Thursday, January 3, 2008
For humans, summer is such a beautiful season, filled with fun and outdoor activities. But for our canine friends, it can really be a frightening time of year.
Many dogs suffer from anxiety attacks during the summer months due to many seasonal factors. Hot sunny weather unfortunately brings thunderstorms. And, of course, the fireworks displays around the Fourth of July pose special problems as well. Even the sound of a siren through an open window can trigger a panic attack for some sensitive pets.
As a boarding kennel owner for many years, I dealt with this situation on a regular basis. Many people obviously would leave on vacation during the summer months, and left their precious pets in my care. I have dealt with many different dogs over the years with varying degrees of noise anxiety. It has been my experience that advance planning for these pets with special needs is vital. The first step to dealing with anxiety is recognizing the problem.
Pet owners are usually aware of their pets' noise sensitivity. The symptoms are obvious; with the onset of loud noises, the dogs become very nervous and unsettled. Generalized anxiety sets in, then heavy breathing or panting, pacing back and forth, and even vomiting can occur. If left unaddressed, these symptoms can escalate into more severe, dangerous antics. These extreme anxiety attacks usually bring either destructive behavior, or escape attempts.
Many dogs destroy their surroundings as a result of their fear of loud noises. The physical exertion becomes an outlet for anxiety. From favorite toys to couches and carpets, nothing is off limits for a dog that is in panic mode. Dogs have even been known to mutilate their own bodies while suffering from noise anxiety, by excessively licking or biting themselves. Their fears take over, and their own pain then becomes secondary.
Oftentimes destruction is the precursor for escape. When ripping up the family's favorite chair doesn't offer relief from the fear and stress, the dog then goes into flight mode. Fearful dogs left indoors have been known to chew through entire wood doors, tear through drywall, even jump through plate glass windows to escape their fears. For outdoor pets, the need to get away is ever present as well. Fences that have effectively contained the dog now become an insignificant obstacle when driven by fear of loud noises. Many dogs simply chew through the chains that anchor them in their yards, just to get away.
A severely frightened dog satisfies it's fear through the act of escaping, and, in his own canine mind, he thinks that running away from the loud noise will save his life. Thousands of dogs end up in animal shelters during the summer months, especially around Independence Day. Shelters nationwide are accustomed to dealing with what is referred to as "Fourth of July Dogs." Some are picked up by animal control officers, and others are turned in by good samaritans. The loud sounds from the fireworks displays prove to be too much to handle for these anxious pets. Many of them who end up in the shelters are not wearing i.d. tags, making it impossible for them to be reunited with their owners. If and when new homes are not found, ultimately many of these pets are then euthanized. It is a sad situation that can be avoided, if precautions are taken by pet owners who recognize their pets' fears.
The key to dealing with noise anxiety in dogs is making the pet feel safe and secure. Of course the most obvious solution is to remove the noise or remove the dog from the situation. But this is not always possible. Therefore, planning ahead is vital.
Confining a pet when it is fearful will only be effective if the pet's place of confinement is what he considers to be a "safe place" during normal life. Many pet owners have used pet carriers for housebreaking, or as a pet's bedtime place. If your pet feels that his carrier is a safe place, then it is acceptable to place him in the crate during a storm, etc. Placing the crate in an interior room or basement can be helpful to muffle the noise. Playing a radio and/or running a fan near the crate will make it difficult for the pet to hear the outside noise, and can have an overall calming effect.
It is very important, however, to note that if your pet does not like going into a crate, placing him in one during a time of anxiety can be very detrimental! If he does not feel the crate is safe when it isn't storming, it will become a place of great fear after being locked in it when the thunder is crashing around him. This negative reinforcement can result in a dog with more generalized anxiety if not properly handled.
Some dogs like to find their own place to hide when they encounter fearful noises. Small dogs often prefer to hide under a bed or behind a sofa. If this makes the dog feel better, then it is important to provide access to his favorite hiding place when he is afraid.
Distraction can be a great tool for dealing with fear and stress, but this method is usually only effective with dogs who have a low level of anxiety. A lively game of indoor fetch can sometimes distract him from the bottle rockets going off next door. Or even cuddle time on the couch with favorite treats can be enough to keep your pet distracted. Determining the level of anxiety will help to define the treatment method needed to deal with the noise anxiety.
Those dogs with more severe cases can often be effectively treated with medication. Many over-the-counter medications such as Benedryl® can offer great relief with mild tranquilizing effects. It is vital to seek veterinary consultation before administering these medications at home, as frequency and dosing is much different for our canine friends than for humans.
It is important to note that using these medications as a prevention rather than a treatment can be more effective. We had one frequent guest at the kennel that was so terrified of thunder that his teeth would start to chatter long before the first clap of thunder! At his vet's advice, we started giving Winston a dose of medication when the forecast called for storms. By the time the actual storm would set in, he would be peacefully napping. Overall, it is easier for these medications to calm the pet if adrenaline is not yet a factor.
Here are some general guidelines for dealing with your pet's noise anxiety:
DO:
Make sure your pet is wearing a current i.d. tag on it's collar.
Have a safe hiding place available for your buddy to escape to, under a favorite chair, or into a pet taxi.
Provide a fun distraction or favorite ritual that you know your pet enjoys.
Contact your veterinarian and discuss medication options. Make a chart of dosages and keep the medication on hand at home. (Tip: Rolling a pill in a lump of peanut butter makes the medicating process easy for you, and yummy for Fido!)
DO NOT:
Do not take your pet to a fireworks display. Arrange for someone to stay with him, or put him in his safe spot with a radio or fan.
Do not punish your pet for being afraid. This will only make him more fearful!
Do not try to de-sensitize the pet by exposing him to more loud noises. This will only exacerbate the problem.
Overall, dogs suffering from noise anxiety can be helped through proper planning and prevention, and of course, loving reassurance. If left untreated, this anxiety reaction, like any high stress situation, can be potentially harmful or can even lead to fatal consequences. Consider which treatment options would be best for your anxious pet. Remember, with planning and patience, a caring pet owner can indeed make the noisy situation less stressful!
Designer Breeds: Will You Remember Me?
Designer dogs have been around for many decades already. A once underground movement towards better breeds is becoming big business for those willing to experiment with the creation of designer mix breed dogs.
The designer dog club is spear headed by increasing numbers of celebrities and famous people are bringing their dogs into the limelight. And the picture is becoming increasingly bizarre.
You have most likely heard about the Labradoodle, Puggle or the Maltipoo. The variations that breeders are coming up with are increasingly strange. Ever wondered what a Shih Tzu and a Pomeranian would look like crossed? Your little Shih Pom would undoubtedly be tiny, cute and a loving companion – but what about all the various health risks that will become exaggerated with a cross such as this?
The experimentation doesn't seem to have any limits either.
What about a Puggle, Cock a Poo or Peke a Poo? Sound cute and adorable right? Shorkies, Pugaliers, Puggles, Schnoodles and English Boodles. Starting to sound like a bizarre nursery rhyme?
It's unfortunately much more than a cute collection of ideas about dog breeding. It's becoming an increasing problem as pseudo registries and organizations start taking the place of the widely recognized and respected more established club.
Unfortunately these fashionable dogs are all too often the result of exploitative breeding for profit.
People who buy these designer dogs are often told it's unique. Many of these dogs have a genetic make-up that cannot be reproduced again. You can be guaranteed that your dog is unique, so unique that he probably won't even resemble his parents or litter mates.
And the wide range of health problems he might experience later in life will also be unique. Your Veterinarian won't have any prior list to consult when trying to diagnose your dog. Canine Medicine is tricky enough without adding the mix-breed wild card. If you buy a dog from an established breeding line you can be assured that your vet will have a long list of possible diseases that are common in the breed.
If you own a designer dog you cannot be certain of any of the kinds of qualities that he will grow up with. This can be likened to Russian roulette with dogs. One bad gene somewhere along the line your dog might have picked up some aggression or equally feared qualities.
If you have your heart set on a mixed breed dog then consider getting one at your local humane shelter; in reality you would be getting the same exact thing for a low few. Many of the fashionable mixes are now in pounds and shelters.
Unfortunately with mixed breed dogs you can never tell what kinds of health or behavioral problems might surface later in life. You can make an educated guess as to what kinds of disorders your dog is genetically predisposed to. By looking at the most common ailments of each of the parents you might be able to work out what kinds of illnesses your dog is likely to get.
Designer dogs are becoming more and more popular. One only needs to look at the amount of media attention these dogs are getting lately.
Dogs have been subject to various fashions throughout the ages. It is almost certain that many of the changes are going to make a difference to dogs as we know them today.
Who knows maybe one day nobody will even remember where the Puggle came from!
Steve Allison is a third generation of professional dog breeders along with his brother Gary. It all started with his grandparents in 1970 with the Boston Terriers and has expanded to Maltese, Yorkshire Terriers, Pugs, Shih Tzu's and Pomeranians. He is also actively involved with dog rescue and has a website that showcases the puppies they occasionally has for sale at All My Puppies Online Steve is also the co-author of two consumer guides, Carpet Secrets and Moving Secrets Guide
Cats New Cradle
Bringing an old pet into a new relationship is like blending a new family. Mr. Beef wasn't too keen on moving in with Mike, I thought. She wanted my attention all for her smoosh-faced self.
She's a cream colored Persian, with pedigree papers to prove it, but one look at her concave little nose, and no one would question her bloodline. At her first check-up, the vet drew an outline of cat head and three tiny circles in the center. "This is why she's so gooey all of the time," he poked the paper with his pencil. I nodded. "The nasal passages of Persian cats are set on top of their eyes." Again, I nodded. "Well, it's pretty gross." He said flatly.
The kitty-goo issue is a household problem. It starts building up around her eyes sometime before morning. I wipe a hot soapy towel over her nose and face and it just rubs around like warm molasses. Then there's the gunk on the living room chair, the couch, my clothing, and the white bedspread. Mike had no idea what he was getting into inviting me (and my precious kitty) to come live with him in his Chicago condo. He grew a beard in winter and would wake up with the little furry creature plastered to his face, using his facial hair for a loofa. No one likes a gooey face.
I moved to D.C. without her and had her shipped to me in a cat carrier. At that point I hadn't seen her for several months and I was worried she would be mad at me – or worse, had forgotten who I am. This little ratty cat howled at me through the cage, her pupils were swollen with fear. At home in my tiny studio apartment, she slowly sulked out, hunched and panicked. Her fur was knotted, her claws overgrown, show cat no more. But little by little she reacquainted herself with me. Within a few weeks we were snuggling on my futon. Forgiveness from your pet is one of the most underrated gifts in life.
Mike rescued us from D.C. just in time for the change of summer to fall. We made it to Chicago in one full Nissan, in one full day. It didn't take long for Mike and the kitty to trust one another. They have their morning routine brushing session out on the balcony, which – despite how angry kitty gets – they both secretly enjoy.
"It's a happy brush," he says gently grooming her creamsicle fur, "until it finds a knot. Then it becomes an angry brush." Then he really starts the working the fur. The whole house feels like a snow globe of little peach hairballs.
At bedtime, he'll kick her out to the living room, yet she always ends up right at the end of our bed. And even though she'll come crawling up to him with beads of water still on her beard, meowing and spitting, brown goo and all, he'll snuggle her if I pretend to be asleep.