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Safety Tips
Holiday Safety Tips for Your Cat
Keeping Your Pet Safe If You Have To Evacuate
Summer Safety Tips
How To Cool Your Pet Down Quickly
Toxic Foods
Fitness Tip
Get Fit While Walking Your Dog with FitFlops®
Pet Tips
What to do When Your Cat Brings You a Gift
Socializing a Puppy
Holiday Safety Tips for Your Cat
This is a list of the things I found out can be dangerous for cats around the holiday season.
1. The Christmas Tree: the needles, the stand, the water, ornaments & tinsel
2. The food: Chocolate
3. The Plants: Poinsettia, Mistletoe, Pine boughs
If you use a real Christmas tree, not only is the pine tar toxic to your cats, but the needles are a danger for cats, as they could puncture your cat’s intestine if swallowed and undigested. The ornaments can be a hazard because they are so tempting just hanging there, what cat wouldn’t want to stop and play with all those dangly things. Tinsel can be ingested and cause stomach or intestinal problems, too.
Here are some suggestions for how to keep your cat safe around the Christmas tree. Place your tree in a safe place, maybe a room your kitty does not go into. If this is not an option, get yourself one or two inexpensive spray bottles that have a “stream” option. Put them around the room the tree is in, and when you see your cat going near the tree, say “NO” firmly and loud enough for your cat to hear. If they don’t listen, spray them with the water bottle. You may have to repeat this a few times, but they will get the message.
Make sure that the stand you put your tree in is sturdy and can’t be tipped over easily. If you don’t want to purchase a new stand, something you could try is to put pebbles or stones in the stand with the water. The stones will add weight to your stand and make it less easy for the tree to tip over. As to the water, instead of using a commercial tree life lengthener, use sugar water. The tree will soak up the water and even if your cat drinks it, it won’t be toxic to them. Use a formula of about three parts of water to one part of sugar. If you warm up the water, it will make it easier to mix the sugar in. Just make sure that the water is room temperature when you put it in the stand.
Also it would be a good idea, if you place your ornaments, tinsel and other tree decorations out of your cat’s reach. Don’t forget, this means stretching length also, as some cats will stand on their hind legs to reach something that is of interest. Pine and trees can cause death so please be careful!
The food we have during the holidays can be dangerous too. Even the smallest amount of holiday chocolate can harm your cat so you must watch them very carefully, and make sure that if there is chocolate in the house to keep it out of the cat’s reach. The holiday dinner can also harm your cat, as it is usually a high fatty and salty meal, which if they get too much will lead to a very upset stomach. If you serve turkey make sure that all the bones are put into a secure garbage container, or taken directly outside after the meal is finished. This way there is no possibility of your cat getting a bone stuck, or chewing on one that can splinter, and cause a puncture internally.
If alcohol is served, make sure none is placed within your cat’s reach. They may be attracted by the sweet smell of a glass of wine, and could end up with alcohol poisoning as a result. Clear any wine glasses from the table immediately after it is cleared, or make sure your guests take them with them if they go into another room.
Remember plants like poinsettia and mistletoe are dangerous, as they are poisonous. Keep them out of reach, and if your cat looks as if it is in distress, call your veterinarian immediately. Don’t forget your cat’s curiosity, with bags and tissue paper, as they can lead them into trouble. If possible put the gifts under the tree Christmas morning or keep them off the floor completely. Before then keep gifts and all your holiday stuff in a safe room where kitty will not go. This way you all will have a safe and fun holiday season.
Keeping Your Pet Safe If You Have To Evacuate
Two weeks ago, I had to cancel my radio show, because we had gotten an evacuation notice, due to wildfires raging around my neighborhood. I thought this would be a good time to talk about evacuating with your pet, as well as what to do to practice a “fire drill” with you family and pets. So, if you find yourself in the same predicament that I did, you too will be able to get everyone out of the house safely.
Creating Your Practice Plan for a Fire Drill or Evacuation
- Use the kitchen timer, and set it for 45 minutes to an hour. (This way you have given yourself almost enough time to forget, start talking and then to be surprised by the bell ringing.)
- Call your dogs to the front door so you can train them to sit and stay calm while you place their collars on (this is a great training tool. At first the dog or dogs are going to get excited to go out. You want to train them to sit, stay, and to wait so you can go get everything else you are going to need to evacuate)
- Gather all your pre-arranged items you want to take with you for example:
Shot records, health records photos and anything else you know is not replaceable. DO NOT FORGET TO TAKE YOUR HOME OWNERS INSURANCE POLICES WITH YOU!! - Make sure your gas tank is always at least half full so you have enough fuel to drive at least 100 miles before stopping.
What to Have Ready in Case of an Emergency
- Food & Water– Enough for two weeks is what the Red Cross recommends to keep on hand. If you have these pre-prepared, it is recommend replacing the food and water every year to make sure it stays fresh and is still usable.
- Extra stainless steel bowls food and water
- Shots records, and if applicable their registration papers and/or adoption papers.
- First aid kit
- Leashes & collars with up to date tags
- Towels & Dog Bed (if you need to evacuate)
- Pictures – In case your pet gets lost, you will have photos ready to create flyers.
The ASPCA has stickers that you can put on a door or window to let emergency personnel who may be trying to get in to search for anyone left behind. Visit http//:www.aspca.org for more information.
Summer Safety Tips
Now that summer is upon us and the beach days grow closer, I want to share with you a few summer safety tips about going to the beach.
As you can see from the picture, I already had my first beach day this May with my three boys. It was a blast and will be the first of many fun beach days this summer. I am currently working on my 6th book, due out in 2009, and beach days are a great break from writing to take the boys and have a fun safe beach day.
When going on a full-day outing with your dog or dogs there are a few things you want to remember, so that you all have fun and no one gets sick or hurt:
- Always bring an umbrella for shade for you and your dogs.
- It is always a great idea to have a travel first aid kit with you at all times, because you never know when a bee or something else may sting your dog, and if you quickly put some baking soda paste on that you may be able to still save your day. Also have some Benadryl on hand, too.
- Bring fresh water and a clean bowl – you do not want your dogs drinking salt water, as it will make them sick and dehydrated. If they get too much salt water in their system, don’t be surprised if they throw up.
- Bring sun screen for both you and your dogs. Your dogs get sunburned just like we do (especially their noises) so use a baby non-toxic sunscreen.
- Bring plenty of clean, dry towels, as you do not want them to catch a chill. They can catch a chill when they get out of the water on even the hottest days, so be sure to towel-dry them well.
- When walking on the beach, remember the sand can get hot on their paws so keep them off the hot sand. Try to walk close to the water where the sand is cool and packed down. It is easier for both of you and that way they will not get too tired out or too stiff, especially if this is the first of many beach days.
- Remember that dog need to build their stamina up and get fit again from a long winter of lying on the couch.
- Do not feed them any food at the beach. With the sun, swimming and all the running; food will only add to an upset stomach.
- When you get home be sure to wash all the sand and salt water out of their hair and be sure they have cooled down and calmed down before feeding them.
- As you are washing them, be sure to carefully check their paws for any sharp objects that may have lodged there.
- REMEMBER TO HAVE FUN!!
How To Cool Your Pet Down Quickly
- Important Signs to Recognize When Your Pet Is Getting Overheated: Dogs and cats do not sweat like us, they pant to cool themselves off. If they get too hot you must step in and help.
- Watch Their Tongue. If it becomes swollen and hanging out, it’s time to take action.
- Take Your Pet To Water. Put them in a cool bath or take the garden hose and run cool water under their belly to cool them off fast.
- Use Alcohol On A Cotton Pad To Wipe Down Their Paws. This will help cool them down fast. Do not use alcohol on their body!!!
- Offer Them Water. If a dog or cat is too hot, they will not drink so this is where I will use a Pupsicle, to invite them to drink. Please be sure to wet them down at the same time. (If they are overheated they need all the help you can give them).
- If Your Pet Is Not Getting Cooler. It may be time to call your vet and take them in.
- Never Leave Your Pet In The Car. A car heats up 10 times hotter than the air outside—and can be disastrous for your pet.
Toxic Foods
from OptimumChoices.com
Xylitol is the newest toxic food on our list. Any gum or candy artificially
sweetened with Xylitol are toxic to pets.
Onions and onion powder is one of the most hidden toxic foods to pets.
Onions can cause hemolytic anemia in animals because it causes new red blood cells to be deformed and unusable by the body. Symptoms can include fever, vomiting, weakness and collapse. There are onions and onion powder in a wide variety of processed foods such as baby food, ketchup, soup, lunch meat and hot dogs, just to name a few. Beware of feeding hot dogs, sausages and even lunch meat to pets.
What to do When Your Cat Brings You a Gift
How many times have I heard many friends with cats, tell me they have brought them home a gift? Not flowers either, usually it is a baby bird or a small mouse or even a rat.
Guess what, your cat thinks he or she is bringing you a gift. It may sound crazy but it is true. If you have ever seen a nature show that features tigers, cheetahs, or lions; you will see that the mother “cat” will bring back part of the kill to her cubs, so they have nourishment.
Our domestic cats, like their giant relatives hunt for the same reasons. As kittens they are taught while playing how to hunt. Barn cats have kittens, and even if they are fed regularly, will hunt to supplement their kittens’ food. This is their instinct calling. When a cat doesn’t have kittens you become a member of their family, and therefore they want to bring something home for you.
Though you won’t eat their gift, it goes back to the instinct of taking care of their own, so they hunt for you, because you don’t. What they bring home can vary widely, depending on where you live. If you live in an apartment, they may catch the flies or bugs they see inside the apartment. If you live in a house in a city, they might bring you a grasshopper or spider from the yard. If you are in the country like my assistant Ruthie, you can see many varied things. Her cats bring home bugs, rats, rabbits, birds, butterflies, mice, shrews, and even snakes.
The most important thing to remember is why they are doing this. They have accepted you as a member of their family, and are treating you as such. They are trying to prove that they are great hunters, and love you so much, they want to share what they have caught with you. For your cat, this is the ultimate devotion they can show a fellow creature. The very last thing you want to do, is scream and yell at them, though that may be what your instinct is. They won’t understand why you are so upset with them.
The proper way to handle the situation is to try and remain calm. Try not to make a horrified face, they can read body language too. Thank them for the gift, and if they will let you, dispose of their gift. If they won’t let you dispose of their gift, try to get them to take it outside. I will tell you now that if they don’t want to give it up, there is very little persuasion that will convince them to give it up.
One way that many of my friends have found successful, is to offer them an alternative. Try to offer them a special toy, catnip or a treat. If there is another person around, you can try to distract them with the alternative gift, and have the other person remove their gift, while they are not looking. When disposing of the mouse, or whatever they have brought you, don’t bury it, as they will just dig it up again. Try to dispose of it in an outside garbage can with a tight fitting lid.
The only way to keep your cat from bringing home gifts is to keep them inside all the time. However, don’t kid yourself, they can find mice inside a house too; and they can make you crazy if they want to go outside and you won’t let them. So try not to stifle their instinct and when they bring you a gift, try to accept it graciously. Praise them and tell them what a “good kitty” they are.
If you are unlucky enough to find their gift after they have possibly eaten part of it, and have deposited it on something that can become blood stained, I have also written down some of my own proven tips on how to get the blood out.
HOW TO GET THE BLOOD OUT
1. Pre-soak the item in cold water.
2. Make a paste of baking soda and cold water. Then put on the stain, scrub stain and then wash as normal.
3. If the blood is fresh try this: make a paste of talcum powder , corn starch or corn meal. Add cold water, then apply to stain and let sit for three hours. After three hours, scrub with cold water and wash as normal.
4. Let it soak for a while (even overnight) in cold water. Then put some stain remover on it and let it sit for a while more. Then wash the article in cold water and detergent. If the article is white, you could always bleach.
5. If the stain is an old stain, try soaking in cool salt water for a long time (several hours) and rinse thoroughly. Soak again in water with some ammonia. Launder as above, using cold water. Since blood is organic you can try soaking in an enzyme solution for half an hour to an hour. As a last resort, use bleach if the item is white or if item is colored, use a color safe bleach.
Socializing Your Puppy
Socializing a puppy is something we do for the life of owning our dogs, it is also the most basic foundation all our dogs stand on for example when you see a dog that tends to tuck his tail under himself and run away shy and timid more than likely he was not well socialized at the puppy stage. Or they did a ton of yelling at him. Another good example is puppies learn from positive experiences so if you are going to use the word No in the beginning to use it all the time soon the word will have no meaning but it will show the puppy that they can get attention from any behavior than doing nothing. At a very young age say 6 weeks to 16 weeks you are better off using the positive method with a tasty food treat very small of course for example a little bit of liverwurst works great it is soft and you can make it into little bit size pieces to train with. . When you see a good behavior then praise praise with a high voice and sometimes if you see a behavior you do not want it is better to just not acknowledge this then to say NO NO NO they are too young to understand this and we do not want to scare them. They are so young and very curious at this age we want to keep the happy side of this so it is great if you are going to crate train and use a nice size play pen for when you do not have your eyes on the puppy at all times this will give then down time to sleep and you time to get your personal stuff done. This will also help the both of you in the house breaking stages as the younger the puppy the more they have to go out and the size make a difference also all things you need to take into account before getting that Oh so cute puppy. And every single puppy, dog learns differently so if you by chance think oh look how cute I just have to have one or in my case another one, please be sure you have the time and the energy.
Let’s break down the word socializing and it means by which you literally take your puppy, dog and you introduce them to everything and everyone you possibly can. Then from the age of birth to about 17 weeks you have the ability to do a tecqunicke called imprinting, which means to imprint upon the brain of the dog whereas after 17 weeks it then becomes training. If you are lucky enough to get your puppy at the age of 8 weeks some even get there puppy at 6 weeks them the tecqunick of imprinting is one you really want to do and almost is a mandatory once you know what you are doing this will set the tone for the rest of the life of that dog. Which is why some very good breeders will not let their puppies leave until they are 12 – 16 weeks old because they want to imprint that litter to ensure certain things are almost guaranteed? For example the fact you can imprint your puppy to never mind having a bath and his nails clipped but please one must know what they are doing one mistake and you have done the opposite imprinting you have hurt the puppy and now they are scared for life. Imprinting is so different from training that it take a ton of time , patients and you must be willing to understand exactly what it is you are doing to your dog. I personally Love the fact I have been blessed with all now 6 of my dogs to get all of them at 6-8 weeks of age and I was taught very early how and why it use the tecqunick of imprinting. The other wonderful benefit of this is when it come to training it will be easier not so easy just easier.
Well soclized dogs are happy, secure and confident.
Places to take your puppy-NOTE:(by the way each vet does not have time to explain to every single person who walk into the office about taking your puppy out so many people think they cannot take their puppy out till 12 weeks and all their shots that is not true if you know what you cannot allow your puppy to do, but you surely do not want to miss out on all the great socializing and in some cases imprinting. Never let a young puppy play with dogs who have not had up to date shots and the most important trick or tip I can offer is please do not let your new puppy ever smell other dog poo because this is where they can pick up Parvo which is a nasty killer if they should get this disease. This is why so many vets just do not have the time to teach this to every single person who walks in with a new puppy so they protect themselves and the practice and to an extent you and your puppy by just the standard line do not take them out until they have had all their shots. The big problem is you and your new puppies sure do miss out on imprinting and socializing.)
15 Things Your Puppy Should Be Exposed To:
1. People
2. Boarding kennels but only to visit with you holding the puppy this allows them to hear barking and loud sounds but feel safe in your arms till they are old enough and used to this after a few times to be placed down to get to know the center. Remember in the life of your dog you may have to travel and if you do not have the luxury of having a private dog sitter then boarding your dog at a wonderful kennel or a great vets office is just fine but even better when they know where they are going and have a good time this will then give you a piece of mind when traveling
3. Postal people
4. UPS/FED-X and other such type of deliveries
5. Take your puppy to the groomer if they are very young do not leave them there yet just take them and make this a very positive experience with treats kind people and always be sure to use a kind high voice which is how the mother dog communicates with her babies.
6. Large animals for example I ride horses so I always take my puppies to the barn in the beginning as much as I can so they learn how to be around horses and never to bark unless it is really something to warn us about.
7. Traveling in the car and other modes of transportation if you can I am not going on an airplane anytime soon while my new puppy is so young but I sure do want her to be a great traveler as Cappy, Little man and Senny are so we practice going in our travel bag we go to the airport and spend some time there to get used to the sights and sounds and remember the smells dogs live by their nose so smells are very important. Down to the smell of your neighborhood. I am not proud if this but this week my Gardner left the gate open and my house helper did not close the kitchen door I was not home and the puppy was the only dog to get out the other dogs know better they just do not even go to the door when the Gardner is here anymore but the puppy was out of her crate due to a guest wanting to play with her they did not remember to put her back into her crate. Now before I go any further I must also let you know I am a firm believer that this is my respond ability not my Gardner, house helper and sure not the friend! I am the person at fault I am the owner and I am the person respond ably for my new puppy. I again was taught a huge lesson and will not forget this anytime soon!!
When I got home about 45 minutes later I came into the house to see the puppy missing I freaked out and started to look in the back yard then to my surprise my Little Man started to bark at the front door I ran down stairs and who do you think was quietly barking at the front door but my new puppy I was never so happy in my whole life she knew how to come around to the front of the house because I believe that every day I take her with my other dogs and we walk the first few blocks around my house several times a day so she can learn the area as soon as she grow more we will go on longer walks but my point being is that Mtoto my Little One knew how to come home and I do not know how long she was gone for nor do I know how far she went but what I do know is I am not going to ever let that happen again. If a friend wants to play with her I will just have to be home and on Mondays when the Gardner is here for those 45 minutes I am going to be sure to take her with me or into her play pen she goes. My point being is that by taking the puppy and my other dogs all together I was doing two things at once. A) She is learning to walk on the leash by following her family and B) she is learning just where her home is by all the dogs marking the area next to home.
8. A another wonderful place to take your puppy is to the Super market and to the Super large pet and Cost Co type of stores so they are not afraid of the crowds and never afraid of the shopping carts.
9. Try if you can to find a nice dog park at the age of 10 weeks and on to play only!! with dogs you know have had their shots and you know are very friendly so best if you set up these play dates.
10. Take your puppy on hikes where you like to go maybe they are not going to be able to run alongside for the whole hike so be sure to have plenty of water and a good carry all bag to place the puppy into.
11. By using the carry bag they will become use to this also and it will become a traveling den and safe nap zone for them.
12. Start to teach your new puppy things like to sit, stay, come, and if you should see something cute they do for example Little man crawels on his belly just because so I turned this into a trick and people just love to watch him do this which he was doing naturally. I only renforced this behavior with positive Love happiness and a bit of food sometimes not every time. Love and a belly rub can make your puppy very happy also. Remember our dogs and puppies offer us the most wonderful unconditional Love so all we have to do is offer the same love and security back to them and you are gpoing to have one happy family.
13. As many children as you can find.
14. Be sure to touch there tail, toes , ears and open the mouth everyday so thery get used to this also.
15. Have FUN!
I clearly had forgotten just how much work having a puppy is and I am of course already enrolled into our puppy class this is as much for my new puppy as it is for me to have suporat and for both of us to learn. I found a free nice class at my local dog park on Saturdays. This is something our community offers I even learned that which I had not known. Remember just like humans ever single puppy is going to learn differently from another so even though I have 3 other dogs I still need to learn what it is that is going to make my new puppy happy and a good learner.
Get Fit While Walking Your Dog with FitFlops®
Walking our dogs can be great exercise for us and our dogs. It is not often I really recommend products for us pertaining to walking with our dogs. But today I have found a great walking shoe/FitFlops®. That not only is great to walk in but if offers us to help get fit while walking our dogs. Here are a few of the benefits to walking our dogs while wearing the FitFlops®:
1. FitFlops® give you a workout while you walk. FitFlops midsoles incorporate patent-pending micro-wobbleboardTM technology, to give you a workout while you walk. Developed by doctors at London’s South Bank University, the Fit Flop’s® unique safely tapered midsole places varying densities of EVA under your feet each time you step, to challenge the support and balance muscles of the foot and leg.
2. They challenge hard to reach muscles more. FitFlops® are engineered with a multi-density midsole that stimulates your muscles more while you’re wearing them. In independent University testing, FitFlops® have been shown to trigger ®increase gluteal muscle response, increased hamstring response, increase rectus femoris (thigh) response and increased calf muscle response.
3. Every step you take in your FitFlops® helps tone and trim your legs. University studies have shown that the FitFlops midsole extend the amount of time that the slow twitch* muscles are engaged during each step (by approximately 10-12%). So just by wearing a pair of FitFlops® you’ll get more exercise while doing just exactly what you’re normally doing. (*slow twitch muscles produce energy by converting fats into energy aerobically)
4. FitFlops® work your bum muscles more. FitFlops® have been clinically proven to increase the amount of time that the gluteus maximums muscle is ‘activated’ during every single step.
5. FitFlops® have been shown to have a significant effect on the toning muscles of your thighs. The rectus femoris muscle (one of the large muscles in the group of muscles in your thigh) is activated for a longer period of time while walking in FitFlops® than while normally shod or barefoot.
6. Walking in FitFlops® is like walking barefoot, but a little bit better. According to a University study, the FitFlop® wearer’s gait is very similar to that of a barefoot walker, but the added cushion provided by the EVA midsole helps reduce joint strain and absorb shock. In fact, several FitFlop wearers have already reported relief from back pain after a few days of wearing them.
7. FitFlops® make it easier to stay in shape. Just throw them on while you’re running errands, walking to work, or working around your house. Most first-time FitFlop® wearers report feeling their muscles working more, while ‘fitter’ wearers feedback has been more toward great comfort and cushion. One woman reported feeling like she’d had a ‘bum-blasting’ workout after a half an hour of FitFlop-shod walking.
I have now been wearing my FitFlops® for two weeks and the difference in my whole legs is wonderful!! I just love these
“Flip Flops®” and to think I can now walk the “Boys” and shape my legs and behind.. It is just too good not to share with you.
Please know individual results for each person but if you should go to the site www.soleprovisionsshop.com the studies done on these shoes are very impressive. Also remember if you are going to order a pair of FitFlops® Be, sure to let them know Wendy Nan Rees has sent you and I am working with them now to see what type of deal we can work out for all of you. Pictures of Wendy with the boys out walking coming this week. We had a blast and as soon as they send us the pictures we will put them up for all of you to see. I just love my new FitFlops® and hope you will also,it gives me great pleasure to know I am walking the boys while doing some thing for myself.