Animal Companions and Their People Blog

Archive for January, 2011

Cozy evenings by the fireplace – snowy walks in the park and around the neighborhood. No matter how much fun the snow and cold may represent for you and your pet, there are hazards posing threats to your health as well as your dogs. Be aware that the cold weather may be injurious and hazardous to your pet’s well-being.

The winter season poses many challenges and potential problems to your pet’s animal companions. Slippery ice and snow may cause him to fall and injure himself. Salt on the ground used to deflect the ice’s impact may hurt or irritate his delicate paws. The icy cold air may pose such problems as frostbite as well as eye, ear, nose and throat infections. In below freezing temperatures, your pet’s ears, nose, feet and tail are likely to be impacted. You may see them limping or in pain and licking at the areas affected by the cold. It is a good idea to massage petroleum jelly into your pet’s paws foot pads before going outside and toweling off the feet and applying moisturizer to them once you are back inside. The changes in heating and temperatures indoors and outdoors may not only impact your pet’s breathing and heart rate but may cause allergic reactions as well. Do your best to shield your pets from wind, moisture and cold.

In the severe cold, your pet may experience hypothermia. Symptoms include weakness, shivering, shaking, disorientation and a lack of mental alertness. You may wish to dress your pet for cold weather. Pet coats, boots, booties, pet safe ice melters and hats are available for them among other apparel items to limit their exposure to the elements and retain as much body heat as possible.

Leaving pets by themselves in a vehicle or even the garage in cold temperatures is not advisable, especially if pets are not accustomed to being in the cold weather. Cars quickly become extremely cold when left unattended without the heat or motor on.

Antifreeze with its sweet smell and taste result in the death of approximately 90,000 animals each year. As little as 1/2 teaspoon can be toxic to a cat and merely 1/4 cup can kill a medium size dog. Therefore, do not leave antifreeze unattended or allow it to spill on the garage floor or anywhere your pet can find and consume it. If you observe your pet drinking any amount of antifreeze, take her to a veterinarian immediately!!!

Don’t allow your dog to go off-leash in the snow. Dogs often lose their scent in cold weather and can become lost. More dogs are reported lost during the winter than any other time of year. Always keep your dog on a leash and keep appropriate id with his name, address & phone number on his collar.

If your dogs enjoy swimming in a pond or lake, do not permit him to do so during the winter. Keep him on a leash around open water or unstable ice. The dog may fall in and be unable to find his way out. Hypothermia can set in quickly and may result in the death of the dog.

If you have a dog that is arthritic, make certain she does not spend much time outside in the cold and damp weather. Make sure she is receiving the medications that ease her pain and increase her mobility.

Pets need to have fresh water at all times – make sure your pets have water – NOT ICE – in their water bowls. Heated pet bowls offer a solution to frigid temperatures. They are available in stainless steel or plastic. You can find them at most pet supply and feed stores.

Keep your pet well-exercised in spite of the snow and cold. But do not keep him outside for long periods of time – especially when the weather is below 45%. Twenty minutes in the cold weather is plenty. Make an effort to play with and exercise him during the warmest period of the day and indoors as much as possible.

Although this winter has seemed excessively long, unforgiving and relentless, keep in mind, that spring will inevitably reappear and that life will become much easier and more joyful and pleasurable for you and your pet. In the meantime, do your best to keep yourselves and your pets, happy, well-exercised and comfortable!!!

Dog Behavior Specialist, Dr. Diane Pomerance

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Archaeologists claim that they have discovered evidence of what is believed to be the oldest domesticated dog in the Americas. A University of Maine graduate student, Samuel Belknap III reported finding a bone shard and skull fragment from a dried out sample of human excrement that has been carbon dated to 9400 years ago. The bone was orange in color – which is viewed as evidence that it passed through a human digestive tract. It seems that the human being who lived 9400 years ago was eating dog. However, let’s not jump to conclusions!

It is believed that the dog whose remnants have been discovered and carbon-dated was also man’s companions, protection, and hunting assistant and then, if the need arose, used as a food source.

While far older fossils of dogs have been found in Europe, the Middle East and Asia, this is believed to be the oldest known evidence of domesticated dogs rather than wolves in the Americas. Actually, the graduate student was doing a study of diet and nutrition of the peoples of the Lower Pecos Region of what is now Texas. DNA analysis at the University of Oklahoma revealed it to be the oldest known dog fossil from where the dog’s spine connects with his skull.

The bone was approximately 1.5 centimeters long and 1 centimeter wide. Scientists believe the dog weighed 25-30 pounds and was similar to a species of Peruvian dogs still living today. Interestingly enough, evidence strongly suggests that the dog was cared for before being butchered, cooked and incorporated into a stew.

Humans and canines share a long and close history together. Some of the breeds identified throughout the world as most ancient are: the Afghan Hound, Akita, Alaskan Malamute, Siberian Husky, Saluki, Samoyed, Shar-pei and Shih-Tzu.

Now that we’ve had the opportunity to get accustomed to the idea that we are living in 2011, it’s time to make plans not only for our own health and well-being, but the health and well-being of our animal companions. They are vulnerable and trusting and they depend on us for virtually all aspects of their lives and care. I have some suggestions for keeping your pet healthy and happy in the New Year and the foreseeable future

Make certain that your pet is current on her vaccines.

Schedule a physical exam for your pet. Before doing so, check her out yourself to determine if there are any unusual lumps, bumps, rashes swollen or painful areas of her body or if she is exhibiting any unusual behaviors. Bring these to the attention of your vet. Also, if appropriate, consult your vet about the advisability of testing or screening for potentially dangerous health issues.

Be sure that your pet has proper identification should she get lost or stolen. She should always wear a collar with a tag including her name, address, home and cell phone numbers.

Get your pet microchipped. Should she run away or get lost or stolen the chip can be scanned at countless veterinary clinics throughout the country and result in the recovery of your pet.

Get your pet spayed or neutered.

Groom and brush your pet often. Brush her teeth on a regular basis also – at least once a week.

Trim your pet’s nails on a regular basis.

Keep your pet well trained and socialized. A well-behaved pet is an ambassador for her breed and an asset to you, your family and community.

Provide your pets with a healthy diet and healthy treats. More natural and organic foods provide your pet with the proper nutrition they deserve. You and your veterinarian can determine an age appropriate diet and one that meets the special needs of your dog.

Keep your pet safe and secure in your car. Use a pet car seat, pet safety belt or pet barrier so that the pet cannot roam about, fall or distract you when you’re driving.

Exercise your pet regularly. At the very least, walk your pet three or four tines a day. You may also run, play fetch and hike with your dog.

Disaster preparedness is an issue that is also very important in light of Katrina and so many other natural as well as man-made disasters. Have a plan in place to protect your pet along with a survival kit for both you and your pet.

Most importantly, continue to bond and interact with your pet. You will find this friendship to be joyful, fulfilling and rewarding!

Dog Behavior Specialist, Dr. Diane Pomerance

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To infuse and integrate beauty, love, magic, truth, compassion and affection into your life, during this New Year or any other, year for that matter, you need look no farther than your animal companion. Along with the unconditional love she offers, she brings her special brand of nonjudmentalism, a remarkable capacity to heal us physically and emotionally, and an eternal and seemingly infinite optimism and gratitude for your presence in her life. She is unlike any other one you know. No other brings such patience, perseverance, empathy, joy, courage, loyalty, hope and purity-of-heart and spirit to our prosaic daily lives.

At the dawning of this New Year if you do not already have a pet, consider saving a life and adopting one in need of a loving, caring home. Think carefully about making this lifetime commitment – for in so many ways, the requirements of adopting a pet are similar and comparable to adopting a child. The rewards of adopting a pet are similar and comparable as well. You will assume the responsibility and care for this creature for the rest of your life and hers. You will be required to love her, to protect her, to provide her with care, attention affection and direction. You will be asked to “educate” or “socialize” and discipline her, so that she will be a well-behaved, well-mannered canine/feline good citizen who will serve as a good will ambassador on behalf of you, your friends and family, and who will proudly represent you, your family and friends. You will need to provide her with proper and regular medical care. You will need to provide her with a healthy nutritional and exercise regimen. You will be required to play and interact with her as often as possible. You will need to provide her with a safe, comfortable and cozy place to sleep and to rest. You will need to prepare to learn life lessons that no other source can provide in the same way. She will depend upon you for her life and all aspects of her life.

At this beginning of the New Year, take the time to seriously consider the marvelous possibilities of sharing life with a beloved animal companion. Decide to make this New Year very special for both you and your pet. Make plans to spend more quality time together and to enjoy and celebrate one another. Sharing relaxing time together can be fun. A simple walk or playing with her in the backyard will suffice. Taking a ride in the car together can be an adventure and euphoric – providing both of you the opportunity to view the world in a new way and to experience new scents, sights, scenes, sounds, and events to stimulate and be interpreted in a whole new way. Make special plans to go to the park or woods or to the mountains, lake or ocean together, to celebrate vacation time and holidays together; to kick your heels up in fun, laughter and spontaneity; in short, to share and exchange a deep and genuine love and respect for one another. Perhaps the time has finally arrived to share a special New Year with your pet!

Dog Behavior Specialist, Dr. Diane Pomerance

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Welcome to the New Year. Our pets and we have “graduated” from 2010 to 2011. Here’s hoping that the New Year will be a joyous, healthy, happy, prosperous and peaceful one for our animal companions and us! May we share an ever-increasing life of love and joy with our pets!!!

Here are some resolutions we can make that may contribute to the health, happiness and well being of our pets and us. We envision a year of contentment with and commitment to our faithful and unconditionally loving companions. These are among my own resolutions:

1). I will give my pet dedicated, quality time and attention each and every day.

2). I will provide my pet with the playtime and interaction she requires each and everyday.

3). I will observe my pet closely and make an effort to discover and deal with any discernible changes in her appearance i.e. lumps, weight gain or loss, hair loss, change in digestive or elimination routine, any unusual odors or bad breath, soreness, pain, vomiting, bleeding, etc. and take her to the vet whenever I suspect something may be wrong with her.

4). I will keep my pet on a regular and healthy exercise regimen.

5). I will provide her with a nutritionally and age appropriate diet.

6). I will not indulge my pet with fatty foods or table scraps. I know they are not good for her overall health and well-being. I will reward her good behavior with verbal approval and hugs and petting.

7). I will teach and reinforce basic obedience and socialization commands – come, sit, stay, down, etc. I will encourage her friendly behavior with other dogs, cats and people by petting her and encouraging her verbally.

8). I will brush my pet’s teeth and make sure she receives regular dental care. Dental disease can be responsible for many other health issues.

9). I will engage in more bonding activities with my pet. I know that she is sentient and loves me unconditionally. She requires love, attention, appreciation and affection from me.

10). I will have fun with my dog – she and I will share many fun experiences and adventures together. I will take her for rides in the car and walks in the park and woods.
We will visit our human friends as well as our canine and feline companions.

Let’s plan many games and playmates. Let’s spend lots of quality fun times and experiences in 2011. Let’s share a joyous, fun-filled and loving New Year! Let us celebrate the New Year together!

Dog Behavior Specialist, Dr. Diane Pomerance

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