Environment

You are currently browsing the archive for the Environment category.

Pets also get stressed: watch out for tell-tale signs

August 30, 2012 in Cat care, Dog care, Environment, Natural remedies for pets, Pet care, Separation anxiety cats, Separation anxiety dogs by admin | No comments

We’ve all experienced stress at some time. The reality is, the pressures of modern life impact on our bodies, particularly city life.

 But have you ever thought about how your lifestyle might impact on your pet and how to recognise the signals?

 What makes cats stressed?

Cats are pretty self-sufficient creatures that like to be able to roam around, explore, avoid problem situations and help themselves to food and water. They like privacy and a quiet environment. They do not like change, so moving house, or the arrival of a new pet or a baby can disorientate and depress and stress a cat.

 In today’s domestic situations, cats often have to live in confined spaces in units and are restricted to indoors. Their owners justifiably fear for their safety on busy streets, so are not comfortable with giving them access to outdoor areas and even if they do have a protected area, it is often very limited. Some cats have to share space with other pets.

 Since cats are more reserved than dogs, you have to look carefully signs of stress. Behaviours to look for are:

  • Scratching
  • aggression towards other pets
  • loss of appetite
  • over grooming
  • urinating and soiling
  • listlessness and general withdrawal
  • decreased level of activity.

What makes dogs stressed?

Dogs are more outgoing than cats and in many ways better at communicating stress and unhappiness. They can’t tell you what is causing it, but they can certainly let you know that things are not the way they would like them to be. The easiest one to identify is separation anxiety when a puppy is introduced to a new home and new people. Even a more mature dog may react adversely to a change of environment.

 Puppies are like children. Early experiences will impact on future behavior. Socialisation is very important to dogs. Unlike cats they are not loners and crave companionship and happy interaction with humans and other pets. Scary encounters can result in nervous behavior and aggression. So it is very important that early experience is positive and that a benign environment is maintained.

Dogs in confined spaces will experience similar problems as cats. While cats will exercise themselves given enough space, dogs need more activity. Some dogs will exhibit signs of stress after a spell in a boarding kennel. There are also fear reactions – thunder, lightning, fireworks that can set a dog off. Illness, hospitalisation and ageing can all produce behavioural changes. Most of all, dogs need attention and lots of love, Deny them this and you’ll end up with an unhappy pet.

What to do about pet stress

If your pet exhibits signs of stress you need to remedy it as best you can. Your vet can recommend remedial systems and preparations. If you or a member of your family is suffering stress, you would not hesitate to seek medical help. Your pet is not ‘just a cat, or just a dog’. They are part of your family and deserve the same consideration as the other members of your household. So consult your vet about pet stress.

Tags: Care for your cat, Care for your dog, Ethics of pet ownership, Responsible pet ownership, Separation anxiety dogs and cats, Taking care of pets

Wild weather and our pets

July 4, 2012 in Ageing pets, Aging cats, Aging dogs, Cat care, Dog care, Environment, Pet care, Separation anxiety cats, Separation anxiety dogs by admin | No comments

Extreme weather is here to stay, so say the experts.  Pet owners need to be aware of the immediate and long term risks for their furry friends.  Here’s a few thought starters:

Heavy rains and warm termperatures create breeding grounds for parasites and insects.  Check for flea infestations, ticks and bites from insects.

Wild weather can also cause stress for a lot of pets.  Lightening, thunder can really frighten a lot of pets.  It’s important to make sure they are safe and secure.  They shouldn’t be able to escape, and they also need to be warm and protected from the elements.  Pet’s experience anxiety just like humans.  Anxiety in its turn can cause physical ailments.  So it pays to keep them protected, it’s just another way to avoid an expensive trip to the vet. 

 

 

Tags: Care for your cat, Care for your dog, Ethics of pet ownership, Responsible pet ownership, Separation anxiety dogs and cats, Taking care of pets

Should you put your pet in a kennel? Consider the Pros and Cons

April 25, 2012 in Cat care, Dog care, Environment, Pet care by admin | No comments

You’re going on holiday and not to pet friendly accommodation. No grandparents or relatives available to pet sit. The most practical solution seems to be to board your pet in a kennel. But will this be good for him? Let’s weigh up the Pros and Cons.

The Pros

Your cat or dog will be safe in a reputable kennel. They are in a secure environment and can’t escape and go walkabout or meet with an accident. They will be regularly fed quality food. A good kennel will offer grooming and training and encourage socialisation. While the environment may be unfamiliar, it will have a routine that is designed for the pet’s wellbeing. If they are well fed and exercised and have a warm, comfortable place to sleep, they will settle down. The staff are animal lovers and understand that pets need love and attention. While they can’t replace you, they are experienced at building relationships of trust and kindness to which your pet can respond. And just think of the joyful reunion when you come to pick your pet up!

The Cons

One of the issues you have to recognise is that the unfamiliar environment and routine will undoubtedly cause your pet stress. They may refuse to eat at first and become generally disengaged. You have to accept that your pet cannot be as happy in a boarding situation as at home, but it is only for a relatively short while and animals have very little sense of time.

Boarding with other animals exposes them to the possibility of picking up some illness. Kennel cough is the most common, but contrary to popular belief, it is not only animals that have been boarded who contract this respiratory infection. The reason it is known as kennel cough is because it is infectious and with many animals in one place, the odds are greater that an animal that has not been vaccinated could contract it. Before you put your pet in a kennel, ask your vet about vaccination. Prevention is always better than cure.

Most important, however, is the choice of a kennel. If can get a recommendation from your vet, an animal trainer, or someone who has had first-hand experience, that is a good start.

What to look for in a boarding kennel

If you don’t have a recommendation, look for:

  • Certification, Accreditation, Quality Assurance, Awards and so
  • Make an appointment to inspect the kennel personally, ask questions, don’t hold back. Your pet is worth the trouble.
  • Look at the areas where to animals are kept. Are they clean, well ventilated and pleasant? Is there enough room for your pet to move around?
  • Is there an exercise area?
  • Are the staff well presented, friendly and polite? Are the staffing numbers adequate for the number of dogs boarded at one time?

How to prepare for your pet’s stay

  • Take any regular medications with you, along with vaccination records and any other medical information that may be needed.
  • Take any toys or activity items that might be favourites, eg a blanket, cushion, ball or squeaky toy.
  • Let the staff know if your pet has any particular fears or habits, so that they understand him.

Your pet may have some behavioural problems when he first comes home. Don’t be alarmed, keep an eye for health issues, otherwise just give him the good old TLC he is used to and “she’ll be right”!

Tags: Care for your cat, Care for your dog, Ethics of pet ownership, Responsible pet ownership, Taking care of pets

A growing problem – are you killing your pet with kindness?

February 26, 2012 in Ageing pets, Aging dogs, Dog care, Environment, Pet care by admin | No comments

A few years ago Australia earned the unenviable title of “the world’s fattest nation” with 26% of our adult population considered obese.  Sadly, this problem may also be affecting our dogs with a huge 40% of Aussie dogs now classified as overweight or obese by the Australian Veterinary Association.

This alarming figure could be related to two main factors, a) the sedentary lifestyle we tend to lead – which means not enough exercise (for us or the dog), and b) food – we simply are feeding our dogs too much, and much about feeding is emotional – for example offering treats, a little bit extra or left overs from the family dinner.  More and more we see our pets as members of the family and start feeding them as though they were people!  But of course, they are not people and they have very different nutritional needs to humans.

The serious side of obesity in dogs

Many of the problems caused by obesity are under-estimated by owners.  The obvious problems are the same that we find in humans, for example diabetes.  But heart, respiratory and skin disease can also result and the extra weight obviously puts strain on muscles and joints, which in turn means problems with arthritis and mobility can develop.  Major organs like the pancreas, liver and kidneys can also be affected. 

Is your dog overweight?

You should be able to see a waist line behind the ribs and you should also be able to feel the ribs like corrugated iron, but not see them.  If you can’t feel the ribs, your pooch is carrying excess weight!  But before you start a weight loss plan, it is suggested that you check with your vet to make sure there are no underlying issues such as hormonal problems that can cause weight gain.  Also important to bear in mind that there is no “one size fits all solution”, you need to feed your dog according to it’s life stage, it’s ideal weight and lifestyle.  It’s important to apply some tough love too  – imagine a pellet of food being the equivalent of a piece of steak and feeding extra can make a huge difference, especially with a small dog.  It has also been suggested that splitting the food into portions which are fed over the course of the day can be beneficial as the food will be better absorbed and less likely to turn to fat. As with us humans, exercise is vital, and your dog should get at least 30 minutes every day as a minimum.  Not only will this help with the weight, but also tone muscles, assist with digestion and improve the cardiovascular system.

Remember most dogs don’t have any self control when it comes to food and they rely on us.  Breeds such as Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Beagles and Spaniels will never say no to food!  Our job as owners is to provide the solution by  being tough with diet and ensuring exercise.   So whilst it may be hard to say no, making the hard decisions is the kindest decision in the long run – and looking after our pet’s health is the least we can do.

Maintaining your dog at a healthy weight also makes sense financially.  A healthy weight means better health and less trips to the vet and fewer expensive vet bills!

Tags: Care for your dog, Cost of vet bills, dog breeding, Ethics of pet ownership, Lifetime cost of pet care, Responsible pet ownership, Taking care of pets

Help your dog with separation anxiety

December 24, 2011 in Cat care, Dog care, Environment, Pet care, Separation anxiety cats, Separation anxiety dogs by admin | 7 comments

Imagine this:

You go back to work and leave your new puppy or that you got for Christmas, or your old faithful four legged friend home alone after an extended period together.   

Problem is, each day a feeling a dread hangs over you as you anticipate the destruction that awaits you.  Chewing, scratching, barking.  It wasn’t supposed to be like this was it?  A dog in the family is supposed to be a fun, wonderful experience.  But sadly this scenario can happen and can lead to a permanent break in the bond between you and your dog, often resulting in punishment, putting in a shelter or euthanasia.

Why does this happen?

One likely reason for such behaviour is separation related distress (separation anxiety).  Symptoms can be barking, whining, howling, pacing, chewing at doors and windows and escape attempts.  This can happen when the dog doesn’t have access to family members or his “pack”.

Diagnosis

Don’t assume.  The signs can be caused by other medical or behavioural conditions.  Speak to your vet, and get as much information as possible. Ideas for getting information could be to set up a webcam – this will help you see whether the dog is distressed or having the time of his life as he chews up the house!  If barking is the problem, record it.  Is it an “who’s walking past my patch” bark, or distressed whining and crying.  Find out how often it happens, and whether there is a pattern – could it be a noise phobia, for example.  Age can also be a factor – whilst it can happen with dogs and cats of any breed at any age, it is more common in older pets.

Treatment – the good news

The good news is that once diagnosed separation anxiety can be successfully treated .  If severe the best results are achieved with a combination of behaviour modification and medication.  The aim is to teach your dog to relax independently.  The medication can just take the edge of anxiety.  Speak to your vet to see if they can refer you to a behaviourist to assist.

Other things you can do to help, would be:

a)      Avoid punishment.  Dogs do not experience guilt or spite.  Your dog is not getting even or punishing you.  That guilty look is trying to appease you.  Punishment will only add to anxiety and make the problem worse.

b)      Make it feel at home.  Leave a TV or radio on during the day.  If your dog is outside consider a doggy door allowing access to the house.

c)       Keep up the walks.  Like people regular exercise definitely can help an anxious dog.  However to avoid the association with you arriving home by delaying the exercise by 30 minutes or so. 

d)      Massage.  Anxious dogs are tense and massage can help them relax physically.

Adapted from an article in Dogs NSW

Tags: Buying a new dog, Care for your cat, Care for your dog, dog breeding, Ethics of pet ownership, Responsible pet ownership, Separation anxiety dogs and cats, Taking care of pets

The silly season is here again

December 17, 2011 in Dog care, Environment, Pet care by admin | 1 comment

Every year hundreds of puppies are given as Christmas gifts. Purchased on impulse with no thought to the future of the baby animal in question. Sadly many of these ‘gifts’ are dumped into pounds or RSPCA or resold through the internet and local newspapers in the New Year. Some are lucky others perish in the onslaught of what can becalled…..THESILLYSEASON                                                                                                                         By Corinne Daw

 How many parents, lost for something to give their children as a gift for Christmas will purchase a puppy? Amidst all the excitement on Christmas Day their gift is ‘the best present ever’ or ‘really cool’ or ‘so cuddly and adorable’ but a few short weeks later that cute puppy is now gangly, those little teeth are sharp and little puddles and poos litter your yard.

 But not only that—YOU have realized that YOU have a new responsibility, as your children rush off to play with their friends leaving the puppy unfed and with an empty water dish. When your pup cries through the night because it is lonely/ digs holes through boredom/ has not been taught to walk on a lead yet and has started to knock the kids over so they won’t go in the backyard anymore, the gloss has certainly worn off that cute Christmas gift of only a few short weeks ago.

 So what is the answer? Never, EVER purchase any animal on impulse. Unless you have researched all aspects of caring for your new family member, for perhaps the next 15 years, a pup as a gift is unfair not only on the puppy but also on the child to be given a responsibility they perhaps are not ready for. Why not instead give your child a book on breeds of dogs / dog training or even a toy doggie.

 If you have thought it through and every family member has their heart set on adopting a dog why not adopt a rescue dog? What you see is what you get, and at the same time you…SAVE A DOGGIE’S LIFE!

 While many puppies are dumped as unwanted Christmas gifts early in the New Year, it is a sad fact that in the weeks leading up to Christmas there is a huge increase of older dogs being dumped / surrendered into pounds as well. The main reasons being ‘we are sick of this dog and are going to purchase a new puppy when we return from holidays’ or ‘ with the expense of Christmas we cannot afford our dog anymore’ or  ‘we are replacing this old dog with a brand new puppy for the kids this Christmas’….

 Did you know that if a dog is surrendered to a pound by their owner they are not afforded the 7 day /14 day holding period at the pound and can be euthanized almost immediately?

 At DoggieRescue we brace ourselves for the influx of unwanted pets, try to fit a few extra dogs in a shelter already full to overflowing and hold back the tears for the desperate faces still waiting unclaimed at the pounds with simply nowhere to go. Kennel hands and Volunteers happily spend their Christmas working hard to feed all the extra mouths knowing that these precious few lives are safe and will be lovingly cared for. Yes, Christmas is here again….

 

Tags: Buying a new dog, Care for your cat, Care for your dog, dog rescue, Ethics of pet ownership, Lifetime cost of pet care, Responsible pet ownership

What are you buying your pet for Christmas?

December 11, 2011 in Cat care, Dog care, Environment, Pet care, Pet photography by admin | No comments

It’s true.  More and more people are buying Chrissie presents for their pets.  Just more proof that these days that pets are no longer just companion animals.  They are part of the family.  “Of course” I hear you say!  Christmas is a time that pets can get spoilt more than usual and popular gifts for the Christmas stocking this year could be a photography session for your pet, a treat such as doggie chocs, clothing for dogs has become very popular with designer lines now available and elaborate cat accessories such as water fountains are popular as pet owners look for new ways to pamper their four legged family members.  Of course for those where nothing is too good for their pet, there’s always the option of a dog spa and holiday resort.  Of course you wouldn’t think of giving them a gift without a special message and card, and with this in mind you can now even buy Christmas cards for your pets, and for pets who are digitally savvy, you could get them an e-card!

It’s great to do these things for your pet, but also spare a thought for those lovely animals that will be spending Christmas in the pound or shelter.  Possibly their last Christmas, if no-one chooses to give them a home.  How about making a donation to a local shelter to help them give the animals in their care some special love this Christmas?

Tags: Care for your cat, Care for your dog, Ethics of pet ownership, Pet gifts, Responsible pet ownership, Taking care of pets

What’s your dog’s carbon pawprint?

November 20, 2011 in Carbon footprint, Cat care, Dog care, Environment, Pet care by admin | No comments

Dogs, like humans also have a carbon pawprint, but there are many ways to raise a happy dog and still protect the environment.    For example, there’s a wide range of preservative free dog food around, and eco-friendly alternatives of pet products are gaining popularity.  Whilst cost can be a factor, remember every little bit helps!

How to reduce your dog’s carbon pawprint

Adopting – adopting a dog instead of buying a new one will lower the incidence of strays that can be harmful to wildlife, and hopefully eventually put those terrible puppy farms out of business.

De-sexing – helps to ensure the population of unwanted dogs is limited.

Cleaning up – use chemical free cleaning products, for example bicarbonate soda is a great natural cleaning alternative.

Scoop the poop – we have the privilege in many of our wonderful parks to allow our pets to run free.  However it’s important to keep your eye out to make sure to clean up after your pet.  Whilst dog poo can be very dangerous for young children as many parasites and diseases are transmitted through dog faeces, it also generates methane, a potent greenhouse gas, which gets released when it breaks down.  Don’t forget to use biodegradable bags (which are often provided by the Council).  You can even create a pet poo converter at home – a simple worm farm – which can make a great fertiliser for your garden.  (But warning, not for use on food crops and preferably not a decorative garden either).  For more information contact your council, local worm farm supplier and/or visit www.environment.nsw.gov.au/downtoearth/worm.htm

Wildlife – make sure your pet does not attack various native animals, such as possums, lizards and birds.  Create a safe haven by planting trees which gives them a corridor to travel through.  Keep your dog on a leash in wildlife areas.

Tick and flea treatments – Unfortunately most of the treatments we have available to us today are chemically based, and possibly not good for our pet, as well as the environment.  If you can find them try out products that limit chemicals.  But whatever you do, remember to check every day to make sure your pet is free from these nasty parasites.

Shampoos – try paraben free shampoos and natural grooming products.

Waste – dispose of containers which have your pet products in thoughtfully.  Recyle where possible, and remember that what you wash your dog with travels down the drain and out to sea.

Food – Just be including one or two organic products in your pet’s diet will reduce  its carbon pawprint. You can also choose to prepare your dog’s food yourself, using Australian produce is another consideration, if you have the time.  Buy Australian grown and made products to reduce your dog’s food miles.

Do you have any other ideas?  Post them here!

Tags: Carbon footprint, dog rescue, Environmentally friendly pets, Ethics of pet ownership, Responsible pet ownership, Taking care of pets

Administration