In the news today it was reported that there were 3 different instances of rabid raccoons in Central Park, NY. There have been very few cases of rabies in the city for many years, and no people have been infected for the past 50 years.
In order to protect yourself and your pets, stay well away from any wild, or other, animal that is acting erratically, seems aggressive or even unwell. Keep a dog leash on your dog at all times so that you can control where your dog goes, and lead him away from potential danger if it is coming toward you. Three cases is not exactly a pandemic, but still!
We all seem to have our favorite sleeping positions when we finally fall into bed at the end of a long day. For some, passing out on their stomach is bliss, although this position can strain the lower back if you stay there too long. Others lay flat on their back and hardly move all night. A third position is on the side, possibly in fetal position, all curled up and tucked in. Sometimes a pillow under the knees or between the knees when on the side can help alleviate any back pain in those positions. Whatever the choice, we usually like the same posture on any given night.
Dogs also have their favorite spots and their favorite positions, and if you know what yours likes you can set him up accordingly. Those that like to curl up might like a round dog bed, and those that stretch might go for a rectangle bed that will accommodate their limbs. Some like bumpers that support their head like a pillow and make them feel tucked in and cozy. You can always find a style and size that your pet loves, and both of you will get a great night’s sleep!
Sometimes we think that because an animal has a fur coat they are warm enough all year long, even in a fairly cold climate. But actually dogs can also be susceptible to cold temperatures, some breeds more so than others. The obvious breeds that are made for working outdoors in cold temps, like the Husky or St. Bernard, are probably okay in just about any weather in North America. But the breeds that were never meant to spend so much time outside, and have been domesticated for a long time, need our help to stay warm despite their fur coat.
When going for a walk put on a dog jacket or dog sweater that fits well, keeps warmth in and possibly even repels water. Avoid stepping in water if the temp is quite cold, and don’t leave your animal outside for extended periods, even with a jacket. Remember, just because they have more hair than we do doesn’t mean they don’t get cold. Bundle Up!
While taking care of a friends dog recently, I went to rub her ears a bit after a nice romp in some nearby woods. As I bent down for some snuggles, I saw a large and quite swollen tick attached just in front of her right ear. Ugh! I hate those things and didn’t want to leave it there until her mom returned, so I went in search of some tweezers and got to work. That one came off easily, so I continue to inspect Miss Lola Mae and unfortunately found 13 (yes 13) ticks in her ears in various stages of engorgement. Totally gross, and the poor thing would sit still for only so long while I worked on getting the little buggers out.
After the whole ordeal was over we were both exhausted and I lay down with her on her luxury dog bed, as comfortable as my own for sure, and we both took a nap. Please check your best friend regularly- Lyme Disease is no more fun for them than it is for us, and they can’t tell you when they don’t feel well.
During the holidays the overwhelm of work schedules, partying and shopping often get in the way of a regular exercise program. Put this time overload together with excessive eating, and you have the perfect recipe for extra pounds and extra stress. What to do? Find the time as best as you can to get yourself moving, and the perfect answer can be a good walk with your best (four legged) friend.
If you usually go out for a walk around the block, make it two. If you go once a day, try for twice. Your dog may also notice how busy you are and be missing you while you run around to all your commitments. A little extra time on the walk, even just 10 minutes, will help alleviate your stress and his. Be sure to have a good leash to keep your dog next to you in the busy traffic areas and for safety there are well fitting dog collars that can match your leash as well. Enjoy your holidays and keep you and your pooch stress free and in shape.
The Indians taught the English settlers 400 years ago how important it was to give thanks for an abundant harvest and all that the earth gives us to sustain us. The first Thanksgiving was a lesson in appreciation and also on being careful with our resources, using every single part of an animal or plant for what it can provide.
We have come a long way since then and we don’t always remember those invaluable lessons about not being wasteful. Much of our natural resources are taken for granted and destroyed unnecessarily as we rush about our busy lives. There are many ways to return to an appreciative mindset, even while enjoying all that we have today. An eco-friendly dog bed made of recycled plastic bottles is the perfect example of using resources to their fullest potential and enjoying today’s life. Your pet cares as mush about this earth as you do!
One recent study shows that human yawns are contagious to dogs, indicating that dogs may be capable of some level of empathy. Dogs have proven their skill at reading intentions, understanding hand gestures, and taking other behavioral cues from humans. Scientists are confused, however, because dogs seem to lack a strong sense of self, which is considered necessary for development of true empathy. Dogs also do not recognize themselves in mirrors, which is one of the building blocks of self-awareness. The study suggests that dogs are not completely narcissistic in their relationships with people, but possess “some low-level attending to what others feel,” said Duke University anthropologist Brian Hare (who was not involved in this particular research study). Only humans and chimpanzees have been known to yawn contagiously.
The study involved 29 dogs and was conducted in two stages at the University of London. In the first session, each dog watched a researcher perform an exaggerated yawn. In the control portion of the experiment, the dogs observed the same researcher just opening his mouth. 21 of the 29 dogs-yawned immediately upon seeing the researcher yawn, a higher percentage than the 45% to 60% rate of contagious yawning reported among humans and the 33% of contagious yawning reported in chimpanzees. During the control portion of the experiment, not one of the dogs yawned. But if your dog is yawning, it may be time for him to hop onto his dog sofa for a nap.
There are many volunteer-driven rescue groups across America that are more than doing their part in the lives of homeless animals. These organizations depend on the big hearts of their volunteers and the pocketbooks of their sponsors, and with all of that they are able to save many wonderful, loving animal companions that would otherwise be euthanized due to lack of resources.
How do they do it? By contacting many shelters that do put their animals to sleep, these rescue groups organize transport chains, often covering hundreds of miles, to bring these animals to the local volunteers who will foster the pets until a home can be found. With just a magnetic sign on the side of their family car, and a car seat cover in the back seat, someone’s future best friend is brought to safety. See if you too can make a difference and look for a No-Kill Rescue Group in your area to support. One really good one is The Last Resort Rescue in Hewitt, NJ. www.thelastresortrescue.com. You will be happy you did!
While different breeds may experience aging at different times, most pets that do live to a full life expectancy are going to have some of the many possible issues that occur with aging. Some breeds are prone to diabetes, some to tumors, some to digestive disorders, and many develop hip and joint pain and arthritis.
As your dog ages, it is especially important that you accomodate their specific needs, such as gates strategically placed to avoid falling on stairs and dog beds to cushion potentially aching joints. Orthopedic dog beds are constructed to ease pressure points and minimize pain for the older dog.
Going back to school brings with it the inevitable pitfalls, like colds and the dreaded head lice. Most schools do a great job not only of informing parents when there is a problem, but also physically checking each child at least once per year. When lice are found the child usually stays home while being treated and everyone is requested to check their own children as well. A few of the following precautions can help minimize the risk.
-Make sure children are not sharing hats, headbands, brushes and combs.
- Children with long hair should keep it tied back and neat, so the lice do not have access to a route to the scalp.
-Wash clothing and bedding thoroughly. It is not a bad idea as well if you have pets to wash any dog beds as well, particularly if your child likes to roll around and play with your dog.
If unfortunately a round of lice does hit your home, there are many products that will help clear the situation up, including special combs to get the nits (eggs) out and shampoos to kill anything left. Not a favorite part of going back to school, for sure, but something that is avoidable and manageable. Have a great year!