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Currently an owner of 3 dogs and 2 cats, I’ve gained a plethora of pet-related experience over the years. I strive to provide the best home I can for my little terrors, and you’ll read all about our trials and tribulations as I continue down the rewarding yet rocky road of pet parenthood.

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A New Member of the Pack – Considerations When Bringing Another Pet Into Your Home

Doggie gamesAny owner of multiple dogs can tell you that each dog has a unique personality and removing a dog, or adding a new one, can significantly alter the dynamics of the group. Last December, I added a new dog, Sara, to our pack (she makes 3). I’ve been watching the dynamic of my group of dogs change ever since. To successfully add a new dog to your family pack requires training and management of certain situations until the new group dynamic has been established.

Making the jump from 2 dogs to 3 was easier for me than the jump from a single dog to 2 dogs, partly because my boys, Barret and Gatsby, were already past the adolescent stage and partly because I’d learned some hard lessons when I brought Gatsby home from the shelter. The decision to add a second or third dog to your family isn’t one that should be taken lightly. While animals in the shelter can be tempting, take the time to decide if you can properly care for your new animal and consider the personalities of your existing pets to decide if they would benefit from a new companion. Read More »

Controlling Allergies in Homes with Pets

Cold?Allergies. The very word causes many people to shudder. The itchy eyes, stuffy and runny nose aren’t fun to deal with, but a lot of us suffer from allergies; about 1 in every 4 Americans has an allergy of some sort. Some of the more common allergies are seasonal allergies (outdoor allergies) and pet allergies (indoor allergies). So, what are you supposed to do if you want a dog or a cat, but you are allergic to their dander? Depending on the severity of your symptoms there may be a way to reduce your symptoms if you decide to adopt a pet.

Tilly - IMGP3818There are many dogs and a few cats available today that are advertised as ‘hypoallergenic breeds’.  They are usually smaller companion dogs, such as Yorkies, Bichon Frises, and Maltese, or hairless breeds of cats and dogs. The truth is there is not a single breed that is hypoallergenic. All dogs and cats produce dander, excess hair and saliva that contain the allergens that cause our allergic symptoms. These smaller dogs and hairless breeds are often presented as hypoallergenic because they simply produce fewer allergens. These breeds have a slower shedding cycle and often require frequent haircuts and grooming to keep their hair a manageable length. The size of the dog is also relevant, as a larger dog will produce more dander and excess fur! Even with these benefits it is important to note that so-called hypoallergenic breeds produce allergens, and each pet is individual and can produce more allergens than its littermate.

What is a pet lover to do if a family member (or yourself) has an allergy? There are some options, though admittedly they are limited. If you are willing, there are many pharmaceuticals available both with a prescription and without to alleviate your allergy symptoms. Schedule a visit with your doctor to discuss your personal options, and any risks associated with medication.

You may also want to consider the size and coat-type of your pet. Choose a smaller pet (who produces fewer allergens) and one that doesn’t shed excessively. A German Shepherd or a Siberian Husky might not be best option for a household with allergies. No matter what breed you adopt you will want to adjust your cleaning regime.

CleaningReducing allergens in your home is possible, but can be costly depending on how resolute you are.  Some of the more manageable changes include vacuuming flooring and furniture daily, washing rugs and throws frequently, washing pet bedding and crates weekly, washing your clothing after a single wear, and washing your curtains, blinds and linens frequently. If you are purchasing a new vacuum cleaner, look for one designed for pet hair and one that contains a HEPA filter, which you should change every month or two.

If you have central air or forced heat in your home the ventilation system is spreading allergens throughout your home. Consider fitting your unit with a HEPA filter, or investing in a central air purifier which, when used at least 4 hours a day, can significantly reduce allergens in your home. If you plan to make major renovations to your home, consider opting for hard wood or linoleum flooring instead of carpeting, and limit your use of area rugs and throws.

JR in bedA lot of dog lovers, including myself, love to share the bed with pets. If you have allergies, you might want to think twice about snuggling up with Fido for 8 hours each night. You might sleep more peacefully, and feel better in the morning, if your bedroom is strictly pet-free. Set up your pets a warm, comfy bed in another room, or consider crate-training your pet at night and when you are away from the house.  Most pets can be conditioned to enjoy time in their crate if you take the time to train them properly. You should also invest in dust covers for your mattresses and pillows to keep any residual pet allergens at bay.

There are also some grooming habits that can reduce the number of allergens your pet spreads in your home. Consider bathing your pet or having them groomed once over week or two, as long as their skin doesn’t dry out or become itchy. In between baths, have a non-allergic member of your family wipe your pet’s fur with a bath wipe or baby wipe every day or two. To reduce even more allergies, have them do this outside of the home and immediately dispose of the wipes in the garbage.

Make it a habit to wash your hands after interacting or petting your animal, and don’t touch your eyes or face immediately after touching them. If you can’t find a non-allergic family member to do the cleaning or grooming while you are out of the house, arm yourself with a dust mask to reduce the number of allergens you are exposed to during these sometimes unpleasant, but necessary tasks. Always have an antihistamine on hand (such as Benadryl) in case of a sudden allergy attack.

 

buddiesIf you are or a family member is allergic to dogs, and you choose to try to manage that allergy and adopt a dog, be sure to have a solid back-up plan in case the allergies become unbearable. Allergies can build and develop over time, so after a few months living with your new pet, allergies might become more severe. Before bringing your pet home, develop a back-up plan to either co-exist with your pet and your allergies, and have an alternative home set up ahead of time with a reliable friend or family member who will care for the pet if you are unable to. After you adopt a pet, they become your responsibility to care for. It isn’t fair to your new pet to be put back into a shelter for something that they cannot control. We’re all pet lovers and advocates here, so I don’t think that won’t be a problem among our readers.

Owning a pet can be a rewarding experience that is second to none. Often the companionship and friendship that your furry friend will give you outweigh the hassle of allergy shots, excessive cleanliness, and expense that comes with managing allergies. Each person, pet, and their allergies/allergens are unique. Do plenty of research and prepare yourself well in advance of choosing a pet and you will be rewarded tenfold.

Thanks,

Heather

Dogs in Ancient Culture

dogThroughout the ages dogs have always had a special bond with people. They were among the first animals that humans domesticated. Dogs have had their roles in ancient mythology, religion and cultures from Ancient Egypt to modern day pop icons. I’m a history buff, so I thought it might be interesting delve into the role that dogs played in ancient cultures and religions. Keep in mind it is by no means all-inclusive, just an outline on how dogs have been viewed by various cultures of the world. Read More »

Cat Trees – A View From Above

New Cat TreeOne of the very first things I learned when I got my first kitten was that they love to climb and perch at the highest level of a room. I would come home to pin pricks in my curtains and kittens perched at the tops of the windows. When they got bigger, I would return to holes in the curtains or draperies on the floor. Read More »

Treats, Bribes, and Working for Food – Using Treats in Training

IMG_4268-Debra & KoKo demonstrate why Debra is the InstructorIsn’t using treats to train your dog just bribing them? Are you setting yourself up for failure in the future when you don’t have a treat in your pocket?

If used improperly, treats can become bribes and you can set yourself to have a dog that will ‘only work for treats’. This isn’t the optimal behavior we’re looking for with obedience training.  There’s a trick to using treats in training!  Read More »

Dealing with Pet Hair & Shedding

Do you see the hair?Don’t you wish that you could stop your pets from shedding all over the house? Shedding is a natural occurrence in all dogs and cats, except hairless breeds. Some shed their coats more often than others; some breeds shed seasonally and others rain fur all over your house all year. I currently have three dogs, two of which seem to shed enough for at least a dozen dogs! While, it isn’t possible to stop shedding altogether, there are some preventative measures you can take to keep the hair in your house to a minimum.

 

Read More »

Pet Obesity

Big and RoundObesity in pets is becoming an epidemic and is a top health concern for pets according to veterinarians. It is estimated that 54 million cats and 34 million dogs in the US are clinically obese. Many pet owners struggle with keeping their pets at an ideal weight…it’s hard to deny those puppy dog eyes and we just want our pets to be happy, right, so why can’t they have a few extra treats if they want them? Unfortunately, a few extra pounds can be detrimental. The excess weight on our pets can cause a variety of other health problems, the same way obesity can have adverse effects on human health.  A few extra pounds on a dog may not seem like anything to worry about, but the added weight can exacerbate arthritis, cause joint and bone issues, and it can greatly increase the possibility that your pet will develop diabetes or cardiac/respiratory disease. Thier immune systems can be diminished, making their ability to fight off other illnesses and disease.  It’s best to learn how to prevent pet obesity before weight related complications arise, because even if your pet loses weight, the damage may be irreversible. Read More »

Notes on Canine Learning

Recently I came across an interesting article about teaching dogs sign language. I was intrigued by the concept, and I decided to give it a shot with my own dogs. I purchased a book written by the creator of K9Sign.  I have a lot of hard work ahead of me, if I want to successfully teach my dogs to sign, but one of the first things that I’ve got to work on is my understanding of how dogs learn. Read More »

The Joys of Dog Toys – A Buyer’s Handbook

Stuffed KongToys.  Does anything else fill a dog’s eyes with such excitement? The anticipation, the hours of playing, tugging, fetching, and squeaking than ensue is an essential part of a dog’s livelihood. Without toys, there’d be many more shredded pillows, gnawed-on furniture, and generally stressed out dogs. Toys may seem like a luxury item, but dogs need toys to help relieve stress, boredom, and encourage instinctual behavior.  However, buyer beware: not all toys are created equal.

Plush dog toyChoosing toys for your dog can be a fun, rewarding experience for many owners. There are a few things that every pet owner should keep in mind when in the midst of the toy aisle surrounded by furry plush, squeaks and grunts, bright colors and fun. Read More »

Pet Birthday Parties – Celebrating Your Best Friend’s Special Day

Bear's BirthdayCelebrating pet birthdays have been becoming increasingly more popular over the last few years. They can range from private family celebrations to full out doggie pool parties.  Gatsby’s 2nd Birthday is just a few days away. His first year was a rough one and that’s when my husband and I decided to start celebrating our furkid’s birthdays.

Since last May, we’ve had 3 birthday parties for the dogs. We haven’t done anything too over the top, just a trip to the dog park, a dog-friendly birthday cake (with candles and singing, of course), and a present or two to share.

I’d like to share a recipe for the cake I am making for Gatsby this year:

PB & Honey Pup-Cakes

1 cup flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/3 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 cup shredded carrots
1/3 cup honey
1 egg

Directions:

Mix together flour and baking soda. Add remaining & mix well. Pour the batter into a greased muffin tin.

Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool and decorate with melted carob, shredded carrots & banana slices.

Maybe our little girl, Sara, will have a puppy pool party later this summer, it sounds like a blast! How will you be celebrating your pet’s birthday this year? Feel free to sound off in the comments section!

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