Newsletter

Pets help lower blood pressure: A recent study at the State University of New York at Buffalo found that people with hypertension who adopted a cat or dog had lower blood pressure readings in stressful situations than those who did not own a pet (Dr. Karen Allen, State University of New York at Buffalo).

Pets help reduce stress: Walking with a pet helps to soothe nerves and offers instant relaxation. Studies conducted worldwide have shown that the impact of a stressful situation is lesser on pet owners, especially males, than on those who do not own a pet (Josephine M. Wills, Waltham Centre for Pet Nutrition, United Kingdom).

Pets help prevent heart disease: Because pets provide people with faithful companionship, research shows they may also provide their owners with greater psychological stability, thus a measure of protection from heart disease (National Institute of Health Technology Assessment Workshop: Health Benefits of Pets).

Pets help lower health care costs: People with pets actually make fewer doctor visits, especially for non-serious medical conditions (National Institute of Health Technology Assessment Workshop: Health Benefits of Pets).

Pets help fight depression: Pets help fight depression and loneliness, promoting an interest in life. When seniors face adversity or trauma, affection from pets takes on great meaning. Their bonding behavior can foster a sense of security (Between Pets and People: The Importance of Animal Companionship).

Each year, millions of dogs and cats are lost; in fact, this disaster strikes 1/3 of all pet-owning families. Of the millions of cats and dogs that are lost, only 10 percent are ever identified and returned to their owners. More pets lives are lost because owners did not identify them than from all infectious diseases combined.

All pets should wear traditional collars with identification and rabies vaccination tags. A traditional collar, however, is not enough. These collars are often worn loosely and are easily removed. Cat collars are designed to break off if the animal is caught in a tree branch. When the traditional collar is lost, removed, or breaks off, nothing is left to identify the pet...unless, of course, the pet has a microchip.

Microchips are rapidly becoming a very popular method for identifying pets. Once the microchip is inserted, the pet is identified for life. Microchips are safe, unalterable and permanent identification for pets.

The microchip is a tiny computer chip or transponder about the size of a grain of rice. The chip is inserted under the skin between the shoulder blades of a cat or dog, in much the same way that a vaccine is administered. The microchip is coded with a unique 10-digit code. Each microchip that is inserted contains a unique code, specific to the individual pet.

Microchip - Magnified

Inserting the microchip is simple and causes minimal or no discomfort. The microchip comes pre-loaded in a syringe, ready for insertion. The entire procedure takes less than 10 seconds. Post-injection reactions are very rare and the encapsulated microchip remains in place permanently.

Veterinarian Inserting a Microchip into Anesthetized Dog

Close up of Microchip Insertion

The scanner is a hand-held device used to detect the message encoded in the microchip. The scanner is passed over the animal, paying particular attention to the area between the shoulder blades. If a microchip is present, the 10-digit number (encoded in the capsule) is read by the scanner. Scanners are provided to animal control, humane shelters and other rescue organizations so that all stray pets are scanned and those with microchips are reunited with their owners. Veterinarians can also purchase scanners for use in their hospital.

Scanner for Detecting the Microchip

The veterinary hospital where the microchip is implanted records the pet’s information and its unique microchip identification number. When a lost pet is found and scanned, the veterinary hospital is immediately contacted. Since most veterinary hospitals are not open 24 hours a day, it may take some time before you are notified. In addition to this standard registration, you can register your pet in your own name for a charge of $15-20. By doing this, as soon as your pet is found, you are notified.

Scanning for an Implanted Microchip

Along with the additional registration fee, we recommend that you update your personal information with the microchip database on a regular basis. It is also advisable to have your veterinarian test the microchip on an annual basis in order to make sure that it is properly transmitting data.

If you are thinking of adding a loving and loyal canine companion to your family, you will want to consider many factors in selecting the type of animal which best suits your family and lifestyle. The time and effort you invest in making this decision is well worth it—your new family member will be a part of your life for the next 10 to 12 years, or more!

Once you and your family have agreed that the time is right to make a commitment, you will need to decide what kind of dog is right for you.

Where Do You Begin Your Search? - Your local animal shelter is a good place to start. It usually has a wide variety of puppies. Generally, these puppies receive careful medical exams and have already had initial vaccinations. Spaying or neutering is usually included in the adoption fee, and can be performed when the puppy reaches the correct age. Most shelters also have excellent support services, such as free behavioral counseling.

In addition to visiting your local shelter, you may wish to talk to local obedience training facilities, a groomer, reputable breeders and a practicing veterinarian to help you find that perfect puppy.

Consider Your Lifestyle - Breeds such as hunting or working dogs require more exercise than some smaller breeds and may crowd an apartment or small home. Do you have a fence to contain your new companion? What about grooming? Keep in mind that all dogs shed their hair coat at least twice a year in the spring and fall. Some breeds shed constantly and some breeds need to be groomed regularly by a professional.

Purebred vs. Mixed Breed - Any puppy or dog can make a great pet, no matter where it comes from. If the prospective owners take the time to properly socialize and train the puppy, then its parents should have no bearing on whether or not it is a good companion. If you still aren't sure, here is some further food for thought

• The Purebred Puppy - Each breed of puppy was bred with a specific purpose in mind. Knowing as much as you can about a breed will help you in making the right selection. Your local library or book store has books on specific breeds. Investigate the breeds of puppies you are most interested in to find out if this is the breed that will fit best into your family's lifestyle.
• The Mixed Breed Puppy - Mixed breed dogs are the most popular in America. They come in all shapes, sizes, coat styles, colors and personalities. As suggested earlier, your local shelter is an excellent source for finding your mutt. If you are simply looking for a loving companion, you need not look further than your local humane shelter.

Choosing the right puppy takes time. Owning a dog is a serious commitment and should be taken with reasonable consideration. A puppy requires just as much attention as a young child and deserves to be given a caring home. Whether you choose a purebred pup or a mix from the shelter, it is important to know that you are giving yourself a loving companion and forming a relationship that will last forever.

Cats can be very communicative. Unfortunately for us, they generally do not communicate verbally, and certainly not in a language that we understand! So when a cat stops using the litter box, that is his way of letting us know that something is wrong. In order to determine if it's a medical problem or psychological problem, there are a few things you need to know.

When your cat stops using the litter box, have your veterinarian examine your cat to rule out any medical problems such as a urinary tract problem. If you notice your cat straining to urinate or defecate, he or she should be taken to the veterinarian immediately, as it could indicate a serious health issue. Once your cat's health has been cleared, it's time to look to other causes of litter box avoidance.

It is important to make sure your cat's litter box is in a location that allows for some privacy. Cats, like dogs, use association as a way to dictate behavior. If your cat has a bad experience while using the litter box, it can lead to unwanted behavior and inappropriate eliminating. For example, if your cat has been frightened by the noise of a barking dog or a large household appliance while in the litter box, he may find other places that are quieter or more private to relieve himself. Trapping your cat in the litter box in order to administer medication could also result in the same unwanted behavior. To guard against this, try to find a relatively private location for your cat's litter box and allow your cat the same privacy you would like when using the bathroom.

Another reason for your cat avoiding the litter box may be the due to the number of cats in the household. Adult cats generally like to define their territory. Depending on the number of cats and the amount of space they have, territories can often overlap. This can cause territorial anxiety which may lead your cat to spray urine in order to mark his or her territory. Keep in mind, however, that the litter box can become part of a cat's territory, making it extremely important to have enough litter boxes for all the cats in the home. Cats in multiple cat households generally use more than one box, so having multiple boxes increases the likelihood that your cat is going to find a satisfactory one. A good general rule is to have one more litter box than the number of cats. For example, if you have three cats, you should have four litter boxes, if you have 5 cats, you should have six litter boxes, etc. If for space reasons you need to limit the number of boxes, have as many as you can and be sure to clean regularly, if not daily.

If you only have one cat and the litter box is in a quiet, private location, the solution could be as simple as changing the type of litter. Believe it or not, cats can be quite choosy about the litter they like. If you find a litter your kitty likes, DO NOT change it unless directed by your veterinarian for medical purposes. The litter box should be scooped daily and the entire box of litter should be changed once a week. When you change the litter, you should also wash the box with a mild soap and water and allow it to air dry. If a strong disinfectant like bleach is used, the lasting odor could deter your cat from using that box. If your cat is not using the litter box and the box has a cover, removing the cover can sometimes cure the problem. Many cats prefer the open air and find an enclosed box too confining, especially larger cats.

Hopefully these useful tips can help you find a solution to your cat's litter box avoidance problem. If you find that your cat is still not using the litter box after repeated attempts to resolve the problem, it might be reasonable to consult an animal behaviorist. Before doing this, however, it is best to contact your veterinarian for further assistance.

What is the cause of this obsessive behavior?

Dogs are pack animals and need a social structure. They rely on other dogs (or humans) for interaction. They need to be socialized and need to understand what is expected of them. Many of them have been mistreated in the past and have been locked up alone for long periods of time. Some of them have been abandoned and have ended up in animal shelters.

Destructive Behavior Due to Separation Anxiety

Dogs need socialization.

Since our pets are usually not socialized in a pack, it is our responsibility to see that the job gets done. Obedience training is the best method for socializing a dog. Both the dog and the owner learn what is expected of each other. If obedience training is begun at an early age, the dog will learn how to interact with both humans and other dogs. They will not have this insecurity that "separation anxiety" dogs seem to display.

How do you treat this condition?

First of all, establish yourself as the leader! In order to learn this, both of you will probably need to enroll in a dog obedience class. This will also help your dog in the socialization game. He may misbehave during the first few classes, but before you know it, he'll be the star pupil. How does this affect the dog's destructive behavior when you leave him alone? Since you are the leader of the pack, the dog accepts the idea that you are leaving. He does not question your authority!

In the beginning, confine your dog to a crate when you are away. This has two advantages. The first is that your dog does not have the opportunity to destroy your house. The second is that your dog actually feels comfortable and secure in the crate. The crate must be large enough for your dog to turn around and stand up.

When you leave, turn on a radio. A talk show is the best type of program. A tape recording of your voice is even better. The radio or the tape recorder should be placed in the bedroom with the door closed (any room as long as the dog cannot enter). Since most destructive behavior occurs during the first hour, you only need a voice recording that lasts slightly more than an hour.

Plan your departures.Before leaving your residence, give your dog a treat. A chewy bone packed with his favorite treat works very well. This should distract your dog long enough for you to leave. Leave quickly and quietly! Do not say goodbye! When you return, give him another treat. By doing this, coming and going are not so traumatic.

Practice your departures.As mentioned earlier, the most difficult time for your dog is the first hour that he is left alone. Practice leaving and entering. Take your dog out of his crate, put your coat on, and then walk out the door. Return immediately. Greet your dog calmly or don't greet him at all. If he is excited, completely ignore him. Repeat the same exercise; however, this time stay out longer. Continue with this exercise until you are comfortable leaving him alone for an entire hour. This may take several weeks to perfect.

Your dog must have regular, planned exercise. This exercise relieves stress and tension. Just like feeding time, your dog needs a specific time for exercise. Dogs like routine. Feed and exercise your dog at the same times every day. They are creatures of habit.

Curing "separation anxiety" is very difficult. It is definitely one of the most challenging behavior problems in dogs. Enrolling in a good obedience-training course is the first step to take.

Most pet owners know that the return of springtime temperatures will also hasten the return of itching and scratching due to fleas. What many owners don't know is that besides the irritation, fleas can also spread numerous serious diseases and parasites such as tapeworms. Although fleas seem to hold an upper hand, your veterinarian can help you win the battle against these pests. Watch this video to learn more.

Test Your Knowledge.

Fact or Fiction

Answers will be posted next month

1. If a dog's nose is hot, it is sick.
2. All cats need milk.
3. When cats fall, they will always land on their feet.
4. If a bird falls off a perch, it will break its neck.
5. If animals eat grass, they are sick or have worms.
6. If I do not see worms in my dog's stool, then it does not have worms.
7. All dog food is the same.
8. Dogs are color blind.
9. If a dog is washed too often, it can cause dandruff.
10. Heartworms are seen in the feces.

Answers To Pet Quiz

1. If a dog's nose is hot, it is sick. - Fiction
   A recent study at a major U.S. veterinary school determined that the nose doesn't determine anything about the health of the dog.
2. All cats need milk. - Fiction
   Baby (newborn) kittens need the queen's milk (or a special replacement formula); however, adult cats do not need milk. In fact, some cats are lactose intolerant and can't handle milk. If your cat has diahrrea after drinking milk, it could be lactose intolerant.
3. When cats fall, they will always land on their feet. - Fiction
   Because cats have a good sense of balance, people believe that they will always land on their feet. Unfortunately, this is not always true.
4. If a bird falls off a perch, it will break its neck. - Fiction
   It is possible that a bird may fall off its perch, but they are tough animals. It is highly unlikely that it will break its neck by simply falling off its perch.
5. If animals eat grass, they are sick or have worms. - Fiction
   Veterinarians do not know why animals eat grass, but it does not mean that they are sick. It just means that they like grass.
6. If I do not see worms in my dog's stool, then it does not have worms. - Fiction
   Generally, worms are transmitted through microscopic eggs that cannot be seen by the human eye. Symptoms may include vomiting a worm or passing one in the stool, but these are rare. Tapeworms are sometimes seen as white, rice-like particles attached to the fur around the anus. The best way to tell if your dog has worms is to have a stool sample analyzed by your veterinarian.
7. All dog food is the same. - Fiction
   The dog food label does not always explain the quality of the ingredients. In order to avoid adding supplements, pet owners should go with a premium name brand. Dog food is another example of "you get what you pay for."
8. Dogs are color blind. - Fiction
   Dogs can see some colors, but not as well as humans. Different types of dogs tend to see different colors.
9. If a dog is washed too often, it can cause dandruff. - Fact
   The skin becomes dry when an animal is washed too much. It is best to wash a dog only when it is dirty or smells (or if the dog has fleas). The addition of a conditioner might help.
10. Heartworms are seen in the feces. - Fiction
    Heartworm are found in the dog's heart and pulmonary blood vessels. They are never seen in the feces.