PET PERSPECTIVE: We are responsible for our pets' manners

--Originally published in the North County Times July 9:

As pet owners, we have a responsibility ---- to people and other pets ---- to manage our furry companions and ensure they are always on their best behavior. When you think about it, pet etiquette is really no different from human etiquette: We both have unspoken rules and guidelines for behaving in public, and we're both expected to be considerate of our neighbors and our community.

There are breaches of etiquette that really drive me crazy, and I'm sure you have your own peeves when it comes to "petiquette." Here are a few tips for having a socially dependable canine companion:

Always leash your dog: Allowing your dog to run off-leash is more than just poor etiquette. It's illegal and dangerous. San Diego County has a 6-foot leash law that is designed to protect both our dogs and the public. Leashed dogs are safe from cars and other hazards, and they can't get themselves into trouble by chasing other animals or children, digging in people's yards or knocking over garbage cans. If you insist on letting your dog run off leash, do some research to find designated off-leash areas, such as parks or beaches.

Never assume: Never assume that it's OK to approach a dog without asking its owner first. My pooch Blue is afraid of other dogs, so it can be traumatic for both of us when strange canines approach him quickly or get in his face. If you see another dog and owner approaching, always ask whether it's OK to say hi, and respect their response.

Always pick up after your dog: There really is no excuse for not cleaning up after your dog. Always bring along plenty of bags to pick up after your dog and dispose of the waste properly. Make sure that your dog potties on the dirt or curb ---- not on someone's lawn.

Don't assume, part 2: Don't assume that everyone is going to love your dog or cat. If you have people coming to your home, don't force your pets onto them. Try to clean up all the pet hair and let prospective guests know that you have animals ---- especially if they have allergies.

Good manners: Teach your dog basic manners, such as sit, down and settle. Excited dogs sometimes jump on people, which can be annoying, dangerous and scary to those who are nervous around animals. A good solution is to have your dog sit before you introduce him to people.

Don't self-invite your dog: Don't ask whether you can bring your dog to someone's home. If he's welcome to join you, your host will let you know. It's even worse to bring your dog along without an invitation.

Address noise complaints: Here at the Escondido Humane Society, we receive dozens of barking-dog complaints on a daily basis. We know it may be hard to accept that your dog isn't an angel while you are away from your home, but if you receive a noise complaint, please investigate and implement solutions to keep your noisy dog in check.

Our pets follow our lead and are often reflections of our own personalities and conduct. I hope these pet (and people) etiquette skills will help you and your pooch become perfect ambassadors for responsible pet parenting.

July 4th pet safety

Our animal control officers always brace for July 4 and 5 because we know that there will be a significant number of frightened, lost animals coming through our doors. Here are a few tips to keep your pets happy and safe this Fourth of July (from Poway Patch Pet Parenting Tails):

Food, flags, family and fireworks are just a few of the fun events associated with the Fourth of July. While most celebrations include a wide variety of activities for people and pets alike, there are also a lot of risks for animals associated with this holiday.

If you plan on bringing your furry companion with you to enjoy the festivities this year, here are some safety tips to keep in mind.

• Fireworks: The loud noises and fiery blasts associated with these pyrotechnics can be very traumatic for most animals. This stress can take the form of shivering, cowering, destructive chewing rampages or running away to escape. During this time, local animal shelters see a significant upsurge in the number of lost and stray animals coming through their doors.

To be on the safe side, it’s best to leave your pets safe at home for this part of the Independence Day celebration, preferably in a quiet room where there are no windows. Remove any items that your pet could destroy, and turn on a TV or radio to distract your pets from loud noises and help them to relax. It’s also a good idea to create a special area in your home where your pet feels safe, such as a crate or kennel.

• Microchip, microchip, microchip: I can’t say it enough: If you haven’t done so already, please have your pet microchipped. It may not prevent your pet from ending up at a shelter, but it will guarantee a swift reunion in the event they are lost. We provide microchipping here at the Escondido Humane Society for $35, and other shelters offer the service as well. It’s also important to have proper identification on your pet at all times. Be sure to include your phone number and address on the tag.

Should your dog get out, check your local animal shelters. Poway residents (and residents of Escondido and San Marcos) should contact the Escondido Humane Society at (760) 888-BARK to see if your animal is at the shelter. The San Diego Humane Society provides Animal Control services for the cities of Oceanside and Vista; the County of San Diego Department of Animal Services provides Animal Control services for the unincorporated areas of San Diego County and the cities of Carlsbad, Del Mar, Encinitas, San Diego, Santee and Solana Beach.

• Uphold the no-scraps rule: There will undoubtedly be an abundance of delicious food available at barbecues and celebrations. Many types of human foods that are present at Independence Day gatherings (avocado, bones, grapes, raisins or onions) are poisonous to dogs. Let your family and friends know not to feed your pet, and remain vigilant in making sure your request is being respected.

• Protect your pet from the sun: Celebrating all day outdoors in the sun will take its toll on your furry friend. Provide your pet with plenty of water and access to shaded areas throughout the day. Beware of hot asphalt, as it can burn the bottom of your pet’s paws and cause painful blisters. Also, protect your pet from the sun with sunscreen. Human sunscreen has certain chemicals that can be harmful to pets if ingested, so be sure to use sunscreen that is made specifically for animals.

• Fourth of July decorations: These ornamental items can easily be mistaken for chew toys. Glow sticks are one dangerous decoration in particular that can pose a serious health threat to your pet if its contents are ingested.

• Look for lighter fluid and matches strewn about: Matches contain chemicals that can cause kidney damage in animals. Furthermore, ingesting lighter fluid can lead to severe breathing problems, gastrointestinal irritation or the depression of the central nervous system. These items are commonly tossed aside on the ground or low surfaces, so be mindful of where they are being stored so that your pet doesn’t have access to them.

• No-alcohol zone: If you and your dog are invited to a barbeque or gathering where alcohol will be served, beware of any unattended drinks. Animals are naturally curious about unknown substances they encounter. If ingested by an animal, alcohol can cause weakness, lethargy, coma or even death.

Happy Fourth of July to you and your pets!

Summer is here, and with the sunnier days and hotter temperatures come hazards for our four-legged friends.We discussed how to keep your pets happy and healthy in our latest installment of The Alpha Dog Blog:

Today is the official first day of summer, and if you’re anything like me, you are already planning some fun outdoor activities with your pup. But summer also brings long, hot days, and our pets can suffer from the same problems that we do, such as dehydration and overheating. By following these simple tips, you can celebrate the season and keep your pets healthy and happy:

• Never leave your dog alone in a vehicle. Even with the windows rolled down, a car, truck or van can become a furnace in no time. If you have errands to run, leave your dogs at home.
• Walk your dog during cooler times in the day, such as the morning or evening, and be sure not to walk them after a meal. Same goes for playtime.
• Always carry fresh water when traveling with your pet.
• When temperatures are high, don’t let your dog stand on hot asphalt. His or her body can heat up quickly, and sensitive paw pads can burn.
• If you are spending the day at the beach with your pooch, be sure to bring plenty of fresh water. Sandy dogs should be rinsed off after a dip in the ocean.
• Keep your dog or cat inside during the heat of the day. If they are outdoors during the day, be sure to provide fresh water and plenty of shade.
• Stay alert for signs of overheating in pets, including panting and drooling, weakness and an elevated body temperature.
• If your pooch is going to join you pool or lakeside this summer, be sure not to leave him or her unsupervised around the water. And if you go boating, don’t forget a dog life jacket.
• If your dog is tagging along to a backyard barbecue or party, be sure to keep him or her away from the human food and drinks. Some foods, such as raisins, grapes and chocolate, are toxic to our furry friends, and alcoholic beverages can cause intoxication, depression and comas.
• Don’t forget the sunscreen for your pooch! The sun’s rays can penetrate a fur coat, and animals with lighter coats are even more vulnerable. Pay particular attention to their ears, nose and lips.
• Keep an eye out for the warning signs of heat stroke, including excessive panting, drooling, increased heart rate or difficulty breathing. If you notice these symptoms call your vet immediately.

Happy summer!

In honor of National Pet Preparedness Month, our latest installment of Pet Parenting Tails column on Poway Patch discusses how to include your pets in disaster planning. Here's a link to the column online, and it's also below in its entirety:

Emergencies can come in different forms here in San Diego County, including fires and earthquakes, and they may require anything from a brief absence from your home to permanent evacuation. So in honor of National Pet Preparedness Month, here are some tips to ensure you and your pets are ready in the event of a natural disaster:

Get a Rescue Alert sticker: These easy-to-use stickers will let rescue workers know that you have pets inside your home. Make sure the stickers are visible – front windows are the perfect place to stick them – and include the following information

• The types and number of pets in your household.

• The name of your veterinarian.

• Your veterinarian's phone number. If you do evacuate with your pets and time allows, write “evacuated” across the stickers so rescue personnel don’t spend time looking for your pets.

Make an emergency kit: Create a kit with supplies your pet will need and make sure everyone in the family knows where it is. Label the kit clearly and choose a container that is easy to carry. Store the emergency kit and leashes/carriers close to an exit.

Items keep in your emergency kit include:

    * Three to seven days worth of canned (pop-top) or dry food (be sure to rotate every two months so it doesn’t expire).
    * Disposable litter trays (aluminum roasting pans are perfect) and litter.
    * Paper towels.
    * Liquid dish soap and disinfectant.
    * Poo bags.
    * Food dishes.
    * Extra collar or harness as well as an extra leash.
    * Toys.
    * Photocopies of medical records and a waterproof container with a two-week supply of medicine. (Remember, food and medications need to be rotated out or they may go bad.)
    * Bottled water (at least a week’s worth for each person and pet).
    * A traveling bag, crate or sturdy carrier, ideally one for each pet.
    * Blankets.
    * Recent photos of your pets (in case you are separated).
    * Pet first-aid kit and guide book.

You should also have an emergency kit for the human members of your family. Some items to include: Batteries, duct tape, flashlight, radio, multi-tool, tarp, rope, permanent marker, spray paint, baby wipes, protective clothing and footwear, cash, rescue whistle, important phone numbers, medication and copies of medical and insurance information.

Proper identification: Make sure your pets are microchipped and that they are wearing proper identification at all times. We always suggest that you register an out-of-area emergency contact on your microchip in addition to your own contact information. If your emergency contact is a neighbor or nearby friend, chances are they too will be evacuated and unreachable during an emergency, so it’s best to have someone from out of your immediate area. If you have a carrier for your cat or small dog, be sure to write your pet’s name and your contact information on it.

Make arrangements for boarding your pet: Never leave your pets behind to fend for themselves – if the situation isn’t safe for you, it isn’t safe for them, either. At the first sign of a disaster, bring your pets inside and keep an eye on them so you know where they are in case you have to leave in a hurry. Consider your evacuation route and determine where you will take your pets ahead of time:

    * Make a list of boarding kennels and contact them ahead of time.
    * Many local animal shelters provide emergency shelter for pets. The Escondido Humane Society helped care for hundreds of displaced pets during the 2007 wildfires, and many others did as well.
    * Make a list of hotels and motels outside of your immediate area that accept pets.
    * Ask friends and relatives outside your immediate area if they would be willing to take in your pet.

Natural disasters are scary and unpredictable, but with some time and effort you can make sure you and your pets are prepared and safe if the unthinkable happens.

P.S. Summer will officially be upon us in just a few short days! Read a previous column for summer safety tips for your pets.

Does your cat's destructive behavior have you at your wit's end? Here are some tips that we discussed in our second column for the North County Times' "Unleashed" section, which published on June 11:

June is Adopt-A-Shelter-Cat Month, and although we encourage cat adoptions all year long, it’s a special opportunity to put a spotlight on our feline friends.

Cats enrich our lives in many ways and are wonderful, loving companions. But what do you do if your feline’s destructive behavior, such as scratching or house soiling, has you at your wit’s end? Unfortunately, those are two of the main reasons we see cats returned to the Escondido Humane Society, even though there are steps you can take to ensure your cat is on his best behavior. 

Scratching

Anyone who has ever had their furniture or carpet destroyed at the paws of a cat knows how frustrating scratching can be. But it’s important to keep in mind that scratching is a normal behavior for cats – they use it to play, to flex their feet and claws and to mark their territory. The trick is to redirect their scratching away from your couch and onto acceptable objects.

Pay attention to the items your cat is scratching, particularly the location and texture. Once you have an understanding of your cat’s preferences it will be easier to introduce similar items for him to scratch, such as a cat tree or scratching posts or pads. Our local pet stores offer a myriad of options, or you can be creative and cover a piece of wood with carpet or sisal rope. Corrugated cardboard and even a log are also cost-effective alternatives.

Place the scratching post near the inappropriate object your cat is already using, taking care to ensure the post is sturdy (if it tips over it could scare your cat into never using it). Discourage your cat from scratching the inappropriate object by covering it with something unappealing, such as double-sided sticky sheets, sand paper or aluminum foil. Once your cat is consistently using the appropriate object you can gradually move it – about an inch a day – to a more suitable location and remove the unappealing coverings. Keep the post as close to your cat's preferred scratching location as possible. 

Punishment is an option only if you catch your cat in the act; otherwise, you may cause him to fear you or the environment. Appropriate punishments include squirting him with a water bottle, shaking a can full or rocks or coins, or slapping the wall.

A good preventative measure is to trim your cat’s nails every few weeks. Just be careful not to cut into the “quick,” which is the pink part of the nail where blood vessels and nerve endings lie. 

House soiling

In my book, scratching is just a minor offense when compared with house soiling. But just like scratching, there are measures you can take to avoid this unsavory behavior. 

First things first: If your cat is soiling outside his litter box it is a good idea to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. There are some medical conditions, such as a urinary tract infection, that could be causing your cat to have difficulty using his litter box. 

If you have ruled out a medical condition, it’s time to turn to the litter box. Cats are very particular, so if your cat finds anything unfavorable about his box he may not use it. Keep the box clean by scooping it daily and changing scoopable litter weekly. When you change the litter, take the opportunity to wash the box with soap and water. 

Keep the litter box in a quiet, private place like the bathroom or laundry room. If you have just adopted a cat or he is new to your family, carry or lead him over to the box and praise him with treats or affection once he has successfully used it. A simple rule of thumb is to have one litter box per cat, plus one. So if you have one cat you should have two boxes, two cats should have three boxes, and so on. The litter box should be big enough for your cat to comfortably move around in.

Cats also can be particular about the kind of litter you use, so don’t be afraid to try out several types until you find the one your cat prefers. If there is too much litter in the box your cat may avoid using it, so aim for 2 inches deep. 

As a cat owner who experienced both scratching and house soiling, I know how disheartening and frustrating it can be to come home to a shredded chair or soiled room. But don’t give up! There are ways to help your cat follow the rules of the house, and the love they offer us is all that matters in the end.

Join us for Dads & Dogs June 10!

Join us for a Dads & Dogs Celebration at Lexus Escondido, 1205 Auto Park Way, from noon to 2 p.m. Sunday, June 10. The Escondido Humane Society will be on site with adorable adoptable animals so you can adopt the love of your life, and there will be fun activities for the entire family.

Bring your children and pets down for a FREE 5x7 digital Father's Day portrait by Sandra Kay Photography. Hullabaloo will perform two free 30-minute musical shows for kids starting at 12:45 p.m. Kids can make crafts just in time for Father's Day gifts. There also will be free refreshments for all attendees and drawings for prizes, including free passes to the new Children's Museum.

We hope to see you there!


Photo courtesy of Skyy Blue Photography

Cats and Dogs Can Share a Home in Peace

Our latest installment of Pet Parenting Tails column on Poway Patch discusses how to get your dog and cat to live in harmony. Here's a link to the column online, and it's also below in its entirety:

Are your dogs and cats fighting like, well, cats and dogs?

Sorry for that obvious reference, but there’s a reason that idiom exists: Dogs and cats really do fight and don’t always get along.

I adopted my cat Minnie when she was just a kitten, and she was the queen bee over five different dogs before she passed away in September at age 18. That’s not to say there weren’t some squabbles, and she was chased her fair share of times.

By the time my current dog, Blue, came into the house seven years ago, she was a grizzled veteran and cranky to boot. She had no patience for shenanigans, but luckily she needed just a few hisses and paw bats to show Blue who ruled the roost (of course it helps that Blue is pretty much afraid of everything, so it didn’t take much to be the boss in that relationship).

But not every relationship is that simple. We often have adopters come into our shelter asking if our dogs are OK with cats, and we can never answer with 100 percent certainty. It is your responsibility to take the proper steps to ensure a cordial and safe introduction and co-existence.

First, it’s important to know what to expect. If your dog has never lived with a cat before, he will most likely react in one of three ways:

1. He’ll think the cat is just like another dog and will want to play with her. Even if your dog and cat seem to be responding well to each other, play should always be closely monitored. Keep in mind that, even in play, a dog can easily injure a cat if he plays by biting or chasing, and an angry cat’s claws can seriously injure a dog.
2. He’ll perceive the cat as prey and chase her – especially if your cat runs from him.
3. Your dog may be intimidated by your cat and will approach her cautiously or watch her from a distance.

Cats who have never lived with dogs may react in one of two ways:

1. Your cat may be cautious or just avoid the dog, choosing instead to watch him from a distance or approach inquisitively.
2. She may see the dog as an intruder and will react defensively.

Before the formal introduction, work with your dog on basic obedience skills, including sit, down, leave it, come and stay. These skills will help you control your dog if he gets excited around your cat.

Confine your dog to a room using a baby gate. Cats are much more environmentally driven than dogs, so don’t change her routine or environment any more than necessary. One way to get them used to each other’s scent is to switch their bedding so they can smell each other.

Start by introducing your cat and dog with the gate between them and your dog on a leash (have someone help hold the dog if needed). If your dog is rambunctious it might help to take him outside for play time or a run to burn off some energy. Sit in front of the gate and call your cat, and have your dog lie down or sit, praising both with treats. Do this several times a day for a couple of days to help your cat and dog associate each other with their favorite treats. If your dog gets too excited, redirect his attention by having him do a sit or down and reward him with treats.

Once you are comfortable – and your dog and cat seem comfortable around each other – you can move to a bigger room and ditch the baby gate. Always keep you dog on his leash, and make sure your cat has an escape route in case she gets frightened. Continue this for a few weeks until your dog and cat interact together in a calm, friendly manner. Signs that they are getting along well include your cat rubbing against your dog, and your dog gently nudging your cat.

Keep your cat and dog confined in separate areas when you’re not home or aren’t able to supervise them.
Dogs love to eat cat food, so be sure to keep your cat’s food out of the dog’s reach. I kept my cat’s food in my closet to keep Blue away. It’s also important to keep your cat’s litter box out of your dog’s reach. Not only can it be stressful for your cat, but some dogs think it’s fun to raid litter boxes … gross!

I was lucky that my cat was very dog-savvy and knew how to establish herself at the top of the hierarchy, but not all introductions go so smoothly. I hope I’ve been able to offer some insights on how to ensure a smooth transition for your new dog or cat. Happy Adopt-A-Shelter-Cat Month!