debbie's blog

Holiday preparations can take their toll you, your household, your families, and even your pets.  The joy of the season can be a lot to handle and your feathered, finned, and four legged friends should not be excluded from your festivities.  Here's a few things to remember when making holiday arrangements that include your pets:

• Make sure that your pet's microchip or identification tags are updated before hitting the road or flying to your destination.


• Think about boarding timid pets rather than bringing them along with you when traveling.  Too much stimulation can cause a dog or a cat to react differently.  You do not want your sweet dog Taffy to act aggressively when approached by strangers nor do you want your cat Sylvester to tear up your sister-in-law's brand new window treatments.


• Keep a leash handy and stop frequently to let your pooch stretch his or her legs.  Rest stops often have pet parks designated for this purpose.


• Carry a collapsible food dish and water bowl and keep it close by.  Feed and water your pet as often as necessary but refrain from feeding them table scraps.  Small bones can get lodged in your dog and cat's throat and cause them to asphyxiate.  Stick to your pet's regular diet and avoid this problem directly.


• If using a carrier, choose one that gives your pet ample space to move around.


• Check with the airline in regards to restrictions and recommendations.  Make sure that your pet is given access to plenty of food and water to ensure the smoothest flight possible.


• Wrap up a small toy and get your dog or cat involved with opening it.  Give your pet time to interact with their gift. 


• Whip up some gourmet dog biscuits and hand them out to the pets in your home liberally.  There are plenty of websites on the net offering tantalizing treat recipes to tickle the taste buds of your furry friends.  Humans aren't the only ones who enjoy celebrating.  Give Fifi and Fido a reason to do all the tricks that you have been teaching them throughout the year.

The holidays are often hectic but they don't have to be.  Take time to remember the true reason for the season and don't forget to count your blessings.  The health and happiness of all members of your family - human, feline, canine, amphibian, and avian depend on the preparations that you make ahead of time.  Follow these few simple tips and make this year's festivities even more memorable.

We all have questions about protecting ourselves from the H1N1 virus, but how about our pets? How susceptible are they to the virus, and how can we protect them? The tips below may come in handy:

Is H1N1 Swine Flu Transmittable to My Pets?

Although the risk is slim, humans CAN transfer the H1N1 virus to pets.  In fact, four ferrets in the state of Oregon tested positive for the virus according to Medical News Today.  Last week, a 13 year old Iowa cat caught the virus from two people stricken with the flu.  Earlier reports from veterinarians dispelled the myth that H1N1 could be transmitted to animals by their infected owners.  No word as of yet whether the vaccine being given to humans can be used on pets.  I guess it will be a matter of time before that news is reported on.  That being said, you should heed the same precautionary measures that you would take in preventing the transfer of the Swine Flu to human members of your family.

Tips for Preventing the H1N1 Virus from Spreading

Contact with other human beings is a necessity in this day and age.  Rather than hide in your home, follow these tips when dealing with the public:

• Wash your hands frequently.  Use an antibacterial soap and rinse with warm water.
• Use a paper towel to turn off the faucet.  Similarly, avoid direct contact with door handles.
• Carry a bottle of alcohol based hand sanitizer and use it whenever the need arises.  This is especially important for people who work in healthcare facilities or handle money.
• Avoid direct contact with people who are ill.
• Sanitize workspaces and places in the home that come into contact with infected individuals.
• Get adequate amounts of rest, exercise, and fluids.
• Report any flu-like symptoms to your physician immediately.

H1N1 Symptoms in Pets

What types of symptoms will my pet display if they have contracted the Swine Flu?

A few of the more common include:

• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Difficulty breathing
• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Runny nose

What to Do If Your Pet Becomes Ill

If your pet starts showing any of the aforementioned symptoms, immediately seek treatment.  Your veterinarian will know what to do better than anyone else. Isolate the animal from other members of the family, both two-legged and four-legged.  Protect your eyes, nose, and mouth by wearing a respiratory mask.  Wash your hands frequently and wear gloves when sanitizing your pet's feeding bowl, water dish, and cage.

The H1N1 Swine Flu Virus has catastrophic results.  Keep in mind that it is highly contagious and can cause death in both humans and animals.  Employing a few simple tactics can reduce your risk of passing on the virus to your most valuable assets, your family and your beloved pets.

Preventing Parvo: How to Protect the Ones You Love

Parvo is a serious viral disease that can cause death in puppies and young dogs.  The parvovirus attacks cells which cause diarrhea, depression, and weaken your pooch's heart.  Rather than sit back and watch this disease destroy the ones that you love, opt instead to stop parvo at its source.  By taking the necessary precautions listed here, you can ensure that your puppies grow up in a healthy, happy, disease-free environment.

Symptoms of the Disease

If your puppy starts showing these symptoms, take immediate action by calling your veterinarian:

• High Fever
• Lethargy
• Depression
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Dehydration
• Shock

Treatment for Parvo

Parvo is highly contagious and treated very aggressively.  In addition to being given an IV containing fluids and antibiotics, doctors regulate body temperature and keep electrolyte levels at their optimum.

When to Vaccinate Against the Parvovirus

Although difficult to prevent in puppies that were born to an infected mother, regular vaccinations can be scheduled once the canine has reached 6 weeks old.  Continuing until the puppy has reached 20 weeks old, yearly dosages of the vaccine are highly recommended by veterinarians.

Preventing the Disease From Spreading

THERE IS NO CURE FOR PARVO!  That being said, you should never expose other puppies or dogs to an infected pet.  Keep the animal isolated for up to a month after recovery.

Disinfect with bleach and water all areas of the home where the puppy has been.  This includes flooring, bedding, and even food dishes and water bowls!

Pick up your pooch's poop from the backyard.  Avoid letting your other pets come into contact with it.

Make your dog's diet as bland as possible.  Gradually introduce regular kibble once your pup has fully recovered.

To Learn More

Contact the American Veterinary Medical Association and request a copy of their brochure: What You Should Know About Canine Parvovirus.

Speak to your veterinarian about his or her recommendations for puppies and young dogs.

Educate yourself by reading more about the subject online.  Print out fact sheets and watch films that cover the deadly disease.

A Final Note

Despite parvo's seriousness, 20% of those puppies infected pull through.  Don't take a chance when it comes to your pooch's health.  Get them vaccinated early and make sure that they have regular check-ups. Report any concerns to a veterinarian right away and keep a close eye on ill animals.  A little precautionary measure here and there goes a long, long way.

After Nini passed away in June, I knew I wanted to adopt another cat right away. Although I was enjoying not having to change the cat litter, clean up Nini's bad aim from around the cat litter, and having to clean the kitchen counters every minute (I only use eco-friendly cleaners, which I can only hope did/do the job), I love cats, and missed Nini. As you've already gathered if you've read my blog, or if you've noticed that I donate 5% of my sales to Muttville, I hold a special place in my heart for less-adoptable animals. I wanted to adopt an old-timer, or better yet, a pair. It breaks my heart to know that cats who have bonded over the years are often split up by shelters wanting to find homes for as many as needy animals as possible, which is why I wanted to rescue at least one pair. I searched for siblings, and found one shelter that had several, and older ones, as well. When I called the shelter, however, both the adoption counselor and I had concerns that these cats may not have had any experience with dogs, and it might be very stressful for them to be put in a home with two dogs. I thought of testing the waters nevertheless, but couldn't see myself bringing these kitties home, only to have to surrender them back to the shelter if the adjustment period didn't pan out.

One day I happened to be in Wags 'n Whiskers, one of my favorite stores that carries Opie & Dixie products. Erica, the store owner, has daily adoptions at her store. There were kittens, kittens, everywhere! I did not-not-NOT want a kitten. All of a sudden I glanced aside, and there was a non-kitten! She was small, and appeared to have some Siamese and Snowshoe in her. Man, she was beautiful. She was strutting around the store like she owned it, with dogs roaming in and out. She was fearless, and just adorable. I asked how long she'd been there, and she'd been there the longest of all. I couldn't imagine why, but the answer was that everyone wants kittens, and this little girl was about 2 years old. Go figure. I picked her up, and she rubbed her face against mine and purred like crazy. I drove home, and while concerned that by adopting her I would not be fulfilling my promise to adopt a "less adoptable" cat, something told me that she was to be The One. I KNEW she'd be fine with Opal and Dixie . I drove back to the store, picked her up, brought her home, opened her carrier, and... yep, I was right. Out she marched, confidently and fearlessly. The dogs came up to sniff her, and she pushed right past them defiantly: "Hey, outta my way, I have places to explore!"

It took me no time at all to learn that Miss Kitty, who we named Mia, had "issues." The biggest issue? Peeing NEXT TO, but not IN the litterbox. Pooped in the box, peed next to it. Of all the cats in the world, I had to pick another with a peeing issue. Nini reincarnated. God help me. Issue number two: biting. Yes, a very, very bite-y kitty. I'd be lying down on the couch very comfortably, deeply engrossed in The Wire, when? *POUNCE! CHOMP!* She'd scare the hell out of me, affix herself to my leg and take a bite out of my foot. Issue number three: Midnight Madness. I'd be sound asleep, when all of a sudden a stampede of feet would dart over my face. Then, the meowing. And I don't mean, "mew-ing." I mean, "MEOW-ing." At 3 in the morning. Hey, do whatever you want with me, but don't ever, EVER mess with my sleep. There were other problems too, but these were the main ones. Well, I yanked out all my behavior books, googled solutions and did all the things I thought I was instructed to do, but nothing worked. I had no choice but to call in the experts. I found Feline Minds online, and Mikal came to the rescue. She spent a couple of hours assessing the monster-kitty-from-hell situation, and a day or so later she sent over a full report with solutions. Get this: THRILL OF A LIFETIME! THEY WORKED! Miss Kitten now pees in the cat litter. No more making meals of my arms and legs. No more feet in my face in the middle of the night. Amazing! Even though her name is Mia, who calls their pets their real names? Mia is KEEEEEEETTEN. And you can't just speak it. You need to SCREECH it. "KEEEEETTEN! KEEEEETTEN!" All three girls are crazy about each other. They play like maniacs and then pass out and sleep together. Hallelujah. Peace in the kingdom.

Quick tips for the training of kooky kats:

1. Cat Attract - When they can't seem to use the litterbox, this litter is magical. It's natural, and apparently has an herb-y, grassy scent (that I can't smell) that "attracts" them. It works like a charm.

2. Biting -- when you're tired of being turned into a meal, go limp. Do not nose tap the kitty's nose. Do not yell, "AAAAAAAAAAA!" Do not kick them so they go flying off you. Just... ignore. Grit your teeth, let your eyes well up from the pain, and... ignore. If it gets REALLY bad, just nonchalantly stand up and walk away. Kitty will learn that all the biting leads to no more play. Not only no reaction (which is what kitty is after), but The End.

3. Nighttime stampedes and chattiness - Play with kitty before you go to bed until he or she is ready to drop dead. You can tell when they start getting worn out because the toy becomes less and less exciting, you'll detect a bit of panting, and suddenly.. *plop*! Dead to the world.

Dogs around the country are looking for loving homes right now.  With that being said, what would be more fitting for Adopt a Shelter Dog Month than providing a supportive atmosphere for a four legged friend?  Rather than visit a pet store to find the dog of your dreams, think long and hard about the thousands of shelter animals who sit and wait anxiously for your visit.  Your decision is the difference between life and death for many of them.  In fact, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) offers a variety of resources that allows you to pick out the perfect canine personality to fit your lifestyle.  From ways to help your local shelter to a list of pet care costs, the website makes it easy to learn more about caring for the animal you decide to adopt. 

To speed up the process, follow the ASPCA's Three Easy Steps for Adoption:

1.  Provide the shelter with two forms of identification.  A driver's license and bill stating your current address is preferable.

2.  Provide a personal reference.  Be willing to give the contact information of a trusted family member or friend that the shelter can reach by phone.

3.  Bring all members of your household to meet your new dog.  In addition to human family members, consider bringing in your other dogs so that an expert behaviorist can help you find the perfect match for your current living situation.

Also consider following the organization's Top 10 Things To Do Before You Bring Your New Dog Home tip sheet.  Covering all the basics from licensing to stocking up on supplies, a few precautionary measures will make the transition from shelter to your humble abode so much easier.

A free Pet Safety Pack makes it easy for your new pet to be rescued in the event of a fire or other type of emergency.  Each kit contains a window decal that can be updated with the type of pets that you have and a contact number where you can be reached.  It also contains an ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center magnet which provides you with valuable information in the off chance that Fido gets into something he shouldn't have.  To get your free safety pack, click here.

Benefits of Adopting

Besides providing you with the deep satisfaction of providing comfort and care to another living creature, adopting a shelter dog can provide you with the following benefits:

• Added companionship
• Lower blood pressure
• A more positive perspective and better mood
• A stress reliever
• An exercise partner
• A way to meet new people
• A built-in intruder alert
• Unconditional love

There are no ifs or buts about it.  Adopt a Shelter Dog Month is a great time to consider adding a new addition to your growing family.  Visit your local shelter or pound today and be a hero to a homeless canine.  You won't know how good it feels until you try it!

Older animals in shelters are often overlooked.  Those with special needs require extra care, more time, unlimited financial resources, and a healthy dose of patience.  Pet owners who are not looking to make a full-time commitment to their new four-legged friend may find caring for a healthy puppy or kitten easier.  Some prefer younger animals because they have the opportunity to be a part of their upbringing and training.  Others like babies because of their small size and cute appearance.  No matter what the reason may be for adopting younger animals, one thing is certain.  There are certain characteristics that make select shelter animals more "adoptable" than others.  Here are a few of the most common:

• The animal is in good health.
• The animal is well behaved in social situations.
• The animal is able to adapt to new environments quickly.
• The animal does not have any physical disabilities.
• The pet is spayed or neutered.

Despite the overwhelming desire to adopt a certain type of animals, shelters can help add to the animal's success in the following ways.

1.   Prevent breakouts of illness and disease from occurring before they can affect the entire shelter's population.

2.   Nip problem behavior in the bud before it gets out of control.  Teaching an animal not to pull on their leash is one way to make it "adoptable". 

3.  Offer low-cost or no-cost spaying and neutering services at the time of adoption.

4.  Provide training and behavior modification exercises for animals that have trouble socializing or adjusting to life at the shelter.

A New "Leash" on Life for Animals Who Are Difficult to Place in Caring Homes

Rolling Dog Ranch and Indraloka Animal Sanctuary offer a safe haven for animals that have been abused, neglected, abandoned, suffer from illness or have a debilitating disability that keeps them from being adopted.  The organizations have a mission to provide a loving home for animals despite physical limitations.  Rolling Dog Ranch cares for animals that are blind, deaf, and suffer from neurological or orthopedic problems.  Indraloka provides shelter for a menagerie of small and large animals including dogs, cats, pigs, cows, horses, goats, chickens, and porcupines.

Proving that love comes in all shapes, sizes, and breeds, the non-profit organizations depend heavily on donations to care for the animals that live on their premises.  To learn more, visit Rolling Dog Ranch or Indraloka Animal Sanctuary online.

Studies have proven that direct contact with animals has therapeutic qualities.  Individuals that are disabled, ill, lonely, and depressed have responded positively to visits by their canine and feline friends.  Daycares, hospitals and senior care facilities have incorporated programs into their schedules that involve pet therapy or animal assisted therapy.

Essentially, these programs were created in an attempt to achieve two things. One, pet therapy helps people physically, socially, emotionally, and cognitively.  Two, the programs take animals out of their comfort zones and get them acquainted with other human beings.  After going through special training, select animals are then brought into various healthcare settings where they can serve the greatest good.

In addition to providing unconditional love and companionship, animals have been known to:

• Decrease heart rate and lower blood pressure
• Teach people how to empathize with other living creatures
• Promote nurturing
• Take the focus away from a person's problems or illness
• Provide stimulation - physically and mentally
• Give a person something to look forward to
• Encourage people to interact with others socially
• Provide entertainment for the duration of their visit

Due to their calming effect and notable influence on a person's mental health and physical well-being, pet therapy animals are in high demand.  The Delta Society offers advice, classes, and instructional materials to anyone who is interested in incorporating animal assisted therapy into their practices or workplaces.  The organization also offers a Pet Partners Program which screens and provides training to volunteers that are interested in participating in pet therapy programs across the country.  Focusing their energy on "both ends of the leash," the Delta Society helps people and animals to be successful participants in settings that involve children, the disabled, and the elderly.

Partnering up with the ASPCA, the Delta Society encourages newly adopted animal participation in their pet therapy programs.  Giving shelter dogs and cats a new lease on life, owners can continue to foster goodwill by honing in on their new pet's therapeutic qualities and sharing them with the people who would benefit the most from spending time with the animal.

Singer and actress Jessica Simpson recently made headlines after a coyote snatched her beloved dog, Daisy.  Launching a massive search that enlisted the help of a pet detective, the 29-year-old star simply could not give up hope until the malti-poo was found alive.  Despite criticism from the public, Simpson hung posters and Tweeted updates about her missing pet.  Noting that her feelings were maternal and that she was ?Daisy?s mommy,? the young woman called off the search after a weekend of no leads.

Like thousands of other pet owners whose four legged friends met an untimely demise, Simpson would benefit from some time alone and the following advice:

• Surround yourself with positive people who know how much your pet meant to you.  Avoid being around people who cruelly state, ?It was just a dog or cat!?
• Spend time quietly mourning your loss.  Take a long walk, keep a journal based on the feelings that you are having, or write a letter to a friend.  Understand that grief is a complex process with multiple stages.  In order to make progress, you must conquer feelings of disbelief, anger, and guilt.
• Refrain from making life-changing decisions until you are in the right frame of mind.  Grief can cause a person to act irrationally.  Give yourself time to reflect upon a situation before making a decision that you might regret.
• Seek professional advice if you have difficulty performing daily scheduled activities.  Be honest about your feelings and heed the advice of the therapist.
• When the time is right, consider fostering a pet from an animal shelter.  Fostering animals gives a person a chance to be a part of an animal?s life without making a full-time commitment to its care. 

The death of a pet is devastating.  By taking the time to mourn their loss, men and women significantly decrease their level of stress by becoming resilient, increasing their chances of feeling comfortable caring for animals again.