Tag: ASPCA

Calming Cues for All Sunday Dogs

Who knows more about calming stressed dogs and cats than those devoted people who work in animal shelters. Lately, some of these folks are helping researchers develop a soundtrack to reduce the stress of this living situation for their charges.

Emily Weiss, Ph.D, CAAB, Senior Director, Shelter Research & Development for the ASPCA reported the results of a recent study from Hartpury College in the United Kingdom. “They examined dogs’ behavior with regular kennel sounds (control condition), classical music, pop music, the psychoacoustically designed dog music and audiobooks. And what they found was pretty cool: Dogs spent more time resting and less time in vigilant behaviors when listening to audiobooks vs. any other condition!” Pop music brought on the most barking in this study.

A Colorado State study, reported, “Results suggest that classical music leads to kenneled dogs spending more time sleeping and less time vocalizing than when exposed to other music types or no music.” The loser is this study was heavy metal music which increased body shaking, a behavior suggestive of nervousness.

Our Westie Poppy has her own calming music collection, loaded onto an old iPod, that keeps her company when she’s home alone.

Taking It Home

We have used music with all three of our dogs and some fosters. Our first Westie Sassy had a seizure disorder. We found that playing soft classical music seemed to help her during the recovery phase of her seizures.

We used the same CD of piano concertos when we fostered a wild boy Westie named Cooper. He was less excitable when we played the music. We even made a gift of that CD to his adoptive family, but soon found ourselves buying another copy for our Maggie Mae as she aged.

Maggie had very specific taste in music. She adored March of the Toreadors from the Opera Carmen. And whistling was always her thing. Any whistler could win her heart. When we left her behind at home or in a strange place, we would always leave music for her. Not only does familiar music soothe a dog, but it also helps to mask outside sounds that might cause the pup to bark.

Poppy, our third Westie, loves anyone who speaks with an accent. She is especially fond of Scandinavian and British-accented English. She’ll sit totally transfixed if we watch TV’s New Scandinavian Cooking. And, in a nod to the first study mentioned, audiobooks with British accents are among Poppy’s favorites.

Your Soundtrack

With this information at hand, you might want to see what sounds, music, voices, or genres calm your dog or cat. Are there times when you should don your headphones rather than expose your companion to your favorite heavy metal band or a violent movie filled with explosions and gunshots?

Can you prepare a mix of music or download an audiobook that will run on a loop and keep your animal company when you are away? There are recordings that are designed for calming dogs, but they did not test as better than classical music or audiobooks.

In addition to music, you might take a look at other parts of the soundtrack of your home. Dogs react to loud voices, fans, vacuum cleaners, banging doors, and so on. There may be other ways you can lessen stress for your animals by addressing some of these issues.

We know that sound causes stress for people, too. Examining and adapting the soundscape of your life may not only mean a happier dog or cat, but also a less stressed you.

Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

Thanks to everyone who Hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support.

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: Hism master's voice from Google images licensed for reuse. Poppy sleeping ©2017 Penny Cherubino

(Adapted for BostonZest from one of our City Paws newspaper columns.)

May 14, 2017
Halloween Safety for Your Sunday Dog or Cat!

With Halloween approaching, cats come to mind. Not just because they are symbols of the holiday, but also because this can be a dangerous time for cats and dogs.

(Photo by Leslie Jones from the Boston Public Library's Leslie Jones Collection)

Tempted by Treats

Having extra candy and treats around for your family, holiday party, or trick-or-treaters can pose a danger to your pets. Chocolate in all forms, but especially the darkest chocolate, can cause symptoms ranging from gastrointestinal upset to seizures.

The ASPCA reminds us that, “Candies containing the artificial sweetener xylitol can be poisonous to dogs. Even small amounts of xylitol sweetener can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar which leads to depression, lack of coordination, and seizures.”

Even holiday decorations, like pumpkins and dried corn, can give your pet an upset tummy, if they try to dine on them. And, large pieces of these items, ribbons, and wrappers that are part of the decor can be hazards for choking or intestinal blockages.

As a puppy, Poppy dressed up as a frog in a onesie! As you can see, she was very relaxed in her outfit.

Stressed Out Playing Dress Up

There are a few pets who are total hams and will love wearing a Halloween costume. For many others it can be stressful. Choose costumes with care and give your dog or cat time to adjust before the big party. If your pet shows signs of stress, consider a t-shirt or jacket style costume that leaves the head and ears free. Or, if your beast has stage fright, you wear the costume and let your dog or cat be an accessory.

Dan, from Boston Pet Sitters, has been known to dress up instead of costuming his pack.

Another ASPCA reminder concerns the design and fit of holiday finery. “Take a closer look at your pet’s costume and make sure it does not have small, dangling or easily chewed-off pieces that he could choke on. Also, ill-fitting outfits can get twisted on external objects or your pet, leading to injury.”

This Bulldog says, "I'm going over the hill and there's nut-in' you can do bout it!"

(Photo by Leslie Jones from the Boston Public Library's Leslie Jones Collection)

Escape Artists

Trick-or-treaters in costume can frighten an otherwise well-mannered pet. If you love to dress up to answer the call of trick-or-treaters, you could scare your pet. And, when a pet is frightened, it can and will do the unexpected.

With doors opening and closing to admit partygoers or to hand out treats, there are many opportunities for a gentle homebody – let alone the veteran escape artist – to make a break for it.

Consider tucking your dog or cat away in a separate room with a favorite bed or blanket while you host Halloween visitors.

If you don’t normally keep ID on your dog or cat when they are indoors, this next week might be a good time to add that extra precaution to your Halloween safety checklist.

(Photo by Leslie Jones from the Boston Public Library's Leslie Jones Collection)

Keep Cats Indoors

Horror stories of animal cruelty to cats crop up every Halloween season. There are dozens of reasons cats should be kept indoors any time of the year. City cats are in danger from other animals, poisons like antifreeze, and bait set for rodents. Wandering the streets they can be hit by cars, become trapped in odd spaces, and be exposed to diseases and parasites from feral cats.

Some of the saddest signs around the neighborhood are the ones posted for lost cats. When you see one, you look around and worry about where that tiny creature may be hiding – alone and afraid.

Poison Control

Finally, if you think your dog or cat has eaten something that may have poisoned it, call the Animal Poison Control Hotline at 1-888-426-4435. This is a 24/7 poison hotline. A fee is required to use this service, but fast action could save the life of the pet you love.

Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

Thanks to everyone who Hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support.

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: Poppy photo ©2012 Penny Cherubino, Poison symbol from Wikipedia commons, and the historic photos are by Leslie Jones from the Boston Public Library's Leslie Jones Collection.

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October 23, 2016
Halloween Safety for Your Sunday Dog or Cat!

With Halloween approaching, cats come to mind. Not just because they are symbols of the holiday, but also because this can be a dangerous time for cats and dogs.

(Photo by Leslie Jones from the Boston Public Library's Leslie Jones Collection)

Tempted by Treats

Having extra candy and treats around for your family, holiday party, or trick-or-treaters can pose a danger to your pets. Chocolate in all forms, but especially the darkest chocolate, can cause symptoms ranging from gastrointestinal upset to seizures.

The ASPCA reminds us that, “Candies containing the artificial sweetener xylitol can be poisonous to dogs. Even small amounts of xylitol sweetener can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar which leads to depression, lack of coordination, and seizures.”

Even holiday decorations, like pumpkins and dried corn, can give your pet an upset tummy, if they try to dine on them. And, large pieces of these items, ribbons, and wrappers that are part of the decor can be hazards for choking or intestinal blockages.

As a puppy, Poppy dressed up as a frog in a onesie! As you can see, she was very relaxed in her outfit.

Stressed Out Playing Dress Up

There are a few pets who are total hams and will love wearing a Halloween costume. For many others it can be stressful. Choose costumes with care and give your dog or cat time to adjust before the big party. If your pet shows signs of stress, consider a t-shirt or jacket style costume that leaves the head and ears free. Or, if your beast has stage fright, you wear the costume and let your dog or cat be an accessory.

Dan, from Boston Pet Sitters, has been known to dress up instead of costuming his pack.

Another ASPCA reminder concerns the design and fit of holiday finery. “Take a closer look at your pet’s costume and make sure it does not have small, dangling or easily chewed-off pieces that he could choke on. Also, ill-fitting outfits can get twisted on external objects or your pet, leading to injury.”

This Bulldog says, "I'm going over the hill and there's nut-in' you can do bout it!"

(Photo by Leslie Jones from the Boston Public Library's Leslie Jones Collection)

Escape Artists

Trick-or-treaters in costume can frighten an otherwise well-mannered pet. If you love to dress up to answer the call of trick-or-treaters, you could scare your pet. And, when a pet is frightened, it can and will do the unexpected.

With doors opening and closing to admit partygoers or to hand out treats, there are many opportunities for a gentle homebody – let alone the veteran escape artist – to make a break for it.

Consider tucking your dog or cat away in a separate room with a favorite bed or blanket while you host Halloween visitors.

If you don’t normally keep ID on your dog or cat when they are indoors, this next week might be a good time to add that extra precaution to your Halloween safety checklist.

(Photo by Leslie Jones from the Boston Public Library's Leslie Jones Collection)

Keep Cats Indoors

Horror stories of animal cruelty to cats crop up every Halloween season. There are dozens of reasons cats should be kept indoors any time of the year. City cats are in danger from other animals, poisons like antifreeze, and bait set for rodents. Wandering the streets they can be hit by cars, become trapped in odd spaces, and be exposed to diseases and parasites from feral cats.

Some of the saddest signs around the neighborhood are the ones posted for lost cats. When you see one, you look around and worry about where that tiny creature may be hiding – alone and afraid.

Poison Control

Finally, if you think your dog or cat has eaten something that may have poisoned it, call the Animal Poison Control Hotline at 1-888-426-4435. This is a 24/7 poison hotline. A fee is required to use this service, but fast action could save the life of the pet you love.

Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

Thanks to everyone who Hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support.

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: Poppy photo ©2012 Penny Cherubino, Poison symbol from Wikipedia commons, and the historic photos are by Leslie Jones from the Boston Public Library's Leslie Jones Collection.

Related articles

Sunday Cat Sophia Says, "Let me in Whee-ooh …"

Once Upon a Time Dogs Sold Soap

The Dogs of the Boston Public Library Collections

October 23, 2016
Allergy Season Tips for Dog Lovers

The downside to wonderful, warm, spring weather and more time spent outside can be allergy symptoms for both you and your dog. While a vet or doctor’s visit is needed for a serious reaction to allergens, there are many steps you can take to lessen the impact.

The ASPCA says, “The best way to treat allergies is to remove the offending allergens from the environment.” They suggest consulting with your vet for flea prevention, since fleas are the cause of many skin outbreaks. And, there's a list of all the symptoms and other tips at this link.

Give Pollen the Brush Off

Mother Nature designed some pollen to be lightweight and blown by the wind to a female plant. Other, heavier pollen is designed to stick to critters so it can be moved from plant-to-plant.

Dog fur is a great place for both types of pollen to reside. A simple wipe down with a damp towel after a walk can leave some pollen on the doorstep. Regular brushing this time of year can also help.

Regular Home Exams

Catching a problem early generally makes it easier to cure. Having had two dogs with fairly serious skin allergies, I’m in the habit of running my hands under the fur and feeling for any bumps, breakouts, hot spots, or cysts. Try to be systematic and check the entire pup.

If you see your dog rubbing his ears or shaking his head more than usual, be sure to do a close inspection.

Check all four paws, too. Allergies often show up as licking behavior. If your dog is licking her foot or leg, it may be a sign of allergy.

Keeping a Medical Log

A bit of record keeping on your part can help your vet diagnose the likely cause of allergies if you do schedule a visit. Allergy symptoms include: itchy, red, moist, or scabbed skin, increased scratching, runny eyes, sneezing, vomiting, diarrhea, and snoring caused by an inflamed throat.

If you notice any of these symptoms, make a note on a calendar or in your pup’s medical log. Also, note what pollens are out, any new foods your dog may have had, and any new places you’ve visited. All of this will help with a diagnosis and with future preventative action.

Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one as a gift for a Graduation or Wedding? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny Cherubino
Photography: iStockphoto.com

Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

Related articles

Spring Cleaning for All Sunday Dogs

4 allergy questions answered

Thanks to the Comfort and Therapy Dogs

May 12, 2013
Allergy Season Tips for Dog Lovers

The downside to wonderful, warm, spring weather and more time spent outside can be allergy symptoms for both you and your dog. While a vet or doctor’s visit is needed for a serious reaction to allergens, there are many steps you can take to lessen the impact.

The ASPCA says, “The best way to treat allergies is to remove the offending allergens from the environment.” They suggest consulting with your vet for flea prevention, since fleas are the cause of many skin outbreaks. And, there's a list of all the symptoms and other tips at this link.

Give Pollen the Brush Off

Mother Nature designed some pollen to be lightweight and blown by the wind to a female plant. Other, heavier pollen is designed to stick to critters so it can be moved from plant-to-plant.

Dog fur is a great place for both types of pollen to reside. A simple wipe down with a damp towel after a walk can leave some pollen on the doorstep. Regular brushing this time of year can also help.

Regular Home Exams

Catching a problem early generally makes it easier to cure. Having had two dogs with fairly serious skin allergies, I’m in the habit of running my hands under the fur and feeling for any bumps, breakouts, hot spots, or cysts. Try to be systematic and check the entire pup.

If you see your dog rubbing his ears or shaking his head more than usual, be sure to do a close inspection.

Check all four paws, too. Allergies often show up as licking behavior. If your dog is licking her foot or leg, it may be a sign of allergy.

Keeping a Medical Log

A bit of record keeping on your part can help your vet diagnose the likely cause of allergies if you do schedule a visit. Allergy symptoms include: itchy, red, moist, or scabbed skin, increased scratching, runny eyes, sneezing, vomiting, diarrhea, and snoring caused by an inflamed throat.

If you notice any of these symptoms, make a note on a calendar or in your pup’s medical log. Also, note what pollens are out, any new foods your dog may have had, and any new places you’ve visited. All of this will help with a diagnosis and with future preventative action.

Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one as a gift for a Graduation or Wedding? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny Cherubino
Photography: iStockphoto.com

Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

Related articles

Spring Cleaning for All Sunday Dogs

4 allergy questions answered

Thanks to the Comfort and Therapy Dogs

May 12, 2013
Allergy Season Tips for Dog Lovers

The downside to wonderful, warm, spring weather and more time spent outside can be allergy symptoms for both you and your dog. While a vet or doctor’s visit is needed for a serious reaction to allergens, there are many steps you can take to lessen the impact.

The ASPCA says, “The best way to treat allergies is to remove the offending allergens from the environment.” They suggest consulting with your vet for flea prevention, since fleas are the cause of many skin outbreaks. And, there's a list of all the symptoms and other tips at this link.

Give Pollen the Brush Off

Mother Nature designed some pollen to be lightweight and blown by the wind to a female plant. Other, heavier pollen is designed to stick to critters so it can be moved from plant-to-plant.

Dog fur is a great place for both types of pollen to reside. A simple wipe down with a damp towel after a walk can leave some pollen on the doorstep. Regular brushing this time of year can also help.

Regular Home Exams

Catching a problem early generally makes it easier to cure. Having had two dogs with fairly serious skin allergies, I’m in the habit of running my hands under the fur and feeling for any bumps, breakouts, hot spots, or cysts. Try to be systematic and check the entire pup.

If you see your dog rubbing his ears or shaking his head more than usual, be sure to do a close inspection.

Check all four paws, too. Allergies often show up as licking behavior. If your dog is licking her foot or leg, it may be a sign of allergy.

Keeping a Medical Log

A bit of record keeping on your part can help your vet diagnose the likely cause of allergies if you do schedule a visit. Allergy symptoms include: itchy, red, moist, or scabbed skin, increased scratching, runny eyes, sneezing, vomiting, diarrhea, and snoring caused by an inflamed throat.

If you notice any of these symptoms, make a note on a calendar or in your pup’s medical log. Also, note what pollens are out, any new foods your dog may have had, and any new places you’ve visited. All of this will help with a diagnosis and with future preventative action.

Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one as a gift for a Graduation or Wedding? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny Cherubino
Photography: iStockphoto.com

Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

Related articles

Spring Cleaning for All Sunday Dogs

4 allergy questions answered

Thanks to the Comfort and Therapy Dogs

May 12, 2013