Critter Consulting

Make the most of the rest of your summer.  Here are some pet-friendly thoughts & tips to check out.  Enjoy!

• Did you know that July 3 thru August 11 are technically the “dog days of summer”?  According to Real Simple magazine:

These days are “named after Sirius, the Dog Start, in the constellation Canis Major, which shines most brightly during this period.  The ancient Greeks and Romans believed the star was responsible for the heat and blamed it for periods of drought, sickness, and discomfort….”

• Keep your pet cool & safe.  Read our blog for travel tips; water safety tips; and articles/videos/products to help you beat the heat.
• Take your dog to a dog park if he’s dog-friendly & comes when called.  Read about dog park etiquette and dog body language before you go.
• Create a safe outdoor enclosure for you indoor kitty.
• Read about local events scheduled for August. 
• Pick up a good book about dogs or cats.
• Play with your pet.  Shop locally or online for a new toy for your dog or cat. 
• Get the family involved in training your pet.  Contact us for our family-friendly dog and cat training services!

ã 2008 CritterConsulting

This week we get a break from the heat, and hopefully the smoke.  I’ve reposted summer safety & travel tips, as well as ideas for keeping cool.  I hope you’re all having a great summer!

Travel tips

Safety tips:

• Water safety - from ASPCA.org 

- “Do not leave pets unsupervised around a pool.
- Not all dogs are good swimmers, so if water sports are a big part of your family, please  introduce your pets to water gradually.
- Make sure all pets wear flotation devices on boats.
- Try not to let your dog drink pool water, which contains chlorine and other chemicals that could cause GI upset.”

• Swimming with dogs:  video (hsus.org)
• Pool safety:  video  (petvideo.com) and story/video (msnbc.com)
• Hot weather safety:  video (hsus.org)
• Heat stroke:  video (petvideo.com)
• Hot car dangers - psa:  video (petvideo.com)
• Beach safety:  video (petvideo.com)

Articles:

• “Keep Your Dog Cool” - from rspca.org
• “What You Need to Know About Pets & Hot Weather”- from aspca.org
• “Keep Your Cat Cool This Summer” - by Elizabeth Parker (Studio One Networks)

Cooling chewies, toys & products:  Always supervise your pet to make sure he’s safe with a new toy or product.

• “Kongsicle” - Fill a Kong toy & freeze it for a soothing, long-lasting toy.
• Chicken broth ice cubes - Easy & refreshing for your pet.  Make sure home-made or store-bought broths have pet-friendly ingredients.  For fun, make a bone-shaped ice cube!  Or try the Deep Freeze Arctic Treat frozen toys.  Honest Kitchen’s Ice Pups make healthy ice cube treats.  Think bigger, and try the Kool Dogz Ice Treat Maker.   (Tip:  In all these toys, you can freeze treats or kibble in the ice for more interest.)
• A crate-cooling fan is helpful.  (Introduce your pet to it gradually & positively so he’s not afraid of it.  Contact us for help with this.)
• A cold surface to lie on provides relief.  Tile floor; a cold/wet towel; or a cooling bed all help.  (As always, make sure your pet doesn’t chew on unsafe items.)
• Squirt ball
• Water Rover - portable pet water bowl.
• Pet Top - converts your water bottle so your pet can drink from it.
• Cooling Bandana - keeps Pup cool on the go.
• Twist-N-Mist - Attach this mister to a hose & wrap it around a stationary object. It cools the air by as much as 25 degrees.  Great for dog runs or to cool your dog’s favorite outdoor resting area. 
• One Dog One Bone wading pools:  They’re pricey, but they’re super tough & kennel tested.  If you find yourself replacing kids’ wading pools often for your dog, these pools can save you money in the long run.  (Tip:  Let Pup bob for floating toys in the pool as she cools off!  See video.)

Chill! 

ã 2008 CritterConsulting

This week will be hot & smoky again.  I’ve re-posted last week’s info on the fires & smoke.  In addition, you’ll find a collection of tips, articles, and products to help you & your pets beat the heat.  Check back often, as I’m updating daily! 

• The smoke from all the fires in CA is harmful to the health of people & pets.  If the air quality forecast is “unhealthy for sensitive groups”, consider your pet included.  Follow all the recommendations & health advisories with your pet, too.  Read about the latest on the local air quality and the fires, statewide.  Thanks so much to those who are risking their lives fighting the fires.  Our hearts go out to folks who have lost homes & pets to the fires.  Check with the American Red Cross for tips on wildfire safety and how you can donate to help those in need.  Have an emergency plan for your pet, as well.
• It’s hot outside!  The National Weather Service has posted an “excessive heat warning” thru 11 am Friday this week.  Take precautions with your pets & kids. (See below, too.)

Safety tips:

• Water safety - from ASPCA.org 

- “Do not leave pets unsupervised around a pool.
- Not all dogs are good swimmers, so if water sports are a big part of your family, please  introduce your pets to water gradually.
- Make sure all pets wear flotation devices on boats.
- Try not to let your dog drink pool water, which contains chlorine and other chemicals that could cause GI upset.”

• Swimming with dogs:  video (hsus.org)
• Pool safety:  video  (petvideo.com) and story/video (msnbc.com)
• Hot weather safety:  video (hsus.org)
• Heat stroke:  video (petvideo.com)
• Hot car dangers - psa:  video (petvideo.com)
• Beach safety:  video (petvideo.com)

Articles:

• “Keep Your Dog Cool” - from rspca.org
• “What You Need to Know About Pets & Hot Weather”- from aspca.org
• “Keep Your Cat Cool This Summer” - by Elizabeth Parker (Studio One Networks)

Cooling chewies, toys & products:  Always supervise your pet to make sure he’s safe with a new toy or product.

• “Kongsicle” - Fill a Kong toy & freeze it for a soothing, long-lasting toy.
• Chicken broth ice cubes - Easy & refreshing for your pet.  Make sure home-made or store-bought broths have pet-friendly ingredients.  For fun, make a bone-shaped ice cube!  Or try the Deep Freeze Arctic Treat frozen toys.  Honest Kitchen’s Ice Pups make healthy ice cube treats.  Think bigger, and try the Kool Dogz Ice Treat Maker.   (Tip:  In all these toys, you can freeze treats or kibble in the ice for more interest.)
• A crate-cooling fan is helpful.  (Introduce your pet to it gradually & positively so he’s not afraid of it.  Contact us for help with this.)
• A cold surface to lie on provides relief.  Tile floor; a cold/wet towel; or a cooling bed all help.  (As always, make sure your pet doesn’t chew on unsafe items.)
• Squirt ball
• Water Rover - portable pet water bowl.
• Pet Top - converts your water bottle so your pet can drink from it.
• Cooling Bandana - keeps Pup cool on the go.
• Twist-N-Mist - Attach this mister to a hose & wrap it around a stationary object. It cools the air by as much as 25 degrees.  Great for dog runs or to cool your dog’s favorite outdoor resting area. 
• One Dog One Bone wading pools:  They’re pricey, but they’re super tough & kennel tested.  If you find yourself replacing kids’ wading pools often for your dog, these pools can save you money in the long run.  (Tip:  Let Pup bob for floating toys in the pool as she cools off!  See video.)

Chill! 

ã 2008 CritterConsulting

As we approach the 4th of July holiday, here are a few tips (updated daily) to help your pet stay safe & happy:

• The smoke from all the fires in CA is harmful to the health of people & pets.  If the air quality forecast is “unhealthy for sensitive groups”, consider your pet included.  Follow all the recommendations & health advisories with your pet, too.  Read about the latest on the local air quality and the fires, statewide.  Thanks so much to those who are risking their lives fighting the fires.  Our hearts go out to folks who have lost homes & pets to the fires.  Check with the American Red Cross for tips on wildfire safety and how you can donate to help those in need.
• This weekend is the Sonoma County Hot Air Balloon Classic.  Get up early & enjoy the event!  But keep in mind that the sound of a hot air balloon’s burners can frighten pets.  If you notice your dog barking at or retreating from the sight/sound of a hot air balloon, distract Pup with play.  Don’t try to coddle or soothe Pup’s anxiety away, as that will likely intensify his fear.  Adopt a playful attitude - it’s contagious to your dog!  A special chewy, a fetch game, a puzzle toy, or play with another dog can help.  If Pup’s too nervous to play or eat, try the same approach indoors.  Bring him into a quiet interior room; close windows to block out balloon sounds; and turn on the TV or soothing music for a familiar background sound.  Some dogs need more activity to overcome fears, like going for a run with you.  But never force your pet to do anything he doesn’t want to do when he’s nervous - this can compound anxieties.  For more help with your pet’s anxieties, contact Critter Consulting.  (If your pet panics to the point of harming himself, contact your vet first.)  Be proactive to give your pet relief as quickly as possible!
• Fourth of July fireworks also panic many pets.  If your pet is scared of fireworks, or you don’t know how he will react to them, don’t leave him outside or home alone that day or night.  Take the above measures ahead of time to relax Pup.  (Remember that your pet can hear the fireworks start before you can, and fireworks begin before the 4th!)  The ASPCA offers more 4th of July safety tips.  

ã 2008 CritterConsulting

Diet does matter.  Here’s the latest:

• Oops!  I missed this bit of news about the latest food recall, but Julia Kamysz Lane of BarkBlog caught it:

“If your dog dines on Timberwolf Organics, be sure to read this press release. The company is recalling two formulas that were produced with these three specific “best by” dates: Dakota Bison, best by 02/12/09; Ocean Blue, best by 02/20/09; and Ocean Blue, best by 03/08/09. For more information, please email customer.support@timberwolforganics.com or call (407) 877-8779.”

• This just in:  “FDA Requests Seizure of Animal Food Products at PETCO Distribution Center”.  Read this if you buy pet food @ Petco!  It could affect your health, as well as your pet’s.
• Nutro pet food alert:  Pets’ illnesses linked to Nutro pet food.  Read more.
• Keep checking the ASPCA’s pet food recall resource center for the latest info.
• For a wonderfully detailed reminder about what to look for and avoid in a quality pet food, read Susan Thixton’s articles:  “Tips to Avoid the Next Pet Food Recall” and “Is Pet Food ‘People Safe?”.
• And, I’m always adding updated material to this site.  Check back for new “You Are What You Eat”  posts.  Browse the resources page for more diet info for your dog and cat.

Chow!  

ã 2008 CritterConsulting

June is “Adopt-a-shelter-cat month”!

Per the San Francisco SPCA:  “Adopt-a-Shelter-Cat Month is strategically positioned at the beginning of “kitten season,” when animal welfare agencies are filled with felines of all ages, sizes and colors, so this is the perfect time to adopt a cat or kitten!”

• The San Francisco SPCA has some great deals on cats right now:

“Free adoptions to individuals 62 and over who adopt a 3+ year old cat.  The five, longest-term cats at Maddie’s are sponsored by the Adoption Department, which covers the fee.  If two cats are bonded and must be adopted together, the adopter is only charged for one of those cats.”

• The Healdsburg Animal Shelter, Petaluma Animal Shelter, Rohnert Park Animal Shelter, SCACC, and SCHS, and the Marin Humane Society have many cats looking for loving homes.
• Pets Lifeline in Sonoma is celebrating by giving cat adopters a free cat bed & bag of cat food with every cat adopted this month!
• Saturday, June 21, 2008 from 12 - 4pm:  Sonoma County Animal Care and Control will hold a “cat sale“ @ 5 locations.
• There are over 125, 000 adoptable cats on PetFinder.com!   

Check with your local shelter to see how they are celebrating adopt-a-shelter-cat month.  Contact Critter Consulting for help making new adoptions go smoothly.

More events:

♥  June 17, 18 & 27:  Spay/Neuter Project @ the Humane Society of Sonoma County.  A free or low-cost program.

♥  June 20:  “World’s Ugliest Dog Contest” in Petaluma @ the Sonoma-Marin Fair.  Get more details & watch the video of previous winners.

♥  June 20, 2008:  Annual Take Your Dog to Work Day. 

• Carol Vinzant of WalletPop.com blogs about it.
• ASPCA.org offers:  “Top 10 Office Etiquette Tips For Dogs”

If you’re looking for the perfect gift for a pet-loving dad, here are a few ideas:

• Donate to a local shelter or animal welfare group.  You can do this in Dad’s name, or in memory of a beloved pet.  There are many hard-working, kind-hearted local organizations your donation can help.  If Dad is an outdoorsman, he might appreciate a donation in his name to a wildlife rescue group.
• Take Dad & his dog for a hike or a daytrip.  Read about traveling with your dog for fun ideas.
• Make a visit to a dogpark part of Dad’s day.
• Dine al fresco with Fido.  (This video gives great tips for taking Fido to a restaurant, on a hike or to a dogpark.)
• Get Dad an interactive toy that he & Rover can play with.  A classic favorite of many dog-lovers is the Chuckit! Ultra. 
• Is Dad a runner?  Try a hands-free leash to make a jog with Rover more enjoyable.
• We offer gift certificates for dog and cat training.  Get the family involved in a fun summer project!
• While we caution against getting a pet as a gift, Father’s Day could be a good time to begin a family discussion about adopting a pet.  Check our website for tips on choosing a pet, local shelters & rescue groups, and books on the subject.  Contact us for help choosing, preparing for & training your pet.  We’d love to help!  

Your pets’ diets affect their well-being: emotionally, physically & behaviorally.  Stay on top of the latest news on pet food safety, and educate yourself about what goes into your pets’ food.  Fluffy & Fido are counting on you!  (I’ll be revisiting this topic often in future posts.)

•  In the news:  “Recalled Pet Food Settlement Gets Initial Approval” -from the AP (5/30/08)
• Health alert:  “Seasonal Produce that Can Harm Your Pets”- from aspca.org
• Dog diet info:  Read my articles on choosing the best diet & treats for your dog.  See my previous post for more helpful info on the subject.

Bon appétit! 

What’s wrong with this picture?  Quite possibly -a lot.  If this woman is meeting a stray dog, off-leash & without his owner, she shouldn’t pet him.  She and/or her child could be bitten.  It’s never a good idea to pet a strange dog (or a dog you’re meeting for the first time) on the top of the head.  Many dogs will bite if they are approached this way.  You can tell from this dog’s body language (paw up, looking & turning away, mouth closed), that he’s not comfy with the interaction.  Set a safe example for your kids.  Learn a better approach to the dogs you meet:

May 18 - 24 is National Dog Bite Prevention Week.  According to ASPCA.org: 

“…. 50 percent of all children in the United States will be bitten by a dog before their 12th birthday”  and ”800,000 bites a year are severe enough to require medical treatment, while 1 to 2 million go unreported”.

“The vast majority of dog bites are from a dog known to the child—his or her own pet, a neighbor’s or friend’s. You can help prevent this from happening to your child. Please discuss with him or her the appropriate way to behave around dogs.” 

Visit the ASPCA’s website for a list of pledges you can rehearse & recite with your child to keep him/her safe from “potentially dangerous interactions with dogs”.  Download the ASPCA’s activity sheet, “May I Pet the Dog?” .  It’s a fun, colorful quiz for your kids based on the above pledges.

John Woestendiek of The Baltimore Sun blogs in “Mutts” about bite prevention.  He lists the American Veterinary Medical Association’s “Top 10 Ways to Prevent Dog Bites“, and adds a few fabulous tips of his own.

Learn more about dog body language.  Check our recommended reading list.

Wishing you & your family a safe, dog-friendly summer! 

Making plans for a vacation?  Whether you’re adventuring locally for a day or getting away from it all for a week, plan ahead for your pet.  Is he coming with you, or will he stay home?  Here are some tips to send you on your way:

• If you’re leaving your pet at home, hire a pet sitter.  (For your dog, get a live-in sitter.)  Ask your veterinarian, trainer, friends, and neighbors for referrals.  Who do they trust to care for their pets?  Meet the sitter at your home for an interview.  Ask about references and experience.  Let your pet meet the sitter while you’re there to ease his transition.  Perhaps do a trial period for a day or a weekend so you know that the sitter & Fluffy did well in your absence.
• Research kennels for your dog.  Again, dependable referrals are invaluable.  Visit the kennel and interview the staff.  If the kennel also has a daycare, let Rover spend a day there before your trip.  If all goes well, let him stay overnight while you’re home.  Be sure to get a report on his visit from the kennel staff.  Of course, ask your vet if Rover is current on all the necessary immunizations first.  The kennel will want written proof that he is protected.
• If your pet will travel with you, do your homework first.  Contact your airline for instructions.  Do you need a health certificate from your veterinarian?  AAA has tips for traveling with your pet.  Visit their office to buy their book, “Traveling With Your Pet:  The AAA Book”.  The Petaluma Animal Shelter has tips (with pics) on safely securing Rover in your car for road trips.  Drs. Foster & Smith also offer a few pointers.  And the ASPCA offers helpful air & road travel tips.
• Day trips, like hiking with your dog, also require preparation.  Make sure Rover is physically fit for the trip.  Bring lots of water and snacks.  Pack a first aid kit for him.  Go when the weather is pleasant.  Take breaks often.  And talk with your vet about flea & tick prevention.  Stay on trails to avoid foxtails, snakes, etc.  Be a responsible pet owner and pick up after Rover.   Obey local leash laws.  Check dogplay.com for terrific links to info on hiking, running, camping & more - all with Rover!

Enjoy exploring this summer with the peace of mind that your pet is safe and happy.

ã 2008 CritterConsulting