Pet Korner “Love My Pet” by Judith Stanton

Pets just make the world go around and make us feel a little better at the end of the day when they welcome you back at home.  In appreciation for your pet, April 11th is recognized as National Pet Day.  There are 80 million households that have pets in the United States, out of those pets, it is estimated that 80 million are dogs and 86 million are cats. 

Q: How many teeth does an adult dog have?
A: 42

Q: How do dogs sweat?
A: Through the pads of their feet.

Q: How many hours per day do cat’s sleep?
A: 13-14 hours per day.

On National Pet day, there are many fun things you can do to observe it.  Donate pet care items to your local Humane Society.  Buy your pet a new toy, treat, or get them professionally groomed.  Check their sleeping area for ripped blankets, town beds, or wet rugs and consider purchasing new ones. Pets are special and need extensive care.  Volunteering to walk or care for someone else’s dog would be a wonderful break for a senior citizen, or anyone who has a pet. Get a little exercise and take your pet for a walk or run.  Share photos of your pet on national pet day by #nationalpetday on your social media platforms. National Pet day should be celebrated to let your pet know how much they are loved.  

Keeping pets away from harmful salt and antifreeze chemicals will help them stay safe.  Exposure to winter’s dry, cold air and chilly rain, sleet and snow can cause chapped paws and itchy, flaking skin.  Pets become uncomfortable and may suffer with discomforts of pain.   

• Repeatedly coming out of the cold into the dry heat of your home can cause itchy, flaking skin. Keep your home humidified and towel dry your pet as soon as he comes inside, paying special attention to his feet and in-between the toes. Remove any snow balls from between his foot pads.
• Never shave your dog down to the skin in winter, as a longer coat will provide more warmth. If your dog is long-haired, simply trim him to minimize the clinging ice balls, salt crystals and de-icing chemicals that can dry his skin, and don’t neglect the hair between his toes. If your dog is short-haired, consider getting him a coat or sweater with a high collar or turtleneck with coverage from the base of the tail to the belly. For many dogs, this is regulation winter wear.
• Bring a towel on long walks to clean off stinging, irritated paws. After each walk, wash and dry your pet’s feet and stomach to remove ice, salt and chemicals—and check for cracks in paw pads or redness between the toes.
• Bathe your pets as little as possible during cold spells. Washing too often can remove essential oils and increase the chance of developing dry, flaky skin. If your pooch must be bathed, ask your vet to recommend a moisturizing shampoo and/or rinse.
• Massaging petroleum jelly or other paw protectants into paw pads before going outside can help protect from salt and chemical agents. Booties provide even more coverage and can also prevent sand and salt from getting lodged between bare toes and causing irritation. Use pet-friendly ice melts whenever possible.
• Like coolant, antifreeze is a lethal poison for dogs and cats. Be sure to thoroughly clean up any spills from your vehicle, and consider using products that contain propylene glycol rather than ethylene glycol.
• Pets burn extra energy as they try to stay warm in the winter.  Feed your pet during scheduled times, with intermittent snacks to provide needed nourishment and calories along with plenty of water. Drinking plenty of water will keep their skin hydrated. 
• A cozy place for your pet away from drafts will help them stay warm.  Provide a warm blanket, pillow or bed for your pet.  Keep it clean, dry, and away from electric heaters, fireplaces, and furnaces.  
• If it is too cold for you to be outside, your pets will be cold and also freeze rapidly.  Keep your pets inside.  During extreme cold weather pets can become disoriented, lost, stolen, injured or killed.  

 

Technology and the way we feed our pets is a huge trend in 2021.  Feeding and taking care of our pets today couldn't be simpler with these favorite trends. 
*Treat Dispensers
*Smart Collars
*Feeders 
*Trackers 
*Cameras 
www.petco.com
It is estimated that 78 million dogs and 85 million cats are placed with pet owners in the United States, and shelters are estimated to have 6.5 million pets that currently need homes.  Pets are companions in need of good homes and unconditional love.  See these resources to be a beloved pet owner. ​American Pet Products Association
http://www.americanpetproducts.org/
The National Council on Pet Population Study & Policy (NCPPSP)
http://www.petpopulation.org
The American Veterinary Medical Association
http://www.avma.org (see U.S. Pet Ownership and Demographics)

Older Pets Make Great Companions
Pets know the difference, they are experienced with people and people have experience with pets. Adopting a senior pet reminds us of how four legged friends need us and we need them.  We have heard the saying "You can't teach an old dog new tricks", but you can.  Time is on your side, they love to play and bond with humans.  
Senior pets understand personalities, both human and other pets.  They have been around a block or two.  Health, energy levels, size, and environment are all important things to consider when adopting a senior pet.  Most of all love, senior pets truly want someone who is nurturing, across the country there are pet shelters just waiting for a family to adopt a senior dog.  Everyone ages, even our pets.  Pets know when they have been rescued to a good home.  I am so glad almost two years ago we rescued "Pepper" from the local shelter.  Before she came to our home, she was placed with two other separate families.  We have loved her through everything.  Adopt A Senior Pet Month 

​Best Dog Hiking HarnessWhether your dog is hiking on leash with you or roaming the hills on their own, you’ll want a comfortable, breathable dog hiking harness. The best harness won’t restrict their movement but will have a snug fit to give you the peace of mind that you can easily secure your dog at a moment’s notice.

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Fall is the perfect time for pets to be outside and play longer.  When the weather is cooler, they also like to roam further away from their home.  5 Safety Tips For Autumn
1. Be aware of any rodenticides that are placed outside in or around the garage of in the basement of homes.  They are toxic if digested by your pet, or could even be fatal.  

2. Observe the ground for coolant or antifreeze leaks under the car, pets who drink the fluids are at risk for severe stomach issues, these chemicals are also toxic to your pets. 

3. During Fall and Spring wild mushrooms are in season.  Almost 99% of mushrooms have little or no toxicity, the 1% that are highly toxic can cause life-threatening problems in pets. Please visit Poisonous Plants Contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately if you witness your pet eating a wild mushroom.

4. Black walnuts and other nuts are harmful for your dogs to digest. They are toxic to their system and can cause digestive distress. Contact your Veterinarian if your pet has any complications. 

5.  School supplies are harmful to your pet, dogs can't resist taking a backpack.  I was very surprised when my German Shepherd stole my book bag, and dumped everything out of it, including paper, pens, and small accessories.  Pets think it is fun to run around with objects in their mouth, not realizing how harmful it could be. 

The July 4th weekend is among us! If you are not boarding your pets for the celebration, here are some things you may consider. 
1. Pet anxiety - some pets are scared of loud noises, parades, large crowds and festivals.  Signs and Symptoms: shaking, drooling, howling, barking, pacing or trying to take cover. 

2. Run-away pet: Before you take your pet out to an event. Checklist: Keep an updated shot record with you, make sure their identification tag is on the dog collar.  The collar should fit well, if your dog has run away before, consider kenneling them, leaving them with a family member and or micro-chipping your pet.

3. Check location and destination before your trip for pet friendly events.

4. Consider using natural calming therapies for your dog.  A blanket, or natural foods to relieve anxiety.  Always bring food and drinks for your pet, snacks & place to rest.  Your pet will need exercise, so try to find a location away from the crowds. 

5. If your pet does get lost, make sure to alert the vet, and local agencies to help locate your pet. 

Enjoy the activities this weekend! Happy July 4th 
 

Article & Photo By: Judith Stanton
7 Tips Before Taking Your Pet To Work 
Taking your pet to work day can be exciting! Showing your pet off in front of co-workers brings pride, and what else? Things to consider when taking your pet to work. 
1. Prepare your pet for travel.  What will there day look like? Do they have a kennel for napping before, during, and after going to work. 

2. Consider their eating and toileting schedule.  How close are the doors to the parking lot, or grass yard for exercise and toileting.

3. Be respectful of co-workers spaces, because their could be people in your office who are allergic to pets, or don't like pets.  Ask your manager about office rules before bringing a pet.

4.  Pet toys, food, water, exercise, and space.  Remember pets need a lot of your attention during the day.  Will they be spending most of their time in your office? Under a desk? Or pet corner? 

5. Pet anxiety around unfamiliar people, could cause them to behave differently.  Are they obnoxiously barking, running, scratching, leaping, meowing, or peeing around people? Check with your vet about supplements for comfort and travel. 

6. Pet's and noise, consider what your work station looks like before taking a pet to work.  Are they therapy pets? Do you work in manufacturing where they could be exposed to loud noises or safety concerns.  

7.  Prepare your pet the day before by taking them in the car, and alternative schedule.  If you work from home establish boundaries. 

I work from home, and admit with two dogs it can be challenging.  I realize they both eat at different times, exercise at random times, and sleep in different spaces.  Our dogs each have different personalities.  Our blue heeler loves to travel, she sits in the window, and is quiet most of the time, but when we stop for rest breaks she wants to leap and run away, so she reacts differently to travel.  Our larger dog, travels in a kennel, he barks intermittently and does not calm down during car rides.  He would prefer to be left at home in his own territory. 

Extra Precautions are needed for your pets during the warmer months. Take your pet walking in the early morning hours to avoid heat exhaustion.  Keep their hair groomed and trimmed, brush your pets weekly.  Avoid sidewalks and pavement, can develop blisters. Dogs don't cool off as fast as humans, so put them in air-conditioning and shade, they don't cool off as fast as humans. Wet the paws of the dog to cool off, refresh a small pool with cool to cold water daily. Look for signs of heat exhaustion, difficulty breathing, excessive panting, increased heart rate, drooling, stupor, bloody bowels, mild weakness, collapse, vomiting. Take them to your local Vet for assistance if circumstances don't improve.