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Scaredy Dog

PetSugar — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 03:00:43 -0800

North is normally a pretty quiet pup that only occasionally barks at a knock at the door or a ringing telephone. However, a guaranteed, ten-minute tizzy starter is the buzzer at my building's entranceway. My friends know to always phone but never ring when they arrive, but for deliveries or unexpected guests, I'm left no choice but to answer the door while I'm trying to talk him down.

This is the same pup who is virtually unaffected by fire trucks (unless we're crossing the street), thunder, and fireworks . . . but, in addition to the door buzzer, he hates the slamming of metal shop gates. My best guess is the loudness – and closeness – is what always sets him off. Is he all alone here in his silliness or do you have pets that react to loud, surprising noises? Please share with us in your comments below!

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Baby Hyena Alert! Kai Is No Laughing Matter

PetSugar — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:40:41 -0800

Known for their cackling noises, Spotted Hyenas are also known as the laughing hyenas. I'm giggling with glee at this kit (or is it pup?) - see him up close and personal in a gallery of cuteness!

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Ways to Keep Halloween Fun, Not Frightful, For Furry Friends

PetSugar — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 12:30:52 -0700

The decorations are up and the candy's bought, but have your prepped your pets for this big day? Remember never force an animal into an outfit and keep him out of harm's way.

Who are you? Where am I? Costumes are scary and seeing Mom and Dad in masks or other bizarre ensembles can freak out your furry family (and kids). Similarly, all those spooky decorations, especially those that move and talk are equally frightful for observant pups.
No loose animals today. Don't leave pets in your yard on Halloween and bring indoor/outdoor cats inside. Disguises can cause people to behave differently and you don't want a pet to be teased, injured, scared (or worse!) by pranksters tonight.

Get two more tips when you read more.

Crowd control. If your pet will accompany your family trick-or-treating or to a parade, watch out for tiny pups under big feet. Make sure your dog is OK with strangers and noise before you set out and return home immediately if you see pooch is stressed. If you're throwing a pet-friendly bash, keep candy and chocolate away and follow these tips.
Minimal stress spots only. I know North freaks out at the doorbell and, if I lived in an area with trick-o-treaters, I would drop him off at a pet hotel for the night. If you think a pooch will get panicked by the constant buzzer, or frustrated that he can't go out, either sequester him in another part of the house away from candy or place a sign on the doorbell asking for knocks only, please.

Slow It Down With Portion Pacer

PetSugar — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 10:15:34 -0700

Gobble, gobble, gobble. Sound familiar? If you've heard these noises coming from your dog's dish, he could use a distraction. The Portion Pacer should be placed along with a pet's food or water - the device simply gets in the way so the pooch has to work a little harder and take his time at meal time.

Coming in porcelain or steel with two sizes, small ($12) and large ($15), it can help your pup digest food better and reduce that water coming back up minutes later. I know there's food I practically shovel in my mouth - can you imagine what it'd be like if they made this for people?

Would Your Dogs Sing Along?

PetSugar — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 08:00:07 -0700

Although my tolerance for too much barking is pretty low (I do live in an apartment, you know - too much noise and my neighbors would be knocking on my door), I could watch videos of "singing" dogs all day long. A clip of one of my favorites is below: a Frenchie that sings along with the harmonica! I'm not much of a singer myself, so I gotta give credit where credit is due, this little guy can really carry a tune . . . or would it be carry a bark? Either way, check out the adorable video and then share your singing dog stories in the comments!

What Do You Know About Purring?

PetSugar — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 13:30:55 -0700

From house cats to big cats, many different species make this trademark noise - even if you know what it sounds like, do you know when (and why) kitties do it? Take this quiz and see if you get purrrfect results!

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Nicodemus Is a Feline Flier With Evan Rachel Wood

PetSugar — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 10:00:43 -0700

It's not everyday we see a celebrity with her cat - it isn't that they get any less love, it's just not commonplace to bring them out in public for potty breaks and walks around the block.

Except at the airport since, when travels include that kitty companion, out their lil heads pop. This cute cat gets a helping hand out of his Sherpa (naturally) at LAX yesterday.

There's a couple extra tips to remember when flying with a feline so check them out - along with more pictures of Nicodemus and Evan Rachel Wood - when you read more.

Pick a bag. It's much easier to get a cat out of a carrier with both top and side exits. This way you can decide if she's rather be coaxed out . . . or if you need to go in after her.

Pack snacks. It's likely your pet will be freaked out by the noise and commotion so have alluring snacks to let the cat out of the bag (ha ha).

Reign her in. I'd recommend picking up a kitty harness for the flight so it's easier to get a strong grip on a cat while you walk her through security. If a metal ring makes the detector go off, they may ask you to hand the cat through and scan the harness with a wand.

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Do Tell: How Do You Make Your Dog Stop Barking?

PetSugar — Mon, 18 May 2009 12:15:48 -0700

Barking dogs belonging to neighbors are no fun, but what do you do if the noise's coming from within your own home? Whether your pooch barks or howls for no reason, flips out at little things like the door buzzer, or sporadically sounds his alert throughout the day, how do you make it stop?

North adjusts well with a little refocusing - calling a name, getting his attention, or distracting him elsewhere - but there are still those pooches that have much to say when we leave. We don't want to find ourselves on the receiving end of a complaint, so let's share ways to make the noises stop.

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Pet Peeves: Why Does My Dog Snore?

PetSugar — Tue, 12 May 2009 14:35:47 -0700

I know I'm not the only one whose home includes a four-legged snorer - North makes noises in his sleep that friends can hear in the next room or even over the phone. There are several possible reasons for the odd sounds coming out of those wriggly noses and I've gathered a bunch below:

Smooshies. Breeds with smushed faces or short snouts can be predisposed to snoring problems. If you think about it, they're forced to breathe with only a fraction of their actual nostrils and have to work extra hard to maximize that space. Since it's harder for them to control breathing (wheezing and snorting) when awake, the constriction of their nasal passages make it equally hard, if not more so, when sleeping.
Loose Tissue. Loose throat tissue also contributes - snoring also results from a slight obstruction that's vibrating during sleepytime breathing.

See three other reasons your pooch could be snoring (that you can do something about!) when you read more.

Overweight. Just like with humans, obese dogs may snore because they have more excess flesh around the throats. This can cause the obstruction that causes the vibration that causes the snoring sound. (Refresh some of my pet weight-management tips here.)
Allergies/Illness. Snoring can be a result of a bigger, medical problem. Even dogs get allergies and other breathing issues - if snoring suddenly starts where silence was found before, it may be worth a trip to a vet's office to check that nose out.
Positioning. Some dogs only snore when sleeping on their backs so picking up a donut-shaped bed that encourages curling up can help your pooch change his sleep method and hopefully the sounds that result, too.

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Do Tell: Ladies Who Lunch, Kitties Who Brunch?

PetSugar — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 03:00:35 -0700

On my way to grab some bagels over the weekend, I passed by a popular cafe, typically featuring lines out the door and full sidewalk tables every sunny afternoon. In addition to the eight dogs (not that I was counting), I also spotted a gray cat on a harness and leash! My friend and I were shocked 'cause, not only was this kitty just relaxing calmly, there were tons of dogs, people and noises sure to spook most felines I know. Now while some love leashed walks in the privacy of your own backyard, but would any cat you own sit still for a weekend meal outside?

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