https://www.bettercareforpets.org/blog-1 daily 0.75 2024-01-09 https://www.bettercareforpets.org/blog-1/z17t758xidoznsg298dvw77uyvtotj monthly 0.5 2022-01-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1632817266204-KGG8WYMHEOYA68EERUIA/unsplash-image-DdRp7E9XdAg.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Burned Paws - Why are my pup’s paws so prone to burns? The reason why a dog’s paw is so prone to burns is that the skin on the dog’s paw is roughly the same thickness of our skin. On top of this, dogs have a bundle of delicate nerve endings on their paws which helps them learn more about their terrain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1632817574058-RB9MESCEU3GSC4IYJILJ/unsplash-image-XugbvOz0ohU.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Burned Paws - Context Many dog owners tend to overlook the fact that the ground their dog is walking on could be causing the dog pain. Admittedly, this includes myself. Studies show that in 77°F weather, asphalt can reach at a maximum of 125°F. That is high enough to damage the skin on your dog’s paws within one minute. If that was not bad enough, in 86°F weather, asphalt can reach 135°F which, in context, is hot enough to fry an egg in 5 minutes. Yikes! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1632817148768-QWXR6YDO8R42HD8AWXNO/unsplash-image-ybHtKz5He9Y.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Burned Paws - How can I tell if I can take my dog out for a walk without risking injury? One general rule that can help you determine whether you should take your dog out on a walk without risking burning his or her's paws, is to put and leave your bare hand on the asphalt for 10 seconds. If it is too hot for you, it is too hot for your dog. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1598071618775-4NPLFWSDOKQKLNLTJJ34/Burn+paws.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Burned Paws https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1632817302397-IUKMSJAOC2YPOCDU4ELF/unsplash-image-lGF009au85A.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Burned Paws - Would it still be harmful to walk my dog on a hotter day even though the skin on their paws are on the harder side? Unfortunately, yes it will still be harmful to walk your dog on a hot day. Even though your dogs may be walking on hard surfaces (barefoot) all the time, it does not necessarily mean that they have developed harder skin on their paws. Indeed this is partially true, but this alone is not enough to prevent paw burns from asphalt. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1632817055451-1APPVL263WGAW7QCYDKL/unsplash-image-XyV7YrAApwk.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Burned Paws - What if I have to walk my furry friend? If you do decide to take your dog on a walk on a 77°F+ day, expect your dog to be at least somewhat uncomfortable. Dogs will show their discomfort by refusing to continue walking or by walking towards grass. Common symptoms dogs show when they are suffering from burned paw pads are limping, licking the paws, red or black pads, ragged skin on the pads, or chewing the affected paw. Continuing to walk your dog on hot asphalt for an extended amount of time will result in permanent skin damage. If you notice any of these signs of discomfort, take your dog to a shaded area where they can get some rest and soak the affected paw(s) in cool water to help soothe the pain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1632816954882-ZXT1BWEIMVKROAFML4LN/unsplash-image-WphP036Zuvg.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Burned Paws - How can I make our walks more enjoyable? Luckily, there are multiple ways to make walks more pleasant for your dog. A simple and effective way is to purchase dog boots/dog socks which will help protect the dog’s paws from potential burns. An alternative to boots/socks is to purchase paw wax. This is used by applying the wax onto the dog’s paws and will dry within a few seconds to provide a protective barrier between the paw and the ground. It is important to note that most dog wax is non toxic and may be needed to be reapplied every few days or weekly for the best protection. The last way to protect your dog’s paws is to simply take your dog on walks earlier in the morning and later at night when the ground is cooler. https://www.bettercareforpets.org/blog-1/collar-or-harness monthly 0.5 2022-01-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1599194820165-JSU9C9J1RENUTSU362LR/pexels-burst-545063.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Collar or Harness - Collar Pros Dogs tend to be more comfortable wearing a collar than a harness. In fact, some dogs even refuse to wear a harness due to discomfort. Collars are much easier to put on your dog than a harness. Consider getting a dog collar if your dog does not enjoy wearing clothing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1599191457917-GW143OCMLKHO73ZGL6FU/image-asset.jpeg Blogs for Dogs - Collar or Harness https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1599192134272-3WMA23IKFMBIZTDPY1T2/image-asset.jpeg Blogs for Dogs - Collar or Harness https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1599197027983-8Y20OYEW5SAV45AWCP9O/image-asset.jpeg Blogs for Dogs - Collar or Harness - Harness Cons A harness is not capable of holding all of your dog’s info -such as the dog’s name and the owner’s phone number. Although harnesses sound like the way to go, having a dog with long fur and having him or her wear a harness on a walk, may result in overheating, especially on a hot day. Not only that, but your dog’s fur may get stuck and tangled in the harness as well, causing pain when trying to untangle them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1599196828537-WQ7MU4E03IA9TIOOJNIQ/image-asset.jpeg Blogs for Dogs - Collar or Harness - Collar Cons Most dogs are able to take off the collar by themselves making them not 100% foolproof. When a dog pulls, there will be pressure built up on the front of their neck, reducing blood flow to the brain. Collars are linked to long-term eye and hearing damage, as well as an increased risk in developing collapsed trachea -an irreversible disease. Collars are not recommended for owners with big dogs due to the dog’s pulling force. Frequent exposure to this can cause pain in the owner’s arms and back. Metal prong collars in particular are not good. These collars have metal spikes that are designed to discourage your dog from pulling due to the spikes which pinch the skin around the dog’s neck. When they pull, these spikes can scratch, or at worst, puncture the dog’s skin. Eventually, the dog will develop scar tissue which has no nerves (no sense of pain in the affected area). This means that the dog will continue to pull on the lead after building up his or her’s pain tolerance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1599196677981-WEBAOT5KK919RJY0B86S/image-asset.jpeg Blogs for Dogs - Collar or Harness - Harness Pros A harness offers more control over the dog. This reduces the dog’s urge to pull on their lead, as they will have to put more effort into pulling in order to get to their desired location, when compared to the traditional collar. Harnesses are great for training young puppies when taking them outside on a lead because harnesses reduce leash entanglement. This makes harnesses a popular choice for those with multiple dogs. https://www.bettercareforpets.org/blog-1/yes-or-no-to-food monthly 0.5 2022-01-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1600932817575-XKRHTIDZ3M70HRBDAXZC/image-asset.jpeg Blogs for Dogs - 10 Foods to Never Give your Dog - Raisins and Grapes Raisins and grapes are both highly toxic to dogs. Small quantities of it can even cause kidney failure and sometimes even death. However, it is currently unknown what part of the grape/raisin causes complications in dogs. It’s better to be safe than sorry, so I would still highly advise you to steer your dog clear from grapes and raisins at all times. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1601001503680-5CT2Z2XAP9Z7U57YEJUE/image-asset.jpeg Blogs for Dogs - 10 Foods to Never Give your Dog - Alcohol Alcohol is very dangerous for dogs to consume as it can lead to serious consequences such as coma and death. Never give your dog alcohol or products that contain alcohol. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1601007191824-29DMZU8SIORKFA4O7FAH/image-asset.jpeg Blogs for Dogs - 10 Foods to Never Give your Dog - Bones Contrary to popular belief, you should at all times avoid giving your dog bones. This is because the bone can splinter, resulting in a serious internal injury to your pup in their digestive tract if they consume it. Bones also are a choking hazard. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1600928534464-K0HJ46QTJ9BXTZTRJ1MR/image-asset.jpeg Blogs for Dogs - 10 Foods to Never Give your Dog - Chocolate Every dog owner knows to never give their dog chocolate, but not many know exactly why chocolates should be avoided. Chocolate contains two ingredients that are lethal to dogs -caffeine and theobromine. It is important to note that caffeine is commonly found in coffee as well so don’t plan on offering your pup coffee! These two ingredients are what cause symptoms of chocolate consumption in dogs -restlessness, hyperactivity, elevated heart rate and blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythms, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle tremors/shaking, and hyperthermia. Signs that your dog is experiencing serious toxicity include stiffness, ataxia, seizures and coma, and at worst, death. Because of this, I would highly recommend you to hide your treasure of chocolates into a sealed container and put it away into a cabinet where your canine cannot reach. It’s better to be safe than sorry. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1601006539050-BEXYFQ6U8CE2AOBAOPAP/image-asset.jpeg Blogs for Dogs - 10 Foods to Never Give your Dog - Raw Meat and Eggs Raw meat and raw eggs have the potential to contain bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella which can be harmful to not only our dogs, but also to humans as well. This is why it’s important to serve your dog cooked food rather than raw. In addition, raw eggs contain avidin which decreases the absorption of biotin. A decrease in biotin can result in skin and coat issues. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1601000896190-OES27RT6UD39T5TAPQQP/image-asset.jpeg Blogs for Dogs - 10 Foods to Never Give your Dog - Onions, Garlic, and Chives Onions, garlic, and chives are part of the Allium genus and contain a substance called organosulfide, which is toxic to dogs. Organosulfide can lead to diarrhea, stomach pain, vomiting, and anemia. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1600926805599-SOLVPJCCQMF87YOFCD6Z/image-asset.jpeg Blogs for Dogs - 10 Foods to Never Give your Dog https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1601005475820-CQM2IW19X97OTUIZYZ06/image-asset.jpeg Blogs for Dogs - 10 Foods to Never Give your Dog - Yeast Dough Yeast dough can rise and cause gas to build up in your dog’s digestive system. This can be painful for the dog and can also cause the stomach to bloat. Worse, it can potentially twist their organs, resulting in a trip to the emergency room. Plus, yeast produces ethanol (alcohol) as well, which can harm the dog’s health due to its high toxicity. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1600932207325-DTV7KT9Y0OOEKDU4OS4X/image-asset.jpeg Blogs for Dogs - 10 Foods to Never Give your Dog - Avocado This may come as a surprise to you, but avocados should be avoided. Although avocados are deemed as a superfood for humans, it is not the same case for our furry friends. This is because avocados contain a substance called persin, and this is toxic to dogs. Symptoms include vomiting and diarrhea. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1601000147273-F8PDB0UHG8D1V4ZQ51AO/image-asset.jpeg Blogs for Dogs - 10 Foods to Never Give your Dog - Nuts Most nuts are toxic to dogs and can cause muscle weakness, lethargy, vomiting, and hyperthermia. They are a choking hazard for dogs and many dogs also have nut allergies. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1601005872306-UO88GGD4QYWQGEJ6JQEQ/image-asset.jpeg Blogs for Dogs - 10 Foods to Never Give your Dog - Salt Avoid giving your dog large amounts of salt. Salt can result in increased thirst, urination, sodium ion poisoning, vomiting, depression, tremors, hyperthermia, diarrhea, seizures, and even death. High salt consumption is also linked to increased shedding and skin irritation in dogs. https://www.bettercareforpets.org/blog-1/10-foods-to-give-your-dog monthly 0.5 2022-01-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1601673521369-PVJJKSRJTOWVNIOO05CM/image.jpg Blogs for Dogs - 10 Foods to Give your Dog - Fish and Shrimp Fish and shrimp are both safe for dogs to eat and are a great source of protein. Fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids which helps keep your dog’s coat, skin, and immune system healthy. The vitamin B in shrimp also helps maintain a dog’s digestive system and promotes healthy blood circulation. As with all meats given to your dog, make sure to cook it first as it can potentially contain harmful parasites. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1601674987663-TT4C7WCEZ0LYT8CR9A9S/image-asset.jpeg Blogs for Dogs - 10 Foods to Give your Dog - Apples Apples contain many vitamins such as vitamins A and C. They are also a great source of fiber which helps aid digestion. Be wary to not feed your dog rotten apples as it can lead to alcohol poisoning. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1601673251412-OI625I0K3EKE007F4O52/image-asset.jpeg Blogs for Dogs - 10 Foods to Give your Dog - Peanut Butter Peanut butter, that is unsalted with no sweeteners or added sugars, is safe for your pup to eat in moderation. Peanut butter contains many components such as vitamins E and B, healthful fats, protein, and niacin. Before offering your dog some peanut butter however, it is very important to check that the peanut butter does not have a sweetener called xylitol which is highly toxic to dogs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1601673351600-NFYJDS4ODMYPSY08J1M1/image-asset.jpeg Blogs for Dogs - 10 Foods to Give your Dog - Blueberries Blueberries make a great snack for us and are also a great snack for your dog too! Not only is it safe, but it is healthy as well: providing your dog with a rich source of fiber, antioxidants, and phytochemicals. Research also suggests that antioxidants could aid in improving age-related issues in older dogs! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1601668820530-D0YJ8H8XBP77FR0B87NW/image-asset.jpeg Blogs for Dogs - 10 Foods to Give your Dog https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1601676811106-IZIQU216HAFN84AJ8LV8/image-asset.jpeg Blogs for Dogs - 10 Foods to Give your Dog - Pineapple Pineapples can be a treat for your dog! It contains calcium and potassium with, of course, sugar! Freezing the fruit can make it even more refreshing for your dog. However, due to its sugar content, try to not overfeed your dog with this treat, especially with diabetic dogs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1601671517498-YHZ6VBVUC9EQL193VKIQ/image-asset.jpeg Blogs for Dogs - 10 Foods to Give your Dog - Banana This fruit is rich in magnesium which promotes bone health in dogs. However, due to its high sugar content, this treat should be only fed to your dog in moderation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1601675810382-6DU8DKQOX5ZFYK7VD9D6/image-asset.jpeg Blogs for Dogs - 10 Foods to Give your Dog - Chicken Boiling plain chicken -with no seasoning- is a good option when your dog has an upset stomach. Just make sure to remove all bones as they can easily splinter and cause internal bleeding due to them being very sharp. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1601676669998-5DRBNZ20ZPX1092VJEVJ/image-asset.jpeg Blogs for Dogs - 10 Foods to Give your Dog - Popcorn Popcorn is a great treat for your dog when no butter or salt is added. It’s low in calories and contains potassium, phosphorous, magnesium, and calcium. As a bonus, you can even share some popcorn with your dog during movie time! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1601676443473-LCPDCOHDJN89VCB4I1PT/image-asset.jpeg Blogs for Dogs - 10 Foods to Give your Dog - Rice Both white and brown rice are great foods to give your dog. They help a dog with an upset stomach, and is also easy to digest (white rice does a better job with this than brown rice). White rice helps the stool pass through the digestive tract as well. White rice also has more sugar than brown rice and has an easily digestible carbohydrate which serves as a good energy source. Brown rice, on the other hand, is higher in protein and lower in fat compared to white rice. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1601673295111-T23MVFCZ0UCAZ5IY0SUY/image-asset.jpeg Blogs for Dogs - 10 Foods to Give your Dog - Watermelon Watermelons are a great snack for your dog. They have a high water content that helps keep your dog hydrated and are a great source of vitamins A, B-6, and C. However, it is important for you to remove the seeds first because they can block the intestine. Be aware that your dog chewing on the rind of the melon can cause an upset stomach. https://www.bettercareforpets.org/blog-1/dog-tails monthly 0.5 2022-01-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1603768041521-LICXJMEQQUUSBXUGLDFN/image-asset.jpeg Blogs for Dogs - Dog Tails https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1603768866854-3VFEYHLISVHBTVA1JPWE/image-asset.jpeg Blogs for Dogs - Dog Tails - DIfferent Types of Tails Each breed has a unique tail. Types of tails we will go over include the curled tail, corkscrewed tail, bobtail, long tails, fluffy tails, and gay tail. The variety of tails found in dogs is primarily caused by evolution (thanks to artificial selection). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1603827992562-O0CXGRJRMZRIWOLBXH88/image.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Dog Tails - Corkscrewed Tail Pugs are a perfect example of the corkscrew tail. This tail type is caused by an unusual physical trait due to a hereditary conformation defect. The defect results in the spine to be partially twisted or fused in an unusual position which results in the corkscrewed tail. Dogs breeds with this type of tail have it mainly for display purposes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1603827572845-BUGAXHE3BXDWPMLCKAVN/image-asset.jpeg Blogs for Dogs - Dog Tails - Long Tails Dogs such as the German Shepherd possess long tails. This is the most unmodified tail in the process of domesticating wolves. Dogs with long tails are able to retain body heat better, have better communication, and better balance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1603828722981-ZWJ05VK69R98XQ0NGR4A/image.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Dog Tails - Bobtail Not all dogs have a proper tail. Meet the bobtail. This “tail” is not a true tail but rather a little nub of fatty tissue. These tails can be seen in some Australian Shepherds and Corgis. The reason why these dogs have no tail are because centuries ago, people believed that dogs with that trait will reduce the chances of the dog getting rabies, will strengthen the back, will increase speed, and will help prevent injuries. Dogs with these tails are more likely to be shepherding or hunting dogs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1603827646942-QG0UVEP1VA4HZ8NIU8QZ/image-asset.jpeg Blogs for Dogs - Dog Tails - Fluffy Tail The fluffy tail as the name suggests, is exactly what it is -fluffy. This type of tail is supposed to help the dog look more friendly and less aggressive which helped dog breeders (especially centuries ago) make money. These tails make the dog look more domesticated as seen by the pomeranian. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1609357211762-WHDUI6E1H7GWSTONBMSY/image.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Dog Tails - Gay Tail A gay tail is a tail that is held horizontally, thick, with a slight curve, and has a white tuft of fur at its tip. An example of a breed that has this type of tail is the Beagle. The gay tail enhances communication with other pack members and can help serve as a warning signal for predators. Although this is not a dog, white tailed deers have a “gay tail” as well. These deers, when sensing danger, will lift up their tails which expose the white coloring underneath. This serves as a warning flag since the rest of the deer’s body is mainly brown which makes it easier for other deer to spot. From this, we can conclude that this trait is not only limited to dogs, but also other multicellular organisms for the purpose of enhancing communication. Dogs that have these tails are more likely to be bred for hunting. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1603827150533-CFIPQDG1P8LHHFSOLA4M/image-asset.jpeg Blogs for Dogs - Dog Tails - Curled Tails Sled dogs such as the Alaskan Husky usually have curled tails. Their tails are curled to help keep the dog’s tail out of the way of other dogs when running as a team. Most dog breeds that share curled tails are either sled dogs or have it for display purposes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1603768627624-X1L357X1QIUQ7ZJR4VBF/image.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Dog Tails - Wolves Wolves and dogs diverged between 20,000-40,000 years ago and many traits that passed down from wolves to dogs are still present today, such as the tail. Both species use their tails to convey mood, expression, communication, and body language. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1603827043225-ME5YQUN8PWYAWPGAAQJX/image-asset.jpeg Blogs for Dogs - Dog Tails - What gives a Tail its Shape A tail’s shape is caused by vertebrae that is either fused or wedge-shaped (a medical term for this is called the hemivertebrae which only affects the tail). Genetics also play a role in determining the tail’s design. https://www.bettercareforpets.org/blog-1/qigm1rprbql0ghyxp7u0fmcjpu9ut8 monthly 0.5 2021-03-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1609210525353-RPJTJ8UGD5MD85LG2ZCD/image-asset.jpeg Blogs for Dogs - Little Sniffers - How do they smell? (Continued) Not only do they possess a lot more olfactory receptors, a different respiratory system, and a different nose than us, dogs also have an additional olfactory tools their further increases their ability to smell! The Jacobson’s organ is located inside the nasal cavity and opening into the roof of the mouth behind the upper incisors. This organ is specially designed specifically for chemical communication. The nerves from Jacobson’s organ lead to the brain where the nerves are different from the other nerves in the nose in which that they don’t respond to ordinary smells. In addition, these nerve cells respond to substances that often have no odor at all which are known as “undetectable odors”. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1609210781837-YVRRWQF7HHLO3Y7I9DY2/image.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Little Sniffers - The Power of having a Great Sense of Smell Dogs are able to detect many smells and odors that humans cannot which enables them to gather more information about their surroundings and -for specially trained dogs- to save many lives from various situations and diseases such as saving someone from a collapsed building and cancer. They can also sniff out if a person feels fearful, anxious, or happy. There is nothing hiding from your best friend! In fact, their noses are so great that there is a quest to make a robot that can smell as well as a dog! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1609205003344-UYXQW2S7UJJEH18HT5HM/image-asset.jpeg Blogs for Dogs - Little Sniffers https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1609210390386-NL21ZMKU1TLXAW1GOIZT/image-asset.jpeg Blogs for Dogs - Little Sniffers - What allows them to smell? First, we need to understand what allows dogs to possess such an amazing sense of smell. Dogs have up to 300 million olfactory receptors in their noses —which allows them to smell- compared to the 60 million olfactory receptors humans have. That means that a dog’s sense of smell is 1,000-10,000 times better than ours and 40 times larger than our olfactory section of our brain! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1609210477661-SU9BPOZ8MZFJRVO14318/image-asset.jpeg Blogs for Dogs - Little Sniffers - How do they smell? Dogs have a nose that functions differently than humans. When humans inhale, we breathe and smell through the same airways but for our furry friends, they have a flap of tissue in their nose that separates these two functions. About 12% of the air dogs inhale go deeper into their nose which is dedicated to olfaction with the rest going into the lungs. This 12% of air allows dogs to distinguish smells even those with minute differences. The way they exhale is different as well thanks to the shape of their nose. On the sides of a dogs nose are slits and this is where the exhaled air exits from the nose. This allows for more efficient and effective sniffing as there are two separate paths for inhaling and exhaling. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1609210605818-K2WAT4GUD953SV7DO73Z/image-asset.jpeg Blogs for Dogs - Little Sniffers - Damp Noses A dog’s nose works best when damp. Why? This is because when the nose is damp, it allows the dog to pick up even more scent particles thanks to the moist outer nose and mucus-covered nasal canal. For this reason, dogs will often be seen licking their noses when they become dry. They don’t want to miss out on some important information! https://www.bettercareforpets.org/blog-1/ubyqcojrpk2ugcq5lii82jd6uwhrgn monthly 0.5 2023-12-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1608843486648-M5Y76JY37TT7GL20GOMV/image-asset.jpeg Blogs for Dogs - Your Dog and COVID-19 - Clingy Dogs Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, our dogs were used to staying at home alone for long periods of time but nowadays, since their human families are usually all at home, this caused our pups to become more clingy and needy to their owners. Many dogs are now begging for food at the dinner table more often, asking to go out on walks more often, more vocal, more territorial, and can be often seen wanting more attention from their owners. This is their way of responding to the changes that their owners and society enforces due to the pandemic. This change in behavior is known as displacement behaviors. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1608838647179-WM8YI8UAL524F8LW90V0/image-asset.jpeg Blogs for Dogs - Your Dog and COVID-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1608843528388-TFNV7Q06LE5F1JI0GJJO/image-asset.jpeg Blogs for Dogs - Your Dog and COVID-19 - The Future Even though our dogs will eventually become accustomed to these many changes in schedule and social interaction, we also need to think into the future. When the COVID-19 pandemic comes to an end, society will gradually ease its way into its normal schedule. This means that our more clingy and needy dogs will be under stress once again due to these changes. It is important for all dog owners to know this in order to make the transition -from the COVID-19 pandemic period to the normal and familiar world- easier on our pups. Our choices as dog owners impact the lives of our pets and we need to make this transition as smooth as possible for them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1608843295855-BPX9FXDDV5SVX3S4WRDV/image-asset.jpeg Blogs for Dogs - Your Dog and COVID-19 - Pet Stress Even though most dogs are happy of this opportunity to be around with their owners more often, this does not mean all are. Some dogs are under stress due to the dramatic shift in the usual day schedule, and the fact that they do not know why their owners are behaving differently and are following a different schedule. This can lead to the pup destroying household items in an attempt to reduce their stress levels and to express their frustration. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1608843444556-CK2OQOGGDIBSVRXIA9LN/image-asset.jpeg Blogs for Dogs - Your Dog and COVID-19 - How to Cope with these Behavioral Changes First, we all need to understand that even though our pups are becoming more expressive and yappy nowadays, our dogs do not mean to misbehave. They just do not know how to be vindictive. To help your dog out, you can designate a special area for your dog where no one but the dog can enter. This will be their own private space where they can play by themselves and have a peaceful nap. Doing this can help your pup feel more relaxed and at home, and will also help the dog deal with the unusual high amounts of human interaction. https://www.bettercareforpets.org/blog-1/egc3pb4foph8z2c6hvmkftut1u4vkw monthly 0.5 2021-03-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1609382477034-1RV75M8MA5XQPNQBKPRR/image-asset.jpeg Blogs for Dogs - Trimming Nails - Waiting too long to Trim your Dog’s Nails. Especially during quarantine, we need to make sure to maintain our dog’s nails well, as we cannot take our dog out on walks as often due to shelter in place orders. However, this is no excuse for not maintaining your dog’s nails. Not maintaining them can change your dog’s gait, cause them to walk on the sides of their paws, lead to tendon pain, bone deformations, and even arthritis. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1609372737114-00JY1I78NIJVJG2L003Y/image-asset.jpeg Blogs for Dogs - Trimming Nails https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1609383074399-J3DVTCI9UM9J3U5CD5RR/image-asset.jpeg Blogs for Dogs - Trimming Nails - Introduce the Nail Clippers to your Dog This may sound like a strange step to take to improve your dog’s nail trimming experience, but readily introducing your dog to the nail clipper can actually make them feel more relaxed. You can think of this step as a training lesson. When you show your pup the nail clippers, tell them to sit down and if they do, reward them with a treat. Once the dog has mastered this, take another step by asking the dog to give his or her paw to you. Likewise, reward your pup with their favorite treat. This can not only help your dog feel more comfortable with the nail clippers, but can also help create a deeper connection with your dog. However, make sure to take this training process slowly as rushing the process may scare your dog away once again from the nail clippers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1609383039060-J8FMPJ9V0IZZ6307GMEM/image-asset.jpeg Blogs for Dogs - Trimming Nails - Clipping your Dog’s Nail Some dog owners dislike trimming their dog’s nails because they are worried that they will “quick” them. Today, we are going to help you with this issue with a few tips! If your dog’s nails are white then you are in for luck. You should be able to see the dog’s blood vessel in the nail. Use that blood vessel as a marker as to how much you can cut the nail. However, if your dog’s nail is brown or black, you may have a bit more trouble because you cannot use that above strategy since the blood vessel won’t be visible. Instead use this one: as you clip your dog’s nail, do it little by little. You will know if you can continue trimming your dog’s nail if there is a white circle with a brown or black (depends on the nail’s color) in the middle. This part of the nail is not connected to the blood vessel which means that you can continue cutting. Stop cutting once you reach around the curve of the nail and remember to look for the chalky white ring when trimming! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1609382756353-CC92Z1XZVF2NKPPMRY5B/image.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Trimming Nails - An Alternative If you and your dog really don’t like clipping nails with a nail clipper tool, here is another alternative. You can make a scratch pad for your dog. A scratch pad is a pad of sandpaper glued onto a hard, study surface for your dog to file his or her nails on. Most dogs are comfortable using a piece of sandpaper that is 30 to 40 grit and as a bonus, it files their nails fast. However, in order to make this work, you will have to train your dog to use it. Here are the steps to train your dog to use the scratchboard: put the bottom of the board on the floor and let the top lean against your leg. The front of the scratchpad should face the dog. Next, get your dog’s attention and encourage your dog to walk over to you. Once the dog touches his or her paw on the board, give them a treat. Repeat this 5-10 times and then end the training session. If you do this enough, your dog will do scratch the board automatically. Now let’s get scratching! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1609382890617-XX1R2SV2T6EPEEM38YQM/image-asset.jpeg Blogs for Dogs - Trimming Nails - What you should do if you “Quick” your Dog’s Nails If you do accidentally “quick” your dog’s nail, make sure to calm your dog down and treat the wound. You can treat the wound by using styptic powder or a styptic pencil which can be purchased at most pet stores and pharmacies. However, the styptic powder will cause a stinging sensation so make sure to hold onto your dog. If you don’t have either of these available, you can use cornstarch and baking soda while rubbing a clean bar of scent-free soap or a wet tea bag on the wound. (I am not a veterinarian and found these treatments from my research. If you are in doubt, you should contact your veterinarian for the best treatment option). Once the bleeding stopped, comfort your pup by giving him or her a treat. Don’t continue to trim your dog’s nails and make sure to give your dog a break. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1609382530673-YBYEX3ZYMMEU3VQR8FCV/image-asset.jpeg Blogs for Dogs - Trimming Nails - Walks Not only are walks healthy and beneficial for both you and your dog, it also helps file down your dog’s nails as well. As an added bonus, dogs love their walks and are always eager for one! https://www.bettercareforpets.org/blog-1/walking-an-old-dog monthly 0.5 2021-03-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1615315672794-NA2711YZWAQGS6SUU9TD/unsplash-image-4XheMzT7AUM.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Walking an Old Dog - Weakened Joints If your senior dog suffers from weakened joints in a specific location, the best way to cope with this issue is to strengthen the muscles in the weakened area. This can be done through dog yoga, swimming, and short and frequent walks. It is important to note that because the area is weakened, it is crucial for dog owners to not push or pressure their pup too hard as it can lead to greater health complications. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1615243309987-HGO5O8FWRSAXTU59WZI7/unsplash-image-mAEXiDuXqV8.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Walking an Old Dog https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1615319799193-8I3X9UHUJUB8SBJDZL9X/unsplash-image-Xy7SLX9zuVM.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Walking an Old Dog - Making Walks more Comfortable A great way to make walks more enjoyable and comfortable for your senior dog is to take shorter but more frequent walks throughout the day rather than just one long walk per day. By taking shorter and more frequent walks, this will give your senior pup more time to recover from the walk and to relieve his or her’s joints and muscles. To ease stress, it is also a great idea to keep walking times the same. Dogs tend to get stressed when something is unpredictable such as irregular walking hours. You can help relieve this stress by scheduling regular walking hours. Because elderly dogs tend to become more prone to joint complications, you can help prevent and make the walk less uncomfortable for your dog by picking to take your dog’s walk on even and easy surface. Uneven surfaces can cause unnecessary pain, so by choosing to walk on more easy surfaces, this can save your dog discomfort and also potential medical bills. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1615255703467-069TDBCR43GCLX3OIFDL/unsplash-image-2Z7yvn9B5-g.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Walking an Old Dog - Preparation Before taking your senior pup outside for a walk, it is important to check the weather for that day. As dogs age, they tend to become more sensitive to cold and hot weather which can not only cause discomfort for your dog, but can also affect the joints causing pain. If it is cold, you can dress up your dog in appropriate attire to help keep them warm. On hotter days, you can even take your dog outside for a swim. Swimming is easy on the joints and also provides a full body workout. One thing to keep in mind is that not all dog breeds will be good swimmers and will be more prone to drowning. Make sure to check first online if it is okay for your pup to swim as an exercise. It is always a good idea to have your dog wear a life vest at all times during a swimming session. However, if the weather is not in your favor, a good alternative is to turn to dog yoga and other indoor exercises instead. One thing to keep in mind with indoor exercises is to not do it for extended period of times. Dogs love and prefer taking walks outside which can provide more mental stimulation for them which is important for their mental health. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1615246762471-EIVNKM491EWCSHBT986F/unsplash-image-k2P8L8vmzs8.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Walking an Old Dog - Why you should Walk your Senior Dog Frequently As your pup ages and approaches the later stages of their life, it is important to keep walking your dog. Doing so will help prevent symptoms of arthritis, dementia, and muscle weakening from developing. This is because walking your pup will improve blood flow to the joints, give your pup mental stimulation, and will ensure that your pup’s muscles are being used. By simply exercising your pup everyday, you will be saving future medical bills and increase both the quantity and quality of not only your dog’s life, but also yours as well. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1615319751409-C5OAYLZ9LKR5TXDLAHEV/unsplash-image-t8SxccV0Agw.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Walking an Old Dog - Heed to your Pup’s Needs If you see your pup dragging his or her’s paws, limping, whining, refusing to move, slowing down, and have their tail down while walking, this can mean that your senior dog is tired. When these signs are present, if you have a small dog, you can carry your pup the rest of the way home or if you have a big dog, head home immediately. If you are at a far distance from your destination and have a big dog, make sure to take frequent breaks and offer water to your pup. This will help relieve the stress and discomfort your pup is experiencing. https://www.bettercareforpets.org/blog-1/leaving-a-dog-at-home monthly 0.5 2021-04-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1618116153249-U86VPQUHS133TXUW45U6/unsplash-image-snLpcS1RdwA.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Leaving a Dog at Home - Personal Story: Leaving a Dog at Home Alone (Part 2) The dog did not want to come out of her doggy house either and was laying on the floor every time I saw her. So I and Juju (my dog) visited her multiple times a day in hopes to help keep her company because who knows when was the last time she saw her family? After about six tries, she eventually came out of her doggy house and approached me (I did not want to touch her in case I scared her away). She and Juju sniffed each other’s faces and after that, the dog went back into her kennel. I felt happy but later heartbroken as I came to the realization that all the dog footprints from the backyard belonged to this very dog that was cooped up in the chicken pen. I saw the footprints all over the backyard: near the pool, on the trampoline, and everywhere on the cement. All of this made me realize how desperately this once energetic dog wants her owner to return so she can play with her family again. To have fun again. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1618115622755-Z1NZGY9HK966DM4OW4Q0/unsplash-image-iUA1cea8QiY.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Leaving a Dog at Home - Understanding the Evolution of Dogs Dogs evolved from grey wolves and dogs were selected for various physical traits such as color, ear shape, ear length, paw size, tail shapes, coat thickness, fur length, size, etc. Not only that, but dogs are also selected for their behavior as well. One behavior we will focus on today is how social the dog can be. Dogs that were shown to become more attached to their owners were selected for as it could raise the dog’s price and thus making the dog more desirable than a less social one. In other words, dogs were selected for the “hypersociability” gene. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1618115941894-L19HZQVO3JCUJ4XW5GSW/unsplash-image-HUwW4HQAOmc.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Leaving a Dog at Home - How long is too long for my pup to be alone at home? Currently, there is no agreed set amount of time that is considered to be too long for your pup to be alone at home. But trainers and veterinarians alike seem to agree that the best time amount of time to leave your dog alone at home in reality is as little as possible. If you are planning on leaving your dog at home for a while, please do not put your pup in a dog crate. A dog crate is very cramped and can cause discomfort for your pup such as sore muscles and aching bones. If your pup is left in a crate for extended amounts of time too often, it can even cause bone deformities. If you must leave your dog at home, it is best to have your pup in a open area (as many dogs have claustrophobia) and put up a fence so they cannot wander around the house, or even better. Not have a fence. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1618116104007-K6ROIGUYLTXV4D2E05HT/unsplash-image-loUlSOXL81c.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Leaving a Dog at Home - Personal Story: Leaving a Dog at Home Alone [Note]: I will not be mentioning any names to protect the owner’s and the dog’s identity —————————————————- I have witnessed a few occasions where owners would leave their pup by themselves for very long, extended amounts of time. In fact, I witnessed one recently. Today (as I am writing this blog) I saw a dog and she was cooped up in a chicken pen at a house we rented out for spring break. The dog had shelter and plenty of food and water but the pup did not look happy. She looked dejected. I could tell that the dog was feeling very lonely, sad, and was desperately waiting for her owner to come back. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1618116060920-UCVXOJW4PFCGDMRUFLV3/unsplash-image-gM6QroS17aw.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Leaving a Dog at Home - Two Alternatives. . . If you are going on a long trip and you are unable to take your pup with you, two great alternatives are to take your dog to doggie daycare where your pup can make friends with other dogs and ask some people you trust if they are willing to take care of your puppy while you are gone. These simple steps can help your pup develop their social skills which are very important for a dog -as not having social skills can cause your dog to become aggressive and territorial- and is also better for your dog’s mental health. As a bonus, you will not have to worry if your puppy is doing ok at home all by him/herself on your long trip because you know your pup is being taken care by people you can trust. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1618116273046-MDUEWNULFT3YIABBYAF5/unsplash-image-jd0hS7Vhn_A.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Leaving a Dog at Home - Purpose of the Story I want to share this story with you because I want to help spread the word of how bad leaving your pup at home for extended amounts of time really is and how doing so can negatively impact your dog’s quality of life. Dogs love their owners and will do anything for them and owners should do the same. In reality, our beloved dogs will not be with us forever so we should make our pup’s lives to the fullest it can ever be. Let’s not regret later on how we could have done better but rather ask ourselves right now what we can do better as dog owners. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1618097656085-WE1JZ94CL04HVV8ABZTN/unsplash-image-JqwRXYpSMDY.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Leaving a Dog at Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1618115902194-NOU5B7C1JNBTLFPRZYKY/unsplash-image-if5drRE4OM0.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Leaving a Dog at Home - The “Hypersociability” Gene’s Link to Separation Anxiety The “hypersociability” gene is what causes your pup to actively seek out a human’s presence. But what this also means is that if your pup is deprived of contact, this can cause separation anxiety to develop. This is why many young dogs show symptoms of separation anxiety which can cause loneliness, stress, welfare, and increased levels of cortisol in the blood. Most commonly, the onset of separation anxiety begins before the age of two, are especially often seen in young dogs who were rehomed multiple times, and usually goes away in the dog’s mid to later years after they realized they have a permanent home. Separation anxiety can also change your pup’s behavior which can be seen if your pup is constantly following the owner around, if there is increased vocalization, self-destructive behavior, chewing, biting, pacing, frantic attempts to escape, salivation, vomiting, lack of appetite for no medical reason, and an exaggerated greeting when their owner returns. https://www.bettercareforpets.org/blog-1/excessive-shedding monthly 0.5 2021-05-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1620701851768-VP3A2RYJR96XIHRKBIUW/unsplash-image-gQpX2NNwiZs.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Excessive Shedding - The Factors (Part IV) Another great way that can not only reduce the amount of fur your puppy is dropping but can also strengthen the bond between human and dog is making sure your pup is getting enough exercise. Yes, another reason to exercise both yourself and your dog! Regular exercise will not completely stop your dog from shedding but a healthy dog that is getting adequate amounts of exercise is likely to develop both a healthier skin and coat. One important thing to remember is that the amount of exercise depends on your dog’s breed. For example, English Bulldogs tend to be fairly relaxed so one walk a day should be enough to meet their walking needs whereas a much more energetic breed that needs more physical and mental stimulation like a Border Collie would need longer walks and even runs. Regardless of the type of breed your pup is, exercise will help reduce the amount your pup sheds! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1620701728829-1LC5V1FLFTOMANHDI8TN/unsplash-image-yGCj9aMSBNI.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Excessive Shedding - The Factors (Part III) Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1620701905321-KJ018X7SYMNI0G9I29V1/unsplash-image-87BNvL-au90.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Excessive Shedding - What dog breeds shed the most and shed the least? The dog breeds that take the top 9 spots for the most amount of shed are Akitas, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Boston Terriers, Chow Chows, Corgis, German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Newfoundlands, and Siberian Huskies. If you or a family member happens to be allergic to dogs and want enjoy the experience to having your own pup, there are hypoallergenic dogs (dogs that have hair more similar to human hair, produce less dander than other dogs, and have minimal shed). These dogs include the Afghan Hound, Bichon Frise, Chinese Crested, Maltese, Schnauzer, Poodle, and the Portuguese Water Dog. This list does not include all hypoallergenic dogs as there are many more. A current popular and trendy breed of dog right now is the Golden Doodle, a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. However, just because a mixed breed of dog is part Poodle or has a relative that is a hypoallergenic dog does not necessarily mean that their pups will also be hypoallergenic. On the bright side, it is likely that the mixed pup will not shed as much as other dog breeds! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1620701577073-UA86Z5ULD9PIAY5D3MN7/unsplash-image-eMX1aIAp9Nw.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Excessive Shedding - The Factors (Part II) Water is a major factor that can affect how much fur your dog drops. Not only is water very important to your pup’s overall health and wellbeing, it can help to reduce the amount your dog is shedding. Making sure that your dog is adequately hydrated can help remedy the problem. Now you might wonder, “but how much water is enough?” and that is a good question. The general consensus is that dogs should be drinking about one ounce of water per pound of body weight everyday. However this rule is not exactly one that you can stick to reliably because if your pup has been outside for a while in hot weather, she/he will need a drink, making the amount of water consumed higher than what the general consensus recommends. This rule is a good one to keep in mind though! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1620701444965-9RZNG9TSSTH0H9YF61RH/unsplash-image-jvn8gPiGEac.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Excessive Shedding - Understanding Shedding Before we get into how we can reduce the amount your pup is shedding, we have to first understand what drives shedding. Shedding occurs when a dog loses dead or damaged fur so new and healthy fur can have room to grow. Shedding is a normal process that can be found in every dog breed. Yes, every dog sheds, even dogs that have to be taken to grooming salons frequently such as the poodle. The amount your pup sheds also depends on some factors such as the time of the year. You might ask, what does the time of the year have to do with shedding? The time of year directly impacts how much fur your dog will be shedding. Because dogs evolved from wolves, they too similarly to their wild cousins (most dogs) have a seasonal coat change: a summer and winter coat as an adaptation to better regulate their body temperature throughout the year. What this means is that your dog will be shedding more in the spring as your pup changes his/her coat from a winter to a summer one and will also be shedding more in the fall as they change their coat from a summer to a winter one. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1620627193294-CWSVRYPQSW6XXM4BCGR7/unsplash-image-O15BJmAAQsY.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Excessive Shedding https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1620702254067-5GATITYJICAM10LQR378/unsplash-image-TzjMd7i5WQI.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Excessive Shedding - What if my dog seems to be shedding too much? Shedding that seems to be excessive can be considered to be normal unless symptoms such as skin irritation (redness, bumps, rashes, or scabs), bald spots, severely thinning coat, open sores, excessive itching or face rubbing, and more frequent licking are present. In that case, these symptoms can indicate that there is an underlying medical problem. If you notice any of these symptoms lasting longer than a week, you should take your pup to a trip to your veterinarian to rule out any potential medical conditions. However, sometimes these symptoms are not caused by medical conditions but are instead caused by pesky fleas. Not only are they annoying, but they can cause skin irritation and excessive shedding in dogs. In fact, fleas can cause a dermatologic disease in dogs called Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD) which is one of the most common dermatologic diseases in household dogs in the United States. How can fleas cause this disease and cause an excessive shedding of fur you may ask? This disease is brought up upon due to the itchiness of the bite sites and potential skin irritation causing excessive scratching and therefore more hair loss in dogs. So the moral of the story is that if you suspect that your pup has some fleas on him/her, its worth getting the fleas under control to avoid potential health issues in the future. You will also have a happier pup as well! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1620701512717-QCTDHA5Z20M8KJ5LCXV8/unsplash-image-NOBRu2TAqcs.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Excessive Shedding - The Factors (Part I) One major factor that can help reduce the amount your pup sheds is ensuring your dog is having a healthy and balanced diet. Every nutrient in your pup’s food serves a purpose just like us! The following is what PetMD says about the importance of maintaining a healthy and balanced diet for your pup, “Each and every nutrient in your dog’s food has a purpose. Without adequate nutrition, your dog would not be able to maintain muscle tone, build and repair muscles, teeth, and bone, perform normal daily activities with ease or fight-off infection. Proteins provide a source of energy and help with muscle function and growth. Fats provide energy, help the brain function, and keep the skin and hair coat shiny and healthy. Carbohydrates supply a source of quick energy that allow your dog to be active and energetic. Vitamins and minerals are necessary for muscle contraction and nerve conduction and they work to prevent disease”. One important idea to keep in mind is that you do not have to spend a fortune on “fancy” dog food so your pup can be healthy. All that matters is the quality of the food your pup consumes. The better the quality, the less fur your pup will drop and as a bonus, will have softer fur, healthier hair and skin, be more active, and have an overall healthier life. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1620702387942-WAKE9ZVN1HNN4MU1GV4H/unsplash-image--Elf7vDV7Rk.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Excessive Shedding - A Solution…? Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.bettercareforpets.org/blog-1/post-covid-and-your-pup monthly 0.5 2022-01-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1623646585155-EH9AH4V1Q3U1K2W6ZOSW/unsplash-image-AbNO2iejoXA.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Post-COVID and Your Pup - What can I do to help my pet who suffers from separation anxiety? The best thing you could do is to make sure your pup is meeting their daily needs such as proper nutrition, medical care, exercise, and grooming and husbandry. This is not only good for their physical health, but can also be beneficial to their mental health as well! The other daily needs for pets who are suffering from separation anxiety are protection from undue stress or fear, physical exercise, mental stimulation (games are a great way to do so), social interactions with their favorite people, and although this sounds counterproductive, alone time can be a great remedy as well. Like humans, all of us at some point in our lives needed some alone time to calm down and to relax. However, if your pet is showing signs of distress when you are giving them alone time, immediately stop trying to remedy their separation anxiety this way. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1623646624885-549PLG3WFJ2I2RN2L0D3/unsplash-image-ff221Bu56mI.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Post-COVID and Your Pup - How can I teach my pet to become more “independent”? (Part I) A great way to teach your pet how to be on their own without developing or showing symptoms of separation anxiety is to do Independence Training. Independence Training teaches pets to be more comfortable when an owner’s presence is absent and allows the pet to relax without feeling the need to follow the owner everytime they move to a new location. This type of training can even reduce the risk of hyper-attachment (a condition that is commonly found with separation anxiety when a pet becomes too attached to the owner and would try different ways to prevent the owner from leaving and would try to follow the owner wherever they go). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1623646712652-EOLBYI7Q40L2O46TLKVM/unsplash-image-6jzkzv5VhyE.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Post-COVID and Your Pup - How do I know if my pup is suffering from separation anxiety? First, we need to understand what is separation anxiety. Separation anxiety -which is also known as separation distress- is when a pet experiences anxiety or even panic when they are separated from their pack (their favorite people like their human family). To tell if your pet is suffering from this disorder you could put up cameras in the house. If you see the signs associated with separation anxiety such as vocalizing, salivation, destructive behavior especially at exits, urination or defecation indoors, a lack of appetite when alone, self-trauma like chewing or licking when alone, and attempted or successful escapes, you should notify your veterinarian. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1623646679887-19F1UGR21VPA4Z2ORB6M/unsplash-image-Jm3U2aR1ekM.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Post-COVID and Your Pup - How can I teach my pet to become more “independent”? (Part II) One type of Independence Training is called Downtime. With the Downtime method, what you want to do is to build in time into the day for your pet to relax without planned interaction. This helps your pet to become used to the lack of interaction between him/herself and the owner. You can offer toys or a meal in the desired "downtime” location. If your pet is comfortable with doing so, simply provide the distraction object and move on with your activities. However, if your pet is showing body language that shows that they are possibly stressing out, stop the exercise and try again but more slowly. To begin the Downtime exercise, first stay near the downtime area with your pup. Then quietly encourage and reward them when they interact with their toys. Just make sure to not give them too many treats! As your pet becomes more accustomed to this exercise, gradually move further and further away from the downtime area. This exercise should be kept short enough and at a close enough distance so your pet does not display signs of stress. The Downtime method helps to build and maintain the habit of alone time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1623620875668-PEFUYP2BCY32NG492PNB/unsplash-image-wT2RNG9_Jhw.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Post-COVID and Your Pup - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1623646848490-DOXW8GRCI7Q9MSC0ZSLN/unsplash-image-SCIRnLEtqWc.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Post-COVID and Your Pup - Other Methods to Help Treat or Prevent Separation Anxiety (Part II) If you believe your pup’s separation is not too bad, then separate yourself from your pup for a minute or two as a starting point. Remember that if you hear your pet making noises that can potentially be signs of distress, make sure to stop what you are doing and to take the exercise more slowly. Another thing to keep in mind is to not show signs of aggression towards your pup while training. Training is tedious work but is well worth the time if done properly. Showing signs of aggression can be counterproductive, confuse your dog, and can even amplify signs of separation anxiety so stay clear from this. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1623636597223-W0EEPE89Z9TVCTJC0D74/unsplash-image-JBrbzg5N7Go.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Post-COVID and Your Pup - Why are we going over this? As eager as most people are to return to normalcy, we need to consider the lasting effects the pandemic will leave on our pets psychologically. Let’s take one minute to put our shoes into your pup’s “shoes”. Imagine that you are a dog who has been living in the COVID-19 pandemic for almost two years. Your favorite person and your family has been staying at home by your side for the majority of the two years. What do you think your pup is thinking? They will probably be believing something along the lines of this, “oh, this is the new normal? Yay!”. So if you think from that perspective, what would your reaction as a loving, loyal dog be when all of a sudden, your owners are leaving the house for long periods of time and with the kids going to wherever they are going for a long period of time as well? Granted, your pup will probably experience amplified separation anxiety (especially for young dogs from ages 1-2 which is the age range where separation anxiety is most commonly found), stress, and more. Sometimes anxiety can get so bad to the point that it can lead to physical symptoms. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1623646784937-E2264IHMOUDAEK2H6PJV/unsplash-image-U3aF7hgUSrk.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Post-COVID and Your Pup - Other Methods to Help Treat or Prevent Separation Anxiety (Part I) A great method to treat or prevent separation anxiety from developing is by practicing separations. Once your pup mastered the Downtime method, you can begin to take a bigger step in your pup’s journey of reducing or even better, eliminating separation anxiety and its symptoms through training and -of course- a few delicious treats! First, find an area where your pet will be safe. Next say something to your pet to tell them that you will be back. Give your pup a treat (don’t want to give them too many) and step away out of sight so your pup cannot see or get to you. A good guideline for the amount of separation time to start with would be a few seconds at a time, but this will be different from dog to dog. Every dog is unique! https://www.bettercareforpets.org/blog-1/wtieloximt8xl0s270dlng0utki9jf monthly 0.5 2021-09-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1632090682198-1MUHZE9DSISKM6L7ICS9/unsplash-image-2pbnDRhXc6Q.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Wet vs Dry Food - Canned Dog Food Cons Just like kibble, canned dog food also has its cons. Canned dog food usually contains more fat than dry food. This can be bad for your pup especially if he/she is already obese, sensitive to fatty foods, and predisposed to pancreatitis -a condition when the pancreas becomes inflamed and swollen, impacting digestion due to digestive enzymes not functioning correctly. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1632090623594-X7C0HU0ZFCVY8S5FBSDU/unsplash-image-ONuLIzB0UtA.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Wet vs Dry Food - Kibble Cons We would like to make sure that the food we give our loving pooch is safe for consumption. However, dry kibble food for dogs are loosely regulated by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Not only that, but some brands of kibble can contain some questionable ingredients such as diseased animal parts, chemicals, preservatives, additives, food coloring, dies, and more. So before you make a purchase, check to see if the kibble was made by a credible company to see if it’s right for your pup. You don’t want to make your dog sick! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1632090532360-2IS9JLYIEBTFLONX2QGQ/unsplash-image-ZVprbBmT8QA.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Wet vs Dry Food - Canned Dog Food Cons Dogs love wet food, but our wallets (especially if you are on a budget)…? Not so much. When comparing the costs regarding the amount of calories per dollar you spend, you will find that canned food is the more expensive of the two. So if you are looking for less expensive food that will still give your pup his/her’s nutritional and caloric needs, dry kibble will maybe be a better option. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1632090150253-CUGDOURMPZN9G07N20AQ/unsplash-image-gRHEt2kF3NU.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Wet vs Dry Food - Canned Dog Food Pros Many dogs love canned dog food including my own, Juju! She loves it a lot more than kibble. However, you may have heard that canned dog food isn’t as healthy for dogs as kibble. But let’s focus on the positive qualities of canned dog food. First is that canned food tends to contain more meat protein than dry food. And as a bonus, due to the air-tight packaging, canned food does not contain any synthetic preservatives which prevent fats and oils sealed inside from going bad. In addition, there are usually no artificial flavorings and colorings. In these aspects, canned dog food is not only found to be more appetizing to your pup, but also seems to be the healthier option. But before we draw our conclusions, we need to focus on the benefits of dry food as well as much as our pooches love that canned dog food. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1632090219141-CPN74G4LATGM56KM98H0/unsplash-image-qdBrQB_WdmA.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Wet vs Dry Food - Kibble Pros Convenience wise, kibble wins. This is because it has a greater extended in-bowl feeding time than canned food. Speaking of canned in-bowl feeding time, do not leave any canned food out for longer than an hour. The reasoning behind this is that when wet food is exposed to the environment for an extended period of time, it becomes a utopia for bacteria to grow. Do not leave canned food out! Instead, when your pup is not eating their canned food, refrigerate it and be sure to discard any unused food within two to three days. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1627179355011-82JUSEKDH35BBMH0EQ9P/unsplash-image-l1UsjV2WrNM.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Wet vs Dry Food - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1632090297217-E6AG2N9V9HXZWWUE53VE/unsplash-image-qeY2QHAZfU0.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Wet vs Dry Food - Kibble Pros Something nice about kibbles is that they can come in various different sizes and shapes! For example, if your dog prefers smaller sized food, you can purchase smaller kibble and vice versa. Sometimes, even very big dogs prefer very tiny kibbles! Plus, your pup’s size preference will be kind of messy to work around with, especially if it’s canned food. Thus, giving them kibble will be easier for you! Not only that, but a bonus kibble brings to the table by being dry food is that it enables it to work well with food toys, interactive feeders, and dispense kibbles. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1632090413038-JW7ZULQMP6XEOJZ3ZAUK/unsplash-image-9LkqymZFLrE.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Wet vs Dry Food - Kibble Cons Did you ever hear that kibble helps to clean your dog’s teeth? As good as this may sound, this may not be the case. There are different types of dental debris. These include food particles, plaque, and calculus (tartar). And while food particles are easy to remove, this is not the case with plaque and tartar. This is because plaque requires physical scrubbing to be removed and even once it is scrubbed away, the plaque can return in less than 24 hours. As for tartar, this occurs when the plaque turns into a rock-hard substance. Tartar are the chunks that your hygienist scrapes off your teeth during your cleanings. And yes, kibble can remove plaque near the top of your pup’s teeth but at the same time, it is not very effective with removing plaque near the gumline. Solely relying on kibble to clean your pup’s teeth can result in decay, gum disease, and even rotting teeth. In fact, most of those crunchy kibbles contain a high percentage of refined carbohydrates which can increase plaque and tartar levels. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1632090254385-36UN4NU92SB1HM0W2WZX/unsplash-image-qEO5MpLyOks.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Wet vs Dry Food - Canned Dog Food Pros Is your dog constipated? Well canned dog food could be your solution! The moisture in canned dog food may be enough to help your pup pass through his/her’s stool. This is due to the additional moisture -that cannot be found in dry kibble- which will be acting as a lubricant in the digestive system. (Note): Feed your pup canned food for two days and then return to kibble if constipated. If the problem comes back, talk to your vet. (I am not a veterinarian and found these treatments from my research. If you are in doubt, you should contact your veterinarian for the best treatment option) https://www.bettercareforpets.org/blog-1/zp80nvvzg07i2m15mfrw6jexpl71fu monthly 0.5 2023-12-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1626661225732-QK6LL4QHRLOZQO7AKBNU/unsplash-image-aI3EBLvcyu4.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Energy Levels [GUEST POST] - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1626662978137-S6CWJO52Q1FF85AHD2RG/unsplash-image-5SYkFcHsojs.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Energy Levels [GUEST POST] - Lastly… The last major reason behind activity differences is the breed of the dog. Selective breeding has been used throughout history to “customize” dogs for specific tasks and jobs. Herding dogs such as Heelers, Australian Shepherds, Collies, and Sheepdogs instinctively look to herd other animals and people, so they have loads of energy and can be frustrated by the lack of herding in an owner’s lifestyle. Terrier breeds were bred to hunt and kill rodents, leading them to be feisty, hyper, and need an extremely active life. Other dogs that are known to have a large amount of energy are hunting breeds like Retrievers, Beagles, and Spaniels. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1626663144900-8DTO0S7IL8RQPUNMZ5XE/unsplash-image-8Q1Ze3oJUpk.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Energy Levels [GUEST POST] - The Factors The first is simply the dog’s personality. Two dogs of the same breed and age can have completely different energy levels just because of their nature. The next reason behind differences in energy is age. Puppies and young adult canines are notorious for having lots of energy and stamina. However, it is natural for this energy to decrease as dogs get older and more mature. How long this process takes depends on the canine’s health, amount of activity, and the breed of the dog. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1626662722931-6W94ERG296UGBNLOL21V/unsplash-image-7wZxpC2oXYU.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Energy Levels [GUEST POST] - Amount of activity? The amount of activity a dog does can play a significant role in energy levels. Energetic canines need constant stimulation and channeled exercise with their owners to make them tired and to work their brains as much as possible. This along with a constant and healthy diet can create the most balanced lifestyle for your pet. Inconsistent diets can cause endocrine disorders and other issues that create hyperactivity and restlessness. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1626662566226-YSSRSXXMOXY8FCDP2WPN/unsplash-image-0jhte3YdBLI Blogs for Dogs - Energy Levels [GUEST POST] - Spaying and Neutering Some owners may make the decision to neuter or spay their dog, which changes hormone levels and can lead to a decrease in energy. This is because the majority of the time sex hormones create a lot of restless energy that the dog has no way to take out if the owner has no plans to breed them. Spaying and neutering greatly reduces hormone driven behavior like dominance aggression, territorial marking, roaming to find a mate, and the overall intensity in which a dog behaves. https://www.bettercareforpets.org/blog-1/1parfmh8yeeul84rbyfp16epldzr9v monthly 0.5 2022-01-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1632092362596-ZJNTV4FVREOOYRFRGJT7/unsplash-image-hDd9mu5xTTg.jpg Blogs for Dogs - There is Drool on My Floor! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1632094529862-DHWUIG01H353WQIGZ3GY/unsplash-image-Zqy-x7K5Qcg.jpg Blogs for Dogs - There is Drool on My Floor! - Is drooling abnormal? It is not abnormal to see your pup drool once in a while. Situations that can cause your dog to drool is when they are anticipating a meal (shown in Pavlov’s famous bell experiments), fearful, and also when they are hot by the process of evaporative cooling! But there are times when drooling is not normal. If you see your pooch drooling constantly, that can raise some concern. Below, I listed some conditions that your pup might be suffering from as well as other factors if they are experiencing excessive drooling. (Note: Before I mention the possible conditions that could cause your pup to be drooling excessively, I would like to make a disclaimer that the information contained here is not meant to self diagnose your dog. Always consult your veterinarian for the best treatment! Thank you. ^^) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1632098234364-X8MP9GTWTNGDD8NJMMKY/unsplash-image-s1y0VVxXPug.jpg Blogs for Dogs - There is Drool on My Floor! - Factors Causing Abnormal Drooling (Part II) But what if there is nothing wrong with your pup’s mouth and throat? Then the drooling could be caused by your pup having an upset stomach. For example, motion sickness is a common cause of nausea which is why many dogs drool in the car. If this is the case, the drooling should stop after the cause comes to a halt. But if your pup ate something he/she should not have such as a toy and toxic substances that can lead to drooling as well. If you think there is a foreign body in your dog, take him/her to the veterinarian right away as this can become a potentially serious problem. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1632093916214-Z2TRXOMQJRA0RPLWGM61/unsplash-image-eeqbbemH9-c.jpg Blogs for Dogs - There is Drool on My Floor! - Why do we drool? You are probably seeing a pattern here… I love talking about the topic’s background before really digging into it because not only do I get to learn more about this topic, but you as well. It’s a win-win! Back on track. Why do we drool? Drooling is actually an adaptation that organisms acquired to help prepare us for eating. Saliva consists of 99% water with the remaining 1% containing uric acid, electrolytes, mucus-forming proteins, cholesterol, and digestive enzymes. Saliva also helps to neutralize acids in many foods and fluids organisms ingest, preventing them from damaging teeth and tissues. So theoretically by producing an excess amount of saliva, we can infer that drooling when seeing food isn’t just a coincidence, it is an adaptation we developed to help prepare our body for eating! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1632098474815-SDIUOHWLS6Z0TGSD5CXR/unsplash-image-qZE19y01fj0.jpg Blogs for Dogs - There is Drool on My Floor! - How can I control the drooling? If your pup is drooling excessively, a good solution to prevent the drool from dripping on your floor and furniture is to keep a drool rag handy. Keeping a cloth with you makes it easy to regularly wipe your pup’s muzzle. Make sure to do so whenever he/she eats or drinks. You can also tie a handkerchief around your pup’s neck so it can help absorb the slobber (make sure it’s not too tight or causing discomfort). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1632098286531-8ZNHZS9A51OMD7DMZY29/unsplash-image-L18Ccw4anYI.jpg Blogs for Dogs - There is Drool on My Floor! - Factors Causing Abnormal Drooling (Part III) More serious factors such as heat stroke, seizures, nose/throat/sinus infections, neuromuscular conditions, kidney disease, liver disease, bloating, inflamed/abscessed salivary glands, and rabies can contribute to excessive and abnormal drooling. If you think your pup suffers from any of the listed above conditions, always pay attention to any changes in your dog’s behavior and appetite. If he/she is having neurological symptoms such as seizures and difficulty standing, throwing up saliva, and having foul smelling/thicker/blood in the saliva, contact your veterinarian immediately. In some cases, drooling can be an overlooked symptom and can be life threatening. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1632098426298-112WQ8NIBFH8WVGF8WWE/unsplash-image-OQYv1-YZkZQ.jpg Blogs for Dogs - There is Drool on My Floor! - Typical Drooling If your pup has recently taken or is on medications, certain drugs when administered leave a bad taste in the mouth which can surprisingly lead to drooling. Even eye drops can be the culprit (rarely)! One other factor that can be causing excessive drooling is if you decided to adopt a large or giant breed of dog with floppy lips. If you did, then drooling is going to be a regular occurrence due to the folds of the lips being thick and droopy, resulting in saliva pooling in the folds and hitting the floor. But if your pooch is slobbering significantly when he/she never had a history of doing so before, this is a good reason to schedule a visit to the vet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1632098183980-1EQOCFNUT69ONE3MD4JW/unsplash-image-7TgbRVEYdYY.jpg Blogs for Dogs - There is Drool on My Floor! - Factors Causing Abnormal Drooling (Part I) If your pup has mouth and/or throat issues that prevents them from swallowing normally, it can lead to drooling. This could be due to a fractured tooth or tumors inside the mouth, esophagus, and/or throat. Dental debris, if causing an infection, can too lead to drooling. You can prevent this by practicing oral hygiene on your pup two times a day (I actually went over this in one of my other blogs which gives steps on how to train your kitten with becoming familiar with brushing Brushing your Cat’s Teeth. Even though it is a blog for cats, I believe the same training steps can be taken with dogs as well)! https://www.bettercareforpets.org/blog-1/music-to-the-ears-efgkd monthly 0.5 2021-10-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1633146177750-ZZ0IU0UZPVE11S8ZSTQZ/unsplash-image-wPaBwop_rSo.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Music to the Ears - Why classical music? Some of you might be wondering, what about classical music makes the dogs feel more calm than the other two types of musical genres that the dogs were exposed to: pop and rock? Apparently it has to do a lot with the tempo of the piece (tempo being the speed in which a passage of music should be played). According to Dr. Cornelius, dogs tend to relax when exposed to music with a tempo of 50-60 beats per minute (a very slow tempo) and this tempo can be found in classical, reggae, and some types of soft rock. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1633145893232-LJIOKH9ZUBMIYQ84GFZO/unsplash-image-Lw9STRb-D6o.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Music to the Ears - More to the Story If you are a fellow pianist or play another instrument that dogs tend to not react to and are thinking, “Hmm… I probably should pick up an instrument that will make dogs react to my playing because that just seems cool”, don’t worry because dogs are listening to your music. I thought this as well at one point because Juju just never seemed to be interested in my playing and would even take a nap through the whole playing session. It just happens to be that dogs, just like us, do have their own musical preferences and react uniquely to different genres of music. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1633138181983-Y1IC1W0P77TXVXQND5KG/unsplash-image-zBU8dMscx4M.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Music to the Ears - Dispelling Misconceptions Before delving deeper into this topic, I would like to go over some misconceptions when it comes to dogs howling that I was also subject to before writing this blog (The more you know!). Whenever we hear a dog howling, most of us automatically think that it is the dog’s attempt in joining in or creating their own music as dogs usually howl when music is played or sung. However, knowing that our fluffy pooches’ ancestors are wolves, we know that howling is actually a form of communication which can either indicate loneliness or as a way to serve social functions. For example, wolves howl to assemble their pack and to reinforce the identity of the group. As for the structure of what the most familiar wolf howl sounds like, first it begins with a continuous sound that may begin to move up slightly higher in pitch to then return back to the main tone, and finally can sometimes move lower at the end of the howl. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1633146055021-2NKH9SRGRNQK6DAL1CYI/unsplash-image-kcV7BxcVtU4.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Music to the Ears - A Study To find out if dogs do have musical preferences, psychologist Deborah Wells at Queens University in Belfast conducted an experiment in an animal shelter and exposed the dogs to different types of music. Their behavior was observed for three genres of music: pop, classical, and rock. She also made sure that it was really the musical aspect that the dogs were responding to so she exposed the dogs to recordings of human conversation and also periods of silence. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1632722315675-1X4PPR9H8T9F4BXCE4HU/unsplash-image-YCQFgqOzLmU.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Music to the Ears - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1633139445423-IRN8I0564H3KGXH68VCC/unsplash-image-9eJpmoynYBc.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Music to the Ears - So what does this show us? Multiple scientific analyses do suggest that canines do indeed have a sense of pitch. In these studies, recordings of wolves were taken during their howling sessions and what it revealed is that wolves will change their tone when others join in the chorus. It seems that none of the wolves wanted to sing the same note that the rest of the wolves were. This is the same instinct that dogs possess and this is exactly why when a dog howls along with music playing or singing, that they howl along in a different register (in other words, this is why a dog’s howling is very easy to pick out even though they are howling along with the music). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1633147442033-6RSJC4B398X9FPYG0BQY/unsplash-image-VVuRLhyTmXM.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Music to the Ears - The Power of Music A key takeaway of Wells’s study is that the results have been so promising that many shelters are installing music systems that will rotate through their dog’s most favorable types of music that will bring calming effects and create an overall more pleasant atmosphere. Did you ever go to an animal shelter and hear classical music playing there? If you did, feel free to contact me! I am really curious to hear what your experience was like. ^^ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1633141628742-02LJO8H43W8X9VVNUIYJ/unsplash-image-MGfDE60G0-M.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Music to the Ears - Why does this matter to our discussion? What I went over is relevant to our discussion as dispelling those misconceptions will allow us to answer as to why Juju, and i’m sure many other dogs, tend to howl along with -most commonly- wind instruments (clarinet, flute, saxophone…) that require air to make sound. The reason why dogs tend to do this is because it is more similar to that of communicative howling that a wolf or dog would make than say, a piano would be able to produce. In other words, it sounds more like a howl which causes the dog’s howling instinct to kick in. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1633145942626-WGT9BXTGQVQFGNMQQRNW/unsplash-image-dw7paFI1jnM.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Music to the Ears - Findings What Wells found supported the idea that dogs do have musical preferences. In her recordings, she found that dogs became agitated and began barking when listening to heavy metal music. As for pop music, the dogs did not seem to produce any behaviors that were noticeably different from having a period of silence. And finally for classical music. What Wells found is that dogs did react to it as they seemed to have become more calm. When listening to the recording, the dogs’ level of barking was significantly reduced and the dogs would often lay down to rest. What this means is that just like us, music also influences our pup’s moods as well. Music can heal. So for you classical musicians, don’t feel bummed out because your pooch isn’t reacting much. They probably are liking it! https://www.bettercareforpets.org/blog-1/7bcy3rrjzlz78ce55xo4v0zcoqqka3 monthly 0.5 2021-12-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1639200206670-WMTSPP8MRZLM5WMQENMO/unsplash-image-GZL_x4N_VtM.jpg Blogs for Dogs - An Unsuspecting Salad - But what if… (Part II) Returning back to the subject of, “dogs -when not feeling well- will often munch on some greens”, it is important to not only avoid purchasing potentially harmful houseplants, but to also recognize the signs when your dog might be feeling unwell. When a dog has an upset stomach, they consume leaves and grass as a way to make themselves vomit and to get rid of whatever is causing them pain. However, if eaten in large quantities, it can cause a blockage. This holds to be especially true for puppies. Even eating leaves and grass on a walk can be risky as well because it could have been sprayed with pesticides or other harmful chemicals. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1638751731682-NQGP6DFNSMJSBX12TPKZ/unsplash-image-V2Kw-YC7Cls.jpg Blogs for Dogs - An Unsuspecting Salad - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1639199950827-LC6GUJD2MC4NE5L7EN4M/unsplash-image-tErWBVfqdYo.jpg Blogs for Dogs - An Unsuspecting Salad - How exactly can my houseplant harm my pooch? Knowing why our pups would feel inclined to take a bite out of your potentially harmful leafy greens, we can now talk about how a houseplant can harm your pup in greater detail. Some plants can contain toxins that can cause diarrhea and vomiting when chewed on such as the famous Aloe Vera plant. Others can have leaves that contain tiny, sharp calcium oxalate crystals that can irritate the dog’s mouth and cause severe swelling and burning of the mouth and tongue. Sometimes irritations can lead to difficulty breathing and even death (although this is rare). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/f613100f-f9a1-4bd2-9d8d-bf0c2901009b/unsplash-image-8ZELrodSvTc.jpg Blogs for Dogs - An Unsuspecting Salad - So what’s the topic? I’m glad you asked! First, let’s make it clear that we are not going to be talking about which types of vegetables and salads are beneficial to your pup. More specifically, we are going to be talking about how household plants can negatively affect your dog’s health. Yep! You heard -or more like read- it right! Disclaimer: This topic idea was not originally ours. One of our kind viewers recommended me to write about this as a potential blog topic and so can you! Simply go to the contact page of the website and type up a little message. We love to see the ideas that the community comes up with! :) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/d5548a98-8208-420d-b288-e0e08ef26d0b/unsplash-image-VQJXJ4IaU_o.jpg Blogs for Dogs - An Unsuspecting Salad - Why does my pup like munching on some greens? It all comes down to the dog and the plant. “What do you mean?” you may ask. Because our pets have the natural instinct and the curiosity to use their mouths to sense, feel, and taste (especially when anxious or hungry), they may turn to your -potentially poisonous- house plant as a way to vent their emotions or to eat as a (hopefully) tasty snack. If you are having trouble relating to this, you can think of it kind of like stress eating or just being plain hungry! In that perspective, I guess you can’t really blame them for chewing on our favorite plants. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/2b845f27-6603-499f-8e87-74fb93901f28/unsplash-image-fecsGUf4g9A.jpg Blogs for Dogs - An Unsuspecting Salad - But what if… (Part I) I am not sure if this is a very widespread piece of knowledge but did you hear that dogs -when not feeling well- will often munch on some greens? Believe it or not, dogs are actually omnivores (crazy right?!). Whenever wild dogs are hungry and there is a limited amount of food (meat), their natural instinct is to fill up their stomachs with greens. These greens will not enrich your pup’s diet by a huge margin other than greens being high in fiber which is beneficial for your dog’s digestive system. Fiber is great for the digestive tract as it is often fermented into fatty acids by the “good” bacteria naturally residing in the intestine. And the reason behind why fatty acids are so great for your pooch’s health is because it helps to prevent the overgrowth of “bad” bacteria and helps the colon repair itself quicker. Diets rich in fiber can also help the individual lose weight and is a commonly used treatment method for obese dogs just to name a few. However, when it comes to harmful houseplants, the cons outweighs the pros. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1639199697997-XJ2M3DIGHK57OUXI0BV5/unsplash-image-DpphPG9ENsI.jpg Blogs for Dogs - An Unsuspecting Salad - What makes household plants harmful to my pup? Although house plants can liven up your room, some can harm your pup’s health. And while house plants can render your pup ill or injured, some species of plants can even prove to be fatal. A few ways that plants can harm your pup is if they are poisonous, have thorns, and/or secretes harmful sap that can irritate the skin. For these reasons, it is a must to be aware of the potential risks you may be bringing into your home. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1639200345545-PUH207KQPZ5RHGFAUL6Z/unsplash-image-k_AXt3VPSrw.jpg Blogs for Dogs - An Unsuspecting Salad - What if I want to have houseplants? We all love to have some greenery in our house to liven it up. But if you are concerned if your dog does decide to munch on your favorite household plants, don’t fret because they are certainly some awesome, let-alone safer alternatives! If you are looking for a pet-friendly, cool looking plant, some plants you can try to add to your home are the Areca Palm, African Violet, Cape Marigold, Money Tree, Boston Fern, Cast Iron Plant, Spider Plant, Baby Tears, Bamboo Palm, Burro’s Tail/Donkey Tail Succulent, Orchid, Bromeliad, Hawthoria, Peperomia Green, Prayer Plant, Swedish Ivy/Creeping Charlie, Pony Tail Palm, Polka Dot Plant, Xerographica Air Plant, Staghorn Fern, Parlor Palm, Christmas Cactus, Purple Velvet Plant, and Calathea Rattlesnake. All plants listed are ASPCA approved! [Note: some of the plants listed can cause gastrointestinal upset if consumed regularly but the plants listed above are much safer bets than others!] https://www.bettercareforpets.org/blog-1/food-of-the-wild monthly 0.5 2022-01-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1641150429584-0NS50Z2ZNWK57161SLAG/unsplash-image-YlAmh_X_SsE.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Food of the Wild - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1641150556157-DOEOJ62U5UT3B70ML6AA/unsplash-image-X1RQ3b6ZhUs.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Food of the Wild - More About Freeze-Dried Foods (Part II) Just as how there are pros, there are cons. Freeze-dried food is great. Juju is normally a very picky eater and barely eats any kibble but after we gave her the freeze-dried food, she began eating a lot more and she has never been more energetic! However, there are a few things to keep in mind about freeze-dried food. Sure, dogs love it but freeze-dried food is not raw meat in its natural state. That means that it will be more difficult for your dog to digest it in that form than its original. On top of that, it is very expensive. On average, freeze-dried pet food is about $33 per pound. Not only that, freeze-drying food alone, without a prior heating/cooking step, will not 100% eliminate microbial pathogens. For those reasons, veterinarians recommend against raw and freeze-dried animal tissue-based products unless the manufacturer can confirm the product is pathogen-free. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1641150479449-1KMLNA8ROGGMFMDAN30X/unsplash-image-iwkcspbMWx8.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Food of the Wild - Be Cautious… Although our pups may have a more acidic stomach than ours which can kill quite a bit more harmful bacteria than our own stomach acid, caution still must be exercised. Feeding your pup can not only pose a risk for them, but also to yourself and those around you! This is because raw meat is likely to contain harmful bacteria such as Salmonella, Listeria, E. coli, and more. These bacteria can be contracted by handling the raw meat, letting your dog lick you, cleaning up the dog’s feces, or touching any contaminated surfaces. In other words, feeding uncooked meat increases the risk that you and your pup will develop a foodborne illness or a type of bacterial infection. It is also worth noting that many therapy dog associations prohibit dogs that are eating raw meat from being part of their program due to the risks that the dogs may bring. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/9f7ef345-d05e-443e-926a-78db894bed0e/unsplash-image-BXs8SjVelKs.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Food of the Wild - Clarifications First! Okay, I would just like to clarify a few things first before we get started. When I say raw meat, it refers to all different kinds of meat. Yes, this blog will be putting poultry and seafood meat under the list of raw meats because I would like to put in as much information into one blog as possible instead of scattering it out. Plus, i’m not sure what else I could put in without overlapping content from previous blogs haha. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/106e729a-1cfe-4cdc-8e9d-a4a4dcdf4bf0/unsplash-image-cVdrSt6LykE.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Food of the Wild - The Main Question… Can dogs eat raw meat? According to Dr. RuthAnn Lobos (DVM), she says that dogs can eat raw meat but feeding your dog a diet of purely raw meat may not provide the balanced and complete nutrition your pooch needs to thrive because our dogs are in fact omnivorous! Back on track. Why exactly are dogs able to digest raw meats? This is due to our pups having a lower stomach acid pH. How low exactly? Dogs have a stomach acid pH lower than 2. Humans have a stomach acid pH of 2 which helps explain why dogs can consume raw meats but we “can’t”. Having a pH below 2 allows for the acid to more effectively kill parasites and harmful bacteria found in the flesh of meat! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1641150500437-5JBB84K8W7XP0NLU6DBO/unsplash-image-jeiqzOgwwKU.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Food of the Wild - Benefits of Cooked Meat Cooked meat is a safer alternative for your dog as it eliminates potential contamination. Properly cooked meat can make the food more digestible for your pup and for those reasons, can be great for senior dogs with weaker digestive systems! Not only that, easily digested food allows for the organism to better absorb and utilize the nutrients more effectively for producing energy, building muscles, and supporting the immune system! Even if your pup needs a high protein diet, you can still preserve much of the protein by gently (lightly) cooking the food using low temperature cooking along with the added bonus of elimination of potential contamination. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1641150519268-S84MMBDGBDW6VFNPUKO6/unsplash-image-5Vr_RVPfbMI.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Food of the Wild - An Alternative… Although it may sound as if I am trying to steer you away from giving your pup raw food, that is not the purpose here. In fact, I do give my dog, Juju, raw meat and she absolutely loves it! She would often eat all the raw bits first and leave the kibble left in her dog tray. So why do I sound so against raw meat consumption for dogs? To be honest, raw meat is great for dogs depending on the form it takes. For Juju, I give her raw meat in the form of freeze-dried dog food. What is it you might ask? Freeze-dried dog food is essentially raw meat that has had all of its moisture sucked out through freezing temperatures and has underwent a multi-step drying process. This results in the raw meat becoming a bone-dry, shelf-stable product that can last for years and that can also be plumped back up by adding water! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1641150537114-89B9Q6Z1OAZ4IK1YIT4Z/unsplash-image-wAP_IBPhn-4.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Food of the Wild - More About Freeze-Dried Foods (Part I) So if freeze-dried meat is basically raw meat in a different form, why am I so for freeze-dried meat? That is a great question! Even though both fall under the category of raw meat, a noticable difference between the two that makes freeze-dried meat a great option for pet owners who want to give their pup more “natural” foods but at the same time, want to better avoid the possibility of food contamination is that freeze-dried meats undergo high-pressure processing (HPP). HPP is a pasteurization process used to decrease quantities of harmful bacteria, making freeze-dried meats a safe bet for those who want to give their dog some raw meat. And don’t worry, the majority of the nutrients in freeze-dried foods still remain! https://www.bettercareforpets.org/blog-1/deaf-and-blind monthly 0.5 2022-02-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1644196460579-3YSKLYEW34FV28MS5HBF/unsplash-image-Flt4FnqI__A.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Deaf and Blind - What Owners Can Do Some may think that it is cruel to keep a blind dog alive, but it isn’t necessarily true. Blind dogs can do well as long as you don’t change their routine. You can also use sounds for commands instead of visual cues. If your dog has lost just some part of their vision, you can help your pooch out by giving them good lighting! For example, you could put up nightlights around the house so that your dog can feel more comfortable walking around the house. Just make sure to block the stairs! As for preventative measures, make sure your pup gets plenty of exercise and nutrient rich food! Infections of the eye can be caused by clogged tear ducts. Signs of clogged tear ducks are the infamous brown tear stains near the corners of the dog’s eyes. You can reduce the chance of infection by using a piece of damp cotton and wipe outwards from the corners and along the lids. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/bc038271-b130-4bc8-861a-8f9ef17e2545/unsplash-image-gYxVSeZazXU.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Deaf and Blind - What causes deafness? (Part I) Like vision loss, deafness can be caused by congenital defects, chronic ear infections, head injuries, degenerative nerve changes, old age, ruptured eardrum, and diseases with genetics again being a factor. Something that I would like to point out is that -although we do not know why- there seems to be a link between predominantly white or "merle” coats and deafness. It is also important to note that there is temporary deafness which can be caused by blockages, mild infections, and medication side effects. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1644196698484-9KHVOHKQ0ND18ZJQRS56/unsplash-image-Tf18kgGiop4.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Deaf and Blind - What Owners Can Do (Part II) The power of having an exercise routine for your pup and having a nutrient rich diet is really displayed in this blog as not only is it great for maintaining your pup’s vision but also their hearing! Similar to us, a great way to help protect your pups hearing is to avoid unnecessary sudden loud noises, avoid sharp or high pitched noises, and prevent exposure to loud repetitive noises. You have to protect those fragile hair cells! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1644196549419-PK0KMP0GX387UZE54YE0/unsplash-image-gRHEt2kF3NU.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Deaf and Blind - What causes deafness? (Part II) Hearing impairment in dogs is due to damage and death of hair cells in the inner ear. These cells are crucial for hearing as they pick up sound vibrations, generate a nerve impulse, and send it to the brain to interpret. Hearing loss is gradual and degrades slowly over years. Thus, if your dog is suffering immediate hearing loss, it could be because of a blockage. If you are not sure, always make sure to consult with a veterinarian! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1644190891656-FYWM3ATEC9G8W8SSIJ5A/unsplash-image--KWX2LlZ_3M.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Deaf and Blind - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/a2e44a8f-f128-41fa-b51b-302a7209e9df/unsplash-image-NY6UWHDu4fQ.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Deaf and Blind - What Owners Can Do (Part I) Just like blind dogs, deaf dogs can be easily scared and because of that, it is very important to approach them first and allow for them to adjust to your presence before petting them. You can also let people know that your pooch is deaf before letting them pet them. It is important to not forget that your dog won’t be able to hear sounds from other dogs and animals such as aggressive growling from dogs and hissing from cats. As for training, it is not impossible for your dog to no longer learn new tricks (great for bonding and enrichment!). This can be made possible by creating unique hand signals for different commands. It is also very important to let your dog know when you’re leaving the house as it can frighten them when they cannot find you. In addition, deaf dogs tend to sleep very deeply so always -for such reasons- wake them up gently to avoid startling them or you can also put a small piece of food under their nose to wake them up. Dogs love the smell of food! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1644196427089-FSX9QFDV8ZU7RZ6ITXCY/unsplash-image-gOj023vV8CQ.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Deaf and Blind - How can I tell if my dog is going blind? A way to tell if your dog is going blind is by noticing if they are bumping into things and are becoming more clumsy than normal. Blind dogs also tend to be more easily scared, jumpy, apprehensive, confused, or anxious. Vision compromised dogs also have a higher chance of experiencing depression and end up sleeping more than usual. They can also struggle to find water, food, and toys. Other than behavioral signs, you may see a few physical signs of visual impairment such as redness around the eye and cloudy, enlarged pupils. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1644196216815-RPGDFFBTRVKFPBOZ1V73/unsplash-image-QoMSttUnMes.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Deaf and Blind - What causes blindness? Factors such as glaucoma, cataracts, old age, diabetes, injury to the eye, progressive retinal atrophy, dry eye, retinal degeneration syndrome, and infection can all contribute to your dog developing blindness with genetics also playing a great role. What this means is that certain breeds may be more prone to becoming blind than others. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1644196573345-UV7LHAZU5WPYLXIGB27L/unsplash-image-zdjZ4kCaJaY.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Deaf and Blind - How can I tell if my dog is going deaf? Dogs with significant hearing loss may become less obedient or attentive and stop responding when you call their name. They may also not react to loud noises such as doorbells. Deaf dogs -like blind dogs- are harder to wake up and become less active in their lives. Signs that hint towards your dog being deaf is if they start to bark excessively or shake and tilt their head. It is common for dogs to suffer greater hearing loss in one ear than another at first. If you notice that your pup seems to be confused after you call them, this may be hinting towards this. This is because they are not able to pinpoint the source of the sound. https://www.bettercareforpets.org/blog-1/yipper-yapper monthly 0.5 2022-04-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1650326466961-6JSF4Q1602OH2D26RIVX/unsplash-image-9S4GyfpxnTI.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Yipper Yapper - Strategies (Part II) The second method is being stern with your pup. Every time your pooch begins barking at the “stranger”, pull their leash up lightly enough for the dog to be able to sense it and keep on holding the leash up. Do not pull the leash up further if your dog does not show change (you can trust that they can feel their leash being pulled up). If your pup begins barking, give them a stern no while still holding the leash up. Do this a few times and once your dog stops barking, reward them with a treat! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1650327890202-WWBJEE65O4V7N3T0BL6A/unsplash-image-cjNaoIqbWCI.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Yipper Yapper - Reinforcement Once your dog has been trained using one of the above stated methods, you can reinforce the training with this last step: the sitting down and remaining calm method. Train your dog by having a stranger approaching you and your pup as you instruct your dog to sit. If they sit on command, reward them a tasty treat! If they do not remain seated, make sure to correct them and refrain from giving a reward until they get it right. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1650326512166-LIGFM9GYL5A64G4GNY41/unsplash-image-zn2M1iILVUk.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Yipper Yapper - Strategies (Part III) Another beneficial way to keep your dog from barking at a stranger is by distracting them. Once your pup begins barking at the model stranger, distract them with a noise (examples include jangling keys, whistling, snapping, or using a clicker). Once your dog stops barking and you have gained their attention, instruct them to sit and stay calm. Make sure to reward your pup with a treat after every successful distraction. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1650326737554-X5LC1L747AZW8P2A05LZ/unsplash-image-mr58GkEDKMI.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Yipper Yapper - Strategies (Part IV) The penultimate method to train your pooch to stop barking at strangers and other dogs is through what is called the quiet method. The quiet method involves letting your dog bark a few times in the presence of a stranger. After a few barks, the owner will then gently hold their muzzle to stop the barking and say “quiet/stop”. If “muzzling” your pup causes frustration or un-cooperation, you can still attempt this method without the holding. Avoid shouting at your dog as this will only produce negative reinforcement. After your pup has calmed down, take your hand off their muzzle and reward them with a treat! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/6e69ead9-66d5-4da6-8da5-974dc5e4e8b9/unsplash-image-5rxO4lR8L1Q.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Yipper Yapper - Why? Just as I have done in the past few blogs, we need to understand why a dog may bark at a stranger before we deep dive into the training. There are four main reasons as to why your dog may be barking at another dog or just a passing stranger. The first is being territorial (if your pup only barks at others when they approach their home or come near you during walks), the second is excitement (barking at strangers with a wagging tail and butt), the third is lack of socialization with people/dogs (being unfamiliar with the stranger and the situation), and fourth is fear (afraid of new people and animals). Below, I will be listing methods as to how to train your pup from barking at strangers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1650259955117-MXSZLGJMVHQNGGQD9L9U/unsplash-image-e5dkQjh89RQ.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Yipper Yapper - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/66da055a-b1ef-4cf9-8ad0-c8ee32eaa7ee/unsplash-image-X1RQ3b6ZhUs.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Yipper Yapper - Strategies (Part I) The first method is ignoring the bad behavior. It is important to help your dog realize that they will not be rewarded with attention when they bark at strangers or other dogs. Unintentional rewarding of bad behavior can include petting your dog, holding onto your dog, etc. You can train your dog to stop barking at strangers by having a friend pose as a stranger in an area that your pup seems to bark the most. It is important that your friend does not make eye contact and react to the dog when they are barking/jumping. Once the dog stops barking, the stranger can reward them with a treat. When the dog becomes accustomed to this change, make sure to increase the reward once-in-a-while when they greet a stranger respectfully. https://www.bettercareforpets.org/blog-1/wolfing-down-food monthly 0.5 2022-08-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/6ae72c86-dcf5-4277-bf9a-da5630b74b42/unsplash-image-GokBcmdOI6I.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Wolfing Down Food - How can I have my dog eat slower? (Part IV) The fourth way to help reduce the speed of which your dog eats is doing it the old fashioned way: hand feeding! That way, your dog will have to lick all of the kibbles out of your hand and cannot take huge gulps of food. This can also work as a great way to help bond with your pup making mealtime both fun and safe! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1660707927786-4IHSW23QVEJKWYB5M5RP/unsplash-image-4Cuz3ls1BCI.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Wolfing Down Food - How can I have my dog eat slower? (Part III) The third way to help your dog eat slow is to use the muffin pan trick. The muffin pan trick involves using the muffin pan as a dog feeding tray and filling each of the “trays” with dog food. This will force your pooch to eat little by little at a time and help to eliminate excessive gulping. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1660708244192-GRPXD63YKW1WH24N9SU5/unsplash-image-fF0se3AQfqM.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Wolfing Down Food - How can I have my dog eat slower? (Part V) The last way to help prevent your dog from wolfing down their food is scheduling more frequent meal times. This will be found to be more helpful if your pup has one or two big meals a day. Breaking up meal times can help reduce your pup’s urge to gulp down their food out of hunger and helps them know that another meal is coming soon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1660707724427-R36I40HJQUV3JJVUD74G/unsplash-image-qSUdupWudcY.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Wolfing Down Food - How can I have my dog eat slower? (Part I) Just as with most issues, there almost always are solutions! One solution is using food puzzles. These are toys that are compromised of different obstacles as well as nooks and crannies for the dog’s food to fit into, effectively making it difficult to take large gulps of food. There are many different kinds of food puzzles available so pick the one that you think would work the best for your pooch! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/9750c157-f00c-4d81-a7bd-f7fabec3b774/unsplash-image-A7a2Xm9cJpk.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Wolfing Down Food - How can I have my dog eat slower? (Part II) Another solution would be the use of slow-feeder bowls. There are many different brands of slow-feed dog bowls on the market and all seem to do decently. Just make sure to read the reviews to determine what would work best for you! If you do not like any of the options given however, you can try to create your own slow-feeder bowl by using multiple bowls to feed your dog. You can do this by grabbing an empty bowl that is about 2-3 times larger than your dog’s regular feeding bowl then taking your dog’s regular bowl and placing it upside down into the large bowl. Doing so will create a gap between the two bowls yet allow enough room for your pooch to push some kibbles in between the gap. As a result, this will force your pup to eat more slowly. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1660708374414-P3VZZAW2CM524LHLZFYC/unsplash-image-RCDcigzmtII.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Wolfing Down Food - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1660707696685-JZ9B08AF4GHTLFNPHAQ3/unsplash-image-X68bCdsQwfc.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Wolfing Down Food - Dangers of Wolfing Down Food There are a few dangers of a dog wolfing down food. One reason is that they can choke on their food which can often result in vomiting and discomfort. Another reason is that it can increase the risk of bloat. Bloat occurs when the stomach or intestines expand and twist within the abdomen resulting in the dog going into shock. Such expansion of the stomach or intestine is often caused by eating too quickly resulting in an excessive amount of air being pushed into the digestive system along with food. https://www.bettercareforpets.org/blog-1/puppy-troubles monthly 0.5 2024-01-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1672254884358-FVTOH1HL4F6IOES1LZRK/unsplash-image-IE2Z11zKsso.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Puppy Troubles - Weaning The average age it takes for puppies to begin weaning is three to four weeks of age. It is highly recommended to not take the puppies away from their mother too early as it can result in your puppy becoming more prone to diseases and developing behavioral problems. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/f8fd5772-2513-4a71-b1c2-5813c754a81a/unsplash-image-V-b68_mY2Ws.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Puppy Troubles - Nutritious Meals As puppies need to consume the necessary calories and nutrients they need to grow and thrive, it is important for them to have not only a nutritious meal, but also a well balanced meal. Thus, it would be the most appropriate for a puppy owner to buy dry or wet puppy food. But if you do wish to make your own homemade puppy chow for your baby pooch, make sure that the meal contains an appropriate amount of protein (e.g. chicken, lean beef, fish), carbohydrates (e.g. rice, potatoes), vegetables (e.g. green peas, carrots), fat (i.e. most commonly vegetable oil), and vitamin/mineral supplements. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/8ce612a1-b6f0-4461-a137-d4516f493fba/unsplash-image-fPX1hNfxf7s.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Puppy Troubles - Alone Time Just like any baby, puppies require more frequent attention than their adult counterparts. According to the American Kennel Club, puppies younger than 10 weeks cannot be left alone for more than an hour and from three to six months of age, they should not be left for longer than their age (e.g. puppies three months of age should not be left alone for longer than three hours). Puppies that are six months or older should not be left alone for four hours or longer. Remember to keep in mind that this guideline is a rule of thumb and can vary depending on your pooch’s age, breed, and personality! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1752bf2e-2348-40d0-ab95-eb8770f36f1f/unsplash-image-o8CA1Kj8TJU.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Puppy Troubles - Play Time Most dog owners will agree that the best time for a dog to develop good habits is during puppyhood. This won’t be different with learning the best and safest way to have play time with each other which in this case, would be using toys and not your hands. Playing with your puppy by using your hands can teach them that it is ok to bite and scratch you and other potential strangers or visitors. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/7be5b7ec-d3f4-460d-aa20-bf79cead383d/unsplash-image-pueU9kKIkXw.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Puppy Troubles - Adventuring Onwards! While it is important that the pup grows physically healthy, it is also very important for the pup to get enough mental stimulation and growth as well. Presenting different kinds of toys and puzzles, smells, new places, etc all contribute to the mental stimulation of a pup. However, it is also important to not overwhelm your pup with so many new experiences that they become stressed. Make sure to approach everything with small steps at a time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1672346195541-OIQPCIP76F0SDY2QN1AE/unsplash-image-65ZMOrY9eEg.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Puppy Troubles - Social Life Similar to kittens, puppies also have a socialization period. This socialization period lasts from three to 12 weeks of age. During this time period, it is important for the caretaker to gradually introduce the pup to new people, places, and other potential doggie friends! Doing so would prevent behavioral problems from arising in the future. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1672176237073-ITD5WC12YN7EUOYYHXKI/unsplash-image-UspYqrVBsIo.jpg Blogs for Dogs - Puppy Troubles - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.bettercareforpets.org/blog-3 daily 0.75 2023-12-29 https://www.bettercareforpets.org/blog-3/the-covid-19-pandemic-and-your-cat monthly 0.5 2021-03-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1610347029020-JSDJ1PBPUD8BMCM2LP7V/image-asset.jpeg Blogs for Cats - The COVID-19 Pandemic and Your Cat - What if I catch COVID-19? If you or a feline caretaker is diagnosed with COVID-19, the CDC recommends for the infected person to quarantine themselves from other people and animals. They also highly recommend for the person to leave their cat in the care of other individuals who are not infected with COVID-19. However, if you cannot find anyone to take care of your kitten for you, the current recommendation -from outside sources- is to avoid as much contact with your cat as possible, wash your hands thoroughly before and after interacting with the cat, and to wear a face mask. The person must also refrain from allowing the cat to breathe or lick their faces to reduce the risk of spreading the virus to your feline friend. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1610347187632-00IRB9EFO50W6FDNK5PP/image-asset.jpeg Blogs for Cats - The COVID-19 Pandemic and Your Cat - Can the virus be passed on your cat’s fur? It is possible that the virus could live on your pet, similar to how the virus lives on any other surface. But because pet fur is a porous surface, this means that it can absorb and trap the virus which makes it harder to spread by touch. What this means is that it is very unlikely that you would contract COVID-19 by interacting with your pets. Regardless, it is still a good idea for pet owners to wash their hands before and after you pet them as a cautionary measure as recommended by the CDC (the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). It may also be a good idea to bathe your cat more frequently -but not to an unhealthy extent- than you normally would. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1610346989604-URSTKPZHPUTU8J0TWT8J/image-asset.jpeg Blogs for Cats - The COVID-19 Pandemic and Your Cat - Should I keep my cat indoors? Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is a good idea to keep your kitten indoors as it can reduce their chances of being infected with COVID-19 and can help reduce the spread of COVID-19 to fellow felines. Keeping your cat indoors can also help protect native wildlife as well! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1609831712904-7EXDV13SV2QXBE5G67OC/image-asset.jpeg Blogs for Cats - The COVID-19 Pandemic and Your Cat https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1610347233131-E8F037KTB7CGGPE2IYK6/image-asset.jpeg Blogs for Cats - The COVID-19 Pandemic and Your Cat - How do I know if my kitten caught the virus? Since there have not been a lot of cases in which cat’s contracted the COVID-19 virus, we cannot be certain of the symptoms. However, based on a few cases, symptoms seem to include gastrointestinal and respiratory issues: an infected cat in Belgium developed gastrointestinal and respiratory issues and two cats from New York both developed mild respiratory illness. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1610347297209-0QJLMMA04O6FG3I3UEUX/image.jpg Blogs for Cats - The COVID-19 Pandemic and Your Cat - Can your cat get infected with the virus? You may have heard of the multiple cases in which dogs, cats, and even tigers were tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. But before you jump to conclusions, it is important to understand that these cases are rare and most of the pets had only mild COVID-19 symptoms. The chances for an infected person to infect your cat are low and the same can be said vice versa. This is because in order for a human to infect a cat with COVID-19, this would require the virus to undergo a mutation which would allow it to infect cats instead of humans. From this logic, this would also mean that in order for a cat to infect a human with the COVID-19 virus, the virus must mutate to be able to infect a human. https://www.bettercareforpets.org/blog-3/k7yu7ga0gd324hwbnbdbxtqqlq1jrp monthly 0.5 2021-03-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1609389285934-G0WBRLT9ZZTAMLXNB0U4/image-asset.jpeg Blogs for Cats - The Righting Reflex - History For many years, cats’ ability to almost always land on all fours had scientists baffled since the 19th century. It was initially believed that when cats were dropped, they somehow pushed off the person’s hand. However, this was proved to be incorrect by French scientist Etienne-Jules Marey in 1894. He discovered this to not be true by using a chronophotographic camera which allowed him to capture a video 60 frames a second of a cat’s fall and thus enabled him to watch how a cat fell in slow-motion. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1609389249723-WB4E0B0CYSOEGS3RQ93L/image-asset.jpeg Blogs for Cats - The Righting Reflex - How is it done? Remember that the righting reflex is an inbuilt balancing system. SInce this is a balancing system, this allows the cat to quickly figure out which way is up and which way is down with the vestibular apparatus -located in the cat’s ear- being primarily responsible. Once the cat figures out which way is down, the cat turns itself the right way around during the fall by rotating their head instantly so that the rest of their body can follow. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1609389369311-6M5R2JS8110U29I9UU7V/image-asset.jpeg Blogs for Cats - The Righting Reflex - A Unique Skeleton A cat’s skeletal structure is incredibly unique. Their backbone is very flexible and consists of 30 vertebrae which are connected by especially elastic cushioning disks between them. Because their spine is flexible, this allows them to quickly correct themselves with ease during their fall. In addition, their low body to weight ratio helps them land on all four feet as it helps slow their velocity while falling. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1609389537149-HP4LK8CB75XTAHU6XT79/image-asset.jpeg Blogs for Cats - The Righting Reflex - Why do cats have the righting reflex? Cats’ ability to almost always land on their feet is because they are adapted to spend a lot of time in trees and climbing. This caused them to evolve and gain traits such as a long tail, flexible spine, and the righting reflex! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1609384008627-ZJCKC99JAC9K7VRMQ8XX/image-asset.jpeg Blogs for Cats - The Righting Reflex https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1609389169631-WRIEYBU8TW8O1B1BL251/image-asset.jpeg Blogs for Cats - The Righting Reflex - What is the righting reflex? The Righting Reflex is an inbuilt balancing system in cats and is responsible for a cat’s ability to almost always land on all four paws. It is important to know that cats cannot always land on all four feet as the height of the fall can affect their ability to land safely. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1609389461361-WXCP54ECEZOD8AFQK6Q7/image-asset.jpeg Blogs for Cats - The Righting Reflex - Young Kittens The righting reflex is developed early in cats and can first be seen in kittens as early as 3 weeks old. By 7 weeks it is fully developed! https://www.bettercareforpets.org/blog-3/how-to-keep-your-cat-active monthly 0.5 2021-03-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1612335261136-QCF0ZV6A53OTN44WRUNO/image-asset.jpeg Blogs for Cats - How to keep your Cat Active - How can maintain my cat’s healthy weight? To maintain your cat’s weight, the best way to ensure this is to make certain that your kitten gets plenty of mental stimulation and physical exercise which can be acquired through playtime and to also regulate how much food you give your kitten as well. Performing these two simple tasks can help your cat maintain his/her weight. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1612063373973-7SJBDDM2ASKC17HWGIWQ/image.jpg Blogs for Cats - How to keep your Cat Active - How can I get my kitten to lose some of his/her weight? (Part Two) Another great way to help your cat lose weight is to get them become more active. Cats especially sleep a lot with an average of about 12-20 hours per day. This is because in the wild, cats would need to sleep in order to conserve their energy to catch their next meal. It is an instinct that domestic cats share so they they are able to prepare for their next hunt. Since cats are strict carnivores -meaning that they eat only meat- and have a strong instinct for hunting and killing their prey, the best way for you to get the attention of your cat is to make your play time with your kitten hunting orientated. Not only will this make them more engaged during their play time but it can also be a form of great exercise. However, be expected for your cat to stop playing a game after a short period of time because after a wild cat stalks its prey for three to five minutes, the cat will give up and look for another potential source of food. This will most likely be true for your kitten as well so if they do lose interest, try switching over to another game for them to play. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1612063231461-2VG21ZP4IOQL9GVPKB1R/image.jpg Blogs for Cats - How to keep your Cat Active - How can I get my kitten to lose some of his/her weight? (Part One) The best way to get your cat to lose some weight during the COVID-19 pandemic is to reduce the amount of treats, table scraps, and cat food you give to your cat. Maintaining a healthy intake of food for your cat is the first step to losing weight and to achieving a healthier lifestyle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1612063897354-26EWYGK8I9Y5L4F40XXE/image.jpg Blogs for Cats - How to keep your Cat Active - What is the best way to play the hunting-orientated games with my kitten? As I have mentioned before, because your cat has strong hunting instincts, even as a young kitten, it is best to play hunting-orientated games with your kitten. Doing so can also help reduce the amount of wildlife your cat can potentially kill because their hunting needs will be satisfied during playtime. As to how you should play the games, you should try to reenact the toy’s movements as realistically as possible as if it were a real animal. You can also think of it as a game of pretend for your cat. The more realistic you make the game for your kitten, the longer they will be engaged and the more exercise they will get. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1612060604269-ZHSVYY2TU4F63NZJ8BUC/image-asset.jpeg Blogs for Cats - How to keep your Cat Active - The COVID-19 Pandemic’s Linkage to Weight Gain in Cats Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people are gaining weight due to less physical exercise, increased food consumption, and also decreased mental health -mainly because of the lack of socialization. But not only we are impacted by the pandemic, our cats are too. Many may believe that the main reason as to why our pets are gaining weight is because of less exercise, which is partially true. However, the main culprit for weight gain in both cats and dogs are treats. Because we spend more time indoors and with our furry friends, this makes us more inclined to give our pets more treats during the pandemic. In a 2020 report, it states that since the beginning of COVID-19, 33% of pet owners say that their pet became overweight during the pandemic. This is a huge number and knowing the main (potential) causes of obesity of your furry friend during the COVID-19 pandemic -increased consumption of food (especially treats) and decreased exercise- is one of the best ways to prevent this from occurring. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1612049270212-YN5B49DI2HY7X00C5BV6/image-asset.jpeg Blogs for Cats - How to keep your Cat Active https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1612061479463-S2BX29IAE0TCRP1MMAQ0/image-asset.jpeg Blogs for Cats - How to keep your Cat Active - Complications that come along with Obesity in Cats As important it is to understand the causes of obesity, it is also important to learn about the health effects that obesity can have on your kitten. Cat obesity is important to address because it is associated with risks such as diabetes, liver disease, urinary problems, arthritis, GI diseases, skin problems, lameness, pancreatitis, decreased quality of life, and even an increased possibility of cancer. https://www.bettercareforpets.org/blog-3/flea-and-tick-removal-guest-writerjanyn-roldan monthly 0.5 2021-06-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1616397734385-9Z9E2VPCMP4U8WPYZ6CL/unsplash-image-GNVn_4bC2kk.jpg Blogs for Cats - Flea and Tick Removal [GUEST POST] - Another Method for Flea Removal Another way to remove fleas apart from bathing a kitten because there is another powerful weapon…. the flea comb! In addition, comb out the kitten in a warm room so they do not get a chill or develop a cold. Grab a bowl of warm water and add a few drops of liquid detergent. Comb the fleas, flea dirt, and their eggs off. Then dip them in the water bowl, and mix the comb around the water to drown them. You should speak to a vet for what they recommend for flea medications, as most of them are DEADLY to kittens, and that’s why a manual removal is one of the safest cleaning processes to get fleas out. Always check with a vet before utilizing the prescribed medicine on your kitten. Some of them require the kitten to be at least eight weeks old, so you can safely use them to kill any flea offspring. In addition, avoid using natural oils that are toxic for the kitten’s flea removal, such as: lavender, eucalyptus, and geranium. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1616395955486-X5H4YS8K3PEC7IIPL4F1/unsplash-image-1z3rQWnRyGY.jpg Blogs for Cats - Flea and Tick Removal [GUEST POST] - Getting Rid of the Fleas and Ticks (Part 1) Treatment for taking out fleas or ticks are different, but they share the same procedure when being taken out altogether: baths. Kittens panic and get chilly during the process, thus bathing them must be done quickly in under two minutes. Never leave a kitten wet and unattended! Go to a sink and turn on the water for warm water, and once it’s warm put it on the kitten’s body. NOT THEIR HEADS!!! Create a ring of soap around their necks to prevent many of the disgusting insects from crawling up to their face. After doing that, put more soap on their bodies and hand scrub them as you grab water. You must wash from their neck down to their body, while avoiding any of their head parts. If you hear them crying, it does sound really sad, but it’s a good sign to know they are responsive and alive. Don’t panic because you are amazing in saving the kitten’s life. Once you finish fighting the war against those little intruders, get a towel and wrap the kitten for them to dry, because it is dreadful to leave them wet to freeze. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1616306699986-DEOMVZ5HOECP09X985FC/unsplash-image-2KZfAwi-0W4.jpg Blogs for Cats - Flea and Tick Removal [GUEST POST] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1616394751585-V6SWZ80UFYK094YHS7DK/unsplash-image-TDUpwlnUA5U.jpg Blogs for Cats - Flea and Tick Removal [GUEST POST] - Finding a Stray Kitten From spring to fall, Kitten Season approaches for a vast majority of shelters to take in poor, unwanted kittens. However, there are some shelters that aren’t able to safeguard all kittens, and are left in their harsh environment without a mother at times. If you find a kitten, or even a litter, that is left alone without a mother, you should wait 3 hours for the adult cat to return. But, if the cat doesn’t return within the time limit, or even if you see that the kitten(s) is in bad condition, you should bring them to a nearby vet. It is usually expensive to pay vets to take care of kittens until they get sheltered, but it is really simple to take care of them with a proper schedule. Most importantly, what all kittens have a problem with when it comes to their health deteriorating is from fleas or ticks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1616395623834-82PKI11MO6EKJP42GR06/unsplash-image-gMW8gtj04eg.jpg Blogs for Cats - Flea and Tick Removal [GUEST POST] - What should I do once I take them home? When you first take them home: Cozy up the kitten with a nice blanket if they are left in a cold area. Of course, that blanket would be infested with ticks or flea dirt and shouldn’t be used again unless it’s washed. But at an early age, a kitten’s body isn’t developed enough to produce their own negative feedback against the cold. (For an additional precaution, microwave a heat pad for 5 minutes to increase the cozy temperature of the blanket.) Once they are snuggled and comfortable, make the KMR formula with warm milk, and suck it up with the 3 cc syringe with a miracle nipple attached. By feeding the kitten with essential vitamins and minerals within the formula, it would help them gain more strength to get those fiendish infestationaries off, and rejuvenate them a little to proper health. This is essential to prepare them for a safe water cleaning to get rid of those fleas and ticks, because if you make a kitten go through a bathing right away, this could kill them! As I’ve explained before, kittens can’t produce body heat to fight the cold at a young age. So it is better to prepare their bodies with warmth and KMR formula, otherwise they won’t survive! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1616395074768-NH78V5UCGY2YUIT5ICYF/unsplash-image-VvO8e8n0Ffg.jpg Blogs for Cats - Flea and Tick Removal [GUEST POST] - Fleas and Ticks Fleas are tiny, fiendish insects that nest in a kitten’s fur and feed on their blood. There also excrete flea droppings (or flea dirt) that is their blood or feces that can visually appear around a kitten’s fur. Flea dirt acts as a food source for their developing larvae, which come from their nasty eggs. That’s very disgusting, but if you see it on a kitten, it is a clear sign they have flea infestation. This would make a kitten miserable with severe discomfort! They could suffer from flea allergy dermatitis (FAD), anemia, transmission of tapeworm infection, and even worse… They wouldn’t survive with so much blood taken away from them at an early age! Ticks are larger than fleas, and creepy arachnid crawlies that also suck blood off of kittens. They are measured to be from 1 mm to 1 cm long, and have white, round shaped body with eight spider legs. The scariest thing about them is that… They are far more DANGEROUS than fleas, since they are capable of spreading many diseases if there were a critical infestation! Those tick carriers can transfer: tapeworm, bartonellosis, babesiosis, anemia, Lyme disease, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever on animals. Thankfully, they are far more easier to spot due to their varying size. In addition, you can feel them like small bumps when you stroke a kitten. That is very heartbreaking to see, and we must save those poor angels! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1616395289915-RQ7VTL5QPR6JO06X9QEC/unsplash-image-r4P0J_2azpE.jpg Blogs for Cats - Flea and Tick Removal [GUEST POST] - What should I do when I find a sick, stray kitten? Once you take them to the vet and are diagnosed to have fleas or ticks that transfer a severe disease on them, it is important to follow their procedures if you are given prescriptions for medicine treatment. Although, if you are unable to schedule a vet appointment and you know they have fleas or ticks, you should go to Petco or any other pet provider store near you and get the essential following: Fluffy blanket Heat Pad 3 cc oral syringe (no needle) Miracle Nipples or a suction nipple perfect for feeding a kitten Fragrance-free soap or dish detergent Soft Sponge KMR-It is a complete diet kitten powder formula to mix with water that is life-saving with fortified vitamins and minerals. DON’T feed them with any other formula for humans, adult cats, or other animals, JUST the KMR!!! Flea comb https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1616397692741-NI44I9CEAZRNLRZGF5V9/unsplash-image-PIOaj0-cDmA.jpg Blogs for Cats - Flea and Tick Removal [GUEST POST] - Another Method for Tick Removal Now to get rid of those dangerous ticks. You’re gonna need: a pair of gloves, tweezers, and an insecticide jar or rubbing alcohol. Put on the gloves and use one hand to hold down the kitten. Using the tweezers, pick out the tick. DON’T TRY TO SQUEEZE A TICK WHILE PICKING THEM UP WITH THE TWEEZER. Squeezing them will cause a tick’s harmful inner bacteria to flood into the kitten’s bloodstream. Drop those little aliens in a jar of insecticide or alcohol. Then, wash your hands for up to 20 seconds. If you talk to a vet for tick prevention medications, you can apply it on the kitten’s coat. Talk to your vet for more prevention medications before utilization. If you have antiseptics, gently apply it to a tick bite to prevent infections and check for any infection symptoms (lethargy, stiff limbs, fever, appetite loss). Important Note: (I am not a veterinarian and found all of these treatments from my research. If you are in doubt, you should contact your veterinarian for the best treatment option) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1616396139107-HWGBBLRQ4PCM5XLC6PEA/unsplash-image-1z3rQWnRyGY.jpg Blogs for Cats - Flea and Tick Removal [GUEST POST] - Getting Rid of the Fleas and Ticks (Part 2) 4. Next, grab a sponge and use the soft spot fused with little water to gently scrape the insects to give them, and if some living bugs wouldn’t come off, try grabbing them out of the kitten’s head. 5. When you finish, grab a spare toothbrush and a blowdryer on a nice heat setting to quickly dry them as you brush their fur. Make sure they lay on a heat pad that is under their wrapped towel to keep them snug and happy. Also, a toothbrush stroking their fur reminds them of their mother cat grooming them with their tongues, which keeps the kitten feel comfortable. 6. But this isn’t the end… If there are still fleas on the kitten, grab some tweezers and take off the remaining little buggers. https://www.bettercareforpets.org/blog-3/lwl38uc2a3skm6dw3e53hwwqgkh9so monthly 0.5 2022-01-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1613271441590-J9G1S7BR4VHNS66QB9D6/image-asset.jpeg Blogs for Cats - Brushing your Cat’s Teeth - What if my cat is fighting against me when I try to brush their teeth? If your cat is being rebellious against you when it comes to brushing their teeth, the best thing to do is to take each step in your cat’s dental hygiene journey more slowly. No cat is the same and will react and take a different amount of time to adjust. However, if your cat has been rebellious for many months and years, then the next best thing to do is to gently wrap your kitten in a towel so that they will not be able to move around as much, making it easier for you to brush their teeth. You can also ask another person to help you gently hold the cat during the procedure. It is important to brush your cat’s teeth gently as well which can help them overall feel more comfortable. By making your cat more comfortable, it will make it easier to brush their teeth. Brushing your kitten’s teeth should not be a battle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1613271337495-9IGIHCOEJQKDN1KJYX5U/image-asset.jpeg Blogs for Cats - Brushing your Cat’s Teeth - How to Brush your Kitten’s Teeth (Part 2) Once your kitten has gotten used to the taste of toothpaste, practice getting used to the position that you need to get into in order to have an easier brushing your kitten’s teeth. Approach your cat with his or her back towards you because this will give you better control as cats, when startled, will often move backwards. Next, spread your hand gently on your kitten’s head by using your thumb and second finger to gently grip around the cheekbone. Make sure to lift your index finger so it does not block your kitten’s vision. Once this is done, gently tilt their head up and use your thumb to lift up the upper lip. As for the other hand, use your thumb and finger to pull down your cat’s lower lip. Doing so will give you a good view of one side of your cat’s teeth. Do this for 3 days. After the 3rd day has passed you can begin to add toothpaste into the mix by rubbing it onto the teeth in a circular motion. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1613267577367-9Z8AHUHV330QTF4X4DYN/image-asset.jpeg Blogs for Cats - Brushing your Cat’s Teeth - What if I choose not to brush my kitten’s teeth? Not brushing your cat’s teeth can promote plaque and tartar formation, lead to gum disease, and promote bad breath. If an owner does not brush their cat’s teeth, it can led to the removal of multiple teeth which can be expensive and can also reduce your kitten’s life span and quality of life. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1613256453248-KEO2QDILQH6VUU6AE0VD/image-asset.jpeg Blogs for Cats - Brushing your Cat’s Teeth https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1613271313970-LBNZKADK6K68TUF7V7YX/image.jpg Blogs for Cats - Brushing your Cat’s Teeth - How to Brush your Kitten’s Teeth (Part 1) For the first few days, make your cat more comfortable by offering a small amount of toothpaste on your finger. Some cats will love the taste of the toothpaste while others will not. If they don’t want to taste the toothpaste, try putting some on your kitten’s nose and usually they will lick it off. Normally once these cats try it, they will usually begin taking the toothpaste from your hand. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1613268637867-TP11XQAJ40LVWWJ60D4Q/image-asset.jpeg Blogs for Cats - Brushing your Cat’s Teeth - When is the best time for me to brush my kitten’s teeth? The earlier you introduce your kitten to the concept of brushing their teeth, the better. This is because the kitten will take less time to adjust to it and will be less rebellious in the future compared to a cat who never brushed their teeth before and is of the same age. Brushing your kitten’s teeth earlier can help improve their overall health, increase their lifespan, improve their quality of life, and make them more used to the concept of brushing their teeth. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1613271398364-V7DT1XXRD07DKPWPUO3Y/image-asset.jpeg Blogs for Cats - Brushing your Cat’s Teeth - How to Brush your Kitten’s Teeth (Part 3) After you have completed part two, you are now able to start using the toothbrush. Use the toothbrush the same way that you applied the toothpaste onto your cat’s teeth with your finger. Start brushing for about ten seconds for each side in the beginning. After you have done this for a while, you can begin to brush each side for about 30-45 seconds. There may be some bleeding and this is common when a pet is brushing their teeth for the first time. However if you continue to brush your kitten’s teeth, the bleeding should stop due to the gums becoming healthier. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1613267608751-TXZ8FWJR8IPVX31JJ756/image-asset.jpeg Blogs for Cats - Brushing your Cat’s Teeth - Why should I brush my cat’s teeth? It might sound strange at first, but brushing your cat’s teeth provides many benefits for your kitten. It is the single most effective way to reduce dental plaque and to maintain long-term oral health. Not only that, but brushing your kitten’s teeth will help promote healthy gums and reduce bad breath. Daily or even twice a day of brushing is recommended and this can be introduced to any cat at any age. Brushing your cat’s teeth regularly can even extend your kitten’s lifespan, improve their quality of life, and prevent many future diseases. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1613269591531-ZYP1AZWSV4VMOS776WDZ/image-asset.jpeg Blogs for Cats - Brushing your Cat’s Teeth - What do I use to brush my cat’s teeth? When planning to brush your cat’s teeth, it is important to use the correct tools. Never use products that are supposed to be used on humans on a cat. The equipment needed to brush your cat’s teeth are a toothbrush and either veterinary or cat toothpaste. Cat toothpaste can come in many different flavors such as chicken, beef, mint, or fish. You can try out different flavors to find which one your kitten prefers. https://www.bettercareforpets.org/blog-3/bath-time monthly 0.5 2022-01-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1614561521056-WGIX152CMKODR3OAIDXH/image-asset.jpeg Blogs for Cats - Bath Time https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1614566824766-7D2UB7RKX49BKEUQAYX1/image-asset.jpeg Blogs for Cats - Bath Time - Why do cats need baths? You may be wondering, why do cats only need a bath no more than every 4-6 weeks? This is because cats are great at grooming and cleaning themselves just by licking alone. However, licking does not remove dandruff, mats, or make the cat smell better which is why baths are an important factor to have throughout your cat’s life. Bathing your cat will improve your kitten’s quality of life and help prevent potential skin diseases and infection. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1614566159346-EXHZCTFG2TR03CROZ7P6/image-asset.jpeg Blogs for Cats - Bath Time - How often should I give my cat a bath? While giving your cat baths is necessary for keeping his or her’s skin and coat healthy and is beneficial to their overall health, it is important to not over bathe your cat. Cats should not be receiving a bath more frequently than every 4-6 weeks as doing so can lead to dry skin and coat issues. Cats that spend more time outdoors, have longer fur, overweight, very active, and have skin irritation or tick or flea infestation will need baths more often than cats who tend to stay indoors more, have a short coat, have a healthy weight, not as active, and have no health issues. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1614565189238-X60M6YXW6R6U1UFGX7FD/image-asset.jpeg Blogs for Cats - Bath Time - When is a good time to start giving my cat baths? The best time to first begin giving your cat baths is as early as possible and at a regular schedule. This will allow your kitten to learn that bathing will be part of their lifestyle and is a normal process to undergo, making them feel more comfortable. Starting to give your kitten baths in the later stages of their life will make it harder for your cat to adjust to and thus make them feel more uncomfortable about the situation and the idea of taking baths in general. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1614568536861-RWJYJ6KP0BGMADQDQ3TC/image.jpg Blogs for Cats - Bath Time - How do I give my kitten a bath? To give your kitten a bath, you will need a simple grooming shampoo made specifically for cats, towels, a rubber mat, a washcloth, and a floating distraction. Once you gathered these materials, brush your kitten’s fur thoroughly and place the rubber mat where you will put your kitten after the bathing session (doing so will allow your cat to maintain a reliable grip on the floor and help keep them calm). The bath area can be either in a bathtub or in a waist-high sink. For optimal comfort, use lukewarm water, place the floating discrator on the water, and put away any strong scents and items that can potentially or will frighten your kitten. Gently soak your cat in the water and gently massage in the shampoo thoroughly. If your cat squirms around, do not get angry at him or her as doing so can cause your kitten to panic more. Once the bathing session is complete, make sure to dry your kitten’s coat as having a drench coat can make your cat feel uncomfortable and grow to dislike baths. https://www.bettercareforpets.org/blog-3/b monthly 0.5 2021-04-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1618119769419-M2OLLYMOH6MQEQUCWL1W/unsplash-image-sDpmnfv-KRk.jpg Blogs for Cats - Mental Health for Cats - Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome (FHS) FHS in cats is a rare disorder that can be present in cats of any age but it typically is found in mature cats. This condition causes the cat to react to physical stimuli that should not be causing any pain. This is also called “rippling skin disorder” as the skin and the muscles on the cat’s back move in a distinctive way when touched and is reacting to the pain. Signs of FHS also include salivation, wild vocalization, uncontrolled urination, and the cat attacking the pain site. FHS is more commonly found in Asian breeds. Fortunately there is treatment which can include amitriptyline, fluoxetine, phenobarbital, prednisolon, or gabapentin. You can also help you kitten that is suffering from FHS by scheduling feeding and play times and by avoiding scratching the cat’s back. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1618176238153-U4JUVDZI6GVANXKXKVBT/unsplash-image-c2a8tHLUtsU.jpg Blogs for Cats - Mental Health for Cats - Mental Illnesses Caused by Trauma Cats who experienced living in the harsh outdoors with no one willing to take care of them, suffered grievous injuries, abused, mistreated, attacked by animals, caught in tight spaces for extended periods of time, and more will have a higher chance to be suffering from a mental illness caused by these traumatizing events than cats who did not. Those who are suffering from mental trauma will often be hypersensitive (meaning that the kitten will be more cautious, aware, and startled by changes and physical stimulation). You can help a cat that you believe is suffering from mental trauma by giving them mental stimulation and giving them a dedicated play time with hunting orientated games being the best option. For more information on how to play hunting orientated games with your kitten, you can click this link which will take you to another blog I wrote on how to do so! ———————————————————- (read the How can I get my kitten to lose some of his/her weight? (Part Two) and What is the best way to play the hunting-orientated games with my kitten? sections for the information) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1618176158645-BIQ2M5ZY8KFP0PKV1L8R/unsplash-image-dB-uKPloTrg.jpg Blogs for Cats - Mental Health for Cats - Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) OCD is a behavioral disorder in which a cat does repeated, exaggerated behaviors that do not seem to have a purpose. This can include over-grooming, pacing, vocalizing, overeating, sucking or chewing on fabric or plastic, etc. Siamese and other Asian breeds of cats seem to be more prone to OCD. When a veterinarian is suspecting OCD, they will consider parasites, fungi, bacterial infection, allergies, skin cancer, pain, lead poisoning, thyroid problems, hypertension, vitamin deficiencies, liver and kidney disorders, thiamin deficiency, neurological problems, ruptured spinal discs, nerve inflammation, hearing loss, fecal tests, skin tests, and more. This is to determine if you cat’s behavior is not caused by external factors such as parasites and is rather caused by a OCD. If you are concerned about your cat having OCD, spaying and neutering, regulating feeding times, eliminating inconsistencies and distressing stimuli in the household, making play, exercise, and social time priorities, increase dietary roughage, and a change in diet can be considered as a possible solution. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1618119699604-TZO0012QZOS5783XE2K5/unsplash-image-tVkdGtEe2C4.jpg Blogs for Cats - Mental Health for Cats - What is mental illness? According to The Mayo Clinic, “mental illness refers to a wide range of mental health conditions: disorders that affect mood, thinking, and behavior. Examples of mental illness include depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, eating disorders, and addictive behaviors. Many people have mental health concerns from time to time”. Mental illnesses are not only limited to humans however as our pets can also be affected by them as well.. These mental illnesses can only be diagnosed by a professional. [Important Note]: I am not a veterinarian and found all of this information in this blog from my research. If you are in doubt, you should contact your veterinarian for the best treatment option. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1618176266456-WXKER5IIE0CXRQJH3MPL/unsplash-image-yjfcqVivJDg.jpg Blogs for Cats - Mental Health for Cats - Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Going into more detail about mental illness that are caused by trauma, one example is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) which is also found in humans. Symptoms of PTSD in cats include increased neediness and attachment, hypervigilance, aggressiveness, being easily startled, decreased appetite, agitation, fearfulness, urinating or defecating in the house when already potty trained, avoidance of people, places, and things that remind them of the trauma, pacing, excessive hiding, destructive behavior, sudden temperament changes, extreme escapes to avoid triggers, excessive meows, fear of being alone, unprovoked crying, and sleep disturbances. Some cats suffering from severe PTSD usually get treated with medication, exercise, and play therapy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1618176310062-YLSANDSEU9R1FE3EPCEO/unsplash-image-6kN1SrkCI_M.jpg Blogs for Cats - Mental Health for Cats - Feline Cognitive Dysfunction (FDS) FDS -also called senility- is a disorder that mostly found in cats over 15 years of age. Signs of FDS include litter box problems, aimless wandering, confusion, getting stuck in corners, inability to recognize familiar people or family, anxiety, fear, tremors, vocalizing, licking the floor and objects, reversing or disrupting sleep cycles, and a change of interaction with family or pets. This change in behavior are sometimes caused by a protein called beta amyloid which deposits itself in the brain. This protein is also what causes Alzheimer’s disease in humans. FDS is a scary condition that no cat owner wants their cat to suffer from and while there is no current cure, there are ways to help treat and prevent it. A great way is to provide a lot of mental stimulation such as puzzle toys and sources of entertainment like bird feeders for your cat to watch. Any mental stimulation will be beneficial for your cat as it can help keep him/her mentally alert. You can also combine mental stimulation with physical stimulation as well by giving your kitten places to lounge, jump, and climb. You can also hide treats around the house and even take your cat outside for a walk. All of these treatments will not only be beneficial and improve the quality of life of cats who are suffering from FDS but also those who aren’t! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1618176412038-814QOTCIW2KY2KH5UTA0/unsplash-image-NfQFX439fDM.jpg Blogs for Cats - Mental Health for Cats https://www.bettercareforpets.org/blog-3/7osohuwutaqtow0sh27cx6qjs03add monthly 0.5 2022-01-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1620076861927-QOLZT0E3WS6JK5BKCYCH/unsplash-image-b8zioezlmZw.jpg Blogs for Cats - Receiving “Gifts”? - Why do our kittens bring us “gifts”? As unpleasant it might be, receiving “gifts” from your kitten is a good sign that you and your cat are having a healthy relationship. Because domesticated cats are not exactly solitary and can even be described as pack animals, as evidenced by cats getting along with humans and other cats, this is why they are often willing to share their bounty with their family. In other words, this means that when a cat brings you a “gift”, they consider you as a part of their family. However, what this also means is that your kitten is not hunting because they are hungry, but rather because of the feeling to need to hunt. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1620079792314-7OX3CQ73AWMR1TP8SJ4S/unsplash-image-PxM8aeJbzvk.jpg Blogs for Cats - Receiving “Gifts”? - Understanding your Kitten The first thing that needs to be said before we get into how we can stop or at least reduce the amount of prey items delivered to your front porch is to not scold your kitten on bringing back their “gifts”. Doing so will confuse and stress your kitten as they believe that by giving “gifts”, they are showing you that they consider you as family and by scolding them for the “gifts” you are rejecting them. This can be further confusing for the cat if you show compassion for them when they do not bring back their bounty as doing so can make them believe that you love them but do not fully accept them into the pack. In fact, by doing so, you could actually cause more “gifts” to be left at your front porch as your kitten tries to gain acceptance. So how can you train your kitten to stop or at least reduce the amount of “gifts”? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1620082141674-CJPZFNBOBA14ZM85HHAE/unsplash-image-tQwxdyuHi5E.jpg Blogs for Cats - Receiving “Gifts”? - Bonus! Not only by playing hunting orientated games you will be reducing the amount of bounty being delivered to your front doorsteps, but your kitten will be getting exercise and also -by doing so- you will be helping the environment. According to the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife service, cats are responsible for the deaths of 1.4-3.7 billion birds and 6.9 to 20.7 billion mammals every year. Not only that but cats have been responsible for the extinction of 63 species of birds, mammals, and reptiles in the wild and continue to impact a wide variety of other species such as the Piping Plover (a bird in North America). Not only that but by reducing the amount of “gifts” your kitten brings back, you can be reducing the chances of your kitten bringing back a nasty wound or disease from the deceased animal. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1620075491899-JGCK6H3PL869VA828YOP/unsplash-image-ppKcYi1CXcI.jpg Blogs for Cats - Receiving “Gifts”? - History Cats may not be called man’s best friend but they have been man’s companion for many years. 10,000 years in fact with the oldest domesticated cat being located in the region of the Fertile Crescent (Middle East). Currently, the earliest true record of cat domestication comes from a cat that was found buried with his/her owner in a grave in Cyprus dating back about 9,500 years ago. Despite these many years of domestication, the cat’s hunting instinct remains. In fact, this trait was considered to be desirable in cats as it can serve as a form of natural pest control. The first historical example of this comes from a human grain store in Israel about 10,000 years ago when the development of grain stores caused an accumulation and a rise in the population of house mice. This great increase in mice population then attracted wild cats into close proximity with humans and thus resulted in the taming of these wild cats who will eventually evolve into the domesticated cat. However in modern days when more people have cats as pets and have better forms of pest control, it is not as preferred for your kitten to deliver home little “gifts” (deceased prey) to your front porch. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1620072708193-13R5P5ORMXYRXBC17KYD/unsplash-image-rplhB9mYF48.jpg Blogs for Cats - Receiving “Gifts”? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1620081422833-IV81SCYQLI6ELSWH7KN6/unsplash-image-cwy90fRMbrQ.jpg Blogs for Cats - Receiving “Gifts”? - How can we can stop or at least reduce the amount of prey items delivered to your front porch? Because cats hunt not because they are hungry but rather because they feel the urge to hunt, this implies that feeding your cat food in hopes of quenching your kitten’s urge to hunt will be fruitless. So how can I stop or at least reduce the amount of prey items delivered to my front porch you may ask. A great way of doing so is to give your cat dedicated playtime. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1620081477945-2DKMG0CUCKJWZBKETGM3/unsplash-image-kjERLXaHjXc.jpg Blogs for Cats - Receiving “Gifts”? - How can we can stop or at least reduce the amount of prey items delivered to your front porch? (continued) The games during playtime should be hunting orientated to help quench your kitten’s urge to hunt. These games should also not only be physically stimulating but also mentally stimulating, just like the stimuli a cat will receive when planning how to make their next kill. To create this stimuli, use toys and even better, make an obstacle course for your cat to navigate through while hunting their “prey”. It is important that while doing so, one should use to toys to imitate the movements a rabbit, mouse, or even a bird would make to have the game be as accurate as possible to real hunting. You could also think of it as pretend play. The more realistic the play, the better! If you do this successfully, your cat should be reducing the amount of prey items delivered to your front porch. However, if you notice your cat is losing interest quickly in the game, do not worry because this is considered to be normal. In the wild, when cats are not able to get their prey within three to five minutes, the cat will often give up and look for another potential source of food. If this happens, you can try switching over to another hunting orientated game for your kitten to play! https://www.bettercareforpets.org/blog-3/tcx6jwuoqzpq1ln48mkgh7l0ftuc8e monthly 0.5 2021-09-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1632119560622-C1J3MTXVYIZVHY6EC68E/unsplash-image-f0fXweB0M4U.jpg Blogs for Cats - In the Litter Box! - How common is this problem? According to ASPCA, about 10% of all cats will develop elimination problems with some not using the box, some using their boxes for urination or defecation but not both, and some eliminating both in and outside of their boxes. So it is safe to say that this is a common problem that cat owners could potentially face. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1632120472146-UUHHKJHVIMIT6Q0QIV7X/unsplash-image-HN3-ehlNwsc.jpg Blogs for Cats - In the Litter Box! - How can I train my cat to go to the bathroom in the box again? If your kitten seems to prefer to “go” in other places in the house, what you can do in order to get him/her back in the litter box is by setting up at least one litter box that looks appealing and also easy to access. You should also clean the offended area thoroughly to help eliminate the odor so your kitten isn’t tempted to “use” the same spot again. For further measures, you can block off the area as a deterrent. Cats also will usually not eliminate where there’s food (just make sure to not overfeed him/her)! If this doesn’t work, you can try to make “inappropriate” areas as undesirable as possible by covering them with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. After a few weeks of success, start to remove the covering in areas that the cat is not eliminating in, working slowly toward the “trouble” spots. Hopefully, your kitten should now be using their litter box! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1632120134706-08VEH5W5DNZ3TMXPEOPI/unsplash-image-fMJ0sMoTgcg.jpg Blogs for Cats - In the Litter Box! - Declawing? I will be going over this briefly since this is a bit off topic on what we are supposed to be discussing but I thought that we should talk about it since it was brought up. It is mistakenly believed that declawing cats is a harmless, “quick fix” for unwanted scratching. However, the procedure also makes the cat less likely to use the litter box -due to heightened sensitivity in their paws- and more likely to bite. It can also cause lasting physical issues with the practice banned in many countries for good reasons. Then what is so bad about it? Declawing is a surgery that removes the cat’s nails. Doesn’t sound too bad right? I didn’t think so too but after some digging, I found that declawing involves the amputation of the last bone of each toe. This is basically cutting off each of your fingers at the last knuckle. Ouch! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1632119702938-C9IUHQIEVRFADWEHPQEB/unsplash-image-PyvKXTtcEP4.jpg Blogs for Cats - In the Litter Box! - How can I prevent these problems from arising? (Part I) A great way to solve elimination issues caused due to conflicts between multiple cats at home is to accommodate by having one to two litter boxes (since some cats prefer urinating in one and defecating in the other) for each cat in the house. As for the litter preferences, your cat may not be a fan of the litter selected as their noses are sensitive, especially to chemical or perfume scents. Studies show that the most appealing type of litter to most cats is unscented, clumping litter that has the consistency of fine sand but this does not mean that your cat will fall under this category. To make sure that your cat is the happiest they can be, give your cat a selection of litter to see what they like the most. However, if there was a change of brand or type of litter recently, that could be culprit. Cats need time to adjust to their new litter so the best thing you can do is to slowly introduce the new product every time you change the litter! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1632119618092-M8V375QJGD7MVTAX9NAU/unsplash-image-K1TPUd19X68.jpg Blogs for Cats - In the Litter Box! - Why do these problems develop? Knowing how this elimination problem begins can help you prevent this from happening to you. Elimination issues can develop due to conflicts between multiple cats at home, a dislike towards the type of litter box, a dislike towards the type of litter used, a dislike where the box is located, a medical condition, declawing -I will talk about this soon-, or an unclean litter box. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1632120088029-43XFTYG4NQECV26DXL47/unsplash-image-W-ypTC6R7_k.jpg Blogs for Cats - In the Litter Box! - How can I prevent these problems from arising? (Part II) Litter box sizes do matter. If your kitten’s litter box is too small, you can try to use a large plastic storage box as their new bathroom to see if a little more room for your cat to do their business will make a difference. This can hold to be especially true if your cat is a senior or overweight (cats that have difficulty getting into litter boxes with high walls). If the litter box is covered, it can also feel too confining to a stressed cat so unless your cat is shy, try to remove the covers. Moving the litter box suddenly to a different location can also cause your kitten to not eliminate in their bathroom station. They like to know where their stuff is! The best place to establish the boxes is in a quiet, open, and private area that are away from your kitten’s food and water. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1632103897243-4RM14QFI2SZO7EJKRLOJ/unsplash-image-dYnqzfx7Dk8.jpg Blogs for Cats - In the Litter Box! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.bettercareforpets.org/blog-3/music-to-the-ears monthly 0.5 2021-11-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1634500617671-HC7D6HGHU61EZ1QZ4C91/unsplash-image-wN8e50mgxm0.jpg Blogs for Cats - Music to the Ears - Why Cats are Considered to Only be Semi-Domesticated I know that this is kind of off topic to what I am supposed to be discussing in this blog but I think some of you might want to know why cats are only considered to be semi-domesticated so let’s get straight to the facts without any fluff. To those who joke about how their kitten is “wild”, recent genetic studies prove that you are pretty much right. House cats almost identical to wild cats both physically and genetically. So if humans have been living with cats for at least the past 10,000 years, why haven’t cats been domesticated yet? This is because we haven’t begun purposefully domesticating them until less than 1,000 years ago (in contrast, humans began the domesticating process with dogs at least 30,000 years ago). Arguably, one could say that we are at the dawn of cat domestication. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1632718039239-91Y2L797AZBYHTYT9E8C/unsplash-image-EjmcT09e3Jg.jpg Blogs for Cats - Music to the Ears - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1634455194900-ZZKK80GE7VCTUSJUX786/unsplash-image-Hxri0K3cr3A.jpg Blogs for Cats - Music to the Ears - Do cats like music? Just like dogs and ourselves, cats enjoy listening to music! However, unlike both of us, cats seem to have a unique preference for the type of music they listen to. “What could it be?”, you might ask. Keep on reading to find out! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1634500471836-OT3R1IK5HMSGZX3TDXKH/unsplash-image-EfIBVgtRZm8.jpg Blogs for Cats - Music to the Ears - The Differences (Part II) An example of sounds that would be present in cat music is one that would mimic the frequencies of purring and birds chirping. Granted, dogs too enjoy listening to species specific music but cats seem to show a stronger preference for this genre than the dogs expressed. This can be inferred due to dogs reacting towards classical music while cats seem to be more indifferent. This difference between dogs and cats can also be due to how domesticated they are. Multiple studies have shown that dogs are more domesticated than cats, with dogs being domesticated by humans and cats who essentially domesticated themselves. In a way, you could say that cats are more “wild” than dogs are! In fact, cats are considered to only be semi-domesticated. How cool is that? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1634500356198-EQAQ9GH0RC8F36Q5GYG6/unsplash-image-veF29Tue74I.jpg Blogs for Cats - Music to the Ears - The Differences (Part I) Now let’s get into the differences between dogs and people to cats. While all three species -humans, dogs, and cats- have been shown to have a positive reaction to the classical genre, cats show an even stronger positive reaction to species specific music. What is species specific music? Species specific music is music that is composed to fit how an animal communicates. You can almost say that human music is species specific as we have singers -who are from our own species- that we regularly listen to. Knowing this, imagine that you are listening to dog or cat species specific music (there are many songs of this on youtube if you are curious) or just a dog barking and howling. You probably would rather listen to your own species specific music. I know I do! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1634500780168-H6YLVOOW5BK2XNXKP052/unsplash-image-dFpDCSECapg.jpg Blogs for Cats - Music to the Ears - Back on Track Now let’s get back to what we are supposed to discuss -the study of cats and their responses to music. Researchers who were studying cats and their reactions to music played two human pieces of music (Bach’s “Air on a G String” and Gabriel Faure’s “Elegie”) and two cat appropriate music. What they found was that kittens, younger cats, and elderly cats showed “significant preference for and interest in” the cat music compared to the human songs which they were indifferent to (middle aged cats did not show much of a reaction to either genres). Sorry Bach and Faure! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1634455150839-BS51UZUDCA27ORWE6QOI/unsplash-image-FcbUKIuoGE0.jpg Blogs for Cats - Music to the Ears - Study and Findings A study was conducted by Dr. Susan Wagner in which classical, pop, and rock music were played for 12 cats. What she found was that cats had the strongest positive reaction towards classical music than pop and rock. From this, it was concluded that cats prefer classical music due to its less sporadic and calmer sound as the classical piece played for the cats was on the calmer side. As for pop, the cats did not seem to have much of a reaction towards it, similar to how the dogs in the shelter reacted to the genre. In addition, similar to the dogs, the cats became more agitated when listening to rock music. But unlike the dogs, they did not bark, but instead displayed signs of distress as evidenced by their increased heart rate and dilated pupils. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1634500825930-IL80GN2NR92RRM8EMAZ1/unsplash-image-8I6Fx5OZqHc.jpg Blogs for Cats - Music to the Ears - Take Aways After reading this, using cat appropriate music as auditory enrichment does not sound like a bad idea! Not only will it give your kitten something new, but it will be something that they could enjoy as well. https://www.bettercareforpets.org/blog-3/feisty-introductions monthly 0.5 2022-01-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1642387389710-ALB8WL5FJEN3QPKA58FF/unsplash-image-I-rgDPLKogs.jpg Blogs for Cats - Feisty Introductions - First off… According to ASPCA, aggression is the second most common feline behavior issue seen by animal behaviorists. Fights between cats are rarely fatal but a cat’s weapons (e.g. teeth and claws) can result in bite wounds and severe lacerations which can become easily infected. Not only that, but scratches can result in cat scratch fever (an infectious disease that causes flu-like symptoms). For these reasons, it is important for owners to be able to distinguish between friendly or aggressive behavior in cats. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/8acb19a0-d36f-4a0b-9f2d-484032f567c8/unsplash-image-l5truYNKmm8.jpg Blogs for Cats - Feisty Introductions - Friends or Foe (Part II) Now that I shared the offensive postures, I believe it is also crucial to know who is the defendant as well so you will be able to distinguish who is causing the ruckus and who isn’t. It is to be noted that the defensive cat will display these signs listed below along with some of the aggressive signs listed previously! Defensive postures include: Head tucked in May quickly strike to the offender with unsheathed, front paws Hissing or spitting Not directly facing the opponent Wide eyes with pupils partially or fully dilated Crouching Tail curled around the body and tucked in Raised fur Retracted whiskers or whiskers panning out forward Ears flattened sideways or backward on the head https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/14fe18a9-80e6-4585-b72d-c4b4cbaae734/unsplash-image-24xl52q-FzE.jpg Blogs for Cats - Feisty Introductions - What if I want to introduce a cat to multiple cats all at once? If you wish to introduce a new cat into a household with multiple cats, introduce each resident cat to the newcomer individually, following the same steps as advised above. Once each of your cats have met the new cat, you can then allow the cats to mingle into a group. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/bee5ddae-5657-40e7-b4ec-1c7b9ad12b3c/unsplash-image-2rrRDX4KE-8.jpg Blogs for Cats - Feisty Introductions - Friends or Foe (Part I) Before I give a list of the typical feline aggression, I would first like to say that if your feline is displaying such signs, do not touch, attempt to reassure, or punish the cat! Doing so can cause worse consequences. Offensive postures include: A stiff, straight-legged upright stance Stiffened rear legs, with the rear raised and the back sloping downwards towards the head A stiff tail that is lowered or pointing straight down A direct stare Perked ears that face forwards Raised fur (includes fur on tail) Growling, hissing, or yowling Directly facing the defendant Constricted pupils https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1642397982095-FYB865QY7ITXVYRQS7AP/unsplash-image-YeQIAysCP3w.jpg Blogs for Cats - Feisty Introductions - Vision After about a week of no sign of aggression at the door, you can now introduce the cats to each other. Do so by using a temporary screen door or a tall fence so that the cats cannot touch each other. Ask a person around you to help you with introducing the cats together. Have one person and a cat on both sides of the door and begin the introduction by directing the cat a few feet away from the barrier. Once the cats notice each other, say aloud their names and toss treats behind them. Do this for the next few days and gradually offer the meals, treats, and toys closer to the screen. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/f567fb4e-aea6-442c-b60c-0b26809b0dae/unsplash-image-IJykA4BiSfY.jpg Blogs for Cats - Feisty Introductions - Introductions Now let's get into how to introduce your new member to your feline to reduce the likelihood that the two will get into a fight. Just like humans, first impressions are important. If the two display aggression during their first meeting, this can impact their future relationship. For these reasons, it is best to separate your resident cat from your new cat to first plan out how to introduce them to each other. First, the two cats should be able to smell and hear but not see or touch the other. They should also both have their own food and water bowl, litter box, scratching post, bed, and other necessary enrichments. In addition, make sure to feed the cats near the door that separates them so they can get to “know” each other better. After two or three days, switch the cat’s locations so they can better investigate each other’s scent. Once a few days pass, encourage your kittens to paw toys with each other under the door (so that they can not see each other). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1642387421831-8E5J5VELQSJTWO9W3R0H/unsplash-image-yMSecCHsIBc.jpg Blogs for Cats - Feisty Introductions - Body Language One of the best ways to distinguish between aggressive and friendly behavior in cats is to observe body language. What kind of body language you might ask. Body language in cats are made up of body postures, facial expressions, and the positions of certain body parts such as the ears, tail, and even whiskers! In fact, during my research, I found that cat body language is more subtle than dog body language. Dogs are already hard enough. For these reasons, discerning between aggressive and passive behavior requires a keen eye. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1642381434242-N997NY0D6MKAIE75SSID/unsplash-image-yVmzlE22Gg0.jpg Blogs for Cats - Feisty Introductions - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/ba73aeec-97af-446d-95f9-29848b8d2ff3/unsplash-image-hbiOGtAspCY.jpg Blogs for Cats - Feisty Introductions - Touch Last but not least, the step you all have been waiting for: permitting the cats to spend time together without the barrier. Despite all the steps that I listed above, it is still important to supervise the face-to-face interactions carefully. Whenever you notice that your cats seem to be calm, it is a great opportunity to bring the cats together to further their bond (if all is well). If the cats seem to be getting along well, allow them to stay with each other for longer and longer periods of time. https://www.bettercareforpets.org/blog-3/behavioral-detective-on-the-case monthly 0.5 2023-12-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/a5419270-77df-4f41-b564-30efe8db5f15/unsplash-image-NDe1cA_jb_4.jpg Blogs for Cats - Behavioral Detective - A Cat’s Alternative to Barking Just like how dogs communicate with their owners through barking and whimpering, cats communicate with their owners through meowing. There are a number of reasons why a cat will meow with a few being feelings of hunger, loneliness, or maybe even to just say hello to you! Excessive meowing however can indicate pain or injury. For such reasons, avoid punishing a cat for meowing because in most cases, your kitten is trying to communicate with you. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1647137925580-RW3VRZIOHQKZTS5LGBPI/unsplash-image-yx17UuZw1Ck.jpg Blogs for Cats - Behavioral Detective - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/669f917d-e9b4-4412-9008-68a2171b98d2/unsplash-image-N_G2Sqdy9QY.jpg Blogs for Cats - Behavioral Detective - A Cat’s Version of the Best Massage If you have ever had your cat press their paws into you and massage back and forth, this is their way of expressing that they are content or trying to alleviate stress. A few other behaviors that you may have noticed is if your kitten has a twitchy tail. A twitchy tail signifies that your cat may be excited, focused, or in hunting mode. Once your kitten is calm, the tail twitching should subside. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/0cfafa1f-fd9d-48b0-9684-9bab0d23a469/unsplash-image-evyk2oL06NY.jpg Blogs for Cats - Behavioral Detective - Purring We know that our cats purr but what does that really mean? When a cat purrs, for the most part, it means that they are feeling comfortable and happy which is probably what you were expecting. However, cats will also purr to express their feelings of stress due to unfamiliar situations or surroundings. Cats may also purr if they are feeling sick or injured. So how can you tell if this is a positive or negative purr? A way to tell if it is a negative purr is if your kitten is purring excessively or in situations when purring isn't common. You will also be able to combine what will be said in the next few informative paragraphs regarding other behavior to help you distinguish between negative and positive purring. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1647139106198-1Q5TPGEEEKILULNBZZ2R/unsplash-image-bsSIk3LV_NE.jpg Blogs for Cats - Behavioral Detective - Aggression All cats like all organisms have the potential to be aggressive so it is important as a cat owner to know of the signs of aggressive behavior. There are common behaviors that signal aggression which includes a stiff, straight-legged upright stance, stiffened rear legs with a lowered head, and a direct stare along with growling and hissing. Cats tend to be more aggressive when they are injured or feeling afraid or believe that they are in danger. If you believe that your cat's injury is causing their aggression, you should bring the cat to a pet care professional to see if there is an underlying reason for the aggression. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1647139150851-W2IV28SWX2BUI3A6MGXZ/unsplash-image-Axn4qjvvzFw.jpg Blogs for Cats - Behavioral Detective - Chatter You probably have heard your cat emit fast and intense teeth chattering. It is believed by behavioral scientists that this is because your cat is frustrated that they cannot go outside to hunt prey or they may be excited and slightly aggravated. So if you hear your cat making this sound, just know that this behavior is completely normal! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1647139336430-NG6KCCK2MF2VNM4K2J9T/unsplash-image-KfPwby-UisA.jpg Blogs for Cats - Behavioral Detective - Eyes and Ears What we will be covering last are none other than the eyes and ears. If you see your kitten staring you down, that might mean that they are trying to get your attention. However, if the stare is intense (think of a staring contest), this could mean that the cat is on high alert about something or someone. Thus, it is highly recommended to not stare at your cat directly in the eyes as this will be considered to be a challenge. On the other hand, if you have ever noticed your cat slowly blinking at you, this is your feline’s way of showing affection. You can even try blinking slowly back at them to tell them that the feeling is mutual! Finally are the ears. If your kitten’s ears are twitching back and forth, it is an indication that your cat is feeling anxious and possibly agitated. But if their ears are just slightly pointed upright, it means that they are on alert and listening intently to their surroundings. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/6972a757-3cec-4c32-9ae3-713ec02e4ae2/unsplash-image-ZWpRsi2lbC8.jpg Blogs for Cats - Behavioral Detective - Warmth and Loafs of Bread Something familiar that both cat and dog owners know of is how both sides of the spectrum love curling up into that tight little ball to sleep. This provides the animal warmth and security (you can think of it the same way as how most people prefer sleeping in the fetal position!). A similar behavior to this is what is called the "loafing around" position in which the cat curls their paws under themselves to form a shape that makes them look like a loaf of bread. This too, also helps to regulate body heat and conserve warmth but it is also used to communicate to you their curiosity or their feelings of wanting to play. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/a4005593-a135-49a6-a6dc-6d0248085c21/unsplash-image-Qpjl_dXQrD8.jpg Blogs for Cats - Behavioral Detective - Climbing Cats love climbing and this behavior is genetic since they are naturally great predators. A higher vantage point gives them a better view of their surroundings making them feel more comfortable. For such reasons, if you have multiple cats in your house, you may find the same cat on the highest perch. This signifies that they are the dominant cat. https://www.bettercareforpets.org/blog-3/loss-of-appetite monthly 0.5 2022-08-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1660703966334-SA8H0O8VW3OOXHQ289XB/unsplash-image-xQMYgqj38Vo.jpg Blogs for Cats - Loss of Appetite - Why would a poor appetite be considered an issue? (Part I) We all have our off days where we just don’t feel like eating. And even though a refusal to eat is concerning for all pets, this refusal to eat could be more dangerous to cats. This is because cats are considered to be obligate carnivores meaning that they need to eat meat out of biological necessity and their needs will not be met if they have a strict plant-based diet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1660671506250-HF9JMPIHTEU44XB5CZ0G/unsplash-image-bIW1a6svo1k.jpg Blogs for Cats - Loss of Appetite - A Tip from the Experts Once your kitten has regained their appetite, many experts recommend rotating your cat’s diet among different brands two to four times a year. The reason for doing so is to help reduce finickiness and to also reduce the chances of your cat developing unwanted food allergies and even intestinal problems. Your kitten may also appreciate a change in food once in a while! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1660703708455-383UILPYLFV1B66ZXLGE/unsplash-image-Bh1pydE7oEQ.jpg Blogs for Cats - Loss of Appetite - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/22d41ffa-07cf-4cf8-999d-0befea5007c2/unsplash-image-6OiRJjO42dk.jpg Blogs for Cats - Loss of Appetite - Why would a poor appetite be considered an issue? (Part II) You may be wondering, so what do cats being strict carnivores have to do with the dangers of a loss of appetite? The answer lies in a cat’s biological processes. If a cat does not eat enough, they must rely on their fat reserves for energy but in order for this to happen, the fat must first be processed by the liver which requires adequate supplies of protein which makes up the majority of a cat’s diet. In other words, if a cat experiences rapid weight loss from a loss of appetite, protein supplies will soon be exhausted and the liver will become overwhelmed by the fat causing a condition known as hepatic lipidosis which can in turn lead to liver failure. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/ff7d21fa-52bc-4736-8b03-361f662e78d3/unsplash-image-PAcT-amBgr4.jpg Blogs for Cats - Loss of Appetite - What can I do? If you do notice your cat experiencing a loss of appetite, always first talk to a veterinarian. And if you do and your cat has been prescribed to eat a doctor-prescribed diet, never starve your kitten into eating a certain type of food. Its better to eat food than no food! However, if illness is the reason why your cat won’t eat, make sure to work with your veterinarian to design the best regimen for your cat. For example, some cats may feel more inclined to eat when offered canned food than dry food. If your cat’s loss of appetite is considered an extreme case though, veterinarians may prescribe appetite stimulates, recommend syringe-feeding your kitten a liquid diet, or recommend a feeding tube. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/c0963c09-5ab4-4301-a14e-263b4b9694a7/unsplash-image-wPh0NtCfTUI.jpg Blogs for Cats - Loss of Appetite - What if illness isn’t the culprit? If illness isn’t the culprit, try making your cat feel more comfortable and try feeding different kinds of food such as liver or canned tuna. Sometimes treats such as these can act as appetite stimulates for cats! Remember to only offer these foods in small amounts as large quantities may harm your pet by causing an overabundance of certain vitamins and deficiencies. If your cat still refuses the offering, take the food away and provide fresh food later in the day. Never leave food out as it can harden, become stale, and can began to house some unwelcome bacterium. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1660704063351-876JBOFGI67KCGH6YPPK/unsplash-image-QJDiILNZaLY.jpg Blogs for Cats - Loss of Appetite - What could be the reasons why my cat won’t eat? There are many reasons as to why your kitten may have lost their appetite. Some of the more common reasons would include toothache, vaccinations, infections, kidney failure, pancreatitis, intestinal issues, and cancer. But sometimes, a loss of appetite may not be caused by the listed possible reasons and instead has been caused by something more psychological such as traveling to unfamiliar places, a change in routine, or psychological issues. https://www.bettercareforpets.org/blog-3/kitten-troubles monthly 0.5 2022-12-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/9600b385-d5de-46ba-b705-fdc71b76c5b4/unsplash-image-uhnZZUaTIOs.jpg Blogs for Cats - Kitten Troubles - Social Life Similarly to our puppies, kittens also have their prime socialization period being between 3 and 9 weeks of age but this does not mean that after the prime socialization period, it is ok to withdraw your kitten from socializing. Such opportunities over an extended period of time would allow your kittens to gradually become accustomed to those in your household, other animals, and visitors. It is also vital for your kittens to receive regular human contact around 10 to 12 weeks of age to learn that humans are not a threat to them. Doing these things would help prevent behavioral issues from arising in the future. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/2174fc4b-f06f-446f-b327-2f180927e77b/unsplash-image-_867Jy8LCkI.jpg Blogs for Cats - Kitten Troubles - Nutritious Meals Just like how we tell our children to eat their veggies, drink a lot of milk, and eat meat if they want to grow tall, felines follow this same rule. Thus, it would be best to refrain from feeding the kitten anything else but veterinarian-approved dry and wet kitten food. This type of food is specially designed for your kitten’s nutritional needs to grow and develop. Most experts recommend continuing to feed your kitten, kitten formulated food until they reach the age of one. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/c082f112-3f44-4702-8df0-af5d9ac31cf0/unsplash-image-2J9Q9-iXEXw.jpg Blogs for Cats - Kitten Troubles - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/6f669006-2238-4b17-9e37-482d20650c53/unsplash-image-CVtF_ELmk30.jpg Blogs for Cats - Kitten Troubles - Weaning One of the rules that you must keep in mind when it comes to raising a baby kitten is to not take them away from their mother and littermates before they are weaned which is approximately 8 weeks old. This is because taking them away from their mother before 8 weeks of age would increase the likelihood of them getting sick from disease and would prevent them to developing the necessary socialization skills they will need later on in life. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/c48b02eb-8be6-4d78-99e3-cbea03d39805/unsplash-image-Czqy3CfMK4k.jpg Blogs for Cats - Kitten Troubles - Play Time Although they may seem harmless and just an adorable ball of fur wanting to have some fun. It is important to not play with them using your hands and instead use cat toys. Doing so would prevent your cat from developing the bad behavior of scratching you and other people out of not only frustration but also out of fun. This can be made especially worse if the person is raising the kitten by themselves without any of their littermates as they wouldn’t be aware of the harm that their teeth and claws can cause to others. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/08cbf9c9-7402-43c3-831c-689e68589b81/unsplash-image-gV58GYIpWTI.jpg Blogs for Cats - Kitten Troubles - Adventuring Onwards! It is important to provide mental stimulation for your kitten with new smells, new places, new people, etc. However, it is also important to not introduce your kitten too quickly to a new environment to explore all on their own on just day one. Instead, gradually allow them to expand their “territory” to not cause unnecessary stress to the kitten. But before expanding their territory, make sure that the area is kitten approved (i.e. windows closed, electrical cords put away, remove breakable items, etc)! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/78088d91-29b7-42d9-812d-a34e91e21051/unsplash-image-0rTCXZM7Xfo.jpg Blogs for Cats - Kitten Troubles - Alone Time Although cats are known for their lower maintenance compared to dogs, this does not necessarily mean that kittens can be left alone for long periods of time. Kittens should be checked on every four to six hours and this holds to be especially true for the earlier weeks. Only at six months would it be appropriate to leave your kitten alone for up to 8 hours as they would have more confidence being on their own. https://www.bettercareforpets.org/blog-3/lost-cat monthly 0.5 2023-01-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/250fb85e-0992-4bf4-8c4c-2f62ab5a12d7/unsplash-image-3AbwSH1y9dc.jpg Blogs for Cats - Lost Cat? - Point of Entry Your cat may not feel like coming home if there doesn’t seem to be a point of entry for them to enter the house! It is recommended for cat owner’s who have lost their kitten to leave the garage open by a crack to give your kitten an entrance into your home. If your kitten sees an entrance into their home, they may feel more inclined to walk in! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1673136297266-8BBFB219MO706UY7VHTI/unsplash-image-MUsdUoAqfQk.jpg Blogs for Cats - Lost Cat? - Posters You may have seen this popular method of searching for a lost pet on a drive or simply taking a morning stroll. It’s for sure a great way to spread word about your missing kitten. The more eyes and ears there are looking, the better the odds are of you finding your cat! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1672716717985-TNQ0M4XVD8LR32TZ6AW5/unsplash-image-UhofgcwgQn8.jpg Blogs for Cats - Lost Cat? - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1673135097909-QCTU7QYO8L9J4SHXMHSS/unsplash-image-p-JX5Xk7Zoc.jpg Blogs for Cats - Lost Cat? - The Food Trick We all can’t live without a source of food and this isn’t different for our cats. A great way to try luring them out if you suspect your cat to be wandering in a certain area is to set up some cat food and a camera to record potential footage of your cat. This will help you narrow down potential areas your cat may be located in. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1673135031825-G008SBTS4FVVVH1WMDU5/unsplash-image-uhnZZUaTIOs.jpg Blogs for Cats - Lost Cat? - Microchips If you have ever got your kitten microchipped, well I have great news for you! Make sure to alert the microchip company so that they can flag your kitten as lost. It would also be a great idea to submit lost reports to your local animal shelters and control agencies as soon as possible as animals can be put out for adoption within a few days. It would also be advised to frequently visit animal shelters so you can check if your cat is there. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1673134640394-MPAWPVWRNK5NO2D65VWD/unsplash-image-hMMXhKSZk7k.jpg Blogs for Cats - Lost Cat? - Familiar Scents Another great way to attract your cat back to your home is to set out your cat’s favorite possessions such as their favorite blanket or bed or if your kitten loved to sleep against you, you can also leave out your unwashed clothes. They will then hopefully return home if they find the scent comforting. You may also want to try putting out your cat’s favorite food or pungent aromas outside of your home to grab your kitten’s attention. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/59deeb23-1929-44f4-af11-b327caac82d5/unsplash-image-WtF2LGnC72o.jpg Blogs for Cats - Lost Cat? - Hello Neighbors! Believe it or not, the place you would want to search the most thoroughly is in fact your own neighborhood! A 2017 study shows that most cats are found 1/3 of a mile away from their home and with indoor cats only being found less than 3 houses away. Recruit your neighbors to help you with the search and do not give up. Sometimes cats will be afraid to come out from their hiding place so calling your cat may not work until they have calmed down. This can hold to be especially true if your cat is an indoor cat. https://www.bettercareforpets.org/blogs-for-wildlife daily 0.75 2022-12-30 https://www.bettercareforpets.org/blogs-for-wildlife/mqsr8s3qyue0tzvplrwzg3hyltzhdu monthly 0.5 2021-06-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1622613831220-7AOFY1HGVPDT4IJHQ0KE/unsplash-image-0I52FCHNjoU.jpg Blogs for Wildlife - COVID-19 and Our Wildlife - The COVID-19 Pandemic The COVID-19 pandemic not only affected and is still affecting our lives, but it too is also affecting our wildlife! This is mainly due to the great increase in the number of PPEs (Personal Protective Equipment) being littered (the PPEs we will be primarily concerned about are disposable face masks, disposable latex/nitrile gloves, and hand sanitizers). To give numbers regarding the great increase in the number of PPEs being disposed, a Hong Kong conservation group estimated that 1.56 billion face masks entered our oceans in the year 2020 alone. Remember that this number is only including the number of face masks in the ocean, not other PPEs. There are so many face masks that have been improperly disposed of that they even reached Antarctica and a mask was even found in the stomach of a penguin! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1622614233460-V8JQC0XA9T68P51GOTU7/unsplash-image-RUqoVelx59I.jpg Blogs for Wildlife - COVID-19 and Our Wildlife - Wildlife Reports In the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, experts made predictions that the pandemic would bring upon an environmental disaster that could last for generations due to improperly discarded PPEs which would harm wildlife and worsen the issue of plastic pollution -a global problem that has been long prevalent before the pandemic. Their predictions have been proven to be correct thus far as many habitats continue to be littered with PPEs and wildlife consuming these plastics at faster rates than before. This means that not only habitats are being destroyed, but also our wildlife ecosystems as well. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1622617267997-MWK7JSEK7F2T6REEGC0W/unsplash-image-qq-8dpdlBsY.jpg Blogs for Wildlife - COVID-19 and Our Wildlife - COVID-19 and Our Land We cannot forget that our land animals and pets are affected by the COVID-19 pandemic as well. Improperly disposed PPEs and other trash also disrupt land ecosystems and habitats as the trash piles up. This can be evidenced by the multiple sightings in which animals got tangled up in face masks and required help from humans to be untangled such hedgehogs and foxes. In more unfortunate cases, some even pass away from face masks such as a bird from Canada did. There is so much PPE litter (specifically masks and latex gloves) that birds have been seen building nests with them and swallowing them, monkeys have been seen biting and playing with them, and our own dogs and cats have been seen ingesting them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1622617713932-IMTBX3UEQAERQT01F82M/unsplash-image-YzSZN3qvHeo.jpg Blogs for Wildlife - COVID-19 and Our Wildlife - How can I help our wildlife? A great way to help out our wildlife is to use reusable masks and gloves, and to make sure you dispose your trash correctly. If you do not have reusable masks/gloves and must use disposable ones, a simple way to prevent the possibility of our wildlife becoming tangled in them is to simply snip the straps of the disposable masks. Even though it seems that only one person (you) cannot make that much of a difference, you will make a difference. You can inform those around you like your family of how the COVID-19 is negatively impacting our wildlife. You have the power to influence those around you to do the right thing. The more people that you can inform to be aware of this global issue, the better! These simple acts goes to show that one person can make a big difference by extending their influence to others and by doing so, can help save multiple lives. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1622349185633-ZIH7L74DSJN7PXJ47IQP/unsplash-image-0mV5Vqs9BB8.jpg Blogs for Wildlife - COVID-19 and Our Wildlife - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1622614116003-RK0GVYKUBWK7ATC02Q0W/unsplash-image-FGkxir8eVI0.jpg Blogs for Wildlife - COVID-19 and Our Wildlife - COVID-19 and Our Oceans How are the ocean’s habitats and ecosystems being destroyed you may ask? First, due to the increasing amount of litter entering our blue waters with the already massive amount of plastic trash in our oceans, it is littering the ocean floors and our beautiful coral reefs. In fact, experts state that at this rate, there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish by the year 2050! Sea creatures rely on the reefs and also the ocean floor for shelter such as eels and the bobbit worm. Not only that, but because there is more trash in our oceans, animals have been getting trapped in them (a fish was found stuck in the finger of a latex glove in the year 2020), more sea creatures have been consuming the trash believing that it is food leading to death due to starvation, and more animals who are consuming the trash having lower reproductive success. All of this incorrect disposing of trash contributes to the endangerment (sea turtles) and in worse cases, extinction of species. https://www.bettercareforpets.org/blogs-for-wildlife/bneic0apqxttchcxhwtzgobt3b23bz monthly 0.5 2021-07-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1626658650321-9RSIV4ZHOMNM07WUO2C1/unsplash-image-yvn5UBRamAM.jpg Blogs for Wildlife - Marine Pollution - Algae? (Part I) The reason why I would like to talk about algae growth is that while it can serve as food for some organisms, it can also bring great harm. Algae can produce many lethal toxins such as Ciguatera Fish Poisoning (CFP), Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning (ASP), and Paralytic Shellfish Poison (PSP). As a result, larger algae blooms tend to be more harmful than smaller ones because they increase the chances of these toxins bioaccumulating -the gradual accumulation of substances in an organism through the process of preying on other organisms- and eventually harming many animals that we know and love such as dolphins. This is due to the fact that only 10% of energy is passed up during one level up of the food chain by means of consumption, but nearly 100% of pollutants are passed through, proving that more pollutants are accumulated proportionally than energy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1626658930241-RR0XD068IS0HT56CILCS/unsplash-image-PO0UHx-5mHo.jpg Blogs for Wildlife - Marine Pollution - Technological Advancements As technology continues to develop, many transportation vehicles including ferries and freights will become faster, increasing noise pollution and the odds of colliding and killing marine mammals such as whales. Yes, noise can be pollution. Not only can it kill marine mammals similar to car roadkill accidents, the sounds produced by these transportation vehicles can interfere with echolocation, resulting in marine organisms having a harder time communicating with each other and finding food. Sometimes, these marine organisms can get lost from the rest of its group because of their echolocation being not reliable. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1626658667163-RKXO95JC43X0SSHD1BP4/unsplash-image-2oYMwuFgnTg.jpg Blogs for Wildlife - Marine Pollution - Farming Farming? What does farming have to do with marine pollution anyways? That is a great question and something I first thought as truly bizarre. Even though farming primarily takes place on land, the practices that occur do affect our marine ecosystems. How? While farmers rely on the nutrients in fertilizers and pesticides, herbicides, and animal waste to cultivate their crops, they come at a cost of harming marine ecosystems. This is because these substances contain high amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus which, when they enter waters, can help create the perfect conditions for algae growth. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1626658618155-SGNK38Y7K1BWATYEVDOR/unsplash-image-ZGRB8TMT6zQ.jpg Blogs for Wildlife - Marine Pollution - So what? Maybe right now you are thinking as to why im bringing up this topic. First, we need to understand that humans are part of the marine food web. The seafood we eat can include top marine predators -aka the ones with highest amounts of bioaccumulation. Therefore, not only marine organisms are affected by these toxins. Even humans are the risk of becoming poisoned! And for many of these biotoxins, there is no way of telling if your seafood is contaminated. Even cooking your delicious fish in high temperatures cannot denature -the destruction of the characteristic properties of a substance to disable its function- the toxins. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1626141371317-VF0GXQY4M1SNAZH1CKIK/unsplash-image-gCpr7F7TU7s.jpg Blogs for Wildlife - Marine Pollution - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1626658849692-U4LPHJ3IE71ZSMHF25WR/unsplash-image-45cr4wHWTIw.jpg Blogs for Wildlife - Marine Pollution - The Mission to Gain More Energy In modern times, we heavily rely on energy and specifically, electricity. However, the usage of electricity produces CO2 (aka carbon dioxide) which harms our earth’s ozone layer and thus promoting global warming. In addition, most rivers will have dams for hydroelectricity and irrigation. Not only will these dams disrupt habitats, but the now slow river flow will also increase the concentration of chemical runoff, meaning that these rivers will now carry waste. These projects, in fact, directly threaten many marine animals with a great example being the River Dolphin -an endangered species. For example, in our efforts to desalinate water, the remainders of the salty wastewater will go back into oceans and kill many bottom dwelling organisms in the oceans due to its low oxygen content. This process can also raise ocean acidification, destroying coral reefs that many call home. In addition, with our great reliance on oil, future oil spills are inevitably bound to kill a great number of marine wildlife. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1626658806670-KXZAYEZIAM8H6J4VC7LW/unsplash-image-DBGb9u1Yf6Q.jpg Blogs for Wildlife - Marine Pollution - Algae? (Part II) Another cause and effect of this scenario is that when the algae and these organisms die, bacteria will, most often, be primarily responsible for decomposing: a process that utilizes a significant amount of oxygen, further depleting the waters of oxygen. Unfortunately, as we progress more into industrial expansion and as our population continues to increase, this also spells for increased usage of herbicides and pesticides which will then inevitably make their way into earth’s waters, as well as increased hunting of marine mammals for food and manufacturing purposes. To make matters worse, algae -while they produce oxygen during the day through photosynthesis- also consume oxygen throughout the night through respiration. This means that the oxygen levels are low and therefore many resource species -such as fish- that many marine organisms indirectly or directly rely on will have their life on a knife-edge. Sometimes if the algae bloom gets out of hand, the water could become uninhabitable. https://www.bettercareforpets.org/blogs-for-wildlife/z870aqvymfx65d75jlvvxrs9a5h57r monthly 0.5 2021-09-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1631514604381-TGT7AQ5X2Z2W0BPRMI24/unsplash-image-3lkqa9YmiEY.jpg Blogs for Wildlife - Agricultural Pollution - Modern Agriculture Present day, we build upon ancient methods of agriculture. We did so by adding artificial fertilizers, pesticides, and new technological advancements -such as the tractor- into the mix. However, while these advancements seem to be beneficial to us, they are causing harm as well. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1631514886137-ODADU7NDG4XXPI80MR0O/unsplash-image-7RT6vDcWbPk.jpg Blogs for Wildlife - Agricultural Pollution - What is the greenhouse effect? The greenhouse effect is the natural warming of the earth that occurs due to greenhouse gases causing the atmosphere to trap heat which would otherwise escape into space. The greenhouse effect is a good for our planet. It keeps the planet warm and allows for life to grow and flourish. Greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and fluorinated gases. However, when the greenhouse effect gets out of hand, this can lead to overheating which can result in more frequent natural disasters, warming of the earth on the north and south pole, and much more. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1629441145346-OG6M6OY2ZK4ZQIMY4H7B/unsplash-image-li9JfUHQfOY.jpg Blogs for Wildlife - Agricultural Pollution - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1631514853629-CJ15HQJBTIFQUYVZ3XQ5/unsplash-image-G_oWb_hcfx8.jpg Blogs for Wildlife - Agricultural Pollution - What is the cons that modern farming brings? First, before we dive into the cons of modern farming, let’s find out how much food we (internationally) produce per year. Although we produce enough food to feed about 9 billion people, with around 66% of all food produced going to livestock with some left to rot due to imperfections such as bruising and not being the right color for marketing. (Fun fact: carrots were originally a purple or off-white color!). However, even though the 66% of food is being put to good use, only 10% of all energy from the crops are then transmitted into the animal. This not only means that a lot of energy is “wasted” (put back into the environment through feces, heat, breathing, etc) but water as well. And to top it all off, there is an excess amount of methane -a greenhouse gas which we will get into a bit- that is produced by cows as a waste product which are put into the atmosphere. All of this spells for wasted energy and climate change. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1631514422788-6KIVL9VEJ6540TJNNXCM/unsplash-image-vpfEhvI5UE4.jpg Blogs for Wildlife - Agricultural Pollution - History of Agriculture Cultivating crops or agriculture is by far nothing new to us. In fact, as far as we know at the moment, the earliest humans began growing crops was about 23,000 years ago. This can be evidenced by weeds being present at the site of the Ohalo II people’s camp which wouldn’t be present otherwise if harvesting did not take place. The claim is further backed up by the well preserved plant material with morphological signs of harvesting tools. Special thanks to the international collaboration of researchers from University of Haifa, Bar-llan University, Tel Aviv University, and Harvard University who made the discovery! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1631514926424-U2QIWZ7LO84P3IE8UE6N/unsplash-image-fCv8BXjPcOA.jpg Blogs for Wildlife - Agricultural Pollution - Then what about modern agriculture? Farming does not seem like it could be harmful to earth’s bodies of water. However, nutrients in fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and animal waste from farms contain high amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus which when they enter waters, can help create the perfect conditions for algae growth. This makes aquatic organisms not only have a harder time thriving due to many factors (look at the Marine Pollution blog for greater details! ^-^) but also land animals. This is because many land animals do rely on marine life -most namely fish- to sustain their populations. It can also lead to land animals that drink the water to fall ill due to the chemicals from agricultural developments. https://www.bettercareforpets.org/blogs-for-wildlife/3030iibbdjljd6mfked1dvx016ibf7 monthly 0.5 2021-09-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1629424722982-56F4BBZK4GDQGPWIQCOV/unsplash-image-a41CunMyuC0.jpg Blogs for Wildlife - Shark Fin Hunting Ecological Effects - Background Before I present the study which will be going over the effects that shark hunting has on an ecosystem, I would like to first talk about our marine food webs. Our apex predators, or our top predators in an ecosystem, help keep the ecosystem healthy by preventing consumers lower in the food chain such as mesopredators, which are one level below apex predators, from overpredating smaller consumers and resource species. These resource species include small fish, invertebrates, and seagrass. But we cannot forget that we also are part of that food web as well via fishing and netting. Because of overfishing and shark hunting, we are seeing changes in the interactions between organisms in various ecosystems in which under normal circumstances, would not occur. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1629440585821-UKZM3PP18BIT65J9X5HM/unsplash-image-8jk64drEMcw.jpg Blogs for Wildlife - Shark Fin Hunting Ecological Effects - Consequences of the Loss of Top-Down Control What happens when there is a loss of Top-Down Control you might ask? What it will result in is the destabilization of various prey populations. Because mesopredators are not necessarily fully equipped with all the tools that the previous apex predator had to serve as a keystone species for that ecosystem, the mesopredators -which tend to be smaller in size- may refrain from preying on larger, tougher animals such as sea lions for food that the original shark would prey on regularly. This can be especially true for mesopredators that are K-selected (species that have a few offspring but invest a high amount of parental care) who cannot undergo evolution as quickly than if they were not K-selected and therefore result in the “neglecting” of certain prey species over others meaning that some could experience a huge drop in population while others could experience a huge increase in population over an extended period. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1628665180723-RBDXJAF8230ENDQU70JN/unsplash-image-8DO2XXCoB0Q.jpg Blogs for Wildlife - Shark Fin Hunting Ecological Effects - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1629440213371-Z6XM2041SGN0BCXWL2TI/unsplash-image-8S1fN5i2cTU.jpg Blogs for Wildlife - Shark Fin Hunting Ecological Effects - Data Analyses (Part I) The study included two graphs: the population of Great Whites and the comparison of Great White Shark population and Sevengill Shark population over time. First let’s look at the population of Great Whites on the graph. Even though the graph has information on Great White Shark predation rates on seals and not the direct population of Great Whites, this is a way to measure the population of Great Whites. This is because if there was a higher predation rate, we can then infer from the data that there could be more Great Whites in the area and the same conclusion can be made vice versa. We can also see that in the year 2014, there is a change-point in the “population” of Great Whites due to increased human activity at Seal Island such as fishing, netting, and shark hunting. Now let’s talk about the graph that shows Great White and Sevengill Shark populations by the number of sightings per hour. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1629440443063-SO366NUHXLQDYDZ3J9FI/unsplash-image-B2YtN52DdAA.jpg Blogs for Wildlife - Shark Fin Hunting Ecological Effects - Great White Shark Facts Before we dive into the study, I would like to give some information on both the Great White Shark (Carcharodon carcharias) and the Sevengill Shark (Notorynchus cepedianus). First we have the Great White Shark with a length of at least 6.4 meters or 21 feet and a weight ranging from 680-1,800 kilograms or 1,500-4,000 pounds. This shark can be found in highly productive offshore waters (which are waters that have a high quantity of organic matter) that have a temperature of about 0 degrees celsius to 22 degrees celsius or 32 degrees fahrenheit to 72 degrees fahrenheit on average. These animals are also largely solitary and sometimes do swim together from one point to another. Their diet consists mainly of other sharks, sea turtles, seals, sea lions, porpoises, dolphins, and small whales which they obtain either from ambush hunting or scavenging. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1629440930854-U4U1NZ9EAC4EBY3U5PR1/unsplash-image-79YoQ2edaZc.jpg Blogs for Wildlife - Shark Fin Hunting Ecological Effects - Top-Down Control Every ecosystem is under the rules of top-down control. And to better understand the cause and effect of the loss of Top-Down Control, let’s say for example that the apex predator population -a shark- was removed from a healthy and well balanced ecosystem. The change will cause the mesopredators -which are now the new top predator- to experience a higher survival and reproductive rate because of the lack of predators in the area. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1629440480996-86JLKST68JS9A9GFP8GC/unsplash-image-xe-ss5Tg2mo.jpg Blogs for Wildlife - Shark Fin Hunting Ecological Effects - Will Not Always will be 100% Terrible… However, when a top predator like a shark is removed from an ecosystem, it’s not always bound to be terrible. The severity of the effects do depend on a few variables which I listed. These include the type of mesopredator present, the type of shark that was originally present in the ecosystem, and how easily the mesopredator can adapt to its new role as the top predator that the shark had. In other words, the more similarities that the mesopredator has to its top predator counterpart, the less of a negative impact the ecosystem will experience during this situation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1629440285155-377LJPZS6IBSKQME55RM/unsplash-image-A5sVh4KbR88.jpg Blogs for Wildlife - Shark Fin Hunting Ecological Effects - Sevengill Shark Facts Now we have the Sevengill shark and like its name implies, it does have seven gills. It is about half the size of a Great White Shark at a length of at least 3 meters or 10 feet and a weight of around 17% of a Great White’s at about 107 kilograms or 236 pounds. Sevengill sharks are not picky about where they live as they are sighted in bays, estuaries, and are considered to be circumglobal in tropical to temperate waters. They too, like the Great White are also somewhat social but in a different way. When Sevengill sharks are being social, they hunt in packs. Their diet is different to that of Great Whites. They consume smaller organisms such as smaller sharks, crustaceans, rays, chimaeras, hagfish, dolphins, porpoises, seals, shark egg cases, and sea snails just to name a few. Similarly to Great Whites, they are also opportunistic scavengers but in contrast, they are pursuit hunters meaning that they stalk and then charge at their prey. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1629439571124-B3UQ0AQH9GLK4UJT8366/unsplash-image-MSQ3hmxyQSo.jpg Blogs for Wildlife - Shark Fin Hunting Ecological Effects - Data Analyses (Part II) From the graph we can infer that originally there was a stable population of Great Whites and there were no Sevengills present at the time from the year 2000 to 2016. However, the change point occurred in the Great White population in the year 2015, close to the changing point in the previous graph which was 2014. And as we continue looking further right of the graph, we can see in 2017, the Sevengill sharks began to drastically increase their numbers as the population of Great Whites continued to decrease. What this reveals is that there is a loss of Top-Down Control in the marine ecosystem of Seal Island and therefore, we can infer that there will probably be some destabilization of various prey populations with certain groups being preyed on much more than others than the norm since the Sevengill shark is much smaller in length and lighter in weight than that of the Great White, limiting its prey options. https://www.bettercareforpets.org/blogs-for-wildlife/trick-or-treat monthly 0.5 2021-11-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1636325894003-BKPHCTUCPO8BAMH8NFLN/unsplash-image-FoeIOgztCXo.jpg Blogs for Wildlife - Trick or Treat! - Cosmetic Pollution (Part I) Not only do we wear costumes, but many of us put on makeup as a way to compliment or enhance our costumes. What this results in is a makeup consumption skyrocket around Halloween. Not only is the consumption of makeup harmful for our environment, but it is also harmful for our furry friends (e.g. mice, rats, rabbits, and guinea pigs). Don’t get me wrong, all of these animals make awesome little pets and come with great personalities! So how can cosmetics be harmful for these animals you may ask? The answer is that one thing these animals have in common is that they are commonly used for cosmetic animal testing (which is not required by law but some companies choose to regardless) with the Humane Society International estimating that 100,000-200,000 animals suffer and die every year. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/37e94fd9-543f-4617-8f04-ddc879d2db5a/unsplash-image-LuvEj39BEq4.jpg Blogs for Wildlife - Trick or Treat! - Decorational Pollution Similar to costumes, decorations carry a negative effect through pollution due to them being made of, usually, cheap and non-recyclable materials that will not decay after disposal, ultimately contributing to environmental pollution. Plus, our favorite candles and tea lights can contain petroleum-based paraffin which can release harmful chemicals when lit. We also can’t forget our fellow animals as well. Many animals, such as our birds and even our own pets, can get tangled up in decorations which can result in injury, strangulation, starvation, dehydration, and even death. Make sure to clean up your Halloween decorations to minimalize the implications Halloween can bring! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/78dd2b4d-8a26-47c1-83d4-667f18832295/unsplash-image-L7Os48FsGoQ.jpg Blogs for Wildlife - Trick or Treat! - Costume Pollution We all know that this was going to come up! One of the scariest things about Halloween is the amount of trash produced during this one time of the year. According to New York Times, more than 60% of fabric fibers are now synthetics (meaning that they are derived from fossil fuels). This means these costumes will not decay if they wind up in landfills which is where approximately 85% of textile waste in the U.S. goes. Even if these fibers settle somewhere else, the same situation will inevitably arise. To make things worse, about 7 million costumes are thrown away every year which is equal to 83 million plastic bottles! Not to mention that some costumes contain toxins. To avoid potential exposure to these toxins look for costumes labeled “PVC-free” or “phthalate-free”. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/4039f293-9feb-4eb9-9756-28577a9e9fd1/unsplash-image--qrcOR33ErA.jpg Blogs for Wildlife - Trick or Treat! - What can I do? I can’t end a blog without mentioning some ideas as to how we can reduce pollution and not to mention ending on a negative note! Below is a list of what we can all do to create a happier and healthier planet: Costumes: Wear reusable costumes and if you have outgrown them, try handing it down to a family member or even a friend if they like it! Cosmetics: Reuse Halloween makeup or the “normal” makeup instead of buying new ones for specifically Halloween every year! Decorations: Remove decorations as soon as possible to lessen the chances of some decorational equipment going missing (such as those fake spider webs). Food Pollution: Purchase smaller or mini sized pumpkins. They are not as big but they make it up for cuteness! (Yes, I find mini pumpkins cute). Candy (technically food pollution): Avoid purchasing individually wrapped candy to reduce plastic waste. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/fdf5a5a0-dbc1-43c5-9b5b-64df967fb92d/unsplash-image-zXGv2SrdZfU.jpg Blogs for Wildlife - Trick or Treat! - Cosmetic Pollution (Part II) In these cosmetic tests, these animals suffer through evaluations for signs of toxicity. This can lead to severe damage to the animal or death. Even if these animals do survive, they are killed due to researchers wanting to eliminate potential external variables from previous testing that can affect the next round of testing. Not only that, but the data gathered won’t guarantee everything. This is because the physiology of these animals and the human body are too different as their reactions to the cosmetic products could be completely different from ours. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1635908181352-6KKJZXMKQJJFCM2SG3ZI/unsplash-image-MYRG0ptGh50.jpg Blogs for Wildlife - Trick or Treat! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1636326145664-7JRUTDCJ4O5YA7KJHG5T/unsplash-image-7Am7T9XPpf8.jpg Blogs for Wildlife - Trick or Treat! - Food Pollution What is the one food -or fruit, I should say- that pops up in your mind when you hear Halloween? Chances are, it is a pumpkin! As much as I love pumpkins, it cannot be denied that they are harmful to our environment. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. yields about 1.4 billion pounds of pumpkins every year with some inevitably ending up in the trash bins after Halloween. To top things all off, it takes a lot of resources and fertilizer (which we talked about its negative effects in Agricultural Pollution) to grow a single pumpkin. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/0f35b8b3-838a-43f5-961d-5b4ba556e8b9/unsplash-image-F4xl1N7S5bU.jpg Blogs for Wildlife - Trick or Treat! - Candy anyone? (Part I) Ok, technically this one falls under “Food Pollution” but I teased it in the introduction so I think this is deserving enough to get its own special section (Plus, candy is one of the best inventions ever). Focusing on the negative aspects of candy, there is a dark secret it is keeping which I am going to reveal to you right now... The dark secret that is packed away into these sweet tooth relievers is that it contains unsustainable palm oil. Dun dun dunnn! I know, this is really scary. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/41f3e647-94f3-473e-94ba-6193030edccd/unsplash-image-wgCr3eIfmaQ.jpg Blogs for Wildlife - Trick or Treat! - Candy anyone? (Part II) Palm oil is nothing new. It is practically everywhere when it comes to food and can be found in about 50% of products sold in supermarkets. So what makes it so bad? According to NationSwell, palm oil is “cheap to ship and produce” but it comes with the cost of greenhouse gas emissions which can cause deforestation through the act of burning forests for palm oil plantations. In 2019 alone, 800,000 acres of land have been burned to make way for palm oil plantations -damaging wildlife such as tigers and orangutans in topical nations- while releasing massive amounts of carbon pollution (a greenhouse gas). In addition, individually wrapped pieces of candy can end up in water sources, contributing to the millions of tons of debris already floating around in oceans. https://www.bettercareforpets.org/blogs-for-wildlife/metallic-demise monthly 0.5 2022-02-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/5763b719-bca5-4890-8ac0-118db17561b1/unsplash-image-Da6O5ujM6Fk.jpg Blogs for Wildlife - Metallic Demise - Health Effects According to the World Health Organization, elemental and methylmercury are both toxic to the central (brain and spinal cord) and peripheral (the nerves that branch out from the brain and spinal cord) nervous systems. The inhalation of mercury vapor (airborne mercury) can cause potentially harmful effects on the nervous, digestive, and immune systems, and on the lungs and kidneys. For these reasons, high concentrations of mercury can be fatal to the organism. In fact, mercury can impact the overall health of the organism to the point that it can be observed! Symptoms of high mercury includes tremors, insomnia, memory loss, and neuromuscular effects. Researchers are currently measuring such effects and the overall health of ecosystems by gathering hair samples to find the level of mercury in the organism’s system. Pretty wild! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1644186160412-PEJH1WF08214DNGGL5NR/unsplash-image-RwkBCZhG9LU.jpg Blogs for Wildlife - Metallic Demise - Mercury: The Liquid Metal (Part I) Mercury has many forms. These consist of the elemental form (liquid mercury), inorganic form (the type where people may be exposed through their occupation), and organic (the type where people may get exposed through their diet). The different forms that mercury can take effects their level of toxicity on the nervous, digestive, and immune systems as well as organs such as the lungs, kidneys, skin, and eyes. Mercury is a natural element that can be found in the earth’s crust. It is released into the environment due to volcanic activity, rock weathering, and human activity (human activity is what we will be focusing on here). Human activity as of right now is the main cause of mercury release into the environment with activities such as coal-fire power stations, residential coal burning for heating and cooking, waste incinerators, industrial processes, and metals contributing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/92da1dc8-6f33-446a-9417-d3ca8a3cd9e7/unsplash-image-IeL9Oo9a7uk.jpg Blogs for Wildlife - Metallic Demise - Mercury on the Health of Ecosystems Now for the final question, how does mercury ultimately affect the health of an ecosystem? Let’s start from what we know about bioaccumulation and biomagnification. Just knowing about these two terms will tell us that predators at the top of the food chain (apex predators) are at higher risk for developing the health issues stated in the previous section. Apex predators are crucial as they help to keep the whole ecosystem in check. This is due to the domino effect. If the apex predator population perishes due to mercury poisoning, then that would cause the mesopredator population to overhunt certain populations of prey over others. This why the toxic element mercury can be detrimental to the environment. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1644178070958-B7M8VD0D4UJGT9XLOI7W/unsplash-image-hKssXyImi5w.jpg Blogs for Wildlife - Metallic Demise - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/4035f450-b264-463e-a98b-07d1727b40e5/unsplash-image-5g_VwYtFP8o.jpg Blogs for Wildlife - Metallic Demise - True Topic Although we will be talking about metals and its effect on the health of the environment, I would like to clarify the topic at hand. The metal we will be discussing is mercury and the effect it has on the environment. In the next few sections, I will help give you some intel as to what mercury really is and some history behind it because I think it’s pretty interesting! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/e93e1c7a-96bf-4194-b02d-596a2b80b6d6/unsplash-image-8pFNQOtlP5g.jpg Blogs for Wildlife - Metallic Demise - Mercury: The Liquid Metal (Part III) Okay, now time for some history regarding mercury. Mercury was known to both the ancient Chinese (used as a contraceptive) and Hindus before 2000 BC and the Egyptians in 1500 BC. It was previously used to forma amalgams of other metals around 500 BC with the Greeks using it in ointments and the Romans using it in cosmetics (ouch). Believe it or not, it wasn’t until 1991 that the use of mercury in paint was phased out in the United States! Not only that, mercury is still used today by artisanal small-scale gold mining operations today, exposing over 10 million workers to mercury and releasing around 650-1,000 tons of mercury annually into the environment! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1644186227344-EAAA3VUL6K7UNPC9CRH6/unsplash-image-8xxwWKyDs5E.jpg Blogs for Wildlife - Metallic Demise - Mercury: The Liquid Metal (Part II) There is one form of mercury that I did not state yet and that is methylmercury. This form exists due to mercury being transformed in the environment because of naturally occurring bacteria. So why is methylmercury bad? Methylmercury can bioaccumulate (occurs when an organism contains higher concentrations of the substance than do the surroundings) particularly in shellfish and fish. Not only that, it can also biomagnify. This means that organisms higher up in the food chain tend to have higher mercury levels due to them constantly eating many smaller organisms that have acquired mercury through their own consumption. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1644186404058-XUK0NLDXN14R6M5E8IRE/unsplash-image-OdBFUurPHjo.jpg Blogs for Wildlife - Metallic Demise - What about Mercury in the Air? Human activity is not solely to blame for airborne mercury as this can be caused from both volcanoes and forest fires, but human activities are widely accepted to contribute the most to the release of mercury in the environment regardless. Burning of coal, oil and wood as fuel can cause mercury to go airborne in addition to burning mercury-containing waste. Once the mercury is in the air, it can fall to the ground in raindrops or be present in fog. The amount of mercury deposited in an area is dependent on the quantity of mercury release from local, regional, national, and international sources. https://www.bettercareforpets.org/blogs-for-wildlife/fire-hazards monthly 0.5 2022-06-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1656371851746-3EL8LIN18JSG9OG23MUO/unsplash-image-soB9ruz0qXo.jpg Blogs for Wildlife - Fire Hazards - The Three Elements Just as anything else, there must be certain elements present. The three elements that must be present for a wildfire to start is fuel, oxygen, and a heat source. Natural wildfires (as classified by the EPA), can be ignited during low precipitation, dry weather, and droughts. This allows for the now dry vegetation to become the perfect fuel for wildfires once lightning strikes. However, this isn’t the only reason why wildfires occur. There also has to be an ample amount of wind to spread the embers to create a big wildfire. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/b08bb2b2-699e-49bd-8c41-51f01acc9133/unsplash-image-j_kx20UKv9w.jpg Blogs for Wildlife - Fire Hazards - The Statistics (Part I) However, despite how much mother nature seems to be involved in the birth of wildfires, we cannot forget that these are normal occurrences that occurred many decades if not centuries. Then how come wildfires have only recently become an issue? According to the Earth.org, 85%-90% of wildfires are caused by human activities mainly through the providing of heat sources needed to ignite the fires with external factors (i.e. climate change with California’s natural dry climate) only increasing the chances of these disasters occurring. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/43fe0267-8291-4ff1-8a49-80dac66bd492/unsplash-image-K0u71P7FmvI.jpg Blogs for Wildlife - Fire Hazards - Potential Treatments Just like anything else, treatments can be made to help lessen the potential effects. Although this sounds counterintuitive, prescribed burning of forests can actually reduce the amount of wildfires and its devastating effects. This is because this acts as a tinder for wildlife and returns essential nutrients back into the earth, allowing for new, fresh plants to grow. This reduces the chances of a wildfire happening because new offspring of plants tend to be more healthy and tend to not be as dry as older plants (remember that prescribed burning can be used to burn down dry plants in exchange for fresher plants!). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/76fada6f-1c66-4c15-aa77-361538aca538/unsplash-image-Bye0R34O070.jpg Blogs for Wildlife - Fire Hazards - The Statistics (Part II) Due to the effects that climate change brings (e.g. warmer temperatures, drier seasons, drought), the conditions needed to create a wildfire are more easily met which also means that it increases the severity of the wildfire itself once it starts. This is evidently seen through the fact that more than half of the 20 largest fires in California’s history has all taken place in the last 4 and a half years. Even though a 1C increase in the average Californian temperature does not sound like a lot, scientists project that an average of 1C temperature increase every year would increase the median burned area by as much as 600% in certain types of forests with other models suggesting that the amount of land burned by wildfires could increase as much as 30% by 2060 when in comparison to 2011 levels. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/c6dac1e0-88bf-4351-bba1-7a43ceaeafd7/unsplash-image-jET6aJGkp9k.jpg Blogs for Wildlife - Fire Hazards - Beware! Although we have measures that can help reduce the chances of a wildfire from occurring, it is important to remember that these measures cannot be treated as a cure. It must be treated as a preventative measure. We need to remind ourselves that prescribed burning and other measures are only for preventing wildfires from occurring and such preventative measures do have a limit. “What kind of limit?” you may ask. External factors such as climate change can overwhelm the preventatives, thus rendering them almost useless. This is why climate change is such a huge issue that must be properly addressed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1654116541741-5HUUZJP2ZWWIZUFR8N71/unsplash-image-GFgWx3o8bTI.jpg Blogs for Wildlife - Fire Hazards - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/ca356bdc-2740-41b2-914d-324d33d8dc49/unsplash-image-YNM4KStg78I.jpg Blogs for Wildlife - Fire Hazards - Wild Winds Since winds too play a crucial role in the birth of a wildfire, I would like to go more deep into this topic. During the spring and fall seasons, Diablo winds reach the San Francisco Bay Area and travel down the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range into the Great Central Valley from the northern coast ranges. During this journey, these winds warm up as much as 20 degrees Celsius through compressional heating and thus losing its original humidity, increasing the chances of triggering a wildfire. Not only that, but El Niño can influence the climate and rainfall over California. https://www.bettercareforpets.org/blogs-for-wildlife/climate-change monthly 0.5 2022-08-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/2fc1e4f1-9d6a-4561-aa95-a7d68a147aae/unsplash-image-c7RWVGL8lPA.jpg Blogs for Wildlife - Climate Change - What is climate change? Climate change according to the United Nations is a “long-term shift in temperatures and weather patterns”. These shifts can be either natural such as having variations in the solar cycle or more artificial which humans contribute through activities such as burning fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas. Human activities like these generates greenhouse gas emissions that almost act like a blanket that wraps around Earth, trapping the heat from the sun and thus raising global temperatures. Greenhouse gasses that cause climate change include carbon dioxide and methane with industry, transport, agriculture, land use, buildings, and energy being among the main emitters. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1660712918999-F52HBPP0RCKAD5NHQRSM/unsplash-image-7C6yQtY81b4.jpg Blogs for Wildlife - Climate Change - Climate Refugees Just like how animals are affected by climate change everyday, so are we! We are no exception. Some communities are already vulnerable to climate impacts such as people living in small island nations and others in still developing countries. Sea-level rise and saltwater intrusion have rapidly increased to the point where whole communities are forced to move out of the area to find a new place to call home. It is expected for the number of “climate refugees” to continue to rise. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1660712852262-N276T7EDIJ1GOPZQBWDX/unsplash-image-O_Lyb6Et9Hw.jpg Blogs for Wildlife - Climate Change - Consequences of Climate Change There are many consequences to climate change including intense droughts, water scarcity, rising sea levels, flooding, stronger storms, melting ice, and fires. All of these can not only affect the beautiful biomes we have, but also come at the cost of an increasing decline of biodiversity as more habitats are destroyed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1660712822970-8K5KS60KK2AC8VPCPE6J/unsplash-image-O7L3MrlSAHA.jpg Blogs for Wildlife - Climate Change - Hazards of Climate Change Many people believe that climate change means warmer temperatures and that is true. But did you know that climate change can also mean cooler temperatures as well? This is because just like everything, the Earth is a system and thus everything is connected. Changes in an area can result in changes in other areas. According to scientists from MIT, a rise in greenhouse gasses (while may be causing an increase in global temperature in some parts of the world) is leading to colder winters in the U.S. and Europe. There is no place that isn’t affected by climate change on Earth! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1660712627497-UI1QKXEWC6JK3UA60QAM/unsplash-image-r1BS0pzlr1M.jpg Blogs for Wildlife - Climate Change - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1660712944318-TCXJHSBX1DOTJA1SH914/unsplash-image-lyiKExA4zQA.jpg Blogs for Wildlife - Climate Change - United Together All countries in some way, shape, or form is contributing to climate change whether they would like to admit it or not. According to the UN, the 100 least-emitting greenhouse gasses countries contribute 3% of total emissions with the top 10 countries contributing to 68%. To prevent further disasters and even worse consequences for the benefit of all inhabitants on Earth, everyone needs to take climate action. https://www.bettercareforpets.org/blogs-for-wildlife/thanksgiving-a-holiday-of-gratitude monthly 0.5 2022-12-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/f9268097-db57-47fe-ae48-55f969bf82c6/unsplash-image-EAt30ojfzOI.jpg Blogs for Wildlife - Thanksgiving: A Holiday of Gratitude? - The Workers The fact that the turkeys are living in such poor conditions not only comes at the price of the turkey’s health, but also at the price of the worker’s health. Workers are constantly exposed to such working conditions that can cause diseases and respiratory issues. Not only that but experts have long believed that the next global pandemic would come from a poultry farm as current bird viruses already have a 60% mortality rate. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1672363384505-RQM4RKAR4ERP3Y50TJLP/unsplash-image-vP1BWJOq9FE.jpg Blogs for Wildlife - Thanksgiving: A Holiday of Gratitude? - Turkey Causalities Have you ever wondered how many turkeys are slaughtered for this holiday where we celebrate our gratitude? The answer is 46 million turkeys which is more than the entire human population of California killed to celebrate one meal for one day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/6cbbdca6-de4b-476d-882c-c1d19d312902/unsplash-image-Ekzf8kIKizQ.jpg Blogs for Wildlife - Thanksgiving: A Holiday of Gratitude? - Climate Change A 2018 report from the Center for Biological Diversity notes that between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, Americans throw out 25% more trash than any other time of the year. Not only that but we also release nearly half a million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions from just Thanksgiving day! This without doubt heavily contributes to our global issue of climate change. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1672363738696-ZAUV19CT58CWH1W8KGJ8/unsplash-image-1WcO_pJ7EEI.jpg Blogs for Wildlife - Thanksgiving: A Holiday of Gratitude? - The Suffering (Part II) Turkeys who managed to make it to the slaughter weight are then sent off to the slaughterhouse. There, many turkeys are stunned (which fails all too often), shackled, then are sent to their death to the knife. The fact that most of the turkeys are fully conscious during this entire process means that they not only suffer from the moment they are born, but also during death. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/b28250f4-5470-4a4c-ad13-2b98432fbc51/unsplash-image-fUhaN09V7I0.jpg Blogs for Wildlife - Thanksgiving: A Holiday of Gratitude? - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/bb85cfde-cd9b-42fa-9448-236d3f351a5a/unsplash-image-VhlKy500ngE.jpg Blogs for Wildlife - Thanksgiving: A Holiday of Gratitude? - The Suffering (Part I) Even turkeys who have not yet reached adulthood, are also suffering. These domesticated turkeys have been artificially bred for specific traits that cause them from living the life they could live. Some adolescent turkeys are so heavy that their legs can’t even support their own body weight leading them to be more susceptible to disease which can then easily lead to death especially in the environment factory farms provide. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/176cfb12-998a-40a2-a259-3e6437a2cb34/unsplash-image-cM1aU42FnRg.jpg Blogs for Wildlife - Thanksgiving: A Holiday of Gratitude? - Viruses and Vaccines Continuing on with the bird virus topic, these turkeys are oftentimes vaccinated to protect them against such bacteria. However, this will cause the viruses to mutate and will eventually become antibiotic resistant which can not only mean antibiotics becoming ineffective, but also the virus itself becoming more deadly for both birds and humans. https://www.bettercareforpets.org/home-2 daily 1.0 2023-12-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1609312210060-57MTHQMA2QST4AEJBMNZ/image-asset.jpeg Home - Dogs Did you ever wonder how you can take better care of your dog and how dogs are able to do extraordinary things such as detect cancer through smell alone? Well you are in for luck! In Better Care for Pets’ blogs for dogs, we not only go over how you can positively impact your pup’s health and how dogs can do many things that humans cannot. Now what are you waiting for! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1622509074055-QNZVA1NFE1GLGXKW0XR3/unsplash-image-9APFPoNb9iw.jpg Home - Wildlife Do you think our wildlife is cool? Great! Together we will learn more about our wildlife and the issues that they have to face everyday. Not only that, but we will talk about what we can do to help preserve it as well. All of this will be covered in blogs for wildlife. Hold onto your seats because we are about to get wild! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1609312167370-RAO98YN7I1OWSR1ILWJ7/image-asset.jpeg Home - Cats Is your cat trying to tell you something that he or she needs but you don’t understand? Don’t worry because in blogs for cats, we leap into many topics on how you can take better care of your kitten and how small actions can leave a great impact on your cat’s life. https://www.bettercareforpets.org/about daily 0.75 2024-01-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/35b6574b-1c07-43ff-9f91-6c295b1339ab/IMG_E6617%5B1%5D.jpg About https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1597987045321-LYFWT6Y75D6MP8EKRJD0/Alligator.jpg About https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f3defcc2f193703b77c3ca1/1597987274662-DK4TCW0RAHXI25ZRSXIM/Jasper.jpg About https://www.bettercareforpets.org/contact daily 0.75 2024-01-09