My Bestfriend

It’s Halloween once again! My favorite time of year because I don’t feel overdressed! And I can play my fantasies and be a fairy, a princess, or a superhero for a day!  Of course my pets are part of the whole shebang, also dressed up in spooky if not silly costumes.  But sometimes, I just feel staying at home and just watch out for trick-or-treaters.

Pets are especially vulnerable during such activities. The constant doorbell ringing and screaming children in strange costumes, can be very upsetting to our pets.  So here’s a few pointers to remember to ensure the safety of our pets when entertaining trick-or-treaters this Halloween.

Don’t let children pet a dog without adult supervision. I remember one Halloween when my pug Mao went berserk and wouldn’t stop barking at my friend Shaun Olmstead who came dressed up as Nosferatu! Mao also went temporarily insane and hid under the dining room table (and stayed there until the wee hours) after seeing my five-year-old nephew who showed up as a race car driver complete with a cardboard red Ferrari! I still don’t know why my poor pug acted that way but I guess every dog have its quirks!

Make sure that your pets are restrained or with another person so that they don’t dart out the open door, or keep them safe in a closed room.

Chocolate and raisins are poisonous to pets, and foil or plastic candy wrappers can be dangerous if swallowed by curious cats and dogs, so keep the trash tightly closed. Better yet, provide your pets their own treats so they can have some fun, too!

HAVE A HAPPY AND SAFE HALLOWEEN EVERYBODY!

Chewing, scratching, playing and exploring their environment are normal behaviors for dogs, especially puppies.  However, these habits can be very frustrating to pet owners as they can result to destruction of household property if not properly and immediately addressed. So before your beloved pooches wreak further havoc on your expensive Rolex watches, pool table and English-style pub bar, learn what causes these problems so that effective behavior modification techniques can be applied.

My friend and dog lover, Shaun Olmstead, says that dogs do not engage in destructive activities out of spite or revenge.  They often behave like this to relieve anxiety or as an outlet for excess energy.  While people may exercise, chew on their nails or have a drink to relieve tension, dogs tend to chew, dig, lick excessively, pace around like crazy when they are anxious.

Some causes of destructive behavior are as follows:

Teething
Chewing appears to help relieve the discomfort of teething to puppies. The behavior usually ceases after permanent teeth appear.

Social Isolation or Boredom
Lack of social interaction with their owners or an environment which is relatively barren, without playmates or toys, can push your pets to entertain themselves by engaging in activities which inadvertently result in destruction of property.

Attention-getting Behavior
Dogs which do not receive attention and reinforcement for appropriate behavior, may show destructive behavior when owners are present, as a way to attract attention – even if the attention is “negative” such as verbal scolding.

Investigative Behavior
Dogs may inadvertently damage items in their environment when they are exploring or investigating. Dogs investigate objects by pawing at them and exploring them with their mouths. Many dogs, especially retrievers and young animals, also like to fetch and carry objects. Novel or unfamiliar objects are often damaged in this manner, especially when dogs are left unsupervised for long time periods.

Inconsistent Feeding Routines
A hungry dog may go on a foraging spree, and destroy the house searching for food.

Predatory Behavior
If dogs are attempting to pursue rodents underneath floorboards or behind walls, destructive behavior may result.

Yes dog lovers, you read it right! Contrary to that old adage “old dogs can’t learn new tricks,” a matured pooch can still learn tricks if the trick isn’t too complicated, says my friend and dog lover Shaun Olmstead. Based on Shaun’s very own experience, he adopted a 10-year-old English pointer who had never set foot in a house and therefore had no concept of house training. But six weeks later, he was totally housebroken and completely well behaved.

But if you’re expecting an old dog (or human) to pick up a complicated skill that requires quick reflexes or mental agility, you might face some frustration. That’s because as a brain ages, it loses cells, which, in turn, lose some of their “branches” that reach out and connect with other cells. These physical changes slow reaction time and the speed of message transmission. Learning a new skill, like playing the piano or speaking a foreign language, would be harder at age 80 than age eight, since all bodily processes decline as we age. But it’s certainly not impossible.

Leashes, or leads, are a must for every dog owner. These essential tools are used in conjunction with collars and harnesses for training and everyday purposes such as walking or restraining during bath time. My friend Shaun Olmstead shares the basic types of leashes to help dog owners in choosing the best one for their beloved pooches.

Standard leashes, which are typically available in lengths of 4 to 8 feet, are intended for basic training and everyday use. These type usually comes in leather, nylon and similar materials. Some are made with chain, which can be useful for dogs who have the bad habit of chewing the leash.

Another type is the retractable leash which contain a nylon band or cord of up to 26 feet that retracts into a plastic case with a handle. The leash can lock in place at any length just like a measuring tape. Retractable leashes allows your dog to wander away from you without letting him off-leash. Be reminded, though, that these type should only be used after your dog has been trained to walk on a regular leash. Otherwise, you will train your dog that it is permissible to pull on the leash. Do not let your dog out of your sight when on the leash, especially at longer lengths. The leash could become tangled or your dog could get into a hazardous situation.

Adjustable leashes are similar to standard leashes, but they have several loops along the leash that allow a clasp to shorten or lengthen the leash. The various sizes can be useful during training. Adjustable leashes can make it easy to briefly tether your dog to a pole or similar object. Your dog should not be left unattended while tethered.

Martingale leads are all-in-one collars and leashes. They operate in a similar way as the Martingale collars. Commonly used for toy breeds in the show ring, the collar portion slips over the head and tightens when the lead is pulled. A plastic tube slides down the lead to keep the collar in place. Larger versions are available for larger dogs.

Is your pet cat cranky and exhibits odd behavior? Don’t fret. My friend and cat lover, Shaun Olmstead, discusses common cat problems and shares practical solutions.

Does your cat tongue-tosses her food out of the bowl and make a mess all over the kitchen floor?

If you are using a plastic bowl, your feline companion might be implying she doesn’t like her bowl. Plastic harbors bacteria and imparts an off-putting taste to food and water. What you can do is upgrade to a stainless-steel or china bowl. If that doesn’t work, try different food or a deeper bowl.

Can’t your kittie keep his claws off your bed’s box spring, the sofa, or some other pricey possession?

Scratching is a natural behavior of cats. They scratch to mark territory and to shed the outer layer of their claws. To prevent scratching, temporarily limit your cat’s access to furniture and find him the scratching post of his dreams. Some cats prefer sisal or carpeted posts — even cheap cardboard posts work for many. Also remember that different cats scratch differently. Some want something flat on the ground. Others like to stretch up. The key is to put the post right next to the piece of furniture he’s ruining until he learns what is OK to scratch and what isn’t. Once he has adapted to the post, move it to a place that’s less intrusive to your design scheme.

Does your cat choose to meow his head off at midnight just when you’re sinking into a deep sleep?

If this is an older cat, a vet should check the thyroid. Nighttime vocalization is one sign of hyperthyroidism. Older animals become less restful at night. Other causes could be something provoking the cat, a change in her routine or environment, or boredom. And if your cat hasn’t been spayed or neutered, these night howls could be mating calls. Even another cat hanging around outside at night can evoke vocalization. If mating is the motive, promptly “fix” your pet to fix the problem. If not, try testing the cat for hyperthyroidism with a simple blood test. Treatment options are surgery, daily medication, or radioactive-iodine therapy. A change in diet may also help. Antioxidants from fruits and vegetables and vitamins E and C may reverse brain-aging changes. Once you rule out medical issues and outside disturbances, you’re probably dealing with a cat who just wants attention at 3 a.m. Try giving the cat some nighttime-only toys before you hit the sack.

Does your cat shed like mad and has turned your plain upholstery into a shag sofa?

Shedding is natural to cats. Fish gotta swim; birds gotta fly; cats and dogs gotta shed. Excessive shedding, though, may be due to dry skin, a poor diet, or stress. The first line of defense is to groom your pet for five minutes a day which is also an excellent bonding opportunity. To reduce shedding, try moisturizing your pet’s skin and hair through his diet. Dry skin sheds more hair. Dry hairs drop off animals like the needles off a Christmas tree. Try adding a few drops of olive or flaxseed oil to your cat’s or dog’s kibble. Your veterinarian might suggest a dietary supplement which include fish and safflower oils and vitamin E, to improve coat condition.

Halloween is fast approaching and I can’t wait to go trick-or-treatin’ with my beloved pooches together with my other dog loving friends, Shaun Olmstead and Jane Barcy. I still haven’t decided yet what my pups would be wearing but I’m sure it would be something fun and with a lot of impact. If you are planning to dress up your pet for Halloween (or any other occasion, for that matter), the following tips would be great help when purchasing the perfect costume.

Consider your dog’s size, build and temperament when choosing a costume. For example, a pug may need a costume that’s small, but with a roomy chest and shoulder area. A bulldog needs a costume large enough for the neck, but not so large that the dog trips on it. Some breeds can be “thin-skinned” and ticklish, and may never get used to costumes.

Check your dog’s tolerance for clothing especially if your pet has never worn a costume before. You can start with a hat or bandana. Put the costume on your dog for a few minutes a day and build up the amount of time your dog tolerates it.

Make sure that hats, headdress, or costumes do not limit your dog’s field of vision. Choose a costume fabric will not overheat your dog.

Never leave a dog unattended in a costume. Monitor your dog frequently for signs of physical discomfort, such as moving or walking in a stiff or unusual posture, reluctance to walk, or pawing/biting. Take the costume off if you see behavioral signs that your dog is becoming stressed by it, such as increased agitation or defensiveness.

Avoid costumes with small pieces such as beads that can be swallowed and elastic bands that might be too snug. Even a mildly snug elastic band may be uncomfortable after an extended wear (over 30 minutes).

Have fun but be safe this Halloween!

Cats and dogs usually come to mind when we are talking about pets. But for the more adventurous animal lovers, like my friend Shaun Olmstead, cats and dogs just don’t give much challenge and excitement. For this bunch of pet enthusiasts, the weirder the better! Read on and maybe you’ll find your perfect animal match!

Ferrets

These weasel-like creature clever, affectionate, and fun to have as pets. They are highly energetic, and love to play with a variety of toys, including balls and tunnels. They are often left caged much of the time, but should be let out for exercise on a regular basis. Ferrets are often criticized as being smelly and but that despicable scent can be reduced and almost eliminated by spaying or neutering and descenting the animal.

Snakes

I know these slithery creatures creep some people out, but others can’t help but admire a snake’s beautiful scales and mesmerizing movements. If you think a fuzzy friend is too cute for you, and instead prefer an interesting animal that feeds on live mice, you might want look into snakes. Be aware, though, that snakes can require more upkeep than you’d expect. Reptiles are notoriously difficult pets to keep properly. Although they may not need to be walked regularly, cold-blooded reptiles do require special heat lamps or heated rocks to maintain proper body temperature. Reptiles can also require more specialized diets (ever seen anyone buy a 50 pound bag of snake food at the local grocery store), and veterinarians who specialize in reptiles can be few and far between. Keep this in mind when considering a snake or another reptile like a lizard or iguana.

Guinea pigs

This rodent species took a backseat when the tiny hamster became children’s most preferred first pet. But guinea pigs can be fun and active pets in their own right, and are very easy to care for. They can eat pelleted food supplemented with fresh vegetables. They are an excellent choice as pests for apartment dwellers or if you have limited space to deal with as they can live in cages. Guineas make cute (or annoying, depending on your perspective) squeaking sounds and can become attached to their human companions. They can also play in tunnels or wheels, much like hamsters.

Chill chinchillas

Chinchillas, which look like squirrel-mouse hybrids with furry elephant ears. make beautiful and generally unobtrusive pets. They can be hard to socialize and often remain somewhat aloof, enjoying a quiet environment and responding negatively to loud noises, sudden movements, and drastic changes in the environment. Instead of washing with water, chinchillas bathe in dust or sand. Since chinchillas chew a lot, they need to be provided with chew toys of some sort to meet this need. Large cages are another must for chinchillas; though they’re small, they need space to roam. Chinchillas don’t tend to produce much noise or odor, they can be good indoor animals and present an exotic alternative to rats or gerbils.

Rambunctious rats

Rats are the bane of some people’s existence, but others find the critters both cuddly and clever. If you can stand the sight of those hairless tails and think twitchy noses are cute, rats just might be for you. Rodents are a little easier to care for than reptiles, and fur makes some people a little more accepting of an animal as a pet rather than a pest. Rat lovers claim to be constantly impressed by their pets’ intelligence and ability to figure out new puzzles. Make a maze and see how quickly your rat finds a piece of cheese—you too may be surprised by its wits!

Sweet sugar gliders

Have you always thought squirrels were adorable? Secretly wanted one as a pet? Long no more, as sugar gliders are what you seek. Though not actually related to squirrels, these small rodents bear a resemblance to flying squirrels and are extremely social. They require extensive attention from their human owners or the presence of another sugar glider as a companion. Since these animals need a diet high in fruits and vegetables (and the occasional insect!), sugar gliders may not be an ideal pet for those who just want to pour some pellets in a bowl and call it a day. However, if you’re looking for a sweet and strange little animal, the sugar glider just might be your thing.

Did any of these creatures appealed to you? Analyze your reasons for wanting a pet, ability to care for one, and do extensive research before bringing anyone home. You and your future pet will be happy you prepared well.

You may be surprised but acne is not exclusive to human teenagers, dogs can develop acne too! My friend Shaun Olmsted’s pug developed itchy red bumps on the chin and lips. He immediately took the pooch to the vet who explained that the bumps are acne and not allergic rashes as Shaun earlier thought. The vet further explained that canine acne usually presents itself when the puppy is less than a year old. Although experts don’t know exactly what causes this condition, genetics may play a role.

If your think your pet have canine acne, take your dog to the vet for an evaluation. Although you may be quite certain your dog suffers from acne, the vet is a good place to start. Express your concern and ask for an exam. If it’s indeed canine acne, the vet may prescribe the following treatments:

Topical Treatment. Just like humans, benzoyl peroxide is often prescribed for canine acne. But don’t be tempted to save a trip to the vet and purchase the product from your drugstore. The dosage for canines is different because their skin may be more sensitive than humans.

Topical Steroid. If your dog has redness and irritation, your vet may prescribe a topical steroid. This can help alleviate these symptoms. Be sure to wear gloves while administering the application.

Antibiotics. Your vet may elect to prescribe an antibiotic for the chronic more serious case. This may last anywhere from 6 to 8 weeks.

Antibacterial Lotions. These products can prevent scaring on your canine. Your vet may recommend the use of an antibacterial product.