THE MOST DANGEROUS DAY OF THE YEAR FOR PETS (by Pauline Larsen)

The Fourth of July is a time of celebration…all about family, fun, food…and fireworks.  However, animal welfare groups assert that it is the most dangerous day of the year for your dog, and  rescues and shelters are inundated in the days following the Fourth with pets who,  panicked at the noise of firecrackers , simply bolted and ran, winding up lost, injured, or killed.  The truth is that fireworks and dogs simply do not mix well! Even the bravest dogs can become terrified by the explosions of fireworks,  which  are loud to the human ear, and your dog’s  hearing is more sensitive than the human ear can even register.  The most important thing you can do is to keep her away from fireworks displays!

*Do NOT leave your dog outside.   Many otherwise calm dogs have broken their restraint or jumped a fence in a terrified attempt to find safety.  If you have friends or neighbors who leave their dogs outdoors, please visit with them about the dangers involved.

*Be sure your pet’s information is up-to-date.   Often fireworks are set off ahead of the official scheduled time, by well meaning neighbors or friends, and your dog can escape if he is startled by the fire and thunder shattering the night!  If your pet doesn’t have a collar with current info on it, as well as a microchip with your current information, now is the time to get them.  Identification is the best way to be reunited with a lost dog.

*Never use fireworks around your pets.  While lit fireworks can pose a danger to curious pets and potentially result in severe burns or trauma, even unused fireworks can be hazardous.  Many fireworks contain potentially toxic substances including potassium nitrate, arsenic, and other heavy metals.

*Exercise your dog early in the day before the fireworks begin, and  take him outside to relieve himself a few hours before the fireworks begin.   Then confine him to a quiet area of your home that is somewhat sheltered from outside noise. Some animals can become destructive when frightened, so be sure to remove items that they might destroy or be harmful to them if chewed.  Create a safe haven  with a cozy, inviting bed,  favorite toys, and maybe a Kong or two.

*Turn on a fan, the radio, or the television  (or maybe all three) to drown out the popping and the booming, and close  the curtains or blinds   We have a shelf full of CD’s promising to calm dogs, and most of them are what I call “snake oil,”  but we did find one that works…itreally calms frightened or traumatized dogs.   Canine Lullabies is amazing; we have used it for years at the TLC Canine Center.   For information on this CD, go to www.caninelullabies.com, or call toll free, 1-800-537-7748.   Actually I suggest you check out the website to get basic info, and then call and visit with Terry.

*Bach Rescue Remedy is a homeopathic  natural relief for any stressful situation, and  this blend of 5 of the 38 Bach Original Flower Essences, developed by Dr. Edward Bach, has been used by humans for more  than 70 years.  It has also been found helpful in creating calming effect when your  pet needs help overcoming a variety of emotional or behavioral problems.  I have found it to be very effective on some dogs.   Check it out at www.rescueremedy.com

*We have also successfully used a commercial product, the Thundershirt.  Created by behavioral experts, this item often calms dogs in a manner similar to swaddling an infant.  It uses gentle hugging  to lessen anxiety or fear.  How does it work?   I don’t know, and it doesn’t work on every dog, but for those who have anxious or traumatized dogs, it is worth a try.  It is believed that the pressure possibly releases a calming hormone like endorphins, and certainly using pressure to relieve anxiety in both people and animals has been a common practice for years.  Many medical professionals today routinely teach swaddling to new parents, and families and friends have been passing down this wisdom for centuries. Go to www.thundershirt.com  for info.

Please do  yourself  (and your dog) a favor this holiday and keep her safely inside, away from dangerous, toxic, hot, frightening items.  By just taking a few precautions, everyone…canine and human… will  have a safe, happy, Fourth of July.

Larsen can be contacted at Paw Prints, Box 373, Newell, Iowa 50568 or by e-mail at plarsen@rconnect.com

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Spring #1 2014 (Written by Pauline Larsen)

The calendar officially proclaims that IT’S SPRING, and hopefully the long, bitter weather is behind us. Spring is a great time of the year, and both humans and canines are ready to feel the warm sunshine, with grass on the ground instead of ice and snow. However, spring brings hazards for our companion animals, who are restless from being cooped up, and are eager to shake off the blahs of winter.

• There are new smells and new places to explore which means that normally well-behaved dogs will suddenly become escape artists and dig or climb their way out of their safe yards to find themselves lost with no clue about returning home. Please be sure that you have up-to-date identification on your dog. We also recommend micro-chipping your animal.
• In spring, depending on your dog’s breed, you can expect more shedding as the coat changes. Consistent daily brushing is necessary, and remember, in a pet lover’s home, a few dog hairs can be classified as condiments! (I doubt anyone ever died from a dog hair in his soup!)
• If you have an intact pet, he will really become restless. The alarming statistics of unwanted offspring and animal overpopulation should convince you to spay or neuter, and it is also important to do it for the health and safety of your pet.
• Spring is a good time to schedule a wellness check. Hopefully the vet will give her a clean bill of health, but if something suspicious is found, perhaps it can be treated in the early stages. Most dogs have teeth problems by the time they are three years old, and since tooth and gum disease can lead to more serious problems, be sure to include a dental checkup for your canine.
• We used to believe that heartworm was a problem only in the Southern states. Not true. This mosquito-borne parasite is a definite threat to your animals, and while it is true that heartworm can be treated if caught early enough, the treatment is harsh and is also expensive. Get your dog tested for heartworm and on a preventative provided by your veterinarian.
• Don’t wait until you see a flea to begin treatment…fleas are more than a nuisance, and bother your dog with more than allergies and itchy skin, and by the time you see one, you have an invasion of these nasty little creatures. If a flea swallowed by your dog contains tapeworm larvae, the dog may get tapeworms, and other diseases may also be transmitted by the fleas. Once your dog is infested, the problem extends to the home and yard, and is more difficult to treat. The smart thing to do is to treat your animals BEFORE fleas are present. There are many safe products that will eliminate flea problems. DO NOT use over-the-counter products…many are toxic. Discuss your options with your veterinarian.
• It is equally important to protect your dog (and you) from ticks, which can carry and transmit several diseases including Lyme Disease and Rocky Mountain Fever. Again prevention is much easier than treatment. Some products are effective against both fleas and ticks. Again talk to your vet about preventative measures, and how, by consistent implementation of relatively easy strategies, you can protect both humans and canines in your household from these unwelcome parasites. Controlling and eliminating fleas, ticks, and parasites require energy, time, and money. The best control is always prevention.
• If you use herbicides or pesticides on your lawn, be sure to restrict your pets from the treated areas for at least 24 hours, preferably longer. These chemicals are toxic to your pet.
• By taking just a few precautions, spring will be a fabulous time for both you and your dog!

A day in spring is one thing, but a spring day is another. The difference between the two is sometimes great!—Henry Van Dyke

Larsen can be contacted at Paw Prints, Box 373, Newell, Iowa 50568 , or by e-mail at plarsen@rconnect.com

Fiona’s Story …

Cats are given nine lives for a reason. They need each and every one of those lives to ensure their survival.  Nothing illustrates this better than Fiona’s story. She came perilously close to losing one of them at the hands of a madman.  He was going to shoot her.  Look at this face…how could that thought ever cross anyone’s mind?  Lucky for her she was saved just in the nick of time.  Not only is she stunningly beautiful, she is as sweet as they come.  She doesn’t know how close she came to meeting her maker. We never told her. So she goes about her life in blissful ignorance waiting for that special family that will value her and keep her safe from the evils that lurk in dark corners.

(Photo by Anna Schreck Photography; Written by Karyn Moltzen)

TOXINS ARE EVERYWHERE (by Pauline Larsen)

(kristenhaynie.hubpages.com)

Here a toxin…there a toxin…everywhere a toxin…or two…or more!  We are continually  bombarded by toxins even in our home  environment, and  children and pets  are intensely curious, interested in exploring, discovering, and learning about their world.   That  natural curiosity can get them into trouble.  Dogs (and sometimes young children)  use their mouths in place of hands, and so they pick up, chew, and end up exposing themselves to numerous toxins in and around the home.

The kitchen with its tantalizing tastes and smells is a favorite gathering place for humans, and usually the home of a dog’s food bowl.  This room usually contains large quantities of household  maintenance  and cleaning chemicals, often in lower cabinets.  Many dogs easily learn to open cabinets, and, intrigued by new scents,  are likely to lap of a lethal dose of chemical cleaner or snack on a dirty sponge or scouring pad.   The solution? Childproof locks on the cabinets.   These locks are easy for an adult to open, and quickly become automatic, but are almost impossible for a child or pet to manage.  A second solution is  reconsider your housecleaning strategies, and rather than use caustic and poisonous  chemicals,  choose natural or “green” cleaners that are safer and more ecologically sound than traditional cleaners.

(myplasticfreelife.com)

The kitchen garbage pail is full of potential  dangers.  Even a cover cannot deter a clever canine.  The greasy mess of wrappers and gnawed bones  are unhealthy, but the molds, bacteria, and toxins are more hazardous.  “People tend to underestimate the problems that eating garbage can cause,” emphasizes New Hampshire vet,  Dr Charles DeVinne.  “Such common throwaways, such as apple cores (and seeds), potato skins, and moldy cheese can make dogs sick, with symptoms ranging from obvious pain to diarrhea and vomiting, accompanied by lethargy, depression, or seizures.  All of these symptoms require veterinary care.”

Other  dangers lurk  throughout your house.  Dogs who eat even one penny minted after 1983 or metal game tokens like Monopoly pieces risk zinc toxicity.  Small, sharp parts of toys can also cause internal blockages or even serious intestinal punctures.  The range of items removed from the stomachs of dogs include panty hose, superballs, feminine hygiene products, and plastic bread bags.

According to the Pet Poison Helpline, among the top  poisons are:

l.  Foods, especially chocolate, the sweetener zylitol, grapes and raisins, onions, alcohol,  and unbaked yeast dough.

2.  Insecticides, including sprays, bait stations, and some spot-on-flea and tick treatments.(Do NOT buy these over the counter…consult your veterinarian!)

3.  Rodenticides (mouse and rat poison)

4.   Human medications including:

* Nonsteroidal  anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) for humans, such as ibuprofen and naproxen

*Anti-depressant  such as Prozac, Paxil, Celexa, and Effexor

*Acetaminophens such as Tylenol and cold medications

*Amphetamines such as Adderall and Concerta, medications that are used to treat attention deficit disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

*Cardiac meds (e.g.  calcium channel blockers, beta-blockers, etc.)

*Vitamins and minerals  (Vitamin D3, iron, etc.

*Caffeine pills

5.  Household cleaners  including MANY  sprays, detergents and polishes.

6.  Fertilizers, including bone meal, blood meal, and iron-based products, cocoa mulch.

7.  Veterinary prescribed meds, especially pain relievers such as COX-2 inhibitors like Rimadyl,  Dermaxx, and Previcox, can be toxic if not administered properly.

   (A description of items listed can be found on www.petpoisonhelpline.com )

The best thing a pet caregiver can do is get educated on common household toxins and pet-proof your home accordingly.  If you suspect your dog has ingested something questionable, consult your veterinarian or poison helpline immediately.  Accurate and timely identification of the suspected substance is important and may save the life of your pet.

Larsen can be contacted at Paw Prints, Box 373, Newell, Iowa 50568 or by e-mail at plarsen@rconnect.com

BRUSH UP ON DENTAL HEALTH by Pauline Larsen

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We all know that we need to take care of our teeth so that plaque and tarter buildup doesn’t cause bacteria that can migrate into our bloodstreams, resulting in serious health problems. The same is true with our pets. Along with good food, exercise, and lots of love, regular brushing of their teeth is one of the most important things we can do for them. Poor dental health isn’t just about your dog’s teeth and gums. Over 80 percent of them are affected by dental problems including serious periodontal disease by the time they are three years old, which affects their overall well- being.

February is National Pet Dental Health Month with the “ Pets Need Dental Care Too” campaign. Remember what your teeth looked and felt like this morning when you got up? That rough, thick feel to the surface of the teeth after going only overnight without brushing. Can you imagine not brushing your teeth for a couple days…or weeks…or years?

(welovecavaliers.com)

Dogs depend on healthy teeth and gums for survival. Like their caregivers, they are susceptible to bacterial plaque, tarter, cavities, and tooth aches. Periodontal disease, caused by bacteria and their toxins, if left untreated, will damage the teeth, gums, and supporting tissues. They can also spread through the bloodstream to other organs, including the kidneys, liver, lungs and heart. Since dogs cannot brush their own teeth, it is the responsibility to the caregivers to keep their teeth and gums in tiptop shape. According to recent surveys of dog caregivers, almost all confirm that they would proactively do anything to help their dogs live longer, healthier lives, but fewer than l0 percent recognize dental care as one of the top health concerns for dogs. Very few recognize the importance of brushing their dog’s teeth.

Symptoms of periodontal disease include brownish or discolored teeth, tarter buildup at the gum line, swollen, bleeding, or receding gums, irritability, decreased appetite or reluctance to chew, eat, and drink, pawing at the mouth, rubbing the face on the ground, and persistent bad breath.

To help your dog keep a healthy, lifetime grin, humans need to practice preventative care.

• Don’t dismiss doggie breath. A dog’s bad breath is often an early warning sign of dental problems.
• Pay attention to your dog’s eating habits. If she is reluctant to eat hard kibble, it could be due to a tooth ache.
• Provide fresh water daily. Bacteria can escalate inside bowls containing water that is more than a couple days old.
• Treat your dog to a raw baby carrot or two every day. Raw carrots help scrub plaque away as well as provide vitamins and fiber.
• BRUSH her teeth…no, we are not kidding! The idea of brushing your pet’s teeth daily can be a bit daunting at first, but it’s the best way to keep gum disease from getting started. If you have never done this, start off easy. Begin by handling his mouth for a couple minutes every day for a few days. Stroke around his face, and then reward him with praise and maybe a carrot! For the next week, work toward getting your dog comfortable with having his mouth handled . Don’t even try to brush….next week’s Paw Prints will cover basic tips for actual brushing.

Please don’t be one of the majority of caregivers who will become discouraged …as Mark Twain said, “Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect. “ With patience (and carrots) , you’ll eventually have a dog who happily lets you mess with his mouth!!

Larsen can be contacted at Paw Prints, Box 373, Newell, Iowa 50568 or by e-mail at plarsen@rconnect.com

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“Cold Weather Favorites” by Pauline Larsen

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Bitterly cold temperatures, snow, ice, and chilling winds have hit us hard in Iowa, so this week’s favorites are cold weather  gear.  Just because dogs have fur coats doesn’t mean that they can endure bitterly cold weather.   No dog should be kept outside when the temperatures drop below freezing.

Most of you know that I am not a fan of clothing for dogs ….however, with the frigid, blustery weather we have been experiencing,  your dog might appreciate a sweater or coat…not for appearance, but for warmth.   Veterinarian Arnold Plotnick insists that when the temperatures drop below 40 degrees, short coated and toy breeds need a sweater or coat, and should be outdoors only long enough to relieve themselves.  Dogs bred for cold climates might enjoy a  longer walk, but prolonged exposure to cold weather, especially accompanied by high winds, can lower any dog’s body temperature,   resulting in hypothermia, or frostbite.   We often hear, “Dogs are animals.  They’re meant to be outside.  They’ll be fine.”   Not true!  If you see a companion animal shivering outside in the cold, please don’t ignore him.  Perhaps the caregiver doesn’t even realize the dangers, and a neighborly offer to help make the situation better might be gratefully accepted if you don’t sound accusatory or belligerent.  If the “good neighbor” approach is unsuccessful, it may be necessary to notify the authorities.   A dog’s life might depend on your intervention.

(dirtragmag.com)

All dog coats and sweaters are NOT EQUAL…actually the majority of them are almost worthless.    I have two very favorites: the first is an inexpensive anti-pilling fleece  coat that combines warmth, style , and durability at a surprisingly affordable price.  Fido Fleece coats have  collar- to -tail Velcro closing which makes  them easy- on and easy- off.   They cover, warm, and protect the dogs vulnerable underside,  and come in a wide array of styles and sizes.    For details on these coats, go to   www. petsafe.net ….just type in Fido Fleece , or call toll free 800-933-5595.

My very favorite  dog sweater is the amazing  ThunderSweater, a new product from the same company that makes the ThunderShirt, a coat  designed to ease  a  dog’s fear and anxiety, using the same concept as wrapping a human baby snuggly in a blanket, or “swaddling”, a common practice for helping to calm an upset or cranky baby.  It works with humans, and it also works with canines to comfort and calm.  The Thundershirt has helped families, veterinarians, and trainers increase an animal’s self-confidence, providing comfort in situations that were once stressful or frightening.     I am a fan of the Thundershirt because it can be adjusted to fit almost any dog, and most dogs are happy and comfortable wearing it.  It is great for alleviating stress, and also for warmth on chilly days.  The ThunderSweater consists of a regular ThunderShirt  made of a sturdy, stretchy fabric, over which a cable-knit sweater layer is fitted using snaps.    The attractive sweater layer is thick and well-constructed, and the snaps that attach it to the ThundersShirt underneath both hold strong when snapped, and release relatively easy for removal.   Once the garment is on and fitted properly, it looks good and it stays put.   It is certainly better made than most dog coats on the market, and the sweater layer in particular is impressive.  (Yes, it is a bit spendy, but purchase of the Sweater includes both the under Shirt and the Sweater, and because of the high quality workmanship, it will outlast several of the ill- fitting  cheapies that most dogs find uncomfortable)    The only problem with this gear is that, even with the visual instructions provided in the packaging, it may be a challenge to put on the dog the first time, and removing the sweater or putting it on the base layer  can be confusing, but if you are really serious about a great cold weather garment for your dog, check out the ThunderSweater by calling 866-892-2078 or going to ThunderWorks.com and type in ThunderSweater.   The ThunderSweater provides added warmth when needed, while continuing to provide all the calming benefits of ThunderShirt.  It’s well worth the cost!

(kulfoto.com)

Just a brief mention  (I am running out of allotted space, as usual J) about dog boots or booties.  You will find dozens of them in pet stores and catalogs…many of them are really cute, but ineffective (and most dogs resist wearing them)  If you really want dog boots,  I recommend  Ruffwear Bark’N Boots Grip Tex which are easy to put on, easy to secure, provide continued comfort, and they stay on the paws…they really do.   If you google “Ruffwear dog gear”, you will find several companies offering this product, but again, most dogs resist boots…I recommend rubbing Bag Balm (or just plain Vaseline)  on the dog’s foot pads, and washing the paws after a trek outdoors.

Remember your dog is part of the family and deserves to have a safe, healthy, comfortable winter.

Larsen can be contacted at Paw Prints, Box 373, Newell, Iowa 50568 or by e-mail at plarsen@rconnect.com

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