Trimming Your Cat's Nails

TRIMMING YOUR CAT'S NAILS 

Does your kitty disappear when the clippers come out? Do you have to wrap her in a towel to give her a manicure? Follow these steps to help your cat relax while you trim.

1. Choose a chair in a quiet room where you can comfortably sit your cat on your lap. Get her when she’s relaxed and even sleepy, such as in her groggy, after-meal state. Take care that she isn’t able to spy any birds, wild animals or action outside nearby windows—and make sure no other pets are around.
2. Gently take one of your cat’s paws between your fingers and massage for no longer than three seconds. If your cat pulls her paw away, don’t squeeze or pinch, just follow her gesture, keeping in gentle contact. When she’s still again, give her pad a little press so that the nail extends out, then release her paw and immediately give her a treat. Do this every other day on a different toe until you’ve gotten to know all ten.
3. Your cat should be at ease with the sound of the clippers before you attempt to trim her nails. Sit her on your lap, put a piece of uncooked spaghetti into the clippers and hold them near your cat. (If she sniffs the clippers, set a treat on top of them for her to eat.) Next, while massaging one of your cat’s toes, gently press her toe pad. When the nail extends, clip the spaghetti with the clippers while still holding your cat’s paw gently. Now release her toe and quickly give her a treat.
4. The pink part of a cat’s nail, called the quick, is where the nerves and blood vessels are. Do NOT cut this sensitive area. Snip only the white part of the claw. It’s better to be cautious and cut less of the nail rather than risk cutting this area. If you do accidentally cut the quick, any bleeding can be stopped with a styptic powder or stick. It’s a good idea to keep it nearby while you trim.
5. With your cat in your lap facing away from you, take one of her toes in your hand, massage and press the pad until the nail extends. Now trim only the sharp tip of one nail, release your cat’s toe and quickly give her a treat. If your cat didn’t notice, clip another nail, but don’t trim more than two claws in one sitting until your cat is comfortable. Then, reward her with a special treat.
6. A nail-trimming every ten days to two weeks is recommended. If your cat refuses to let you clip her claws, ask your vet or a groomer for help.
7. If your cat resists, don’t raise your voice or punish her. Never attempt a clipping when your cat is agitated or you’re upset. And don’t rush—you may cut into the quick.
8. Don’t try to trim all of your cat’s claws at one time.

Source: ASPCA 

Signs Your Dog Is Mad at You

Signs Your Dog Is Mad at You 

No, they won’t slam doors or yell at you, but there are definite indicators that your pooch is angry with you. Read on to find out what they are.

1. Her ears show she is unimpressed

When a dog’s ears are hanging back, along with a lowered head, closed mouth, and tight lips, it can mean she’s mad at you, says April Olshavsky, American Kennel Club dog evaluator, trainer, and behavioral consultant. “Body language is the only way dogs can communicate with us,” she explains. “By studying your dog’s body language, you can learn a lot about her emotions.” The remedy? Some serious belly rubs and ear scratches. “Chances are, your dog will forget whatever it is you did to upset her with just a few minutes of TLC,” she says. Don’t miss these 19 things your dog really wishes she could tell you.

2. He’s got a case of the yawns

Contrary to what you might think, big yawns don’t mean your dog is bored with your corny jokes— it’s actually a sign that he is getting stressed, upset, and agitated, says Sara Taylor CPDT-KA, spcaLA director of animal behavior and training. It’s important to pay attention to this signal and immediately remove your dog from the situation he is not coping well with, she says. By the way, smiling at your pup is one sure way to make him happy, too. 

3. She keeps licking her lips when 

there’s no food nearby

Dogs may show that they’re mad or in distress by licking their nose and lips repeatedly, Taylor says. This is especially true if there’s no drool-worthy food nearby to get their saliva flowing from hunger. One situation she sees this happen a lot is when dogs are being hugged by children or strangers. The solution is simple. “Stop any restraining or hugging,” she says.

4. He won’t look you in the eye

If a person refused to meet their gaze and turned their back on you, you’d get the message that they were angry loud and clear. It’s the same with dogs, says Erin Askeland, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, dog training and behavior expert at Camp Bow Wow. “A dog who is happy and comfortable will likely be willing to make eye contact with his owner and seek out their attention whereas a dog who is angry or upset may avoid this type of interaction and move away from their owner, leave the room, or even sleep in a different area,” she says.  How to fix this? Offer calm, quiet time together to help you and your dog relax, say reading a book or listening to soft music, she says. Don’t miss these superpowers dogs have that prove they’re cooler than humans.

5. She absolutely refuses to sit and stay

Think your dog knows what you want her to do and is refusing in a fit of pique? You may be right. When dogs know cues well, they respond to them, so if your dog suddenly stops responding to a normal cue, that could be an indication that she is upset by something in her environment or by you, Askeland says. Before you get upset too, take a moment and check yourself. Are you feeling stressed, angry, frantic, upset, or sad? Your feelings can influence your dog’s, she says. “Take measures to calm yourself down and this will help your dog feel more comfortable and get back to your loving relationship,” she says.

6. His back goes rigid and his body is stiff

“When a dog is really, really upset he’ll often go rigid, his body stiff, hard and unmoving,” says Melissa McGrath-McCue CPDT-KA, pet behaviorist and author of Considerations for the City Dog. “It’s almost as if he’s saying ‘take one more step, I dare you!’” If you see this combined with flattened ears and wide, alarmed eyes, you need to stay away and step back as your dog is feeling really stressed, mad, and even threatened, she says. Give him his space or he may feel like he has to defend it which can, in some cases, lead to biting, she adds. Smaller dogs may be more susceptible than larger ones to feeling trapped; that’s just one of the many benefits big dogs offer.

7. His tail is tucked and still

If your pup is in a crouching pose with his tail tucked between his legs, he might be taking your criticism more personally than you’d thought. This posture shows he’s guarded on the defensive. “Dogs, like humans, are emotional creatures,” Olshavsky says. “If you’ve scolded them, or spoke sternly, they can pout like a teenager.” If you see him backed up like this, lower your voice and talk softly and soothingly. “This will re-establish your bond together and will reinforce the trust your dog had in you,” she says.

8. The whites of her eyes are showing

Let’s be honest, it’s never a great sign when the whites of any animal’s eyes are showing. Whether she’s showing fear, confusion, disgust, illness, or anger, widening of the eyes indicates a high state of alertness and you’d best pay attention. Why she’s upset may be more of a mystery. “It could be something as simple as you’ve forgotten to feed them,” Olshavsky says. To fix this, try giving her a snack. Hangry is a real thing for dogs too. Be sure to know these signs of cancer in dogs.

9. He is cowering behind the sofa

Most people associate cowering and hiding with fear and while that can definitely be true, fear is also closely linked to anger in dogs, Taylor says. “Cowering indicates a high level of stress,” she explains. “If your dog is also trying to hide and get away this means your dog is overwhelmed.” Your job as a responsible pet owner is to then remove him from the situation before he gets more overwhelmed and acts out. You’ll know it’s working when you see these signs your dog really trusts you.

10. She lets out a primal growl

“Growling is an obvious but frequently misunderstood sign,” Taylor says, adding that it shows your dog is very uncomfortable and upset. “It is often used as a warning for the purposes of making something stop. For example, he may growl if you’re trying to move your dog from his comfortable bed for late night potty time by using her collar or when a stranger approaches your dog and tries to pet her,” she adds. Resist the urge to yell at or otherwise punish your dog for growling as that damages trust, doesn’t teach your dog appropriate behavior, and can often worsen aggressive behavior, she says. Find out the other 13 surprising things you didn’t know about your dog.

11. He goes into beast mode

Just like your roommate who counted out your M&Ms from the communal bag, dogs place a high emphasis on fairness. “Dogs get mad if they have been treated unfairly, and may act instantaneously with bursts of rage,” Olshavsky says. What this looks like may be different for each dog but you’ll know it when you see it. The solution is simple: More exercise. “Dogs need to get that energy out in some way and a daily walk is the perfect way to do it,” she says. Find out the 50 secrets your pet can’t tell you.

12. She tells you — loudly

Think dogs don’t have a voice? Then you’ve never seen a puppy kenneled. They may not be able to use words but they can vocalize their displeasure. Whimpering is the canine version of whining, Olshavsky says, and it’s every bit as grating as the human kind. To cut down on whining, set aside a few minutes each day just to play and work on tricks, she says. Give her your attention when she’s not whining and she’ll learn that whimpering/whining doesn’t work.

13. He groans like an old man with kids on his lawn

Yes, some dogs actually groan in frustration when they don’t get their way, Olshavsky says. “Some dogs are quick to do this, while others reserve it for times when they are especially upset,” she explains. A major cause of groaning? Getting locked in their crate, outside, or somewhere else far away from their beloved humans. It’s fine to banish your dog during certain times or from certain areas but make sure you’re giving him plenty of regular time with you every day. You could enjoy these funny dog videos and have a good laugh together.

14. She pees in your shoes

“Dogs can definitely be spiteful when they are mad,” Olshavsky says. “The dog wants you to know you’ve upset him so he will do something he knows will get a reaction out of you.” This means finding whatever you love—your new shoes, your favorite couch pillows, your hidden treats—and destroying them, leaving the mangled evidence as proof of their anger. Instead of returning with anger yourself, make sure your pup has plenty of stimulating toys she can chew on whenever she feels that destructive urge, she adds. In the meantime, use one of these 17 genius cleaners to get pet urine out of your carpet.

15. He stays just out of arm’s reach

Don’t expect an angry, “Bad human! Go!” but dogs do have plenty of ways of telling you to keep your distance because they are not happy with you right now. This can mean he darts away from you or it can also be a hard stare, flattened ears, paw lift, sharp barks, or a raised tail among other signs, Askeland says. “Dogs are typically good at indicating when they are unhappy and want you to go away, so it’s important to pay attention to these signs,” she says. Instead of chasing him down, let him cool down and come to you when he’s ready. “Don’t force any interaction on your dog if they are upset with you,” she says. Read on for smart strategies for keeping your pup happy while you’re at work.

Source: Written by Charlotte Hilton Andersen 

Pet Obesity

Pet Obesity

According to research from the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP), 58 percent of cats and 53 percent of dogs in the U.S. were overweight in 2014. Obesity in pets is a growing problem, and the repercussions are serious.

The root of the problem
Why are so many pets overweight? Experts have theorized some causes of the ever-expanding waistlines of our pets.

Food = love? Food is often associated with love, and because we love our furry family members, we want to show them that love by giving them extra food, treats, and sometimes food intended for human consumption, which is generally higher in calories and fat than pet food.

Early spay and neuter. While experts agree that early spay or neuter is good for population control and for the long-term health of pets, science is demonstrating that the hormone changes associated with early spay and neuter lead to decreased caloric requirements. Because of slower metabolic rates, animals who are spayed and neutered require less food to maintain a healthy weight.

Lack of exercise. As we lead busier lives than ever before, many pet owners hope a run in the yard for Fido is enough exercise to keep him healthy. For most dogs, this isn’t adequate. Dogs require our participation and interaction. Some dogs love to swim, others prefer to fetch, and some breeds, especially herding breeds, do best with a physical job. For many dogs, however, a simple daily walk is all that is required for them to stay at their ideal body weight.

Exercising a cat isn’t quite as simple. The experts agree that cats are healthiest and safest indoors, but an indoor-only kitty can become a lazy kitty, which can lead to weight gain. One way to exercise your indoor cat is to hide a small percentage of her food in a food puzzle or food-dispensing toy. Her innate prey drive will be activated as she “hunts” for her food, forcing her to be more active.

Play is important for cats, too. Use toys that require your cat to chase and jump.

A change in the norm. Over the years, our idea of a normal weight has changed. As the waistlines of both pets and humans have expanded, we’ve become accustomed to weighing more. What was once an animal of average weight today may seem to be underweight because our perception has evolved. The problem is, this new “normal” isn’t healthy.  

Lack of pet owner knowledge or understanding. To complicate the pet obesity problem, many pet owners don’t know their pets are overweight. The APOP survey also revealed a “fat pet gap,” in which 90 percent of owners of overweight cats and 95 percent of owners of overweight dogs incorrectly identified their pets as falling within the normal weight range.

People don’t pack on the pounds overnight, and the same is true for our pets. Because weight gain is gradual, and we see our pets every day, it might sometimes be difficult to notice when a pet has become overweight. And for cats and small dogs especially, a few pounds can make a big difference.

Consequences of pet obesity
Overweight and obese dogs and cats are more likely than their slimmer counterparts to suffer from arthritis earlier in life. Some types of cancer are also more prevalent in overweight and obese pets.

Among overweight cats in particular, diabetes is rampant.

Overweight and obese cats can have difficulty grooming themselves, which is bad for their physical well-being and their psyche, as self-grooming is a fundamental part of being feline. Not fitting easily into the litter box can cause some overweight or obese cats to have accidents outside the box.

Veterinary behaviorist Karen Overall, DVM suggests that some obese dogs and cats are actually clinically depressed. Their daily activity is often limited to taking brief jaunts in the yard or to the litter box for bathroom breaks, eating, sleeping, and eating some more.

How to prevent pet obesity
Your veterinarian plays an important role in the health of your pet and can help you keep your furry friend at a healthy weight. While pet owners generally don’t weigh their pets consistently, your pet will be weighed at each veterinary visit. If your veterinarian notices your pet’s weight is increasing, she should discuss it with you.

Your veterinarian can provide guidance about the right diet for your pet, including the type of food, appropriate amount, and frequency of feedings. Exercise should also be discussed with your veterinarian.

If your pet is already overweight, it is important to consult with your veterinarian about the proper way to help him get back into the healthy weight range. Crash diets aren’t healthy for anyone, but for cats especially a crash diet can trigger a sometimes-fatal liver disease.  

Losing weight is never easy, but it can be done safely and effectively with assistance from your veterinary health care team.

Steve Dale is a certified animal behavior consultant, author of a syndicated newspaper column (Tribune Content Agency), and the host of two national radio shows, including Steve Dale’s Pet World on WGN radio in Chicago, Ill. 

©iStock/Tarik Kizilkaya

Source: AAHA 

Homemade Pet Diets: What You Should Know

Homemade Pet Diets: What You Should Know

I often hear from pet owners who want to start preparing homemade food for their pets. Their motivations vary; in some cases, they have been spooked by news stories about pet food recalls and want more control over the ingredients in their pets' food. Other times, they are concerned because their animal won’t eat the special diet prescribed for a medical condition, and they want to know if there’s something tastier they can make themselves.

People have been feeding dogs table scraps (or sometimes the best from their own larders) for centuries. Queen Victoria's husband, Prince Albert, was known to feed his Greyhound, Eos, a diet that included regular servings of pâté de foie gras. Talk about rich!

We know much more now than we did a century ago about the dietary needs of our pets. There’s a multitude of commercial pet diets that are complete and balanced for different life stages or made to help treat certain health conditions, such as kidney disease, urinary stones or food allergies, to name just a few, as well as foods that contain organic ingredients.

Nonetheless, you may be thinking about feeding a homemade diet. I’ve always said that if you can make food for a human infant, you can make food for a dog or cat. That said, pets, especially cats, do have specific nutritional requirements — it’s not just a matter of mixing up some hamburger meat, rice and veggies and plopping the blend into your pet's bowl. I talked to my friend and colleague, Dr. Tony Buffington, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist, about the pros and cons of a homemade diet and some common-sense guidelines if that’s what you want to feed.

Is a Homemade Diet Right for Your Pet?

A homemade diet can be suitable for a healthy adult dog, but it’s riskier for a puppy. Growing pups are still developing bone and muscle, and nutritional excesses of certain minerals can cause serious orthopedic problems. Until your veterinarian tells you it’s time to transition your dog off puppy food, stick to a commercial food formulated for puppy growth or for all life stages.

A homemade diet can also be riskier for a pet with a health problem, especially if diet is an integral part of management or treatment. Sometimes, however, those animals turn up their noses at commercially available veterinary foods. If that happens, especially if the animal is very old or very sick, Dr. Buffington says that having him eat anything is better than nothing.

Before you start your pet on a homemade diet, start with a trip to the veterinarian to rule out any hidden health issues. Your pet should have a thorough exam, a blood panel and possibly other diagnostic tests to make sure he’s in sparkling good health. Once you make the switch to homemade food, the physical exam and test results can serve as a baseline against which you and your veterinarian can judge how well your pet is doing on the diet. 

While you're in the office, be sure to talk to your veterinarian about why you want to feed a homemade diet. She may be able to draw on her experience with other clients — or even her own pets — to advise you about the best way to proceed.

What Should You Feed?

Your veterinarian may not be able to formulate a complete and balanced diet for you, but she can refer you to a board-certified veterinary nutritionist or a service like Balance IT, either of which can help to construct a custom homemade diet for your pet that takes into account factors such as size, age, gender and body condition (underweight, overweight or just right), as well as the ingredients you want to use. In addition to providing appropriate recipes, a nutrition service may sell vitamin and mineral supplements that help ensure the recipe provides complete nutrition.

Depending on which route you take, you may pay a fee to the nutritionist or service for formulating one or more recipes, or the recipes may be free, but there may be a charge for supplements. Don't balk at the bills: Pet food companies build the costs of their research into the price of the food, but whether you buy prepared food or make it yourself, you are paying for the expertise to ensure that your pet eats right.

A nutritionist or service will help you formulate a balanced diet for your pet. The biggest mistake people make is feeding only a single ingredient, such as chicken breast, because “that’s all he’ll eat.” That’s not a balanced diet. But be cautious about mixing it up too much: When you cook for yourself, you probably enjoy experimenting with your recipes and adding new ingredients, but doing so with your pet’s food can unbalance the recipe and cause problems for your pet. Instead of tweaking individual recipes, gather an assortment of recipes based on different ingredients, so you can rotate your pet's menu and offer him a variety of appropriate, healthy choices. 

Another mistake pet owners make is trying to force pets to conform to their own philosophical beliefs. It’s fine for you to be a vegetarian or vegan, but for your cat, it’s a recipe for disaster. Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they must have meat in their diets to survive and thrive. 

How Much Is Enough?

When you look at a bag or can of pet food, there’s usually a recommended daily amount based on a pet’s weight. But these standard serving sizes don't work for every pet. Each animal is different, even if they are the same breed, size or age. Your individual pet may need more or less than the recommended amount of food, and sometimes you have to fiddle with how much you give before you find that “just right” amount. The same is true with homemade diets.

“The starting point is going to be plus or minus as much as 50 percent for any individual animal,” Dr. Buffington says. “If the calculated amount per day is 400 calories, for example, you can have animals who might eatonly 200calories a day or animals that are really active, who eat 600 calories a day. No one can tell that without feeding the animal and looking at his body condition.”

When it comes to body condition, you should be able to feel (but not see) your pet’s ribs and backbone as you’re petting him, he should have a visible waist when viewed from above, and the abdomen should tuck up behind his rib cage and in front of his hind legs when viewed from the side.

To make sure your pet is thriving on your home cooking, repeat the exam and diagnostic tests in six months to see if he is doing the same, better or worse. “It’s just a little bit of insurance that if something is going wrong, you can pick it up as quickly as possible,” Dr. Buffington says. “If everything is still normal, that’s another level of confidence that everything is going well.”

Source: VetStreet

BY DR. MARTY BECKER DVM | OCTOBER 12, 2015