Pets Can Get the Back-to-School Blues

Originally published on Poway Patch Aug. 26:

Summer vacation officially came to a close for thousands of local children and teens last week. I’m sure there are lots of kids out there who are feeling the Back to School Blues, but did you know that students aren’t the only ones who feel anxious and sad when school goes back in session?

Dogs and cats thrive on routine, and during the summer they get used to having kids and even parents home more often for attention and playtime. When school starts and everyone is gone all day, it can be upsetting for our pets and can even cause separation anxiety to act up.

If you notice your pooch or feline acting clingy and depressed – or if you come home to find items disturbed or torn up – it’s a safe bet that they are not dealing well with the transition. Here are a few tricks to help ease your pets back into their new back-to-school routine.

Get the kids involved: During the summertime, kids have more time to give love and playtime to your pets. When school starts, try to replace that old routine with a new one. If your pets know that the kids get home every day at 2:45 and will play and cuddle them, they will have a new routine to look forward to. If your kids do homework every day after dinner, let the pets help them study by curling up at their feet or by their side.

Get your pets moving: Take your dog for a long walk or run or have your kids play ball with him before you all leave in the morning. If you have a feline, run around the house with a string toy to wear her out. Feed them breakfast after the activity. The exercise and full belly will hopefully result in a relaxed, sleepy pet who naps all day and doesn’t even notice you’re gone.

Don’t be dramatic: Avoid the emotional, sad goodbyes when you leave in the morning – it will only upset you and your pet. Instead, make your goodbye brief and upbeat. If your dog is treat motivated, giving him a treat may help you get out the door with less trauma for both parties. If the mere sight of picking up your keys or kid’s backpack upsets your pet, try picking up the items and walking around the house without actually leaving. This should help your pet not to associate those items with impending doom.

The most important thing is to have patience with your pets as they adjust to everyone’s new schedule. They can get lonely, nervous or anxious just like people – especially since they don’t understand that we’ll always return home to them.

PET PERSPECTIVE: Are you ready to adopt a pet?

Originally published in the North County Times Aug. 20

Adopting a pet is a fulfilling, exciting experience, but the decision to add a furry friend to your family should not be entered into lightly. We want every adoption at the Escondido Humane Society to be a lifelong success, and it's always difficult to see pets come to the shelter because their families couldn't care for them or weren't prepared for the responsibility.

If you and your family have decided that it's the right time to adopt a pet, do your research and take the time to consider what type of pet pal will fit best into your lifestyle. Here are some important factors to consider:

Think adoption first: I encourage everyone to visit their local shelter or favorite breed rescue group to adopt. There are hundreds of homeless animals who are waiting for a second chance, and I can personally attest to how wonderful they are.

Your life plans: Be honest with yourself about any big life events on the horizon that may affect your ability to meet your pet's needs. Will you be moving? Will you be expanding your human family? The average life expectancy for dogs and cats is 10 to 15 years, so please be sure you are ready for the lifetime commitment that comes with adoption.

Your living situation: Are you a renter? Many landlords have size and breed restrictions, or they may not allow pets at all, so you will need to have a conversation with your landlord before committing to a new pet. The size of your home will play a role in the type of pet you'll be able to accommodate. If you live in an apartment, a small dog or one with a lower energy level might be best. Or, consider adding a cat or bunny to your household instead ---- they make wonderful apartment and condo dwellers.

Your finances: Adopting a pet is more than a one-time expense. Pets require annual vaccinations, trips to the vet, healthy food, bedding, toys, grooming and medications. If you aren't financially secure, hold off on adoption.

Your lifestyle: Consider how much time you will have to dedicate to your new pet. If you are always working late and don't have the resources for training, that adorable but high-energy Jack Russell may not be for you. On the other hand, a slightly older, independent pet may be just right. Puppies and kittens need gentle handling and are vulnerable to injury, plus they have sharp teeth and nails that can hurt children, so if you have kids you might want to consider an older, more mature dog or cat instead.

Imagine the personality and needs of your perfect pet, but try to be flexible as you look for your new family member. You may be surprised to see who ends up being the perfect match for you.:

Critter Control: Tips for Fighting Fleas

Originally published on Poway Patch Aug. 12:

The recent heat wave is a sure sign that we are in the Dog Days of Summer. Since summer is typically flea and tick season, now is a good opportunity to share some tips for banishing these pests from our pets and homes.

If you already have fleas:

There are countless products on the market that promise to prevent and treat fleas on our pets. It can be overwhelming when faced with so many options. Your first step should always be to consult with your veterinarian before making any decisions about flea and tick control for your pet. He or she can counsel you and help you make the best selection for your family.

Just some of the options include shampoos, sprays, powders, dips, tablets, flea collars, combs and topical medications that are applied directly to your pet’s skin, such as Advantage or Frontline. If you opt for the topical medications, please read the label carefully to ensure it’s appropriate for your pet’s species, age and weight and that you use the right dosage. Never apply a product meant for dogs on your cat, and vice versa. To keep the fleas under control, bathe your pet regularly and use a comb to catch the pests and drown them in water.

If you find fleas on your pet, it’s a safe bet that they are in your carpet and furniture as well. Vacuum all the carpeting in your house and dispose of the bag or canister contents outside. There are sprays and powders available for purchase at your local pet store that are designed specifically for your furniture, carpet and rugs. Read all labels carefully first, and consult with your veterinarian to see what they recommend. Wash all of your pets bedding and treat outdoor areas that your pets frequent.

Prevent fleas and ticks from becoming a problem:

Shrubbery and brush are prime spots for fleas and ticks to latch onto him. If your pet likes to go into shrubs and overgrowth, be sure to inspect him or her for pests afterward. Also try to keep your grass at home groomed and avoid letting your shrubs or yard get overgrown. Keep all of your pet’s bedding clean, and vacuum regularly in areas where your pet spends much of his or her time.

Fleas are more than just pesky – they also can be dangerous to our pets. We hope these tips will help you and your pet stay happy, healthy and flea-free this summer!

Forbidden Foods: Pets Can’t Just Eat Anything

Originally published on Poway Patch July 29:

It’s always tempting to sneak our pets scraps of people food from the table, especially when they're looking at you with those big, brown eyes. But there are so many foods that are dangerous and even deadly to our pets. Some of the items on this list may surprise you, so hopefully this compilation will be a good reference tool for all pet parents (and a reminder that only dog and cat food should be in their dishes):

Chocolate, coffee, caffeine: These products contain substances called methylxanthines, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures and even death. Darker chocolate is more dangerous than milk chocolate, while white chocolate has the lowest level of methylxanthines. Baking chocolate contains the highest.

Alcohol: Alcoholic beverages and food products containing alcohol can cause vomiting, diarrhea, decreased coordination, central nervous system depression, difficulty breathing, tremors, abnormal blood acidity, coma and even death.

Avocado: This one actually surprised me, since I’ve heard of people feeding their dogs avocado to give them a shiny coat. But the leaves, fruit, seeds and bark of avocados contain persin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs.

Macadamia nuts: Macadamia nuts can cause weakness, depression, vomiting, tremors and hyperthermia in dogs. Signs usually appear within 12 hours of ingestion and last approximately 12 to 48 hours.
Grapes and raisins: These fruits can cause kidney failure.

Yeast dough: Yeast dough can rise and cause gas to accumulate in your pet’s digestive system. This can be painful and can cause the stomach or intestines to rupture.

Raw/undercooked meat, eggs and bones: Raw meat and raw eggs can contain bacteria such as salmonella and e. coli that can be harmful to pets. Raw eggs contain an enzyme called avidin, which can lead to skin and coat problems. Raw bones can pose choking hazards, and bone splinters can become lodged in or puncture your pet’s digestive tract.

Xylitol: Xylitol is used as a sweetener in many products, including gum, candy, baked goods and toothpaste. It can cause insulin release in most species, which can lead to liver failure.

Onions, garlic, chives: These vegetables and herbs can cause gastrointestinal irritation and could lead to red blood cell damage. Although cats are more susceptible, dogs are also at risk if a large enough amount is consumed.

Milk: I have to admit that I let my cat drink out of my cereal bowl once I was done. But pets don’t have significant amounts of lactase (the enzyme that breaks down lactose in milk), so milk and other milk-based products cause them diarrhea or other digestive upset.

Salt: Large amounts of salt can produce excessive thirst and urination, or even sodium ion poisoning in pets.