pets cool in the summer. I have a friend who lost one of her precious little dogs several summers ago due to heat exhaustion. We recommend carrying water to drink and to mist with on your walks, serving frozen broth treats and investing in a wading pool to keep your dogs cool and comfortable this summer.”

Other summer cautions Ms. Lerman mentions include:

• Make sure swimming pools are fenced and that dogs have a way to get out of any pool, especially an in-ground pool. Dogs love to swim, especially when hot, but can easily drown if unsupervised and unable to get back out of a pool they jumped into.
• Be cautious when feeding our pets certain “people foods” such as ribs or barbecued chicken with the bones in. Some bones can cause choking or may splinter when chewed causing serious internal damage if swallowed.
• Fireworks may be fun for humans but not our pets. The noise is terribly frightening to both dogs and cats, the smoke may cause animals’ eyes to water and sparklers and other fireworks could actually catch their fur on fire! So be kind to them and keep them indoors on the Forth.

Friends to the Furry can be reached at (714) 492-7516 or on the web at www.friendstothefurry.com

Picture from www.barkbusters.co.uk

Here in Southern California, winter generally means shorter days and longer nights, jackets instead of short sleeves and sometimes clouds and even a little rain.

This year has been different. We have seen A LOT of rain (for Southern California), cold temperatures (for Southern California) and even SNOW in our mountains and FROST on our lawns and cars some mornings.

What has this meant for our furry friends?

Though all animals with fur grow a thicker coat in the wintertime, if your dog or cat is generally an indoor animal then they, like us, will be cold when they go outside, especially if they are out for any length of time. This is the appropriate weather to break out those cute little doggie or kitty sweaters or coats, especially for our smaller or shorter haired friends.

Though dogs absolutely LOVE to play in the snow, if you decide to take a trip to the mountains with your pup, and are not familiar with snow and ice, be aware that dogs can get frostbite on the pads of their feet or noses or get injured by slipping, sliding or falling in the snow or on the ice just like we can. If you plan to be outside for an extended period of time or to make several trips to the snow with your dog, we would suggest that your look into snow booties to protect his or her precious feet.

Closer to home, we have had a lot of rain and it is still forecast for at least the next few weeks so some common sense suggestions for you and your pup are to time your walks (if possible) to when the rain showers have slowed down, keep towels by the door and on the floor for when you return to dry both yourself and your canine companion, and warm up the house a little before you go out so that it will be warmer to dry wet coats in or, if your dog doesn’t mind, even pull out the hair drier.

We are so spoiled here in Southern California. We seldom have ‘weather’ and its fallout to deal with so please take a moment to think about not only its effect on you but also on your pets.

Happy Winter!

Picture from petmd.com

Poem from somuchpetential.com

Picture from us.petvalu.com

As always, safety tips:

And for a little Valentine’s Day humor:

Cartoon saved by Jessica Parris on Pinterest

It is that wonderful, crazy time of the year again with decorating, gifts, parties and family gatherings. During the holiday season, we can’t forget our furry loved ones! Here are some safety tips and warnings to keep in mind, courtesy of one our local vets at Friendly Animal Hospital in Huntington Beach.

*CHOCOLATE & NUTS:

Ingesting chocolate can result in agitation, vomiting, diarrhea, high heart rate, tremors, seizures and even death. Some nuts can cause lethargy, fever, vomiting, tremors, joint stiffness and inability to walk.

*ALCOHOL & ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS:

Alcoholic beverages, if ingested by your pets, may cause a host of dangerous symptoms, including coma and seizures. Artificial sweeteners can cause liver failure. Be sure to avoid candies, particularly gum, which may have these dangerous chemicals.

*HOLIDAY DECORATIONS:

Tinsel, ribbons, and similar decorations can cause cuts or obstructions in the intestinal tract if swallowed. Some lights and any lit candles may cause burns or fires if knocked over or if hot wax drips on your pet.

*HOLIDAY PLANTS:

Holly, Mistletoe, and Poinsettias may cause irritation, vomiting, diarrhea and heart arrhythmia if ingested, in both cats and dogs. Christmas trees, if not sturdy, can fall and cause harm, and the water beneath the tree can be full of harmful fertilizers.

*DOUGH & BAKING INGREDIENTS:

Keep raw dough out of your pet’s reach. If eaten, it can expand in your pet’s stomach and could become a life-threatening emergency. Both baking soda and baking powder are highly toxic, along with nutmeg and other spices, for your pets.

*FATTY TRIMMINGS & BONES:

Pets may experience digestive problems, including diarrhea and vomiting, when eating fatty foods. It may even lead to pancreatitis. Bones can cause perforations and constipation.

*ELECTRICAL CORDS & PACKAGING:

If chewed on, live electrical cords can cause burns, difficulty breathing, seizures and cardiac arrest. Beware of packaging, twist ties, etc. which are a hazard if swallowed.

*PARTIES & OVER STIMULATION:

Some guests may be uncomfortable around your pets. Your pets might also be uncomfortable around groups of unfamiliar people. Keep a separate quiet place for pets during celebrations.

Once again it is that time of year to ask ourselves, “What am I thankful for?”

For me, my answer is always my ‘fur babies’. My life is so much richer because of their ecstatic greetings, wet little kisses, and warm sleepy bodies in my lap. Who else gives me such unconditional love and attention?

When I am sad, one or the other of my boys will  snuggle with me or kiss my face and stay close, comforting me. When I am happy, they jump for joy, chasing each other, being silly and sweet and making me laugh. How very thankful I am that they share my life with me.

God knew what he was doing when he made dogs and cats!

In thinking about this article, I did a little research about the benefits of pet ownership or, more precisely, having a furry family member. Here’s what I found out, curtesy of the WebMD article titled, “5 Ways Pets Can Improve Your Health” by Jeanie Lerche Davis. 

In Ms. Davis’s article she states that pets lower blood pressure, lessen anxiety and boost our immunity. Another benefit of owning pets with fur is, unlike what people thought in the past, regular exposure to their fur reduces allergies. In a study by James E. Gern, MD sited in the article, Dr. Gern found that the children in his study who lived with furbearing pets (dogs and cats) had lesser allergic reactions and asthma that those in the study who did not live with pets.

We all know that we feel better when we are with our dogs or cats and according to Lynette Hart, PhD, Alzheimer’s patients demonstrate reduced anxiety when around pets.

Playing with a dog or petting a cat can elevate levels of serotonin and dopamine which are nerve transmitters that have pleasurable and calming properties, according to Blair Justice, PhD.

Again, according to the article, pet owners have less heart disease – in other words, lower levels of triglycerides and cholesterol. The overall health benefits for pet ownership are well enough documented that Midland Life Insurance Company gives insurance breaks for any pet owners over 75 years old.

So, if you are in doubt as to what to be thankful for this Thanksgiving season  just look to that furry cuddle-bug in your lap and humbly say, “thank you” for all the blessing they bring to you.

Orange lights, costumes and Jack-O-Lanterns – that’s right, it’s Halloween again! For many of us Halloween brings us warm memories of spooky fun but from the perspective of our furry loved ones it may be anything but pleasant.

In reviewing articles posted from the ASPCA and ASPCA PRO websites, the Purina Company website and the Halloween Safety Guide website, we have compiled a list of four of the most common dangers this holiday presents to our pets.

1. Candy and Treats

• Of course, we all know that chocolate, especially dark chocolate, is dangerous for dogs to ingest. It can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Many types of Halloween candy have chocolate in them so guard that candy bowl.
• One concern which people don’t always acknowledge is that ANY candy is bad for our dogs to ingest and it is NOT kind to share! Again, expect vomiting and diarrhea.
• Another concern is sugar-free candy sweetened with xylitol which some people substitute for regular Halloween candy. This may be great for the people celebrating sensibly but for dogs it could be deadly! Please keep all candy, sugar-free included, out of your dog’s reach.
• Also, even the empty wrappers can be a problem. We have all seen our pups snag wrappers out of the trash to lick the last taste off them and then what happens if you don’t take the wrapper away? It gets eaten! Dogs’ intestinal tracts can be seriously damaged by foil or other wrappers that have been eaten.
• Last on this list of edibles that are harmful to dogs are, according to the AKC, raisins. Keep them out of reach.

2. Decorations

• The most common decorations typically seen for Halloween are carved pumpkins which often have a lit candle inside them to make them glow at night. The dangers are obvious – candles can be knocked over by rambunctious pups, swishing tails or curious kitties with disastrous results.
• One common call to vets and animal poison control on Halloween night, according to the ASPCA PRO, is what to do when a dog ingests a glow stick or glowing jewelry. The liquid that glows inside the sticks will cause a ‘mild and self-limiting taste reaction’. The article suggested that you take the animal into a darkened room and see if there is still some of the glowing liquid on them. If so wipe it off with a soapy cloth so the dog won’t keep licking it and getting sick again.
• Strings of lights and puppies or kittens don’t mix! Not only might they be chewed on, but a kitten’s playful paws or a pup’s wagging tail can easily break bulbs which in turn could cause all kinds of problems from a mess to clean up to a serious injury or electrocution.
• For the most part, the non-electric decorations used for Halloween such as pumpkins, dried corn and wheat or corn stalks are non-toxic for pets but could cause some gastric distress if eaten.

3. Costumes

• We all love the way our pets look in costumes but do THEY like being in costume? Some animals don’t mind and some do actually like it but you need to watch for signs of anxiety. You know your furry friends better than anyone else so if they are hesitant and anxious putting them in a costume may be an injustice to them. Which is more important, your pet’s well being or a cute photo op?
• Even for pets that like costumes there are still some dangers inherent in a pet wearing a costume. Before letting them wear any costume for any length of time make sure that they can breathe properly, see properly, and that no part of the costume could catch on something or in anyway choke your loved one.
• The other issue for our pets concerning costumes is that it may be very frightening to them being surrounded by all these people with odd shaped hats, heads, ‘tails’ – all these things that distort the way people normally look, especially ‘their’ people. Just be aware of how it may effect your pet.

4. Trick or Treaters

• My favorite part of the holiday is answering the door to all those princesses and ghosts that ring our bell. Unfortunately for our four-legged friends it can be nerve wracking having that doorbell ring every few minutes for 2 or 3 hours. One of my dogs would bark herself hoarse until I learned to put her in a back bedroom away from the commotion with the TV on to lessen the noise. Having a ‘safe room‘ or ‘quite room’ in your house is a great kindness for our fur children.
• Another concern with that front door opening and closing all evening is that of escape. On an evening as crazy as Halloween, even dogs or cats who are indoor/outdoor pets may be frightened and become disoriented if they slip outdoors. If there is a possibility that your dog or cat may get out accidentally, make sure that they are wearing their collar and identification or are chipped in case he or she gets lost.
• Last of all, if you are a proud kitty mom or dad, especially of a black cat, it is best to keep your baby in a safe place inside for the last few days leading up to Halloween as well as Halloween night because of the rise in ritual abuse or even killing of black cats at this time of year.

With a little preparation you and your furry friends will have a safe and fun holiday. Happy Halloween!