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PET HEALTH & WELLNESS

Ultrasound: Answers to 5 Common Questions

Valentina Moshnikova, DVM, DACVR

DOES ULTRASOUND PROVIDE A DEFINITIVE DIAGNOSIS?

Ultrasound is a powerful diagnostic tool, and in many instances the only one necessary to yield the diagnosis - but, unfortunately, not all cases fall into this category. Ultrasound permits detailed evaluation of the internal organ structure - for one, it is the only available imaging modality to assess layering of the small intestinal wall. It can identify the most minute changes, but in many instances these changes are not specific to a single disease process, as different conditions overlap in their effects on various tissues. It is often not possible to predict how definitive an ultrasound will be prior to performing one. For example, for a dog with increased kidney bloodwork values ultrasound may show: kidney stones or occlusion of a ureter (definitive diagnosis); changes associated with prior injury, degeneration and remodeling (diagnosis of chronic disease without revealing the underlying cause); evidence of ongoing inflammation (semi-definitive, as a variety of infectious and non-infectious diseases fall under this broad umbrella, necessitating further testing); or no detectable changes at all, as with certain other inflammatory and auto-immune conditions of the kidneys. Certainly, in the first instance the ultrasound is far more rewarding than in the last! But in every case, it narrows the list of possibilities the ordering clinician needs to consider, further advancing the diagnostic process.

WHAT AREAS OF THE BODY CAN BE IMAGED USING ULTRASOUND?

While ultrasound of the abdomen is by far the most common application, the imaging technique can be applied to other areas of the body, but its limitations have to be taken into account. The image is generated by the ultrasound probe sending out very brief sound wave pulses and “listening” for echoes as the sound bounces off the tissues. These bursts have much higher frequency than any animal can hear (even bats, who use echolocation in a similar manner). The sound waves travel well in water and soft tissues, but have very poor penetration of tissue-gas and tissuemineral interfaces. This prevents imaging of any gas-filled (e.g. lung) or mineral (e.g. bone) regions of the body, or anything “beyond” them from the perspective of the ultrasound probe - even a small collection of gas in the path of the sound waves prevents them from reaching deeper tissues. Consequently, the abdomen, consisting predominantly of various organs and surrounding soft tissues, is a region wellsuited for ultrasound, while the head, protected by skull, or chest, normally air-filled, are far from ideal. Still, both of these areas can and are imaged when deviation from norm due to disease or other circumstances makes them more accessible: a chest mass becomes visible to the sonographer if it extends to the lung periphery; brain may be imaged in young puppies through the gaps in the yet-unfused skull. It is also possible to perform ultrasound of the soft tissues of the limbs. However, various muscles and tendons have similar composition and subsequently appear very similar on ultrasound, requiring experience and advanced knowledge of anatomy for interpretation.

WHY DOES MY PET NEED TO BE FASTED PRIOR TO ULTRASOUND?

As discussed above, ultrasound pulses cannot advance through collections of gas; they also struggle with structures that are more dense than soft tissues, such as kibble. Consequently, a stomach after a meal, full of gas and food, becomes an impenetrable imaging obstacle. Especially in dogs, the stomach is a highly distensible organ, which can block visualization of many structures located further toward the back of the pet, e.g., liver, adrenal glands and major vessels. During active digestion gas is common throughout the small intestine, further obscuring the view of the mid-abdomen. Additionally, the process of nutrient absorption can alter the appearance of the small intestinal wall, complicating diagnosis of underlying pathology. As a bonus, the ability of the gastrointestinal tract to move ingested material through in a predictable fashion

during a predetermined period of fasting provides valuable diagnostic information about its functionality. For this reason, preventing food intake by the pet for at least 8 hours prior to ultrasound (or longer, depending on the case) is recommended to permit a thorough and highquality study.

WHY ARE PETS OFTEN SHAVED FOR ULTRASOUND?

This is also done to avoid interference from gastissue interfaces, as air gets trapped among the hair follicles. Many sonographers find they maximize image quality and achieve the highest level of detail by shaving the region of interest and covering it in a layer of ultrasound gel, which further reduces any gas bubbles between the ultrasound probe and the skin. Some sonographers find that they are able to achieve this by thoroughly wetting the fur without shaving. Both methods have merits, and, while different sonographers may use different imaging techniques (this includes not only shaving, but also pet positioning), individual consistency is key to effective imaging.

WHY MAY SEDATION BE NEEDED FOR ULTRASOUND?

This depends on a variety of factors, many of which are pet-related - temperament, proclivity for panting, size - as well as the target area and aim of the ultrasound study. The need to sedate a pet for the study does not mean they are poorly behaved! But being placed on their back for a significant period of time is a strange experience for a lot of pets, and in this puzzling position many understandably respond by trying to wiggle away or tensing up. Motion, panting and flexion of the abdominal muscles are all detrimental to the ultrasound quality, and while some pets respond well to a quiet environment, soothing voice, and gentle touch of the handlers, for others this does not suffice. In these cases, sedation may be needed to provide relaxation, as well as ease any discomfort caused by the pressure of the ultrasound probe. The latter can be particularly important for patients experiencing abdominal pain, who benefit greatly from the concurrent analgesic effects. While the additional costs and individual risks of sedation always need to be considered, it can be a great option to reduce the duration and stress of the study, while also improving its quality with the ultimate goal of diagnostic efficiency and effectiveness.

HOLISTIC PET CARE

Herbs are for Pets Too

By Doug Knueven, DVM, CVA, CVC, CVCH

There are many ways that herbs can benefit our pets. They are helpful for a multitude of conditions for which drugs are currently employed, including fighting infections, easing pain, assisting organ function, and improving hormone balance, just to name a few. Herbs can even help your animal companion in ways that drugs cannot, such as improving his immune system function, helping him rid his body of toxins, and strengthening his resistance to environmental stress. At the same time, there is a place in a pet’s health care for conventional medications, so be sure to consult your veterinarian for the proper diagnosis and treatment of any disease.

Herbs can often be used in place of drugs and many drugs have been derived from herbs. In fact, the word drug comes from the Middle English word drogge, which means “dried root.” However, while drugs usually consist of a high concentration of a single active ingredient and manipulate the body forcefully in a particular direction, herbs, contain a whole host of ingredients and thereby they can have complex effects on the body. That is why the same herb used for diarrhea might also aid a constipated pet. From my perspective, the active ingredient in the herb is the herb.

A major advantage of herbs over pharmaceutical medications is that herbs cause fewer side effects. This is not to say that herbs never cause problems. The trade-off for gentleness of action is that herbs tend to take time (up to 12 weeks) to have their intended effect on the pet.

Animals naturally practice herbal medicine. Zoopharmacognosy is the study of the process by which animals select and utilize plants, soils, and insects to treat and prevent illness. Observers have noticed that many creatures self-medicate with herbs. Apes have demonstrated a certain herbal sophistication by stripping the leaves of a medicinal plant and then breaking its stem to consume just the juice. Field biologists and others have studied zoopharmacognosy in a wide range of animals, including elephants, gorillas, monkeys, chimpanzees, bison, lambs, pigs, chickens, civets, jackals, tigers, bears, wild dogs, rhinoceros, mole rats, desert gerbils, and even butterflies.

Furthermore, it is possible that we owe our practice of herbal medicine to our friends the animals. Indigenous healers the world over sometimes claim to have determined which plants to use for particular conditions by watching and mimicking the beasts. This assertion is quite likely. So, it is only natural for us to return the favor and utilize herbal remedies for our pets today.

While it may be true that a rose by any other name is still a rose, when dealing with medicinal plants it is imperative that our references be more exacting. Common names for herbs can be very deceiving. First, most of the tens of thousands of plants in the world have no common names. Second, many different herbs share the same common name. For example, cat’s claw is the common name that can refer to two related plants: Uncaria tomentosa and Uncaria guianensis. Although these two plants look similar, they have very different therapeutic actions.

To add to the confusion, a single herb may have many different names. Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia) is also known as purple coneflower, coneflower, rudbeckia, and black Sampson. This naming situation can lead to quite a bit of uncertainty when selecting an herbal product.

Because of the ineffectiveness of common names, scientific names must be used when discussing herbal remedies. Scientific names refer to plants by their genus and species in Latin. Just as the scientific name for modern-day humans is Homo sapiens and that for domestic dogs is Canis familiaris, so every plant can be specified by its scientific name. This system allows for precise communication regarding herbal prescribing throughout the world.

Generally, herbs are very safe for pets and have many fewer side effects than drugs. The most common problem that any herbal remedy can cause is gastrointestinal upset. If after taking an herb your pet has a loss of appetite, vomiting, or diarrhea, then stop the remedy. When the pet’s system returns to normal, restart the herb at half the dose and gradually work up to the recommended level.

Very rarely, a pet may have an allergic reaction to a specific herb, as can happen with any medication. This will usually manifest with the symptoms of hives, itching, and/or a swollen face. If your pet experiences such a reaction, then discontinue the herb and find an alternative. Severe hypersensitivity reactions may require emergency veterinary care.

Pets can generally take the same herbs that we do with a few exceptions. This is a list of the most common problem herbs.

Tea tree oil and pennyroyal are very toxic if swallowed by pet. Even when applied topically, it is possible for an animal to become ill if he licks the area.

• Hops are toxic to greyhounds.

• Comfrey can cause liver damage in any pet.

• Garlic contains phytochemicals that can reportedly cause problems with red blood cells, especially in cats.

• Ma Huang is very toxic to cats.

Please also be aware that herbs can interact with certain medications so consult an expert before giving the two together. Also, certain disease conditions could make a pet more susceptible to herbal side effects. Finally, cats have a different detoxification system than dogs do and are more susceptible to side effects from certain herbs and drugs.

HERE ARE SOME GENERAL DOSING GUIDELINES. THE AMOUNT IS TO BE GIVEN 2-3 TIMES DAILY.

PET WEIGHT TEA DRIED HERB TINCTURE

0-10 lbs 1/8 c 1/8 tsp 1-3 Drops

10-20 lbs ¼ c ¼-½ tsp 3-5 Drops

20-50 lbs ¼-½ c ½-1 tsp 5-10 Drops

50-100 lbs ½-1 c 1-2 tsp 10-20 Drops

>100 lbs 1 c 2-3 tsp 20-30 Drops

Here are some helpful herbs for pets.

CHAMOMILE (MATRICARIA RECUTITA)

Chamomile has anti-inflammatory, antispasmotic, antibacterial, and a mild sedative effects. This herb can be used for inflammatory bowel disease, car sickness, and as a digestive aid. It can be sponged onto inflamed skin as a topical application. For a stronger effect you can make a poultice by cooking oatmeal in chamomile tea and apply the mixture to a “hot spot.” You then get the anti-inflammatory benefit of both the chamomile and the oats. Chamomile can cause skin irritation in pets with a ragweed allergy and an excessive dose can irritate the gastrointestinal tract.

ECHINACEA (ECHINACEA ANGUSTIFOLIA AND ECHINACEA PURPUREA)

Echinacea can be used to enhance the immune system. Use echinacea to help your pet stave off or overcome any infection. It can be used alone or with antibiotics as the situation dictates. There is no known toxicity to this herb (try to find that phrase in any drug insert) but it should be used with caution in pets with any kind of auto-immune disease. Echinacea products are very commonly adulterated—meaning they are either not pure or plant material other than the desired herb used—so be sure to purchase it from a reputable company.

GINGER (ZINGIBER OFFICINALE)

Ginger can be used as a digestive tonic and antispasmotic. It can be used to ease carsickness, diarrhea, nausea, and coughing. Large overdoses of ginger have been reported to cause depression of the central nervous system and heart arrhythmias. Because ginger reduces the blood’s ability to clot, it should not be used in pets with blood clotting problems, or those with gastrointestinal ulcers, or in conjunction with surgery. Also, ginger has a warming effect on the body and may exacerbate a pet’s fever. Ginseng is classified as a tonic herb. Sometimes called adaptogens, tonic herbs enhance the overall functioning of the body allowing it to more easily adapt to stress. Ginseng also balances the immune system and is synergistic with cardiac medications. It is extremely rare to see toxicity due to its use but ginseng can possibly cause diarrhea and nervousness. Due to its popularity, it is commonly adulterated.

LICORICE (GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA)

Licorice has an anti-inflammatory effect, especially on the lungs and gastrointestinal tract. Licorice appears to reduce inflammation at least in part by prolonging the body’s utilization of its own cortisol, so reach for this herb instead of giving glucocorticoids like prednisone, prednisolone, and dexamethasone. Problems that can be aided with licorice include coughing, dermatitis, gastrointestinal ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease, cancer, infections, and arthritis. Long term use of licorice can cause sodium retention, so this herb should be used with caution in pets with heart, liver, or kidney disease.

MARSHMALLOW PLANT (ALTHAEA OFFICINALIS)

Marshmallow can be used in place of, and is more ecologically friendly than, Slippery Elm Bark which was commonly recommended in the readings. It helps to enhance immune function, suppress coughing, break up mucous, and moisten mucous membranes so it can be used for bronchitis and respiratory infections. Its normalizing effect on mucous membranes make it ideal for treating gastric ulcers, gastritis, enteritis, and bladder inflammation. Marshmallow can also be used for either diarrhea or constipation.

Cautions: Marshmallow has no known side effects but may delay the absorption of drugs given concurrently.

MILK THISTLE (SILYBUM MARIANUM)

Milk thistle is helpful for any liver issue. It also has antioxidant properties so it can help protect the body from oxidative damage caused by toxins and aging. Milk thistle increases the compound, glutathione, in the liver which helps the body detoxify. There is no known toxicity from milk thistle.

OREGON GRAPE (MAHONIA AQUIFOLIUM)

In place of the popular herb goldenseal—which should be avoided due to the fact that it has been over-harvested—I recommend the use of Oregon grape. It has anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, and digestive tonic effects. Oregon grape can be used to help a pet fight off any type of infection and can also be used for sluggish digestion. Oregon grape should be used with caution in pets with liver disease.

SAW PALMETTO (SERENOA REPENS)

Saw palmetto can be used to decrease inflammation and to reduce the effects of male hormones. This herb is ideal for dogs with benign prostatic hyperplasia (an enlarged prostate gland). Saw palmetto may also be used to stimulate a pet’s appetite. There is no known toxicity to this herb.

KITTY CORNER

Manny’s Unexpected Journey - How to Find Your Lost Cat

By Dr. Becky L. Morrow, DVM

We try to provide good physical and emotional health to our furry family members. For years my husband and I have taken our cats out for car rides, on bike rides, for walks and hikes. One of our disabled cats has traveled all over the United States and even to several Airbnb’s in the Caribbean. The cats love these enriching opportunities. Unfortunately, even with all the best preparation and the use of a cat harness that was “designed to keep even the best escape artist secured,” our cat Manny got startled, seemingly turned feral, and somehow opened the snapping buckle. He ran into the woods, then down over a steep hill. We were unable to safely follow.

We called in reinforcements and drove to the railroad tracks at the bottom of the hill, certain that we would be able to see a 20 pound, mostly white cat as we walked along and scoured the pre-spring landscape. Six of us searching and me scaling the side of the hill for some reason (I was not thinking completely logically) did not produce results. To make a very long and painful story short, we did get Manny back home after hundreds of flyers and signs, two drone sessions, ten game cameras being “baited” each night, attempts at trapping and meeting many ungrateful raccoons, dozens of searches in the woods and in neighborhoods, calls and texts to neighbors from FindToto, and three sessions with a tracking dog. We were also extremely fortunate to have the help of a local volunteer lost pet recovery group and other cat rescuers in the area.

What I wish I had known before I was in a highly emotional and barely rational state of mind was the science behind lost cat recovery - having a strategy based on the behavior of cats and what they tend to do in their emotional, barely rational state of mind while lost.

Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation out there that at best, does no harm, but at worst, interferes with getting our kitties back home. One of the biggest fallacies is the “put their litterbox on the porch” piece of advice. People waste important time thinking they are doing something that will bring their cat home. So what should we do? Kat Albrecht who founded the Missing Animal Response Network observed that when a cat is panicked or afraid, he will hide in silence and will not come out until he reaches a threshold point specific to him, based on his temperament and comfort level. This may take just a few hours for very friendly and outgoing cats or many weeks for our scaredy cats. For Manny, it was 40 days. Nothing is going to draw the cat back home until he reaches that threshold.

Because cats find a hiding spot rather quickly, it makes sense that they do not travel very far. In fact, a recent study of more than a thousand cats showed that about half were within a distance only a few houses away and the majority were within 500 meters of their point of escape - about 5 football fields in distance, when found. Of cats found alive, most were recovered within 7 days and nearly all the rest found within two months. A physical search greatly increased the chance of finding the cat alive. In addition to a slow, methodical, physical search within the 500-meter area (during the day and night and including the inside of the house), distribution of missing cat flyers with a clear picture of the cat and missing cat posters (mounted on neon backing) attached to poles and trees in the area helped the most. Posting on missing pet databases, social media such as Facebook, or via an automated phone call alert system were also helpful in finding the cats. While only half of the people that lost their cats contacted a facility or sought professional help from volunteer lost pet recovery groups, a pet detective, or a trained search dog (with her handler, of course!), this was found to have one of the highest rates of recovery. I was amazed at how helpful the scent tracking dog, appropriately named Magic, and her mom, Carmen, were to both our search for Manny and my state of mind. I worried that Manny was stuck on the hillside somewhere and unable to get to water, but Magic “told” us that he had walked a good mile near the railroad tracks below. This gave us the first point to search using the baited game cameras with yummy, smelly food in view. Posters led to phone calls saying that Manny might be near a chiropractic office. To be sure it was him, Magic came back again and verified it. That night, we saw Manny on the camera for the first time! Although he decided to avoid our humane traps and didn’t come out the night I stayed out watching with the security system camera and power inverter from my car, we began to understand his patterns of movement.

When another sighting that resulted from the FindToto robocalls was reported to us, we were again able to validate that it was Manny from his smell. I saw him three times in one night while watching the camera feed 100 feet away in my car, but he still refused to go into the humane trap or eat the rotisserie chicken I bought. The very next day, a flyer we handed out around the neighborhood surrounding the park six weeks prior resulted in a call. My husband went to check it out. Finally it was Manny! While he still ran initially, his dad’s calm, patient nature allowed him to finally snap out of the nomadic cat mindset and happily get carried to the car and back home. Using a combination of the techniques worked for us, and while Manny lost nearly half of his body weight despite me cooking for him every night, he did recover from his ordeal.

While I hope you never need this guide, having the knowledge ahead of time will empower you to make the best decisions and give the greatest probability of getting your cat back home with you. Manny would definitely approve.

Mt Lebanon Stop Declaw Committee SAVE THE PAW BAN DECLAW

By Faith Bjalobok Ph.D.

The 18th Century philosopher Kant argued that social change occurs as a result of a change in thinking. The change in thinking that challenged the long held Cartesian dualism claim that animals lack a mind, therefore, do not feel pain originated with the 17th century philosopher Jeremey Bentham. Bentham argued “the question is not can they think but can they feel.” This statement began the animal welfare movement and British SPCA. It also resulted in the start of a change in thinking about the moral status of non-human animals and our treatment of them. The realization in ethics has become that they are not mere objects or property but sentient beings.

One outcome of this paradigm shift is the rethinking of various nontherapeutic medical procedures performed on non-human animals. Non-therapeutic procedures are those which have no benefit for the animal itself and function primarily for human convenience. Cat declawing is one such procedure whose inherent cruelty has recently come under ethical scrutiny. Once we acknowledge that cats are sentient beings and are subjects of life, the cruelty of declawing due to the pain inflicted on the cat without any benefit to the cat itself becomes evident and ethically problematic. Cat declawing has already been outlawed in several countries, in the states of New York and Maryland and recently the city of Pittsburgh. The hope of Mt Lebanon Stop Declaw Committee is that the people of Mt Lebanon, once they become aware of the inherent cruelty of declawing, will join the growing numbers who realize that the autonomous decision to own a pet requires that you make proxy consent decisions for your pet based on the “best interests” of the pet and that declawing is contrary to a cat’s “best interest.”

In addition, it is important to remember that newly graduating veterinarians for the most part do not wish to perform declawing and a declaw ban in addition to eliminating the cat’s pain and suffering would provide a legal shelter for those veterinarians who find declawing unethical and a violation of their oath to do what is in the “best interest” of their patient.

Enter the formation of Mt Lebanon Stop Declaw Committee. The Mt Lebanon Stop Declaw Committee began when a former Duquesne student of mine, Joe Leckenby, contacted me about banning declawing in Mount Lebanon. I put him in touch with Carol Whaley the director of Animal Friends Humane Legislative Committee of which I am proudly a member. Carol played a major role in the passage of the declaw ban in the city of Pittsburgh. She is dedicated to eliminating declawing unless it is for a therapeutic reason and in the cat’s “best interests.”

Carol introduced Joe and myself to other Mt Lebanon residents like Sally Lamond a former cat adoption coordinator for Animal Friends, a Mt Lebanon resident, a committee member and an individual whose passionate dedication to ending the cruel practice of cat declawing spans decades. The Mt Lebanon Stop Declaw Committee was born.

Although Mt Lebanon council was contacted, they expressed no interest in working to ban cat declawing. Fortunately, Joe was able to provide us with another avenue by which to approach the ban. Mount Lebanon is a home rule community which allows citizens to collect signatures of registered Mount Lebanon voters on a petition then submit the petition to council. If for some reason the council decides against the ban it will then go on the ballot.

In order to gain the required signatures of registered Mt Lebanon voters, the stop declaw group will be holding petition signing events at various locations in Mt Lebanon. The dates and locations of petition signing events can be found on our face book Mt Lebo Stop Declaw Committee under events. In addition, the group will undertake to educate Mt Lebanon residents not only on why declawing is inhumane but on the negative feline behaviors that frequently result as a consequence of declawing. Petition signing events will enable citizens to read the proposed ordinance and view literature on declawing. In addition, the face book page contains links to videos and other articles on the topic of cat declawing.

As with all social movements, a grassroots effort is required. This group is committed to collecting the required number of signatures within the allotted 90 day period. Any help from individuals wishing to assist in the effort is greatly appreciated.

Faith Bjalobok Ph.D.

Fellow Oxford Centre Animal Ethics

Founder Fluffyjean Fund for Felines

KITTY KORNER

Independence Day for Us, Our Cats Not So Much

By Bernadette Kazmarski

Fireworks aren't the only thing that can make cats uncomfortable on Independence Day—keep them in mind when preparing for any home event including foods, decorations, and summertime traditions, like grilling. Much of this information also applies to dogs and other pets as well.

FIREWORKS

It's not just one fireworks display, it's also the prevalence of fireworks around the date that builds up stress over time. Being near fireworks can be uncomfortable for us humans, but even at a distance they take their toll on our cats' highly sensitive ears and can leave them extremely stressed, confused and irritable. In time any noise might frighten them.

I keep a close eye on and do my best to prepare my household of rescued and foster cats. My community hosts its 4th of July celebration on July 3, so that adds an extra day to the fireworks noise, and then my neighbors extend the celebration beginning with Memorial Day. I live six miles from downtown Pittsburgh and there are fireworks over the river for Independence Day and other events. Even at that distance they are still close enough that the deep concussion of the sound has all the cats awake and some heading to the basement or under the bed, or just standing round-eyed at attention.

The unexpected and unexplained noises day and night leading up to the big day adds up for cats. I'm helping a woman foster feral kittens we trapped, spaying and returning their mother. Her neighbors shoot off fireworks at will, and over time one of the kittens was traumatized by the noise. On New Year's Eve the bombardment frightened him to the point he managed to scratch open a small access door into a wall, and for a couple of months would only come out when no one was around and eluded the trap we put in the room. We needed medication to get him over the trauma, and practically had to start again from the beginning with socialization, if we can get him to the point he's adoptable.

BE CAREFUL WITH A TRAUMATIZED CAT

When cats are that traumatized, they will often act completely out of character from the stress, so be extra careful when approaching and handling them. A cat who has shown no interest in the outdoors might feel trapped inside and unable to get away from the noise and run out the door, or injure itself in its haste to hide indoors. Even the most socialized cat, startled by a loud noise very near and feeling the need to run and hide, might struggle in being held and even scratch and bite. Approach your pet in a way that respects their condition and use a few of the tips below to help ease their trauma.

Check for frightened cats before you open a door. Check your screens to make sure they are sound and can't easily be pushed out of the window.

PREPARING FOR THE HOLIDAY

1. In part, preparing your cat for this holiday is not unlike preparing for an emergency just in case it really does get frightened and run. Make sure your cat has ID, such as a microchip and maybe a collar with tags, so they are quickly and easily identifiable. Take a good photo of your cat just in case you need to make lost pet signs. 2. Consider giving your cat a safe room with places to hide in, like under the bed or in a closet. On the night of the 4th while fireworks are blasting all around you, the safe room can be dark and closed off to the outside with soft music or comforting sounds to cushion the noise. You can even add calming pheromones and some fun food or treats to help them feel more comfortable. 3. Watch for changes in behavior such as lack of appetite, excessive vocalizing, pacing or aggressiveness, and don't discipline them when they act out of fear. 4. Before your celebration, or before you leave for your celebration, have your cat in its safe room and play with it to help ease its stress, turning on the noise cushion. If you have guests, let them know your cat should not be able to go outdoors or that your cat should stay in the safe room.

OTHER HOLIDAY DANGERS

In addition to loud unexpected noises, also keep your cat protected from: • hot grills • matches and lighter fluid • alcoholic drinks • sunscreen • insect repellent not intended for pets • citronella liquid or candles • fire pits and anything else that has flames • the contents of firecrackers, fireworks, and most other pyrotechnics— and don't forget to clean up the residue from anywhere your pets might encounter it • glow sticks—the contents are toxic, and the plastic can be easily chewed • balloons, garlands, and ribbon

Take a look around for any part of the holiday we take for granted but which may put your cat in the path of danger. Keep your cat away from your own holiday fun, especially at night outdoors when it's hard to see what they are up to.

AND REMEMBER OTHER ANIMALS

Just take a moment to think about the wildlife that may be in your vicinity, wild parents with their young who may also be frightened by loud noises especially when many fireworks celebrations are set off in parks, which are homes for many of our most familiar species.

REFERENCE SITES:

www.petmd.com: Top Ten Fourth of July Pet Safety Tips

www.aspca.org Fourth of July Safety Tips

www.catbehaviorassociates.com: 4th of July Cat Safety Tips