| Safety Tips (and a few fun facts) |
Telltale Signs
Help your cat get the most out of petting
sessions by giving him what he likes.
It's a simple matter of body language. If your
pet purrs or presses into your hand, you're
doing something right. If he pulls away or
pushes you away, he's telling you he'd like
you to move on. Sweet spots: most cats really
appreciate strokes on the head and around
the cheeks and chin. Another favorite for
many: shoulder massages. Some also like a
light scratching where the lower back and tail
join. Use petting time to look for any matted
areas or other irregularities.
Help your cat get the most out of petting
sessions by giving him what he likes.
It's a simple matter of body language. If your
pet purrs or presses into your hand, you're
doing something right. If he pulls away or
pushes you away, he's telling you he'd like
you to move on. Sweet spots: most cats really
appreciate strokes on the head and around
the cheeks and chin. Another favorite for
many: shoulder massages. Some also like a
light scratching where the lower back and tail
join. Use petting time to look for any matted
areas or other irregularities.
Outside In
If you have the option of turning your
outdoor cat into an indoor cat, you can add
years to your pet's life.
Use these simple steps to help ease the
transition to indoor life. First, introduce your
cat to the litter box and a scratching post.
Next, move feedings indoors. After meals,
gradually increase the time you wait before
letting the cat back out. Use extra playtime
to help keep your cat's body and mind active
while inside.
If you have the option of turning your
outdoor cat into an indoor cat, you can add
years to your pet's life.
Use these simple steps to help ease the
transition to indoor life. First, introduce your
cat to the litter box and a scratching post.
Next, move feedings indoors. After meals,
gradually increase the time you wait before
letting the cat back out. Use extra playtime
to help keep your cat's body and mind active
while inside.
Safe House
The majority of pet poisonings occur in the
home. Cat-proof your place as if a toddler
were present.
Household cleaners labeled nontoxic, or
products like dryer sheets and salt for icy
sidewalks, can be dangerous to cats.
Antifreeze has a taste that is attractive to
cats, but ingesting as little as a teaspoon
can be deadly. Isolate your cat in another
room when you are using cleaning
products, especially concentrated
detergents. These pose risks to cats when
they taste them or walk through the
chemicals and then clean their paws and
fur.
The majority of pet poisonings occur in the
home. Cat-proof your place as if a toddler
were present.
Household cleaners labeled nontoxic, or
products like dryer sheets and salt for icy
sidewalks, can be dangerous to cats.
Antifreeze has a taste that is attractive to
cats, but ingesting as little as a teaspoon
can be deadly. Isolate your cat in another
room when you are using cleaning
products, especially concentrated
detergents. These pose risks to cats when
they taste them or walk through the
chemicals and then clean their paws and
fur.
Kitty Tips
Pup Tips
Puppy Pal
If you're considering getting your older dog a
puppy companion, follow this advice.
Select a puppy that will match your current
dog's temperament and play abilities. One
that has been exposed to adult dogs may be
better at reading your dog's moods. Have the
puppy examined for transmissible disease
before introducing him to your older dog.
And for the first meeting, choose neutral
territory -- not your home -- with both dogs
on leashes. When the puppy is introduced
to the house, provide a time-out zone where
your dog can get away if he wants. And step
in if the young one is overwhelming your
older pooch.
If you're considering getting your older dog a
puppy companion, follow this advice.
Select a puppy that will match your current
dog's temperament and play abilities. One
that has been exposed to adult dogs may be
better at reading your dog's moods. Have the
puppy examined for transmissible disease
before introducing him to your older dog.
And for the first meeting, choose neutral
territory -- not your home -- with both dogs
on leashes. When the puppy is introduced
to the house, provide a time-out zone where
your dog can get away if he wants. And step
in if the young one is overwhelming your
older pooch.
With or Without You
Does your dog get destructive when you're
gone all day? It might be separation anxiety
that's fueling her behaviors. Try these steps.
Spend 20 minutes every day ignoring your
dog so alone time won't feel so strange.
Also, while you are still at home try
isolating her for a few minutes each day in
her safe zone, be it a crate or a room she
hangs out in when you're gone. Start with
just a few minutes, but you can work up to
an hour or two until she's comfortable
being there by herself. When you do leave,
give her plenty to do -- chew toys, treat
puzzles, and other diversions. Upon your
return, don't make a big deal of it. Just go
about your business for a few minutes and
say hello when your dog is calmer.
Does your dog get destructive when you're
gone all day? It might be separation anxiety
that's fueling her behaviors. Try these steps.
Spend 20 minutes every day ignoring your
dog so alone time won't feel so strange.
Also, while you are still at home try
isolating her for a few minutes each day in
her safe zone, be it a crate or a room she
hangs out in when you're gone. Start with
just a few minutes, but you can work up to
an hour or two until she's comfortable
being there by herself. When you do leave,
give her plenty to do -- chew toys, treat
puzzles, and other diversions. Upon your
return, don't make a big deal of it. Just go
about your business for a few minutes and
say hello when your dog is calmer.
Good Dog!
When it comes to training your dog, good
behavior and praise go hand in hand.
Using punishment to achieve a desired
behavior can be confusing to your dog and
can erode your dog's trust in you. Instead,
reward good behavior with positive
reinforcement in the form of praise, a food
treat, or a toy. Offer the reward
immediately and consistently. Your dog is
eager to please you, so you don't need to
give food or toys for every good behavior.
But always let your dog know when he or
she has done something good by giving
enthusiastic verbal praise immediately.
When it comes to training your dog, good
behavior and praise go hand in hand.
Using punishment to achieve a desired
behavior can be confusing to your dog and
can erode your dog's trust in you. Instead,
reward good behavior with positive
reinforcement in the form of praise, a food
treat, or a toy. Offer the reward
immediately and consistently. Your dog is
eager to please you, so you don't need to
give food or toys for every good behavior.
But always let your dog know when he or
she has done something good by giving
enthusiastic verbal praise immediately.
These tips provided by Dog Age* and Cat
Age*. If you ever have any health questions
about your pet, ask a vet! Need a great vet*,
ask a petsitter!
*find the links on our Fun Links page.
Age*. If you ever have any health questions
about your pet, ask a vet! Need a great vet*,
ask a petsitter!
*find the links on our Fun Links page.
| Always call your vet if you have any health concerns for your pet. |
| Always call your vet if you have any health concerns for your pet. |
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