How to Take a Scared Cat to the Vet Stress-free

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Many cat owners have had negative experiences when taking their cats to the vets. It’s no secret that cats hate being put in unfamiliar situations so it is no surprise that visiting the vet, even for a routine check-up, can be problematic.

Fortunately, with some simple preparation and reassurance you will be able to take even the most scared cat to the vet with minimal stress.

What Causes the Stress?

Before we look at how you can make each vet visit a calm and stress-free experience, it is important to first understand why your cat may find the situation stressful.

When you visit the vet, your cat is often put through a series of stressful and unfamiliar scenarios before they even reach the veterinary clinic.

Some key reasons your cat may be anxious include:

  • Previous negative experiences at the vet
  • Unfamiliar places and handling
  • Being in close proximity to unfamiliar animals
  • Lack of control and inability to escape
  • Change in routine
  • Being in a car/ traveling

As you can see, there are multiple reasons cats may find going to the vet daunting.

Use a Suitable Carrier That Your Cat is Familiar With

Many cats only see a carrier when it’s time to visit the vet. This means they associate it with negative experiences and are uncomfortable being in or around it. In order to combat this, make sure you have a carrier that is the
right size for your cat and get them used to be in and around it. If
you don’t want to have the carrier out all the time, bring it out a few
days prior to the vet visit.

This gives your cat a chance to go in and out of the carrier and get used to it. Also, placing one of your cat’s blankets into the carrier will help to make it more familiar and less scary.

As pet carriers tend to be quite bulky and awkward to carry, you may want to invest in a cat backpack (find out more about what a cat backpack is at Tuxedo Cat) these allow you to carry your cat with ease while keeping your hands free to open doors and fill out paperwork.

It also means your cat is kept far from the ground and far from the other animals at the vets.

Using a cat backpack may also offer a suitable solution for cats who have had bad experiences with traditional carriers and as a result, refuse to go near them.

Related Reading:

How to Care for a Kitten
Symptoms of a Sick Cat

Allow Your Cat Time in The Car

If going to the vets involves driving, it is best to get your cat used to being in the car prior to the visit. You can do this by putting your cat in the carrier in the car (without going anywhere) for a few minutes, then give them a treat and take them back into the house. Do this a few times to help your cat get used to being in the car.

Before long, going in the car will no longer cause stress, then you can do it again but this time turn the car on and get your cat used to the engine.

Once this has been normalized you can drive short distances. All the while reassuring and rewarding your cat.

Taking it step by step in this way allows your cat to get used to the situation without feeling afraid or overwhelmed. Then
when the time comes to go to the vet, they will know that going in the car is nothing to worry about.

Now that we have taken the stress out of going into the carrier and the journey to the vets, let’s look at the vet visit itself.

Minimize Waiting Time

A veterinary waiting area will be full of strange sounds and smells and this can be a nightmare for cats – cats are territorial and love their own space so imagine their dread when they are suddenly in an unknown room with various animals, lots of strangers and no way to escape.

This situation can be very stressful, particularly when the cat carrier is placed on the ground in close proximity to other animals. It’s something you may not have even thought about before but placing the carrier on the floor as dogs pass by on leads is very scary and
intimidating for your cat.

If possible, limit the amount of time you spend in the waiting room.

If there is a cat-only waiting area, take advantage of this but generally the less time spent waiting the better. If you’re early, you may want to sit in the car for a few extra minutes until the appointment is due.

If you are in the waiting area, choose a quiet spot and have the carrier on your lap, continue to reassure your cat in a calm voice to let them know everything is ok.

Some vets are more cat friendly than others so it may be worth having a look around to find the best suited practice for your cat.

Offer Reassurance and Praise

It’s important to reassure your cat throughout the entire journey and vet visit.

If your cat likes treats, offer treats at key points such as; when they go into the carrier, at the end of the car journey and in the waiting room.

When it is time to be seen by the vet, let the vet know how your cat generally acts during these visits.

This allows the vet to decide the best route to take when it comes to physically handling your cat.

When the vet or vet nurse handles your cat, talk softly so they know you are still there and everything is ok.

You won’t need to worry about trying to hold your cat as the vet or vet nurse will do the handling during the examination and will place your cat back into the carrier when the examination is completed.

When the examination is complete and your cat is back in the carrier, offer them a treat and continue to reassure them that everything is ok.

Now you will be able to take your cat to the vet without all the stress, scratching and hiding. Be patient with your cat and remember why they are reacting the way they are (fear). If your cat is particularly anxious, here’s a couple of extra tips to help you solve the problem:

Make Social Visits to the Vet

By visiting the vet every now and then with your cat without having any of the handling and procedures it will help to show your cat that not every visit is a negative experience.

When you’ve got some spare time, simply pop in to the vets with your cat and give them treats and praise before leaving and going back home.

Maybe the receptionist will say hello and give your cat some positive attention too. All of this can help to combat the negative association your cat may have developed around vet visits in the past.

Use Calming Spray

If your cat is particularly prone to stress and anxiety, you may find it helpful to use a calming spray such as Feliway to relax your cat prior to a vet visit.

You simply spray it inside your cat’s carrier before you leave to go to the vets and it helps to calm your cat. The spray mimics pheromones that cats release when they feel calm so the spray helps to relieve stress.

Many people are a bit hesitant when it comes to using sprays but this has been tried and tested and is widely recommended. The Anti-Cruelty Society mentions the use of Feliway when acclimatising your pet to the car and state that spraying it onto a towel in the car can help reduce anxiety.

Veterinarian Dr. Metcalf also mentions during a radio interview that spraying Feliway onto a towel that you will put into the carrier can help reduce your cat’s anxiety.

4 Road Trip Dog Medications and Supplies You Need When Traveling with Pets

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Most dogs go absolutely berserk with joy when they realize they are going on a road trip. However, their very excitement is a cause of concern as it can lead to anxiety and exhaustion during long road trips. Dogs are also susceptible to motion sickness, especially if you plan on going off roading.

road trip bring dog

As a responsible pet parent, you need to prepare a medical kit just for your dog. These kits should include all the essential vet supplies for dogs necessary for a long road trip. This not only helps you treat common health issues but also gives you the peace of mind when nothing goes wrong.  Without further ado, the following are 4 pet medications and supplies you need to have around when going on a road trip with your dog.

Pet First-Aid Kit

There is a good chance you already have a first-aid kit in your car. However, that kit contains medical supplies to treat wounds and injuries in humans. If you are traveling with your pet, it makes sense to prepare or buy a first-aid kit for dogs. Apart from the usual items such as pain-free pet bandages and antiseptics lotion, there are a few critical supplies most pet parents tend to forget. Barring the usual, following are 3 medical supplies that should be part of your dog first-aid kit.

  • Styptic Gel: Stops Bleeding Immediately
  • Hydrogen Peroxide: To Induce Vomiting to Treat Poisoning
  • Emergency Blanket: To Prevent Heat Loss

Anti-Anxiety Medication

As mentioned earlier, dogs tend to get excited when riding a car. While for most dogs the excitement lasts only a few minutes and they usually calm down. However, some dogs face a difficult time settling down and they continue to pant and move around for a long time. This is not only unhealthy for the dog but can also be distracting for the driver. Anti-anxiety pills for dogs work really well in these circumstances. Right from antihistamines and sedatives to anxiolytics, there are several different types of anti-anxiety pet meds that can help in these situations. Speak to a vet to learn about the best anti-anxiety medication for your dog and the appropriate dosage.  It’s also a good idea to get your dog familiarized with the car before a long trip. Take short drives with your dog before going on a long road trip.

Medication for Motion Sickness

Much like children, dogs are susceptible to motion sickness when riding a car. There are a few pet-safe homeopathic remedies for motion sickness such as cocculus and aconitum. Speak to a vet to understand if they are right for your pet. Warm peppermint tea offers a natural remedy for nauseated dogs. However, be sure to consult a vet before administering it as some dogs can get stomach upsets following a peppermint overdose.

Related Reading:

Sharing Your Bed With Your Dog
Fencing to Secure Your Dogs

Pet Diapers

While it’s not a medication, pet diapers help your pet to relieve themselves and frees you from the worry of “accidents”. It’s unhealthy and unfair for dogs who are forced to hold their pee for extended periods of time. The solution is to take frequent pee breaks and carry enough diapers. Diaper training might be necessary to let dogs know that it’s safe to relieve themselves when wearing a diaper.

Is Sharing Your Bed with Your Pet Right for You?

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If you’re thinking about sharing your bed with your pet, you’re not alone. A 2010 survey found that 56 percent of dog owners slept with their dogs in or on their bed. Cats have it even better with 62 percent sleeping in or on their owner’s bed.

If you’re undecided here are a few pros and cons to think about.

Sleeping in bed with pets

Pros

1. Safety

Safety is one of the number one reasons people share their bed with a dog. Many people assume their dog will let them know of danger like an intruder or fire. People who live alone often rest easier knowing they have someone else to watch their back while they sleep.

2. Better Mental Health

Stress, anxiety, and depression are common causes of insomnia. A study conducted at Miami University found that pets can fulfill social needs without competing with your human relationships. Your feelings towards your pet may rival those you have for a best friend, making them a part of your social support system. It’s also been found that touching your pet can cause the release of oxytocin, a hormone that stimulates feelings of love and compassion. Together, these effects can help improve your mental health so you can sleep easier.

3. Comfort

Did you sleep with a stuffed animal as a child? Pets are like the ultimate security/comfort blanket. For those who live alone or who’s spouse frequently travels, another body in the bed adds warmth and companionship at night. To sleep comfortably, you might need to order a larger mattress to accommodate you and a pet, especially if your Great Dane really wants to snuggle.

French bulldog puppy sleeping with teddy bear

Related Reading:

Pet Fences for the Yard
Your Gide to Owning Dogs
Installing a Doggie Door
How to Care for Cats

Cons

4. Germs and Bacteria

Pets are going to bring extra germs and bacteria into your bed. Now, you’ll also have to consider that if your pet is inside anyway, those germs and bacteria are already in your home. However, pets that spend any time outside could bring in extra debris and fecal matter. You have to decide if you’re okay with that. For your health, you should also make sure your pet is up to date on vaccinations as well as flea and tick treatments.

5. Allergies

Many people successfully keep pets even though they have allergies. However, prolonged nighttime exposure to allergens can aggravate your symptoms. Breathing problems can reduce the quality of your sleep, leaving you tired the next day. Fur and dander can get attached to almost everything from the bed frame to the curtains. If your allergies get triggered at night, it can make them worse during the day too.

6. Sleep Deprivation

Pets dream and change positions during the night like humans do.  If you’re trying to share a bed with a partner and a pet, you all might end up running into each other far too often. Both you and your pet need sleep for optimal health. Of course, you might be able to come up with a solution to bed sharing problems. Your pet could have a designated space at the foot of the bed or a pet bed kept on the floor. Your pet will still be nearby, but everyone will have their own space.

After you’ve weighed the pros and cons, it’s time to jump in with your decision. You’ll know you’ve made the right choice when you and your pet are both happy and well rested. Whether that’s sharing a bed, bedroom, or staying separate, you can still have a strong bond with your pet.

Why Should You Have Cats At Home? Here Are Purrrrfect Reasons!

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When it comes to home pets, the most typical animals we see are cats and dogs. Between the two, a great portion of animal lovers prefer dogs over cats. However, times have a changed as the latter has become as popular as the man’s best friend, don’t you think?

Reasons to Own Cats

No arguments intended here; everyone is entitled to their own choices. But according to Statista, the recent number of dog ownership in the U.S. is 89.7 million, while the number of households with pet cats is around 95.6 million, having a significant difference of 6 million American households. It goes to show how feline pets are dominating the households in the U.S. in terms of the ownership count.

But more than just getting on top of surveys, the love for cats has become more and more evident nowadays. Just like taking care of dogs or other types of pets, owning a feline pet does come with preferences; people take care of cats because it’s their choice. And did you know that having a feline companion at home has its perks?

If you have thought of bringing a cat home, then it’s a sound decision. Why? There are many purrrfect reasons why. From economical, physical, health to spiritual benefits, cats can be your greatest furry home companion.

Benefits your home and the economy

One of the best things about having cats at home is their ability to sense and exterminate pests. Pesky rodents and insects don’t stand a chance against the aggressiveness of a feline hunter. And as a proof of their work, cats oftentimes show their dead prey to the owners, which can be nasty.

cat ownership economy

Aside from being efficient pest exterminators, cats are friendly to your budget and to the environment. How? Because of their relatively smaller size, they don’t need so much food, you get to save some money. Their small food intake results in a lower production of carbon footprint. In return, pet food manufacturers, who depend on fuel for their production, emit lesser amounts of carbon dioxide, a Purring Pal article reveals . And we all know how toxic CO2 is for us.

Taking advantage of their small physique, cats are good companions, especially when you live in apartments. They don’t need so much space to run around. They are also low-maintenance pets that are contented with staying at home and just lazing whenever they feel like it. More than 80 percent of their existence is spent on sleeping, so they can be apathetic most of the time. They don’t care if you leave them inside the house.

If you live in the countryside, cats are not only good house companions, but they can also get along with large farm animals like cows, horses, and sheep. Because of their playful nature, cats help in keeping these meek, barn giants relaxed.

Related Reading:

How to Foster Kittens
Kitty Cat Care Guide
Control Feral Cat Population
Popular Cat Breeds

Good for the children

Generally speaking, getting a pet encourages children to be responsible individuals. But there are many other advantages when kids take care of pet cats.

children and cats good together

For one, petting a furry kitten enhances a child’s mental focus. Considering the kids’ short attention span, teachers use animals in their lessons to foster the interest in learning. And cats are perfect animals to be part of every subject and discussion. It also goes the same when kids are at home. Cats help improve the mental sharpness in children since these furry animals don’t move around very much. They prefer to sleep, making it easier for the little ones to concentrate on their homework.

Having pets at home is also a good way to protect kids from getting allergies and to decrease the chances of coughs. Many researchers think that exposing kids to pet dander and outdoor microbes, which pets bring into the house, could develop the immune systems of growing children. The presence of these common allergens at an early age could train the body to fight the microbes and build better defenses to fend off disease-causing bacteria and virus.

Spiritual Advantages

Yes, you have read the right. Having a pet cat at home does bring spiritual benefits. According to Awareness Act, feline companions can sense when our auras are all over the place. They also have the ability to get into our aura and put it back to its proper place.

spiritually kitten

But wait, there’s more. Cats are not only effective in exterminating pests, but they can also repel bad spirits and negative energies around your home. Have you noticed why your cat suddenly hisses? It means that they sense something that we can’t perceive. And have you noticed why most witch movies have cats? It’s because these feline creatures are known to deflect evil spells or curses from toxic guests. They shield you from unperceivable danger without you knowing it.

Have nightmares been haunting you lately? Then you’d probably get a cat. When they sense that you’re having bad dreams, cats wake you up by tapping their paws or rubbing their faces. Many psychics also believe that the feline astral energy can expel unwanted guests from your unconscious state.

Healthy for the Body

Although you won’t have to take them out for walking or jogging, taking care of kittens or adult cats has health benefits that have been proven by scientific studies. One of these benefits is decreasing the chances of cardiovascular diseases. Medical researches revealed that cat ownership lowers stress levels, veering you from experiencing heart problems such as stroke and heart attack.

emotional pros felines

physical benefits kitty

This may seem unbelievable, but a cat’s purr has therapeutic benefits that can heal bone and muscle problems. According to studies, frequencies within the range of 18-35 HZ have positive effects on injured joints, and a cat’s purring has a vibration of 20-140 HZ. Perhaps, a cat is a good pet choice for the elderly, don’t you think?

The other health benefits of having a feline pet include the improvement of reflexes, a much better sleep at night, an effective anxiety reliever, and a therapeutic companion when you’re coping with trauma.

sources

Should You Install a Dog Door?

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One of the many problems homeowners have with their pets is assisting them through the door whenever they want to get in and out of the house. The best solution to ease the owners’ task and allow the pets to move about freely, is to install a pet door that leads to the front or backyard towards a fenced area where they can play or do their needs.

Installing a dog door can cause safety issues for the home sometimes but with proper guidance, the benefits of pet-proofing a home outweigh the obstacles by far.

Installing a secure dog door can give you peace of mind as the newer versions are designed to keep intruders away. Dog owners will also have more time to relax as the dog will be able to relieve itself or go out to explore and play around and re-enter the house whenever it wants.

head through doggie door

Some of the different kinds of pet door installation that you can choose depending on your lifestyle are:

  1. Electronic/ microchip doggie door for keeping other animals out

Technology has upgraded even classic flap doors. There are pet door installations equipped with electronics or microchips that allow only your pet to enter and exit which prevents critters such as mice, raccoons from entering the house by identifying your dog through the key-collar.

  1. Weather-tight pet doors

These kinds of doors stop drafts to prevent air conditioning and heat loss as effectively as a dual pane glass. They are made to withstand extreme heat and insulated enough to prevent cold wind and rain from seeping in.

  1. Sturdy pet doors for energetic dogs

These designs are for durability and heavy duty. The frames of the door are usually sturdy aluminum frames, and the flaps are built to withstand damages from continuous use.

Related Reading:

Puppy Proof Fences for the Yard
Your Gide to Dogs Ownership
Caring for an Older Dog
Get Pet Insurance

To install an efficient dog door at your home, some of the crucial things worth considering are:

Location

Choosing the right place requires you to ensure a safe roaming area for the dog. Depending on your choice of whether you want the dog door on the wall or the door, and after considering the convenience of your house appliances, decors, and settings, take the size of the dog into account.

Patio door differs from a wall door in construction material, installation and depth. So before buying a pet door, decide on the location that is most convenient to your home settings.

Dog At Home Wanting Outside

Weather

Depending on the amount of snowfall, rainfalls, and the climate of your house location, consider installing a dog door. If you live in snow or rain prone area, there are chances of it getting into your house during the summers or winters. It might be a good option if the door does have moving parts that allow proper insulation during extreme weather to prevent a messy house or to strand the dog outside.

Size and age of the dog

Dogs vary in sizes so if you have multiple dogs you should consider an installation that can be easily accessible for both small and larger pets.

An extended narrow door usually works better than a broad one as most pets generally adjust their shapes to fit through tiny areas as long as they have proper leg space. It is vital especially when the dogs get older as they might not be as enthusiastic about bending and crawling through small openings.

Is your home rented or privately owned?

Some landlord might not want you cutting through the wall or the door. By choosing a sliding door or window, you can train your pets to get in and out through them.

Now that you have a clue about what to consider before getting the type of pet door, some tips to remember with the installation are:

  • Make sure you have an accurate measurement of the dog to cut out the door before you purchase it. Even if they are puppies, consider the maximum size that they are expected to grow. Also read the instructions thoroughly and be informed about the installation process, sealing, type of door and maintenance required.
  • You should also examine the material of the exterior door to fix the doggy door. Whether it is made of wood, fiberglass, or metal, knowing the physical condition of the door can help you pick the right door for your pet.
  • Once you have decided to go through the process of installation, it is usually required to unhinge the door for more accurate measurement and to fit in your workstation.
  • Fix the dog door at an appropriate height of about 3 inches from the bottom edge of the door. This method not only keeps the integrity of the door intact but it is also comfortable for the dog to enter and exit quickly.
  • Most DIY dog door kit comes with a measurement template. Use it to mark the right places to cut the door and place the screws, or you could hire an expert to install it.

Tips For Caring For An Older Dog

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Your dog will always be a key part of your family, no matter how old he gets. However, when your furry friend is getting on in years you might need to adjust your lifestyle a little to accommodate your older dog.

Whether your dog is a senior or not will depend on its breed. A small dog like a terrier or chihuahua won’t be considered to be a pensioner until they reach the age of ten or twelve, however bigger breeds like Great Danes could be seniors at just 5 or 6. Not only does breed and size have an impact on your pup’s life expectancy, their genetics, environment and diet all have a role to play.

aged senior dog care

The good news is that modern medicine hasn’t only extended human lives, it can also help your dog to live a long, happy life too. As long as you give your fur baby the right preventative care and attention, your aging dog will have the longest and best life possible.

With that in mind, here are some tips for caring for your older dog.

Don’t Forget Your Pup’s Teeth

Caring for your dog’s dental hygiene couldn’t be more important at all stages of your dog’s life but particularly when they get old. Regularly brushing your dog’s teeth and getting them cleaned professional can guard against painful decay and dental disease. It’ll also help to avoid chewing problems that can lead to poor nutrition. If your pet isn’t keen on having his teeth brushed, you should consider toys that are designed for this purpose instead or dental treats which will keep your pet happy while also getting his teeth plaque free.

Caring For Your Dog’s Skin

As your dog ages they may develop more sensitivities. Their skin may be more easily damaged so switching to a hypoallergenic shampoo is good for your pets as they get older.

Eating Healthily

Just as humans have to watch what they eat, particularly as they get older, elderly dogs also often have problems with food. Some may struggle to chew, others lack appetite and some have digestive problems or may even be obese. Talk to your vet about how to choose the right exercise and diet plan for your older dog. You may need to adopt some dietary changes such as adding extra fiber into his diet to help improve digestion, or you may need to reduce carbohydrates so your pet can maintain a healthy bodyweight. You may also need to add supplements like glucosamine or fish oils into his diet to treat joint pain.

Related Reading:

Keeping a Pet Contained In the Yard
Your Guide on Dog Care
Observing Dog Behaviors
Consider Getting Pet Insurance

Exercise For Mind And Body

As humans age, they struggle to perform physical activities. It’s the same with dogs. As they get older they may experience pain or find it hard to do the things they used to love. Exercise, however, is still vital to your dog’s well-being and health. Take your pet on gentle, short walks but take care to monitor his gait and breathing to ensure that everything is ok. Your dog’s mind also needs exercise. Food puzzles and other stimulating toys will help to keep your pet sharp.

Schedule Regular Vet Visits

You should take your older dog to the vet for a check up every six months. In the same way as older people have to take care with their health and see their doctor more frequently, older pets also benefit from more frequent vet visits. Old pets often need more examinations, dental treatment and blood tests. Some breeds are also more predisposed to developing certain conditions like diabetes, cancer, hip dysplasia and arthritis. Detecting these problems at an early stage will help to prevent them from becoming serious concerns.
older dog vet care

Make Your Home Suitable For An Older Dog

When you first brought your puppy home, you probably puppy-proofed it. Now your pet is older you’ll need to seniorize it. If your pet has joint problems or hip dysplasia you may need to put in some steps or a ramp so he can get into the car or onto the bed. Keep his water and food in an area that can easily be reached, particularly if they have sight problems. A heated bed could soothe their aching joints, particularly if you’re living in colder regions. Also, non-slip surfaces could protect against falls, helping your elderly dog to keep traction when getting up.

Pay Closer Attention

Always monitor any change in appetite, weight, behavior and dental problems as well as lesions, bumps or lumps which appear. Any changes you note should be reported to your vet.

Although it’s harder to care for your older dog, your lifelong companion will be by your side for the rest of his life, so it’s worth making a few small changes.

Dog Safety & Pet Containment Systems

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Our dogs are our family and most of us treat them like our children.  Guilty!  In loving them as much as we do, we want to protect them and keep them safe from harm.  Whether it is on the home front, throughout the daily routine, or out and about traveling, we want to ensure their safety.

There are plenty of pet containment systems available to aid in providing safety.  Ranging from wireless fences to traditional fences and all things in between, you will most likely be able to find something to best suit you and your family.

dog behind fence

Electronic Wired Fencing

One of the most popular pet containment systems is the electronic fence.  With installation, cables are buried underground and run the edge of the perimeter in any shape, forming an invisible boundary for your pet.  The cables also allow you to exclude areas of the property, to keep your dog away from certain things such as a pool or pond.

A base unit for the system operates electronically and can be placed anywhere on the property, as it has rugged characteristics and does not have to be kept indoors.  The unit uses a digital radio frequency signal to travel along the cable wires and works with your dog’s collar receiver.

Training flags are placed along the boundary to assist in training for your dog.  They are visible cues to let your dog know where the boundaries are.  If the dog goes beyond the boundary, he will receive a corrective stimulation on his collar.  The corrective stimulation is adjustable depending on the size and type of dog you have.

As far as safety for your dog when using this type of containment, it is not one hundred percent secure.  While it may provide a decreased chance of your dog getting out, there is still a chance that your pup can run through and disregard the electronic correction.  Other pests or predators cannot be kept out, which could potentially pose a threat.

Electronic Wireless Fencing

These types of fences allow owners to monitor their dog through a GPS (Global Positioning Systems) collar, by placing a transmitter in a central location, connected to the GPS.  The transmitter then gives off a signal that provides an invisible boundary for the dog.  Unlike the base for the wired fencing, this transmitter must be in an indoor location.

Shih Tzu In Yard Invisible Fence

Similar wireless systems do not need a transmitter, rather can create a boundary or invisible fence connected directly to the GPS collar.  Your dog can then learn the boundary areas, through training.  If he wanders outside of the boundary, he will receive a corrective stimulation through the collar.

There are several different types of GPS fence systems on the market.  Most of them only provide a circular boundary, covering only a certain amount of feet.  Some may see this as a negative if you are looking for more space for your dog to roam free.

Many of the GPS systems are designed to be completely portable so that you can easily travel with your pup.  This may be a nice alternative to the wired systems, for that reason.

Along with the wired electronic fencing, the wireless fencing cannot guarantee to keep your dog in the boundary; and will not be able to keep others out.

The wireless system may be prone to more outages as well, in comparison to the wired fencing.

Related Reading:

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Indoor Systems

Needing to keep your pup contained to a certain room, or away from the trash can?  The electronic GPS systems can work for this inside.  Some systems allow for the GPS collar to work with a boundary transmitter, marking off certain areas to keep your pet away from, or confined to, ranging from eight to ten feet.

Using this type of system would provide a good alternative to those child or pet gates that may be going up all over the house.   Although, the system is still operating like the outdoor ones in which the dog’s collar is connected to the frequency transmitter.  The dog could still find a way to disregard the corrective stimulation and go after what he wants.

Traditional Fencing

Wooden, wrought iron, vinyl, aluminum, and the list goes on.  Many options are available when you are looking at fencing in your yard the traditional way.  While fully fencing in your yard will be a more expensive route than others, it is going to create a little more security in the long run.

Most dogs adapt well to a fenced in yard.  If the fencing is high enough, you will not have to worry about them jumping over.  If digging is an issue, there are products designed to work in conjunction with your fence to prevent digging.  The products are steel rods which run down into the ground, protecting your pup from digging a way out or other pests from digging their way in.

A traditional fence is also going to keep predators such as coyotes, mountain lions, or other wildlife out.  However, in my case, this has not been full proof.  There is a snake that manages to sneak his way into my fenced in backyard.  Fortunately, he is not poisonous, so he gets a free pass.

Other Safety Factors

Regardless of the pet containment system you are thinking of, or currently using, keep in mind nothing is full proof.  Our dogs are instinctive animals, and simply put, animals.  Some of them can find their way out of any containment.

Certain precautions should be taken in addition to using pet containment systems.  Visually monitoring your pup even when he is outdoors in any type of fencing, is recommended.  Make sure your dog always has his ID tags on and visible.

Having a microchip can also be a lifesaver.  Our neighbors found a dog without any tags or ID and drove her to a local pet store where the store looked up her microchip.  They were able to contact the family and they were reunited within a few hours.  A happy ending that may not have happened otherwise.

9 Tips for Anyone to Help Save the Ocean

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According to reports from NOAA, more than 40 percent of Earth’s oceans have been negatively impacted by humans. What some people do not realize though is that there are things we can do to change that.

Tips on Protecting the Oceans

  1. Recycle, reduce, and reuse

    The reported volume of plastic waste floating in our oceans is shocking. Recycling is helpful. It is also a good idea to reduce the number of disposable products and packaging. Use reusable grocery bags, and reusable containers as well. Finally, stop using such things as plastic utensils and straws.

  2. Reduce energy use and be aware of your carbon footprint

    Be aware of your energy use to help reduce the impact of climate change. Walk or ride a bicycle whenever possible. Use the stairs instead of an elevator. Use energy-efficient light bulbs and fixtures and unplug any appliances you do not use daily.

  3. Eat only sustainable seafood

    The FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization) states that 75 percent of Earth’s fisheries are fully exploited, overexploited, recovering from overexploitation, or significantly depleted. So eat sustainable fish. The popular Monterey Bay Aquarium even offers a free app called Seafood Watch which can find restaurants and markets that offer sustainable fish to make it easy.

  4. Buy products that are ocean-friendly

    Some cleaning and cosmetic products are made via environmentally harmful and unsustainable methods. Select non-toxic cleaning products instead of harsh chemicals and bleach. Numerous chores can be handled using such things as baking soda, lemon juice, or vinegar. Choose cosmetic products that consist of organic materials.

  5. Be responsible when traveling the oceans

    Be responsible when you engage in such watersports as boating, diving, jet-skiing, kayaking, parasailing, swimming, and water-skiing. Don’t throw anything into the water. Be certain to know about marine life in the surrounding water. If you choose to take a cruise for a vacation trip, choose the option that is the most eco-friendly.

  6. Don’t purchase products made from sea life

    As a tourist in any particular coastal community, you ’ll come across souvenirs built from sea life. Avoid buying coral jewelry, sea turtle shells, shark fins or teeth, and any kind of cosmetics that include ingredients from whales. These things are connected to unsustainable fishing and even the destruction of undersea ecosystems.

  7. Clean up garbage at the beach

    Beach litter is a major portion of the plastic that’s in the ocean. A fun day at the beach shouldn’t endanger the oceans. When you go to the beach take a bag for your litter. Join a beach clean-up group. Divers can join special dives and clean the ocean’s floor.

  8. Support groups that work to protect the oceans

    Several organizations and institutes are working to protect marine life and ocean habitats. You can donate money or even join one or more of said groups. Additionally, you can volunteer to help educate others about this issue.

  9. Tell others

    Tell your friends, family, and neighbors too. Visit your local grocery store and urge them to sell only ocean-friendly and sustainable products. If you notice any threatened species at their seafood counter or dine out and see one on the menu, encourage them to make changes. Prior to voting, learn where the candidates stand on ocean policies and vote accordingly.

Protect the Oceans

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Can a Snapping Turtle Bite Your Toe or Finger Off?

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Can they bite a finger or toe off?
There are no recorded cases of it but do you really want to find out the hard way? They are called ‘snapping’ turtles for a reason. It’s not the force of the bite that you need to worry about, it’s also the sharp beak like mouth that’s meant for cutting. To answer the question, with those two factors considered, it’s possible a snapping turtle could sever human fingers or toes.

The common snapping turtle, scientifically known as the chelydra serpentina species, can weigh up to 75 pounds and grow to be 18 inches in length. The exception to this is snapping turtles that are kept in captivity that are commonly overfed, causing them to often become overweight. In the wild, they rarely exceed 35 pounds. They have a hard shell covering both their back and stomach that protects them in the wild. Their tail, which is close to the length of their top shell, is covered in spiny sharp ridges. They have no teeth but possess a bony beak for a mouth that is particularly strong.

Snapping Turtle

In addition to a strong beak, they have sharp claws that they can use to fight off predators in the wild. Due to their many defense mechanisms snapping turtles are prey to a short list of animals but are the predator to several animals found in the wild.




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Where Do Snapping Turtles live?

Snapping turtles are the largest freshwater turtles that can be found in North America. However, smaller and more aggressive turtles can be found in areas from Canada to South America. These animals commonly live in ponds, streams and even brackish environments like estuaries. Snapping turtles enjoy floating at the water’s surface, basking on logs in the sunlight and burrowing into muddy areas found in shallow waters.

How Powerful Can They Bite?

While toad-headed turtles have the strongest bites of any turtle, with a force of 432 newtons, the snapping turtle and snapping turtles are both still very serious threats to the animal kingdom. Snapping turtles have a bite force of 208 newtons and their cousins, the alligator snapping turtles, have a slightly weaker bite force of 158 newtons. It is believed that the bite force of the alligator snapping turtle is strong enough to snap a broomstick in half. While there have been no reported cases of snapping turtles actually biting fingers off, there are nightmarish stories of snapping turtles biting and latching onto people’s faces and hands. In one incident, an alligator snapping turtle bite led to infection that caused a young man to have a “near total amputation” of his finger.

In comparison, Crocodiles with the strongest bite have a force of 16,460 newton, and humans have a bite force of around 890.

But remember, snapping turtles have a sharp beak like mouth that can cut. They don’t need to crush their prey when they can cut it in half.

How Do People “Safely” Catch Snapping Turtles?

Catching snapping turtles is easy, but steering clear of its powerful jaw proves to be a more difficult to task for some. There have been several accounts of fisherman accidentally catching snapping turtles while using jug or limb lines to catch catfish. Anglers argue that the best time of year to catch snapping turtles is during the winter due to how much slower these animals become when the temperature drops. When capturing a snapping turtle it is safest to use a trap containing bait. When using this method you greatly reduce the risk of learning firsthand how painful a snapping turtle’s bite can be.

Snapping Turtle Mouth

Some people use nets when capturing turtles, not realizing that the turtles can become ensnared in the net. This can this cause a threat to the turtle as well as the person handling it when the time comes to cut the netting away.

If you enter the water where snapping turtles are present, be careful not to place your feet or hands in the muck where they like to hang out. Normally they would try to flee but if they feel threatened, as in you stepped on them, they will bite. If signs are posted noting their presence, it’s best to heed the warning and stay out of the water.




Why Snapping Turtles Don’t Make Great Pets

Snapping turtles and alligator snapping turtles are fascinating creatures. When people think of pet turtles they typically envision smaller breeds like the eastern box turtle and western painted turtle. Snapping turtles often more than double these smaller turtles in length and have a mass of 15-30 times that of the average eastern box turtle. Even though most people have the knowledge that snapping turtle are particularly aggressive, while other breeds are docile, some still find the idea of keeping a snapping turtle as a pet to be tempting.

People have been fascinated by reptiles from the beginning of our existence. While some reptiles are relatively safe to keep as pets, it is a bad plan to hold others in the captivity of your home. When snapping turtles are kept as pets, they frequently grow to weigh over 60 pounds. The sheer size of the creatures makes it difficult to handle them.

Snapping turtles are known to be highly aggressive animals. It is important to remember that when left in their natural habitat these animals are mighty hunters to many animals such as frogs, insects, worms, snakes, frogs, fish, smaller turtles, birds, small mammals, and crayfish. It is only natural for them to use their bite and strength to “hunt” for food, even when they are kept in captivity. If you are considering keeping a snapping turtle as a pet you should keep the force of their bite in the forefront of their mind. There are a plethora of videos on the internet depicting the damage that these animals can cause. Considering that they are capable of biting through the thick shell of another turtle, it is easy to draw the conclusion that they can easily penetrate both the skin and muscle of humans.

When considering a turtle as a pet several people across the globe opt for a smaller, less aggressive breed. There are several very good reasons for this. Aside from the nasty bite that snapping turtles can deliver, it is necessary to consider the size that snapping turtles can grow to. Once a turtle surpasses eight inches in length it is recommended that they are kept in a 55-gallon tank at the very least. As these animals grow it becomes more and more difficult to keep them contained in a large enough enclosure. This is the cause of many snapping turtles that have been held in captivity being released back into the wild as they approach adulthood.




Is It Cruel to Ear Crop and Tail Dock a Dog?

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Ear cropping and tail docking for dogs is usually considered to be cosmetic surgery for dogs. In other words, neither procedure is necessary for a dog’s health; it is simply done for appearance. These procedures used to be standard for certain breeds.

However, many owners are reconsidering having them done because they are unnecessary and may be considered cruel.

adult doberman pinscher dog

Which Dog Breeds Have This Done?

According to the American Kennel Club, there are as many as twenty breeds that routinely undergo this procedure. These are some of the most common breeds.

Ear Cropping

Tail Docking

  • Cocker Spaniels
  • Rottweilers
  • Boxers

The American Kennel Club estimates that there are 17 other breeds that undergo ear cropping and 62 other breeds that undergo tail docking in addition to the most common ones listed here.

Doberman pinscher baby natural ears
According to the Pet Health Network, these procedures served a useful purpose at one time. Cropped ears on guard breeds such as Great Danes and Dobermans prevented the ears from being ripped in a fight. Docked tails on hunting and herding breeds prevented injuries as the dogs performed their various functions. Over time, these breeds were used more for companionship rather than the purpose for which they were originally bred. So the necessity of these procedures are being questioned.

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How Are These Procedures Performed?

The procedures are usually performed on very young puppies. Tail docking is performed without anesthesia when a puppy is only a few days old. Although the puppy feels pain, the rationale is that the puppy is so young that it will recover quickly. The vet uses scissors to cut off the tail to the desired length and then bandages the stump to prevent infection.

Ear cropping is a more complicated procedure which requires the use of anesthesia. The flap of the dog’s ear is removed and the ears are taped for several weeks to “train” them to remain upright. This procedure is typically performed on puppies that are six to twelve weeks old.

Why Are These Procedures Done?

As stated previously, at one time there was a practical purpose for these procedures. However, they have now become more cosmetic than practical. Several countries, including Australia and the United Kingdom have banned them altogether.

In the United States, the controversy is becoming more heated. This is partially due to the American Kennel Club’s stance on preserving the historical standards of the breeds. In fact, these procedures are still part of the AKC standards for these breeds even though they now say that dogs who have not had them done can still compete and win dog show competitions. However, many veterinarians in the United States are against the procedures and the American Veterinary Medical Association discourages the practice. Because of this, a few states are considering banning the procedures but none have done so at this time.
cocker-spaniel-docked-tail

What Are the Pros and Cons?

As with any surgical procedure, there are health risks to consider. Young puppies who have these procedures are at increased risk for blood loss and infection of the surgical wounds. Futhermore, docked tails can develop nerve damage over time, which can cause pain and affect the dog’s temperment.

Tail docking can cause social issues as well. Dogs use a complex body language for social communication to other dogs. When the tail is docked, the dog may not be able to communicate effectively which may cause unwarrented aggression or fights with other dogs.

The only argument for tail docking is that it can prevent injuries for working dogs. Herding and hunting breeds who are active in their respective fields are prone to broken or sprained tails. However, dogs who are merely used for companionship rarely need to have the procedure done.

As far as ear cropping is concerned, there are more arguments against it than for it. Ear cropping in this modern age is done purely for cosmetic reasons rather than health concerns. The procedure exposes a young puppy with an immature immune system to the risk of infection. Also, there is no evidence that ear cropping reduces the risk of ear infections.

Conclusion

Companion and service dogs have no need for either of these procedures. There is no increased risk of injury or infection if they are not done and the procedures do not give any real benefit to the dog. Research also indicates that the perceived risk of injury for working or hunting breeds is unfounded.

Boston Terrier Ears Up

Therefore, these procedures are cosmetic and elective. The only motivation for them is to conform the dog’s appearance to a certain standard. When enough pressure is brought to bear on the dog show world, hopefully those standards will change and the procedures will be banned altogether. This is why many animal welfare associations are actively working to legalize a ban on these procedures in the United States and for cropped ears and docked tails to be removed from AKC standards.

Ultimately, every dog owner needs to research and decide what is best for their dog. However, the majority of evidence proves that not only are these procedures out-dated and unnecessary, they do inflict pain on young puppies and expose them to an increased risk of infection.

Because of this, ear cropping and tail docking could indeed be considered cruelty to dogs.

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