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Beautiful Flower, But Deadly for your Pet

Friday, April 2nd, 2010

Bo and Jessie have taken the holiday weekend off and left me in charge of their post for today.  With spring now here, many of us are planting spring flowers and plants. Our pets, like us, enjoy beautiful plants and flowers.  Pets, however, sometimes like to nibble on the ones they find most appealing.  This habit could have serious, even deadly, repercussions.

The ASPCA has developed a list of some the most common pet poisonous plants:

  • Lilies-especially toxic for cats, ingesting even a small amount can lead to severe kidney damage
  • Marijuana-causes depression of central nervous system, increased heart rate, seizures, even coma
  • Sage Palm-Seeds or “nuts” are especially toxic, can cause liver failure or seizures
  • Tulip/Narcissus Bulbs-may cause severe gastrointestinal irritation or cardiac abnormalities
  • Azalea/Rhododendron-Severe azalea poinsoning may lead to coma or death from cardiovascular collapse
  • Oleander-Can cause hypothermia, abnormal heart function and death
  • Castor Bean-Severe cases of poisoning can cause dehydration, seizures, even death
  • Cyclamen-Main source of poison in the roots.  May cause serious gastrointestinal irritation, even death in extreme cases
  • Chrysanthemum-May cause vomiting, diarrhea or loss of coordination
  • Pothos-Can cause swelling of oral tissues and other parts of gastrointestinal tract
  • Amaryllis-Can cause depression, vomiting, tremors or abdominal pain
  • English Ivy-May cause hypersalivation, vomiting or abdominal pain

 

Liven up your indoor and outdoor living space with beautiful plants, but keep your pets in mind when making your selections.  For more information on this subject, see www.aspca.org

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Is Your Pet Fit or Fat?

Sunday, March 21st, 2010

Did you know about 44% of dogs and 57% of cats are overweight?  Being overweight leads to a higher risk of arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer and behaviorial problems in dogs and cats.

Not sure if your pet is fit or fat?  A fit dog or cat’s ribs can be felt and there is a slight waist when viewed from above.  In overweight pets, the ribs are difficult to feel and there is no waist when viewed from above.  When pets are obese, their ribs are very difficult to feel and when viewed from above, there is no waist and a broad back.

For those pets battling weight issues, it is possible to still give them treats.  Following are some healthy pet treat options:

  • Cooked or raw carrots or green beans.  Dogs love the taste!
  • Reduce the size and/or number of treats given
  • Reserve a portion of daily food allowance to use as treats
  • Stuff hollow toys with morsels of food.  Pets will work off energy trying to get the food out of the toy

 

Another way to help with your pet’s weight management is to get them moving.  A game of Find the Treat works for cats and dogs.  Hide treats at various locations and your pet will search until they’ve found all of them.  This works especially well for cats using small bowls of food.  Their natural predatory instinct will kick in and they will hunt the food throughout the day.

Many pets will chase remote-controlled toys.  Look for ones that are pet-friendly and do not contain small parts that could be swallowed.  A variation on this for cats is a red laser light.  Many cats love chasing the light and this game provides a good amount of exercise for them.

With warmer weather on the way, swimming is a good exercise, especially for dogs with joint injuries or arthritis.  Playing fetch is also a great exercise option for dogs.

All of these exercise options are a great opportunity to bond with your pet.  Have fun and get moving with your pet today!

Information for this posting from Healthy Pet Magazine, Fall 2009 & Spring 2010

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Positive Aspects of Pet Adoption

Sunday, March 14th, 2010

Many potential pet owners are not aware of how many pets are available at shelters. They might also have the misconception that pets are shelters might be there because there was a problem with the animal.  In some cases animals are lost and never found by their owners.  These animals are healthy and very eager to please. 

Some people are seeking purebred animals or puppies and think these are not available in shelters. In fact, nearly a quarter of all animals in shelters are purebred. Often someone buys an expensive purebred animal and then attempts to breed that animal to recoup their money. If these puppies or kittens are not placed in homes, and end up in the shelter.  

Often, potential pet owners are looking for a kitten or puppy, but when an owner adopts an adult animal, they can see his/her size and temperament.  Adult pets are very often housetrained and past the behavior issues associated with kittens and puppies.

Adopting a pet can be an important lesson to teach your children– both about the value of life, and also about civic responsibility and even recycling- in this case recycling a living and loving animal into a new home. 

When looking for a pet to add to your family, consider a shelter or rescue pet.  My pets (and regular bloggers here) Bo and Jessie were both adopted from area rescue groups.

For more information on pet adoption, check out http://www.adoptapet.com

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Cat Worship: Bow Down to the Kitty!

Monday, March 1st, 2010

Bo, the beloved cat:  I will begin with a quote that says it all:  “I have studied many philosophers and many cats. The wisdom of cats is infinitely superior.”  No, I did not just make that up.  It came from the 19th century French critic and historian, Hippolyte Taine.  I am now an advocate of that sentiment.

Did you know that cat worshipers have been around for nearly 5,000 years, a tradition started in Egypt?   Cats chose to be domesticated among humans and during ancient Egyptian times, they protected the essential commodity – food – from its greatest threat, the rodent.  Cats also protected their Egyptian families from another threat – snakes.  Cats in those days would have protected their families from any small animals.  Cats exemplified the consummate protector.  The cat eventually went from protector and household pet to sacred animal.  Stories abound of people being stoned to death who dared to kill a cat, and people would actually shave their eyebrows in mourning after the death of a cat.  Cats were even mummified in death to assure that they would accompany their owners into the afterlife.

Now, I am not so sure I want to be wrapped up for eternity in a couple of ACE bandages, but I do know that I like this idea of worshipping cats.  I have always known I was a special creature, and I am going to take this glorious opportunity to let the canine beast in the house aware of my potential crowning deity.  There she is now….Hey!  Jessie!  May I have a word with you?  There’s something on the internet about how you should bow down before me and….hey!  Get out of my litter box!  What the heck did you just bury in there?  Mercy’s sake…I have to get going….being an idol is harder work than I thought.  I need to get that “rodent” out of here!

All pets worship Joy of Living Pet Sitting Services in Kansas City.  To show your pet how much you adore him or her, allow the experts at Joy of Living tend to your pet whenever you have to leave town.  They will worship your pets as much as you do!

(Information for this article was found at www.thecatsite.com)

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Why People Relinquish Pets

Sunday, February 28th, 2010

According to the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy, behavorial issues are not the main reason pet owners relinquish pets to an animal shelter. Following are the top ten reasons pet owners in the US relinquish cats  and dogs:

Cats

  1. Too many cats in house
  2. Allergies
  3. Moving
  4. Cost of pet maintenance
  5. Landlord issues
  6. No homes for littermates
  7. House soiling
  8. Personal problems
  9. Inadequate facilities
  10. Doesn’t get along with other pets

 

Dogs

  1. Moving
  2. Landlord issues
  3. Cost of pet maintenance
  4. No time for pet
  5. Inadequate facilities
  6. Too many pets in home
  7. Pet  illness
  8. Personal problems
  9. Biting
  10. No home for littermates

 

Since landlord issues appear on both lists, be sure to check on any limits (size/weight of pets, type of pets, number of pets allowed) that might apply before adopting.  Most apartment complexes also have a deposit and additional monthly fee per pet.

Another item on both lists is cost of pet ownership.  Adopting a pet is a commitment of time and money.  The ASPCA estimates the first year costs of dog ownership range from $810 for a small dog to $1,580 for a large dog. First year costs for cat ownership average $715.

After the first year, dog ownership costs range from $420-$780 annually.  Cat ownership costs average $575 annually.

Pet ownership can be very rewarding, but having to relinquish that pet can traumatize both owner and pet.  Although circumstances may change after you adopt, doing your homework before adopting a pet can prevent problems down the road.

Information for this post from Pets Gone Green by Eve Adamson and Pets and the Planet by Carol Frischmann

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Ways to Keep Pet’s Teeth Healthy

Sunday, January 31st, 2010

As Bo and Jessie discussed in their last post, dental care is an important issue for pets.

Although brushing pet’s teeth provides the maximum benefits, not all pets are receptive to it.  There are alternatives that provide some benefits.  Some of the alternatives include dental treats like CET HEXtra chews for Dogs.  Dogs like the taste, enjoy the chewing action, and these treats have toothpaste built into them!  There are a variety of dental treats available, so check with your vet for a recommendation.  Raw vegetables such as green beans or carrots work well too, and dogs usually love the taste!

Another option that works for both cats and dogs is drinking water additive.  The additive is added to your pet’s water daily to help prevent plague and freshen breath.

To protect your pet’s teeth, monitor chewing activity.  Check pet’s toys (especially dogs) and if a toy is so hard it hurts when you hit your leg with it, it’s too hard for your pet and can cause tooth breakage.

Have your pet’s teeth checked once a year at a minimum.  If your dog or cat has a history of dental issues, more frequent visits may be required.  Consult your vet to develop a plan for your pet’s dental health.

February is National Pet Dental Month, so take the steps needed this month to keep your pet’s smile healthy!

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Pets Need to Brush Regularly Too

Friday, January 29th, 2010

Bo, the impeccable kitty:  Jessie, I have been meaning to tell you this for quite sometime, but just never had the courage to do so, but, in light of our growing popularity, I felt it was my duty to let you know that I think you need to become more aware of proper oral hygiene.  There!  I said it!

Jessie, the adorable canine:  What on earth do you mean?  I have the most glamorous of smiles.  After all, my pearly canines are my trademark.

Bo:  Perhaps, but I just have never seen you actually brushing your teeth.  Did you know that dogs are at risk for developing plaque and tartar, just like our humans, as a result of dental hygiene that has been neglected?  Tartar can lead to gingivitis, which can become an irreversible periodontal disease, leaking bacteria into the bloodstream potentially causing great damage to internal organs. (Putting paw to forehead in desperation) It just pains me to even think about it.

Jessie: I thought you hated me.  Why all the fuss?

Bo:  Purely for educational purposes, my friend.  I pick on you to inform our audience.  Work with me now.   I do have good news for you, however!  All it takes is some home oral care so plaque build-up can be controlled and reduced before it becomes a major problem.  For starters, use toothpaste sold just for dogs.  As we all know, dogs cannot spit, and we certainly do not want them to ingest this stuff. Your human can clean your teeth by using a regular human toothbrush, a finger brush, or simply a piece of gauze that is wrapped around the finger.  Be sure you allow your human to get into a comfortable position wherein he or she can grasp your muzzle and lift your lips away from the teeth.  Then, let them gently get to work.  It is important to brush along the gum line, as this is the area where bacteria tends to collect.  Make sure your human brushes your teeth in a circular motion, cleaning each tooth with several such motions. Make sure they get the back teeth, too!  When done a couple of times a week, this should be effective in maintaining a clean and healthy mouth for your dog!

Jessie:  I can’t stand you right now, Bo. You are the plaque in my life.

Bo:  Great!  Now your mouth is dirty again!  I told you not to say such filth!  (Running down the hallway, screaming for his human)  Karen!  I have a job for you!

Karen Harrison is the proud owner of two pets with healthy teeth and gums, and she can help you understand proper oral care for YOUR pet.  Contact Karen at the Joy of Living Pet Sitting Services in Kansas City.

Information for this blog was found at http://www.pawnation.com/2010/01/26/how-to-clean-your-dogs-teeth/?icid=main|htmlws-main-w|dl1|link7|http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pawnation.com%2F2010%2F01%2F26%2Fhow-to-clean-your-dogs-teeth%2F

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Should we let sleeping cats lie?

Thursday, January 14th, 2010

Jessie:  Hey!  I am so excited about today’s post.  Bo told me that the subject matter is about putting cats to sleep.  How cool is that?  The good old human is finally going to bat for me.  I cannot believe that…

Bo:  Hold on there, little bit! I am not going to pontificate about putting cats to sleep.  I am going to explain about the sleeping habits of cats.  Sorry to disappoint you.

Jessie:  Is there such as thing as permanently-induced sleep?  You might qualify.  You look like you could use a good, long nap!

Bo:  I choose to ignore you now in the interest of time and topic.  I will admit, we cats do enjoy our sleep.  We will sleep anywhere from 13 to 16 hours a day.  Yes, we spend about 2/3 of our life in slumber.  Cats actually sleep more than any other mammal.  We sleep twice as much as humans, unless, like Jessie, you are caught sleeping on the job.  How much sleep a cat needs depends upon the cat itself, the age of the cat, its level of appetite, the temperature, and the weather.   When in that deep REM sleep like humans get, a cat’s body is growing and repairing itself.

If you do notice an unusual change in the sleeping habits of your cat, you should consult your veterinarian.  It could indicate a problem.  If a cat seems lethargic or depressed, he could be sick.  If a cat tends to sleep less than normal, it could be related to a thyroid condition.

Most cats, mainly house cats, sleep mainly during the night.  Cats are most active at dawn and at dusk.  This is when they do their hunting, as their prey is most active at this time.

Jessie, mumbling:  Note to self, change hours of personal activity.

Bo:  Cats will sleep a lot during the day, too.  Although rest assured, I am constantly alert as to the activities of one precious canine in the house.  (Glancing at Jessie and explaining:) I can sleep with one eye open, you know!

(Information for this post was found at www.pet-tails.com/LPMArticle.asp?IC=358)

Karen Harrison is owner of Joy of Living Pet Sitting Services in Kansas City and will never be caught sleeping on the job while taking care of your precious pets!

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Selecting the best cat collar

Monday, November 30th, 2009

Jessie:  Okay, I want to spread my knowledge about cat chokers…er, collars, here.  I want to make sure you understand how to properly select and adorn your beloved feline with a collar.  Just because I am a dog does not mean I don’t know a thing or two about putting a cat in a choke…er, collar…hold.  There are just a few freatures to bear in mind when choosing the right collar for your cat.  You will want to know the size, overall comfort, style, ability to clean, durability, and safety.  When choosing a cat collar, make sure it can pinch or prong or….

Bo:  WAIT A MINUTE!  I don’t think these folks will trust your communication here with respect to appropriate collars for us cats.  I believe I am in a much better position to pontificate about such delicate matters.  After all, I have been a cat for years.

(Jessie slinks off to find a rope and begins to form what looks like a noose.  We can’t be too sure, however!)

Bo:  As I was saying, I know cat collars, and I am here to educate you as to the appropriate way to select one for the love of your life, your cat!  The collars with either buckled or snap-together closures are perfect choices.  Test the snap-together ones to make sure the hold is strong.  Also make sure it has a quick-release feature in case your cat gets stuck on something.  You will also need to find one that adjusts as your cat grows, if you are starting with a kitten.  If your cat goes outdoors frequently, you might look into a collar with reflective features.

The ideal fit for a cat collar should allow you to slip one to two fingers between your cat’s neck and the collar.  This all depends on the size of the cat.  Those “slip,” “choke,” or “prong” type collars are for dogs.  Please keep those away from us precious kitties.  Some cat collars come adorned with bells that cats enjoy.  Just make sure that the bell is secure and does not come off and pose a choking hazard. 

Jessie jumps in here:  Be advised, however, that the constant ringing of the bell may annoy you if your cat plays a lot at night.  I need my beauty sleep, you know!

Bo:  Do not rely on your cat’s collar for identification.  If your cat becomes lost or loses his collar, he cannot be postively ID’d.  The best thing to do is to have a microchip placed under your cat’s skin to increase the chances of your cat being returned home.  Your veterinarian can perform this microchip service for you.

Jessie:  Bo needs a microchip in the brain just to stimulate it.

Bo:  Well, I am out of here.  I need to go see what collar I have that will look good with what I am wearing today.  (Treks off to the closet)

Jessie, shouting out to Bo:  Better find a collar that goes well with your inner dork!

For more information about your cat and its collars, be sure to inquire of the pet sitting experts at Joy of Living Pet Sitting Services in Kansas City.  Owner Karen Harrison will be happy to help you out.

(Information for this article obtained from www.petproductadvisor.com)

 

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Dog vs. Cat – Which is better?

Tuesday, November 17th, 2009

Author Bradley Trevor Greive upset more than a handful of happy cat owners upon the release of his book, “Why Dogs Are Better Than Cats.”  However, upon turning the pages of this book, it becomes apparent that Greive  is not anti-cat.  He is merely pro-dog.  In fact, many of those cat owners have now come to embrace the meaning behind this book.

The book, which took six months of work and of intense observation of dogs, sets forth accounts as to why dogs simply make better pets.

Jessie, the dog, interrupts:  HA!  I knew it!  I was right all along!

Bo, the distinguished cat, interjects:  It is only one book.  I am sure someone is now feverishly penning a title to the contrary!

Along with Greive’s prose, the works of famed photographer Rachel Hale were used to present a collection of complementary images.  The working relationship between these two was nothing short of fantastic and supported the grand evidence of how modern technology works wonders.  Greive  was at home in Tasmania recovering from shoulder and knee surgery while…

Bo:  What?  Did some angry cat rip him to shreds?

Jessie:  Be quiet…I want to hear more!

….as we were saying…while Hale got married in New Zealand.  She worked from illustrations to build sets and then took various photos to accompany Greive’s written portions.

Despite Greive’s obvious preference for the canine kind, he does point out a few down sides to such pet ownership:  the intense time needed to care for them and the money it takes to feed them are just two examples.

Greive will admit that cats are attractive to look at, and, “when possessed by their own frisky demons, hilarious to observe.”

Jessie:  Hey, Bo…you demonic thing you!  What’s up?

Bo merely glares devilishly at Jessie.

Despite the humorous tone in this book, Greive does note that before one decides to own a dog, he or she has to take into consideration the responsibilities that come along with that role.

Greive continues to live with his three wonderful dogs and has no plans to introduce a cat to the clan anytime soon.  Nor does he foresee a feline rebuttal in the works, at least from his pen!

Bo quickly runs off and turns on the computer to open a Word document!  Let the games begin!

For more about Why Dogs Are Better Than Cats, go to http://www.andrewsmcmeel.com/products/?isbn=0740785133

The experts at My Joy of Living Pet Sitting in Kansas City had the unique opportunity to visit with Mr. Greive when he was in town recently.  My Joy of Living will refrain from providing its preference between cats and dogs.  These pet sitting experts tend to both wonderful creatures!

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