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Can YOUR dog counter surf?

August 16th, 2010

Bolt, the Yorkshire terrier guest columnist: Okay!  I have had it!  That Wheaten Terrier that lives in my domain is beginning to get on my nerves. I am the alpha dog here, but he is beginning to invade my turf in certain areas.  I am the one who can sit on the couch!  I am the one who can playfully beg for food! I am the one who continually gets his way!  I am the one who….who…who, due to my small size, cannot counter surf, and that is my dilemma! That other dog is sneaky.  Whenever our humans leave the kitchen and there is something still edible out on the counter within reach of his slobbering mouth, he leaps up to retrieve it, sometimes even gnawing through the container in which the treats are held.

Since Jessie and Bo are not the only educated and well-read pets on this blog, I decided to do a little research about this matter, and to my surprise, I learned that when dogs decide to sneak some human food, they try to draw as little attetnion to themselves as possible when eating food that is not meant for them.  That approach does not work for me, however.  I have to find a way to open the pantry door, drag the step stool out of there, and then position it in front of the accessible counter.  Not always the quietest thing to do.  I tried to convince that other dog to let me jump upon his back, but he refused.

Researchers at Hood College actually did a study with 40 dogs that had been trained not to eat food from a plate by placing before them two identical containers filled with yummy goodies.  One container was decorated with noisy bells and the alarms on the second one was disabled.

With human eyes on these dogs, the dogs fearlessly went for both containers equally.  When the human was not looking, but was present, the dogs went for the container that did not elicit any noise when it was touched.  This study concluded that dogs have a sense for considering how humans perceive their actions.

Interesting to me, as I have seen that other dog eye ball our humans whenever they leave the kitchen forgetting they have left something on the counter.  As soon as they are out of sight from the kitchen, that other dog will jump up on the counter with his front paws and snatch the food away, like a thief in the night!  It is amazing how quickly and quietly this all takes place.  Meanwhile, I am the one who is tagged as guilty, as I am hurrying to get that darned step stool back into the pantry, knocking everything over in doing so.  That other dog, however, is happily resting on the floor, with what I perceive to be the biggest grin ever on his face.  I guess I will just have to go see if anything fell onto the floor and slid under the diswasher.  At least I am small enough to get part of my snout and head under there!  That other dog, at the very least, could only swipe his tail under it.  Hey!  There’s an idea!  I should force him to sweep out the crumbs from under there and from under the fridge.  Gotta go!  There’s work to be done!

(Thanks to asylum.com for this great information about the dog studies!)

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These Cats Were Putting On A Show!

August 15th, 2010

I attended my first Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) show today.  It was fun to see some of the breeds I’d only read about in magazines like Cat Fancy.  I got to meet breeds such as Cornish Rex, Maine Coon, Himalayan, Turkish Angora and Abyssinian to name a few.

Many of the owners showing their cats were very gracious in sharing information about the respective breeds.  Often they would allow the public to pet their cats, if it wasn’t time for judging.  I was struck by the different sizes of the breeds; the Cornish Rex is quite small while one Maine Coon I met is expected to reach approximately 25 lbs. when he’s fully grown!

Show participants were also quite helpful to a newbie like me in explaining how the judging works.  Although not difficult, it does take a little while to figure out what’s what.  During one final judging, the officiating  judge explained what led her to select the finalists and their placement in the standings, something else helpful for newbies.

I wasn’t sure what to expect before attending the show, but I’ll say it was fun.  If  you’re a cat lover and haven’t checked out a show before, try it, you might like it!

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Pet Trivia that Your Dog Might Not Even Know!

August 11th, 2010

Bo, the intellectual cat: I have been doing some fun research on the internet lately. (Jessie, the reasonable canine, interrupts: Yeah!  When he’s not watching clips on You Tube!)

Bo: Yeah?  Well there sure are a lot of funny videos out there about dogs and their silly antics.  I could easily be entertained for hours.  Nevertheless, I have more pressing things to do.  I prefer to bone up on research and matters of intellectual prowess.  So, when I was surfing the web, I came across some fun trivia facts about pets.  For example, did you know that cats have up to 26 more vertebrae than the human back bone?  This allows for greater flexibility.  Ahh…I feel superior already!

Jessie: Bet you didn’t know that during the 19th century, mummified cats in Egypt were excavated and used as manure!

Bo: Well, I have it on good authority that in the past, Burmese cats were reported to have had their own servants!  In fact, at one point, Burmese cats were so highly valued that it was illegal to sell them!  Cats have class, grace, and dignity…something that you would never understand!

Jessie: Big deal!  Did you know that all dogs are direct descendants of wolves?  Yeah!  You better sleep with one eye open tonight, Fur Ball.

Bo: Before you get all high and mighty, did you know that 25% of a dog’s stool volume is shed intestinal epithelium?  (To the audience: Not exactly sure what that is, but it sounds gross!)

Jessie: Yeah?  Well, some authorities indicate that a dog’s sense of smell is as high as 1 million times greater than humans.  And guess what?  You stink!  (Storms off to the other room!)

Bo, sniffing his arm pits and then turning to audience: I wonder if she actually smells her intestinal epithelium?  Gotta go….just realized Jessie is on my Facebook page!  She could be posting incriminating information!  You all can friend me later!  I have pressing business to tend to! (Running down the hall yelling at Jessie: I am going to de-friend you if you don’t stop that!)

(Thanks to petchalet.com for these fun facts!)

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No More Bad Fur Days! Groom Your Pet at Home!

August 9th, 2010

Jessie, perfectly-groomed dog: With so many people keeping an eye on their budgets these days, it makes perfectly good sense to learn how to groom your dog at home.  Our friends, Bolt and Naismith, are regularly groomed at home.  Initially, the female human in the home doubted the male human’s ability to produce quality work.  She was pleasantly surprised when both dogs came out of the grooming station (code for the dark depths of the basement), they looked good enough to be seen out in public.

Granted, Bolt, the Yorkie-Poo, is not very cooperative, so on some grooming days, he looks, well, less than stellar.  Naismith, the Wheaten Terrier, however, has learned to become patient over the years and even seems friskier when his coat is trimmed.

So, here are a few pointers and tips for those who are considering saving some money and grooming their dogs at home.  Be sure you have a handy-dandy vacuum with which to clean up afterwards!

*To get started, you will need to invest in a grooming kit for your pet.  You can find these at most any local dog or cat grooming supply house. Be sure to get the best scissors that need to be sharpened frequently. You will also need a buzz grooming electric razor and the right shampoo for your pet. There are many start-up dog grooming kits that will walk you through the cutting and buzzing process.

*An important part of grooming is your dog’s ears.  You want to make sure your dog’s ears are free from fungus, waxy ears, and ear mites.  Check them weekly.  If they become infected, that can lead to complications, even leading to an ear hematoma (breaking of a blood vessel while shaking his head because of discomfort.)

*Be sure to trim you dog’s nails ever two to three weeks.  Begin this ritual in puppyhood, if possible, so that your dog becomes accustomed to it. Clip the dark-colored nails in several small cuts so that you reduce the likelihood of cutting into the quick.  Ouch!

*Be sure to clip the hair between the paws so that debris and seeds from grasses and pebbles do not get stuck between the pads on his feet.

*Brushing a dog’s coat is the most intensive part of grooming.  Don’t press too hard against his coat, as you do not want to scrape the underlying skin and give him brush burn. If you come across a mat of fur, hold the mat close to the skin, insert the end tooth of the comb into the mat, and then attempt to work the mat loose. If that is not possible, consider cutting out the mat as opposed to causing your dog unnecessary pain.  Be sure to brush or comb your dog’s fur against the lay of the coat.  The resulting fluffy look will amaze you…and no more bad fur days!

*It is best to bathe a dog outdoors when the weather is warm.  Use a mild dog shampoo and start bathing the body and the legs of your dog.  Shampoo his head last and give special attention to the eyes, ears, and nose. Cover the ear hole while bathing your dog and be sure to cover his eyes, as well, when you are cleaning his head. Leave the shampoo on your dog for about three to four minutes before rinsing.

*Towel dry your dog when done.  Blot and press a towel against his coat. Then, comb the coat through before drying to make sure there are no additional tangles or matted areas.

*If blow-drying your dog, make sure all the coat is separated and dry to the dog’s skin. Remember to dry the bottom of his paws, too. When drying his head, avoid targeting his eyes and the ear holes.

And, if your dog is a foxy lady like me, be sure she looks good with perhaps a bow on top of her head.  Painted nails are optional.  Hey!  When you got it, flaunt it!

(Thanks to the Doggie’s Paradise web site for this helpful information!)

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It’s National Assistance Dog Week

August 8th, 2010

This week it’s time to honor assistance dogs and all the work they do to enrich the lives of people with disabilities.  A “service animal” as defined by The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is “any guide dog, signal dog, or other animal individually trained to provide assistance to an individual with a disability.”  The service dog concept was introduced in 1975 by Canine Companions for Independence (CCI).  They defined service dogs as highly trained to assist people with disabilities by doing specific functions such as opening and closing doors, retrieving items and operating light switches.

Two assistance programs are Paws for Freedom and R.E.A.D.  Paws for Freedom is a non-profit established in 2005 that allows children with learning disabilities to train service dogs in the Student Trainer and Retriever Teams (S.T.A.R.T). To enhance the students’ experiences as well as to provide additional training for the dogs, one hour training/educational sessions are held five times weekly during the school year.  Each trainer is assigned a puppy and has the responsibility for the care and training of his/her dog.  Pairings are based upon the student’s needs, level of maturity and the dog’s temperament.

Public outings and presentations are also planned for the students accompanied by their dogs.  When a dog becomes ready for placement, a two-week training camp is held to place the dogs with their disabled recipients.  The student trainers are involved in various aspects of the camp so that they can interact with the recipients and see the end results of their training efforts.

Another assistance dog program is the Reading Education Assistance Dogs (R.E.A.D.) program.  This program, affiliated with Pets for Life, Inc., seeks to improve children’s reading, literacy and communications skills through partnering of a child and registered pet assisted therapy team.  Often children with reading problems lack confidence and fear failure.  The dogs are good listeners, don’t judge, and permit the children to work at their own pace.  The children view themselves as helping the dog learn and understand the reading material.  Participants show improvement in reading and communication skills, higher self-esteem and enhanced social skills.

The R.E.A.D. program is in its 11th year.  There are more than 2,000 teams located throughout the US, Canada and Europe.

Materials from Paws for Freedom and R.E.A.D were used as reference for this post

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Client of the Month-Ike

August 8th, 2010

Meet Ike, a 9 year old tabby.  He is very social, loves to be petted and play with his toys.  He is very aware of everything going on around him, often sitting by the window watching the activity outside.

Ike has a healthy appetite, so he’s quite a big boy, but he is still very quick as I found out when playing teaser toy with him.  He managed to catch the toy more times than not.

He was quite curious about my camera, and was quick to pose when I asked him to…no accident he’s so photogenic.  :)

Although Ike is quite the social boy, his kitty brother Julius is the opposite.  Julius is a “kibble ghost”, there are signs he’s been out and about but remains hidden when strangers come to visit.

At Joy of Living, we love our kitty clients!

Can It Get Any Hotter? Keep Your Pet Cool This Summer!

August 7th, 2010

Jessie, the cool dog…literally!  It’s hot outside: Here in the Midwest, August can be a scorching month.  Those dried up expressions like “It’s so hot out, you could fry an egg on the sidewalk” abound.  While your dog may enjoy his daily walk, you might want to think twice before exposing him to the extreme temperatures. Unlike humans, dogs don’t sweat through their skin.  They release sweat through their noses and through the pads of their feet.  They also pant heavily to release heat.  If a dog is unable to release excessive heat, his body temperature will rise, and once it reaches 106 degrees, damage to internal organs can become irreversible.  That’s why it is so important to recognize the signs of a possible heat stroke in your pet:

*Vigorous panting

*Dark, red gums

*Tacky or dry mucus membranes, especially in the gums of the mouth

*Lying down and an unwillingness to get up

*Loss of consciousness or collapsing

*Thick saliva

*Disorientation or dizziness

*Increased rectal temperature…if it goes over 104, you must take action.  If it goes over 106, this is a dire emergency.

If you notice any of these signs, immediately take action to help your dog.  Get him out of the heat and away from the sun.  Place cool, wet rags or washcloths on his body, specifically around the head and the foot pads.  However, do not use ice or extremely cold water, which can case the blood vessels to constrict and not allow the body’s core to cool down properly.  When your dog’s temperature reaches 103 degrees, stop the cooling measures.  Offer him some cool water to drink, but never force it down his throat.  Call your vet immediately to determine what course of action is needed next.  Your dog might seem better, but you cannot tell if any internal damage has been sustained.

To avoid heat stroke, please do not leave your dog in a hot car, even if the windows are open.  When the temperature outside is hot, the inside of your car is much hotter  – like an oven!  Save the vigorous exercise for a cooler day.  If you do go outside, head for the shade and any cooler area.  Be sure your dog has access to fresh water all the time.

And, if you are fortunate enough to have a servant-cat around like I do (Calls out to Bo:  “Hey!  Get back here and keep fanning me!  I’m working here and getting quite warm!”), then just have him fan you all day and continue to bring you cool drinks.  (Shouts back at Bo:  “Hey!  Where’s that little umbrella that should be in my drink?”) Cats….geez!  The only way he will ever be a “cool cat” is if I lock him in the freezer! (Don’t worry!  That is just an evil thought…not something I would actually do!)

(Thanks to About.com and its dog and puppy health section for its great reference material on this topic!)

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Important Notice: Pet Food Recall!

August 3rd, 2010

Bo, the in-the-know cat: We wanted to inject a rather important note today about a priority matter.  Certain products from IAMS and EUKANBUBA brands pet food products have recently been under a recall notice.  I accessed the Iams.com web site for an updated report and have printed below the list of pet foods being recalled, as of July 30, 2010.  Now, please be advised that I prefer to exercise my culinary skills, creating unique, fun, and tasty dishes suitable to my upscale preferences, so this recall should not affect me.  However, if Jessie, the resident dog, tries to persuade you to indulge in some of her creations, please be advised that those remain on a continual recall list.  It is ill-advised…I repeat, ill-advised, to consume anything she makes, lest you want to suffer the ramifications in terms of temporary intestinal trouble.

Please check over the list below and be sure to go to the Iams.com web site for additional and updated information.

Yours, Bo!

UPC CODES FOR P&G PET SPECIALTY PRODUCTS RECALLED ON JULY 30, 2010
EUKANUBA DOG BG PURE Item UPC
PURE TURKEY * 4 LB 0 19014 03191 7
PURE ADULT MAINTENANCE * 4.5 LB 0 19014 03958 6
PURE PUPPY GROWTH * 4.5 LB 0 19014 03949 4
PURE ADULT MAINTENANCE * 15 LB 0 19014 03953 1
PURE ADULT LARGE BRD * 15 LB 0 19014 03959 3
PURE PUPPY GROWTH * 15 LB 0 19014 03955 5
PURE TURKEY * 15 LB 0 19014 03192 4
PURE ADULT MAINTENANCE * 30 LB 0 19014 03952 4
PURE ADULT LARGE BRD * 30 LB 0 19014 03960 9
PURE PUPPY GROWTH * 30 LB 0 19014 09364 7
PURE TURKEY * 30 LB 0 19014 03193 1
EUKANUBA DOG CUSTOM CARE
CUSTOM CARE – SENSITIVE SKIN 5.5 LB 0 19014 01935 9
CUSTOM CARE – SENSITIVE SKIN 28 LB 0 19014 01936 6
EUKANUBA DOG DRY NATURALY WILD
ADULT SALMON & RICE 4 LB 0 19014 02780 4
ADULT TURKEY & MULTIGRAIN 4 LB 0 19014 02776 7
ADULT VENISON & POTATO 4 LB 0 19014 02783 5
ADULT SALMON & RICE* 9.5 LB 0 19014 02894 8
ADULT TURKEY & MULTIGRAIN* 9.5 LB 0 19014 02895 5
ADULT VENISON & POTATO* 9.5 LB 0 19014 02893 1
ADULT SALMON & RICE 15 LB 0 19014 02781 1
ADULT TURKEY & MULTIGRAIN 15 LB 0 19014 02778 1
ADULT VENISON & POTATO 15 LB 0 19014 02784 2
ADULT SALMON & RICE * 19 LB 0 19014 02897 9
ADULTTURKEY & MULTIGRAIN * 19 LB 0 19104 02898 6
ADULT VENISON & POTATO * 19 LB 019104 02896 2
ADULT SALMON & RICE 30 LB 0 19014 02782 8
ADULT TURKEY & MULTIGRAIN 30 LB 0 19014 02779 8
ADULT VENISON & POTATO 30 LB 0 19014 02785 9
All NATURALLY WILD SAMPLES 7 oz.
IAMS VETERINARY FORMULA CAT DRY BAG
WEIGHT LOSS RESTRICTED CALORIE 2 KG 0 19014 13720 6
INTESTINAL – LOW RESIDUE 5.5 LB 0 19014 15210 0
OPTIMUM WEIGHT       CONTROL D 5.5 LB 0 19014 21305 4
RENAL MULTI-STAGE 5.5 LB 0 19014 21405 1
URINARY 0 – MODERATE PH/O 5.5 LB 0 19014 15510 1
URINARY S – LOW PH/S 5.5 LB 0 19014 14210 1
INTESTINAL – LOW     RESIDUE 14 LB 0 19014 00859 9
WEIGHT LOSS RESTRICTED CALORIE 18 LB 0 19014 02236 6
URINARY S – LOW PH/S 20 LB 0 19014 14221 7
IAMS VETERINARY FORMULA DOG DRY BAG
INTESTINAL – LOW RESIDUE 5 LB 0 19014 12405 3
OPTIMUM WEIGHT CONTROL D 5 LB 0 19014 15105 9
WEIGHT LOSS RESTRICTED CALORIE 5 LB 0 19014 12205 9
RENAL EARLY STAGE 5.5 LB 0 19014 14410 5
JOINT 6 LB 0 19014 21006 0
SKIN & COAT RESPONSE FP 6 LB 0 19014 12106 9
SKIN & COAT RESPONSE KO 6 LB 0 19014 21106 7
PUPPY INTESTINAL LOW RESIDUE 8 LB 0 19014 12908 9
WEIGHT LOSS RESTRICTED CALORIE 14 LB 0 19014 12214 1
JOINT 15 LB 0 19014 21015 2
OPTIMUM WEIGHT CONTROL D 15 LB 0 19014 15115 8
SKIN & COAT RESPONSE FP 15 LB 0 19014 12115 1
SKIN & COAT RESPONSE KO 15 LB 0 19014 21115 9
INTESTINAL – LOW RESIDUE 15 LB 0 19014 12415 2
RENAL EARLY STAGE 15.5 LB 0 19014 02235 9
WEIGHT LOSS RESTRICTED CALORIE 28 LB 0 19014 12228 8
INTESTINAL – LOW RESIDUE 30 LB 0 19014 12430 5
JOINT 30 LB 0 19014 21030 5
OPTIMUM WEIGHT CONTROL D 30 LB 0 19014 15130 1
SKIN & COAT RESPONSE FP 30 LB 0 19014 12130 4
SKIN & COAT  RESPONSE KO 30 LB 0 19014 21130 2
INT LOW RESIDUE BREEDER BAG 37 .5 LB 0 19014 12437 4
* Available in U.S. Only. All other SKUs are available in the U.S. and Canada.

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Rainy Days and Mondays Got Your Pet Down?

August 2nd, 2010

With alternating rain and high temperatures these days, your dog may be spending more time than usual inside.  It’s easy for boredom to set in for your pet, but there are some things you can do to keep them busy and you sane.

1. Food Dispensing Toys – Food dispensing toys are invaluable boredom busters. In the last few years the food dispensing toy market has greatly expanded and there are lots of new and exciting products like puzzle toys available.

2. Kibble Hunt – Put your pet’s food to work for you by making your dog hunt for it with his nose. Instead of dumping the food in his bowl, consider crating him while you hide small piles of food in the house then release him to “kibble hunt.” Initially, make the piles very easy to find. As your dog gets better at this game, practice hiding the food in more difficult spots.

3. Have a Doggie Play Date! – If your dog has a favorite playmate or friend, consider scheduling a rainy day play date. Before your dog’s pal arrives, be sure to puppy proof and pick up all breakables and valuables.

4. Go on a Socialization Outing – If you are unable to take your dog for a walk, consider taking him for a ride and doing a “fun visit” at the vet’s office where he can hang out and get some treats and TLC  just for being a great dog. This will provide the added benefit of teaching him that vet visits can be a lot of fun!

5. Play Hide and Seek! – Hide and seek is a great way to exercise your dog’s mind and body and recall skills. Each family member should stock up on great treats. Family members take turns hiding throughout the house, calling the dog to them, and rewarding her generously when she arrives. When her treats are finished, say “all done!” which is the cue for the next person to call her.

Dogster.com was used as reference for this post


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Is Your Dog’s Name Skipper?

July 29th, 2010

Bolt, guest commentator, fun-loving Yorkie-Poo, friend to Bo and Jess: Well, it seems my humans just returned from a weeklong Caribbean cruise but did not bother to bring me along.  Did they not know that boating with dogs can be a blast?  In fact, most dogs enjoy the experience.  While a commercial cruise line is probably not the best place for a pet, you do have the option of going sailing on a much smaller craft and taking your beloved four-legged companion along for the ride.

If your summer vacation plans include setting sail and enjoying life on the water, and your dog is begging to come along, there are a few things you can do to prepare him for the adventure.

If your dog has never experienced a marina before, bring him to it before you set sail so that he can get used to the sights, sounds, and smells associated with it.  Introduce your dog to life on board a boat gradually.  Let him get onto the boat while it is docked.  He will want to sniff around.  Be aware that when you do head out to sea, the sound of the motor may initially frighten him.

Be sure to call ahead to determine if your planned stops along your route allow pets.  Be sure to have at least one strong leash aboard the boat and have a special hook on the boat just for that leash.  That way, you won’t have to scramble to find it when you do dock.

Make sure your dog has proper ID on him, and this includes your phone number, the marina address, and slip number. You should also carry along with you proof of your dog’s vaccinations.

Make sure your dog has a life vest and is wearing it.  Put it on him before getting onto the boat.  While most dogs can swim, if your pet falls overboard, the sheer shock of the experience alone can send him into a panic and he might not be able to swim as well, becoming fatigued as he fights the stress of it all.  Besides, if your dog does fall over or jumps off the boat, the bright orange color of the vest will make it easy to spot him.

Be sure to have a couple of blankets and/or towels for your dog to rest on.  The surfaces of boats can get very hot while out in the sun.  Also, allow your dog access to the cabin area of the boat so he can momentarily escape from the heat outside.

Be sure to have ample food and water on board.  If your dog is one who wants to go for a swim, be sure to offer him plenty of fresh water before he hits the waves, as drinking excess sea water can make him sick to his tummy.

Another good investment for your time on the high seas with your dog is to get a doggie potty.  Place this somewhere on board to allow him access to take care of business.  The last thing you want to do after your fun day at sea is to clean up his waste products all over the place!  Ew!

And, if you have a pampered pet such as myself, be sure to throw in some stylish shades, a wide-brimmed hat, some cool tunes, a straw for my beverage, and a few mouth-watering snacks served on a silver platter.

Now that I have come out of my dream, if I just get a fun day on the water wtih my favorite humans, I don’t care of my snack is served on a paper plate!  I just want to have fun!  Let’s go, Gilligan!

(Information for this post was found at the wisegeek.com web site, offering tips for baoting with dogs.)

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