Dealing with dog hair problems

Shedding is a natural occurrence to dogs, except for a short list of hairless breeds such as the American hairless terrier, Chinese crested, Khala, Peruvian Inca Orchid and Xoloitzcuintle. Natural hair loss varies from breed to breed, some shed more heavily than others. So if you are a dog owner and your pooch is not among these mentioned breeds, you are familiar with shedding and the hassle it creates on the sofa and your clothes. Fallen hair is unsightly except if you are obsessed with your pooch that you collect their hairs, spun them into thread and knit them into sweaters.

Grooming is the key to keep hair loss under control. Your dog’s hair is going to fall out naturally and it is best to remove it yourself with a brush and throw it in the trash than to let the hair fall out all over the house. The more hair removed, the less you will see it all over your house and on you. As per my experience, brushing my pug Rama's coat once a day is enough to reduce the unwanted hair all over my clothes, carpet and furniture, especially during shedding season. .

It is also advised to seek immediate veterinary attention if you think your dog is shedding abnormally or you see bald spots. There are health conditions such as ringworm, skin infections, stress, mange and cancer that can cause large, abnormal amounts of shedding.

Let the chewing and gnawing begin

My dogs love to gnaw and chew, and I let them. I buy them chewing toys so they won't attack the sofa or my shoes! Chewing is actually good for pooches. My friend and dog lover, Shawn Ulmsted, says that a dog that loves to chew is a healthy dog! Puppies start chewing around the age of 3 months, when their permanent teeth start coming out. Since nature did not give dogs hands to use, their mouths are their source of exploration; their means to investigate new things, tastes, and it is a basic behavior instilled in dogs since the beginning of time. Chewing helps relieve the pain of teething and it is necessary for a dog’s physical and mental health. For adult dogs, chewing keeps their teeth clean and makes their jaws strong. Gnawing on something for a spell gives them something to do. Your dogs are just probably not into ‘Gossip Girls’ or surfing the Net, but they need something to occupy their mind.

Chewing also means eventual destruction. And replacement. You have to make sure that your buy your pooches chew toys on a regular basis. If they have their own toys to chew, they will not be inclined to chew on your couch leg or that Prada pumps you absent-mindedly left lying around the house. You don’t have to spend a fortune replacing toys, but make sure they are safe, especially if you have a larger dog that can shred the toy quickly.

What are some other causes of chewing? Believe it or not poor nutrition can be a cause. The lack of proper nutrients in a dog’s diet can cause a dog to chew many things in an effort to fulfill its need for certain nutrients. Buying the best food you can afford for your pet will not only save you money in vet bills but will help keep your pet from chewing up valuable items.

Separation anxiety and/or being alone too long can also cause a dog to chew. Chewing is comforting to a dog; it eases its mind. Think about this for a moment, a baby enjoys its pacifier, a youngster enjoys a lollipop and we adults enjoy chewing on a number of things. We find comfort in what we do and so does our dogs.

Traveling with Pets

An increasing number of establishments and public places are accepting pets and even offer special services for them thereby encouraging pet owners to include their beloved four legged companions in their travel plans. My friend and pet lover, Shawn Umsted, always takes his dogs whenever he gets a chance to go to the beach. Shaun says that taking pets along can heighten the fun of experiencing new places or visiting old friends. However, it is important to consider if travel really suits your pet. Be aware that some pets, especially cats, are nervous passengers. Leaving them in the care of a conscientious pet sitter or even boarding them at a reputable kennel may be kinder option than subjecting them to the anxiety they may experience during travel.

Car travel is best for pets. The Humane Society of the United States discourages air transport for pets, but if this is your only option, book a direct flight and ask to watch the loading and unloading of the crate from the cargo section of the plane. Short-nosed dogs, such as pugs, are especially at risk since breathing can be a bigger effort for them than for longer-nosed canines, so consult your veterinarian beforehand.

Many dogs love riding in cars, and a variety of safety harnesses are now available for them. Never let them hang their heads out of windows, and do not let them ride in the open bed of a pickup truck as it is extremely dangerous should you hit a bump or make a sudden stop. Protect pets from rain, heat, or cold. In cars, cats should be crated, for their safety as well as comfort. Any dog or cat crate should allow enough room for the animal to stand and turn around comfortably. It’s a good idea to take your pet on a test run, like a short excursion, before attempting a major road trip.

Here are a few rules of the road you should bear in mind when traveling with pets:

• Always have identification on your pet; include address and phone number of your home as well as your destination.
• Make water available.
• Never leave your pet alone in a car — even with the windows cracked, temperatures can soar quickly, and people steal pets with heartbreaking frequency.
• Avoid giving pets a heavy meal just before traveling, especially if they’re prone to carsickness.
• Give dogs a relief stop every few hours, and always leash them on these short walks. Even a well-trained dog can become startled or confused or might make other travelers uncomfortable. Consideration for other travelers will help ensure that all of us will be able to include pets in future travels.
• Be sure to set aside quality time for your pet both while you’re traveling and after you reach your destination.

Cat Massacre In A Posh Makati Village

A very gruesome and cruel act of violence against animals was committed on December 16, 2007. Twenty-nine cats were mercilessly shot with air guns at the posh Dasmariñas Village in Makati City, Philippines. Some died on the spot while others had to be euthanized because of severe injuries. The cats, which were up for adoption, were under the care of the Compassion and Responsibility for Animals (Cara) Philippines. Cara is helping the Dasmariñas Village Association (DVA) address the problem of stray cats in the subdivision. They were being cared for daily in two holding cages at the back of the DVA Gym and were not a disturbance to anyone. The culprits remain at large.

Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay ordered the local police to investigate on the matter and track down the cat killers as soon as possible. He said the suspects have violated a national law and a city ordinance on animal welfare. Republic Act 8485 or the Animal Welfare Act of 1998 makes it unlawful for any person to torture or kill animals such as dogs, cats, and horses or neglect to provide them with care, sustenance, or shelter.

Binay added that the perpetrators do not seem to have sound mind and may pose danger to other animals and even people the next time. Recent scientific studies conclude that cruelty that starts with animals has the strong possibility of eventually escalating to humans.

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is also joining the fray. The bureau is looking into the pellets that were recovered from the dead cats to find out what kind of guns were used. The NBI is also investigating who came in and out of the village the day the cats were murdered.

Meanwhile, animal lovers from all over are praying that justice be given to the innocent lives that were wasted.

Get Rid of Those Bloodsuckers!

My pug, Rama, is scratching like mad and literally running in circles to catch his tail. When I inspected the tail, I saw tiny insects embedded on the skin. The poor dog is infested with tick and flea. Rama must have acquired the parasites from the trips to the park where he plays with other dogs and loves to roll on the grass. Ticks and fleas, if not on an animal, are commonly found in grassy and bushy areas.

Generally speaking, flea and tick bites are more of an annoyance than a health hazard. But it is important to control tick and fleas as soon as they appear on your pets. They can cause discomfort and itching sensation for the host, which will try to get rid of the pest by scratching and biting the area where the flea or tick has attached itself. Repeated scratching and biting can lead to skin redness and irritation that, if not treated immediately, can cause infections.

Our vet recommended a flea collar. It worked well for Rama, the parasites literally dropped dead! We also sprayed the entire house, especially areas where Rama loves to go with an anti tick/flea formula, to ensure that the pests are eliminated. Today, Rama is scratch-free. The collar will give him protection against flea and ticks for the next three months. Meanwhile, we regularly use an anti flea/tick spray in the house to lessen the chances of re-infestation.

Walking the Dog

My pug Rama loves to eat, that's why I make sure he gets regular exercise. Pugs are prone to obesity and can quickly gain unhealthy weights. I usually take Rama for a walk in the morning before I go to work. The community park is just a couple of blocks away from our place making it an ideal walking destination for Rama. Unlike longer-nosed dog breeds, pugs overheat more easily because of their short snouts. Thus, long walks are not advisable as it can can leave them tired and out-of-breath.

At the park, I take the leash off so Rama can run around or play fetch with me for at least 30 minutes. Kids from the nearby playground usually come over to watch Rama play. I let them pet or play with him and the pug really enjoys the attention he gets from the kids. My experience has shown that the more interaction my pet receives, the happier, healthier and more adaptable to his surroundings he is. I always bring bottled water and a portable drinking bowl so Rama could get a drink after running around to help him cool down.

Back to the house, Rama will run to his water bowl to drink some more then retire to his bed to get some rest. During weekends, he would curl up in my lap while I'm watching TV as if asking for a massage, I willingly oblige ( Rama likes to consider himself the boss sometimes). After a few strokes and kneads, i will hear the now too familiar grunting, snorting and snoring sounds that used to annoy me. Now, these noises comfort me. The grunts and snorts mean that my Rama is happily sleeping in his cot, chasing butterflies in his dreams.

Celebrating Christmas with Pets

Christmas is not only for us humans. Our furry little friends should also enjoy the festivities. After all, Jesus was surrounded by animals like donkeys, cows, sheep and camels when He was born thousands of years ago. There are many ways to include them in the celebration. Give your pets special treats to nibble on while you are having Christmas Dinner. Dress them up (as santa, elves, or reindeer) and take pictures. Don't just let them stare at you while opening your presents, buy them something special, a toy, a new leash, or an outfit, and don't forget to wrap it too!

Some decorations may pose danger to our pets. Make sure that strings of lights are high enough to be out of their reach as they love to play with hanging and dangling objects. Unplug Christmas tree lights when you are not around to avoid electrocution in case your pet nibbled on the wires. Don't leave lighted candles unattended. Pets might knock them off while playing.

Think twice before getting Holiday plants for decorations. Holly, mistletoe and poinsettias can be toxic to animals when ingested. Make sure that there are no wrapped boxes of chocolates under the tree. Your pets might munch on them. Chocolates have theobromine which is toxic to many animals. Properly dispose of ribbons and packaging strings as these could pose problems when ingested by pets.

Have yourself and your furry little friends a safe and happy Christmas!

Pets and our Health

Pets, be it a dog, cat, bird, ferret or fish, are more than just sources of entertainment and amusement. Aside from the unconditional love, loyalty and companionship they give us, they improve our emotional and physical health and teach us invaluable life lessons only animals can give.

Recent studies say that pet owners live longer as compared to non-pet owners. Furthermore, research suggests that petting or even being around a loved pet relieves stress, causing a decrease in blood pressure, heart rate and cholesterol levels, and thus, a healthier life.

My parents who are both in their senior years, used to just sit, read or watch TV at home. But with the arrival of our pug, they now have a healthier morning ritual of walking the dog to the park, allowing them to breathe fresh air and exercise. My parents now look forward to the daily morning walks with the dog as these energizes and revitalizes them.

Animals can sense stress and pain. I had a terrible headache one evening and our pug looked at me as if asking “What's wrong with you?” He then lay on my lap and I started petting him. I felt so relaxed and soon enough, my head is not throbbing anymore.

I am sure you've heard many stories about dogs saving their humans from dangerous circumstances. Or pets used in hospitals to help patients recover fast. Truly, pets are more than just friends, they are also instrumental for us humans to live healthier and happier lives.

Sunday Afternoon at Bonifacio High Street

We took Rama, our 18-month-old pug, for a weekend day out last Sunday at the Bonifacio High Street (BHS) in Taguig City. BHS is not your conventional boxed-up mall. It's actually a strip of open-space park bordered by low rise buildings that house high-end retail shops, posh restaurants and office spaces. The sprawling park is peppered with fountains, water features and interactive sculptures. BHS is only one among a very short list of pet-friendly establishments this part of Manila.

Rama enjoyed running and rolling on the grass. He also met and played with new-found canine friends. We can't stop him from frolicking at the fountains and water features which was a total surprise as we never saw Rama get so excited over splashing water before. He never acted that way before, he usually scamper and hide during bath time.

It was an exhausting day but we all had a great time. I just hope that more pet-friendly establishments like Bonifacio High Street be created to provide more venue for pet-lovers and their furry little friends to have fun together.