New Year's Resolutions for Dog & Cat Owners

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

2015 seems to have gone by in a flash and here we are, welcoming 2016, a brand new year and a brand new start. The slate is clean so let's talk about what we can do for our dogs and cats this year.

Every dog and cat needs an annual veterinary check-up. Most people remember to take their dog in annually but they don't take their cat. Cats need an annual veterinary visit every bit as much as dogs. They are living, breathing sentient beings who need the same amount of attention, love and care.

Photo Courtesy of Susan Bulanda

Make this the year you will ask your veterinarian to show you how to brush your pet's teeth. It's easier if you start with a puppy or kitten but you can very slowly acclimate most dogs or cats to having their teeth brushed. They are subject to the same dental problems as we are and germs leaching down from dirty teeth can cause all sort of health problems.

No matter what sort of climate you live in, plan to do more with your pets. Clicker training is great for exercising the mind as well as the body. Don't just turn your dog out in the yard; take him for walks. It's great bonding time. Play games with your cats using interactive toys. You can also clicker train them to do all sorts of tricks. They'll love the time they spend with you and keep sessions to about 5 minutes about 3 times a day. Be sure your pet is dressed appropriately for the weather. In cold weather small dogs and those with little or no haircoat will need a coat or warm sweater. Hairless cats will also appreciate a sweater even though they are indoors. Walking on treated surfaces means you should consider training your dog to wear boots. Otherwise, wash off the pads of his feet so he won't lick them and ingest the ice melt.In warm weather, hairless cats and dogs will need sunscreen otherwise they will sunburn.

Remember that leaving your pet in the car in cold weather is just as dangerous as in hot weather. That  short errand you're going to run might take longer than you think. 

Plan to groom your cat or dog. Preferably daily but you can do it once a week if she has the kind of short coat that won't mat or tangle. 

Be sure they always have fresh water available. Keep nails and claws trimmed and neat.

Photo Courtesy of Lisette Brodey

When your pets are older they will need to see the veterinarian twice a year, starting with a Senior Wellness visit so your veterinarian can get a baseline.  If there is a problem, it can be found sooner and treatment started before it becomes embedded and is harder to treat and takes longer to resolve. That also means it's more expensive. If your older pets stay on their bed or have problems moving, take them to veterinarian. Telling yourself it's just old age is doing your cat or dog an injustice.

If your cat or dog has the right temperament for it and is properly socialized, this may be the year you want to find out about doing therapy work with your pet and sharing the love. You might try a new dog sport, or feline agility. The possibilities are seemingly endless. 

Remember that your pet is not just your best friend but you are your pet's best friend.

Aimee and I wish you and your pets a Happy, Healthy New Year!

Cooling Pad to Help Your Pet Beat the Summer Heat!

The Dog Days of Summer are upon us and they really do impact dogs and cats as well. We certainly don't want our pets to suffer from heat stroke.  I can't say this enough: Do NOT Take Your Pet With You in the Car on a Summer Day.  Even at only 70 degrees a car will heat up very fast and your dog can be dead in mere minutes. Leave you pet at home where he can be cool. Have cool fresh water available at all times.  And there's something else that you can do to help your dog or cat feel more comfortable on hot Summer days.

The Green Pet Shop has created a remarkable cooling pad for your pet (http://www.thegreenpetshop.com/cool-pet-pad.html) that's just the ticket on those hot days.  They were kind enough to send me a sample for my cat, Aimee.  I put it down and she walked on it. You could almost hear her thinking: well, that feels good!  She walked away from it, took a circuitous route around the den, returning to the pad to sit down on it, happily cooling her cute little bottom.  She never would let me take a picture of her lying on it.  Keeping it to herself, no doubt.  But there's no question that enjoys it.  

The neat thing about it is that it doesn't need water or electricity. IF you choose to put it in the refrigerator, the cooling will last up to 6 hours but it's not necessary to refrigerate it. It is pressure activated non-toxic gel inside and The Green Pet Shop has patented it.  It comes in four sizes, for the smallest dog or cat to the biggest dog. Every pet can be comfortable.  

It will fit into standard size beds or crates although I chose to put Aimee's right down on the den floor.  If you're driving with your pet in hot weather it would make sense to put it into the dog's crate or cat's carrier.  It's also handy for pets who have health problems like allergies or hip dysplasia.  It can help them feel more comfortable. 

The cover can be wiped off or there are directions for washing it in the washing machine. 

And in case you're feeling jealous of your pet, they also make cooling pads for people.  

Aimee and I think you and your pet will like it!


NOTE: I was not paid for this review.  The only thing I received was a cooling mat for my cat to test. The opinions expressed in this post are mine which is why I choose not to monetize my blog.

Domestic Violence and Pets

Photo: URI

For years now it has been no secret that domestic violence victims stay with their abusive spouses because of the spouse's threat of violence against the family pet. Studies show that nearly 48% of victims of domestic violence stay because of this threat. It has not been a threat a victim was about to take lightly, having been the object of that person's abuse. How likely is it that the spouse would actually kill the dog or cat? I'd say the chances are pretty good. At the very least there would be a serious injury.  This threat has hung over far too many women and their pets as well as their children. The abusive spouse also tends to blame the victim for the abuse. 

There should be shelters where the family can bring the pet. It wouldn't be much of a leap for the abuser to go from abusing the pet to abusing the children. Such a shelter would make the family feel safe and certainly more intact with the pet very much welcome. And something new has been added.

This week in New York City the very first dog park in a domestic abuse shelter was officially opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Hosted by Urban Resources Institute (URI) and Nestle Purina. Nestle Purina's generous support made it possible for URI to expand their URIPALS - People and Animals Living Safely.  It is New York's only shelter to allow families fleeing abuse to bring their pets with them. The program launched in 2013 as a pilot program. Originally, it allowed families to bring their cats and other small animals but with the opening of the Purina Play Haven and Dog Park, families can now bring dogs with them.

Sponsored by Purina, the company contributed funds for the design and construction of the dog park. It was so carefully thought out that overhead trellises allow for the privacy and security of the shelter residents. Purina is justifiably proud of their support of this worthy endeavor.  "At Purina we share the belief that when pets and people are together, life is truly better," said Lindsey Hogan, Brand Manager for the Purina Brand.

Photo: Jordan H. Star

The collaboration between URI and Purina will surely bring positive results.

"When my children and I found out that we could bring our dog, Sparky, with us into shelter we were overjoyed," said one domestic violence survivor who is currently in URI's shelter.  "Sparky has always been there with us to comfort and even protect us from the abuse, and having him there with us as we work to put our lives back together makes our recovery process so much better.  I'm so grateful to Purina and URI for helping me and other families with pets stay together."

Since launching URIPALS, we've seen how transformative it is for families in domestic violence situations to go through the healing process together with their pets," said Nathaniel Fields, President of URI.  "As we open our doors to families with dogs and celebrate this critical milestone for URIPALS, we hope to continue the momentum and inspire other organizations in major cities nationwide that this initiative is possible.  We are grateful to Purina for helping URI make this dog park a reality, and for their shared commitment to keeping people and pets together, especially in times of crisis."

This should certainly be an eye-opener for major cities across the country. 

Photo: Jordan H. Star

"I applaud URI, Purina and GEPPAUL ARCHITECTS for their unique and innovative collaboration to create the City's first-ever dog park in a domestic violence shelter and for appreciating that a pet is more than just an animal in your home," said Commissioner Rose Pierre-Louis of the Mayor's Office to Combat Domestic Violence.

Cecile Noel, Deputy Commissioner of HRA's Office of Emergency and Intervention Services said, "As providers of emergency shelter and other vital services to victims of abuse and their children we know quite well that those who fear for their own safety are often worried about leaving their pet family member to escape abuse, unless there's an opportunity to preserve the pet's welfare. With initiatives like this we are establishing effective models for domestic violence and animal protection programs not only in New York City but across the State and Nation."

As part of its sponsorship of URIPALS, in 2013 Purina also donated much-needed welcome kits tailored for cats that included food, toys, crates and other pet supplies as well as educational materials designed to guide families entering URI's largest domestic violence shelter in best practices for caring  for their pets.

Photo: Jordan H. Star

If you would like more information about URIPALS and tips for keeping the entire family together in domestic violence situations, please visit: www.urinyc.org

What Will Happen to Your Pets?

Photo by Veronique Schejtman

It's a difficult topic but: what will happen to your pets if/when you die? Have you made arrangements for them?  None of us likes to think about our own death but we must think about the well-being and safety of our pets.

Nearly every day of the week I receive an e-mail about one or more pets in need of a home because the owner died. Some of these pets are older and the first ones likely to be euthanized if shipped off to a "shelter." What is so hard for me to take when I read this gut-wrenching pleas for help is that the relatives of the person who died haven't cared about the person, only their "things."  The only comfort that person may have had in their life is that four-legged companion, often more than one, and that beloved companion has not only lost their "family," but they have either been thrown outside to fend for themselves and hopefully rescued (I don't want to contemplate how many have been killed by cars, other animals, etc.), or are shipped off to a shelter, still left to fend for themselves and, most likely, to be "put down."  I'm not fond of euphemisms.  Let's call it what it is: they'll be killed.  A lifetime of providing love to their person and that's what they get.  It makes me sick!

I forward the e-mails to people I know in whichever State the cats or dogs are in and ask them to keep forwarding to their friends in hopes that someone will step up.

Photo of Alana by Claire Clayton

Now, look at your own beloved companions.  Have you made arrangements for them in case of your death, no matter how or when it comes?  You should.  Choose carefully and wisely.  Ask the person you trust the most with your companions. If they won't, keep asking people if they will step up.  The person who agrees is the person whose name goes into your will. Do not name your companion(s) in your will because you may have others when you die. Rather than naming names just mention dogs, cats and the name of the person to whom they are to be given and, if you so choose, a sum of money for their care.

Remember that anything can happen to any of us at any time.  If your chosen person predeceases you, choose another person using the same method and add a codicil to your will.  

If there's a chance that someone will contest this, write a letter, or have your lawyer put it into your will, stating why this person is to get the pet(s).  You want to be certain that your wishes are carried out.

Photo of Vinny by Mary Slaney

Please do it now. Don't put it off. Do it now. Do it this week.  Any of us can be hit by a car, run over by a truck, have a heart attack, or a fatal disease. None of us will live forever.  That is the sad truth. But we should carry out our full responsibility to our companions and be sure that their lives will continue in the way you want, with the person you feel will take the best possible care of them.  Don't let your companions become the victims in your death. It's bad enough that they will be left grieving for you. And, yes, pets do grieve.  

Provide for them now. While you can.

Gear Up for Adoption

Shelters and Rescue Groups have more opportunities than ever to get the word out about the dogs and cats available for adoption but with so many groups vying for attention it's only too easy for some of them to slip through the cracks, even with the advantages of social networking.

The issue becomes how to best take advantage of social networking and any other means of making people aware of all the wonderful pets just waiting for a new home and a new leash on life.  Here are just a few ideas That can help my local shelter, your local shelter, any local shelter or rescue group.

1. Don't underestimate the power of the written word.  Instead of writing a plain description of the cat or dog, let the pet write the description. How much more appealing it is to hear, "I promise to love you forever if you'll give me a forever home" along with a self-description. Open a Facebook page if you don't have one already and put the description there along with a photo of the pet and ask people to Share the picture and bios, then use Twitter to share the description and photo. And don't forget your good old fashioned newspaper. See if they'll give you a weekly adoption column. They may or may not have room for pictures but the descriptions can certainly run. You can do a column featuring two or three a week.

2. Pictures will help. There's nothing more appealing than the sweet face of the adoptee. But those pictures will be far more appealing if you have a volunteer who is a groomer who can make the pet look clean, neat and cute. Another improvement is taking pictures that don't look like police mug shots. Set up a cute photo using props in an area of the shelter. Now use that photo on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram as well as Google+.

Mary Slaney adopted Vinny more than a year ago.

3. Don't underestimate the power of clicker training. You can use a clicker to make life more interesting for shelter pets, teach them manners or a trick and then be sure to brag on all of your social networks how clever the pet is in his self-written bio. This will help your adoptees stand out among the crowd on social networks.

One more tip: don't ignore e-mail posts containing all of this information with a request to forward. Everyone knows people who know people who know people, and so on.  

With a little imagination and tapping into volunteers, utilizing their skills and talent, you can incrrease the number of pets who are adopted.

Oklahoma Tornado

As part of the Blogger Disaster Response Network (BORN) I'm happy to be able to do something pro-active to help the pets who have survived the devastating tornado that hit Oklahoma this week.

By now we've all seen the pictures, heard the stories, but there are many people still out there who have not been reunited with their families, and many who have been badly injured.  Those of us who love pets want to get them the help that the so desperately need. 

Right now, the biggest need is for cash which will go to World Vets. They are on the ground now assessing the needs of the animals. If you want to help, you can donate here:

http://worldvets.donorshops.com/product/C5F9E70/helpanimalsimpactedbytheoklahomatornadoes.php

This will be ongoing.

However, for TODAY ONLY, May 22nd, Freekibble is donating 100% of the Halo Kibble raised today to the homeless dogs and cats who have been displace by the tornado. Visit

http://www.freekibblekat.com

Please share this with your friends so they can help, too!

And here's another link to a site that will help you find other ways to make a difference for the victims of the Tornado in Oklahoma:

http://www.vetstreet.com/our-pet-experts/how-to-help-animals-affected-by-the-oklahoma-tornado

Everyone can do something to help!

BlogPaws 2013

I spent this past weekend at the 2013 BlogPaws Conference, held this year in Tyson's Corner, VA. BlogPaws is a young organization that has grown faster than rabbit can breed. Or so it seems. It was my first year at their conference. I had been invited to speak. My topic? So You Want to Write a Book Proposal with a bonus addition of How to Find an Agent.

Colorful Fellow

I really didn't know what to expect but I knew that pets were welcome. Aimee has passed the age of traveling companion for a hectic conference. She prefers to stay home with her petsitter, Mary, and her vast assortment of toys and other environmental enrichment.

I arrived at the hotel and spotted a very colorful dog in the lobby. There were lots of dogs in the lobby and throughout the hotel. 

There were dogs, cats, ferrets, baby chicks and those were the most common sights. Nearly all of the dogs were dressed up. There were two little dogs who were always together with their owners, each dog in a sparkling party dress. Really. How sparkling? They were a little like four-legged chandeliers.

 Then there were the cats who not only had hats but one was sporting a wig. Yes, look carefully. Under the hot pink feathers there's a real, live cat. 

What would I find around the next corner?  Hmmm.  You just never could predict that.

This sleepy little cutie is going to be up for adoption. He came to BlogPaws with a shelter volunteer, having traveled many miles. The little sweetheart walked beautifully on a harness and leash, snuggled with many admirers and is going to make someone a wonderful companion.

Then there were the little naked Sphynx cat and his buddy, the Cornish Rex, like so many other dogs and cats, being wheeled around, safely ensconced in a pet stroller and dressed in little outfits, complete with hats.

No, I didn't just walk around admiring the four-legged attendees. Although I'll admit to holding, petting, and being kissed by an assortment of wonderful dogs and cats. I really did attend seminars, met old friends and new, put faces to names I only knew on Twitter and Facebook and with a crowd of at least 500 people from around the world who blog about every type of animal imaginable and everything from Military Dogs to Rescue and so much more, drawn together by their love of animals, I still haven't met everyone I had hoped to meet. 

As for the Swag Bag we each received, well, I was flying and couldn't possibly haul everything home although I certainly appreciate the generosity of the sponsors. I left nearly everything, including one of the tote bags, on a table where one could either leave things or exchange them. Whatever was left would go to a local shelter or two. And that's a really nice way to end a Conference that really centers around pets. With so many beloved ones gathered there, even walking a Red Carpet before the Nose to Nose Awards were presented, there was a wonderful way to help those weren't as fortunate. Hopefully they, too, will be in loving homes soon.  Well, I can dream, can't I?

"Meet Your Match" Pet for Valentine's Day

Everyone needs someone to love who will love them in return. For so many of us, love walks into our lives and straight into our hearts on four furry feet. For those of you who are thinking of added a companion to your life, The ASPCA has a neat new event just in time for Valentine's Day; a live-streamed Dating Show called, "Meet Your Match."  

Here's how it works:

Presenting some of the most eligible pets who want to find their forever homes, the event will begin at 6 p.m., February 12th, EST at http://www.ustream.tv/aspca and will feature an ASPCA behavior person who will serve as the "Relationship Expert" answering viewers' questions about their pets. Viewers can vote for their favorite most adoptable pet on ASPCA's Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/aspca).

In conjunction with the live-stream Dating Show, there will be a live Twitter party. (Here's a link to tell you how to join a Twitter party in case you're not familiar with it: http://blog.aspca.org/content/how-heck-do-i-join-twitter-party) The hashtag for the Twitter Party will be: #PuppyLove which sums it up pretty nicely.  To add to the fun, the Twitter Party will feature quizzes about legendary animal/human couples.  The Twitter Party is intended to spread adoption awareness which is always a good thing.

The ASPCA is doing something extra nice for my readers for Valentine's Day in conjunction with this wonderful event; they will send one lucky winner a super Gift Pack consisting of:

A Pugs and Roses Tee from David & Goliath
A Valentine's Day Heart Collar
ASPCA Tote
ASPCA Orange T-Shirt
Walker's Shortbread Cookies
ASPCA Orange wristband
ASPCA Magnet

That's quite a windfall for any pet owner! To enter the contest, send me a message via my website: http://www.darlenearden.com and tell me why you want to win. I'll select a winner on February 13th so hurry and get your entries in!

If you want to add a pet to your life be sure you have the time to spend with your companion and that includes positive training and daily exercise. Also be sure that you can afford food, regular veterinary check-ups and put aside a little extra every week in a special account in case there's an emergency later on.  

Valentine's Day is a great time to think about sharing love and giving a shelter pet a new leash on life.

 Note:  I am not a paid spokesperson for the ASPCA. They are providing the gift pack to one winner. I am helping spread the word about this wonderful event in the hope that at least one shelter pet will get a forever home because someone somewhere was inspired by reading this.

Winter Safety for Pets

Winter has arrived in many places and with it there are some special concerns for pets. When the temperatures fall please remember that your pets are feeling cold, too. Do not leave them outside for extended periods. Please bring them indoors where it's warm and safe. Not only can pets get frostbite but there are other dangers lurking.

Alana snuggles in bed on a cold winter  day.
Photo copyright by her owner, Claire Clayton

Did you know that leaving your four-legged companion in your car on a cold day is just as dangerous as doing it on a hot day? Pets need to be where it's safe and warm.

Cats and small dogs will loose body heat rapidly.  Your little dog needs a warm sweater or coat, as does    any dog or cat who is either hairless or has a very little hair, such as the Greyhound, Whippet, Chinese Crested and from the cat family, the Sphynx, come readily to mind.

If you're walking your dog please remember that he is essentially walking barefoot. If the place where  you walk uses ice melt on the roads, be sure to wash off the pads of your dog's feet when you get home. If he licks his paws he can ingest the ice melt sticking to his paws. Both you and your dog can track it into the house which would also expose your cat to ice melt.  You can buy a non-poisonous ice melt to use on your own property but your town or city will not be using that product.  They will use a less expensive and it will be dangerous to pets.

Be very careful not to allow your pet to get into anti-Freeze. It is lethal if ingested. Unfortunately, it's very attractive to dogs since it smells and tastes sweet to them.

If you think that your pet may have ingested a poisonous substance, get him to your veterinarian as fast as you can.

Be sure your pet gets his exercise while indoors. You can think up creative, fun and safe games to play. One of the best things you can do is clicker train your dogs and cats which will allow them to exercise their minds as well as their bodies. A small dog can play fetch down a hallway and get some real exercise.

With precautions and an eye toward safety, you and your pets can enjoy the winter.

Zootoo

I'll admit that I was intrigued when I first learned about zootoo.com. The site brings pet lovers together and helps raise funds for needy animal projects. Started with a bang, they had a contest for a shelter makeover contest. New members began flocking to the site daily, voting for their favorite shelters, reviewing products and news stories, connecting with others, sharing pet photos and more. Zootoo's president, Richard Thompson (known as Topcat on the site) has fashioned a very special website.

They had hired my friend, Dr. Jill Richardson and she went to work with a determination seldom seen. Fueled by her natural enthusiasm for all things animal, she began creating groups. I soon had one. How? I don't know. You have to know Jill to understand. LOL She's one-woman energy-generator. She has tons of ideas and she knows how to get things done.

I had the pleasure of finally visiting Zootoo.com's offices in New Jersey yesterday, on my way to PA where I will be teaching all day tomorrow. I'm a learning facilitator in Kutztown University's Dog Training and Management Program.

Just about everyone at zootoo has pets, if not in the office, then at home. Fish, pocket pets, dogs, cats. They run the gamut. Tank, the English Bulldog who arrives with his owner every day, holds court throughout the offices, as the mood strikes him. He's a much-loved dog who knows that he's everyone's darling.

From Jill's enthusiasm sprang a brand new photo contest that zootoo and I are hosting. Do you have America's Smartest Dog? Want to enter? Want to know what you'll win? Then follow this link to the contest on zootoo: http://www.zootoo.com/petphotocontest/darleneardenssmartestdogphotoc

While you're there, sign up, select the local shelter and rescue group that you want to help support. Surf around and see all of the neat things zootoo.com has to offer pet owners. You won't regret the time spent there.