Animals Unfolded

Word came this morning from an existing client that the new arrival to the family is now home & getting acquainted with household. At 6 weeks, she joins 3 kids & 2 cats. After losing their beloved 15 year old Blue Heeler last year, the family decided that they were ready for puppy. Shiloh Shepards are a fairly new breed and are gaining quite a following. I get to meet her this week, & am thrilled for the family.   I cannot stress enough the importance of establishing a caring, qualified caregiver for pets while the animal is young, if the situation avails itself to it. Considering bringing a new pet into your family? Contact me for a free personalized 'meet & greet' to get the ball rolling, & to see if we are indeed a fit.

I was reminded of a handy tip a short while ago... An acquaintance of mine was working with polyurethane a couple of days ago, dropped it and splashed everywhere, including on their skin. Pretty tough to remove, as you can expect! Vegetable oil or peanut butter is effective at removing polyurethane residue from your skin - simply rub either into your skin well, and wash off with liquid dish soap and rinse well. The same procedure can be applied to dogs and cats. Typically the polyurethane contamination occurs when curious pet wander through a freshly urethaned floor (which is usually done perfectly, right?), and their paws are just sticky with the mess. Be sure to rinse well and inspect all areas of the body, as the hydrocarbons in the poly can cause severe respiatory dysfunction and even death. As with all chemicals, there is a serious risk of poisoning when pets have had contact. Get in touch immediately with the ASPCA 's Emergency Veterinary Hotline: (888)426-4435

Heartworm (HW) infection is caused by a filarial (worm-like) organism, Dirofilaria immiti. The carriers are nearly 70 species of mosquitoes. The mosquitoes hosts the worm in it's larval stage , where it then may transmit it to it's wild or companion animal victim. Ferrets and dogs are highly susceptible; cats are somewhat resistant (but not entirely immune). Long story short, the larvae incubates in the mammalian host - and present themselves in the pulmonary arteries, typically. The chambers of the heart become impaired, affecting overall function. Symptoms include weight loss, shortness of breath, weakness, respiratory dysfunction (including cough) and death, possibly. Only your vet can diagnose heartworm. An antigen test , which is the most effective way to diagnose heartworm, is administered in your vet's office via a blood sample. Test results are usually quick. (Tests are done in-office in my experience.) Treatment options can only be determined by ...

Many clients over the years have had dogs who have had mobility issues due to age, post-surgical recovery, illnesses like Degenerative Myleopathy or injuries. It's hard, needless to say, but pups still need to get around, right? It's sad to watch dogs struggle with trying to walk or balance, and it's physically challenging for their caregivers to assist them with traditional assistive methods like a sheet sling. One very cool assistive device that has always made life easier in these cases is the Bottoms Up dog harness. A neoprene padded leash, it fits around and under the back legs to offer stability and safe mobility around the yard, on walks... even up and down the stairs. Additionally, this device keeps you from stooping over, saving your back! Available in two sizes, 12-125lbs and 125-185 lbs., the Bottoms Up can be purchased online and even some vets retail them. Easy to put on and remove, this pet sitter loves this product.

Over the years, I have had many queries with regard to feline behavior. Having multiple cats can be challenging, for sure. Cats can be quite mercurial, and knowing what is influencing any negative behaviors is key. Felines are very primal creatures. They normally have territories in the wild, and defend them ferociously. At times, spraying/marking/peeing could be a territory marking strategy. I think that the idea of keeping only specific areas available to them indoors is an excellent tool, especially if your cats are allowed to go outdoors as well. This will do two things - allow them to have shelter when they need it, but at the same time the cats will learn that this space is theirs, and that they need to respect the space to keep it comfortable and peaceful. My vet gave me the idea of only giving my cat, Silver one room to have as his, after a bout of urinating on furniture and my clothes. Silver caught on after only a few short days and 'knock on wood', years later he mi...