Learn to Pet-itate!

Pet-centered meditation (pet-itation) can help you to develop your relationship with your animals while simultaneously improving your own mindfulness. Anyone who has days where they allow their stress to come home to their family and pets can use the practice, and any pet who suffers from anxiety or behavioral issues will benefit.  Over time and with consistent routine, pet-itation will improve the behavior and emotional well-being of everyone involved.  

Below are some suggestions for getting started:

1.)    Pick a Time

It is best to “pet-itate” when everyone is already relatively calm. A good time would be when you and your animals are winding down for the evening. It would be difficult to successfully practice when they are hyper and excited about the day ahead, but you know your pets and everyone is different.

2.)    Pick a Place

Find a quiet and comfortable spot to relax with your pets. Meditation is most enjoyable when everyone is comfortable. Don’t try to control what your animals do once you begin, just let them move around and focus on your own breathing while they get comfortable. 

3.)    Develop a Routine 

Like anything, the more you practice, the more successful you become and the more you will notice results. The best thing you can do for yourself and your pets is to form a daily habit.

4.)    Start small

If you try to pet-itate for more than a few minutes at first, you and your pets might get frustrated or bored. You’ll get there eventually, but start small and build your way there. If it isn’t working, you shouldn’t force it. Walk away and try again the next day.

Think about the long-term benefits for you and your pet’s physical and emotional well-being. Doing this activity together will build an unbreakable bond between you and your pet and it will help with managing stress and anxiety for both parties. The most important thing is to have fun and appreciate the sense of calm and stability that this practice will bring into your pet's life.

These Common Household Items are Positively Lethal to your Pets!

Warmer weather is coming & that means calls to the Animal Poison Control Center are going to spike to as many as 800 per day. Because of this, March 20-26^th is National Animal Poison Prevention Week and we are raising awareness and educating pet owners as to avoid accidents this summer.

If you suspect that your pet has ingested a poisonous substance, you need to respond immediately. The effects of ingestion will not be instant; it depends on the substance, but for some it could take up to 20 minutes before you notice a reaction. 

Some tips to keep your pets safe:

1.      Make sure herbicides, fertilizers, and pesticides are kept away in a secure place. 

2.      If you spend time outdoors and your pet comes in contact with a plant that you cannot identify, take a photo and upload it to this Facebook group that identifies plants:

https://www.facebook.com/IdentifyThatPlant

3.      Keep chocolate away in a drawer. Large amounts can be lethal to dogs and cats. Chocolate is the #1 reason for calls to the Animal Poison Control Center.

4.      Write the phone number for your veterinarian and the Animal Poison Control Center on a sticky note and put it on the refrigerator or another place that’s easy to access in case of emergency.

5.      Educate yourself on what foods could be toxic to your pets:

a        Alcoholic drinks, certain mushrooms, chocolates, grapes, raisons, star fruit, aspartame, chives, onions, coffee and caffeine.

Call your veterinarian immediately if you suspect anything, or if it’s after hours, call the Animal Poison Control Center. When it comes to your pet, you don’t want to take any chances. A professional can give you advice and direction as to whether or not you need to take action or if your pet is okay.

Stay safe, get smart, and don’t hesitate to call if you suspect! 

How to Stop your Pets from Destroying the Furniture

Here are a few helpful tips that might help you to regain some control of an out-of-control chewing situation with your dog or puppy.

1.      Understand Why

Puppies are like babies… They are discovering a whole new world & they explore with their mouths. Just like babies, they teethe & they chew because it gives them a sense of comfort and relief. It is your job to establish rules for what objects are appropriate for chewing. 

Adult dogs might be chewing for other reasons, and it is your responsibility to understand why & manage the situation until they have learned what objects in your home are not allowed to be chewed.  Maybe they never learned not to chew as a puppy, maybe they have anxiety or they are bored. They could be afraid, or just want attention.

2.      Teach & Supervise

Keep your personal belongings that you don’t want to be chewed in places where they are not accessible to your pet. Provide your dog with bright colored toys that are distinguishable from regular household objects. Supervise your dog & have a “safe place” in your home that is just for them where they have access to fresh water and all of the toys that are cleared for chewing. 

3.      Socialize your Dog

Make sure your dog is spending plenty of time with people and other dogs- if possible. They will never learn appropriate behavior if they are never given the opportunity. 

4.      Taste Deterrents & Incentives

You can spray and coat objects like your sofa with a taste deterrents that might make them unappealing to chew… Some dogs will chew right through a deterrent, but some will be put off by the bitter taste. On the other end of the spectrum, give them incentives to chew their toys by using them for feeding. Fill a Kong-type toy with kibble for meal times and occasionally treats. An infatuation will develop between them and their toys taking their attention away from your expensive furniture. 

At the end of the day, it is important to set boundaries, while understanding that things happen! Chewing is part of being a dog owner and occasionally your dog will inevitably chew something that’s important to you. And you’ll love them anyway!