Posts in Category: Human-Animal Bond

Even the most football-obsessed owners have to remember their pets may need special attention during the Super Bowl, according to veterinarians Debra Horwitz and Marty Becker. The noise and activity, coupled with all the guests and food that often accompany the Super Bowl, can cause stress for pets, and owners should take time to pet their animals, take them out for bathroom breaks, avoid feeding them human food and give anxious pets a quiet room away from the festivities if needed, they advise.

If you’re an American, have eyes and ears, and enjoy eating, then you’re probably celebrating Super Bowl Sunday this weekend — that wonderful time of year when it’s all about delicious finger foods, screaming fans and, yeah, football too.

But while you’re shrieking at the TV and jumping around like you’ve never seen a football game before in your life, your poor, confused pets will be taking the brunt of your excitement.

That’s why animal behaviorist Dr. Debra Horwitz and “America’s Veterinarian” Dr. Marty Becker have partnered with Petco to help you help your pet cope with football fever.

1. Don’t forget your pets’ needs.

Just because the biggest game of the year is on TV doesn’t mean your pet can forgo his bathroom breaks and social needs. Record the commercials — or watch them online later — and use that time to tend to your four-legged friend. You can even take a quick trip to the dog park if you can stand missing a few minutes of the game.

2. Keep the greasy wings away.

We mean from your dog — although it wouldn’t hurt if you banned them from your own stomach as well. Do not be tempted to throw fattening foods to your pets — particularly chicken wings, which they can choke on. And make sure to remind your guests to refrain from the same.

3. Pause and pet.

There are moments during the Super Bowl when even humans can get a tad frightened by the screaming fans — especially when you’re not paying attention (or have no idea what’s going on). So how do you think your pets feel when your neighbor takes a flying leap at the television? Make sure to take a few moments during the game to show your pet some love. The best part? Stopping to pet your dog (or even watching fish swim) can help reduce your blood pressure and decrease cortisol, a hormone related to stress and anxiety.

4. Find a quiet place.

If you find your pet looking anxious, set aside a quiet room for him to retreat. It will calm him down and even give you some relief from the insanity.

Veterinarians and other scientists have been studying canine cancer patients’ DNA to identify mutations involved in several types of cancer, many of which also affect humans, such as lymphoma and osteosarcoma. The findings will likely lead to better diagnostics and treatments for animals and humans alike. “The key to unlocking some of nature’s most perplexing puzzles in human health has actually stood right next to us, wagging its tail,” said Matthew Breen, a genomics professor at North Carolina State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Santa Cruz Sentinel (Calif.)

A family therapist contacted AHF to request assistance with a family that had a debilitating fear of dogs. The father had been attacked by three German Shepherds as a child, and has feared and disliked dogs ever since. The children, an 8-year-old girl and a 6-year-old boy, picked up on their father’s fear and also became afraid, to the point of panicking and running away whenever they encountered a dog in public. Over the course of six weeks, AHF members educated the family members on dog body language and proper behavior around dogs, and exposed them gradually to selected therapy dogs.

 The dogs chosen to assist had experience working with children, a mellow attitude, and a non-threatening demeanor. Bonnie, a Shetland Sheepdog, is READ certified and works with children on a regular basis. Macy, a calm Golden Retriever, also works regularly as a reading dog, and is very gentle and quiet.  Jake, a yellow Lab mix, has visited many children at school educational programs. His tail wags constantly while he works, and children love his wiry beard. The handlers kept the dogs under strict control, keeping them either lying down or facing away from the children until the children felt comfortable enough to approach them. AHF members involved in the project were Jan Vincent, Daleen Comer, and Diann Frey.

The visits began with minimal contact and a lot of talking about each dog, and progressed to brushing and petting, double-leash walking (handler and child each holding a leash), working with the dog doing tricks, and finally feeding treats.  At the last session, the father shared the news that the children had encountered a German Shepherd while walking, and had calmly passed by. The family is grateful to AHF members and their dogs for changing the lives of the children.

It’s essential to understand the costs of pet ownership before choosing an animal, experts say, adding that getting real about costs should stop owners from adopting — and then surrendering — pets they can’t afford. Some 13 million U.S. households acquire a dog each year, but nearly half are taken to shelters within 12 months, according to Dogtime.com. Owners should be prepared for an initial investment that includes fees for adoption, sterilization, vaccinations and training. However, TV trainer Joel Silverman says families who can handle the costs will find dogs worthwhile: “This is your best friend, right?” U.S. News & World Report

By                            Geoff WilliamsJanuary 14, 2013    RSS Feed      Print 

Veterinarian Julianne Miller writes that seeing the pain of pet owners who must euthanize a pet because they can’t afford emergency medical care is the toughest part of her job. Dr. Miller points out that good medical care inevitably carries a cost, and veterinarians can’t render services for free, so owners should be mentally and financially prepared for a pet before they commit to ownership. One way owners can be prepared is to purchase pet insurance, Dr. Miller writes. The Arizona Daily Sun (Flagstaff)

As I think about my life as a veterinarian here is Flagstaff, first and foremost, I feel incredibly lucky to be part of such a diverse and wonderful profession in which I get to meet terrific people who love animals. It is also fulfilling to be able to support the local animal charities.

The hardest part of my job is watching the emotional suffering of pet owners as they try to deal with an emergency with their pet. My clinic deals with a large number of animal emergencies and these are highly charged, emotional situations that no owner can possibly be mentally prepared for.

The hardest part of my job is watching the emotional suffering of pet owners as they try to deal with an emergency with their pet. My clinic deals with a large number of animal emergencies and these are highly charged, emotional situations that no owner can possibly be mentally prepared for.

It is the financial toll, however, of these situations that are the most devastating for most owners. Speaking for the profession, most of us did not enter this field to make money but rather to fulfill some deeper need to help and treat animals. Unfortunately, medical care is not free and we must charge for our services, and in an emergency situation, this can be devastating.

If I could give all pet owners one piece of advice it would be that when they adopt a pet they need to be mentally and monetarily prepared for the possibility of an emergency medical situation with their pet. This could mean getting pet insurance or putting money in their budget every month for pet expenses.

Emergencies never happen when you are expecting them and to have to euthanize a pet because of financial reasons is devastating. Trying to emotionally support an owner through this horrible decision is the worst part of my job.

Veterinary care is not free and good veterinary care is not cheap. Make sure you’re prepared for emergency care by budgeting or purchasing pet insurance now and not regretting it later when you need it. Contact your veterinarian to find out more about pet insurance.

It’s possible that allowing employees to bring their dogs to work could improve a company’s bottom line, according to this article, which notes that powerhouses including Amazon and Google allow dogs in the office. Potential upsides include better employee satisfaction and productivity, fewer missed workdays and increased congeniality at work. However, employers need to have clear rules about cleaning up after pets, training of animals and dealing with aggression, as well as a plan to address the possibility of allergies among workers. 4Hoteliers

Do you want to follow the example of successful businesses like Google and Amazon?  One way to start is to allow employees to bring dogs to the workplace, just as they do.
You wouldn’t be alone –  it is estimated that 2.3 million dogs attend work each day with 1.4 million owners, and that’s not even counting one-person shops and those who work at home.
While you will not be guaranteed to transform your company into an internationally-recognized brand overnight, you may take a step towards that direction.  This article will cover the pros and cons of a pet friendly workplace, and will offer some guidance if your office wants to go to the dogs.
Two important points before going further: first and foremost, this article does not cover service animals, including seeing-eye dogs.  There is a whole special set of regulations and responsibilities when it comes to accommodating workers and members of the public who require assistance because of disabilities, and these rules and tips do not apply to them.  Second, this article focuses on dog-friendly workplaces, so leave the ferrets and the cats at home.
While some may choose to allow any type of pet at the workplace, most companies restrict their policies to dogs only (with perhaps fish also being allowed, given they are unlikely to escape the office or cause too much of a mess).
Puppy Uppers Vs. Doggie Downers
Companies that offer dog-friendly workplaces cite numerous advantages to allowing the animals at work.  Some reasons can’t be easily quantified – improved quality of life, better office morale, increased camaraderie, lowered stress, and greater happiness are all cited as positives.  But beyond these warm and fuzzy reasons, there are some distinct advantages that may increase your company’s bottom line.
Employees with dogs are likely to work longer hours since they don’t have to leave for doggy daycare at 5:00 PM.  You will probably see decreased absenteeism because your workers won’t have to stay home to tend to their pets.  Employers often note increased productivity and efficiency when employees have dogs with them at work.
Combine all of these factors, and also consider that employees enjoy saving pet-sitting money, and you have probably separated yourself from your competitors when it comes to attracting and hiring new talent.  There is no doubt that, at least for some employees, a dog-friendly workplace is a benefit no different than healthcare coverage or three weeks of vacation, and they will choose where they work based on that benefit.
On the other hand, remember that not all employees love dogs, and perhaps a pet-friendly workplace will be a disincentive to some current or prospective workers.  For all of the benefits listed above, some workers – and customers – may view the atmosphere as too unprofessional.  Further, there may be some industries where state or local regulations prevent dogs from being present, such as some restaurants, food stores, hair salons, medical offices, etc.
Follow The Rules
If you are ready and able to move forward with a dog-friendly workplace, here are the steps to take and issues to consider.  First, check to make sure that the building you occupy allows dogs, and also make sure that you have proper insurance to cover any injuries or damage that may occur.
Next, take some time to consider what kind of rules you want to have in place, and put them in writing.  Will you require all workers to prove their dogs have been recently vaccinated and are free of fleas, etc.?  Would you want all dogs to go through a pet training class as a prerequisite?  Will you do a trial run, such as dogs allowed on Fridays only for a month, before deciding your next step?  Are there areas of the office where dogs will not be allowed (kitchens, work rooms, bathrooms, etc.)?   Will all dogs be allowed, or only those under a certain weight?  If an employee needs to go out of the office, where will the dog be kept in his or her absence?
Staying Out Of The Doghouse
Finally, at a bare minimum, you need to address the following issues.  If another employee has or develops an allergy to dogs, or perhaps even a psychological phobia to animals, you will need to accommodate that employee under disability law.  Consider having a “dog free” area of your workplace, or installing high-grade filtration systems to reduce dander and hair.
Make sure your policy addresses aggressive behavior against other employees and dogs, and enforce the policy by barring offending animals for good or until they are properly trained.  And lay down rules regarding cleaning up after the animals, being clear about whose responsibility it is to wield the pooper scooper.

Although clothes for pets can be trendy, the AVMA says certain breeds benefit from wearing coats, sweaters, booties and other items when the temperature is too cold for them to handle naturally. However, dogs can overheat in sweaters, so owners should closely monitor the weather, the dog and the dog’s activity, according to Dr. Bonnie Beaver, a past president of the AVMA

In certain parts of New York City, high-end dog clothing shops are as ubiquitous as coffee shops. Not all well-heeled pooches are dressed up for reasons of fashion, though. When the weather turns frigid, even furry creatures might appreciate the comfort of a warm sweater.

“Just like people, pets’ cold tolerance can vary from pet to pet, based on their coat, body fat stores, activity level and health,” The American Veterinary Medical Association says.

(Photo: Flickr via Creative Commons/lindyj)On especially frigid days, vets recommend keeping walks short.

Certain breeds, especially short-haired ones, are not as naturally adapted to be cold-tolerant as, say, a Siberian husky. Smaller dogs with short legs may also feel the cold more because their stomachs and bodies are more likely to touch snow-covered ground, according to the AMVA. Pets with certain medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease or hormonal imbalances may also be more susceptible to the cold because they can’t regulate their internal temperature as well.

(Photo: Flickr via Creative Commons/eco-pup)In moderate temperatures, dogs might be better off naked.

If you do choose a dog sweater or coat, experts recommend that you bring a spare.

“Have several on hand, so you can use a dry sweater or coat each time your dog goes outside. Wet sweaters or coats can actually make your dog colder,” the AMVA says.

(Photo: Flickr via Creative Commons/Laertes)Even big dogs might appreciate a little extra warmth when it gets really cold.

But pet owners should exercise caution, especially in moderate temperatures.

“Wearing a coat can be very dangerous for a dog, especially if it’s a heavy coat and the dog is doing a lot of exercise,” Bonnie Beaver, a past president of the AVMA, told the New York Post in 2010.

Another cold-weather accessory to consider is booties. Both city and country dogs wear them to protect their feet from freezing sidewalks or ground.

(Photo: Flickr via Creative Commons/goldberg)Booties can help protect your dog’s paw pads from frostbite.

Even sled dogs get in on the act!

(Photo: Flickr via Creative Commons/Alaskan Dude)Dog competitors in the famous Iditarod race in Alaska.

As pet owners, we do all we can to safeguard our pets from dangers in and around the house. We can do a lot to keep some risks — like medications, poisonous plants, and antifreeze — away from our pets, but some dangers — like wild animals — may be out of our control. In this podcast, Dr. Bernadine Cruz, associate veterinarian at Laguna Hills Animal Hospital in Laguna Woods, Calif., talks about what we can do to protect our pets from wildlife. Listen to the podcast.

Veterinarian Linda Randall notes that at-home euthanasia of pets has steadily increased in recent years, and about 25% of the euthanasia procedures she performs are carried out at the owner’s home. Dr. Randall creates a quiet, soothing environment and gives the pet a sedative before the euthanasia injection. “It’s very painless and very peaceful,” Dr. Randall said. “We wish more people would do it at home.” However, it’s not for everyone, Dr. Randall says, because the cost is roughly twice that of in-office euthanasia and some people do not want their home associated with the pet’s death. The Medina County Gazette (Ohio) (1/16)

When Hotshot, a 12-year-old Labrador, became seriously ill in 2007, his owners realized they had a dilemma to face: Was it time?

“When he stopped eating, we decided he had had enough,” Robin Walker said.

When the day came, Hotshot excitedly greeted their guest, Dr. Linda Randall, like it was any other day.

Randall, a veterinarian from Cloverleaf Animal Hospital in Westfield Township, came inside their home and set up a comfortable environment — blankets and soothing music. She gave Hotshot a sedative. Once it set in, she injected him with an anesthesia.

Within 90 seconds, Hotshot had fallen asleep for the last time.

Walker said the decision was tough to make, but she couldn’t see it happening any other way.

“I wouldn’t hesitate to do it again,” Walker said. “It was good for us, and it was good for the dog.”

Randall said Walker isn’t the only one who approves.

Although euthanizing pets is commonplace, Randall said opting to have it done at home is a growing trend.

“In the past couple years, we’ve seen in-home pet euthanasia upswing 50 percent,” Randall said.

Randall said her clinic, at 7777 Greenwich Road, euthanizes 100 to 150 pets per year, and a quarter of them are done at home.

While she always has offered home euthanasia, she believed it was becoming more common because pets are seen more and more as members of the family.

And just like end-of-life discussions about human family members, pets are subject to similar talks and practices, she said.

Home euthanasia can be calming for the animal because it avoids the anxiety of a trip to a foreign environment, Randall said.

“It’s very painless and very peaceful,” she said. “We wish more people would do it at home.”

Randal practices what she preaches: Her own pets were euthanized at home.

She said there are a couple downsides to the procedure.

Some families might not want to have a pet euthanized where they live, she said, much like some people don’t want to live in the home where a loved one died.

The cost also may deter some families.

Euthanizing a pet at the clinic usually costs between $50 and $150, she said, depending on the animal’s size.

“It’s about twice as expensive to euthanize at home,” she said. “We shut down shop while I’m out on call, and it takes longer than an in-house appointment.”

On average, the clinic euthanizes two animals per week.

She said it’s a tough job because she often gets to know the pets and the owners.

“It takes its toll,” Randall said. “It’s hard, but I have to separate myself a little bit. If I thought of every animal like my own, I’d be depressed all the time.”

To contact Randall at Cloverleaf Animal Hospital, call (330) 948-2002.

Contact reporter Nick Glunt at (330) 721-4048 or nglunt@medina-gazette.com.

Legal Zoom and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals have joined forces to make it easier for pet owners to provide instructions for the care and support of their pets if the owner should become incapacitated or die. Four out of five people have not established a plan for pet care, and half a million animal owners die or are rendered unable to physically care for their pet each year without having made plans for their animal friends, according to the ASPCA. WVLA-TV (Baton Rouge, La.)/NBC News (1/15)

NBC NATIONAL NEWS  — Some of you will be fine-tuning your estate plans and your will this month.

It’s important to make sure you’re not forgetting or leaving out someone special.

About one in five pet owners already have in writing what happens if their animals outlive them, because the consequences for not doing so can be so severe.

“If you haven’t made any arrangements there’s a good possibility that your pet could end up in a shelter, and there’s an even greater possibility that your pet could be euthanized for lack of finding a loving home,” warns Kim Bressant-Kibwe, a trust and estate counsel with the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

The ASPCA Recently teamed up with Legal Zoom to provide the pet protection agreement.

“It costs about $39 and what it allows you to do is to set out some very basic information about the care of your pet. You can name a guardian, a successive guardian,” Bressant-Kibwe explains.

She says you can’t leave your pet part of your estate, but you can establish a trust fund to pay for future care.

The ASPCA estimates a half million owners die or become incapacitated each year without leaving instructions on how to care for their pets