Prevent Animal Cruelty

 

April is Prevent Animal Cruelty Month. You have probably seen the different TV shows out there like Animal Planets “Animal Cops” where dedicated Agents work hard to help save the lives of animals. But you don’t have to be an Animal Cop to do your part to help crack down on animal cruelty in your community. Read on for signs and symptoms of animal cruelty and for simple actions you can take to help an animal in need.
Here are some other signs and symptoms of animal cruelty:

• Tick or flea infestations. If left untreated by a veterinarian, these conditions can lead to an animal's death.
• Wounds on the body.
• Patches of missing hair.
• Extremely thin.
• Limping.
• An owner striking or physically abusing an animal.
• Dogs who are repeatedly left alone without food and water, often chained up in a yard.
• Dogs who have been hit by cars-or are showing any of the signs listed above-and have not been taken to a veterinarian.
• Dogs who are kept outside without shelter in extreme weather conditions.
• Animals who cower in fear or act aggressively when approached by their owners.

 

Get familiar with your communities authorities, and know whom to call to report animal cruelty. Some cities and states have their own animal authorities that are dedicated specifically to crimes involving animals. But every state and every town are different. In some areas, you may have to rely on the police department to investigate animal cruelty; in others, you may have to contact local animal control or another municipal agency. If you aren't sure where to report cruelty, it is best to call the police department and ask them for assistance.
 

Pay attention to details, and to know the animals in your neighborhood. By being alert, you're more likely to notice when a pet in the neighborhood who was once hefty has lost weight rapidly, which is a possible indicator of abuse.
 

Concerned? Make the call. Without phone calls from concerned citizens reporting cruelty, or even suspected cruelty, in their neighborhoods, most cases of animal abuse would be unknown to authorities. It all comes from the public and it all starts with you. Remember it is important to keep your eyes and ears open. Also remember to provide as much as information as possible when reporting animal cruelty. The details that you provide can go a long way toward assisting an investigating officer. It helps to write down the type of cruelty you witnessed, who was involved, the date of the incident and where it took place.
 

Talk to your kids about how to treat animals with kindness and respect. Children will often mirror your actions. If they are taught at a young age how to treat pets with love and affection, they will do the same. Be sure they know the importance of being a responsible pet owner and the importance on respecting animals.

Supporting your local shelter or animal rescue organization, is a great way to make a difference. Shelters and rescues are always accepting donations. Donations don’t always have to be cash either; you can donate pet supplies as well. Another way of supporting shelters and rescues is fostering pets that have been abused in their former homes, until they find their forever home. Either way you would be giving these dogs and cats the chance they deserve to have a good life.
 

If you have pets, be sure to always show them the love and good care they deserve. It's more than just food, water, and adequate shelter; it is also your pets overall well-being. If you think your animal is sick, bring them to the veterinarian. Be a responsible pet owner and have your animals spayed or neutered. Last, but not least, remember give your pets lots of hugs!

February is Spay & Neuter Awareness Month

This month is Spay & Neuter Awareness Month & today is World Spay Day. I would like to tell you a little bit about pet over population, and the many positive health and behavioral benefits to spaying & neutering your pets.

In every community, in every state, there are homeless animals. In the U.S. alone, there are an estimated 6–8 million homeless animals entering animal shelters every year, and only about half of these animals are adopted.

The number of homeless animals varies by state. In some states there are as many as 300,000 homeless animals euthanized every year. Sadly, these are the puppies and kittens of cherished family pets and even purebreds.

Many people are surprised to learn that nationwide more than 3 million cats and dogs are euthanized in shelters. Spaying and neutering is the only effective method to help stop overpopulation in dogs and cats.

There are many theories when it comes to the medical and behavioral effects of spaying and neutering dogs and cats. It can be a controversial subject and there are numerous viewpoints out there among trainers, breeders, and even within the veterinary profession.
 
            The primary benefit of spaying female dogs and cats is to prevent mammary cancer. A dog spayed before her first heat will have a near zero chance of developing mammary cancer later in life. After the first heat, this incidence grows to about 7 percent, and after the second heat the risk is about 25 percent. Statistics are similar in cats. Another potential condition in intact females is a bacterial infection of the uterus called pyometra. Treatment is surgery and can be very costly. Less common conditions such as uterine and ovarian cancer are 100 percent prevented by spaying. All of this is also true for rabbits. Rabbits reproduce faster than dogs or cats and often end up in shelters where they must be euthanized. Spaying or neutering rabbits can reduce hormone-driven behavior such as lunging, mounting, spraying and boxing.

            The major health benefits involved in neutering a dog involve the prostate gland. As dogs age, the prostate will gradually enlarge. This is known as benign prostate hyperplasia or BPH. The prostate under the influence of testosterone is also prone to infection. This is an extremely painful and sometime life-threatening condition, which is not likely to resolve without neutering and often invasive surgery. Other medical conditions that are prevented include testicular cancer, along with certain types of hernias and perianal tumors.

            There are no concrete facts when it comes to the behavioral changes seen in spayed and neutered dogs and cats. Neutering male dogs and cats can reduce urine marking in your house, aggression towards other dogs, and territorial aggression. It is important to realize that these behaviors can become a habit and continue after neutering.
Many experts say that once a pet is older than 1 year of age and still intact, undesirable behaviors are more likely to become permanent even if they are neutered at that time. The most dangerous behavior seen in intact males is roaming, i.e., running away to look for a mate, because it leads to animals running away as well as car accidents.

            The reproductive tracts of the female dog and cat are dormant for most of the year. From a behavioral standpoint, the animals will act as if they were spayed most of the time. When in heat, females are more likely to be aggressive and can show behavior such as howling and writhing on the ground. And an intact male can detect females in heat from miles away so it is not safe to leave them outside unsupervised.

            By spaying and neutering your pets, we can help stop pet overpopulation, and help prevent millions of pet deaths each year. The medical benefits of spaying and neutering pets lead to longer and healthier lives. The majority of spayed and neutered animals will be more relaxed and less prone to undesirable behavior. By spaying and neutering your pet, you can be an important part of the solution to pet overpopulation. Contact your veterinarian today and be sure to let your family and friends know that they should do the same.

Parkers Pointers-- Winter Care for Your Canine

Parkers Pointers: Winter Care for Your Canine

I may be a cat, but I care for my canine friends too! Here are some things you should know about when it comes to dogs and the winter season! 

Winter's cold weather brings many concerns for dog owners. Remember not to leave your dog outside in the cold for long periods of time. Pets can get frostbite too, especially on their ears, tail and feet. The wind chill makes days colder than actual temperature readings. Adequate shelter is important, try to keep your dog warm, dry, and away from drafts. Make sure they have somewhere soft and warm to cuddle up on, but be careful of supplemental heat sources. Fireplaces and portable heaters can burn your dog. Make sure fireplaces have screens, and keep portable heaters out of reach.

Be very careful when walking or playing with your dog near frozen lakes, rivers or ponds, if your pet fell in, it could result in serious injuries. Grooming your dog regularly is also important. Your dog needs a well-groomed coat to keep insulated. Short- or coarse-haired dogs may need some extra insulation, so consider a sweater or coat. Long-haired dogs should have hair around the toes and foot pads trimmed to make it easier for snow removal and cleaning. This helps avoid tiny cuts and cracked pads. A small amount of petroleum jelly may soften the pads and prevent further cracking. If you have never trimmed your dog’s coat before, its best to seek professional help so you do not accidentally cut their delicate pads.

It takes more energy in the winter to keep body temperature regulated, so if your dog spends a lot of time outdoors or is a working animal, additional calories in their diet are necessary. Just like in the summer, with the hot weather, it is important to remember not to leave your dog alone in a car without proper precautions. Even if the car engine is left on, the carbon monoxide will endanger your dog's life, and if the engine is off, the temperature in the car will get too cold.

Unfortunately, dogs cannot tell us when they are sick. As a dog owner, it is important to pay attention to your dog's well being. Each season come with its own set of concerns. In the winter remember that antifreeze, which often collects on driveways and roadways, is highly poisonous. To your dog, it smells good and tastes good, but it can be lethal. Rock salt, used to melt ice on sidewalks, may irritate the pads on your dog’s feet. Be sure to rinse and dry your dog's feet after a walk. Pet safe rock salt is available in most stores.

Always provide plenty of fresh water. Your dog is just as likely to get dehydrated in the winter as in the summer, and snow is not a satisfactory substitute for water. Like people, dogs seem to be more vulnerable to illness in the winter. Take your dog to a veterinarian if you see any symptoms, and don't use over-the-counter medications on your dog without consulting a veterinarian first.

Be safe out there!

Peace, Love, & Catnip,
Parker

Parker's Pointer

Cat Superstitions

 

Cats have been around for millions of years, so there are a lot of funny cat stories, myths, and superstitions that have been created over the years. Here are a few and I "Parker" will tell you if they are true!

 *It’s bad luck to see a white cat at night.- You can only see white cats at night!
 * Dreaming of a white cat means good luck. – Dreams about cat can only be happy dreams!
  * If a strange black cat appears on you porch, riches are about to come your way. – You have been blessed by just have a cat come into your life!
*A cat sleeping with all four paws tucked underneath means that cold weather is ahead. – This one I agree with!
*Its bad luck to cross a stream carrying a cat. – Now why would you do this? If you must I would suggest a cat with no claws!
* When a cat washes behind his ears, it means that you’ll get a visitor. – It just means my ears are dirty!
* If you hear a cat sneeze, it brings good luck. – It means you need to dust the house!
* When you see a one-eyed cat, spit on your thumb, stamp it in the palm of your hand, and make a wish. Your wish will come true. If you have a one-eyed cat who can spit, well that is just odd!
* On every black cat there is a single white hair. If you find it, it will bring you luck. – Please don’t pull it out!

Have a Happy Howl-o-ween!

Parker♥

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Parker's Pointers

Yes we are letting the cat out of the bag…cats are cool!

Sharing life with humans though a domestication process that some suggest started as much as 12,000 years ago, cats are clearly a favorite of American pet owners numbering nearly 86 million in the U.S.

            What is so cool about cats? Oh, the list is long! Cats require less “taking care of” than dogs mostly because they use a litter pan and don’t have to be let outside multiple times per day. Kittens somehow just seem to know to use the litter pan without being taught. Cats are also a bit more solitary by nature. But not me I love to great all our guest at the front desk! They are not pack animals and hunt alone in the wild so they do not have to feel the need to be constantly social.

            Did you know cats can jump five times their height? Their agility is fascinating to watch and their curious nature makes them quite entertaining to play with (and sometimes frustrating when they are curious about things you want them to stay away from). The staff here at Pampered Pets sometimes gets frustrated with me when I'm trying to help them on the computers!  Cats are also very interesting vocally. They can make over 100 sounds (dogs can make about one tenth of that) and purring is a sound they can make even while eating.

            There is much more to be said about why cats are cool. Stay tuned to future blogs and learn from veterinarians regarding common feline health issues as well as tips for cat owners and some fun facts. We hope you find this blog as fun as I find catnip…you’ll be fascinated full of joy and happiness but please stop short of rolling around on the ground or you be labeled a Crazy Cat Person!

Ø  ♥ Parker

Getting Ready for Shedding Season

Are you finding the "hair Bunnies" all over your house?  It is that time of year when you pets are "Blowing their Coat"!

 

Shedding

Every hair in the dogs coat grows from a hair follicle which has a cycle of growing, then dying and being replaced by another follicle. When the follicle dies, the hair is shed.  The length of time of the growing and shedding cycle varies by breed, age, and by whether the dog is an inside or outside dog..

Many dogs shed their undercoat each spring and re-grow it again as colder weather comes in; or loose it as warmer weather approaches, this is also referred to as blowing the coat. Many domesticated breeds shed their coat twice a year. In some climates the topcoat and undercoat might shed continuously in greater and smaller quantities all year.

 

A good diet rich in omega oils, flax seed, whole proteins and daily brushing will help get your pet and your furniture through another season of fluff!!

Our specialized treatments will speed the process of helping the coat to shed free so you can leave the mess here at the salon instead of all over your house!

Deshed treatment vs Furminator

The De-Shed !!

 

The Process- We blow out the pets coat while dry and watch the fur FLY!! Bathe with a FuRminator deshedding shampoo and solution which allows the loose fur to slip away easily, as it is coated in omega oils, amino acids and deep conditioning emollients. We then blow the coat while the conditioner is being absorbed and this ensures each strand of fur gets the benefit! Then we fluff them dry and brush, rake and strip out undercoat with special tools depending on the coat type. Concentrating on areas where undercoat is tufting out. We pull test the coat to ensure all loose undercoat has been removed and give one last blow out to free all loose fur! This is recommended for light to extremely heavy shedding and also puts moisture back into skin and coat!

 

FuRminator

When referring to a FuRminating this is a 15 minutes process of raking the pets coat with the –FuRminator- tool. This removes dead and shedding coat and is recommended for pets in between major shedding cycles because it is not as intensive as The De-Shed. And will take care of light shedding.

 

Some dog breeds have been promoted as hypoallergenic (which means less allergic, not free of allergens) because they shed very little. However, no canine is known to be completely non-allergenic. Often the problem is with the dog's saliva or dander, not the fur. Although poodles and terriers (and mixes of poodles and terriers) are commonly represented as being hypoallergenic, the reaction that an individual person has to an individual dog may vary greatly. In treating dog related allergies, it has been found that "Factors related to individual dogs seem to influence the allergy sufferer more than breed.

 

 

Exercising with Your Pets

Man's best friend is battling one of man’s worst enemies -- obesity. Up to 40% of dogs in the U.S. weigh too much. Like people, overweight dogs are at risk for health problems, from arthritis to heart disease. This is one challenge you and your pet can face together. Research suggests people who exercise with their dogs are more likely to stick to a fitness program. The key is finding activities you both enjoy.

We believe pets who have activity and interaction with people are happy and healthier.  We list some fun activities for you to do with your pet to help develop a great bond and keep the extra pounds off of both of you.


Walking

Brisk walking is an ideal exercise for human and hound. The benefits include a stronger heart, lower blood pressure, more energy, denser bones, and a lower risk of depression. In dogs, regular walks can also reduce common behavior problems. "There's no set rule for how far a dog should walk," says Kathy Scott, DVM, of Texas A&M University. "Just work slowly toward a goal with a gradual increase in the speed and length of walks." A trip to the vet for your dog and a doctor's checkup for you is recommended before starting an exercise program.

Dancing
If long walks don't entice you, try dancing with your dog. Also called musical freestyle, you choreograph a dance routine to upbeat music. You'll have your pooch running between your legs and performing other tricks, while both of you get an aerobic workout. The benefits of dance include burning calories and developing greater stamina, better balance, lower blood pressure, and improved muscle tone and bone density

Jogging
Not all dogs are built to jog. Greyhounds, for example, are pros at short-distance sprinting, but can become fatigued during long-distance runs. If you want to jog with your dog, choose a breed that is suited to distance-running, such as a Labrador. Wait until your pup is full grown and then gradually build up to a 30-minute excursion. This should include five minutes of warm-up, 20 minutes of jogging, and five minutes of cool down. Remember that dogs can’t sweat, so avoid the hot times of the day and stop if your dog is lagging behind you.

Frisbee
Frisbee offers a classic canine workout. You can play a relaxed game in your own yard or join a formal "Disc Dog" team. Participating in competitions may give you and your dog greater motivation to practice regularly. "Goal-oriented sports are great," says Scott, "because they not only allow the dog to exercise, but also are a fun activity that allows for continued behavior training and contributes to the owner-pet bond."

Hiking
If your area offers hiking opportunities, you’ve got one lucky dog. "Most dogs love to go out and visit new smells, see other animals," states Scott, "all while spending time with their owner." Like walking, you’ll need to maintain a brisk enough pace to elevate your heart rate. And if you live in an area where ticks carry Lyme disease, make sure you cover up and apply an insect repellent containing DEET -- and have your dog vaccinated. After hiking, inspect your body for ticks and do the same for your dog.

Agility Training
Agility training is another popular goal-oriented sport. Your dog races through an obstacle course with ladders, hurdles and tunnels, while you run alongside offering praise and encouragement. The fast pace provides both of you with an excellent cardiovascular workout, while your dog also develops improved coordination. Participate in organized competitions or look for a park with an agility course you can use on your own time.
Doga
Downward-dog takes on a whole new spin when you bring your dog to yoga class. "Doga" incorporates your pet into Hatha yoga poses. For example, you recline in resting pose with your legs bent over your terrier's torso. Classes are springing up across the country, but this is no fat-burner for Fido. "It should be a very nice experience for the human-animal bond," Scott says, "but I'm not sure I'd consider it a valid exercise plan for dogs."
Soccer
If you're a soccer fanatic, why not make your dog a fan, too? Check your pet supply store for soccer-style exercise balls for dogs. These are made of hard plastic and come in different sizes to suit your particular breed. You kick the ball, and your dog tries to pass it back with his nose or paws. You can also use a regular soccer ball made for people -- just be careful about kicking the ball directly at your dog's face or body.
Rollerblading
People who enjoy rollerblading may be afraid to bring their pup along. No one wants to be yanked off the sidewalk whenever Sparky spots a squirrel. But experts say rollerblading with your leashed dog can be safe with proper training. The goal is to have your dog run right next to you without pulling on the leash. You may be able to encourage this behavior by giving her treats whenever she runs in the correct position.

Cycling
Like rollerblading, cycling safely with your dog requires special training. Teach your dog to run next to the bicycle without pulling. You may want to attach her leash to your bike with a Springer. This is a device that absorbs some of the force of your dog’s tugs, which could help you keep your balance if she pulls suddenly. Keep a close eye on your dog's condition. It's easy for her to overdo it if she's running while you're on wheels.
Dog Park
To provide a chance for off-leash play, find a local dog park. Off-leash running and playing lets your dog set his own pace, so he can burn energy and rest when he's tired. Other perks include the chance to socialize and the mental stimulation that comes with unfettered exploration. Dog owners also get a workout trying to keep up with their pets. It's a good idea to complete some obedience training before allowing your dog off-leash.
Skijooring
Cross-country skiing offers a vigorous workout. Just 20 minutes, three days a week, may deliver as many health benefits as walking 30 minutes, five days a week. If your dog is athletic and weighs at least 30 pounds, he may qualify as your ski buddy. In skijooring, your dog is harnessed to you while you ski. Beginners should consider an introductory course with skijooring safety tips for man and beast.
Fetch
Fetching a ball or favorite toy over and over can be great exercise for your dog. But it doesn't do much for you, if you're just standing there tossing. Instead, make a game of fetch part of your home workout routine. Do lunges or abdominal crunches as you throw the ball. You might build more muscle by throwing a heavy ball, but a soft, lightweight toy is safest for your dog's mouth.

Getting Started
When making your dog your exercise buddy, step one is a trip to the vet. "A good vet evaluation is always important before changing your dog's lifestyle," Scott explains. "The veterinarian will want to evaluate your dog for any heart, lung, or other health problems." It's also important to check for signs of arthritis or musculoskeletal disease. A dog with inflamed joints or ligaments may require a low-impact exercise plan.

Establishing a Routine
Develop a workout routine that's realistic, considering your job schedule and other demands on your time. Also consider your dog's needs -- working breeds and juvenile dogs usually need a lot of exercise. Start with a short-term goal of exercising just five or 10 minutes every day. Gradually work up to 30 minutes on most days of the week. Keep in mind that deep-chested breeds, such as Danes or Doberman pinschers, should not exercise right after meals.

Avoiding Overkill
When exercising with your dog, watch for signs that one of you may be overdoing it. You may be working too hard if you are too breathless to carry on a conversation. Your dog may be overworked if he is breathing fast, panting excessively, staggering, or refusing to follow you. If either of you are stiff, sore, or exhausted for hours after a workout, take it easier next time.

Preventing Heat Exhaustion
Just like people, dogs are susceptible to dehydration and heat exhaustion. On hot days, Scott suggests bringing a water bottle and foldable drinking bowl or sticking to places with a public water source. Signs of dehydration in dogs include excessive panting, confusion, weakness, and collapse. Brachycephalic or short-faced breeds, such as bulldogs and boxers, are especially vulnerable because they don't pant efficiently.

Paw Protection
Long walks on rough surfaces can damage a dog's paws. Start slowly, Scott advises. If you work your way up to longer walks, "most dogs will develop thicker pads on their feet and not have problems." On hot days, avoid prolonged contact with asphalt or sand. On snowy days, check the paws for ice build-up. And if you venture onto very rough surfaces, consider buying a set of dog booties.

Gentle Exercises for Older Dogs
Just because your senior dog moves with a slower, stiffer gait then when he was a pup doesn't mean he should stop exercising. Senior dogs, especially those with arthritis, not only can exercise -- in many cases, they should. Exercise helps increase flexibility and endurance, strengthens muscles around the joints, and can help stave off health problems caused by obesity. Exercise also aids bowel function, which is especially important in older