Category: Animals

Keep Pets Cool, Comfortable & Safe During Hot Weather

July 17, 2017MBEhleAdvice, Animals, Healthy, Seasonal, Spring, Summer

Summer may be a time for vacations and recreational activities for human beings, but pets may not be privy to the same luxuries. Summer recreation may not always include our four-legged friends, as summer heat and other issues can pose a threat to companion animals. As a result, pet parents must make pet safety a priority when the weather heats up.

The Humane Society of the United States says that the summer months can be uncomfortable and dangerous for pets. Temperatures that may be tolerable for adults and children who are dressed accordingly may not be so for animals covered in fur. It’s vital to help pets stay comfortable and safe as summer temperatures heat up. Pet parents also must be aware of particular dangers that go hand-in-hand with summertime activities.

· Practice vehicle safety. It is never acceptable to leave pets in parked cars, even for a minute. Temperatures inside vehicles can rise quickly and considerably in a matter of minutes, even with the windows opened slightly. HSUS says on an 85-degree-day, temperatures inside parked cars can reach 102 F within 10 minutes. Pets can suffer irreversible and even fatal organ damage in that period of time. If you have to run errands, keep dogs and cats at home where they will be more comfortable.

· Stay off of hot asphalt. If you’ve ever walked on the hot sand or an asphalt driveway on a hot day, you understand just how scorching those surfaces can get. Dogs and cats do not have protective shoes to wear, so safeguard the delicate pads of their paws by keeping companion animals off of hot surfaces. Schedule walks in the early morning or late afternoon when temperatures are cooler.

· Schedule a pet grooming visit. The American Veterinary Medical Foundation suggests speaking with your veterinarian to see if it’s appropriate for your pet to get clipped shorter or to be shaved in the summer. But a fur coat can offer protection from the sun, so weigh the pros and cons before taking action. Apply sunscreen to your dog’s skin if he or she has a thin coat.

· Provide a way for pets to cool off. If you’re hot, chances are your pet is hot, too. Offer a means for pets too cool off, such as a wading pool when you are outside. Offer plenty of fresh water. Keep pets who do not enjoy the heat indoors with the air conditioner running on hot days.

· Look for indicators of heat stress. The American Veterinary Association says heat stress is marked by heavy panting, dry or bright red gums, thick drool, vomiting, diarrhea, or wobbly legs. Move pets exhibiting such symptoms to a cool place, drape a damp towel over the animal’s body, rewetting the cloth frequently, and get the animal to the vet as soon as you possibly can.

· Exercise caution in the water. Dogs can get swept away by rip currents just like human swimmers. If you will be boating, invest in a life jacket for your pooch and look for water hazards, such as currents, sink holes, and blue-green algae in lakes and ponds.

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Maintaining a Bird-friendly Environment This Season

February 16, 2017MBEhleAnimals, Home Improvement, Lawn Care, Pets, Seasonal

Bird watching is a pastime enjoyed by people of all ages. While many people trek into the woods to see their favorite birds, homeowners can take steps to entice these fascinating and feathered friends right to their backyards.

Homeowners who want to attract birds to their properties can do so by providing the birds food, shelter and places to wash up or cool off. Installing a bird feeder and a bird bath in your yard is one way to attract a bevy of winged creatures that can provide hours of enjoyment.

Establishing a bird-friendly environment may seem as simple as hanging a feeder on a pole or tree and erecting a bird bath nearby. But a certain level of maintenance is needed to keep birds healthy and happy.

According to the experts at the Bird Watcher’s Digest, recent research indicates feeders can sometimes be a source of disease for the birds visiting them. The Audubon Society echoes that warning, saying that bird feeders and baths can serve as transmission stations for diseases such as aspergillosis, avian pox and salmonellosis. Recently, scientists noted that the spread of trichomonad protozoan parasites is on the rise, especially among mourning dove and band-tailed pigeon populations.

Such warnings are not meant to deter budding birding hobbyists. Organizations like the Audobon Society hope that such warnings send the message that disinfection and maintenance is necessary to maintain sanitary environments for birds. Doing so is relatively easy and well worth the time for birding enthusiasts.

• The Humane Society of the United States advises cleaning hanging feeders once every two weeks or more often if they’re heavily used. Ground-feeding designs should be cleaned every two days. Feeders can be immersed in a very-diluted solution of bleach to water (nine parts water to one part bleach). Let soak for a few minutes, and then scrub the feeder with a stiff brush or scouring pad before rinsing. Allow the feeder to dry completely before refilling it with seed.

• Bird baths should be emptied of water each day. Brush or wipe the bath clean, then rinse and refill with fresh water. Do not leave standing water overnight; otherwise bird baths can easily become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other parasites.

• Frequently collect discarded seed hulls and clean bird droppings from beneath feeders. If the area around the feeder has become especially soiled, relocate the feeder elsewhere and clean its initial location.

• Follow proper instructions with regard to seed and other bird food. For example, reduce the amount of suet offered in hot weather. Heat can cause suet to spoil, and sticky suet can become stuck in birds’ feathers and make it hard for them to keep clean.

• Try to provide more than one feeder and bird bath to prevent overcrowding. Crowding can contribute to the spread of disease.

• Do not situate feeders and bird baths under perches where they can be soiled by droppings.

• If you notice birds look sick or are not acting strangely, halt feeding and bathing to prevent healthy birds from becoming ill. Wait a week before resuming feeding and notify wildlife officials if you find dead or sick birds around your property.

• Locate feeders and baths at least 30 feet away from windows so birds do not get confused by reflections and collide with the glass.

• Store seed in a dry container with a tight-fitting lid to prevent mold from forming and moisture from getting in.

Creating a thriving habitat for bird watching is easier than one might think. But once birds begin visiting a yard, homeowners must diligently maintain clean feeders and bird baths to ensure the birds stay as healthy as possible. Any questions about wild-bird care can be directed to a local Audubon Society chapter or by visiting a pet store or bird hobby center.

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Easy Ways to Keep your Dog’s Ears Healthy

August 25, 2015MBEhleAdvice, Animals, Healthy, Pets

Many dog owners never give a second thought to the health of their dogs’ ears. Unless Fido isn’t answering the dinner bell, pet owners may fail to recognize signs that man’s best friend is dealing with ear trouble.

Though it’s easily overlooked, maintaining a dog’s ears is something owners must do throughout their four-legged friend’s life. Such maintenance is simple, and owners who remember to make it a part of their dog’s grooming routine can help ensure their dog stays clean and healthy for years to come.

Why must I prioritize ear maintenance for my dog?

The anatomy of dogs’ ears is reason enough for dog owners to make ear maintenance part of the grooming routine they have for their pets. The inner ears of dogs are curvy and provide many spots for bacteria, parasites and yeast to hide and grow. The winding nature of dogs’ inner ears also can make it difficult to expel any debris that enters the ear canal, and trapped debris can cause infection.

What are some signs that suggest my dog’s ears aren’t up to snuff?

Much like their owners, dogs may suffer from wax buildup in their ears. But unlike humans, dogs who have wax buildup in their ears may be coping with microscopic ear mites, which can infect dogs’ inner and external ear canals and lead to infection if left untreated.

Ear mites can be difficult to see, but the presence of a black or brown waxy secretion may be indicative of ear mites. Dogs with ear mites may also rub or scratch their ears excessively, and that behavior can lead to ruptured blood vessels within the dog’s ear flap, which will look swollen and cause the dog considerable pain.

Other signs that dogs may be having problems with their ears include redness in and around the ear, swelling, crusty skin, and hair loss. Any of the aforementioned symptoms should be brought to the attention of a veterinarian immediately.

How can I protect my dog from ear troubles?

Simple and routine maintenance is often enough to safeguard dogs from ear troubles. Apply a cotton ball dampened with hydrogen peroxide or mineral oil to dirty areas of dogs’ inner ears. The skin inside dogs’ inner ears is delicate, so be gentle when cleaning such areas, even asking your veterinarian to show you the proper technique if you are concerned you might hurt the animal.

Some dogs, not unlike some dog owners, may grow hair in their ears. While the hair is relatively harmless, it’s still a good idea to discuss its growth with your veterinarian, who can teach you how to remove the hair or even let you know if the hair needs to be removed at all.

It’s important that dog owners do not clean their dog’s ears too often. The skin inside dogs’ ears is very sensitive, so overcleaning the ears can cause irritation.

When cleaning dogs’ ears, dog owners should never insert anything inside their dogs’ ear canals.

Dog owners who let their dogs go swimming from time to time should dry the dogs’ ears immediately after they get out of the water. Make sure ears are as dry as possible before letting Fido run off, as wet ears can cause infection and irritation.

Ears may not be the first thing dog owners think of when trying to protect their pets from potentially painful health problems. But ear maintenance should be a part of every dog owner’s dog-grooming routine.

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Healthy Ingredients for your Dog’s Diet

August 11, 2015MBEhleAdvice, Animals, Healthy, Pets

Much like their owners, dogs benefit from healthy diets in a variety of ways. A healthy diet provides the energy dogs need to be active, and that activity allows them to maintain healthy weights. Dogs that eat healthy diets also are less susceptible to illness.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals notes that many high-end commercial dog foods already boast the nutrients dogs need to live long and healthy lives, but dog owners may not know which ingredients to look for when reading pet food labels. According to the ASPCA, the following are a handful of essential nutrients that should be included in dogs’ diets.

· Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates are a valuable source of energy for dogs’ body tissues and play a role in intestinal health. Fiber is a good source of carbohydrates for dogs, but the fiber must be a moderately fermentable fiber, such as beet pulp, for dogs to get the most benefit. Highly fermentable fiber can lead to flatulence and excess mucus, while low fermentability can lead to poor development. The ASPCA recommends that dog owners avoid feeding high-fiber foods to dogs with high-energy requirements, which include young and growing dogs.

· Fats: Fats are a great energy source for dogs, providing more than twice the energy of proteins and carbohydrates. Fats also play an essential role in the production of hormones, and they are necessary to absorb and utilize fat-soluble vitamins. A dog’s diet must include essential fatty acids, such as linoleic acid, as dogs cannot synthesize them in sufficient amounts on their own. Replacing some omega-6 fatty acids with omega-3 fatty acids can reduce inflammation resulting from allergies, arthritis, intestinal issues, and kidney problems. The ASPCA notes that the optimal ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids is between 5 and 10 to 1 and that it is impossible to determine this ratio when feeding dogs homecooked foods, as only fixed-formula foods can guarantee an appropriate ratio.

· Minerals: Minerals help dogs develop strong bones and teeth and maintain fluid balance. Dogs cannot naturally synthesize minerals, so minerals must be provided in dogs’ diets.

· Protein: The ASPCA notes that proteins are essential to dog health, playing a vital role in their growth, ability to reproduce and ability to repair and maintain their bodies. Numerous food sources can provide dogs with adequate protein, but the ASPCA warns against giving dogs raw eggs, which contain a potentially harmful anti-vitamin known as avidin, which can interfere with a dog’s ability to properly metabolize fats, glucose, amino acids, and energy. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, and those known as essential amino acids cannot be synthesized by dogs, meaning they must be provided in a diet.

· Vitamins: Vitamins promote normal metabolic function in dogs, and most vitamins cannot be synthesized in dogs’ bodies. While vitamins are essential, the ASPCA notes that vitamin supplements should only be given to dogs on the advice of a veterinarian, as excess vitamins in the body can weaken dogs’ bones and result in bone and join pain as well as dry skin.

· Water: Fresh, clean water should be available to dogs at all times. Dogs will get some water from the food they eat, as the ASPCA notes that dry dog food has up to 10 percent moisture and canned dog food has up to 78 percent moisture. But an adult dog still needs more water than its food can provide. Water accounts for anywhere from 60 to 70 percent of an adult dog’s body weight, and a 15 percent decline in that body water can cause death, making it imperative that owners routinely refill their dogs’ bowls with fresh, clean water.

More information about healthy dog diets is available at www.aspca.org.

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Things to Do Before Bringing Home a New Cat

July 14, 2015MBEhleAdvice, Animals, Organize, Pets

Cats and dogs are the two most popular types of pets in the country, and while dogs have been dubbed “man’s best friend,” cat owners are quite vocal when expressing their love for their feline friends.

Those looking for a cat may not have to look far. The ASPCA says approximately 7.6 million companion animals enter animal shelters nationwide every year, and roughly 3.4 million of those are cats. An area shelter is an ideal place to find a new pet for those thinking of getting their first cat or adding to the pets already in the household. Cats, can be purchased from pet stores, but they also may be available via friends or family members who have recently welcomed a new litter.

Before bringing your cat home, it is best to make sure you and members of your household are prepared to welcome a furry feline friend into your home.

· Is everyone ready for the responsibility? Pets are a big responsibility, and all members of the household should be ready and willing to pitch in and care for pets. Divide duties based on age and physical ability. If a member of the family doesn’t support the decision to get a cat, this might not be the right time to do so.

· Find the right match in a pet. Temperament can play a role in how well a cat fits in with your family. A cat that is fearful and skittish may not be the best match for a family with young, active children. Special-needs cats may be better for adult-only homes or for people who can devote the extra time needed to properly care for the animal.

· Designate a cat-friendly spot in your home. A new cat may need some time before he or she acclimates to a new environment. To facilitate this process, designate a room or area in the house for your cat. This should be a low-traffic spot. Keep a litter box and food and water bowls nearby.

· Stock up on your supplies. Cats will need various pet supplies to be comfortable and healthy. For the time being, use the same products the cat had at the shelter or pet store, which can create a sense of familiarity that makes cats more comfortable in their new homes. Over time you can transition slowly to new supplies, including:

– litter box and litter material

– food

– food and water bowls

– scratching posts

– interactive toys and solo toys

– brushes and other grooming supplies

– sturdy cat carriers

· Find the right veterinarian. Select a veterinarian whom you trust and makes you feel comfortable. Have your cat examined by the vet and discuss any questions or concerns you may have. A vet may be able to install microchip in your cat for identification purposes as well.

· Safe-proof your home. Cats can be curious, and many will want to investigate rooms throughout your house. To protect curious cats, keep cleaning products and other chemicals locked away and secure electric wires with cord containment devices. Know which houseplants are toxic and, if you don’t discard them, make sure they cannot be reached by cats.

Cats make wonderful pets. Bringing a new cat home often requires taking certain steps to ensure your furry friend is comfortable in his or her new home.

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Maintain Bird Feeders & Bird Baths for Avian Health

May 12, 2015MBEhleAdvice, Animals, DIY, Garden, Healthy, Home Improvement

· The Humane Society of the United States advises cleaning hanging feeders once every two weeks or more often if they’re heavily used. Ground-feeding designs should be cleaned every two days. Feeders can be immersed in a very-diluted solution of bleach to water (nine parts water to one part bleach). Let soak for a few minutes, and then scrub the feeder with a stiff brush or scouring pad before rinsing. Allow the feeder to dry completely before refilling it with seed.

· Bird baths should be emptied of water each day. Brush or wipe the bath clean, then rinse and refill with fresh water. Do not leave standing water overnight; otherwise bird baths can easily become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other parasites.

· Frequently collect discarded seed hulls and clean bird droppings from beneath feeders. If the area around the feeder has become especially soiled, relocate the feeder elsewhere and clean its initial location.

· Follow proper instructions with regard to seed and other bird food. For example, reduce the amount of suet offered in hot weather. Heat can cause suet to spoil, and sticky suet can become stuck in birds’ feathers and make it hard for them to keep clean.

· Try to provide more than one feeder and bird bath to prevent overcrowding. Crowding can contribute to the spread of disease.

· Do not situate feeders and bird baths under perches where they can be soiled by droppings.

· If you notice birds look sick or are not acting strangely, halt feeding and bathing to prevent healthy birds from becoming ill. Wait a week before resuming feeding and notify wildlife officials if you find dead or sick birds around your property.

· Locate feeders and baths at least 30 feet away from windows so birds do not get confused by reflections and collide with the glass.

· Store seed in a dry container with a tight-fitting lid to prevent mold from forming and moisture from getting in.

Deer-Proofing a Garden

April 16, 2015MBEhleAdvice, Animals, Farm, Garden, Gardening, Home Improvement

Creating a beautiful and bountiful garden is a popular pastime for people all across the country. It is important to keep in mind that aesthetically appealing plants may be appetizing to area wildlife, including deer. Those who do not want their gardens to turn into all-you-can-eat buffets for deer, rabbits and other wild animals can take a more proactive approach to gardening.

Deer are opportunists who will no doubt see your garden as a salad bar ripe with all of their favorite foods. As housing developments continue to encroach on the natural habitats of deer and other animals, these animals are becoming more visible. Deer may not be able to forage for food effectively in their smaller, natural surroundings, or they may become accustomed to the “easy pickings” they find in neighborhood yards. Either way, you may encounter a deer in or around your area.

Keeping deer at bay involves some work and maintenance on the part of a homeowner. There are safe and humane methods to repelling deer, or at least blocking access to the plants worth protecting. Here are the main ways to deer-proof a garden.

Fence It

Fences are one way to deter deer from entering a yard and dining on your garden. Keep in mind that deer can jump fences that are quite tall, but they have to be especially motivated to jump an eight-foot-tall fence. Still, they tend to be weary about scaling a fence when they cannot see what is on the other side. Therefore, if you are fencing out deer, choose a fence that camouflages the garden well and completely encloses the area to be protected. If you do not want the fence to be solid, consider putting stakes or thorny plants within the garden so that the deer will hesitate to jump into the garden.

Scare Them

Deer are naturally skittish around people, but over time they can become quite complacent around human beings. Once a deer decides that something will not present a threat, the deer can adapt to its presence.

Motion-activated devices may not work, nor the presence of pets. Predator urine is typically an effective way at keeping deer at bay. Bottled coyote urine can be quite effective, although human urine may work as well. Reapplying the product weekly around the plants is a good idea.

Repel the Deer

There are many organic or chemically-based products on the market that deer may find offensive to the taste or smell.

Hot pepper, sulfur and eggs or even the use of soapy water have been successful in certain instances. The use of blood meal or even human hair around the garden may repel the deer and keep them on a different foraging path. However, remember that any deer that is very hungry may ignore unpleasant tastes or smells for a quick bite.

Change Plants

If other food sources are available, there are some species of plants and trees that deer will avoid. Filling your garden with these plants can help you maintain a beautiful, albeit untasty, environment for deer.

When planting annuals, select among:

* Alyssum

* Begonias

* Calendula

* Celosia

* Dianthus

* Foxglove

* Geraniums

* Parsley

* Poppy

* Snapdragons

In terms of perennials, plant these items once, and deer could stay away:

* Ageratum

* Anemone

* Astibe

* Bearded iris

* Catmint

* Honeysuckle

* Lantana

* Monkshood

* Rock rose

* Rosemary

* Soapwort

* Wisteria

Plant these herbs alongside flowers for even more protection:

* Chives

* Eucalyptus

* Garlic

* Mint

* Thyme

* Wintergreen

Gardeners who use a combination of methods to keep deer out of their yards and gardens may have a higher success rate at deterring these animals.

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Dealing with an Anxious Dog

November 30, 2014MBEhleAdvice, Animals, Pets

Most dog owners at some point in time have dealt with, or known, an anxious dog. Whether its just begging for an afternoon run, vet visit or full on owner separation anxiety, it can often cause headaches for both the dog and owner!

Some signs of anxiety include:

• Howling or crying when you leave
* Destroying furniture or other valuables when you are gone
* Over-excitement when you arrive home

There are several options other than dosing your dog with anxiety-reducing medicine. Help set your stress-inclined dog up for success and know that when you yell or punish an anxious pup it only make the situation worse! If your dog is often stressed when you leave, try a few strategies like:

• Setting up a crate for your dog while you are gone
• Placing valuables out of reach
• Leaving a few toys out for playtime or stress-relief
• Low volume, calming music or radio
• Plenty of food and water

Have you dealt with an anxious dog? Share your own personal tips in our Comment section below!

Choosing a Pet Sitter

November 7, 2014MBEhleAdvice, Animals, Pets

With the holidays right around the corner, you may be planning on traveling, and that doesn’t always include bringing along your four-legged friends. A popular alternative to kennel boarding is at-home pet care. When choosing a pet-sitter, take a few extra steps to help ensure you’ve found the right sitter for your pet!

*Pre-interview on the phone:

-Verify experience, ask for references

-Confirm availability and a back-up in case of emergencies

*Schedule a time to meet:

-Introduce your pet and sitter

-Let your sitter know how they should be spending their time: walking, feeding, grooming, playtime, cleaning, etc. (This ensures your expectations will be clear.)

*When you leave:

-Leave a set of spare keys and extra set hide-a-key

-Disclose any important pet medical history and vet. contact information

-Store food and supplies in a central location

-Write down helpful phone numbers/contact info.

Check your local Franklin Shopper classifieds to find a pet sitter near you! You can also find other helpful local services like house cleaning, childcare, home remodelers and more! Browse the classifieds in your weekly paper or 24/7 online!

->Traveling for the holidays and need some help watching you pets? Place your own Help Wanted ad in the local classifieds!

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