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PET

Guide

THIS GUIDE IS FILLED WITH ALL THINGS PETS!

Suburban Life • ShawLocal.com • Edition of June 23-24, 2022

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The characteristics of various cat breeds Metro Creative Services — Cats perch on windowsills and the tops of sofas in many homes across the country. The American Veterinary Medical Association indicated in its U.S. Pet Ownership & Demographics Sourcebook (2017-2018) that 25.4 percent of households owned cats, with a total of 58,385,725 cats residing in the United States that year. The Canadian Animal Health Institute says cats continue to outnumber dogs in Canada, where 8.1 million cats were kept as household pets in 2020.

Pet owners understand that there are a variety of dog breeds, each with its own behavior, size and temperament standards. For example, a golden retriever may behave much differently than a toy poodle. The same can be said for cats; cat breeds vary and each has its own notable characteristics.

The following are a few popular cat breeds and what owners can expect if they open their homes to these felines, courtesy of PetHealthZone® and Cat Fanciers’ association.

• Abyssinian: A popular cat breed, abyssinians are elegant and regal-looking. While affectionate,

they tend not to be lap cats, but are known for their curiosity and playfulness. These cats come in four different ruddy colors.

• American Bobtail: This cat has a short tail and tufted ears and toes. It resembles the wild bobcat. Some say these cats are dog-like in their personalities. They may enjoy greeting family and some can even be leash-trained.

• Bengal: Bengals look like a wild cat with their spotted coats. They are extremely intelligent and require much energy to stimulate them mentally.

• Burmese: Burmese cats like spending time with their families and bonding with people. They hail from Thailand, although it was rumored the cats were from Burma, and come in American and British variations.

• Devon Rex: With its oversized ears, the Devon Rex can look like a cartoon character. And a character he or she is, preferring to curl up on a warm lap or follow people around the house. The breed also has a hint of mischievousness, so watch out.

• Himalayan: Puffy and beautiful, these cats desire petting and grooming. They were bred by crossing Persian and Siamese cats to produce a striking mix. Himalayans are affectionate, intelligent and extroverted.

• Maine Coon: These cats got their name from the legend that they’re a cross between a cat and a racoon. This isn’t the case, but Maine Coons are among the largest cat breeds in the world and have fur and tails that resembles a wild racoon’s. Peopleoriented, intelligent and easy-going are some traits associated with this breed.

• Persian: Persians have scrunched faces and silky, flowing coats. They tend to be quiet and gentle, and will offer unconditional love to owners. They can take a while to warm up to new people.

• Siamese: These cats look similar to Burmese, and also hail from Thailand. Brown paws and blue eyes give them a striking look. They’re quite talkative and very intelligent.

With scores of cat breeds, people can undoubtedly find felines that fit their lifestyles.

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Resources available for people and pets include: • Roomy and comfortable accommodations for the nearly 1,600 animals helped annually.

• All adoptable pets receive medical care, vaccinations and are spayed and neutered prior to adoption in the facility’s Irving & Phyllis Millstein Medical suite.

• Dog Training Classes provided year-round for all pet owners everywhere (not just adopters).

• Enrichment activities to keep shelter guests active and happy during their stay.

•Y ear-round low-cost and affordable pet care clinics and pet food pantries provided to everyone.

• Humane education programs, volunteer opportunities and camps for youth.

• Therapaws Pet Therapy for patients, students and seniors provided free of charge.

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• BJ Chimenti Angel Fund for Veterans and Pets provides military veterans and families with ongoing support via adoption matches and discounts, pet therapy, veterinary care, volunteer opportunities, dog training and more.

• A robust volunteer and foster program.

HHS is a voice for companion animals who are dependent on people for their care and believe they are entitled to our respect and protection.

As a nonprofit, HHS relies entirely on donations to exist and maintain its operations. Visit hinsdalehumanesociety.org to donate or learn more.

The Tuthill Family Pet Rescue & Resource Center operated by Hinsdale Humane Society is a fullservice, state-of-the-art facility that completely reimagines animal rescue and related resources.

Edition of June 23-24, 2022 • ShaawLocal.com • Suburban Life

HINSDALE, IL — Hinsdale Humane Society (HHS) is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to the care and adoption of homeless animals, as well as to providing a variety of resources, programs and services to help people and pets everywhere.

Established in 1953, and about to celebrate its 70th anniversary, the organization moved to its current location at 21 Salt Creek Lane in Hinsdale about four years ago. The state of the art facility is located right off of I-294 and Ogden Avenue, providing access from multiple communities that HHS serves.

“We’re here to adopt out animals in need, while we also nurture the human-animal bond through innovative programs and affordable services to help pets stay in their homes,” said Jacki Rossi, Executive Director, HHS.

PET GUIDE |

HINSDALE HUMANE SOCIETY PROVIDES ADOPTABLE ANIMALS, PROGRAMS, SERVICES AND MORE FOR CHICAGOLAND COMMUNITIES

Suburban Life • ShawLocal.com • Edition of June 23-24, 2022

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How to keep pets from causing home fires Answers to common pet fostering questions Metro Creative Services — Pets can be excitable. Though dogs anxious to get outdoors and play with their owners may be the first image of excited pets to come to mind, cats also can be compelled to move quickly when they hear sudden, loud noises or if they’re startled by visitors.

Excited pets can pose a safety hazard in homes where open flames are commonplace. In fact, the National Fire Protection Association estimates that around 1,000 home fires each year are started by pets. Pet owners can implement strategies recommended by the American Kennel Club and ADT Security Services to reduce the risk of fire in their homes.

• Be especially careful around and mindful of open flames. Pets can easily tip over candles and gain access to fireplaces when open flames are burning. Extinguish such flames whenever leaving a room, or ask someone to come in and look after pets so they are not left unattended around flames. Even candles on fireplace mantels pose a hazard as curious cats can leap onto mantelpieces and tip over the candles.

• Cover stove knobs. Stove knobs are another potential fire hazard in homes with curious pets. Knob covers prevent pets from accidentally turning on burners when no one is looking. Pet owners who let their pets roam free around the house while they’re at work or out running errands should cover stove knobs before leaving their homes.

• Purchase flameless candles. Flameless candles are a great option for pet owners whose pets are energetic or especially curious. Flameless candles are battery-powered and provide ambient light without an open flame.

• Consider crating pets or limiting access to certain areas if animals are not yet house-trained. Puppies and kittens are especially curious and eager to explore their new surroundings.

That makes it easy for them to find trouble even in areas where pet owners think there isn’t any. Confine pets to crates during times of day when you plan to light candles or the fireplace or install gates to keep them out of rooms where they can access open flames.

• Exercise caution when using a grill and/or firepit. Charcoal grills and firepits are not indoors, but they can still pose a fire hazard outside. If necessary, keep pets indoors when grilling or sitting around the firepit. If you want them to be outdoors at these times, prevent them from accessing areas where the grill and firepit are located.

Pets tend to be curious, and that curiosity can be dangerous around open flames. Some simple tips can reduce the risk of home fires caused by pets.

Metro Creative Services — Animal shelters serve as temporary way stations for animals that are between homes. The purpose of shelters is to offer food and safe surroundings for surrendered or lost pets until they can be reunited with owners or be adopted by new families.

The ASPCA says around 6.3 million companion animals enter U.S. shelters every year, with a nearly even split between dogs and cats. While shelter pet numbers are on the decline since 2011, many shelters simply cannot house too many animals. In many instances, shelters rely on pet foster families.

What is pet fostering?

Fostering a companion animal is an agreement by an individual to care for a needy pet in his or her private residence until the animal is placed in a permanent new home.

Many times shelters will ask foster parents to step up and house puppies to provide early socialization and training to acclimate these young animals to living in homes.

Who pays for fostering costs?

The question of financing foster care depends on the organization one works with.

Most shelters or rescue organizations will cover at least some of the costs of supplies and medical care. However, this is not always the case. It is important for potential foster parents to understand the commitment fostering requires before signing up.

What are some benefits to fostering for the people involved?

While there are many benefits to the pet, including a less stressful, quiet environment, people get something out of fostering, too. Foster families can provide love and affection to an animal that needs it. It can be rewarding to do something selfless, and teaches compassion to everyone in the household. Since having a pet is a large responsibility, pet fostering also serves as an introductory lesson for anyone considering becoming a permanent pet parent. When fostering a pet, everyone in the household gets to see the day-to-day tasks that pet ownership requires.

How long is the fostering term?

The ASPCA says that time commitments for fostering can vary. Sometimes it may be a matter of weeks or it could be months, depending on the foster program and the pet’s situation.

What are common expectations?

A foster program will explain their specific expectations. These may include training the pets to void outdoors or in a litter box. Foster parents may be expected to teach a dog to rest in his crate or basic commands.

Who can I reach out to?

The animal care resource Great Pet Care says municipal shelters, nonprofit shelters and nonprofit animal rescue groups typically have fostering programs. Rescue groups tend to have more time and resources to provide temporary pet parents with more compatible animal matches.

Fostering a pet can be a rewarding and worthwhile experience for pets and people

with different surfaces and novel items in class, discuss topics such as resource guarding, handling, dog body language and good play. If your dog is past the puppy stage and is showing fear or reactivity, we can help your dog to learn to be more comfortable in our world. Visit us at EnjoyYourDogTraining.com or email us at Info@enjoyyourdogtraining.com for more information.

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Edition of June 23-24, 2022 • ShaawLocal.com • Suburban Life

There is a common misconception that puppies should meet every person and every dog they encounter to be properly socialized. There is so much more to socialization and it’s more about the quality of the experiences and not the quantity.

Socialization is a critical part of raising a puppy and should not wait until they are fully vaccinated (as long as you socialize safely). Their key socialization period closes at week 16. Continued socialization is possible, but it will not have the impact of the experiences that occurred during their key socialization period.

Quality socialization will help prepare your pup for real life and to be a great companion for years to come. A few positive or at least neutral experiences are better than a large quantity of less comfortable experiences.

It’s very important that we keep our puppies safe while they are not fully vaccinated. This can look like several different things: • You can carry your puppy or put them in a stroller, so they don’t have contact with areas where other dogs or wildlife have been.

• Spread out a large blanket or sheet at the park.

• Putting a blanket in the cart of a dog friendly store.

• Watching the world go by from the car with the windows open.

• Visiting your friend’s yard, whose dog you know is up to date on their vaccines.

The best part is that your dog doesn’t necessarily need to interact with the environment for socialization to be effective. In some cases, it’s best for them not to. At a minimum, we are looking for neutrality around all sorts of different stimuli. We don’t want a dog thinking they get to meet every other dog or person they come across, and on the flip side we also don’t want a dog that thinks they will be forced into greeting every other dog or person if that’s not their thing. We also don’t want to force our puppies into anything they aren’t ready for. If we force it, we risk making the thing extra scary.

Surfaces are an important part of socialization. Take the time to search out different textures and materials. Surfaces to include are grass, gravel, concrete, plastic, tarp, bubble wrap, cushions, towels, aluminum foil, metal baking sheets, stairs, unstable surfaces (wobble board, pillow, etc), tile, linoleum, and mulch.

If your puppy is concerned about stepping on any of these items, start out by feeding them near the item and then off of the item. Our puppy class includes a day of surfaces with time to explore them.

Socializing them to sounds is also important. New sounds should be presented at a low volume (hardly noticeable) or from a distance while playing, treating or working on a long lasting chew. You can decrease distance or increase volume as they progress but only in small increments. Sounds to consider are vacuum, microwave, doorbell, thunder (every crack should predict something good for your puppy), sirens, garbage trucks, semis and horns. If your dog is concerned at any point, decrease the intensity of the sound.

Watching the world go by is a great exercise as well. Set up your blanket at the park and just observe. If your pup seems nervous or uncomfortable, you will want to create more distance. Look for people, traffic, lawnmowers, motorcycles, cars and trucks, bicycles, skateboards, geese, squirrels, and other dogs. Another option is parking in a parking lot, opening the windows and observing all the activity. As your pup progresses you can move closer on your next visit. Teaching our puppies how to relax is a great life skill. Keep in mind that if you want to take your dog boating, you will need to get your pup comfortable in that environment. On the other hand, if you want to take your pup to the farm, with farm animals, you should be getting your pup acquainted to that environment at an early age as well.

As for people, you will want to look for people that are different from the rest.

This could be as simple as someone with sunglasses, a baseball cap or mask.

You can also look for people with unusual silhouettes. This could be someone carrying a bag, an umbrella, or wearing a puffy coat. Older people and kids both move differently as well. People can be intimidating to puppies, so if your pup is concerned ask the person to gently toss them a couple of treats from a distance.

There is a lot of bad and dangerous advice out there regarding the care and training of dogs. If anyone gives you advice that involves the words dominance, alpha or pack leader or anything that makes you uncomfortable, just say no thanks. Those are outdated theories and they do far more harm than good.

The importance of socialization may seem overwhelming but that’s what we’re here for. Our puppy classes are a great start. We will make it as easy as possible.

We talk about puppy training basics, provide your puppy with socialization

PET GUIDE |

Puppy Socialization - May not be what you think

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Suburban Life • ShawLocal.com • Edition of June 23-24, 2022

| PET GUIDE

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What to do when your pet is lost Metro Creative Services — Pets are beloved members of the family. Pets provide unconditional love and companionship to their owners. When a pet goes missing, it can be devastating for their owners, who want to bring their companion animals home to safety as soon as possible.

Lost Pet Research & Recovery and PurringPal indicate at least 14 percent of dog owners lose their pets in a five-year period, while 15 percent of cat owners lose their pets. The ASPCA indicates that around one in three pets will go missing in their lifetimes. While Lost Pet Research & Recovery says only 6 percent of dogs are not recovered, a much larger percentage of cats (34) are never found. Therefore, pet owners should take certain steps to prevent lost pets and to help recover them quickly.

Train your dog Well-trained dogs who respond well to basic commands like “sit,” “stay” and “come” may be recovered more easily. That’s because you can call for your dog — who may not have ventured too far — and have him or her return to you, according to Pasadena Humane. Also, people who come across your dog can offer simple commands to sit and stay, and then the dog can be safely leashed.

Update identification The more forms of identification a pet has, the better the chances for recovery. While a collar with ID tags is essential, microchipping is an additional safeguard. Be sure to routinely update the microchip database with your current phone number and address.

Act quickly Don’t waste hours or days waiting for a pet to return home. The sooner you begin searching the area, the better the odds of finding the pet. Start with the immediate area right outside your home and branch out from there.

Check nooks and crannies Pets may become frightened of noises or escape homes to chase other animals. American Humane urges owners to look for places the pet may become trapped, such as in basements or garages. Other places to look include under vehicles. Pets may hide during the day, so return to areas at night. Bring along a

toy or treat that may lure the pet out of hiding.

Check with shelters Pets can be picked up and brought to animal welfare organizations or even law enforcement agencies. Pets that are wearing tags or are microchipped may have their owners notified. Animals without identification will sit unless the owner comes to recover the pet. Check shelters every two days.

Activate a lost pet alert Pets can be registered with the microchipping service AKC Reunite. Pet owners can call 800-252-7894 to let the service know their pet is lost and to enable an operator to create a “Lost Pet Alert.”

Notify locals Place ads in local newspapers and offer a reward. Also check found animal ads that may be close to your pet’s description.

Pets can go missing, but with fast action and advanced planning, they can be recovered.

Did you know?

According to the organization American Humane, each year approximately 10 million pets are lost in the United States. In Canada, Humane CanadaTM reports 38 percent of dogs and 48 percent of cats taken into shelters in 2020 were strays. Tags and additional measures to identify cats and dogs greatly increase the chances that lost pets will eventually be reunited with their owners. In fact, such measures can be the most important step pet owners take to ensure the recovery of lost pets. American Humane notes that only 15 percent of dogs and 2 percent of cats that enter shelters without tags are reunited with their owners. In addition to tags, pet owners can speak to their veterinarians about microchipping, which involves the insertion of a tiny electronic capsule beneath the animal’s skin that serves a similar function as a tracking device.

Recognize heat stroke Pets can suffer from heat stroke, according to the American Red Cross. Certain breeds of dogs are highly susceptible, particularly those with short snouts, such as pugs and bulldogs. Excessive exercise in hot weather, lack of appropriate shelter outdoors and leaving a dog in a hot car may precipitate an episode of heat stroke. It’s important to get the pet out of direct heat right away and check for signs of shock, which include seizures, a body temperature of 104 F or higher, stupor, increased heart rate, or excessive panting. Placing water-soaked towels on the pet’s feet, head, neck, and abdomen can bring down its temperature.

Be cautious of hot surfaces Humans wear shoes on their feet for protection, but pets do not have that luxury. Think about how hot your feet can feel when you scurry barefoot

Individuals who think a car is safer for their dog or cat may be surprised the informal study measured 152 F on seat surfaces.

Provide extra water It’s likely you will need to fill your pets’ water bowls more frequently in warm weather than during other times of the year. Be sure to provide constant access to fresh water, even for young puppies who may be learning to house train.

Avoid cutting fur too short If a veterinarian suggests a hair cut may be beneficial for keeping a pet cool or comfortable, resist the urge to shave down to the skin. Having at least one inch of fur will protect the pet from sunburn.

across hot sand en route to the shoreline or to cross a deck to get to the pool. When the sun beats down on surfaces, those surface temperatures rise quickly. According to a 2010 study by Liberty Home and Pet Services, at peak afternoon sun and an ambient temperature of 95 F in southern Florida, the temperature of cement was measured at 125 F, red brick at 135 F, blacktop at 140 F, and grass at 102 F.

Outdoor hazards Warm weather may bring out a high number of insects and wildlife. Use a flea and tick preventative product and medication to protect against heartworm, which is transmitted through mosquitoes. Snakes, skunks, raccoons, foxes, and other animals may be roaming around, and a scuffle with your pet can result in injury.

Pets need extra care during the warm weather to avoid damage and sickness from the sun, heat and more.

How-to keep pets occupied while you’re at work school, and that may result in damaging behavior like chewing, scratching or even soiling in inappropriate places.

Provide puzzling toys Keeping pets’ brains active can reduce instances of boredom. PetMD suggests food puzzle toys that can be stuffed with treats and involve brain power to unlock the food rewards. .

Expend energy Prior to leaving for work or school, pet parents can help pets expend some energy so they’re more inclined to sleep during the day. The Animal Behavior College suggests an extra 20 minutes of walking each day may be enough to tire out most breeds. Working dogs, such as shepherds, pointers and setters, may need 40 or more minutes to burn off energy. Cat owners can play with their cats indoors, but generally cats will lounge around during the day anyway.

Metro Creative Services — If one had to find a silver lining during the global pandemic that kept people close to home for an extended period of time, the chance to spend more time with pets is worthy of consideration. Cats, dogs, birds, and other animals reaped the rewards of having humans nearby for much of the day.

As the world continues to open up and people are returning to their offices and schools, pets who have grown accustomed to having company all day long may be in for a shock. Concerned pet owners can take various steps to help keep their pets occupied and content while their human companions are away from home.

Get a buddy When two pets get together, the opportunity for play increases exponentially.

Animals can keep themselves company and hopefully out of trouble. A single pet may experience separation anxiety when his owner goes away to work or

Provide white noise Pets may have grown accustomed to the sounds of an active house, so white noise can fill the void owners’ absences create. Turn on the television or radio.

Pet fountains, fans and other devices can create noises to keep pets content.

Introduce new toys Keep a cache of new toys and rotate them on a regular basis. Pets may become so interested in the bevy of new toys that they fail to even realize their owners are gone for much of the day.

Make rest enticing Invest in a new and cozy pet bed (or cage bedding) that’s too comfortable for pets to ignore.

Pets who grew accustomed to constant companionship during the pandemic may need to readjust to a quiet home. Owners can try various strategies to help pets during this adjustment period.

Edition of June 23-24, 2022 • ShaawLocal.com • Suburban Life

Metro Creative Services — Warm weather brings many changes. Warm weather can make travel more enjoyable and affords people more time to comfortably enjoy the great outdoors.

It’s best to keep safety in mind when soaking up the sun. That’s important for all members of the family, including pets. Cats and dogs are as susceptible to heat-related illnesses as their human companions.

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Protect pets in hot weather

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Suburban Life • ShawLocal.com • Edition of June 23-24, 2022

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