Aiken Standard

AUGUST 2013 | A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO

Keeping Fido Fit

Solving Separation Anxiety On the Move

How to get your dog in shape

How to help dogs cope

Moving with a pet in tow

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2 | August 2013

2 Number of surrendered pets is high and growing 3 Simple ways to keep your pet healthy 3 Automatically keep track of pets health 4 Causes and remedies for bad dog breath 5 Adjusting to life with your newly adopted dog 6 Help dogs cope with separation anxiety 7 Pet care can be eco-friendly

n 2012, Superstorm Sandy caused the catastrophic destruction of many residential areas up and down the eastern seaboard. Just months later, much of the country experienced extreme temperature swings, some as much as 40 degrees in just a few days. Areas of Georgia were overturned when a tornado turned over cars, trapping residents of an Atlanta suburb.

Number of surrendered pets is high and growing

8 How to help your pet survive a sizzling summer 8 Protect pets from pesticides 9 Moving with a pet in tow 10 Strap pets in for safety theirs and yours 10 Choose the best food for your dog 11 Give your cat something to savor at mealtime 11 Savor the moment of mealtime with your pet

Shelters have seen a rise in the number of surrendered pets, partly due to the displacement of families after bad storms.
Society alone takes in 8,000 to 9,000 animals each year. Although the number of animals entering shelters continues to rise, so do the number of adoptions. This is in part to the publicity campaigns of many area shelters as well as the grassroots efforts of people communicating via social media. Animal adoption announcements are frequently posted on Facebook, and many shelters now have their own online presence to alert the public to the plight of animals in the shelter. Petfinder.com remains one of the largest databases of searchable pets available for adoption, boasting more than 374,000 pets from nearly 14,000 adoption groups. Parties interested in pet adoption are urged to visit their local shelters first and inquire about the available animals. Some shelters have stringent adoption guidelines and will not entertain an inquiry without the completion of a form and a background check. People who are interested in adopting a breed-specific animal can contact rescue organizations that specialize in these types of animals. Some shelters will pay for shipment of the animal, while others require adoption candidates make their own travel arrangements. A variety of situations have increased the number of animals in shelters awaiting adoption.

Such drastic changes are an anomaly that have many meteorologists scratching their heads. The aftermath of drastic weather can sometimes result in property loss and damage that may force families and their pets into new living situations. Oftentimes, pets are not able to make the move and are surrendered to area shelters. A struggling economy has also taken its toll on pets. According to Hope Brustein, the executive director at the Geauga Humane Society in Ohio, many animals are brought to shelters because owners have lost their jobs or homes and tight budgets can no longer support them. Those who have lost their homes and need to relocate may not be able to bring their pets along. The ASPCA estimates 5 to 7 million companion animals enter animal shelters nationwide every year. Shelter intakes are generally evenly divided between animals that are relinquished by owners and those picked up by animal control. There are no firm statistics on how many animals are surrendered to shelters in Canada, but the Winnipeg Humane

DID YOU KNOW?

If you are welcoming a new dog to the family but have yet to pick a name, you might want to consider Max. Max has been a popular name for male dogs in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia on and off for years, many times topping the list as the most popular male dog name. Although names that described dogs traits, such as Spotty or Dusty, were popular more than 50 years ago, todays dogs (and cats) have decidedly human names. Dogs named Max have starred in movies (think Max in The Grinch Who Stole Christmas,) and have also broken records. A dog named Max lived to be the oldest dog at age 26. Max has been a name given to pampered Yorkies as well as rough-and-tumble mutts. If Max is not the name for you, Buddy, Jake and Rocky are a few of the other popular dog names.

August 2013 |

Simple ways to keep your pet healthy

Automatically keep track of pets health

t is not always easy for pet owners to Not every recognize when animal exhibits a companion animal obvious signs of physical is feeling sick. Dogs suffering. and cats can both be stoic when dealing with illness, and unless there is something physically apparent like a limp or a wound, pet owners may have a sick four-legged friend on their hands without even knowing it. But a new technology is aiming to change the way pet owners are informed about their pets health. At least two different innovators have developed devices that continuously monitor a pets health and alert its owners when there is something amiss. The Japanese information technology firm Fujitsu announced its launch of an innovative new device called the Wandant in 2012. This device can be affixed to dogs collars, where it can monitor their level of activity, number of steps taken and other health-related data. The data can be uploaded to a cloud or read by a

healthy pet is a happy pet, and responsible pet owners know that their beloved pets health rests largely on the owners shoulders. Ensuring a pet is healthy over the long haul can be quite simple. While some pets may develop medical conditions that require more attention, the following are a few simply ways pet owners can keep their pets healthy.

Dont skip visits to the veterinarian. Unlike humans, pets cant speak for themselves, so its quite possible that a pet could be hurting or dealing with a medical condition while its owner has no idea. Annual veterinary checkups can help avoid such situations, and the vet might notice a developing condition before it becomes anything serious. If a pets behavior suddenly changes, then schedule a veterinarian visit as soon as possible, as this behaviorial change could be indicative of a medical issue. Prioritize vaccinations. Vaccinations can protect a pet from a host of ailments, including rabies, distemper and Lyme disease. New pet owners who adopted a pet from a rescue organization should get documentation about the animals past vaccinations (certified kennels typically provide such documentation at the time of adoption). If there is no such documentation or if there are documents showing the pet received certain vaccinations but not necessarily all of its vaccinations, take the pet to the veterinarian and have the animal receive those vaccinations that arent documented. Spay or neuter the pet. The ASPCA notes that spaying or neutering a pet is a preventive measure that can help a pet in the long haul. Spaying, or removing

the ovaries and uterus of a female dog or cat, can prevent diseases, such as breast cancer and pyometra, as well as infection and keep the animal from going into heat. Neutering a male a dog or cat before it reaches six months can reduce the likelihood that the animal will behave aggressively while helping to prevent testicular cancer, diseases of the prostate and hernias.

phone or computer. Transitions in pet health can be monitored to make it easier to understand any changes that could be indicative of a health problem. Similarly, a start-up company called PetPace is developing a collar that can monitor your pets health and send an early warning to you and your vet when something doesnt add up. The Massachusetts-based company will produce a collar and base station that collects the data. There will be an initial cost for the equipment and then a monthly subscription fee for ongoing monitoring service. According to the company, the sensors in the collar can track the animals movement, temperature, respiration and pulse. Theres also a microphone that listens for sounds like drinking, barking or stomach gurgling. Positioning and movement sensors, like those found in many smartphones, can even tell when the animal is running, laying down or taking a bathroom break. The data is compared to whats normal for the breed and the animals past behavior. Anomalies may alert pet owners to something that is wrong. According to chairman Avner Schneur, the company has already been testing its technology at several pet hospitals. Although hospitals will be the companys initial focus, PetPace will eventually sell the collar to consumers. If your dog or cat may not be feeling well but is not exhibiting any abnormal behavior, then some new devices might be able to alert you to the problem to take action sooner.

Help the pet fight heartworm. Heartworm isnt easy to treat, but it is easily prevented. Cat owners should speak to their veterinarian about heartworm and the best course of action, as cats are less likely to develop heartworm than dogs, who are natural hosts for the infection. Dogs should be tested for heartworm annually in the early spring, and the veterinarian might prescribe a preventive medication the dog will take once per month. How long the dog must take the medication depends on the dog and the veterinarian, but dog owners should heed the vets advice.

Get your pet off the couch. Humans should not be couch potatoes, and neither should their pets. Regular exercise burns calories while increasing muscle mass and improving cardiovascular strength. Dog owners should know that how much exercise their dog needs depends on its breed, age, sex and physical condition, so discuss a proper exercise regimen with your veterinarian. Cats need exercise, too, and cat owners should also discuss the specifics with their vet.

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Causes and remedies for bad dog breath

Many changes take place as a cute puppy becomes an adult dog. Many pet owners notice that some dogs gain weight, become sluggish and develop foul breath as they age. This bad breath not only can be a nuisance, but also it can be a health problem for otherwise healthy dogs.

ou may have once looked forward to sitting and petting your new puppy and the excited sloppy kisses that he or she would lavish on your cheek. Now that your dog is older and bad breath has set in, you may run and hide from that onceprecious pooch.

Bad breath, medically termed halitosis, is a condition commonly reported by dog owners. There are many different causes of doggie breath, but the primary contributor is a dental problem. Some pet parents are not aware that dogs need to have their teeth brushed just like their human family members. Food particles can become lodged between teeth and eventually rot, causing an odor. Whats more, this food may cause bacteria to grow, which can decay teeth and lead to gum inflammation. If left untreated, plaque buildup and sore gums can progress to periodontal disease. According to veterinarians, plaque clings to the base of your dogs teeth, causing the gums to recede and become inflamed. Once the gums are inflamed, they tend to leak blood serum, which blends with the plaque, increasing the amount of

bacteria in the dogs mouth. This appears as a yellowish coating on the dogs teeth. Some dogs affected by serious plaque buildup will eat less. Routinely brushing the dogs teeth can minimize plaque buildup. Feeding hard kibble, which can further dislodge any other food, and offering chew toys and bones will also help keep plaque problems at bay. If plaque is a major problem, a veterinarian may suggest a thorough cleaning under sedation. In addition to periodontal causes, bad breath may be a symptom of other serious conditions. Diseases of the kidneys, gastrointestinal disorders or even stomach cancer can cause bad breath. Diabetes and liver problems are also culprits in halitosis. In other cases, foreign objects that become lodged in the teeth, including the pets own fur, can decompose and form a foul odor. The foreign objects also may irritate the skin and the gums. An infection that forms may

produce an unpleasant odor. A pet with bad breath should be examined by a veterinarian, unless it is obvious that it is the result of something the dog ate, including stool or spoiled garbage. The following methods also may keep bad breath at bay. Brush your dogs teeth regularly. This helps prevent plaque buildup and will keep the gums healthy. Change the dogs food. Some canned foods may produce foul breath, as can feeding a dog raw meat. Prevent access to garbage if your dog is a routine scrounger in the trash. If your dog isnt eating much and looks frail, the breath may be a sign of a serious illness. Visit with a veterinarian promptly.

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with your newly adopted dog

ringing a new dog home from an animal shelter is an exciting experience. Dogs can bring a lot of joy and energy into a household, quickly becoming a treasured member of the family. Adjusting to life with a newly adopted dog is not always smooth sailing, as members of the household often deal with a transition period as they grow more acclimated to the responsibility of pet ownership. Sometimes this transition is easy, while other times it can be more complicated. The following are a few tips to help new dog owners make their transition to pet ownership go more smoothly. Emphasize routine. Routine makes dogs more comfortable, and this can make things easier on new dog owners. Get up and go to bed at the same time each day, and schedule walks and play time at the same time each day as well. As the dog grows more acclimated to your home, you can gradually vary your own schedule, but try to stick to the walking and playtime schedule for your dog as much as possible. Anxiety is a significant issue for many shelter dogs, but sticking to a routine can help lower that anxiety significantly. Visit the veterinarian within days of the adoption. A visit to the vet is necessary even if your dog has received all of its necessary vaccinations. The vet can examine the dog and give advice on diet and exercise, which is especially valuable information for those owners who have never before owned a dog. In addition, a vet might direct men and women who adopted a purebred to a colleague who specializes in that particular breed. Such vets may be more specific when recommending a diet or exercise regimen, which can help the dogs long-term health.

Adjusting to life
B

Gradually alter diet. Many shelter dogs were on poor diets before they came to the shelter, and the shelter or your veterinarian might suggest changing that diet. Adapting to a new diet wont necessarily be easy for your dog, but gradual changes often ease this transition. For example, if the dogs diet must change completely, dont change it all in one day. Gradually mix old food with the new food over the course of several days, adding more new food and substracting more of the old food each day. By the fourth or fifth day, the dogs diet should consist entirely of the new food recommended by your vet. Behave yourself. The first few days with a new dog can go a long way toward making the pooch feel comfortable or uncomfortable in its new home. If you have never owned a dog in the past, expect the dog to have some anxiety in the first few days. This anxiety can manifest itself in a variety of ways, including chewing furniture, going to the bathroom indoors or general restlessness. Its easy to overreact to such manifestations, but control your temper and manage to discourage inappropriate behavior without getting angry. If you can successfully manage a dogs initial anxiety as it transitions to its new home, the dog is more likely to behave properly as time progresses. But if you allow your disappointment or temper to get the better of you in those first days after the adoption, your chances of successfully transitioning the dog to your home will decrease significantly. Adopting a shelter dog is a great way to add a new and loving member to your family. Though some transitions are more difficult than others, owners who keep calm and work to reduce their dogs anxiety are likely to treasure their new addition for years to come.

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Help dogs cope with separation anxiety

symptoms may indicate separation anxiety.

Urinating or defecating while no one is home: Dogs who urinate or defecate when left home alone might be suffering from separation anxiety. If a dog does this in the presence of its owner, then chances are it has not been trained properly and is not suffering from separation anxiety. Destructive behavior: Door frames, furniture, window sills and other objects around the house are common chewing targets for dogs suffering from separation anxiety. Such behavior is done while owners are away, and it can harm the dog, causing damage to its nails, paws and teeth. Escape attempts: Some dogs dealing with separation anxiety may try to escape from their confines when left alone. Dogs might attempt to dig or chew through doors. When a dog has separation anxiety, its escape attempts are limited to those times when it is separated from its owner. Coprophagia: Some dogs suffering from separation anxiety will defecate and then consume some or all of their excrement.

alone. But before that can be done, the ASPCA advises dog owners to visit their veterinarian to rule out other medical issues with similar symptoms. The aforementioned symptoms of separation anxiety might be indicative of a different medical issue, and the vet can determine if thats the case before dog owners go forward with treating separation anxiety. Once the vet has ruled out other medical issues, then dog owners can consider the following ways to help their dog cope with its anxiety. Associate being alone with something good. A dog suffering from separation anxiety associates being alone with a negative. If dog owners can turn that negative association into a positive one, then the dogs condition might improve. When leaving the house, give the dog a treat or a food-dispensing toy so it associates your departure with something positive. This might be most effective with dogs suffering mild separation anxiety.

may gradually become more comfortable with being alone. Control your own emotions. Control your emotions when leaving for the day and when arriving home. Give the dog a good-bye pat when you leave in the morning, and then be mellow when you arrive home, allowing the dog time to relax and calm down before paying him or her any significant attention. This is difficult for many dog owners, but it can help your dog overcome separation anxiety.

og owners are typically bewildered when mans best friend exhibits destructive or disruptive behavior. Chewing furniture or urinating or defecating indoors is upsetting for dog owners, who might feel they need to discipline their pooch to ensure it does not happen again. But discipline might not be the remedy for destructive or disruptive behavior, which might be a sign of separation anxiety.

Why do dogs develop separation anxiety?

Work to make the dog more accustomed to being alone. Dogs who suffer from severe separation anxiety may benefit from more frequent yet shorter periods of separation. These shorter periods of separation are not likely to produce anxiety. Over time gradually increase their length. The dog

Do not punish the dog. A dog does not engage in destructive or disruptive behavior while its owner is away out of spite or to be disobedient. In many cases, the dog does so because it is suffering from separation anxiety, so punishing such behavior will likely only worsen that anxiety and the bad behavior that comes with it. Be patient and understanding when a dog exhibits behaviors associated with separation anxiety and resist the urge to punish the dog. Separation anxiety can occur in varying degrees and manifest itself in various ways. Dog owners who react calmly and thoughtfully to separation anxiety are more likely to be successful in their attempts to help their dog overcome the condition.

Separation anxiety can occur when a dog is upset after it is separated from its owner or other members of the household. Dogs may become agitated or depressed when their owners are getting ready to leave for the day or the pets may begin barking within minutes of their owner leaving. Upon the owners return, the dog might behave as if their owner was gone for days and days. Understanding separation anxiety can help dog owners and their dogs overcome the condition, which can be overwhelming for dogs.

The ASPCA notes that there is no conclusive evidence as to why dogs develop separation anxiety. But the organization also notes that dogs adopted from shelters tend to exhibit behaviors associated with separation anxiety more than dogs who are with the same owner since birth, suggesting that dogs might feel a sense of abandonment when their owner leaves for the day that is similar to the abandonment they felt when their initial owners or someone else brought them to the shelter. Those feelings of abandonment may be triggered by certain situations, such as when a dog gets a new owner or the dogs schedule changes or the family moves to a new residence. In addition, when a member of the household is suddenly absent, whether that person has passed away or moved out, then this absence may also trigger separation anxiety.

What are the symptoms of separation anxiety?

Destructive or disruptive behavior is not always a byproduct of separation anxiety. However, the following

How can a dog with separation anxiety be helped?

Helping a dog cope with separation anxiety involves teaching the dog to enjoy or learn to tolerate its time

August 2013 |

Pet care can be eco-friendly

any pet owners take caring for their pets very seriously, carefully monitoring their pets diets, making visits to the veterinarian a part of their routine and ensuring their furry friends get plenty of exercise. In return, those pet owners get unconditional love and loyalty from their pets. Though pets and pet owners can benefit from proper pet care, theres a third party that can benefit as well. When pet care is conducted in an eco-friendly way, the planet reaps as many rewards as pets and their owners. The following are a few ways pet owners can incorporate some ecofriendly practices into their pet care.

Use biodegradable bags to scoop waste. Biodegradable bags are a much more earthfriendly option than reusing a plastic bag from the grocery store. Thats because, unlike a plastic grocery bag, a biodegradable bag naturally decomposes, significantly reducing landfill waste. While no pet owner enjoys picking up after their four-legged friends, doing so in a way thats more eco-friendly can give conscientious pet owners more peace of mind.

Go organic. The organic food movement has become more popular at dinner tables across the globe, so why not let pets get in on the trend as well? Organic pet foods are typically free of artificial flavors and colorings and are produced without the use of hormones or chemicals.

Dont take the outdoors inside. Many homeowners use products like pesticides in their yard in an attempt to make their lawns appear as lush as possible. When possible, avoid the use of such products so pets can roam and play in a chemical-free environment. If you simply must use pesticides or insecticides, be careful not to track them indoors. Remove any footwear you wore in the yard when entering your home so you arent tracking potentially harmful chemicals inside where they can put your pets health in jeopardy. Groom in a green-friendly way. Pet owners can even use green grooming products when cleaning their pets. Natural products can be just as effective as more traditional pet shampoos, but natural products are not made with chemicals that can harm the environment and even harm your pet if the products are ingested. Take a stroll rather than a drive to the dog park. Many communities now have dog parks, where dogs can be let off their leashes and freely play with other dogs from the neighborhood. Rather than driving to the dog park, walk there to reduce your fuel consumption. If the dog park is a bit too far from home for you and your pet to walk there and back, determine if its possible to take your dog via bicycle instead. Riding a bicycle is great exercise, and its a much more ecofriendly way to travel than driving.

8 | August 2013

How to help your pet survive a sizzling summer

arsh weather conditions can threaten the health of anyone, including the family pet. This is especially so in the summertime, when animals can easily and quickly get dehydrated.

Extreme temperatures in the summer force many pet owners to keep their pets indoors during the daytime. But there are ways pets can survive a sizzling summer and still enjoy some fun in the sun. Pet owners can take the following precautions as the mercury rises so their favorite four-legged friends are not confined to the house when summer hits full swing. Be attentive at all times. Pets do not hide their emotions well, and a pet that is struggling with the heat is bound to exhibit some symptoms. According to the ASPCA, symptoms of heat stroke in pets include: - excessive panting or difficulty breathing - increased heart rate - drooling - mild weakness - stupor - collapse

Each of these indicates a pet might be overheating, and a pet might also suffer from seizures, bloody diarrhea and vomiting when its body temperature is too high. When taking a pet outdoors in the heat, people should be mindful of these symptoms and be attentive to the animals condition at all times. Trim the animals coat. Long hair in the summertime can make things very uncomfortable for your pet. Hair cut to about one inch can help prevent overheating. When trimming the animals coat, do not cut closer than one inch, as anything less than an inch likely wont provide any protection from the sun. Only visit areas with ample shade. Areas that are without shade, such as a beach or wide open park, are not good spots to walk a pet in the summertime. Pets can easily overheat when exposed to hot summer sun, even if its only for a few minutes. Only go for walks in areas with ample shade so pets can still get outdoors but get only limited exposure to the hot summer sun. Dont take pets on chore runs. Many pet owners like to take their pets with them when theyre doing chores,

such as dropping mail off at the post office or picking up a prescription at the pharmacy. Such chores may take just a few minutes, but those few minutes in a hot car can prove deadly for pets. Pets should never be left alone in a car on a hot day, when the car can quickly reach extreme temperatures. Some regions have even made it illegal to leave pets in unattended cars on hot days.

Steer clear of asphalt on hot days. Pet owners know enough not to walk on hot asphalt without shoes on, and they should take the same precautions with their pets. The padding on pets feet can suffer considerably from hot asphalt, and this can prove very painful to animals. When walking pets on a hot day, avoid asphalt, which can cause pets body temperature to rise considerably, especially smaller pets whose bodies are closer to the ground. Stick to the grass or other surfaces that dont get so hot under the summer sun. Pets can overheat quickly and easily in the summertime. But pet owners who take a few precautionary measures can still take their pets out for some fun in the summer sun.

Keeping pets on cool surfaces, such as grass, when the temperatures are hot can help pets avoid overheating and dehydration.
omeowners use pesticides in their yards for a variety of reasons. Some utilize pesticides to make their lawns appear lush and healthy, while others must use pesticides to address issues like insect infestations. Applying pesticides is often frowned upon by environmentalists, but its not just Mother Earth who can suffer from the use of pesticides. If your family pet loves to get outdoors and run around in the yard, you might be putting your four-legged friend in danger if youre not careful when applying pesticides. Exposure to pesticides can make pets sick and, in some instances, prove fatal. But pet owners can reduce that risk significantly by adhering to the following tips. Remove pets and their items from the lawn before applying pesticide. Its a no-brainer to move Fido inside before applying pesticide to your lawn. But homeowners should also scour the yard for toys, bedding and feeding dishes and move them inside or into the garage before applying a pesticide. Pet health

Adhere to the instructions on the pesticide label. The label on the pesticide you choose should have specific instructions as to how much pesticide you should apply and how long you must wait before allowing anyone, including the family pet, to gain access to the treated area. If you let your pet back in the area too quickly, the animal could be poisoned. Be careful inside, too. Chemical products are not only used to treat lawns. If you need to use a chemical product like a bug bomb indoors, keep pets in mind before application. Remove bedding, feeding dishes and toys, and cover your fish tank to prevent liquid and vapors from getting into the tank and threatening the lives of your fish. Keep areas treated for pests off limits to pets. If you have a

could be at risk if such items are left in the yard and get even a drop or two of pesticide on them. Therefore, carefully scour the yard for your pets belongings, raking high grass to find toys or bones when necessary, before applying pesticides.

pest problem in your home, be it insects or rodents, keep any areas you treat with chemical products off limits until the issue has been successfully resolved. Even if pets arent in the room during or after application, they can still be poisoned if they eat poisoned insects or rodents. This is called secondary poisoning, and pet owners concerned about their pets but still in need of a way to eradicate pests should look for a product with a low risk for secondary poisoning.

Keep bait products out of the reach of your pets. Bait products are often effective because theyre attractive to insects or rodents. Unfortunately, the same properties that attract pests might also attract your companion animal. When using bait products around the house, be sure to place them beyond the reach of your pets. If youre using bait products that you must bury outdoors, keep in mind that dogs and maybe even cats can often dig these products up rather easily. So once the bait is When using pesticides or other chemical-based products planted, make the area off limits around the house, prevent pets from accessing treated areas after application. to your pets.

Protect pets from pesticides

August 2013 |

Moving
M

oving can be stressful. If the process of finding a new place to live wasnt difficult enough, then the task of getting everything packed and out of your current residence on time is sure to complicate matters. For pet owners, the moving process can be even more difficult. Renters often find the rental market is less than enthusiastic about pets, and even landlords who allow pets might require a larger security deposit. But once that deposit has been made, it is time to move, a process that can be difficult for renters and buyers alike. Pets are often averse to change, and few changes are as significant as changing residences. But there are ways that pet owners can make moving easier on themselves and their pets. Spread things out. Sudden changes can increase pets anxiety levels, which can alter their behavior. When getting ready to move, spread things like packing out over time, gradually packing items away so pets wont panic as their environment changes. Avoid packing pets comfort items, such as bedding and toys, until the last minute. Arrange for travel well in advance of your move. If youre moving relatively close by, then your trip to your new home may be no different for a pet than a standard road trip. In such instances, pack toys and snacks in the car to keep your pet occupied throughout the trip.

with a pet in tow

When moving to a new home, pet owners should take steps to ensure the process is not stressful for their pets.
day. Moving day can be hectic, especially when pet owners hire professional movers. It can be difficult for pets to adjust to strangers in a home, and movers will be in and out of your home all day on moving day. Designate a room in your house for your pet, and make sure the movers know not to enter that room. Place feeding dishes, water bowls and toys in the room so pets can eat, drink and remain occupied until the time comes to leave the house. On a nice day, consider letting the dogs play in a fenced-in yard or use a tree lead that allows pets to play in the yard without the freedom to run away.

If flying will be a part of your move, then arrange for travel as soon as possible. Doing so increases the chances you can get a nonstop flight, which will be easier on you and especially your pet, who wont be as used to the changes in air pressure on an airplane as his or her owners are. Flying can be uncomfortable for pets no matter how considerate an airline is, so limit your move to a single nonstop flight when possible. Stick to your routine. Pets thrive with routine, so while the days leading up to a move can be hectic, stick to your pets routine as much as possible. This includes feeding times, morning and evening walks and even the time you set aside for play each day. If problems arise with your mood, dont allow your pet to see you lose your temper or succumb to stress, as this can cause a spike in pets anxiety levels that can make the move more difficult. Give pets their own spot on moving

Visit the veterinarian before making your trip. Pet owners should take their pet to the veterinarian one last time before moving. Ask for the animals health records, including documentation of its vaccination history as well as any past illnesses or conditions the pet might have experienced. The vet visit is also a good time to get the animal one last checkup so the vet can ensure that the pet is healthy enough to travel. When visiting the vet, discuss any past travel issues your pet might have had. In some cases, the vet might prescribe an anti-anxiety medication if the pet has a history of anxiety when traveling.

When getting ready to move, pet owners should take all the necessary precautions to ensure their pet has a safe and comfortable move.

10 | August 2013

eing a dog owner is a big job, and ensuring that your dog receives the correct nutrition is a key part of that job. Here are three quick and easy tips that will help you make the best choice for your pet while they savor their mealtime with you even more:

Choose the best food for your dog

Ensure that the product is naturally preserved with vitamin E (you dont want any chemical preservatives such as BHA, BHT or ethoxyquin listed). Look for the extras (like pre- and probiotics, digestive enzymes and antioxidant rich fruits and vegetables).

1. Shop in a specialty pet store that sells premium quality food. Many commercially available/economy brands of dog food are made from inexpensive ingredients, which might not be easily digested due to possible degradation of protein sources or oxidization of fat sources. While the ingredients may technically meet the legal specifications for percentages of protein, fat, carbohydrates, etc., these foods have lower energy values and lower-grade proteins and dont provide the same quality nutrition. 2. Look at the ingredient panel.

3. Consider your dogs activity level, weight and any specific health needs. Many all life stage products exist. However, some manufacturers also include life-stagespecific foods that have unique features and benefits tailored to a puppy or a senior dog. Also, there are many breed-size specific diets and diets that are specifically tailored to unique health needs, such as allergies, mobility issues or weight management. A store expert can help you by asking some specific questions about your pet or online food selectors, like that at petcurean.com, can help you make a good choice.

Strap pets in for safety

theirs and yours

ost drivers would not allow a 40pound unsecured weight to ricochet around the interior of their vehicles. Passengers and cargo are typically strapped in for safety. But if a driver is driving with an unsecured pet in his or her car, he or she could be putting everyone in the car at risk. The law states that children and adults should be buckled up when riding in a car. The same regulations do not always pertain to pet passengers, although some experts think they should. According to Christina Selter, the founder of California-based pet advocacy group Bark Buckle Up, pets can be very dangerous inside of a vehicle if they are not secured. A 60-pound Golden

Look for a species-specific meat or meal as the first ingredient (e.g. chicken or chicken meal, not poultry meal).

A belt or tether secures the animal and prevents it from hanging its head out of the window, where any small speck of flying debris can cause a serious injury to the pets eyes or nose. Its important to keep the pets entire body inside of the moving vehicle. A harness will prevent a dog or cat from physically jumping out of the vehicle. If a squirrel or other distraction arouses interest outside, the pet is unable to pursue it. In the event of an accident, a pet seatbelt will keep the animal contained until emergency workers can assess the situation. A frightened or injured pet may scratch or bite. Having an excited animal on the loose can make rescue dangerous.

Retriever can hit you with 2,700 pounds of force in a 35 mile-perhour crash. However, thats not the only

danger. A dog or cat that is allowed to roam freely inside a car can pose a distraction to the driver, potentially impeding a drivers line of vision or inadvertently bumping into the gear shift. A small animal could get down into the foot well on the drivers side and impede operation of the brakes or accelerator. In addition to the passengers and driver in the car, an unsecured pet poses a danger to itself. A dog or cat that is propelled through the car in a crash or sudden stop can risk injury or death. Even simply bumping noses on the dashboard or a seat can be very painful to the animal. There are other reasons why the pet should be tethered in the car.

When wearing a harness, the pet doesnt have to work as hard bracing itself while the car is maneuvering. The harness will keep it secure. There are many ways to secure pets in a motor vehicle. An animal crate that is belted down is one option, and a pet may be comfortable riding in a familiar crate and feel more secure as a result. For smaller dogs or cats, consider a pet booster seat that straps in with the vehicles safety belt. Some drivers have used childrens booster seats with a pet harness. Harnesses that work with safety belts are also available. These can keep the pet in a sitting or lying-down position.

Securing pets in the car ensures the drivers safety and the safety of the passengers as well as the health of the pet going for a ride.

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Give your cat something to savor at mealtime

ats sometime get a reputation for being finicky eaters. They do have evolved taste instincts that help them distinguish what is good for their health from what isnt. But they also are usually very particular about the smell of the food, the temperature of the food and the mouth feel.

chicken or chicken meal, not poultry meal). Ensure that the product is naturally preserved with vitamin E. You dont want any chemical preservatives, such as BHA, BHT or ethoxyquin listed in the ingredient panel. Look for the extras (e.g., pre- and probiotics, digestive enzymes and antioxidant rich fruits and vegetables).

Many pet owners may not know that providing your cat with a healthy, nutritious cat food has many long-term benefits, including fewer trips to the vet and a shinier coat. Here are some handy tips to keep your feline friendly: 1. For dry food, shop in a specialty pet store that sells premium quality pet food. Many commercially available/ economy brands of cat food are made from inexpensive ingredients, which might not be easily digested, due to possible degradation of protein sources or oxidization of fat sources. While the ingredients may technically meet the legal specifications for percentages of protein, fat, carbohydrates, etc., these foods have lower energy values and lower-grade proteins and dont provide the same quality nutrition as premium brands. 2. Look at the ingredient panel: Look for a species-specific meat or meal as the first ingredient (e.g.

3. Finally, ensure wet food and plenty of water are a regular part of your cats diet. Cats need a great deal of moisture in their diet. Ensure you are feeding a wet food and ensure that they have always have access to fresh, clean water. Running water is best as it mimics their instinct to find moving water in the wild. At a young age, be sure to offer different types of wet food to your cat (e.g., chunks with gravy and pt) to ensure they dont get addicted to a specific style of wet food. Some cats also dont like wet food after its been refrigerated, so try letting the portion youre going to feed warm up to room temperature before you offer it to your cat.

ets live in the moment, greeting every meal, every belly rub and every minute of playtime with unbridled excitement. Since your pet is always there to greet you with that loving enthusiasm when you come home, we think its time to return the favor. Pets look forward to mealtime. And, when you feed your pet a premium, optimally nutritious food, they feel great, but you feel even better. Here are three tips to make sure that youre feeding them the best quality so you can savor the moment of mealtime together: Give your pet the best. Look for a pet food that provides the highest quality, healthiest, most flavorful and leastprocessed ingredients available.

Savor the moment of mealtime with your pet

Look for the little extras. A high quality pet food will provide important extras such as pre- and probiotics, digestive enzymes and antioxidant rich fruits and vegetables. Premium pet food companies like Petcurean list their ingredients and provide an online guide about what is found in their food at petcurean.com. Appreciate your pets mealtime. Life is busy, so why not make your pets mealtime an opportunity to enjoy, relax and spend some time together? Pets seem to have it all figured out and can certainly teach us a thing or two about living in the moment. And, did you know that pet ownership can also help decrease our blood pressure and cholesterol levels?

There are many diets that are specifically tailored to unique health needs, such as allergies, mobility issues or weight management.

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