MDH_All About Pets_031821

ALL ABOUT

PETS

MDH

Thursday, March 18, 2021

Shaw Media • March 2021

| ALL ABOUT PETS

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Guide to adopting a shelter pet Metro Creative Services The COVID-19 pandemic has brought a lot of changes to daily life. One of the positive effects of COVID-19 is that many individuals have turned to pets to tame loneliness or bring some brightness into their lives amidst all the uncertainty and turbulence.

In April 2020, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals said applications to foster dogs and cats was up 200 percent. In addition, PetPoint, a software system shared by shelters nationwide, reported fostering and adoptions were up by 700 percent since 2019. A TD Ameritrade survey found 33 percent of Americans have considered fostering or adopting a furry friend during the pandemic.

While it may be tempting to rush out and adopt a pet right away, careful consideration must be given before bringing a new pet into a home.

Expense One of the biggest considerations is cost. The TD Ameritrade survey found that dog owners spend

up to $1,201 a year on their pets, while cat owners spend up to $687 per year on average. Food costs top the list of pet expenditures, followed by veterinary care and grooming.

Lifestyle Another aspect to consider is if a certain animal will fit its prospective owners’ lifestyles. Outdoor enthusiasts and physically active people may want an exercise buddy, so a high-energy dog breed may fit the mold. Those who want a cuddling companion or lap warmer may opt for a less active dog or a cat.

situations or may have spent years on the street, so owners must be ready to help such dogs adjust to more loving environments. It’s important to ask how the pet came to be in the shelter. All considerations need to be factored into the equation.

Research the pet It is important to learn the care needs of specific pets, particularly among breeds of cats and dogs.

For example, certain dogs may fit best with one person and not take to a household full of kids.

Some breeds need ample outdoor space to run around, while others may be content to be couch potatoes.

Learn the adoption process Each shelter or rescue organization has its own rules and regulations for adoption, including fees they charge by way of a donation. According to the pet resource Top Dog Tips, a shelter needs to be sure that adoptive pet parents will be able to care for the pet. An extensive questionnaire and a potential home visit may be part of the application process. Veterinarian references, age restrictions (adoptive pet parents are often 21 years or older) and permission from a landlord if one rents will be needed. Some rescues have stipulations regarding fenced yards. Some shelters even insist on a disclaimer that they reserve the right to remove the pet if they feel the animal is not being properly cared for.

Another consideration is temperament and the animal’s history. Some rescues come from abusive

Pet adoption should always include careful consideration of a wide range of factors.

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ALL ABOUT PETS |

Metro Creative Services Pet owners soon learn that having a pet means carving out a portion of home real estate for all of the supplies necessary for keeping companion animals healthy and comfortable. From food to toys to bedding, many pets require a laundry list of items.

Developing a storage strategy means keeping items within reach but potentially out of sight.

These suggestions can help individuals calm pet-related clutter.

Food storage Many dry pet foods are sold in bulk, which can be convenient for pet parents. Buying in quantity not only reduces the number of shopping trips, it also can help keep per-unit costs down.

The U.S. Food & Drug Adminstration notes that proper storage of pet food and treats helps maintain the products’ nutritional value and prevents spoilage. It also can keep pets from getting into their food and eating too much. Purchase a food grade and BPA-free plastic storage

container that can accommodate the volume of food and has an airtight lid to maintain freshness. If you are pouring the food directly into the container, save the product UPC code, brand name, lot number, and “best by” date from the packaging in case you need to file a complaint about the food.

Small containers can be used for treats or other edible items. Store all food in a cool, dry place.

Toys and more Investing in some similarly sized clear storage containers makes it easy to wrangle all of the accessories that come with pet ownership. Label the containers and fill them with the items you need, such as rubber balls, pet waste bags, coiled leashes or collars, squeaking toys, grooming brushes and combs, extra bird cuttlebones, fish nets, warming stones, or whatever other supplies are needed for pets large and small.

Devote a shelf or shelves in a storage closet for these items so they’re always readily available.

Medications Store medications separately from products

used for children and adults in the house. Keep medications in the original packages so labels can be referred to as needed. Place them in a sealed container so they’re not easily opened by children or pets.

Toys in use Many dogs and cats (or other small animals allowed to roam the house) will want access to their favorite toys. An easy solution is a groundlevel basket that is slipped under a side table in the living room or den. It’s easily accessible but kept out of sight. Clean-up means a quick sweep of toys that quickly can be tossed in the basket.

Bedding Depending on the animal, bedding may mean a cozy stuffed fabric bed or a pile of shaved cedar.

Both can be bulky. A designated spot for storage helps keep the home organized, and dog and cat beds can be coordinated to the color scheme of the house so they blend in.

Pets require many different supplies that, when properly stored, will not seem like they’re intruding on pet owners’ space.

Shaw Media • March 2021

Storage solutions for pet supplies

Shaw Media • March 2021

| ALL ABOUT PETS

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Safely take dogs for wilderness walks Metro Creative Services

the benefits of doing so are numerous. Keeping your dogs on a leash makes it easier for you and your dog to get away if you encounter something unexpected, like a coyote or a bear. It’s also easier to keep your dog on the walking path and out of brush or bushes, where ticks or other bugs might attach themselves to the dog and ultimately put its health in jeopardy.

walking and to ensure they have some sustenance should they get lost. The same precautionary measures are necessary for dogs. Pack a portable water bowl and extra water for your pooch so the dog does not become dehydrated during the walk. Some healthy, energy-boosting snacks can help dogs withstand lengthy hikes as well.

Confirm leash policies When walking dogs in public settings, it’s always best to keep them on a leash. Many areas even have laws that mandate dogs be kept on leashes at all times. If you hope to walk a dog off-leash, visit the park or wooded area ahead of time or contact your local parks department to determine the laws governing the area.

Apply tick repellant Even dogs that stay on walking paths in wooded areas are vulnerable to ticks. That vulnerability increases their owners’ susceptibility to ticks as well, as ticks that attach to dogs may eventually bite the dogs’ owners. Flea and tick collars can effectively deter ticks from feasting on dogs.

Owners also should apply tick repellant to themselves before entering wooded areas.

Recognize signs that the dog needs to turn around and go home.

Heavy panting, a slow gait and repeated efforts to lay down are signs that dogs have grown tired. Monitor your dog’s energy levels and turn around or return to your vehicle at the first sign a dog is running out of gas.

Recognize the benefits of leashes Even if you’re not legally obligated to keep the dog on a leash while walking through the woods,

Bring water and treats Hikers bring extra water and food along during a hike to satisfy any hunger pangs they have while

Hiking is a rewarding, healthy activity that can help people connect with nature. Walks in the wilderness also present perfect opportunities to get the family dog out for some fresh air.

When walking dogs in wooded areas, pet owners must exercise caution to protect their dogs, themselves and fellow nature lovers.

Wilderness walks provide great opportunities to get dogs exercise and fresh air. Some simple precautionary measures can ensure such walks are enjoyable for everyone.

Metro Creative Services Pets bring much joy to the lives they touch. So it should come as no surprise that the 2019-2020 National Pet Owners Survey, which was conducted by the American Pet Products Association, found that about 85 million families in the United States own a pet. In Canada, 7.5 million households are home to companion animals, states the PetBacker blog.

This is not the only health benefit pets may provide. A recent study from the Mayo Clinic, which looked at 1,800 people between the ages of 25 and 64 who had healthy hearts, found that almost half owned a dog. Having a dog was likely to spur heart-healthy behaviors, like exercising with the pet, eating well and having ideal blood sugar levels.

Pets also provide emotional support and companionship that can help seniors — including those who may be divorced or widowed — feel more secure and happy. The National Poll on Healthy Aging found that, among respondents who had pets, 88 percent said their pets helped them enjoy life, and 86 percent said their pets made them feel loved.

Seniors considering getting a pet can explore the many benefits to doing so.

• Reduce pain: A 2012 study published in Pain Magazine found therapy dogs provided “significant reduction in pain and emotional distress for chronic pain patients.”

• Feeling of purpose: Caring for an animal not only stimulates physical activity, but it also can give seniors a reason to get up and go, which equates to a feeling of purpose.

• Altered focus: Having a pet can help seniors focus on something other than physical or mental health issues and preoccupations about loss or aging, according to New Yorkbased psychologist Penny B. Donnenfeld.

• Increased physical activity: Pets require care, and that interaction can get seniors moving more than if they didn’t have a pet.

• Improved health: Ongoing research from Harvard Medical School has found dog owners have lower blood pressure, healthier cholesterol levels and lower risk of heart disease than those who don’t own a dog.

• Stick to routine: Caring for pets helps seniors maintain a routine. Having structure after retirement can be important to ward off risk of depression. Staying on top of feeding, grooming and other pet needs also can help prevent cognitive decline.

Pets bring many benefits to their owners’ lives, and they may be the perfect remedy for seniors looking for a friend and purpose.

Shaw Media • March 2021

Pets offer companionship and unconditional love. While they are fitting for any family, seniors may find that having a pet is especially beneficial. The organization A Place for Mom, which helps match families with senior living residences, says pets provide a comfort system that produces measurable health results. Caring for pets and being around them can produce a chemical chain reaction in the brain that may help to lower stress hormones while also increasing production of the feel-good hormone serotonin.

ALL ABOUT PETS |

Amazing benefits to seniors having pets

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Shaw Media • March 2021

| ALL ABOUT PETS

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How heartworm affects household pets Metro Creative Services Pets are beloved members of many families. So it’s no surprise that so many pet owners place such a great emphasis on raising healthy pets, often going to great lengths to provide nutritious foods for their furry friends and protecting them from a host of dangers, including heartworm.

What is heartworm?

The American Veterinary Medical Association notes that heartworm is a serious and potentially fatal disease caused by a parasite that primarily infects dogs, cats and ferrets. According to the American Heartworm Society, the heartworm is one foot in length and lives in the heart, lungs and blood vessels of affected pets.

What happens if a pet is infected with heartworms?

Heartworms can cause severe lung disease, heart failure and organ damage.

Where do heartworms pose a threat?

Geography is not a factor that affects heartworms. The AVMA says heartworms pose a threat to pets in every state in the United States and

various countries across the globe.

Are all cats and dogs vulnerable to heartworms?

According to the AVMA, all dogs are susceptible to heartworm infection. Indoor and outdoor cats also are vulnerable to heartworm infection.

The AVMA notes that heartworm is spread from animal to animal via mosquitoes, which can easily get into homes, potentially biting pets, including indoor house cats.

Do cats and dogs infected with heartworm react differently?

The AHS notes that heartworm manifests itself very differently in cats than it does in dogs. In fact, dogs with heartworms whose conditions have not yet been treated may have several worms in their bodies, while cats with heartworms typically have three or fewer worms and may not have any adult heartworms.

What are signs of heartworm in cats?

The AVMA notes that diagnosing heartworm in cats is more difficult than diagnosing it in dogs, perhaps due to the smaller number of worms in infected cats than in infected dogs. Various tests may be needed to determine the likelihood of

heartworm infection in cats, but such tests are not always conclusive. But potential warning signs of heartworm in cats include coughing, respiratory distress and vomiting.

What are signs of heartworm in dogs?

The AVMA indicates that dogs may show no signs of illness if they were recently or mildly infected with heartworms. Signs may only develop when the worms reach adulthood. Dogs may cough, become lethargic, lose their appetites, or experience difficulty breathing. In addition, the AVMA indicates that dogs with heartworm infections may tire rapidly after only moderate exercise.

Is heartworm preventable?

The good news for pet owners and their pets is that heartworm is entirely preventable. Various preventive medicines are available, and pet owners can speak with their veterinarians to determine which product is best for their pets.

Heartworm is a serious yet preventable disease.

Pet owners who suspect their pets are infected with heartworm should report those suspicions to their veterinarians immediately.

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ALL ABOUT PETS |

Metro Creative Services Dogs add an entirely new component to the dynamic of a household. Whether a dog is being welcomed into the bustling home of a family or the more sedate environment of a singleton’s apartment, the four-legged friend will soon acclimate to its new surroundings and become a beloved member of the family.

The transition from a pet-free home to one with a dog is not always smooth, especially if the dog exhibits certain behaviors. Chewing is a common behavior exhibited by dogs after they enter a new home that may alarm new dog owners. The ASPCA notes that it’s normal for puppies and dogs to chew on objects as they explore the world. Some dogs may do so to alleviate pain stemming from incoming teeth, while others chew to keep their jaws strong.

Destructive chewing may be a byproduct of anxiety or frustration, and such behavior can be especially hard for new dog owners to comprehend and corral. In such instances, dog owners can benefit from working with professional dog trainers. The American Kennel Club notes that

dog training is an unregulated industry, which can complicate the process of finding trustworthy trainers. In recognition of that difficulty, the AKC offers the following tips to dog owners searching for the right trainer.

Ask about a trainer’s philosophy Dog trainers use various methods, but the AKC emphasizes the importance of finding trainers who use positive reinforcement training. Such a philosophy rewards appropriate behavior and teaches alternative behaviors in place of inappropriate ones. The AKC notes that positive reinforcement training is science-based and fosters a love of learning in dogs while strengthening the bond between dogs and their owners.

Find out which services the trainer offers Trainers offer different services. Some may specialize in one-on-one training, while others train in class-like environments that can promote socialization. Each dog is different, so a training environment that works for one dog may not work for another. Speak with various trainers about their services and then choose the one that most aligns with your dog’s personality.

Shaw Media • March 2021

Tips to find the right dog trainer

Ask for a trainer’s credentials The AKC notes that certification with certain organizations is not mandatory, though certifications may indicate how serious a trainer is about training dogs. Trainers should be forthcoming about their credentials, including any certifications they may have. The Association of Professional Dog Trainers (www.apdt.com) can help dog owners learn about the various types of certification so they can make the most informed decisions possible when choosing a trainer for their dogs.

Take note of your own comfort level with the trainer The AKC reminds dog owners that dog trainers teach dog owners, who will need to be comfortable with a trainer to get the most of his or her services. Ask to observe a training class and take note of the trainer’s interactions with both the dogs and their owners.

Dog trainers can help dogs acclimate to new homes and help their owners adjust to their new roles. More information about dog trainers can be found at www.akc.org.

Shaw Media • March 2021

| ALL ABOUT PETS

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