Tag: cat

Preparing for an Animal ER Visit

Would you be ready to take your dog or cat to an emergency animal hospital if you had to do it in the next five minutes? Here are some things you can do to help make that stressful situation a bit calmer for you and your animal.

Angell Animal Medical Center is open 24/7/365 (directions & contact information are in the link).

Be Ready to Go

First, you should know where the nearest 24-hour emergency veterinary hospital is located and have a transportation plan and route in mind to get there. We are car-free city dwellers and, over the years, have taken taxis, rideshare cars, and accepted offers from kind friends to bring our dogs to the ER.

When traveling, we always check for the nearest veterinarian and emergency hospital. It's not a bad idea to develop a habit of noticing any signs for veterinary services when you’re on the road. You just never know when you will need one.

Do your best to slow bleeding, stabilize injured limbs, and prepare to deal with gastric upsets on the way to get help. (Photo courtesy of the American Veterinary Medical Association.)

First Aid

If your furry friend is hurt or sick, you’ll wish you knew some basic first aid and a bit about caring for a sick dog or cat. Do some reading on these topics ahead of time and consider adding a pet first-aid kit and a Pet First-Aid app to your smartphone. Or, take a course in pet first aid.

Do your best to slow bleeding, stabilize injured limbs, and prepare to deal with gastric upsets on the way to get help. We recommend that anyone with pets keep a package of puppy piddle pads on hand. These highly absorbent, disposable pads can save hours of cleanup and help reduce stress. Having had a carsick dog in the past, we have a prepacked “barf kit” that holds a few pads, paper towels, a bottle of water, and plastic bags for trash.

Poppy was on the way to the ER for a sore paw, but we covered the car seat and protected it in case the ride upset her tummy.

Moving a Hurt or Sick Animal

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) suggests calling the clinic before you leave so they can be ready for you. They may also be able to give you suggestions for the best way to care for the cat or dog until you get there.

Your next challenge is moving a hurt animal to a vehicle and keeping everyone safe on the way to the hospital. The AVMA begins its advise on this topic with this warning, “Never assume that even the gentlest pet will not bite or scratch if injured. Pain and fear can make animals unpredictable or even dangerous. Don't attempt to hug an injured pet, and always keep your face away from its mouth. Although this may be your first impulse to comfort your pet, it might only scare the animal more or cause them pain.”

You might want to improvise a muzzle for an injured animal as long as they are not vomiting. You can use gauze, a bandana, or scarf for this purpose. Small dogs and cats can be wrapped in a towel or blanket and carried or placed in a soft carrier. A blanket can be used to make an emergency stretcher for a large dog.

In research done with Angie's List members, 65 percent have experienced a pet emergency. We know that we have made a lot of emergency veterinary visits during our years of having canine companions.

An animal emergency is the time to accept the help of others in your animal community. Especially if you are facing transport alone. Again, this is best arranged ahead of time. You can set up a reciprocal arrangement with a friend to assist one another, if needed, for an ER run.

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: ©2017 Penny & Ed Cherubino, Top photo courtesy of MSPCA.

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

November 4, 2018
Communicating Behavioral Issues with Your Veterinarian

During a routine checkup, does your veterinarian ask about behavioral issues your animal may be having? If they don’t ask, you should tell.

This is one of our Poppy's worried looks. She tends to be a bit of a nervous Nellie and this is always a topic of conversation with her vet.

Some things that we, as animal guardians, may think of as behavioral issues can be symptoms of a physical problem. Other concerns may be ones that your veterinarian may be ready, able, and willing to help you correct with expert guidance or, in some cases, medications.

Poppy has just had a checkup with a clean bill of health so we know her anxious looks are not from pain or illness.

Symptomatic Behaviors

Just as you may be a bit grumpy if you are in pain, your dog or cat may misbehave because something is hurting. Since some animals try to hide signs of weakness, such as pain, this can be an important lead that you should investigate.

Any sudden change in behavior is worth noting and if it continues, see a professional. Jumpiness in an animal could be a sign they are losing eyesight or hearing and that your approach is startling them.

Other medical causes of unusual behavior are arthritis, hip dysplasia, luxating patella, sore teeth, thyroid problems, epilepsy/seizures, ear infections, digestive issues, skin or environmental allergies, yeast infections, and cancer. Kidney or liver disease can result in toxins in the bloodstream. And, sadly, the aging process sometimes results in cognitive decline which can change your animal’s personality.

We keep log books on all aspects of Poppy's life.

Your Report

Your description of the behavior should be comprehensive. Keep a log before you speak with the medical team. Note what the animal is doing, how often, any possible changes in your home that might be impacting the dog or cat, and what you have tried to do to correct the behavior.

Once any medical causes are ruled out and any medical treatment is completed, you may still have to address some residual issues. Ask for options starting with the simplest changes before moving on to more serious remedies. Whenever possible, begin with training that you can try at home.

Should the veterinarian suggest medication, ask for the mildest option first. Finally, before you resort to stronger methods, ask for a referral to a veterinary behaviorist. This would be either a veterinarian with advanced training who is diplomate certified by the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (DACVB) or a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA.)

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 Cherubino adapted for BostonZest from one of her City Paws newspaper columns
Photos: ©2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino

October 2, 2016
Think You’re Ready to Add a Pet? Share or Foster First!

We all make some bad decisions in life, hopefully learn from them, and move on. However, when a decision impacts another living creature, we have to be far more careful. Animal adoption is a lifetime decision that will impact the future for everyone involved.

The outrageous number of dogs and cats in shelters and in the rescue system is, in part, because people don’t think things through or take advantage of opportunities to pre-test their decisions.

Try Before You Buy or Adopt

September is a big move-in month in Boston. We have students settling into their first homes-away-from-home and young professionals moving into their first post-grad apartments. For some, it’s their first opportunity to have a companion animal. A few may have carefully selected a building and/or landlord where dogs and cats are allowed.

My suggestion to anyone embarking on a new life as an animal guardian is to test the waters first by sharing responsibility with a friend or family member who has a dog or cat. Even taking care of an animal for one or two weeks will give you a better idea of how guardianship affects your life.

Tricky was fortunate to be living in a foster home when the prince of a man (she is now totally devoted to) visited. Here she sits and waits by a door for his return.

Become a Foster Home

You could also sign up with a rescue agency or shelter as a foster home. I’ve also suggested this to people who ask me about adding a second or third animal to their family. Try it first.

Both the MSPCA and Animal Rescue League of Boston have foster home programs (these links will take you directly to the foster program pages). My husband and I have done home visits to review foster homes for specific rescue groups where we are volunteers. If you are interested in a specific type or size of dog or cat, contact the appropriate rescue group and ask about fostering opportunities.

You could be the one getting kisses like the woman in the MSPCA photo below.

There have been times when we're doing a home visit for someone who would like to adopt a dog, when we suggest they consider fostering first. It might be that they have too little experience with dogs or that they have unrealistic expectations for a rescued animal.

On the page for the MSPCA Boston Foster Program, they have good information to consider when planning to foster.

“Fostering is an incredibly rewarding experience that requires a real commitment. The emotional aspects of fostering are difficult and should be discussed with all family members. It is easy to fall in love with any animal especially one that has depended on you. Oftentimes it can be difficult to see them leave your home for their new forever home. The wonderful part of fostering is knowing that you played a tremendous and extremely crucial role in getting them there!”

There is a lot to consider. In rescue circles, we talk about flunking fostering. That happens when you decide to keep the animal you set out to foster. Sometimes this is possible, but not always.

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: Top photo, iStockPhoto Tricky photo ©2016 Penny Cherubino bottom photo courtesy of the MSPCA site.

September 4, 2016
Sunday Cat Sophia Says, “Let me in Whee-ooh …”

"Let me in whee-ooh (whee-ooh, whee-ooh, hoop-whee-ooh)

(Whee-ooh, whee-ooh, hoo-ooh-oop-whee-ooh, whee-ooh)"

"I-uh-I-uh-I (open up) hear music, let me in (music)

Oh I heard it just then

Let me in (let me in)

I wanna come in again

I thought you were my friend …"

Sophia works at Bauer Wine & Spirits and loves sitting in the sun, accepting pats and scratches from her fans. But when the music and dancing starts, she wants back in!

Rest assured one of her faithful servants quickly responds to any appeal that Queen Sophia makes. They'll even play her favorite rendition of her Let Me In… theme song on YouTube upon request.

We have reported on Sophia's musical spirit before when we were treated to a performance on her glass harmonica.

Sunday Cat, Sophia and Her Glass Harmonica

Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs (and, a few cats) 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 with lyrics from The Sensations – Let Me In Lyrics
Photos: ©2015 Ed Cherubino

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August 2, 2015
Sunday Cat Sophia Says, “Let me in Whee-ooh …”

"Let me in whee-ooh (whee-ooh, whee-ooh, hoop-whee-ooh)

(Whee-ooh, whee-ooh, hoo-ooh-oop-whee-ooh, whee-ooh)"

"I-uh-I-uh-I (open up) hear music, let me in (music)

Oh I heard it just then

Let me in (let me in)

I wanna come in again

I thought you were my friend …"

Sophia works at Bauer Wine & Spirits and loves sitting in the sun, accepting pats and scratches from her fans. But when the music and dancing starts, she wants back in!

Rest assured one of her faithful servants quickly responds to any appeal that Queen Sophia makes. They'll even play her favorite rendition of her Let Me In… theme song on YouTube upon request.

We have reported on Sophia's musical spirit before when we were treated to a performance on her glass harmonica.

Sunday Cat, Sophia and Her Glass Harmonica

Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs (and, a few cats) 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 with lyrics from The Sensations – Let Me In Lyrics
Photos: ©2015 Ed Cherubino

Related articles

Mastering Hamersley's Roast Chicken Recipe

Welcome Luke's Lobster to Boston

Water Main Flushing May Mean Rusty Water…

August 2, 2015
Talk to the Animals and Listen When the Animals Talk to You

This is a time of the year when believing in the mystical and magical seems to come easily to humans. There is a widespread European superstition that at midnight on Christmas Eve animals can talk and humans can understand them.

(Joe might ask why a girl dog was named Joe?)

What Would You Ask?

With moments to go before the witching hour, what question would you ask your dog or cat to answer? Would your query be pragmatic, "Where did you hide my gray socks?" Emotional, "Do you know how much I love you?" Philosophical, "Are you happy with your life and what can I do to make you happier?" Behavioral, "Why do you bark at the television, don’t you know those dogs are not real?"

Ed and I agree, we'd ask our Westie Poppy why she is so afraid when we are out in the world and what we could do to make our daily walks less stessful for her. She is afraid of delivery trucks, construction sites, and loud noises of any sort. The past six months, with non-stop road construction in the Back Bay, have been a dreadful time for her.

Maybe she could suggest some remedy that Ed, our veterinarian, and all the research I’ve done has failed to uncover. And, “No, Poppy, staying inside all the time is not the answer.”

You can just tell that this dog would be a good listener – a Zen presence in any conversation.

What Would You Say?

Given the corollary that a dog or cat who can talk can also understand you, what would you try to explain to your companion if given the opportunity?

When there is something you have to do that your dog or cat hates, from giving a bath to a trip to the vet, would you say it’s for their own good? If your household has rules, such as no dogs on the sofa or in the kitchen, would you try to explain why those rules only apply to them?

Ed and I talk to Poppy all the time but aside from a bunch of regular words designed and constantly repeated to communicate with her, we’re sure all she hears is, “Blah, blah, blah, CHEESE, yadda, yadda…”

We'd try to explain that we will always protect her and do our best to keep her safe from the things she fears. And, I think I would set up a signal, like tapping her right front paw three times, for her to use when she’s in pain. Knowing when your dog or cat is hurting would be a blessing because it would allow you to find the problem and relief for them quickly.

These two had a magic word that they understood to mean, "Tip your head for the photo."

Understanding Us Humans

Of course dogs, cats, and humans do a lot of successful communicating. We use recognizable words, hand signals, body language, and tone of voice to let our critters know what we want them to do.

They use silent stares, purrs, wagging tails, barks, growls, and delivery of or leading us to toys, balls, and leashes to let us know what they want from us.

Our first Westie Sassy was the company mascot for a business we owned. She was so intelligent that our staff once created a lengthy list of the words she understood.

It was fun and I highly recommend trying to make a vocabulary list for your own companion animals. We learned that we didn’t all use the same words with her and that she adapted to having a bunch of humans telling her things, each in his or her own way.

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 Cherubino (Previously published as one of her City Paws newspaper columns)
Photography: © 2014 Ed Cherubino

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December 21, 2014
First Aid App for Your Sunday Dog

Penny was writing one of her City Paws newspaper columns on High Tech for pets, when she came across Pet First Aid: for Your Dog, Cat, Puppy, or Kitten – Jive Media LLC. She reviewed the options, compared the offerings, and bought this one because it seems to have exactly what we would want in an emergency.

Here is her review …

While having these instructions in an emergency will be wonderful, it was the time I spent going through the app that will stand me in good stead, if the time comes when I need it.

The app provides instructions for CPR, rescue breathing, and what to do if your pet is choking. It also has sections on safely caring for a sick or wounded animal, what is normal, disaster preparedness, and a host of specific emergency situations.

We do have a complete Doggie First Aid Kit packed into our Poppy's little red travel bag. It has only been used in an emergency situation once. We were staying in Provincetown when we noticed a neighbor trying to deal with a cut paw on the beach in front of the house. I grabbed the bag and offered cleaning solution, gauze, and pet bandages to help with the dog's first aid.

Poppy Tested

As it turned out, Poppy gave the app a trial run a week after we bought it. She was coughing and gagging after eating a piece of a dog treat. Now, we have a lifetime of experience with dogs so we didn't panic. We figured she had a small piece of the biscuit caught in her throat. But it was reassuring to pop up the section on choking and review the situation.

The app takes you through the incident step by step. On the second screen, we had a check list of symptoms that would indicate that a dog is choking. She wasn't drooling, pawing at her mouth, looking anxious, didn't have labored breathing, bluish mucous membranes, and had not collapsed. (When you touch the bluish mucous membranes item on the list, you are taken to illustrations that help you identify normal and abnormal.)

What we had was a simple case of clearing her throat and within a couple of hours she was free of symptoms. But, it was good to have had that checklist right on the phone.

Related Post:

Poppy Says, "Time for Some Emergency Planning"

Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs (and other critters) at Boston Dogs.

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

Details:
Words: Penny Cherubino, edited for BostonZest from her CIty Paws Newspaper Column.
Photography: ©2013-2014 Penny Cherubino

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August 31, 2014
“Life is a Toy” for Our Sunday Dogs and Cat

This week, we have two Sunday Dogs and one Sunday Cat coming your way with a special request.

Our own little girl Poppy has put on her best "Please, Please, Please!" face for this post. She was playing with some scraps of paper the other day and Ed laughed about how easily she was entertained, "Life is a toy!" he said. He is right.

Happy, healthy dogs and cats do think that life is a toy and they have great fun playing with their people and other creatures. So, Duchess Poppy is asking that you take some of the money you would spend on dog toys as holiday gifts and give a little to the people who help animals less fortunate than she happens to be.

That's Toto the Tornado Kitten under the Christmas tree. He's made a career of fundraising for the Animal Rescue League of Boston. They saved his life and found a perfect home for him. We wrote about Toto last summer.

We met Toby at an MSPCA event this year. Now tell me, can you resist those eyes and his request that you support his favorite animal welfare cause?

You may have your own favorite animal charity. Perhaps it's the rescue group or shelter that brought a wonderful companion into your life. We have a lot of friends who support Greyhound rescue groups. Over the years, we've been helped by a great non-profit called WestieMed when we've had rescued Westies in our care. We think of them when we have occasions to give a donation.

Here are the direct links to the donations pages of three options.

WestieMed

The MSPCA

ARLBoston

We will be giving in the names of our three girls – two gone but not forgotten, Sassy and Maggie Mae – and our dear, little puppy Poppy!

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

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2012 Penny & Ed Cherubino

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.

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A Sunday Dog Alert on 911 Emergency Calls

December 16, 2012
“Life is a Toy” for Our Sunday Dogs and Cat

This week, we have two Sunday Dogs and one Sunday Cat coming your way with a special request.

Our own little girl Poppy has put on her best "Please, Please, Please!" face for this post. She was playing with some scraps of paper the other day and Ed laughed about how easily she was entertained, "Life is a toy!" he said. He is right.

Happy, healthy dogs and cats do think that life is a toy and they have great fun playing with their people and other creatures. So, Duchess Poppy is asking that you take some of the money you would spend on dog toys as holiday gifts and give a little to the people who help animals less fortunate than she happens to be.

That's Toto the Tornado Kitten under the Christmas tree. He's made a career of fundraising for the Animal Rescue League of Boston. They saved his life and found a perfect home for him. We wrote about Toto last summer.

We met Toby at an MSPCA event this year. Now tell me, can you resist those eyes and his request that you support his favorite animal welfare cause?

You may have your own favorite animal charity. Perhaps it's the rescue group or shelter that brought a wonderful companion into your life. We have a lot of friends who support Greyhound rescue groups. Over the years, we've been helped by a great non-profit called WestieMed when we've had rescued Westies in our care. We think of them when we have occasions to give a donation.

Here are the direct links to the donations pages of three options.

WestieMed

The MSPCA

ARLBoston

We will be giving in the names of our three girls – two gone but not forgotten, Sassy and Maggie Mae – and our dear, little puppy Poppy!

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

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2012 Penny & Ed Cherubino

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

Sunday Dog, Zoe – the Cutest "Morkie" We've Ever Met!

Sunday Dog, Ruby – Just Call Her "Perfect"

Sunday Dog, Mack – an OEB that Loves to Snuggle!

"Norman" Aces Sunday Dog Audition!

A Sunday Dog Alert on 911 Emergency Calls

December 16, 2012
“Life is a Toy” for Our Sunday Dogs and Cat

This week, we have two Sunday Dogs and one Sunday Cat coming your way with a special request.

Our own little girl Poppy has put on her best "Please, Please, Please!" face for this post. She was playing with some scraps of paper the other day and Ed laughed about how easily she was entertained, "Life is a toy!" he said. He is right.

Happy, healthy dogs and cats do think that life is a toy and they have great fun playing with their people and other creatures. So, Duchess Poppy is asking that you take some of the money you would spend on dog toys as holiday gifts and give a little to the people who help animals less fortunate than she happens to be.

That's Toto the Tornado Kitten under the Christmas tree. He's made a career of fundraising for the Animal Rescue League of Boston. They saved his life and found a perfect home for him. We wrote about Toto last summer.

We met Toby at an MSPCA event this year. Now tell me, can you resist those eyes and his request that you support his favorite animal welfare cause?

You may have your own favorite animal charity. Perhaps it's the rescue group or shelter that brought a wonderful companion into your life. We have a lot of friends who support Greyhound rescue groups. Over the years, we've been helped by a great non-profit called WestieMed when we've had rescued Westies in our care. We think of them when we have occasions to give a donation.

Here are the direct links to the donations pages of three options.

WestieMed

The MSPCA

ARLBoston

We will be giving in the names of our three girls – two gone but not forgotten, Sassy and Maggie Mae – and our dear, little puppy Poppy!

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

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2012 Penny & Ed Cherubino

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

Sunday Dog, Zoe – the Cutest "Morkie" We've Ever Met!

Sunday Dog, Ruby – Just Call Her "Perfect"

Sunday Dog, Mack – an OEB that Loves to Snuggle!

"Norman" Aces Sunday Dog Audition!

A Sunday Dog Alert on 911 Emergency Calls

December 16, 2012