2012 All About Pets by The Westerly Sun

Saturday June 30, 2012

2 ALL ABOUT PETS

The Westerly Sun

TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S Cat parents are confident in their connection with their felines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Is a pet right for your home? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Fun with Fido: Tips for an active summer with your dog . . . . 4 Pet health care primer: What you need to do and when . . . . 5 Calm frightened felines and fearful Fidos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Finding a reliable pet sitter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

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Cat parents are confident in their connection with their felines re cats man’s new best friend? Perhaps. Cat parents share a powerful bond with their furry friends in a relationship only they understand. For most cat parents, cats are confidants, friends and even considered part of the family. This deep connection fosters a strong sense of understanding. So much so, that one-third of cat parents revealed they communicate better with their cat than their significant other, according to a survey conducted by Kelton Research for Meow Mix Tender Centers. “Cats are members of the family and we rely on them for companionship,” says Sue Resnicoff, director of Cat Food Marketing at Del Monte Foods. “There is a bond formed between cat parents and their cats that extends well beyond ‘meows’ to an intuitive relationship that includes a deeper understanding.” Cat parents cultivate relationships with their cats, both at the end of a long day at work and also on those lazy weekend afternoons with plenty of snuggles and playtime. The strong relationship between cat parents and their cats reveals the tender center cat parents have for their cats. ✦

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Saturday, June 30, 2012

ALL ABOUT PETS

Is a pet right for your home? early half of all households in the United States and Canada have a pet. Sometimes a pet can be just what a family needs, but other times families soon discover their households simply don’t make an ideal place for a pet. Pets end up in shelters for a number of reasons — most through no fault of their own. Moving is the primary reason family pets are relinquished, according to the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy. Other top reasons include the cost of pets, animals given as gifts, lack of time to care for the animal, or an animal that grew larger than expected. One way to avoid this scenario is to accurately assess if a pet is right for the home. Prospective pet owners who carefully analyze the pros and cons of pet ownership are more likely to keep their pet for the long haul. Certain animals require more care than others, and knowing about this can prevent the heartache of having to give away a pet. Here are some questions to ask yourself.

• What type of pet am I considering? A horse has different needs than a hamster. Learning about what each pet requires can narrow down the choices. For example, if you live in an apartment, horse ownership may be out of the question, unless you can afford to rent a stall at a nearby stable. If a landlord does not allow a dog, but accepts a cat, that further eliminates your options. Also, think about if you want a pet that will be affectionate or one that will just be fun to watch and low-maintenance. • Why do I want a pet? Some people get pets for misguided reasons, such as it’s the thing all their friends are doing or it’s trendy. Others get pets to replace a pet lost to illness or simply because they desire companionship. Make sure the reasons you are getting a pet are the right ones and you are more likely to have positive outcomes. Otherwise you could be setting yourself up for a poor situation. See RIGHT, page 8

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4 ALL ABOUT PETS

The Westerly Sun

Fun with Fido: Tips for an active summer with your dog P et parents know that the best way to put an extra wag in a dog’s tail and a spring in his step is to mention the word “walk” or “outside.” We’ve all seen it before. Pets automatically perk up at the opportunity for time outdoors. Additionally, an active lifestyle is just as beneficial for the pets as it is for the pet owners and promotes a healthy routine, while strengthening the loving bond. It’s the perfect time of year to incorporate some extra activities into your pet’s schedule. The warmer weather and longer daylight hours offer additional time outside. When planning vacations, weekend getaways, or even weeknight outings, be sure to include activities that are petfriendly. Try these tips and share in an active summer with your four-legged friends. • Go for a hike. Getting out in the woods is a thrill for dogs — everywhere they turn, there’s something to sniff, look at or maybe even chase. Hit the trails with him for an active outing that’s refreshing, healthy and fun. It’s important to be well-supplied for hikes. Be sure to bring plenty of water as well as wholesome snacks — a trail mix with nuts and dried fruit for you and MilkBone Trail Mix for dogs, which has real beef and sweet potatoes, for your buddy — to keep everyone energized and hydrated. Find

a list of dog-friendly events from Milk-Bone dog snacks at www.milkbone.com/trailmix. • Explore new neighborhoods. Most people and pets have a wellworn path on their neighborhood walks, so why not switch up the scenery? Stray off the usual route, or drive somewhere different to go for a stroll. Try to find dog-friendly business districts that encourage

visitors to bring pets along. In urban cities, dog-friendly parks are great places to spend time with your dog and even meet fellow pet parents. Make sure to pack treats to keep everyone refreshed and fueled, and be courteous by bringing baggies to pick up after your dog. • Do good for charity. Supporting local and national charities that benefit dogs and other pets goes a long way toward giving animals in need the life they deserve. One way to participate is through fundraising walks that support charities such as animal shelters and animal welfare organizations. Charitable organizations that are also pet-friendly are the perfect way to participate in a great cause while being active with a pet. Health and activity are closely linked for both people and pets. So what’s good for people is good for furry family members. Think creatively about how to do more together with your pet, and you’ll find plenty of ways to enjoy the season and each other. For more ideas about pet-friendly fun and dog-friendly locations, visit www.milkbone.com. ✦

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ALL ABOUT PETS

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or pet owners, there are few things more exciting than bringing home a new companion. And while it’s fun to play with that new furry friend during those first months together, there’s also some business to take care of. Setting a pet up for a long, rich life is in your hands, so it’s important to know how to take care of his health from the start. Whether you found your new pet at a local shelter or through a breeder, it’s important to have discussions about what veterinary care the youngster has already received. Many organizations and breeders make the effort to give puppies and kittens the necessary treatments in their earliest weeks of life, before they’re ready to go home with new owners. However, you should remember that those steps are only the beginning — it’s up to you to continue your pet’s health care. Follow these tips to ensure that your pet’s health stays on track for life.

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your puppy is older than 7 months and you’re not sure whether he’s • Fix at four. Spaying and neutering are an essential part of responbeen given heartworm medication in the past, you should have him sible pet ownership. However, even pet parents who know how important the procedure is might not be aware of how early a pet can tested before you start any prevention measures. Other worms, such as roundworms, whipworms and hookworms, can cause diarrhea start reproducing. Because kittens can get pregnant as early as 4 and growth delays in your pet and are transmissible to humans. months and puppies at 6 months, Best Friends Animal Society urges pet owners to keep the principle of “fix at four” in mind. That means, Luckily, they are fairly easy to keep in check with a regular deworming treatment schedule. in most cases, that you should spay or neuter at 4 months. Keeping your pet free of fleas and ticks will make his life more comYou should always consult with your veterinarian, but if that seems fortable and also help prevent diseases, such as Lyme disease. young, keep in mind that, depending on the individual animal, it can Combined flea and tick prevention medications make it easy to prebe safe to fix at that age, and that younger pets can bounce back from vent both types of pests in one step. Some popular topical preventive the surgery sooner. Even if your pet is male, fixing is just as importreatments can be used on puppies and kittens as young as 8 weeks. tant, as he might be the cause of an accidental litter — and as many as half of the 70,000 puppies and kittens born every day are acciOwning a pet can be one of life’s greatest joys, providing you with a dents, according to Best Friends Animal Society. For more details best friend and a constant companion. Make sure that you repay your about spaying and neutering, and to find resources for having your pet’s loyalty by caring for him from the start and maintaining a pet fixed, visit www.fixatfour.com. healthy lifestyle that you can both benefit from. ✦ • Vaccinate regularly. Between 6 and 16 weeks of age, pets need a Richmond Veterinary Clinic, inc. regular schedule of vaccinations. For dogs, vaccines for distemper, A Full Serice Companion Animal Hospital hepatitis, parainfluenza and parvovirus will likely be recommended by veterinarians; shots will typically be administered in three rounds, at 6–8 weeks, 10–12 weeks and 14–16 weeks. Robert T. Bolton, DVM “Dr. Bob” For cats, shots will generally include panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis and calcivirus and perhaps feline leukemia, depending on your vet’s recommendations. 54 Richmond Townhouse Rd. (Rt. 112) Richmond, RI 02898 Some of those are part of a comveternarianrichmondri.biz • 401-539-2683 bination vaccine given at 6–7 weeks, 10 weeks, 13 weeks and 16–19 weeks. Rabies vaccinations are also essential for both cats and dogs, and should be given regularly throughout your pet’s lifetime. • Keep up with preventive care. In addition to vaccines, you need to protect your pet from other threats to their health. Some of the most common concerns are ticks, fleas and worms. For both kittens and puppies, you can start fighting heartworm early, by beginning a program of heartworm medication at 6 weeks. If

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6 ALL ABOUT PETS

The Westerly Sun

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ireworks can be a wonder to behold ... for humans. Pets, however, may not be so enamored with the booms, crashes and bumps in the night. Dogs, cats, even small rodents often become creatures of habit. They like knowing they are secure and what’s to come next. Surprises and extraordinary events can put pets on edge. Loud noises often spook pets. Everything from noisy trucks to thunderstorms to low-flying airplanes may scare a pet, possibly leading to unpredictable behavior. Summer can induce anxiety in pets, especially when people celebrate with fireworks and boisterous parties. Many cats and dogs will try to hide when they hear fireworks or other loud noises. Pet parents can play off of this behavior and create safe sanctuaries to which their pets can retreat to ride out the “rockets’ red glare and bombs bursting in air.” The following are a few tips to reduce pet anxiety when night falls and fireworks start going off. • Set up a comforting den. If your dog or cat sleeps in a crate, cage or a special nook in the house, use this area to establish a safe haven. Put comfortable pillows or mats on the floor and envelop the cage or spot with blankets. These items will help mask the sights and sounds of outdoors. Put in familiar toys or even one of your shirts to establish familiar and comforting scents. • Keep the windows closed and the drapes drawn. Minimize what cats and dogs can see or hear. If they don’t know what is occurring outside, they

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likely won’t be frightened. However, many pets have very good hearing, so some of the louder fireworks might still be audible. • Put on soothing music. Throw on a show or songs that have steady, repetitive beats. This, too, will help mask the unpredictable sounds of fireworks. • Walk the pet in early evening. Make sure you walk your dog prior to sunset to reduce the liklihood of getting caught outdoors with fireworks being set off. If pets are allowed to roam in the yard, bring them inside before the sun sets. • Don’t punish the pet. Stressed pets may soil indoors, cower, fail to respond to commands, or engage in destructive behavior. It is important not to admonish the pet simply because he or she is scared. Doing so may only make the situation worse. • Don’t comfort the pet, either. It may be tempting to sit and cuddle a dog or cat and reassure him that everything will be alright. This fawning over the pet may only help to reinforce negative behavior and the pet’s inability to overcome the fears himself. • Talk to the vet. If fears are paralyzing your pet, talk to the veterinarian to see if behavior therapy or short-term medication use may help assuage fears. Some vets prescribe a mild tranquilizer to help pets get through specific fireworks displays. Because fear can cause skittishness, many pets end up running away from home during summer fireworks displays. It is imperative to keep identification on your pets at all times so they can be returned promptly if found. ✦

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Saturday, June 30, 2012

ALL ABOUT PETS

Finding a reliable pet sitter Y ou’ve booked your next vacation or trip to visit family living far away, and have made all of the arrangements necessary. Except for who will watch your pet. Millions of people across North America are pet owners. Although hotels and restaurants are increasingly amenable to pets, a good number of people prefer the convenience of leaving their pet home. Pets also seem to thrive in their familiar home environments. Keeping a pet home will require the services of a pet sitter to care for the animal. At one time pet owners had limited options when it came time to arrange care for their animals while they were away. The choices were between asking a friend or family member to take on the task or drop-

ping the pet off at a nearby kennel. Today, however, trained professionals are available to watch your pets, some of whom will even come directly to the house. Hiring a pet sitter is nothing to take lightly, as it requires finding reputable sitters who are thoroughly vetted. When the time comes to hire a pet sitter, you want to ensure the person is trained and professional. After all, this person will be coming into your home and caring for your pet. Develop a series of questions you want answered, including a list of references, proof of bonding and insurance coverage, and fees. You also want to ensure that the pet and the sitter will get along together. If you don’t know where to begin the search, you can hire a National Association of Professional Pet Sitters pet sitter. These individuals have been trained in various pet sitting scenarios and should prove more than capable.

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8 ALL ABOUT PETS

The Westerly Sun SITTER, from page 7

RIGHT, from page 3

• Do you prefer a young animal or one older? Many people flock to puppies and kittens or young rabbits. While there are advantages to raising a young animal, an older pet has advantages as well. These include an animal that may have had prior training and housebreaking. Also, their personalities are developed and you’ll know the adult size of the animal. Older animals are likely past the mischief stage and may be less likely to chew furniture or cause damage around the house. Taking care of a pet is not a decision to make lightly. Asking important questions will enable you to make informed choices. ✦

Once you choose a sitter, there are ways to make the experience easier for all involved. • Make a list of the things your pet enjoys and does not enjoy. • List any food allergies or problems with the animal. • Provide recent veterinarian check-up information and a basic health history. • Communicate your needs and wants about the animal. • Establish rules for the home. Set up the home for the arrival of the sitter, including leaving out any necessary supplies for the pet.

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• Clean up the house to prevent any hazards to the pet, including unplugging wires from outlets, and closing doors to rooms that are off-limits. • Leave a radio on to simulate comforting noises in the house and keep the pet calm. • Be sure the garbage is empty so that curious pets don’t get inside and eat something they shouldn’t. The most important thing is the connection you have with the pet sitter and how well you both communicate about the needs of the animal. If you feel comfortable with the person, this improves the chances of a positive pet sitting experience. ✦

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• Do I understand the responsibility associated with pet ownership? Getting a pet is not like getting another piece or furniture or the latest gaming system. This will be a new member of the family that will impact all the other members living in the house. They need to be involved in the decision. Depending on the pet, there will need to be daily care, such as providing food, changing litter boxes, taking the pet for walks, and providing affection. If you have a busy schedule that keeps you away from home for much of the day, a higher-maintenance pet, like a dog, may not be the best idea. It won’t be fair to the animal or yourself. Perhaps a bird or small companion animal would be better. • Am I financially capable of having a pet? Just like having a child or another dependant, pets cost money. If you are currently facing a money crunch, it’s probably best to put off getting a pet. Expenses include food, veterinarian visits, gear, cages, and grooming. • What is home life like? If your home is especially boisterous or on the small size, this should eliminate certain pets from the discussion. Many animals are skittish around crowds and may scatter and hide. They may also act out and bite or scratch if they feel overwhelmed by a lot of people. As for the space in the home, is it enough to fit a pet comfortably?

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