Calming tips

New Year’s Eve is approaching, and with that comes celebration, fun times and fireworks. While all these things can mean a great time for you, it may not be so much fun for your furry friend. Loud noises like fireworks can easily frighten pets, and if your pet falls into that easily frightened category you can take some steps to help prepare them for the noises that are to come. Here are some tips on how you can help your dog with their anxiety when it comes to loud noises.

1. Stay with your dog. If it is possible, stay home with them. They are likely to be less frightened if you are there than if they were alone. This can be especially important if they are a young dog, as it will allow you to see how they handle the situation. 
2. Bring them Inside. This will help to keep them at ease, and also can help to avoid them escaping their yard and getting loose in the neighborhood. If you are unable to bring them inside, ensure they have their tags on them to help properly identify them.
3. Turn the radio or TV on. Try to drown out the sound of what is happening outside. This is also another means of distraction for them. 
4. Put a shirt or blanket on them. A cover, especially one with a familiar odor can often times help calm them down. It can give them a sense of protection. 
5. Tire them out. Take them out earlier in the day for a long walk or to the park so they can have some extensive play time. The more tired the dog, the less likely they are to get riled up during the event. 

These are just some simple tips to consider when you are trying to keep your dog calm for the New Year’s celebrations. We hope you find these tips for your dog helpful. Wishing a safe and Happy New Year’s to you and your furry friend(s)!

Dangerous Holiday Plants

The tree is up, the stockings and mistletoe are hung and the Poinsettias adorn the entry way. The holidays are off to their usual start, but did you know if you have pets that some of those traditionally used plants for decorating can be toxic? As beautiful as they are to have, care should be taken if you have pets to ensure they do not chew upon or consume them. If your furry friend tends to have a gnawing or chewing habit, here is a short list of plants and what can occur if they get ahold of them.

1. Mistletoe. Can cause vomiting and depression after eating.
2. Jerusalem Cherry. Leaves and fruit are poisonous.  Can cause vomiting and nausea depending on amount consumed along with seizures. 
3. Poinsettia. With dogs can cause vomiting and diarrhea, in cats excessive drooling.
4. Christmas Cactus. Can cause mild vomiting and diarrhea if eaten.
5.  Lilies and Daffodils. Can cause stomach issues, convulsions and arrhythmia.
6.  Christmas tree. The oils can be irritating to mouth and stomach causing excess drooling and vomiting. Needles can cause stomach problems, obstructions and puncture. In addition, the water used for the tree can also be harmful as it can hold fertilizer, bacteria and mold causing extreme sickness.

Remember that symptoms can vary depending on the size of your pet and the amount they have consumed.  While it is great to decorate with these items, be careful with the locations you choose and the accessibility to them, especially if you have cats. If you found your furry friend has consumed any of these, contact your Vet immediately to see what you can do to minimize damage!

ASPCA Poison Control Center

How To Teach Your Dog To Stop Begging For Food

Food is an essential part of life, and to a dog food is life. But that does not mean they need to beg for it. As great as it is to share with your dog, especially when at the dinner table, it can create undesired results. Here are some tips to help with managing a dog’s food expectations and begging for food.

When you are eating, avoid giving attention to your dog or making eye contact with them. This will then help to not encourage them to expect anything.

Also avoid handing food off to the dog during meal times. This practice should not only occur at the dinner table either, avoid handing them food when you’re on the couch, chair, in bed or while at your desk. Encourage all members of the household to abide by this rule of thumb.

When you sit down to eat, get your dog into a stay position and find a means of attraction such as a Kong toy with a treat in it.

If you do desire to share your food with your dog, and to avoid creating any unwanted behaviors consider this approach. Take the food you wish to share and place it in his food bowl with his food, and give it to him during his meal time. This way it acts more as a meal treat for him.

It may be difficult and take time, but with the proper diligence your dog will come to understand that begging does not work. This will allow for a more pleasant meal time for both you and your dog.

Top 5 Places In America To Hike With Your Dog

Lace up those hiking boots, grab your furry friend’s leash and get ready for a journey into nature to enjoy some great outdoor time. Finding locations that allow not only you, but your best friend to hike too can be a challenge, so we’re using this blog to help you with some great hiking destinations to consider for your next outdoor excursion!

1.      Raleigh, North Carolina

For those just introducing their furry friend to hiking, a great location to start is in Raleigh, N.C. at the William B. Ulmstead State Park. They offer the Inspiration Trail which is less than 1 mile offering a great introduction to hikers and their furry friends.

2.      Bar Harbor, Maine

Acadia National Park in Maine is another great spot to hike with your furry companion. It boasts over 100 miles of hiking trails and 45 miles of carriage roads. If you plan to stay and camp consider the Blackwoods, Seawall, and Schoodic Woods campgrounds as they all permit pets.

3.      Los Angeles, California

Finding a place to hike in the city can be difficult, but Runyon Canyon in Los Angeles offers a variety of trails, is pet friendly and offers great views of the city too. They offer a 90 acre off leash area for your furry friend in addition to the pet friendly trails.

4.      Skykomish, Washington

If you’re in the Pacific northwest a great hiking location to consider would be Lake Dorothy in Washington. With a vast amount of trails and scenic spots to take in the view you and your hiking partner won’t be disappointed.

5.      Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Rounding out the group is Fairmount Park located in Pennsylvania. This park offers over 9,200 acres of woodland, trails and waterfront to go exploring in. You can enjoy a nice hike along the water then grab a spot to picnic and take a break.

Always remember to follow the rules and regulations for these parks to help ensure a safe and pleasant experience while out hiking with your furry companion!

Can Cats Get Stuck in Trees

The answer is yes. Cats can get stuck in trees and they can die or become seriously injured in the process of getting down by themselves. A cat’s claws are not designed for descending, they are designed for climbing up; unlike a squirrel who can climb in every direction, a cat needs their head up in order to climb up, and the only way to get back down would be to go backwards.

FUN FACT: The only cat that can climb down a tree head first is the Margay, or Tree Ocelot- a rare cat found in the rainforests of Mexico, Central America, and South America.

So why would a cat climb a tree to begin with? She might be chasing or running from something… She might just be curious! Cats love to climb, and the most danger comes to indoor cats who have less experience. When panicked, a cat will likely continue to climb upwards and this is where the danger comes… A cat can survive for over a week in a tree and even survive a high fall, but if the cat climbs so high they cannot be heard or seen, they could eventually die of starvation, dehydration, or from contact with a predator.

What should you do?

Take immediate action if it is a kitten, declawed, an indoor cat, the animal has been up there for multiple days, the weather forecast is cold, wet, rain, or a storm, you suspect an injury, the animal is wedged, there is chance of attack by an animal.

Keep dogs and excitable children away from the area to prevent the cat from getting nervous and climbing higher. Do your best to keep your pet calm and let them know you are there by calling their name. You could also try tempting them with food or treats. This may encourage them to climb down.

If it is unsafe for you to rescue your pet on your own, you should not wait long to ask for help. Contrary to popular belief, most fire departments do not perform cat rescues. You might try this directory to find a cat rescuer in your area: http://www2.catinatreerescue.com/view/directory.cfm. 

If you cannot find help there, you might call a local tree care company for help. 

Keep your Pet Safe this Halloween and Avoid These Dangers!

As fun as Halloween is for people, especially children, it’s actually a pretty dangerous time for pets! Veterinary and emergency centers see a 12% increase in calls during the Halloween holiday. Below are a few tips for keeping your animals safe.

Candy is not for pets.

In fact, a lot of candies can even be lethal your pet, especially dark chocolate. Some other candies that are dangerous include candy corn and other high-sugar candies, candy with wrappers, hard candies, and sugar-free gum. But remember, that all candies are made for humans, not pets, so be sure to keep your candy somewhere pets cannot get to it.

Prepare Trick-or-Treaters!

If your pet does not do well with strangers, consider keeping them in another room if you plan to give out candy. If you do not want to keep your pet away, you might consider leaving a bowl of candy outside with a note that says “Take 1”. Never leave your pet outside on Halloween as this is a big night for “pranksters” and there have been instances of harm caused to pets left out on Halloween.

Black Cats on Halloween are at Greater Risk

Prepare your outdoor cat (especially black cats) a few days before and after Halloween by keeping them inside. Due to their ties to urban-legends like witchcraft, they are at a high risk to cruelty-related incidents during the month of October.

Keep Lit Pumpkins and other Decorations Away from Pets

A pet can catch fire or burn easily near a candle pumpkin or knock it over, causing a fire. Other decorations might be electrical or made of glass that could cause serious injury to your pet.

Think Twice about Costumes

Unless you know your pet will enjoy being dressed in a costume, you may instead consider a festive bandana or collar. Many costumes can be choking hazard or cause discomfort to your pet. Be sure the costume does not restrict their movement, hearing, ability to breathe, or bark/meow and be sure the fabric does not cause irritation.

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7 Dogs Having Fun in Piles Of Leaves… Guaranteed to make you smile!

1. When you're way too comfortable.

2. Best friends!

3. Best. Day. Ever!

4. Two kids playing with their pup :)

5. Almost missed him!

6. This landing is gonna be EPIC...

7. Freedom!!!

x

Fall Safety: The Season of Toxic Mushrooms

Pets are explorers and wanderers, and because of this they are at a higher risk for consuming toxic mushrooms in the fall season. The good news is, 99% of the mushrooms you will find in your yard or on a hike thru the woods are non-toxic, but it is important to remember that dogs and cats are not able to sniff out the toxic ones, so the best solution is to discourage investigation and consumption of mushrooms all together.

Some of the initial symptoms of toxic mushroom consumption include: bloody diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dehydration, fever, and elevated heart rate. Without treatment of these symptoms, the pet is at high risk for liver and kidney failure within 3-5 days.

Three of the deadliest mushrooms your dog or cat might consume include:

Pets are attracted to these mushrooms due to their fishy odor.

If your pet may have been poisoned by a mushroom, try to get a sample of what they consumed to aid in identification. Immediately call your veterinarian or poison control center. Stay safe this season and keep an eye on your pet.