Tips & Advice About Caring for your Pets

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Holiday Tips | In Case of a Disaster | The Meaning of Face Rubbing

 

Holiday Tips

Halloween:
Caution adolescents not to use Halloween as an excuse to harass the neighborhood dog. Scared dogs may bite because they want to protect their property.

Do not give the dog any “people” treats. Their systems are not adapted for the high sugar content and chocolate is toxic in dogs.

Walk your dog early on Halloween night and hold the dog firmly on the leash as it may be distracted or scared easily. Dogs don’t understand masks and can be overwhelmed by shrieking children.

Keep your dog far from the front door. If your dog is a “barker”’ perhaps you will want to get to the front door before trick or treaters ring your bell.

Thanksgiving:
Keep the dog out of the kitchen. Do not give in to your dog and feed it table scraps. Be firm with guests not to slip your dog any “treats.” Turkey meat is not easily digestible, and turkey bones are dangerous! Tie up garbage tightly and remove as soon as possible so dogs aren’t tempted to look for bones and food in the trash.

Christmas:
Train your dog to stay away from the tree. Some dogs will be tempted to lay beneath it, but it’s not safe. Dogs can break ornaments and get cut or swallow small pieces.

An animal’s stress may result in fight or flight instincts. Stressed-out dogs have been known to bite guests or bolt through an open door to escape the noise. As the host or hostess you may not even realize your dog is missing until many hours and miles later.

Children guests who are not familiar with dogs could sit on your dog or pull his tail or fur. If your dog reacts to stress by fighting back, these children are in danger of being bitten.

New Years:
Adult party-goers can be cruel and senseless. Under no conditions should guests give your dog alcohol because they think “it’s cute.” Dogs can get ill from drinking and eating rich foods which are different from their usual diet. Paws and tails are susceptible to being stepped on while guests mingle and dance.

Some people just don’t like having dogs around. Keeping your dog out of sight may be the best thing for you, your dog and your guests. Confine your dog to a separate area of the house and put up a sign warning guests that there is a dog inside and “Do not open door.”

Make sure your dog is wearing traceable identification in case he does get loose.

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In Case of A Disaster

You can protect your pets during a natural or manmade disaster by being prepared:

• Make arrangements with a family member or neighbor who will take in your pets if you are unable to return home.
  
  
• Print or type an "Emergency Care of Companion Animals" card & place it in your wallet. List all of your pets & who should be contacted in case you are injured or hospitalized & cannot return home.
  
  
• If you are at home when a disaster strikes & you must evacuate, never leave your pets behind. Make arrangements to take them to a family member, a veterinary office, an animal shelter or ideally to stay with you.
  
  
• Make sure your pets are microchipped or are wearing a collar & tag with your name & phone number.
  
  
• Have a supply of your pet's food, water, litter & medication on hand.
  
  Keep a pet carrier handy (one for each pet in the household).

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The Meaning of Face Rubbing

Does your cat greet you by rubbing her face against your leg? If so, you should feel welcomed. Your cat has just given you his version of the warm greeting.

When cats that are friends greet each other, they typically rub faces. Because you are a lot taller than the average cat, he makes contact with your leg instead. You may notice that your kitty begins rubbing the top of his head or the side of his face against your leg. He will then rub the length of his body against you and will wrap his tail around your leg. If you reach down to stroke him, he’ll grow more insistent. He may rub the side of his mouth against your hand, nudging your hand upward with her head.

While there are no doubts your cat loves you, his actions have an ulterior motive. Cats have scent glands in the temples, near their mouths and at the base of their tails. Cats touch those parts of their bodies against us because they want to leave behind their scent as a mark of their high regards. Conversely, the contact leaves some of your smell on him. After the exchange of scent, your kitty is likely to retreat, sit down and begin licking his fur. It’s his way of experiencing your scent---tasting your smell, so to speak.

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