By Cheryl Burns I’ve often compared having a cat to having a young child—there’s so much love, unbelievable amounts, but also a LOT of work. You feed them, get rid of the waste that results, try to keep them out of trouble, and hear them protest if you dare to close the bathroom door. Most frustratingly, you can’t explain things to them; I’ve tried to tell mine that vet visits and nail trims are for their own good, but they never do seem to understand. Oh, and they often like the boxes better than any gift inside! Moving is among the most stressful events a person faces (says one who has moved at least nine times as an adult and considers herself something of an expert). Even accounting for their love for boxes, can you imagine how stressful it must be for a cat? Often, home is their entire world. This article will provide some tips to help your cats (and all the humans who serve them) cope with a move. Preparing for the Move A few weeks beforehand, get your cat a collar that lists your cell phone number. Update the address when you move. Even if you keep them indoors, a little caution can save a world of tears. If your cat has a microchip, update the information. Talk to your vet. Whenever we travel with our cats, including for a move, we give them gabapentin to help them relax. Several vets have agreed that it’s perfectly safe, though you might want to do a trial run to see how your cat responds to the medication. Identify a vet and an emergency care clinic near your new home so you’re prepared if you need them. If you’ve got a long drive and your cat isn’t used to travel,…
By Alberta Frost Did you know that two thirds of dog owners neglect their pet’s dental hygiene? As a result, 80% of dogs have some form of dental disease by age two. Apparently, cat owners are similarly neglectful as the figure for cats is 70%. These statistics come from the American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation. According to Nationwide Insurance Company, a review of their claims data shows that preventive pet oral care can save you money. This is, of course, in addition to contributing to your pet’s overall health and quality of life. I discovered these facts as I was considering whether to schedule a teeth cleaning (and possibly some extractions) for my 11 year old kitty after my veterinarian found tartar on some of his teeth. Cats and dogs have many of the same dental issues as humans – broken teeth, periodontal disease, abscesses or infection, cysts, tumors, misalignment of the teeth/bite, or broken jaw or palate defects. Also like humans, dental health in pets is a key part of their overall health. Left unexamined or untreated, it can cause chronic pain and inflammation, lead to serious disease in other parts of the body, namely the kidneys, liver, and heart; and to life threatening conditions like diabetes and strokes. How do you know if your pet has a dental condition? According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, there are a few things to look for. Bad breath — and no, “doggy breath” is not natural or inevitable. Other signs are broken/loose teeth; extra or retained baby teeth; teeth that are discolored or covered in tartar; abnormal chewing, drooling or dropping food from the mouth; reduced appetite or refusal to eat; bleeding from the mouth; and/or swelling/pain in areas around the mouth. If you see any of these conditions,…
By Cindy McGovern Auggie is a 90 pound all American dog with folded ears and a stubborn streak. He is also prone to dry and itchy skin that has sent him and his mom to the vet on multiple occasions. He has dry skin on his elbows and has had allergic dermatitis on his stomach caused by an allergy to potatoes of all things. He has tried limited ingredient food, medication and prescription shampoo. Auggie is not unique, and many dogs suffer from a host of skin conditions, caused by many factors. How do you know if your dog is suffering from a skin condition? Itching is one of the most obvious symptoms and it’s normal for occasional scratching. But frequent or prolonged itching will manifest in behavior like excessive licking or rubbing the affected body part against furniture or other objects. Be on the lookout for sores or lesions, dry, flaky or scaly skin, rashes, lumps, redness, or bumps. If you notice these symptoms, it’s always best to consult your vet. Left untreated, an easy to treat condition can quickly lead to an infection or something more serious. Not only that, but chronic itching can be just as debilitating and distressing as chronic pain. Ultimately, skin problems can cause great discomfort and irritation leading your dog to be irritable, withdrawn, or restless. Some of the most common skin problems in dogs are due to allergies and allergic dermatitis caused by environmental or food allergies. Just like humans, dogs can suffer from allergies to pollen, grass and dust mites, but rather than having watery eyes and a runny nose, dogs will develop irritated, itchy skin. The most common areas affected are the face, feet, chest and stomach. There is a blood test to help determine if your dog has a…
By Ken Byrer Another troubling event hit the news in the last hours of 2023 as a home invasion in the District seized not cash or valuables but the residents’ dog, a seven month old puppy named Lola. This crime followed another incident in November where gunmen took three French bulldogs – Chewy, Coco, and Buttercup – from their owner while out for a walk. The same victim said thieves swiped another dog back in April. The Washington Post reported on another incident where “dognappers” offered to return a woman’s French bulldog for $900. Thanks to her actions and the police, authorities found both pet and suspects. Perhaps most famously, in February, 2021, celebrity Lady Gaga’s dogs were stolen after abductors shot the person walking her pets in a case convoluted by insider involvement and a $500,000 reward offer. In that instance, Police said “the dogs were not specifically targeted because they belonged to Lady Gaga, but because French bulldogs can sell for thousands of dollars.” Resale of certain elite breeds, privately or to puppy mills, as well as the opportunity for ransom, figure into the economic motives of the crime. Sources citing the Los Angeles Police Department say “the dogs that are at most risk are French bulldogs (since they can fetch $7,000-$12,000), Goldendoodles (resale value $800-$3,000), and Pomeranians (resale value starts at $3,000, but if there is an unusual or rare coat color, such as a merle, they can net up to $15,000)” but noted “other purebreds or posh designer mixes” such as “English bulldogs, Maltipoos, and small exotic breeds are also high on the list.” Other investigators add Yorkshire and Boston terriers, Maltese, Chihuahuas, Labradoodles, Pitbull terriers, German shepherds, and Labrador retrievers to the list of breeds prone to dognapping. A survey of news reports suggests that…
New Year’s resolutions aren’t just for us. Why not make some on behalf of your furry feline(s) and/or your canine kid(s)? Here are a few suggestions to consider: SPAY OR NEUTER YOUR PET There are many, many reasons to neuter your cat(s) and/or dog(s). The choice to spay or neuter your pet is one of the most important decisions you can make affecting their long-term health. The reduced lifespan of unaltered pets can be attributed to an increased urge to roam, which can expose them to fights with other animals, resulting in injuries and infections, trauma or death from being hit by vehicles, and other accidents. Contributing to the longer lifespan of altered pets is their reduced risk of certain types of cancers. Unspayed female cats and dogs have a greater chance of developing pyometra (a potentially fatal uterine infection) and uterine, mammary gland, and other cancers of the reproductive system. Neutering male pets eliminates their risk of testicular cancer and eliminates the possibility of developing benign prostatic hyperplasia, which can affect the ability to defecate. MAKE THE OUTSIDE A BETTER PLACE FOR COMMUNITY CATS If you care for community cats (formerly known as “feral cats”), make the outdoors a better place for them by practicing Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR). Community cats should be altered through TNR at any age after the age of 6 weeks, although some states may require waiting until the kittens are at least 8 weeks old. TNR is the only effective and humane approach to community cats. It involves humanely trapping the cats, taking them to a veterinarian to be vaccinated, neutered, and ear tipped (while under anesthesia, the tip of the cat’s left ear is removed to easily indicate that they have been neutered or spayed and/or they are tattooed on their abdomen), and then returning…
By Lisa Velenovsky Hayashi It’s the holiday season, and everyone is searching for that perfect gift! And what could be more perfect than a snuggly puppy for a child or a feline animal companion for a lonely parent? It does make for a heartwarming picture — but is it a good idea? Experts are divided, and it turns out the answer is not a simple “yes” or “no.” Many animal rescues, shelters and advocacy groups such as PETA believe strongly that it’s a bad idea to gift a pet. This is based on legitimate concerns about the animal’s welfare, such as whether the recipient wants a pet, is ready for the responsibility of caring for a pet, can afford the financial commitment that comes with a pet, and even if a recipient will love a gifted pet as much as one they chose themselves. Gifting a pet to a child brings its own special challenges. “Pets require a lot of responsibility. It’s not feasible to think that children can take care of a puppy or kitten – they will need adult supervision at all times,” Stacey DiNuzzo, the communications director at Pasado’s Safe Haven, told People Magazine about why families shouldn’t rush to give pets as gifts. This is true for any pet gifted to a child. There are anecdotal stories of shelters being flooded with unwanted gifted pets as they are abandoned by their new owners. DiNuzzo lists her rescue among those that receive surrendered animal’s post-holidays, after the recipient’s initial enthusiasm for their new animal has waned. However, no numbers or statistics were provided. There appears to be little hard data to determine how widespread the problem may be. At the same time, other animal advocates point to research that suggests that the gifting of pets is not in and of itself detrimental to…
By Jane Koska Part of the fun of the holidays is that we get to do things we don’t do the rest of the year – decorate with shiny and sparkly baubles, bring beautiful winter greenery into the house, enjoy tasty seasonal food and drink. Many of us are more likely to welcome friends and family into our homes during the holiday season, too. Our pets are an important part of our households, and it’s natural to want to include them in the festivities. But the holiday hullabaloo can be stressful and hazardous for animals, and as responsible pet owners, we should keep some safety tips in mind. This article isn’t a comprehensive list of dangers, but an overview of some general areas to think about: parties and houseguests; food; and decorations. Check out the links at the end of the story for more detailed warnings and recommendations. Pet-safe Parties Holiday parties are noisy and exciting, and may stress or upset pets. To help your pet stay comfortable and safe, here are some things you can do. Tell your guests that you have pets. People with allergies or other health conditions need to know beforehand so they can prepare for or skip the get-together. Warn people in advance if your pet is prone to biting or scratching when scared. Set some house rules about interacting with pets. It can be hard for animal-loving guests (like me) to not give pets attention. Some of us just want to pet any animal we can! Make sure your guests know if a quiet play or petting session is okay. Also, if your pet is shy, encourage people to respect their space and not force attention on them. If a pet runs away, people shouldn’t follow. Give your pet a safe space away from…
By Jaime Stephens Cats, like people, frequently suffer from allergies. The most common of these is caused by fleas, which should be no surprise to anyone with pets. But did you know that the allergic reaction in their immune system is caused by the histamine-like agents from saliva that are released when a flea bites your pet? The number one reaction to flea bites is itching, but other allergic symptoms include scratching, particularly the head and ears; chewing and biting themselves; excessive licking (especially around the legs); and red and/or irritated skin (allergic dermatitis). Cats are such fastidious groomers, however, that it’s fairly difficult to find traces of fleas on their bodies. It’s much likelier that you’ll notice fleas jumping around in your house or even on your body before you see them on your cat. The best way to treat a cat with skin allergies due to flea bites is by using a topical or injectable corticosteroid. If the cat develops a skin infection, these may be treated with antibiotics. Prevention, however, is key – consider using a topical or oral medication or flea collar. SEASONAL ALLERGIES Did you know that pets can also suffer from seasonal allergies? They can, with symptoms that closely mimic those that humans experience. The same irritants that trigger seasonal allergies in humans do the same to cats and dogs, and both indoor and outdoor cats can be affected. When do cats experience seasonal allergies? During any season! One may have summer allergies while another may have winter allergies, and some cats suffer from year-round allergies. During the spring and summer months, the most common cause of allergies is pollen from trees, grass, and weeds. In the fall, ragweed is typically the culprit. With seasonal allergies, symptoms are usually skin irritation and/or inflammation. In…
By Alberta Frost I have adopted two wonderful companions from King Street Cats (the only all-volunteer, cats only, no-kill rescue in Alexandria, Virginia). My first was a shy boy who is very solid and muscular. When I took him to his first vet appointment, I was surprised that the doctor said, “this cat should not gain any more weight.” Turns out, at the shelter he had been hiding all day only coming out at night to chow down on dry food. His sturdy frame was disguising a growing waistline. When he began to feel comfortable at my house, he started getting more exercise and, heeding the veterinarian’s advice about weight control, I switched him to canned food. He slimmed down a bit. Now enters Cat Number Two – younger, more active but with a bit of a belly on him, and a great love of eating. Again, to my surprise, at his first checkup the doctor said his weight was perfect; he just had an unusual body shape for a young cat! The cats became good friends. So much so that Cat Number One let cat Number Two eat some of his food at every meal. Suddenly I have one cat who is a bit trimmer and another who – you guessed it—has become overweight. Obesity in cats is defined by the animal medical community as 20% above normal weight. Just like us humans, this condition is a growing problem and it has serious health consequences. Obesity is the most common preventable disease in cats in North America, affecting almost 60% of domestic cats. This condition shortens cats’ lives and increases the risks of cancer, diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, and urinary bladder stones. How do you determine if your pet is overweight and, therefore, at risk for these serious health…
In late June and early July, major media outlets reported that U.S. temperatures this summer were expected to break records nationwide, including in metro Washington. Pet lovers are used to accommodating their animals’ changing needs and protecting them no matter what the weather. When it’s hot out, we know to keep our pets in cool, shaded spaces; to give them tepid water; to help them relax; and to not leave them in parked cars. What else should we be more aware of this year as we head into midsummer? Vets recommend following established guidelines for enjoying summer with your pets safely. Think of safety rules for pets as being even more souped up than those for humans, and often specific to species or breeds. Handling our pets’ particular needs becomes even more important during intensifying heat waves. A good rule of thumb is to be even more careful for our pets (and our kids and other humans!) than we would be for ourselves. During a heat wave, experts recommend that humans stay indoors, drink lots of water and electrolytes, keep out of direct sunlight, and avoid exercising outside. Similarly for our animals, this means keeping them cool, calm, hydrated, and inside. Tracking the Heat Index First, track your heat index online, which projects what heat feels like for humans by measuring the air’s temperature and relative humidity. Humid heat is more dangerous than dry because of that relative humidity. Levels range from Caution (80° to 90°F), which can make people feel fatigue; to Extreme Danger (125° or higher), which can cause heat stroke and death. Please check out the links for heat index trackers/apps and other hot-weather information from the CDC, the National Weather Service, NOAA, and the American Veterinary Medical Association at the end of this article. Walking Our…
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