Animal Companions and Their People Blog

Archive for the ‘pet care’ Category

Of my twenty-two dogs, all are loving, loyal and devoted to my husband and me. There isn’t an aloof, detached, unfriendly or undemonstrative one among them. Their tails wag enthusiastically at the mere sight of us, and they lick and hug us profusely. They are always happy to see us and are overjoyed to spend time with us each and everyday. They love to go for their walks and can’t contain their excitement when they know a ride in the car is imminent. When we take the time and make the effort to play with them, they can hardly control their exuberance.

We, who love our animal companions, do not take for granted their unconditional love, but rather embrace them as they embrace us. Many of us regard our animal companions not only as our best and most trusted and valued friends, but also as be-loved family members. There are countless stories about dogs who save humans from tragedy or even death - a Rottweiller leaping into a burning apartment to save an infant; a German Shepherd saving a woman choking on a piece of fruit; a Labrador Retriever dog plunging into a swiftly flowing river to pluck out a drowning child. Many people who have been rescued from dangerous or deadly situations regard their dogs as “guardian angels.” And, perhaps, they are indeed. Who am I to determine their role or purpose? However, I can certainly personally attest to their healing powers and their seemingly “divine” intervention”, or shall I say, “contribution” to human lives. I have witnessed their abilities firsthand many, many times throughout my life.

One of the most joyous and fulfilling activities in which I have participated is to train and have some of my dogs classified as Canine Good Citizens through the AKC (American Kennel Club) and then, after further training, to have them certified as “Assisted Animal Therapy dogs. They are thus able to accompany me to various hospitals, assisted living centers, hospice care facilities, schools and recreation centers where they bring joy and healing to patients, residents and students and to both children and adults alike. They bring peace, unconditional love and comfort to those in need. They often work with people with special needs such as cerebral palsy, Down’s Syndrome, epilepsy, autism, and so on.

These dogs are devoted to me and to serving those in need. They do not seem to “see” wheelchairs, walkers, IV’s or other medical apparatus. They appear “at home” and at ease with those who are ill or disabled. Depending upon the frequency of visits they make, they truly come to know and love those they serve. They perform “tricks” for and play with them. They enjoy being petted and held. They bring fun, laughter and friendship to so many who suffer and are lonely. They forge a unique bond with them. They are “real” and “genuine” and nonjudgmental. Those they visit seem to lose their embarrassment or self-consciousness during their time with our therapy dogs. For at least a short while, they forget their pain and commune with a creature that is loving and empathetic. These dogs are “all heart” and pure love. I am so grateful to be with them as they bring grace and dignity to those who have been displaced and too often simply forgotten.

Dr. Diane Pomerance

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As we enter the season of rebirth and renewal, and as we leave our winter doldrums (along with our cold weather hats, coats and gloves) behind us, we welcome and embrace the mild and comfortable weather, the foliage in bloom and a seemingly kinder and gentler world. We spend more time outdoors and soak up the rays of the sun. We feel refreshed, revitalized, invigorated. What better time is there to adopt a loving, doting canine friend and companion with whom we can share the joys of the season?

There are many reasons to adopt this spring:

1). It is the perfect time of year to spend quality time outside with your dog.

2). The temperatures are mild and moderate making it easy to housetrain your pet and take him out for frequent potty trips.

3). The days are longer and permit more outdoor time to exercise your dog – and to take him for more and longer walks.

4). The temperatures are cool enough so that you can take your pet for rides in the car-
without worrying about him being exposed to excessive heat or cold. Most dogs love their rides!

5). You can spend time socializing your pet at dog parks and greeting and meeting with your human and canine friends in the neighborhood.

6). It is easier to obedience train your dog – teaching him to “heel”, “come”, “sit”, “stay”,
etc., this time of year – and even teach him agility. You can jog or run with your best friend.

7). You can enjoy dining with your canine buddy at outdoor cafes or restaurants (find
out which places permit dogs first!)

8). You can play “fetch, “catch”, ‘Frisbee” and other games with your dog without getting him overheated.

9). You and your dog can take comfortable walks in the park, woods, or country.

even and your canine friend can enjoy the wonderful scents of the flowers and shrubs in bloom.

Best of all, you can appreciate nature and share the joy and beauty of the loveliest time of the year together! There is no finer companion than your wonderful, loyal, devoted and unconditionally loving dog!!!

Dr. Diane Pomerance

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In light of so many recent natural as well as man made disasters, I am compelled to reflect upon and mourn the lives of so many innocent people and creatures and the harm that has befallen our home, Mother Earth. I is disheartening and deeply saddens me to think of our planet stricken and damaged by massive oil spills; impacted by potential nuclear meltdowns and the life-threatening spread of radiation; the proliferation of nuclear weapons; light and sound pollution posed by the relentless drilling of oil and gas wells; deforestation; the raping and decimation of pristine environments which have served for countless years as habitats for our fellow creatures; the accumulation of greenhouse gases in conjunction with the burning of fossil fuels; the needlessly cruel and unnecessary slaughter of billions of animals for food each year, and so on. How can we fail to recognize the earth as a living, breathing, powerful and yet, simultaneously, fragile organism? How can we not but respect her beauty and bounty? I hope and pray that it is not too late to salvage and restore the earth.

I live on a small, but beautiful parcel of land outside Dallas, Texas. I am blessed and privileged to spend almost some part of every day outdoors in touch with the natural world. We have hundreds of trees and shrubs – currently in bloom. We have a large pond full of turtles, frogs and fish. We also have ducks, geese and blue herons, egrets, cormorants, hawks, road-runners, rabbits, coyotes, snakes and many other magnificent creatures. We also have those animals regarded as “pests” such as gophers, field mice, opossum, skunks and armadillos. We regard them as “gifts” – for their presence increases our awareness and understanding of the purposefulness of each one and the manner in which all living creatures interconnect and relate to one another and the earth.

There is a horse farm behind our property, and nearly everyday I observe the horses and colts frolic and run so joyfully and gracefully. Getting to “know” or at least become very familiar with the animals that live on or visit our property is a privilege and a blessing. All are sentient, playful and beautiful. Each has a unique personality. Each offers special gifts; each one has a purpose for living here alongside of and with us. I am, thankfully, in constant communication and attunement with the natural world – of which we are all apart and from which we are all descended. This communication and attunement leads to a communion with the Creative Force and Power responsible for the existence of all life. It is virtually impossible for me to think of any form of life on earth as purposeless or insignificant.

The time I spend with my twenty-two rescue dogs is truly a gift. They are a further link with the Natural World. These innocents, who have been neglected, abandoned, tortured and abused are forgiving and nonjudgmental. The love unconditionally and are both vulnerable and pure of heart. They live spontaneously “in the moment”, and other than digging in my flower beds on occasion, cause no irrevocable destruction to anyone or to the environment. They bring me great peace, comfort and joy. They are natural “healers”.

How far away is the time that we revered Mother Earth and the Natural World instead of exploiting her gifts, beauties and bounties? Why have we become so negligent, greedy and irresponsible? We have “dominion” over the earth and her creatures – which is, in actuality, “stewardship” or “guardianship” and the obligation to love, respect and appreciate our home and all living creatures.

We must reassess our values and reprioritize them. Our greed for more money, more property, more power along with our ignorance and arrogance can lead to only one outcome – our own demise and the destruction of our planet. We have been warned!
We have witnessed recently and over time the vast power of Mother Earth. The recent crisis in Japan – a 9.0 magnitude earthquake, tsunami and subsequent nuclear disaster –
must surely remind us that Mother Nature can destroy not only people, but also countries, continents and the international economy instantaneously!

We must heed this wake-up call and come to the aid of our ailing planet. We must abolish nuclear weapons – we must focus once again on the beauty, majesty and power of the earth. We must learn to respect her and her creatures - we must make a strong and concerted effort to become wise stewards of our fellow creatures. Now, more than ever, is the time to come to the aid of our peoples and planet…

Dr. Diane Pomerance

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There are so many ways in which dogs enrich our lives emotionally and physically. Here are some examples of how pets can be of particular benefit to seniors. For example, did you know that seniors who have dogs or other animal companions pay fewer visits to the doctor?

- Seniors who have dogs or cats and who require hospitalization tend to stay in the hospital for a shorter duration than those without companion animals.

- Seniors who have pet tend to have a more active social life than those who don’t.

- Seniors who have pets tend to be more physically active and get more exercise than those without them.

- Seniors who have pets experience less depression, loneliness and anxiety than those without them.

- Pets provide seniors with unconditional love, loyalty and devotion.

- Pets fulfill the care giving and nurturing needs of seniors.

- Pets provide seniors with companionship and friendship.

- Pets improve the overall quality and help increase the longevity of seniors.

There are many other gifts our animal companions bring to seniors – comfort, acceptance, nonjudgmentalism, spontaneity, affection and laughter. Many seniors who have outlived their spouses or human friends can derive much joy from the daily presence in their lives of a dog or other animal companion.

Dr. Diane Pomerance

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Making the decision to adopt a dog requires a lifetime of commitment on the part of you and your family. Your dog’s care and lifelong well-being are in your hands. From socialization skills to obedience training, good nutrition and adequate exercise; regular veterinary visits and vaccinations to playtime and interaction with you – the dog is vulnerable and completely dependent upon you for all aspects of his life. His quality of life and happiness depend upon you. Before adopting a pet, think carefully as to whether you are willing and able to make this lifetime commitment and take on this responsibility. Remember, we generally outlive our pets. Like humans, they break bones, require stitches and even develop complex and terminal illnesses and disabilities. They may require medications and medical treatments similar to ours.

Children and dogs are meant to be together. They can become best friends, playmates, companions, siblings and confidants. Their bond is like no other and is both incalculable and unforgettable.

So, after you and your family have determined that you are going to adopt a dog, how do you decide which breed is right for your household? What characteristics, personality and attributes do you want your dog to have? There are certain breeds that are especially compatible and well suited to live in families or homes with children. The following breeds are playful, energetic, loyal, affectionate, protective and intelligent. Any of them would make an excellent dog for kids.

- The Labrador Retriever (Lab) is a wonderful family dog. He is patient, friendly and persevering. He is often exuberant and seemingly tireless and is almost always up for a romp. Playful and affectionate, he is also very smart and trainable.

- The Golden Retriever is confident, intelligent, kind and loyal. He is also extremely patient and affectionate as well as protective. And… He LOVES to play! Both Labrador Retrievers and Goldens are frequently used as service dogs for the blind, deaf or people with other disabilities because of their intelligence, patience, resourcefulness, friendliness, desire to please and gentleness.

- The Poodle is a very family friendly and extremely clever dog. He is gentle and good-natured, great for kids who have allergies and is also patient. He is an excellent playmate for a child.

- The Beagle is a perfect child-friendly dog. Intelligent, alert, friendly and playful, he is not too small and not too large. He is curious, inquisitive, and highly trainable.

- The Collie is a calm, intelligent and tolerant dog that is gentle and trainable. Like his movie ambassador “Lassie”, the collie is loyal, devoted, resilient and resourceful. He makes a wonderful companion.

- The German Shepherd is highly intelligent, friendly, protective and loving. He is very loyal and playful, but, because of his size and cleverness must be socialized and well trained. He is extremely sensitive, clever and resourceful and wants to please and protect his loved ones.

- The Great Dane is a gentle giant that loves children. He is kind, loyal, affectionate and patient. He seeks little more than to be loved by and to please his family.

- The Pug is a small dog that is very loving, affectionate and has a strong sense of family. He loves kids and does well with inexperienced pet owners.

- The Irish Setter is a beautiful dog known for its lovely red coat. He is playful, energetic, and very intelligent and loves being around people and children. He is also easily trainable and requires a lot of exercise.

- The Mixed Breed dog is my own personal favorite. You just can’t beat him! He is generally very intelligent, has great survival instincts, and is well-balanced and friendly. He yearns to please and to find a place in your heart, and he’s so grateful to be adopted into a loving, welcoming family. He usually loves children and is playful and full of life and energy. No doubt, he has faced adversity and even the possibility of death. If you adopt him from an Animal Shelter or Rescue Organization, you are saving a life as well as getting a GREAT family dog!

Dr. Diane Pomerance

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We all know that children and dogs share a very special relationship. Kids forge a unique and powerful bond with their animal companions. They play with them, talk to and laugh with them, walk with them, do their homework with them and even share their strongest feelings and deepest secrets with them. Dogs love children unconditionally and never yell at or punish them for not doing their homework or chores or for not cleaning their bedroom. Kids and dogs - you just can’t beat this winning combination!

Kids learn compassion and responsibility by learning to share life with and feed and care for their pets. They learn to value and appreciate all living creatures. They learn a lot about life itself, getting sick or old, living in the moment, sharing companionship and friendship– and also the care and commitment an animal companion requires and deserves.

When is it appropriate for a child to have a pet? It truly depends on the child’s family situation and his own maturity. As a parent, know that you are ultimately responsible for the care and well-being of your family pet. Children are well-intentioned and may promise that they will take care of the pet on their own. But we, as parents, know, that children are easily distracted and preoccupied with their own responsibilities such as school, extracurricular activities, human friendships and social obligations. They may be very well-intentioned, but lack the maturity to assume full responsibility for another living being.

Before adopting a pet into your family, it is very important to have serious discussions about the obligations and responsibilities associated with pet guardianship or “parenthood”. Your child must thoroughly understand that a pet is a sentient, living creature who may be shorter lived than he, who may get sick and require veterinary care, who depends on humans for his regular food, water, grooming, exercise and overall wellness. He is a vulnerable creature who depends entirely on his human caregivers. You must also decide which type of dog best suits your family’s personality and lifestyle and to whom which responsibilities of the pet’s daily needs will be delegated.

Much thought and deliberation of each family member is required to determine if a pet is appropriate for you. Consider that the pet should be spayed or neutered, receive his vaccinations and regular visits to the vet to make sure he is in good health, have a nutritious and healthy diet, daily exercise and playtime, frequent interaction with his human family, and receive socialization and obedience training. Each member of the family must understand that the pet requires a lifetime commitment to keep him as happy and healthy and comfortable as possible. If you do not have the time, space or budget to provide a healthy life for a pet, please do not adopt one. There are countless homeless animals who have been surrendered to animal welfare organizations and shelters and ultimately euthanised simply because their owners did not take the time to conduct research as to the time, space, activity level and money associated with keeping a pet or consider how much attention, interaction and care an animal companion requires. A pet has the potential of becoming a loving, devoted, loyal, unconditionally loving and beloved family member. If he is neglected, he can become sick, bored and destructive. Whether or not to get a dog for the kids is an extremely important decision. Take the time and make the effort to determine if a pet is in your child’s future!

Dr. Diane Pomerance

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Life can be challenging. – the world around us is chaotic and tumultuous. Friends are fickle – our spouses or significant others (if we even have them!) can prove insincere, unappreciative and downright unromantic. So, what’s a person to do on Valentine’s Day – a day legendary for its glorification of love and romance?

Actually, Valentine’s Day can be one of the loneliest holidays of the year. We, who are not in a romantic relationship, can feel lonely, isolated, insecure and empty inside. We look with dread upon all the glamorous TV commercials and magazine ads exhibiting a perfect, beautiful dewy eyed couple in blissful union.

However, for those of us who are single and have been single for a long time; or for those of us experiencing loneliness due to a break-up, separation, divorce or widowhood, Valentine’s Day can be both painful and isolating. We may experience the emptiness of never feeling truly loved and of never, perhaps, experiencing love or romance again. However, Valentine’s Day need not be a day of fear, dread and gloom.

There is an option, you may not have considered. Why not celebrate Valentine’s Day with your pet? After all, he is loyal, deserving, trustworthy, devoted, honest, and genuine and, above all, unconditionally loving. More likely than not, he is also good-looking. He’s also lovable and doting. All he desires is to love you, please you and to make you happy. Who could ask for anything- or anyone- more?

When Purina surveyed 1,000 American pet owners, they found that 61 percent of them intended to show additional love and affection toward their animal companions on Valentine’s Day. In addition, 43 percent of the male respondents claimed that they preferred to celebrate the holiday with their pet alone. Surprised?

Do not be. Our animal companions are truly our very best friends of all. They have no or pretense; they are genuinely who and what they appear to be. They are nonjudgmental – they really don’t care how we look or what we’re wearing. They see beyond the superficial. Nor are they shallow or mercenary. They are delighted to spend a quiet evening at home with you – they enjoy good food, beautiful music and great movies. They cuddle comfortingly and joyfully beside you and cherish you as few others in the world do.

Do not take this suggestion lightly. You CAN enjoy Valentine’s Day with one you truly love – without worries or regrets. And when the holiday is over, your animal companion will remain faithfully and lovingly by your side… truly a love for all seasons and holidays.

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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