Make Your Summer Plans Now!

It always happens this time of year.  From now through September, I will receive endless queries about what to do with the family pets while the humans are on vacation. I always try to be helpful with my suggestions, but frankly, people who are leaving in a week for a month long trip and have yet to figure out what to do with their animals are very frustrating to me!  There are all sorts of options out there IF you plan ahead.  If you leave your decision to the last minute, you are likely to be out of luck, or to only find limited choices available. There also seems to be a great deal of negativity out there with regard to boarding facilities.  That is, many dog owners seem to think that traditional boarding situations are archaic and not appropriate for any dog, which simply isn't true.  So, with that in mind, here are my thoughts on your different options for your pet's care while you are away.

Boarding facilities come in many forms. There are facilities where the animals are housed in cages or runs for the duration of their stay. There are others where the dogs are taken out of their cages or runs for exercise in a fenced area alone or in small groups. There are others where dogs are grouped daily for exercise or interaction, much like doggie daycare. There are even facilities that allow multiple dogs to board in the same area, thus allowing dogs that live together at home to stay together while away from home.  Which of these scenarios would work best depends on the needs of your particular pet.  If your dog doesn't get along with other dogs, then boarding and exercise alone are a must, for example.  If your dog is a social butterfly, then boarding where there is an emphasis on group play with supervision is a better option. If your pet is aggressive toward people, then they may need to stay in an area with minimal interaction for their safety and the safety of their caregivers.  If you have a pet with medical needs, you can still choose to board them. You should plan, however, on additional fees being charged for that service.  And if your pet has a lot of medical concerns you may prefer to board them at your veterinarian's office, if that is an option available.

For some animals, the best option while you are away is a board and train type facility where they can receive additional training in problem areas while you are gone, in addition to having a place to stay.  Not all board and train facilities are created equal, however, so you will need to do your homework well in advance to insure that the choice you make is in your pet's best interest.

Many pet owners really want one-on-one care for their pets when they are away, but don't feel comfortable inviting a stranger into their home to house-sit.  If that is the case, there are certainly pet sitters out there who provide pet care in their own homes.  These sitters book up fast as they can only accommodate so many pet guests at any given time.  Expect to be interviewed and have your pets assessed for suitability in the homes of these pet sitters. It is likely that your pet will not be their only guest, however, so if your pet doesn't get along with others, then be sure to state that clearly so additional arrangements can be made.

If you feel comfortable having someone stay in your home to care for your pets, this is often a good choice from your pets' point of view. They get to stay in their own environment with all of their familiar things.  Be sure to leave the pet sitter specifics about your pet's daily life so that they can mirror those activities as closely as possible.  If your pet suffers from separation anxiety, be sure to let the sitter know this as you don't want them leaving your pet alone for extended periods of time thus increasing the stress.  If your pet gets nervous with strangers, however, then a pet sitter in your home might not be a good option unless you can choose a sitter that your pet already knows and is comfortable being with in your absence.

Multiple pets, any pets with special needs, geriatric pets, and those with behavior problems will require extra attention and that extra attention will come at an additional expense to you.  You have to plan for this and understand that not every boarding facility, pet sitter, or house sitter is equipped to deal with medical issues, behavior problems like aggression, or an elderly incontinent pet, for example.

It's my habit to plan out where my dogs will go FIRST, and then plan my vacation around that.  I have a select few people that I like to leave my dogs with and/or have in my home to care for them. It has been the case, more than once, that I've changed plans because I couldn't arrange for their care in a way I felt comfortable with.  That's just part of pet guardianship!  I was picky when it came to the babysitters/caregivers for my children. I am no less picky when it comes to my dogs.

Here's hoping that all of your summer vacation plans come together seamlessly!  As always, if you have questions about your pet's behavior, you know where to find me.

Understanding Your Dog

This morning, I was speaking with a new client and she said something that I found so insightful. I loved that she was able to see this so clearly and know it was a problem worth exploring with me.  Definitely a conversation worth sharing with all of you as well.

She has a young dog that she is showing in conformation.  At home, the dog is happy and content.  She feels the dog enjoys her daily walks and enjoys training.  However, when they get to a dog show, or anywhere really that isn't their home or neighborhood, the dog is anxious and sad. When she looks at video from the ring, all she sees is a very unhappy, often frightened, dog.  She has decided to quit showing this dog until we can help her "find her joy." And, yes, she has ruled out medical causes for her dog's behavior.  This dog is not in physical pain, nor is she physically ill. She is afraid and panics when in big, public places.  If she were a person we would say she has agoraphobia.  We might even label her expression as depressed. Because she is a dog, however, people seem to hesitate to use these these terms for fear of being told they are "anthropomorphizing" or "humanizing" an animal. Why is that?

Dogs are mammals.  We are mammals. To think that we are the only mammals in the animal kingdom to feel emotions like joy, happiness, depression, or fear is very narrow-minded.  In fact, there are studies which show that other animals besides mammals experience these emotions and more. Having an emotional life and emotional awareness helps individuals make connections with others necessary for their survival. If you want to get "science-y" about it, break it down this way.  Emotions are fueled by hormones and neurotransmitters, and those are not limited to humans, but found in all other vertebrates, and many invertebrates as well. While it may be difficult to test and prove that a dog feels guilt or that a rat enjoys being tickled, it does not mean that those emotions don't exist for those animals, nor does it make those emotions any less important to their well-being. Maybe the fault lies with our inability to accurately assess/measure those emotions in anyone but ourselves.

So, back to the dog.  We are going to treat the fear and depression using a combination of drug therapy and behavior modification.  We are going to help this dog overcome her fear of crowds and large spaces and see if she can ultimately enjoy being out in public. Her owner is less concerned with her returning to the show ring, and more concerned with her being a happy, well-rounded dog who can enjoy being out and about.  She doesn't want her dog to be anxious and afraid any more.  Neither do I.  The bottom line is this: we need to show some empathy and some compassion.  Understanding how much our animals are just like us is the first step.  Realizing how much we have in common with other animals keeps us humble and helps us stay connected to our world.

As always, if you have questions about your pet's behavior, you know where to find me.

We have more in common with dogs than you might think!

Choosing a Leash for your Dog

I just got off the phone with a client I've known for years.  She was feeling frustrated with her new puppy.  Her previous dog lived to be 15 years old and it's hard work going from a senior dog to a puppy!  Right now, she's feeling most stressed out and aggravated with leash walking.  She had been so looking forward to taking her new pup for his daily walks until she snapped on her old dog's leash and the trouble started.

She used to walk her senior dog on a cute, 6 foot, polka-dotted leash that matched her collar.  There was never any leash tension as her sweet old girl sniffed and explored, always within about 2-3 feet of my client.  Bliss, right?  Well, the new puppy immediately started chewing on the leash, yanking it right out of her hand!  And he took off like a rocket to the end of that 6 foot leash, before gasping and then darting in a different direction.  He also ran around her legs, wrapping the leash as he went.  She is at her wit's end and she says they didn't even made it a block!

First of all, she needs to get a new leash.  That cute polka-dotted leash has too many memories for her.  And if her new pup tears it up (which he probably will!), then, I know, she will be devastated.  Retiring that leash is the first step.  I do like using a 6 foot leash on puppies because it does give them some room to explore; I always feel that a 4 foot leash gets taut really fast with a puppy.  And she needs to start working on leash walking in her house and around her yard first, before heading back out again into the big world beyond.

Puppies do need to sniff and explore safely on leash.  They need to learn how to be called off of things they should avoid.  They also need to learn to walk WITH their owners.  Not necessarily in a strict heel, per se, but more like a nice stroll with a friend.  All of this can be taught to a puppy.  What you don't want to do is make leash walking negative by constantly yanking on your puppy's neck.  You also don't want to be too lax and put your puppy on a retractable leash. Those leashes are dangerous and they most certainly do not teach nice leash walking skills.  Puppies need more room to explore than a 2 foot street lead provides, and again, for example, while a 4 foot leash is great for pet assisted therapy visits and other tight spaces, they aren't great for casual walks.  And those 20 foot, 30 foot, and 40 foot lunge lines? Those aren't for teaching leash walking at all; those are best used for teaching recall.

I suggested my client consider an older puppies class as she'd get to work on the leash walking there.  I think it would help her to see that she's not alone AND it would help her work on leash walking in a structured environment.  From my point of view, leash walking classes, whether for puppies or dogs of any age really, are so valuable.  Most of us have forgotten that walking our dogs is a relationship.  The goal is not the destination but enjoying the journey.  Put away your phone.  Watch your dog.  See his nose in the air and down on the ground?  He's enjoying himself. And honestly, you should too.

As always, if you have questions about your dog's behavior, you know where to find me.

Ozzie, as a puppy, walking Desi on too short of a leash!

Garden Safety For Your Pets

Now that the weather is getting warmer, I'm itching to get started on my garden.  I like to plant in pots that I can move around and change up.  This year, I am leaning toward planting flowers and plants that are not only safe for my collies, but beneficial from the standpoint of either being edible, being a good bug repellent, or both! There is always so much talk about what you shouldn't plant in your garden, I figure it's time to talk about what you should!

Roses are safe and with over 100 species, you have lots of choices. Just remember to stick with those in the family Rosacea.  There are many plants with the word "rose" in their name which aren't really roses and which aren't safe for our pets. Sunflowers and gerbera daisies are beautiful to grow and then bring the cut flowers indoors.  Zinnias are in the daisy family and safe for dogs and cats.  I love all the colors of snapdragons and the pretty purple flowers on the sweet potato vine. If you plant marigolds you will not only get to enjoy their vibrant oranges and yellows, but you'll incur insect repelling benefits as well. Marigolds are great for repelling both mosquitoes and aphids, so planting around your roses will help control a pest that you so often find there.

Herb gardens are awesome as you can clip and snip for your own meals, but if your pets get into them, they are safe.  Dill, basil, thyme, rosemary, sage, cilantro, oregano, and lemon balm are just a few to think about.  Parsley CAN be safe; if you have a puppy, however, I'd stay away from parsley as the frilly leaves can be super attractive and high doses of parsley can cause liver and kidney problems. Planting basil will have the added benefit of repelling mosquitoes and flies, while rosemary will repel fleas and ticks. Cat mint is a safe plant that also repels insects, in particular those dreaded mosquitoes destined to be bad this year, thanks to all the rain.

There are also herbs and plants that can be used medicinally for you and your pets!  Echinacea has beautiful, daisy-like flowers and immune boosting properties.  Burdock herb helps with allergies and digestive issues.  Milk thistle can help with liver disorders and peppermint can help with indigestion and nausea, as well as repel spiders, mosquitoes and ants in your garden. Chamomile can be dried for tea and has the cutest, white daisy-like flowers. And my favorite, lavender, repels moths, fleas, flies, and mosquitoes, and both leaves and flowers can be dried and eaten.  If you have a puppy, however, I would avoid lavender if you think the flowers will be too much of a draw for them. In large quantities, lavender can be stomach upsetting for animals.

Finally, if you just can't give up your gardenias, hydrangeas, begonias, or bulbs, why not plant dog's bane (and put up a deterring fence while you are at!) around those toxic plants? Dog's bane is an herb in the mint family with a strong odor that works as a natural deterrent for cats and dogs.

Hope you are now as inspired as I am to get out there and clean up your winter garden and prepare for the hot summer weather ahead.  Be sure and let me know what you're growing in your pet safe garden!

As always, if you have questions about your pets, you know where to find me.

Good thing my neighbors have poppies growing in front of their house and dogs in the back yard since poppies can be toxic!  These gorgeous roses though could be anywhere as they are safe for all animals...except for those thorns!

Easter: Just Another (Potentially) Deadly Holiday For Your Pets!

There always seems to be a lot of attention given to Halloween and Christmas with respect to the dangers and pitfalls those holidays provide for our pets.  Bowls of unattended Halloween candy, Christmas trees decorated with tinsel, etc. have nothing on Easter.  Easter is fraught with potential hazards, many of which you may not even be aware.  So, for safety sake, here is my short list of things to watch out for:

1. Chocolate:  Yes, I know, there is a lot of chocolate available on other holidays as well, but not in the form of chocolate bunnies, ducks, and chicks.  Those bigger-sized, fun-shaped chocolates found in Easter baskets are deadly.  Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, two methylxanthines. Both are in higher concentrations in dark chocolate, for example, but a big, milk chocolate bunny is still a gastrointestinal risk for your dog.

2.  Easter Grass:  If you think tinsel is attractive to dogs and cats, you can't imagine how exciting it is for them to spot loads of colored tinsel (aka Easter basket grass) readily available in those cute Easter baskets sitting out for the kids.  Easter grass can cause bowel obstructions, stomach irritation, and is a choking hazard.

3. Plastic Eggs & Small Toys: Those cute, colored plastic eggs whether filled with candy or small toys, are a choking hazard for your pets.  Again, if swallowed, they can cause bowel obstructions and stomach irritation as well.

4. Eggs:  While hard-boiled eggs can be a healthy treat for your pet, the dye used to color the eggs may not be.  Make sure that the dye you use is non-toxic, as a bit of dye always permeates the egg shell leaving the egg inside with a slight tint.  Again, watch how many eggs your pet consumes.  While one egg is fine, if they find and consume more eggs than your kids/grandkids do, you've got a potential problem!

5.  Jellybeans:  While jellybeans in an of themselves might seem low risk, they can be deadly if the brand chosen contains xylitol as the sweetener.  Xylitol poisoning leads to liver failure and death.

6.  Easter Ham & Lamb:  While a bite of ham or lamb may be low risk, these higher fat foods, along with the higher fat side dishes we often serve on this holiday as well, are a risk for pancreatitis, abdominal pain, bloat, vomiting, etc.

7.  Easter Lilies: Several varieties of lilies are toxic to cats and many are toxic to dogs as well, leading to kidney failure and death if any part of the plant is ingested. Lilies are messy plants, dropping petals and pollen in their water and on the surfaces where displayed.  Your pets may ingest those fallen leaves or petals, or walk through the pollen and then lick their feet.  The risk is so high, I recommend not bringing lilies into homes with pets at all.

Keeping your dogs on leash during the Easter egg hunt in your yard, placing Easter baskets up out of their reach, crating or confining those that surf counters are all good ways to protect your dogs on Easter Sunday.  Encourage well-meaning friends and family to bring other bright, cheerful flowers and plants and stay away from lilies and daffodils.  Have them bring tulips instead since the riskiest part of the tulip is the bulb making those beautiful, fresh cut tulips low risk.

And if you need it, here is the phone number for the pet poison hotline, (855) 764-7661.

Hope you and your pets have a safe, happy, fun-filled Easter!

Desi is too well-mannered to dig through those empty plastic eggs.

 His eye is on the bone in my hand as I took his Easter picture!

Out in Public Spaces

I realize that this is kind of a"part 2/follow up/more thoughts" kind of piece from my post last week about the Husky we met in a Seattle park. So, bear with me because I think this is important.

Desi and I did our pet assisted therapy visit on Sunday where he charmed everyone, as usual. Following our visit, we headed downtown as I needed to run a few errands and it was a lovely day, perfect for a stroll with my buddy.  While walking from the parking garage to the shops, Desi and I saw many dogs walking with their humans.  Some lunged at him (he ignores this), a few barked (that usually gets a tail wag), and a couple made moves to sniff him (he's always good with that).  I generally ask Desi to stay at my side and we try to wait 3 feet or so away from other people and their dogs, so as not to be rude or crowding at stop lights, corners, standing in line, etc.  More than once, Desi was approached and petted without any discussion/acknowledgement of me.  Keep in mind, I was wearing my bright turquoise, Furry Friends Pet Assisted Therapy t-shirt, so there is no way people could miss me.  Maybe they figured if I was wearing a shirt about therapy animals, then it must be okay to approach and touch my dog without asking?  But here's the thing. Yes, Desi IS the quintessential pet assisted therapy dog. He loves EVERYBODY and really does want to meet EVERYONE, ALL OF THE TIME.  However, I saw some of these same people walking up to other dogs who gave no indication whatsoever that they enjoyed that kind of attention from strangers. In fact, I observed a couple of dogs quickly move away from approaching strangers and bark a warning.  Did those approaching strangers apologize? No. They made angry facial expressions and comments to those dogs' owners about how dogs who aren't friendly shouldn't be out in public.  That really ticked me off.

Just because a dog isn't friendly with strangers, is slow to warm up, or simply needs you to get permission from its owner before petting, doesn't negate that dog's right to be out in public.  Don't get me wrong here. I don't think that it is okay to bring an overtly aggressive, people-biting dog out in a congested, high traffic area. None of these dogs were aggressive that I could see. They just didn't want to be approached or touched by strangers.  And the woman walking with the service dog wearing a working dog vest and harness in the department store?  She shouldn't have been approached at all and she shouldn't have had to say, "No, please don't touch my dog. He's working."  What is wrong with the general public?  I am pretty sure these same people would not have wanted strangers walking up and touching their children unsolicited, and yet they think it is okay to do it with people's unfamiliar dogs? And, yes, I understand dogs are not children, but I do believe the analogy is a good one.

I know I am probably preaching to the choir here with a lot of you reading this.  However, I am certain you know people who do this or who admonish other folks for taking their dogs out in public even if they aren't friendly with strangers, don't like other dogs, etc.  Spread the word.  Give dogs and their humans space. Share the sidewalk.  Talk to the human before asking about the dog.  Don't touch or approach service dogs.  Be kind to one another.  And by all means, ask me if you can pet my therapy dog.  I will say yes.

Would love to hear your thoughts on this as well. And, as always, if you have behavior questions or concerns, you know where to find me.

Desi striking a pose in front of a Spring window display on our Sunday outing.

The Canine Smile

My daughter and I recently took a trip to Seattle.  While there, we had the opportunity to walk around the large park near the Space Needle on a beautiful, sunny day.  Was so nice to see lots of people out walking their well-behaved dogs in a public setting.  We spotted a couple walking a young husky and commented to each other about how calm and happy the dog appeared on leash, exploring all the smells.  At one point, they started walking in our direction.  Both of us made brief eye contact with the dog and were delighted to see the dog "smile" at us (mouth had been closed following a good sniff, then the dog raised her head, softened her gaze, and her mouth opened in a big grin, in case you are wondering what I mean!) and walked over to us doing a full body wag for some sniffs and love.  We were delighted to pet her.  She was so gentle, friendly, and amenable.  The owner commented that the dog always seems to know "dog people."  That got me to thinking about "dog people."

So, sometimes I come across people who label themselves as "dog people," but then behave in ways which indicate that while they may like/love dogs, they really don't "get" dogs or understand them.  Running up to a dog they don't know, patting that dog on the head, getting in the dog's face, or squealing at the dog all seem like very poor behavior on the part of said "dog people." Dogs are so forgiving, most of the time, holding their ground when rushed, tucking their ears away from those head pats, gaze averting and lip licking in response to humans' in their face stares and squeals. Frankly, I think the husky we met was just thrilled to not see any of those things with us.  We took turns petting the dog under her chin, made soft, happy sounds to her, and waited to see if she wanted more attention.  She came back one more time for attention before moving on with her owner.  She glanced back at us over her shoulder once almost as if to say," You two are pretty cool. Nice to meet you both!" We were happy to have made her acquaintance as well.

So, what's my point here? My point is that we all need to try to be better "dog people." Let unfamiliar dogs CHOOSE to approach you or not.  Make yourself approachable by not staring, not squealing, and engaging the owner in a friendly manner. If the dog chooses not to approach, don't take it personally.  But if the dog does approach, give them a gentle scratch or rub under the chin and see if they'd like more from you.  Let them sniff you...it's a dog thing.  And thank the owner for letting you engage their dog.  This seems like common sense to my daughter and me, but then again, we are "dog people."

As always, if you have questions about dog behavior, you know where to find me.  I will likely be teaching another seminar on canine body language and how to speak dog in the near future. Hope to see you there!