PetSugar

To the Rescue: How to Check Your Pet's Temperature

PetSugar — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 10:35:44 -0800

OK, now that you're aware of how to check your dog's pulse, let's move on to temperature taking. The easiest way to do this is with an ear thermometer like the Pet-Temp Instant Ear Thermometer ($40). It measures the infrared heat waves coming from the ear drum. Pet-specific versions are best because they have a long probe that can fit deeply in the ear canal.

The other option is to use a rectal thermometer like this Vet-Temp Rapid Digital Thermometer for Pets ($15). Coat it with a water-based lubricant, insert about one inch, and wait for the finishing beep. While it's a cheaper option, if your pet dislikes this process, you will need to have someone else hold him and distract him while you measure the temperature. See the normal ranges for both cats and dogs when you read more.

For dogs, the normal ear temperature is between 100 and 103 degrees Fahrenheit.
For dogs, the normal rectal temperature is between 100.5 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit.
For cats, the normal ear temperature is between 100 and 103 degrees Fahrenheit.
For cats, the normal rectal temperature is between 100.5 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit.

Source: Flickr User Max Wolfe

To the Rescue: How to Check Your Pet's Pulse

PetSugar — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 10:20:32 -0800

Have you ever checked your pet's pulse? Since dogs don't have "wrists," you may be wondering where to do this home test to see if a pooch is in distress or sick.

The best place to check the pulse is the inner side of midthigh (where the arrow points). Because the skin is thin in that area, locate the major femoral artery by putting your hand in front of the hind leg near the top and move your fingers along the crease between the leg and the tummy until you feel the lub-dub.

To learn what the beats should be and how to calculate them, read more.

It's easier to get an accurate reading if you just focus on counting the number of pulses per 15 seconds and multiply by 4, instead of concentrating for a whole minute, by using your cell phone's timer or watch with a second hand.

Both animals typically have higher rates after excitement or exercise.
Doggie Pulse: The normal range for dogs should be 70 to 120 beats per minute but smaller pups (and puppies) have a higher pulse rate than their bigger canine cousins.
Kitty Pulse: The normal range for cats should be 110 to 130 beats per minute.

Tip: If you're having trouble identifying the beats, make sure the room is as quiet as possible and that you block everything else out by closing your eyes until you identify the beating, then you can start counting.

Source: Flickr User corsi photo

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.

To the Rescue: How to Safely Pick Up a Cat

PetSugar — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 11:00:45 -0700

As often as you see mama cats carrying kittens by the scruff of the neck, this is not a safe way to hold a grown cat - even lightweight felines are too heavy to be supported properly by just that excess, loose skin. However, you may still see your vet use this technique (with another hand under the rear), since it causes the cat to go limp long enough to lift her on the table or slip a med.

So what's the best way to approach and pick up a kitty pal? Find out when you read more.

Side step: Most cats don't like to be approached from the front and may lash out (since your friendly gesture could be interpreted as a front-on assault), so saddle up to the kit from the side.
Opposites in: Use the hand furthest from the feline to reach under the "armpit" section of the front legs and lift up.
Support scoop: As you lift, put your free hand under your cat's hind legs to support her bottom half.
Don't force it: If your cat struggles or squirms, put her down - she may have other plans on her agenda.

Do your cats like to be held?

Get Pet Moving Tips Inspired by Matthew Broderick

PetSugar — Thu, 28 May 2009 09:00:05 -0700

Who'd think that a picture of Matthew Broderick walking a dog would give me such inspiration!? While he and SJP prepare a home for two lil (baby) bundles, movers cleared out their house, he brought out the family pooch . . . and reminded me of three simple tips:

No pets left behind With unfamiliar faces lifting heavy items (that could then fall), take your pet out during the packing and loading process. For cats, it may mean securing them in an empty room or carrier - movers can't pack the chair when kitty's trying to hide under it! For dogs, get a pal to puppysit or pop a pooch in daycare (I dropped North down the street when my movers relocated us to SF!)
Keep it together Store pet supplies in one box or, do as he appears, and stick them in an empty carrier so you won't need to be reading labels or digging around for the goods. If you've got an emergency kit locked and loaded, leave that aside to guarantee having key items . . . not taped in.

Get one more tip and glimpse one more pic when you read more.

Don't pack it all in Seems Matthew forgot to leave out a leash as a rope does double-duty as a lead for the lil pup. Prevent this measure and put a leash in your purse before you start . . . you won't pack that in a box (I hope)!

Wenn.com

To the Rescue: Make Kitty's Playtime Fun (For Both of You)

PetSugar — Wed, 27 May 2009 06:00:19 -0700

Pets provide endless hours of entertainment but, keep in mind, what's funny to us, may not always be fun for them! When frolicking with a feline, feathers and other temptations are commonplace, but you've got to let her (or him) win!
I don't mean always giving in and tossing over the ~~prey~~ toy, but think how annoying keep away is . . . if you always keep it away.

Get three playful tips to remember when you read more.

Play Into Predatory Instincts Let your cat stage her attack by choosing an area with spots for her to pounce from, hide under, and stalk around. The point is to make her work and engage natural instincts, not stress her out with the game!
Batting not Bonking When dangling a feather for a feline, be mindful of your motion. Don't smack a kitty in the face or shove a feather near her nose. (Ummm, how would you like that?!) Impersonate a small animal's motions, alternating between wiggles of worms, smooth gestures like speedy rodents, etc. Remember even birds land on the ground to seek food so bring those feathers down, too.
Don't Yank Away When your cat catches the toy, let her play with it until she drops it or loosens her grip on her own - if she's more into the catch than the release, let her have her way. To end the game, simply move slower and let her go in for the final "kill" where you surrender the toy and stop your motion entirely.

Source

To the Rescue: 9 Tips For Kitty Care and Conundrums

PetSugar — Mon, 04 May 2009 14:30:59 -0700

I live in a dog house. That is to say, sometimes my dog, North, lets me in his territory. Though we don't share our space with any kitties, I know many of you do. Here are some simple tips and advice for all you feline fanatics out there.

Guide to Choosing a Shelter Cat	Help! Dog + You + Boyfriend + Cat = . . .	Try Kitty's Cute Outdoor Catwalk
Tips For Getting Kitty to Take a Pill	Can You Help Kitty Think Inside the Box?	How to Take Phenomenal Kitty Pics

Leashes Aren't Just For the Dogs

Can Kitty Be Obsessive and Compulsive?

Two Bathing Alternatives For Kitty Allergy Relief

Two Bucks Reduces Clutter When Reusing Shopping Bags

PetSugar — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 14:15:04 -0700

Even though plastic bags were outlawed at San Francisco supermarkets and retail pharmacies back in November 2007, there are still stores that offer these bags –– or compostable alternatives – with takeout or other purchases. Since, I want to make the most of those bags I do take while out and about, I'm storing them in this pretty pink Rationell Variera dispenser ($2) from IKEA.

That way, when I'm not toting a leash with a Bags On Board or BonTon attached, I can stash one of these sacks in the drawer of his carseat or carrier pocket and eliminate clutter under my sink to continue Spring cleaning even when the season's over.

To the Rescue: Earthquake Safety For Pets

PetSugar — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 12:50:01 -0700

This morning, many of us felt a small earthquake here in San Francisco . . . yikes. While it's scary for everyone involved, the pet owners at Sugar HQ began wondering about furry friends back at home. First off, even though there are no guarantees, I get extra peace of mind by having a decal with my pet's name and my phone number on my door in case of emergency personnel – the ASPCA will send you a safety pack for free by simply requesting this online.

Check crate placement. If you crate a pet, make sure you position it far away from windows and any shelving with large objects that could topple or break. (North's crate is under my solid wood desk.)
Put a backup plan in place. Both my dog walkers and a pal who live nearby have keys to my apartment. If you work far from home, it's a good idea to make sure someone close by has easy access to a pet in case of a disaster.
Have leashes/crates ready. Even if your pet roams free during the day, have a travel crate on hand in case you need to leave suddenly. Kitties can get very spooked (and harder to catch) so make sure you have a way to secure a feline if you need to evacuate. Also, if taking an animal out of a crate, have the leash ready to immediately snap because even the calmest, well-trained pet can get spooked and get hurt with any broken items around the home.

PS, don't ever leave a pet at home – if you're evacuating, take your furry friend with you!

Source

Five Steps to the Best Stuffed Kongs

PetSugar — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 06:00:24 -0800

North loves his Kong ($6 and up) frozen with peanut butter and plain, nonfat yogurt, but for some reason seems less interested when it's stuffed with treats. It's hard enough for me to squeeze them in there, so I'm betting he gets tired of working them out, too. I can never seem to fit more than three of his favorite peanut butter bones in the small style.

After, I picked up a medium-sized Kong a couple days ago – recommended for pups 15-30 pounds – I planned a new strategy of fulfillment to maximize the space.

Get my five steps when you read more.

Step one. Spoon about one-half tablespoon of unsalted peanut butter inside.
Step two. Add in three small bones (such as P-Nuttier biscuits).
Step three. If desired, add a couple more special treats like these Sojos Good Dog Treats to switch it up. You should have slightly over half the space still visibly empty.
Step Four. Next, fill with a combo of kibble and Natural Balance to fit in the cracks.
Step Five. Look at the small hole on the opposite end – you should add more moist food until you are able to see the peanut butter pushing up at that side. Finish off with one more treat sticking out and you're ready to go!

Keep in mind this is over your pup's daily treat ratio so save this super stuffed Kong for very special times only!