OTT_All About Pets_031922

THE TIMES Saturday, March 19, 2022

ALL ABOUT

PETS OST

• Get to know the bearded dragon • Common cat health concerns • What to expect at a veterinary dental cleaning • How to make aging pets more comfortable • And more!

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Shaw Media • March 2022

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Selecting an easier-to-train dog breed (Metro Creative Connection) Training is one of the most effective ways to keep companion animals safe and secure. When prospective pet owners begin looking for a new dog, one of the first thoughts that may come to mind is trainability and whether certain breeds are more readily trainable than others.

The pet food manufacturers at Honest Kitchen indicate that many factors can make a difference in how easily a dog will train, and breed is just one of them. Certain traits can suggest trainability, but how the animal was bred, raised and socialized can affect how well a dog takes to training as well.

The American Kennel Club reports that certain dogs are more willing to comply with owner requests, while others are bred to work independently and may be less likely to immediately respond to commands from their owners.

Certain traits can make some dogs a little easier to train than others. For example, dogs that are food-motivated and enjoy being around people may be more easily trained than those without such traits. Though there’s no guarantee any dog will take to training, the following are some breeds that are generally considered training-

friendly.

• Border collies: Collies are bright and energetic dogs that like to herd with their agility and intelligence.

• Australian shepherd: Another herding dog, Aussies have a natural focus on their owners and are bred to work with those owners in challenging environments.

• Doberman pinchers: Dobermans are smart and attentive to their owners. They have tradition-

ally been employed as guard dogs and require careful training and socialization to be tolerant of strangers.

• German shepherds: These workhorses serve many different roles because of their affinity for learning tasks. Like Dobermans, look for a wellsocialized German shepherd to avoid anxiety and wariness with people.

• Poodles: Poodles are popular because they don’t shed much, but also because they are an intelligent, obedient and versatile breed.

• Golden retrievers: Golden retrievers are not the No. 1 family dog for nothing. Goldens are very intelligent and amiable. They often will do anything to please their owners. Labrador retrievers also take to training well and are very affectionate.

• Papillon: Smaller dogs are often dubbed “stubborn” or “independent.” But papillons are incredibly smart and trainable and are naturally focused.

The pet advisement site K9 of Mine warns that some of the smartest, most easily trained dogs may not necessarily be the easiest to live with.

They can get bored easily and destroy things around the house if they can’t keep their minds occupied. This is a factor to consider when selecting a breed as well.

Recognizing signs of animal pain (Metro Creative Connection) - Companion animals often bring great joy to their owners. Dogs, cats, birds, bunnies, and other furry friends make owners smile regardless of how big, small or exuberant they might be.

Pet parents frequently go to great lengths to care for and pamper their pets. But even the most attentive owners may overlook signs that a pet is not feeling well.

The pet advocacy group Four Paws says animals hide pain in the wild as an evolutionary trait.

Showing weakness or pain increases the risk of being caught by predators. Thus, an ability to hide pain can help animals avoid danger. However, animals do express pain. Acute pain, which can occur if someone accidentally steps on a dog’s tail, will result in a vocal yelp, but a pet who has subtle or chronic pain is unlikely to cry out, and will instead exhibit other signs of pain.

Pet owners can familiarize themselves with certain behaviors, physical signs and mobility issues that can be indicative of pain.

Behavioral changes Pets may exhibit behavioral changes that indicate they’re in pain.

• Avoiding petting or other touch.

• Excessive licking or biting of areas of the body.

• Vocalization that goes beyond the norm, such as more barking, meowing or chirping.

• Restlessness, which may include not being able to find a comfortable position when lying down.

• Being less affectionate to owners, shyness or even exhibiting aggression that is not typical of the animal.

Physical changes Physical changes may give clues that a pet is in pain. Here are a few signs.

• Shaking or trembling of the body.

• Arching the back or curling up into a ball.

• Holding the head below the shoulders.

• Twitching muscles or seeing that the pet is tense and the muscles are tight.

• Some pets who are in pain will pant a lot.

Mobility issues Some pain is most evident when pets exhibit issues with their mobility.

• Walking slower or refusing to walk at all.

• Inability or reluctance to jump up on furniture or use stairs.

• Failure to lie down or difficulty getting up.

• Limping or shuffling of the feet.

Certain animals may refuse to eat, while others may exhibit noticeable changes in eye brightness if they are in pain. Elevated heart rate also may indicate a pet is in pain.

Pet owners are urged to visit a vet if their pet is behaving abnormally, as various behaviors may indicate a pet is in pain

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ALL ABOUT PETS |

Guide to adopting a shelter dog

Shaw Media • March 2022

(Metro Creative Connection) - Pet adoption rates soared during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The desire to adopt was so significant that animal shelters around the country nearly emptied. According to Dr. Elizabeth Berliner, an associate clinical professor and the director of the Maddie’s Shelter Medicine Program at Cornell University, as many as one in five pet-owning homes adopted a new pet during the pandemic.

Animal shelters are once again reaching capacity. As with many industries, there simply isn’t enough staff to care for all the animals.

Furthermore, animal adoption saturation over the past year may have contributed to fewer people seeking new pets. Those who still have room and love to share can put these tips to use as they look for a furry friend to call their own.

• Do your research. Ensuring your pup can seamlessly transition from the shelter to your home requires some pre-adoption legwork.

This animal will be occupying a spot in your home and heart for 10 years or more if all goes well. The size of the dog, age, anticipated energy levels, exercise needs, shedding capacity, and overall personality can affect how well the dog fits in. Research breeds and try to find one that suits your household and lifestyle before visiting the shelter.

• Start local first. Don’t discount local groups when searching for pets. Many small rescues can’t afford the time or money to maintain a website or constant social media presence. But they make up for that by being hands-on when matching pets with people.

• Be sure everyone is on board. All members of the household need to share the same enthusiasm for the dog. Weigh everyone’s opinions, but expect that certain people will take on more responsibility for the pet than others.

• Consider your finances. Although adopting a dog is initially less expensive than buying, there’s still the adoption fee to consider and other costs that come with dog ownership. Routine vet visits, emergency medical situations, food, grooming, training classes, toys, and other needs should be considered.

The American Kennel Club previously found the average annual costs for dog ownership is $2,500. One-time or irregular costs, such as a crate, spaying/neutering or emergency vet care, cost an average of $2,100. However, these rates vary depending on where you live.

• Is space available? Dogs need space.

While a chihuahua may need less space than a Great Dane, make sure you have adequate room in a home, apartment and backyard for the breed you are considering.

The day a dog is welcomed into the family is a joyous occasion. That joy only increases when prospective dog owners do their homework and find a dog that will fit right in with their families.

Shaw Media • March 2022

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Common cat health concerns (Metro Creative Connection) - Content to keep to themselves most of the time, cats have a reputation of being more low maintenance pets than their canine counterparts. While they are very good at self-maintenance, cats are vulnerable to various illnesses and other health issues. It is imperative for cat owners to recognize symptoms of common conditions and seek veterinary help to keep cats as healthy as they can be.

• Panleukopenia: Commonly called Panleuk or feline distemper, this is a virulent virus in the parovirus group. It is common among feral cats or other areas where large congregations of cats gather. PetMD says almost every cat will come in contact with this virus early in its life.

Treatment for feline distemper occurs on a case by case basis, though fluid therapy to prevent dehydration and maintain blood pressure is a common course of treatment.

• Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD): Estimates suggest as many as 3 percent of cats who visit the vet have FLUTD, which

is a group of diseases with multiple causes.

Symptoms include drinking more, straining to urinate, urinating in unusual places, crying while urinating, licking around the urethra, lack of appetite, and vomiting.

• Fleas: Cats are subjected to various parasites, including fleas. Cats that spend time both outside and indoors may be especially vulnerable to flea infestation. Hair loss, skin infections, flea dirt on the skin, and constant scratching and licking are signs of flea infestation. If left untreated, fleas can cause anemia.

• Feline leukemia virus (FelV): Feline leukemia was discovered in the 1960s and is one of the most commonly diagnosed causes of disease in domestic cats. FelV can severely inhibit a cat’s immune system, advises the ASPCA. • Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV): Another virus that can affect cats’ immune systems, FIV is slow-acting and may not show symptoms until years after initial infection. Cats may experience secondary infections as the virus takes hold. FIV is transmitted by deep bite

wounds, during gestation or during birth.

• Deafness: Many kittens are born without the ability to hear. It is more common in white cats with two blue eyes.

• Tapeworms: This internal parasite can rob a cat of nutrients as it resides in the small intestines. Tapeworms can sometimes grow to two feet in length. Weight loss and vomiting are potential symptoms. Owners may see a tapeworm coming out of their cat’s anus while the cat is sleeping or relaxed.

• High-rise syndrome: Unscreened windows pose a danger for curious cats. Falling from an elevated area can cause severe injuries.

Contrary to popular belief, cats don’t always land on their feet. The danger is so prevalent that veterinary professionals have dubbed this “high-rise syndrome.”

Cats are vulnerable to various medical conditions and illnesses. Pet owners can do their research to ensure their companion animals get the care they need.

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can make them a safe first pet for children.

• Routine care for bearded dragons includes providing full-spectrum lighting for 12 to 14 hours a day. Beardies will need a type of bright white light to serve as a basking spot, which should be around 95 to 102 F for adults, advises BeardedDragon.org. Heat rocks are not advised because they can cause serious burns.

• Bearded dragons are omnivorous, meaning they dine on both plant and animal matter.

Crickets and fresh greens should be given daily.

However, keep food to no bigger than the space between the eyes of the lizard, otherwise it can cause digestive impaction when

Shaw Media • March 2022

(Metro Creative Connection) - Reptile enthusiasts may want to open their homes to pets that cater to their love of cold-blooded creatures. If uniqueness is pet owners’ goal, bearded dragons should fit the bill.

The bearded dragon is a medium-sized lizard (12 to 24 inches) that hails from Australia’s desert regions. Bearded dragons are among the most popular lizards in both North America and Europe, according to the animal information site Wildlife Informer. A number of traits as well as relative ease of care contribute to the popularity of “beardies,” as many people affectionately refer to them. The following are some fun facts for those considering bearded dragons as pets.

• These lizards are relatively sedentary animals. Despite that, they have the capacity to run up to nine miles per hour, says PetMD. So if you let your beardie out of its aquarium, keep an eye out or the lizard may sprint away.

• Bearded dragons get their names from the spiny projection scales just under their necks that are thought to resemble a man’s beard. They can puff out their beards when excited or when they feel threatened.

• When the “beard” is used as a mating call, a beardie has the potential to change its scales to black.

• Bearded dragons are intelligent animals.

Scientists say they communicate and address familiar friends and even humans by waving their arms. Owners have reported their pets waving at them, signaling they recognize familiar faces.

• In order to be able to grow to its full size, a bearded dragon will need an adequately sized aquarium. Leave enough room so that the lizard can move around comfortably even as it grows.

• In terms of longevity, a bearded dragon can live anywhere from 8 to 14 years.

• These lizards are gentle by nature and it is very rare to hear of an aggressive bearded dragon, especially toward humans. That

ALL ABOUT PETS |

Get to know the bearded dragon

consumed. Locusts, cockroaches, waxworms, and silkworms also can be offered. Stick to food sourced from pet shops, as wild backyard insects may have been exposed to poisons.

• Bearded dragons will grow accustomed to being handled and stroked. They also can be trained to walk on leashes. Some will enjoy swimming in shallow water.

• Even though they can be social pets, bearded dragons should not be housed with other bearded dragons.

Lizards like the bearded dragon can be a great option for people looking for an exotic pet.

Shaw Media • March 2022

| ALL ABOUT PETS

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What to expect at a veterinary dental cleaning (Metro Creative Connection) - Oral health is as important for companion animals as it is for their owners. Left unchecked in pets, periodontal disease can lead to pain, trouble eating and other issues.

Pet owners are urged to brush their pets’ teeth to help remove bacteria that can lead to tartar buildup. If oral hygiene is ignored, pets can develop tooth decay and other issues.

People know from experience what to expect when they go to a dentist for a cleaning, but a pet’s oral cleaning may be an unknown — and that can induce anxiety. Most cleanings follow a similar pattern and recognition of that pattern can give pet owners an idea of what to expect at a veterinary dental cleaning.

Anesthesia One of the main differences between a dental cleaning for a person and one for a pet is the use of anesthesia. According to Kulshan Veterinary Hospital, pets do not willingly open their mouths to give veterinary dentists access to perform cleanings. Anesthesia ensures that the animal will remain still and the vet can remove any plaque and tartar that has built up. If a tooth needs to be extracted, sedation ensures that will go smoothly.

Pre-testing Since anesthesia will be used, vets often will

gums and detect pockets in the gums where food can accumulate and potentially lead to decay.

After the examination, VCA Hospitals says tooth scaling will be performed, using both ultrasonic and hand scalers to remove plaque and tartar above and below the gum line. Teeth will then be polished to remove any microscopic scratches that can snag bacteria and lead to subsequent build-up.

Monitoring Throughout the procedure, a pet’s vital signs are monitored and IV fluids are administered to keep the animal comfortable and safe. Before the pet is brought out of anesthesia, dental x-rays also may be taken to check for problems not visible to the naked eye. The pet also will be monitored after anesthesia in the recovery room. run lab work and an EKG to determine if a pet is healthy enough to receive anesthesia. Testing ahead of time also helps the vet make the best decisions regarding which types of anesthetics to administer and in what quantities.

Examination and cleaning The vet will conduct a thorough examination of the pet’s mouth, noting any abnormalities. A dental probe is often used to evaluate bleeding

At home When the pet is released to go home, it is important for pet owners to keep up with dental cleanings. Do not use toothpaste designed for humans, as there are special animal-safe products for this purpose. Depending on what was done during the cleaning, the vet may prescribe antibiotics and/or pain medications.

Dental cleanings are an important component of overall pet care. Consult with a vet to learn more about pet dental cleanings.

What to do if you suspect animal abuse?

(Metro Creative Connection) - Animals, particularly household pets, are selfless providers of love and comfort. Those traits are why so many people welcome pets into their lives. Although animals can show their affection in many ways, they are not able to advocate for themselves nor always convey when something is not right, which is why pet owners sometimes have difficulty recognizing a pet is ill or in pain. They also cannot let the public know when they have been suffering abuse.

All 50 states as well as Canada have laws against animal cruelty. However, those laws are only effective if people report animal abuse.

Witnessing animal abuse or neglect can be heartbreaking, but many people hesitate to take action due to potential personal repercussions. Yet it is imperative to take action since animal abuse tends to go hand-in-hand with other abuse. The Humane Society of the United States indicates that many studies in sociology, criminology and psychology during the past 25 years point to a correlation between violent offenders and histories of serious and repeated animal cruelty. Those who abuse animals also may be abusing children or a spouse at home. Individuals who suspect an animal is being abused can take these steps.

• Learn the signs of potential abuse or neglect.

These include the animal being skinny (visibility of ribs and spinal column), dirty, spending time outdoors without shelter, poor coat quality, lack of food or water, being caged for extended periods

of time, or too many animals living on a single property (hoarding).

• Find out which agency is responsible for investigating and enforcing anti-cruelty laws where you live. This often is a local humane society or Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

• Call 9-1-1 if you see an animal locked in a hot or cold car or chained up somewhere. Police and emergency services have the personnel and tools

to respond immediately.

• While it may be tempting to make an anonymous complaint, many jurisdictions require an identifiable witness who can authenticate evidence of abuse for successful prosecutions.

Animal abuse can be upsetting, but people can do their part to assist animals that can’t advocate for themselves.

Shaw Media • March 2022

(Metro Creative Connection) - Pets are valued members of many families, and their owners typically do everything they can to ensure their furry friends live as comfortably as possible.

Care becomes even more important as pets get older. Just like people, aging pets may eat less and sleep more. They may have reduced stamina and even experience stiffness when getting up from sleep. Certain pets may experience failing eyesight, hearing loss and/or incontinence.

According to an American Pet Products Association survey, 67 percent of U.S. households have a pet and will have to cope with that pet becoming a senior at some point. Senior animals might need a little extra help as they age, particularly with regard to comfort. These tips can help.

• Visit the vet more often. Senior pets may need to see the vet more frequently than they used to. Pets typically visit the vet every year. Senior pets may require two visits per year. Speak with a veterinarian about how often your aging pet should come in for checkups. Checkups can help identify illnesses earlier and ensure any aches and pains are addressed immediately.

• Invest in comfort devices. Pets may need items that can accommodate aches and pains or other conditions. For example, aging pets may benefit from a high quality orthopedic pet bed. Pet strollers and raised food bowls also can make aging pets’ lives a little more comfortable.

• Address mobility issues. Aging pets may need help getting around. Non-skid carpet runners in high-traffic areas can help pets walk around securely. Steps or ramps can make it easier to get on or off beds or in and out of vehicles.

• Install doggie doors. Senior pets may need to relieve themselves more frequently. A doggy door can allow for faster access to the outdoors. Similarly, a litter box with a lower opening makes it easier for aging cats to use the litter box.

• Ensure ample protection against the elements. Aging pets may feel the weather more than younger pets. They may need sweaters and coats or booties to protect their paws from the snow and ice. Cooling or heating mats may improve comfort indoors.

• Purchase animal diapers. Some senior pets may not be able to control themselves. Diapers and absorbent pads can keep them dry and prevent soiling around the house.

• Help the animal lose weight. Pets should maintain a healthy body weight, which can relieve pressure on joints and reduce risk for certain illnesses, including difficulty breathing and skin irritations. Speak with a veterinarian about the right foods and types of exercise for your pet to keep its weight in check.

Aging pets need extra patience and care. Pet owners can improve comfort and accessibility for their senior pets.

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How to make aging pets more comfortable

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