PetSugar

To the Rescue: Three Tips For Thunder Terror

PetSugar — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 12:10:01 -0800

While I'm blessed with a pooch who doesn't even flinch at thunder, everyone is not so lucky. Just yesterday my pal FitSugar shared how scared her pooch gets during the recent storms we've had in CA. While there are many products available for purchase (such as calming tonics and collars), if a storm sneaks up, there's no time for shopping. Since I can't stand to think of a scaredy dog, check out tips to limit the stress.

Distraction If you're home, this is the best place to begin. Special treats and toys (like a stuffed Kong) will help distract him before the storm really starts. As noise builds, his attention may waver, but playing games to keep him occupied will likely delay the reaction.

Get two more tips when you read more.

Seclusion Never ever let (or force) a dog scared of thunder to stay outside. Bring the pup indoors and as far away from the noise as possible. Some pups seek shelter from the sounds under a desk or table so make sure they have easy access to that spot they consider safe but don't restrict them there!

Desensitization Similar to my fireworks strategy, you can buy or download sounds of thunder to play at increasing volumes for a pup. During this time, offer a lot of praise and reward him constantly. Play a game, give him a treat, and help him not associate the sound with being scared.

Remember, your reaction is key. If you act agitated, your pet can sense it - and thus increase his distress - so stay calm for both your sakes!

To the Rescue: Three Outdoor Wintertime Activities For Pets

PetSugar — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 10:15:02 -0800

Just because some wintertime activities are dangerous doesn't mean your pups have to sit this season out. With plenty of fun activities brought on by the white stuff, like scampering through the drifts and fetching snowballs, as long as your pets are warm enough, it's a lovely time to play. Topping my list of cold weather activities for doggies are:

Cross-country Skiing: Open fields and dog-friendly trails are a great place to explore with furry friends. Voice-trained pups can run alongside but remember to keep the jaunts short so pets don't get too chilly.

Skijoring: Intermediate or advanced level cross-country skiers can test out skijoring, where a dog helps pull a person along with a special belt.

Snowshoeing: Snowshoeing or even hiking with pets spices up their walks with new scenery - they need the bathroom breaks anyway. Be careful letting pups off leash and out of sight (since snow makes dogs lose their scent), especially if there are things they're tempted to chase nearby.

To the Rescue: Three Dangerous Outdoor Activities For Pets

PetSugar — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 06:00:38 -0800

Winter walks are the norm - unless your pooches use indoor potties - but remember the bitter temps require shorter trips and closer attention to his body temperature. It's actually extra risky to let a pooch off leash on snow or ice because they can lose their scent and easily become disoriented, especially during the storm itself. If you're only having a pet within eyesight range, check out three activities that may pose a problem.

Sledding: Now most people won't take a dog on a sledding adventure - it requires solid sit-stay skills in chilly weather and it's just not fun for the animals. However, also be careful if your off-leash walks pass by a sledding area. Dogs can confuse flying sleds with something OK to chase, but the dangerous part comes from the sledder's difficulty stopping if a dog decides to run in front.

Get the rest when you read more.

Snowmobiling: Another danger in some areas, be careful of snowmobiles crossing streets and stay away from their approved paths in the woods.

Ice Skating: Frozen ponds and lakes can be fun for skating but not all surfaces are tested for solidity. Your dog's exploration may accidentally land him on thin ice. Literally.

To the Rescue: How Much Water Does My Pet Need?

PetSugar — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 11:05:16 -0800

Slurrrrp! It's important that your animal has a constant supply of fresh, clean water, but do you know exactly how much a pet should be drinking daily? Since about 60 to 80 percent of pets' bodies are made up of water, fluids are key to bodily functions at all times. Now it seems more likely that kitties go on thirst strikes (with this test to check their dehydration), but there's an easy way to make sure you're offering enough water for your furry friends. Most pets need about one ounce of water per day for every pound they weigh, so a 16-pound pet needs about a pint of water, 32-pound pooch a quart, and so on. While you can lead a horse dog to water, you can't make him drink, so keep track of that intake so it's close to the proper amount and the dish is never empty!

Source: Flickr User Cindy Funk

10 Tips to Taking a Grrreat Holiday Photo Featuring Pets!

PetSugar — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 13:15:38 -0800

For most of you, there will be at least one holiday photo with a furry friend. (I know North can't wait!) If you're thinking of sending a Christmas card to friends and family, check out my tips for staging the best shot with dogs and cats - step-by-step, I've got you covered!

View Slideshow ›

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