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Why Some People Don’t Own Pets

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I don’t know about you, but I couldn’t imagine an existence without pets. I’ve shared my life with a pet for as long as I can remember, loving them, losing them, and welcoming new ones over the years. So for me, and probably many of you, it’s hard to understand why some people choose to not have pets. I mean, don’t they know what they’re missing?

 

The American Humane Association (AHA) and PetSmart Charities conducted a study to learn more about pet companions -specifically why some people don’t have pets -in an effort to develop more effective strategies for helping homeless pets get adopted and find their forever homes. The AHA believes the first step in minimizing the number of homeless dogs and cats is to understand why some people don’t have pets. Here’s what the study found:

 

Data was collected from 1,500 people without pets who either had a dog or cat once in their lives, or never at all. Some reasons for not having a pet were predictable, including: “Pets cost too much money,” or “I don’t have the time,” or “I’m allergic.” But researchers were shocked to learn nearly 20 percent of the study participants who did have a dog or cat at one time (and only one time) never welcomed another pet to their home because they were still suffering from the loss of their previous pet. This finding made it clear to the AHA that they need to better appreciate the human-animal bond and celebrate a person’s prior pet, which will hopefully allow then to take the next step of caring for another pet.

 

Cats vs. Dogs

 

Some of the non-pet participants admitted they simply don’t like companion animals, and over one-third expressed their dislike of cats. 45 percent who had a dog at one time said they would consider having another pet, while only 34 percent who had a cat said the same. Of the participants who never had a pet before, 25 percent would consider a canine companion, but only 10 percent would bring home a feline friend. These results helped identify a need for feline-friendly education and training for both pet parents and veterinary staff at the AHA to increase the level of care kitties receive.

 

Additional Findings

 

  • The longer a pet parent waits after the loss of a pet, the less likely he or she is to welcome a new dog or cat to the home.
  • 10 percent of previous dog parents and 12 percent of previous cat parents said they gave away or sold their pet for reasons such as housing restrictions, behavioral issues, allergies, lack of time, death in the family, or divorce.
  • Less than 23 percent of previous pet parents adopted their pet from a shelter or rescue agency.
  • Nearly 65 percent of study participants said they would adopt their next pet.
  • Of the participants over the age of 65, over 90 percent of them said they had no intention of having a canine or kitty companion.

 

 

What the AHA and PetSmart Charities Learned

 

  • A plan of action is needed to help address negative attitudes toward cats, and cat adoption strategies would have improved results if targeted toward younger prospective pet parents.
  • They need to better understand barriers to pet adoption, such as the grief over a lost pet, and work to reduce existing obstacles such as housing restrictions and financial constraints.

 

Hopefully, with this information in hand, both the AHA and PetSmart Charities will develop a strategy to attract new adoptees, reduce the shelter populations, and match potential pet parents with their forever friends. However, as all pet parents know, pets are a big responsibility.You should never push a pet on someone who is not ready. The best thing you can do for your non-pet owning friends is educate them on the upsides and downsides of being a pet parent and try and ease their concerns about pet ownership.

 

Three Ways to Raise a Healthy Pet

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We all want our pets to be with us forever but, unfortunately, that just isn’t possible. But what is possible is taking action to raise a healthy pet, you help ensure that your furry companion has the best chance of a living a long and healthy life, right by your side.

1 Feed Fluffy and Fido a Well-Balanced Diet

When it comes to helping your pet live as nature intended, one area of significance is with the food you feed your canine or kitty companion. Feeding a diet that is balanced and species-appropriate is of the utmost importance. Since both dogs and cats are natural carnivores, good quality protein and moisture are crucial, along with a low starch (carbohydrates and grains) content. With the overabundance of pet food choices, it can be difficult to know what’s best for your pet, so consult with your veterinarian and check out our blog for some tips.

2.  Monitor Your Pet’s Weight

According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, 53% of adult dogs and 55% of cats are classified as overweight or obese by their veterinarians. Pet obesity has become such a widespread problem that many pet parents don’t even realize their four-legged friend is overweight, putting them at risk for a long list of obesity-related disease.

The problem starts with overfeeding the wrong type of food. Again, since dogs and cats are carnivores, the foundation of their diet should be animal muscle meats, organs and bones.

As well, lack of adequate exercise is a huge risk factor in raising a cat or dog that is “pleasantly plump” (although the risks aren’t pleasant at all). Every animal is designed to be physically active in order to achieve optimal health. Not only can your pet’s lack of exercise result in packed-on pounds, but it can also cause extreme boredom and lack of mental stimulation which can result in a whole host of behavioral issues.

3. Perform At-Home Exams and Schedule Regular Wellness Visits

Dogs and cats alike are experts when it comes to hiding their pain. That’s why it’s important for their pet parents to perform routine at-home wellness exams for their canine and kitty companions. Place your pet on your lap and work your fingers along his body from the tops of his ears to the tip of his tail, looking and feeling for anything odd, such as discharge, debris, lumps, cuts, etc. These exams are a simple and very effective way for you to keep a close eye on your pet’s health.If possible way your pet on a weekly or monthly basis, any change in weight greater than 10% of your pet’s total weight is cause to call your vet. In combination with annual or bi-annual veterinary wellness exams, the chances of a potential health hazard being detected early enough for effective care increase greatly.
Help keep a healthy pet and help them enjoy their lives for as long as possible by doing everything in your power to be the conscientious, caring and effective pet parent you can be!

Why Mutts are Fantastic!

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Did you know October celebrates “Adopt-a-Dog Month,” sponsored by the American Humane Association, and “Adopt-a-Shelter-Dog Month,” sponsored by the ASPCA? And did you know 75% of the dogs in shelters are mixed-breeds, or mutts? In honor of those precious mutts waiting for their furr-ever families, here’s a list of reasons why mixed-breeds are truly mutt-tastic!

1. They come in all sizes, with short, long, curly or wiry coats in every color; they have small ears that stand straight up, big floppy ears that wave in the wind, droopy ears that drag the ground; some have short legs, long legs, big fluffy tails, long tails, or no tail at all. Whatever you’re looking for in a canine companion, the mutts have it!

2. Perhaps you’re looking for a very social dog who can help you meet new people, or one who is security conscious and has a flare for barking when he hears a knock on the door. Want a four-legged walking partner, or a lap dog who enjoys long petting sessions on the couch? Whatever your lifestyle, there’s a mutt out there who will fit right in.

3. Animal shelter adoption fees are much more affordable than the cost of a purebred dog. But, keep in mind, every dog requires a financial commitment in order to ensure a happy and healthy addition to your family. All breeds, whether pure or mixed, require a nutritious diet, routine vet visits, grooming supplies, bedding, toys, various other odds and ends, and most importantly, love, affection and dedication.

4. Mutts are just as trainable as purebreds; many are even great athletes! Looking for a four-legged family friend? One that will obey commands, play with your kids, maybe even compete in dog agility contests? A mutt can do all these things and more!

5. While this isn’t a characteristic of a mutt itself, welcoming one into your family means you are saving a life. Adopting a magnificent mutt means there’s one less animal languishing in the system.

They may be mixed breeds… mutts… mongrels… Heinz 57… but no matter what nickname you give them, mutts are no less wonderful for their unknown ancestry. And there’s likely one waiting just for you, ready to be your perfect canine companion!

Can’t adopt right now? Well, there are other ways you can help the mutts and homeless animals out there in our nation’s shelters. Here are some simple ways to help:

1. Contact your local shelter or rescue group and ask if they have a donation wish list or other flyer you can post around your neighborhood, office, health club, etc. They may be holding special events for Adopt-a-Dog Month / Adopt-a-Shelter-Dog Month which you can help promote.

2. Sign up to be a foster parent or shelter volunteer.

3. Donate funds to your local shelter in honor of Adopt-a-Dog Month / Adopt-a-Shelter-Dog Month.

4. Pass on an understanding of the importance of pet adoption to the next generation. Talk to your kids, your friends’ kids and young family members about animal shelters and why pet adoption is important.

With so many great options in shelters all over America, a mixed breed dog is a great choice for your next furry family member.

 

Fun Fall Games for Your Dog

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Fall is an exciting of year for people and pets. It is also a great time of year to play with your pooch outside before it gets too cold outside. The following are fantastic fall games you can play with Fido this season.

Fun with pumpkins

Pumpkins are dog safe vegetables that you can have lots of fun with. There are many things you can do with pumpkins. One of my favorites is to clean the pumpkin out and put treats on the inside. I like to use precooked pieces of hot dog and put them inside the pumpkin. I recommend buying small pumpkin to use for this game. Here are directions:

  1. Clean the pumpkin out, removing all the seeds
  2. Cut multiple small holes in the pumpkin that are large enough for the treats to fit through
  3. Leave the top off and put your treats inside the pumpkin
  4. Give the pumpkin to your dog and watch him have fun

Tip: You may want to put peanut butter on the outside and inside of your pumpkin to get your dog interested.

Fun fact: Pumpkin puree (100% pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling) is a great treat for dogs. Just do not feed too much as it can act as a laxative.

Leaf pile scavenger hunt

Many dogs enjoy jumping into leaf piles as much as we do, this game capitalizes on that fact. It also allows your dog to use his nose to find things and do some non-destructive digging. Before you begin the game check your leaf piles for critters (snakes and mice) and any sharp or dangerous items. You can make some bigger piles and some smaller ones to provide your dog with an easier option. This game only works with dry leaves. Here are the directions:

  1. Rake your leaves into a pile
  2. Hide a favorite toy or some treats in the pile
  3. Let your dog outside to find his toy or treat in the pile

You can incorporate more than one leaf pile once your dog gets the hang of it.

As an alternative you could make the piles and play fetch with your dog, throwing the ball into the piles.

These games should make fall a fun time for you and your dog. Be sure to provide adequate water, even in the cooler weather, and read your dogs body language to see when he is done playing.

Does My Dog Lick Excessively?

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Do you ever catch your pooch in the act of licking his feet, forearms, or other extremity so ferociously you think to yourself, “wow, that must really feel good”? While his licking may seem a non-issue, and one that provides him joy, that doesn’t mean it might not be his response to an underlying issue if they lick excessively.

Canine acral lick dermatitis (ALD) – also known as lick granulomas – is a lesion to the skin caused by chronic licking, resulting in skin inflammation. Over time, the skin thickens and the area can’t heal because they lick excessively. The licking and the inflammation cause itching, which causes your dog to lick even more, creating a vicious cycle of itching, licking, inflammation, and the inability to heal.

ALD can also result in secondary issues including bacterial infection, ruptured hair follicles and ruptured sweat glands. These issues just add fuel to the cycle, making the itching even worse which increases your dog’s need to lick.

The most common location for ALD is on the front side of a front leg between the elbow joint and paw, though they are often found on the ankle and between the toes. The condition is most often seen in middle-aged, large-breed dogs. Many veterinarians believe itchy skin triggers the excessive licking, although it is thought it can also be set off by a painful condition, such as trauma to the leg, a fracture, post-surgical discomfort, arthritis, or nerve damage. A fungal or bacterial infection, as well as skin mites, can also trigger itching in your pooch.

Not only is ALD rooted in health conditions, incessant licking is also a common obsessive-compulsive disorder in dogs – yes, dogs can have OCD, too! Rover’s licking may trigger the release of endorphins (a chemical in the brain that leads to feelings of happiness) and once he learns licking brings about a pleasant feeling, he’ll likely continue to do it. As well, psychological factors such as boredom, stress and separation anxiety can result in excessive licking. To best determine how to treat the issue, it is important to determine the cause.

If you suspect your pooch has an ALD lesion, there will typically be a raised area of ulceration, hair loss, and thickened skin around the lesion. Your veterinarian should first rule out any potential allergies first, as a dog with recurrent skin or ear infections, hot spots, or itching in other areas may have an allergic condition that needs treatment. Several tests are needed to diagnose ALD, including skin scrapings and fungal cultures, and to look for infection.

If it is determined that your pooch is indeed suffering from ALD, once treated effectively, you’ll likely need to address any psychological or emotional factors that may have contributed to your pet’s obsessive licking. Try to refocus his energy with frequent walks, playtime, and other methods of physical activity. Make sure you and everyone in your family pays extra attention to Rover, stimulating his brain and keeping him happy and secure.

The best way to prevent ALD is to talk to your vet as soon as you notice you dog start to lick excessively. Make a habit of running your hands over Rover regularly to check for damp fur or sensitivity. If you notice him licking a particular spot but there’s no injury to the skin, wrap the area with an Ace bandage to discourage further licking. Anything you can do to prevent Rover from self-injury will be extremely beneficial.

While we associate licking with a dog’s natural instinct, sometimes it can serve as a sign of an underlying issue and, when done excessively, should never be ignored.

How Having a Family Pet Can Benefit Your Kids

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We all know our favorite feline and cuddly canine can make us smile and bring joy to our family, but did you know the family pet can provide health benefits as well? Studies have shown children who grow up in homes with cats and/or dogs seem to have fewer allergies than kids in pet-free homes, and those who have contact with a dog tend to get fewer ear and respiratory infections during their first year of life.

 

A study in Finland tracked almost 400 children from before their birth through their first year of life. Thirty-five percent of the children lived in homes with dogs, 24 percent with cats, and 41 percent with no pets at all. The infants who had daily contact with a dog experienced 31 percent fewer respiratory tract illnesses and infections and 44 percent fewer ear infections. The link between daily contact with a dog and less illness held true even when researchers accounted for other factors known to affect infection rates in babies, such as breast feeding. Infants with daily cat contact also had fewer infections, but the decrease wasn’t nearly as significant as it was with dogs.

 

The Finnish researchers speculate perhaps the dogs bring dirt or soil into the home and its presence strengthens the babies’ immune systems. Or perhaps the increased resistance to infection found in infants in homes with dogs has something to do with the dogs themselves.

The study results build on a growing body of evidence in support of the hygiene hypothesis, which states the large increase in allergies and other immune system disorders is due in part to our society’s recent obsession with cleanliness standards, with the use of hand sanitizer and other solvents used to create a completely “anti-bacterial” environment. Many people don’t realize it’s likely through early exposure to bacteria and parasites that the immature immune system in infants is prepared to fight dangerous infections. And this ‘priming’ of the immune system helps it learn the difference between serious health hazards – like pneumonia – and harmless irritants – like pet dander and pollen. According to the hygiene hypothesis, when a person’s immune system is unfamiliar with serious disease or illness, it is more likely to mount great attacks against benign environmental triggers.

 

A New Baby Does Not Mean You Must Rehome Your Furbaby!

 

Some first time parents think bringing a new human baby home means the family pet must go. In terms of germs and disease, this simply is not true! Hopefully the Finnish study findings will correct this misunderstanding, and future studies will continue to reinforce it.

Can a Pet Help with My Kid’s Autism?

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One of my favorite parts of being a pet parent is the comfort I receive from my animals. Many people feel similarly, in fact animal assisted therapy has become significantly more common in the past five years.This positive effect is seen and well studied in children with autism.With the rate of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) among children increasing worldwide, it’s comforting to know your family’s fuzzy friend can be of service to your diagnosed child.

A recent Purdue University study monitored the impact of Guinea pigs in classrooms. The new study took it a step further and studied the impact of interacting animals with ASD children; they wanted to prove playing with Guinea pigs would reduce the children’s social stress. Study groups included a mix of “typical” kids and ASD kids and monitored their reactions to multiple conditions, both with and without the Guinea pigs. The researchers believed the ASD kids would show high levels of anxiety when the Guinea pigs were not included in their activity, and they were right on! Activities that incorporated the pigs resulted in lower levels of stress and produced a remarkable calming effect.

Previous studies showed children with ASD demonstrated improved social skills after only a few months of interacting with Guinea pigs. And a separate study found the children talk, laugh and smile more and cry, whine and frown less in the presence of the playful pigs.

Any animal can have positive emotional affects on you and your child, but furry animals tend to work best.

If you are the parent of an ASD child as well as a furry one, be sure to give the furry one an extra treat and a nice cuddle as a “thank you” for his fortuitous friendship.

5 Tips to Stop Cat Scratching

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Cats scratch for a variety of reasons, such as scent marking, excitement, boredom or simply stretching. However, this natural behavior can turn destructive if another outlet for scratching behavior is not provided. The following are 5 tips for help stop cat scratching at your house.

1. Buy a scratching post

There are many types of scratching posts on the market. Some are upright and others are on the ground. There are also a variety of materials, such cardboard and twine. Try different options to see what your cat likes to try and stop cat scratching on your furniture.

2. Make your scratching post interesting

Cats have scent glands in their claws, which is why scratching is used to mark territory. Often times cats will be attracted to scratch something that smells like their pheromones. Catnip mimics the pheromone cats release, so it attracts your cat to the scratching post. Rubbing some into the part your cat scratches can help get your cat started. There are also some artificial pheromone sprays that work very well, such as Feliway. With the spays follow the same procedure as the cat nip.

3. Provide entertainment

Scratching can be related to boredom or anxiety, so providing other outlets can minimize scratching. Provide a cat window (see our article on cat enrichment), or give interactive toys.

4. Discourage scratching

Scratching can be discouraged on certain things (like your $1000 dollar couch), but it still needs to be redirected. There are some common and simple methods for discouraging scratching. One of the more popular methods is putting tin foil on the surface being scratched. If your cat likes to scratch the couch arms, tape tin foil on the couch arm to stop cat scratching. The cats generally don’t like the feel and sound scratching the foil makes, so they will find something better to scratch. Double sided tape can also be used to discourage scratching.These methods are good at discouraging scratching but be sure to provide a scratching post to redirect your cat to.

5. Give your cat a paw-decure

Cats often turn to scratching to shorten their nails, like using a nail file. Often this can be solved by simply trimming your cat’s nails. Chat with your vet about the proper length for your cat’s nails and how to trim them. If you do not want to do frequent nail trims check out soft claws. These are plastic tips you place on your cat’s nails.With the tips on your cat cannot destructively scratch. These tips are glued on, and last about 3-6 weeks. Many people have their vet put the soft claws on, but they are fairly easy to apply at home.

 

If scratching has become a problem you can’t solve, talk to your vet. There may be a medical condition underlying this behavior. Declawing is never a good option to deal with scratching. Declawing is an invasive and painful procedure for your cat, and causes medical issues later in life.

While scratching can become a problem behavior, with these tips you should be able to solve most destructive scratching behaviors.

How to Find the Best Price for Pet Medications

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Owning a pet is a rewarding but costly commitment. Veterinary care can be expensive and the medications used for treatments can really add up. In most cases buying the medication directly from your vet (if they carry it) is the most expensive option. However there are some good options to cut pet medication costs while getting the same quality medication.These options include human pharmacies, online pharmacies and compounding pharmacies.  Check out these tips on how to find the best price for pet medications.

Human Pharmacies 

Many pet medications are human medications in different doses. I have had good luck with the King Soopers pharmacy, Walmart pharmacy and Costco pharmacy for pet medications. As a bonus Costco pharmacies usually carry pet specific medications like Frontline and Heartguard. When trying to find a medication at a human pharmacy make sure that they can give you a dose small enough for your pet. Check out GoodRx( http://www.goodrx.com/), this is a site that compares prices of a certian medication at pharmaices in your area.

Pros:

  • Prescriptions can be filled the same day (usually)
  • They are generally cheaper than the vet’s office
  • Some have membership deals

Cons:

  • The dose you need may not be available
  • Only human medications are carried

 

Online Pet Pharmacies 

There are over 20 online pet pharmacies that you can order from today, but not all are safe. Many of these fake or non-accredited pharmacies will provide expired medication, incorrect doses or the incorrect medication. These can all have negative consequences on your pet’s health. The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy has a list of certified and trusted online pharmacies to use (http://www.awarerx.org/get-informed/safe-acquisition/recommended-vet-vipps-online-pharmacies). Most of the time your vet will have you fill out a liability form before they will send prescriptions to an online pharmacy. This works if you have a pet with a chronic condition (like hypothyroidism) and are good at planning ahead.

Pros:

  • Usually the cheapest option
  • Medication is made specifically for pets

Cons:

  • Medication needs to be shipped after it is ordered ( there is a delay)
  • Requires planning ahead
  • Temperature sensitive medications could go bad in the mail

 

Compounding 

Compounding is done at special pharmacies called compounding pharmacies. They create medications at specific doses and in specific mediums. Many pet parents need drugs compounded when the dose they need is smaller than what is commonly offered.

Pros:

  • Specific dose to what your pet needs
  • More limited ingredients

Cons:

  • More expensive
  • Compounding pharmacies can be hard to find

Finding inexpensive, effective and safe pet medications can be a challenge, but with the help of these tips it should be a breeze. Once you have gotten the medication you get to move on to the fun part, administering the medication to your pet. Don’t worry though, your Sidehill Sitter is a pro at giving medication to pets!

 

Pupsicles: Cool Dog Treat Recipes

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When the warm weather is here it is a challenge to find fun activities for you and your dogs while staying cool. So what can you do to help cool your pup down and keep him entertained? Make him a Pupsicle of course!

What is a Pupsicle?

A Pupsicle is a popsicle made specifically for your dog. It has a dog friendly ingredients, and you can make it at home. There is no need to spend a bunch of money, just use items you already have at home and have fun experimenting!

1. Pick Out Your Container

Your container can be anything that fits in your freezer. You can use a cup, a bowl, or popsicle mold. It will be easier to take your Pupsicle out if the inside of the container is smooth. Ideally this will be multiple small containers so you can make a bunch of Pupsicles all at one time!

2. Add Your Base

This is the liquid part of the Pupsicle and medium that you will be freezing all the other bits in. This can be any dog friendly liquid.

Some liquids you can use as a base:

  • Water
  • Dog safe chicken or beef stock
  • Milk (some dogs are sensitive to milk so be careful)

Fill your container 2/3 of the way with base.

3. Add Your Bits

Your “bits” are the pieces of food you add to the Pupsicle. Bits can be anything your dog likes to eat, just make sure it is dog friendly food. The best bits are ones that will not break apart in water.

Some examples of bits:

  • Fruit: blueberries, apples,watermelon and other dog safe fruit
  • Vegetables: broccoli,carrots,peas and other dog safe veggies
  • Meat: (all meat should be pre-cooked) chicken chunks, hot dog pieces, pieces of wet dog food
  • Treats: use treats that are soft, so that they do not get soggy while they freeze

4. Pick Your Stick

The stick is the part of the pupsicle that sticks out of the container. You can use the stick to pull the frozen pupsicle out of the container. The stick should be rigid and fairly sturdy.

Some examples of a stick:

  • Long, chewable dog toy
  • Dog bone
  • Carrot, or other long veggie or fruit

Place your stick into the middle of your pupsicle.

5. Freeze and Remove

Put the container into the freezer. I know that this will be hard for you and your dog, but wait a few hours until the Pupsicle is frozen solid. To remove the Pupsicle from the container, grasp the stick and lightly pull while running the outside of the container under warm water.

6. Give Your Pup a Cool Treat and Enjoy!

While the Pupsicle melts, it’s going to make a big mess. Give the Pupsicle to your dog outside, or somewhere you don’t mind getting very wet. Always supervise your dog when you give him something new to try.

Pupsicles are a great way to cool your dog down and provide some fun for him! Have you made a Pupsicle for your dog? Show us pictures on social media and share the recipes with a friend!