Cats and the Pests They Catch

The World's First Pest Control

That's right, the cat was the world's first pest control. Cats weren't usually kept as pets, per se, they were kept because they had a job to do. In Ancient Egypt they were valued because they kept mice at bay. They were kept on farms because the grain attracted rodents. Well, these little furry exterminators got rid of those rodents. They were even found on ships to help maintain the rodent population. Since then, cats have found their way into our lives and hearts as members of our families. 

Today's Cats as Hunters

Today's cats aren't really used as rodent control with all the other ways we have of controlling the rodent population; however, in big cities like New York they are still used to keep the rat population down. All cats have that basic hunter instinct. The best cats to use for pest control today would be a feral or semi-feral cat that you've adopted at the local shelter. It'll be spayed or neutered and won't ever become a "true" pet, but as long as you're providing it with water and supplemental food, it won't have a reason to ever leave. And when you're feeding your cat, it's more likely to hunt for entertainment than for a meal, meaning it will catch more mice. The more mice your kitty catches, the more "gifts" he will bring you. Make sure you reward your kitty for his gifts, even if you don't appreciate it. It's his way of showing you he loves you!

Too Hot to Walk!

How Hot is Too Hot?

Fido wants to go out for a walk. He has his leash in his mouth and brought it to you. Now he's impatiently waiting by the door. "Let's go, mom", he barks. He doesn't understand that it's 95 degrees out there and you're concerned about his little feet. And at this point, he doesn't care. So how hot is too hot for you to take him on his walk? If you're able to go outside and place the BACK of your hand, not the palm, on the pavement and keep it there for 5 seconds, then it's okay to take him on his walk. Now, if you go out and place your hand on the pavement and the back of your hand starts to burn after 3 seconds and you can't keep your hand there, Fido is going to have to wait for that walk unless there is a nice grassy area for you to take him. If your pet is high-stepping, it's too hot for them, even if you did the 5 second back of the hand test. 

Tips for Walking Your Dog in Hot Weather

Take your pet for walks in the morning or in the evening when the pavement is cooler. Not only will this help prevent burns on their paws, it will make them less susceptible to overheating as the day gets warmer. Take a collapsible water bowl with you on your walk. If you notice your dog getting too hot, take a break and give him a drink. You'll already have the bowl with you. Take your dog on walks in the grass. No asphalt to walk on means no burns. Live in the city or don't have any grass for your dog to walk in? Check your local pet store for dog boots. There are many styles and sizes available in several price ranges to keep your pooch protected. If your dog can't do the boots, look for protective salve. If you suspect your pet has burns on their paws, take them to the vet. 

Summer Safety Tips

Summer Safety Tips

It's starting to get hot out. Okay, okay, it is hot out. It's only going to get hotter as we head into summer. We all know that as it warms up, our pets need to have fresh water at all times and a shady area to go to so they can cool off. But there are so many other things to take into consideration for your fur-babies when the weather starts to heat up. For instance, if your pets don't have that fresh water and shade, they can actually have a heat stroke. Which leads me to the next thing. Pets in cars. It happens every year. Animals, and kids, die in locked cars every year. "But I left the windows cracked!" Yeah...have you sat in a car with the windows cracked for 10 minutes? In the sun? When it's "just" 80 degrees out? You start to get miserable after just 10 minutes! Imagine how you'd feel after 30! So, with these things in mind, we're gonna move on to this list of do's and don'ts for your furbaby in this heat.

1. Access to fresh water everywhere. One bowl on the porch isn't gonna cut it. Put it in the shade and then add a couple more around the yard. 

2. No pets left in hot cars. Period.

3. Make sure your playful pet doesn't overexert themselves. This means you may have to limit their exercise if you have a super playful pup.

4. Walk your pets in the morning or later in the evening. If that asphalt is too hot for the back of your hand, it's too hot for their little feet!

5. Protect your pet from sunburn. Yes, you read that right, sunburn. If your furbaby is a hairless breed or has lighter hair, it's easier for them to burn. Take precautions to protect their skin. And don't shave your pet.

6. All pets are susceptible to heat stroke, but those with flat faces are more susceptible since they can't pant as effectively. 

7. Keep your pets away from fireworks. Most pets don't like the noise anyway, but fireworks are toxic to your pets.

8. Pets and BBQ grills and food don't mix. Grills can get knocked over and most of the foods and drinks found at BBQ's are toxic to pets. 

9. Keep all lawn, garden, insecticides and rodent killers away from pets. 

Know the Signs and Symptoms of Overheating and Heat Stroke

Excessive panting and trouble breathing, excessive drooling, discolored gums, mild weakness and mobility problems, confusion, vomiting, diarrhea, and high temperatures. If your pet is showing any of these symptoms, please get them to a vet immediately. 

How Often Should my Pet Get a Checkup?

Checkup Schedule

There's a few things to factor into when your pet should get a checkup. Age and breed are the first two things to consider when your pet should get a checkup. Then if your pet has a chronic illness, that is going to be a factor, especially as they get older and the illness progresses. For healthy pets, annual exams should do it until they get to be of senior age. Once they hit the senior age of 7, they should be seen twice a year.

Birth to 1 year

Puppies and kittens are going to need to be seen every 3-4 weeks for vaccines until they are 16 weeks old. Puppies will get their rabies and a 7 in 1 or 9 in 1 vaccines, which includes protection against distemper, adenovirus, hepatitis, parainfluenza, parvovirus, and several strains of leptospira. Kittens will get tested for feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus. Once these tests come back negative, your kitty will vaccinated for leukemia as well as rabies, herpes, calici, and distemper. A heartworm and flea-and-tick preventative will also be started and a follow up in 6 months should be scheduled. This is when spay or neuter may be discussed, if not done during the first few visits. 

1-7 years

Your furbaby is officially an adult. Yearly checkups are recommended with head to tail physicals with bloodwork being done on any issues your vet may have noticed during the exam or concerns you've shared. Booster vaccines should be done every 3 years unless your state law says otherwise. 

7 years and older

This is when your pet is considered a senior. Twice a year exams are recommended at this age. They will still get vaccines every 3 years. You should expect to have bloodwork and urine done to check your pets thyroid, liver, and kidney functions. Be sure to mention an out of the ordinary behaviors to your vet as well. If Fluffy isn't as active as they were last week or you notice she's drinking more water, or not drinking any water, not eating, or not excited about going on those daily walks anymore, there could be a problem with her kidneys, she could have developed arthritis, or have another underlying issue going on that should be address. As always, no matter what age your pet, if you suspect something is wrong, take them to the vet even if it's not time for their annual exam.

Does My Dog Look Like Me?

Can I look Like My Dog?

It's amazing how many people look like their dog. Maybe I should say how many people who's dogs look like them. So, what if I told you there is actually scientific data behind this? People tend to choose people that have similar characteristics to themselves, such as taste in music and sports, religion, politics, entertainment, and even similar physical characteristics. The same goes with pets. Maybe not the characteristics of religion or politics, but the physical characteristics, personality, and the aspects of getting a dog that is as physically active as you are. If you're not an avid runner, you're probably not going to go get yourself a dog that needs to be taken on long walks or runs daily, just as if you like your peace and quiet, a very vocal canine companion isn't going to be your first choice. Basically it comes down to we like things similar to ourselves. We like familiarity. How many times have you known yourself or someone else to go with something new if the other option is something you know you like? So when we choose our dog, we tend to go with things similar to ourselves, or what's familiar. Think about your physical characteristics and your personality. Do you have long or short hair? What color is it? Are you tall and lanky? Short? Have more of a round head? Are you outgoing? A runner? More of a couch potato? Now think about your dog or the type of dog you tend to favor. Is it a pure-breed or mutt? Long ears or short? Is it a larger dog or a toy type? Does it need to be walked all the time or is it's favorite spot in your lap? Now that you're thinking about it, you just realized you and your dog are more similar than you original thought, huh?

Hypoallergenic Pets?

What is a "Hypoallergenic" Pet?

Well, are you ready for the truth about hypoallergenic pets? They don't really exist. (unless you want a scaly or water loving pet) GASP!! We know, we know, the internet and everyone has been feeding you all this information about this breed and that and how they are hypoallergenic. Well, truth be told, they aren't but they are BETTER for people with allergies because they shed less and therefor have less dander. It's not really the hair that's the problem, it's the dander that is attached to it when the hair is shed.

What is dander?

Dander is the dead, dried flakes from your pet's skin and the proteins from their saliva that sticks to the flakes of skin. This is what people are allergic to. The dander sticks to the pet's hair and then the hair sticks to everything but the pet. And if your pet sheds a lot, then the more exposed to the proteins you are and the more allergy symptoms you're going to have. 

The Best Pets for People with Allergies

Portuguese Water Dog, Bichon Frise, Poodle, Devon Rex cat, Sphynx cat, Bedlington Terrier, Chinese Crested, Irish Water Spaniel, Kerry Blue Terrier, Labradoodle, Maltese, Schnauzers, Xoloitzcuintli, snakes, frogs, lizards, turtles, fish, and birds.

Ways to Help with Allergies

There are some things you can do to help your allergies if you have a pet. Brush them regularly, bathe the pet and their bedding once a week to help cut down on the dander, use a HEPA purifier and filters to reduce allergens, and as hard as it may be, don't sleep with your pet. You can also shampoo your carpet regularly, opt for hardwood floors (so the hair doesn't stick to the carpet), don't let your pet lick you (since the protein is in the saliva), get a smaller breed of dog (less dog, less dander), and vacuum the house and furniture often.

Surviving Summer Time Shedding

Shedding Winter Coats

Many animals begin to shed their winter coats during the spring months. This can be a pretty "hairy" experience for all involved. Sometimes the owner ends up with just as much pet hair on them as the pet at the end of the day. So what do you do during this time, other than invest your life savings in lint rollers?

Brush, brush, brush

A good brushing helps. Depending on the type of dog, this could be a daily thing. And using a GOOD brush helps. You want a brush that will get that undercoat, the part that's shedding. Your pet's brush isn't going to do either of you any good if it's just making that top coat look pretty. It has to get up under that top coat and grab hold of the undercoat and get rid of it. 

Bathing

Giving your pet a good bath, after a good brushing, also helps to rid of that shedding hair as well. There's even shampoos made now for shedding. Where was this when it was my chore to brush all the animals as a kid? 

Homemade Dog Treat Recipe

Peanut Butter 

INGREDIENTS

•  2 cups flour
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup water

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350 F.
2. Mix together your flour, peanut butter & eggs in a large bowl until slightly combined.
3. Add in a little bit of water (approximately one Tbsp at a time) until the mixture becomes wet enough to roll out as dough.
4. Roll out your dough & cut out your favorite shapes with some cookie cutters.*
5. Place your treats onto your baking sheet & cook for about 15 minutes. For a little bit of crunch I like to take mine out just as the bottoms start to darken.

Source

Pumpkin 

INGREDIENTS:

• 2/3 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/4 cup peanut butter
• 2 large eggs
• 3 cups whole wheat flour, or more, as needed

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat; set aside.
2. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat pumpkin puree, peanut butter and eggs on medium-high until well combined, about 1-2 minutes. Gradually add 2 1/2 cups flour at low speed, beating just until incorporated. Add an additional 1/4 cup flour at a time just until the dough is no longer sticky.
3. Working on a lightly floured surface, knead the dough 3-4 times until it comes together. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Using cookie cutters, cut out desired shapes and place onto the prepared baking sheet.
4. Place into oven and bake until the edges are golden brown, about 20-25 minutes.*
5. Let cool completely.

Source

Frozen 

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup chicken stock
• 1 cup peanut butter*
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves

DIRECTIONS:

1. In a small bowl, combine peanut butter and parsley; set aside.
2. Divide chicken broth evenly into a silicone ice cube tray, filling the tray halfway full. Place into freezer and freeze until set, about 1 hour.
3. Spoon peanut butter mixture into the tray, filling the tray full. Place into freezer and freeze until hard, at least 4 hours.

Source

Can My Cat have Allergies?

Allergies 

Allergies are never fun.  No one loves the coughing and sneezing and itchy eyes.  One question many pet owners have is if their cats or dogs can also suffer from these allergies.  

The Answer

YES!  Pets can suffer from allergies too just like us.  It is more common for dogs to suffer from allergies than for cats but it's not unheard of for cats to suffer from them as well.  

Common Allergies

• tree, grass, and weed pollens
• food ingredients (e.g. beef, chicken, pork, corn, wheat or soy)
• dust and house dust mites
• cigarette smoke
• prescription drugs
• fleas and flea-control products
• dander
• cleaning products
• insecticidal shampoo
• perfumes
• fabrics

Signs

• extensive itching
• red, irritated skin
• obsessive licking
• hair loss
• hot spots
• skin rash or hives

What to do

If possible remove the allergen.  This may be as simple as keeping your cat inside when the pollen count is high, or it could be more complicated because it's hard to determine exactly what it is that's bothering your pet.  If you cannot find out exactly what it is that's bothering your animal or the allergy seems to be causing a lot of discomfort a trip the vet is recommended.  

Surviving Fleas and Ticks

Fleas and Ticks...the annoying

Fleas and ticks are never fun.  They are bothersome and cause irritation on not only your pets but if they find their way into your home, they'll be bugging you too (HA!).  So how do you stop it? 

Preventatives

Preventing fleas and ticks from your pets is pretty easy.  Simply keep them up to date on a preventative medication that can be purchased from your vet or local store.  Make sure that if you are purchasing a preventative from the store you consult with your vet or at least do some great research on brands before making the choice. 

Warnings

There are a few brands of preventatives that are dangerous and cause severe reactions to pets.  When in doubt contact your vet and do some research.  Always read the labels.  Do not overdose your pet.  Do not use dog preventatives for your cat and vice versa.  If you notice your pet behaving strangely after a dose of preventative get them to your vet or local emergency animal hospital immediately.  

National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day

National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day

When disaster strikes almost everyone has a plan.  You grab the kids and get to safety.  Do you have a plan for your pets? 

Planning

Think of all the common disasters that happen in your area.  Fires, hurricanes, tornados, earthquakes, or blizzards are all examples that you need to be prepared for.  

In the case of a wildfire or hurricane do you have a carrier big enough for your pet? Do you have room in your vehicle for your children, necessities, and your pets in the event you must evacuate? Don't forget your pets will need fresh water too just like your family. If you have a house fire, will your pet leave the house when you call and remain beside you or do you have a leash hanging right by the door just in case? 

What will you need to do to get your pet to shelter with your family?  Will they follow and be easy or will you need to carry your pet because they are scared of thunder?  Do you have emergency supplies for both your family and pets? 

What will you do if you're stranded in a blizzard and you lose power?  Make sure you have blankets, food, and water for the entire family including your fur baby.  

What are your emergency plans? 

National Specially-abled Pets Day

Disabled Pets

Today is all about disabled pets!  Do you have a special fur baby at home?  We give a huge shout out to all of those who provide a loving home for pets who are extra special!  We'd love to see your specially-abled put!  Share your photos with us and tag us on Facebook or Instagram.