Holidays From Our Pets' Perspective: Insights For Keeping This Time Enjoyable For Everyone

By Corinna M Murray, DVM, CPC

The holidays are upon us, and as we all know, they can be hectic and add stress to our days and home lives. Our pets are highly sensitive to this and often react to this activity in undesirable ways. Considering the experience from your pet's perspective can be very helpful for everyone because OUR PETS ARE EXCELLENT MIRRORS TO OUR BEHAVIORS, MOODS AND STATES OF MIND. This is especially true when they are in new or potentially stressful situations with their owners. The key to understanding their reality and then, subsequently their behavior, is that animals live and experience life in the present moment. They react to whatever is happening NOW. Their perceptions are not cluttered with distracting thoughts; although they may experience distracting illness or pain, their thoughts are in the present moment, every moment. Our pets notice and respond to subtle, as well as, dramatic cues in their surroundings. They use all of their senses and perceive many sounds, smells and visual signals that we either over look or are incapable of sensing. Our domesticated pets, especially dogs, have evolved alongside man for thousands of years and their survival has depended on this connection to us. It has shaped their traits and characteristics, but most importantly, it has shaped their ability to "read" people, our nonverbal cues in particular. As an example, have you ever noticed that when you get excited, or upset, about a sports game or a show on TV, that they get excited too, or nuzzle you with concern if you are upset? On the other hand, have you noticed when you want your pet to do something that you think will be unpleasant to them, like go in the car to the vet vs. the park, or take medication vs. a treat, that they seem to catch on, to somehow read your mind, your intention? They are reading you, and reflecting back to you what they are understanding/observing/experiencing. Mirrors.

Keep this in mind over the holidays when there can be a lot of activity, as well as guests, in your home. Relax and be yourself. Enjoy the hub-bub, and your company, and trust that your pets will enjoy the experience as well. Peace, Love and Joy are the traditional themes, for the holidays and are powerful emotions to focus on and embrace. By being conscious of your emotions, and actively connecting to the more positive ones (like peace, love and joy), not only will you feel good, but everyone around you will feel the effect of it too... ESPECIALLY your pets.

If you have timid pets, another thing to keep in mind, particularly with dogs, is that they can often become overwhelmed and self-conscious if they become the center of attention from strangers. Having your guests ignore them will help. Dogs typically just wants to be a part of the group and will take your behavior as their cue on how to behave. If you are anxious, they will be too. The more upset you become about their behavior, the more it will feed their anxiety. You will actually be reinforcing their interpretation that there IS a reason to be upset. Your pet may even interpret the situation as a threat to you and escalate their behavior by becoming aggressive in their attempt to protect you or themselves.

The take home message here is: Be the way you would like your pets to be, enjoy the moments as they come, and have FUN.

Happy Holiday!!!!!!!

Why Is Our Society So Tolerant Of Animal Cruelty?

By Hindy Pearson

It is mind boggling for me to understand how, in this day and age, we so readily turn a blind eye to the cruelties that animals suffer on a daily basis.

You don't believe me? You think I'm overreacting?

You are welcome to disagree with me, but you would be wrong.

We have:

Live animals performing in circuses

Dolphins in theme parks

Wild animals in zoos

Farm animals in factory farms

Laboratories full of animals being experimented on

Puppy mills

We also have a daily dose of people, abusing their own pets. The papers are full of stories of horrific abuse of pets, by the people who should be caring for them.

Okay so you're wondering how this shows society's tolerance of abuse. Well, here's how.

Any time someone knows, or even suspects, of a case of animal cruelty and doesn't report it, they are saying it's okay.

Every ticket you buy to a circus, seaquarium, or zoo means you are supporting the torture and confinement, of these animals.

Every household product or cosmetic you buy that was tested on an animal, means you support vivisection.

Each person arrested for hurting an animal that is allowed to walk free, means the legal system says it's okay to keep hurting animals.

I'm okay with you not wanting to take my word for it. What I'm not okay with is you ignoring my words, turning a blind eye and going on about your business.

Not wanting to know what's going on, doesn't stop it from going on.

Isn't it about time you started to wonder, how circus animals perform those tricks?

Haven't you been curious where the dolphins in seaquariums come from?

Do you notice a label saying "not tested on animals" and wonder about it?

Have you ever given a thought to the life that chicken on the supermarket shelf lived?

What do you think about some states wanting to make it a crime, to film inside a factory farm or slaughterhouse? Does it seem right for someone to be thrown in jail, for exposing horrific abuse of farm animals?

Is it right for some shelters to abuse and neglect the animals in their care?

This is America, and this is the 21st century. There is no excuse for the way we continue to enslave and torture animals.

Laws need to get tougher, abusers need to be thrown in jail, and the rest of you need to start giving a crap, and paying attention to what's going on.

Still think we don't tolerate cruelty to animals?

Children and Pets - A Healthy Combination

By Laura L Martin

There have been many studies about the relationship between young children and having pets in the home. It has been found that having a pet dog or cat can actually make a baby healthier in their first year of life. They become less susceptible to respiratory infections, such as the common cold, and also have been less apt to have ear infections in their first twelve months of life. In addition to the health of children, pets can teach children useful skills that are helpful in their social interactions with people.

Pets may help in the development of immunity in children because of the dirt and soil that they bring in from the outdoors. Children need to be exposed to many different elements to become immune to their surroundings. The findings of having cats in the household as pets were not as strong as having dogs because a dog goes outdoors on a more regular basis. Having pets in the household will not take away allergies if there is a strong family history, but there have also been studies done suggesting that children will not be as likely to become allergic to animals if they have regular exposure to them.

Children can learn empathy, responsibility, communication, both verbal and non-verbal, and how to deal with stressful situations in a constructive manner from owning a pet. These skills can come from being a pet owner and taking the pet for walk, cleaning and maintenance of a yard used by the pet, and learning to talk to the pet with a calm voice even in stressful situations. Pets are often used for therapy with children that have learning disabilities or difficult home or family situations. Children that have pets learn to pay attention to non-verbal signals of communication, which is not a concept that is easily learned otherwise. For children struggling with obesity, the exercise that a dog needs can be the perfect therapy for both the dog and the child that is responsible for that dog's exercise routine. Pets may also have a positive effect on family activities. It may become a daily routine for a family to get together and take the pet on its daily exercise routine. This creates bonding between all of the family members and also includes the pet as part of the family, too.

Overall, the effects of being a pet owner and having children are positive. Whether it helps with immunity from such things as the common cold, or helps in teaching a child responsibility and important communication and social skills, pets can become a wonderful addition to any family!

A Holiday Wish List for Pets

By Kathryn Lively

Oh, if only our pets could talk... we'd probably get an earful daily. Come the holiday season we can imagine our dogs and cats get excited to see decorations retrieved from the closets and attic - more shiny things to bat around the house. If you do have four-footed friends at home, you know it's best to keep certain things out of paw's reach for their safety. Tinsel and poinsettia plants, for example, should not be used for decor for fear of poisoning or choking hazards. Hopefully your pets understand, but do you know what they really want for the holidays?

Furthermore, what would you put on a wish list to help you take better care of your dog or cat? Pet supplies are not a bad idea for gifts if you know a pet lover will appreciate them. When you browse pet supply stores, too, you'll find holiday-themed toys and chew treats on the shelves. There are even season sweaters to keep dogs warm in the winter months. If you are searching for ideas, here are few to put on Santa's list.

1) Holiday-themed treats. Why not make up a stocking with rawhide shaped like candy canes, or biscuits shaped like Christmas cookies? Your dog may think he's getting an actual gingerbread treat from the oven, but specially made snacks are much better for the digestive system.

2) Holiday squeak toys. It's nice to have a special toy for your pet during the winter months - something unique they can play with while everybody enjoys exchanging gifts. Check around your pet shop and you might find squeak toys shaped like Santa or Christmas nutcrackers.

3) Food dishes/bowls. After a while, you get tired of eating off the same old plates and using the same tired cups. Your dog or cat, on the other hand, may not mind so long as there's food in the bowl, but why not consider trading out the food dish for a new year? Find a nice design and have it personalized for your pet.

4) Holiday clothing. Cute sweaters make for nice photo opportunities, plus they will help keep your dog warm when it's time to go out. Find a soft material that won't irritate your dog, and show off his new look.

Don't forget your pets this holiday season. Everybody deserves a treat, and if your dog or cat has been good make sure Santa is good to them.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on pet supplies and pet food online stores.

Pet Friendly Accommodation Available

By Amanda Natasha Smith

There are many people looking for accommodations when traveling with their pets on Australia's East Coast. Those that are traveling through that area now have the convenience of having their pets with them as they do not have to worry about separate accommodations for their pet. With much pet-friendly accommodation on Australia's East Coast available, you have the comfort of being able to travel with your pet in style and ease. A number of accommodations are available that will serve both you and your pet.

You may be able to stay at a traditional motel, bed and breakfast or even a dog friendly caravan park NSW.

With so many pet friendly Sydney options, travelling through Australia with your beloved pet has become the ultimate in convenience and comfort. Take your pick when deciding where to vacation with your pet, where you can have the cosiness of staying near a bed and breakfast with your canine or feline companion or stay in hotel near the beach. Naturally, there is also the option of a dog friendly caravan park NSW as well. You can stay with your canine, feline, bunny, feathered friend or even snakes in some places. Pet-friendly accommodation on Australia's East Coast are easy to find and benefit from.

One of the best pet friendly Sydney places to vacation at would be the Oasis in the City bed and breakfast. This is a bed and breakfast that offers a number of options for guests. Those that are interested in the city can stay here with their pets and take advantage of great harbour views while staying in a comfortable home away from home setting. These include a continental breakfast and proximity to the CBD as well as bus and ferry transportation. The Altamont hotel is another option to stay at. It offers boutique hotel accommodations that are quite comfortable while staying with your pet.

One of the other possibilities is staying at the Glenferrie bed and breakfast lodge. This is another state of the art yet comfortable facility where you can book in with your four legged or beaked friend. Coogee Bed and Breakfast is located near Sydney's beaches. It offers comfortable accommodations for both pets and people, so bring your pet along and enjoy staying in close proximity to the beach.

An award winning mansion near the busy Oxford street area is the Hughenden Boutique hotel. This is a facility that offers 4 large clean pet rooms, each of which comes complete with atriums and gardens for your friends. They allow for all sorts of pets from dogs to snakes, with a special area for moogies with their penchant for clawing.

Wooyung Beach Holiday Park is a special place for you and your pet to visit on Australia's East Coast. This is a great dog friendly caravan park close to local beaches which are also pet friendly. These are but a few of the many options available as pet friendly accommodation on Australia's East Coast and in Sydney. You will never have to make the heart wrenching decision of leaving your beloved pet behind when travelling through Australia's East Coast again.

When travelling through Australia with your pet, Pet-Friendly Accommodation will be able to guide on the many lodging facilities available to suit both you and your pets preferences. Click Here for more information regarding Pet-Friendly Accommodation

How Do Dogs and Cats Get Tapeworms?

By Kelly L Cassidy

Tapeworms, also known as Cestodes, are the most common parasite of adult dogs and cats. Most dogs and cats become infected with tapeworms because they have fleas! Eliminating fleas is very important for the health of your pets and family. Tapeworms are just one of the many reasons to eliminate fleas.

In my opinion, the only safe and effective over the counter flea products are Advantage or Frontline. There are also several very good prescription products available from your veterinarian. PLEASE, DO NOT USE FLEA COLLARS OR ANY OTHER OVER THE COUNTER FLEA PRODUCTS! They are not effective and many are very toxic, especially to cats! A flea collar is nothing but a poison necklace!

The Tapeworm lives in the small intestine of an animal and can be anywhere from 1" to several feet long. The Tapeworm's head fastens to the intestinal wall of the animal and the body of the Tapeworm is made up of segments that contain egg packets. These segments are called Proglottids.These segments break off and pass out of the body in the feces. A fresh Tapeworm segment is @ 1/4" long and can be seen as white, flat and moving. You might also see these segments in the fur around the tail and anal area or in the pets bedding. Once the segment dries out, it looks like a grain of rice.

The most common species of tapeworm is the Dipylidium Caninum. This is the tapeworm that dogs and cats get from ingesting an infected flea. The flea becomes infected by eating tapeworm eggs. When dogs and cats have fleas, they groom their fur and bite at their skin, this causes them to swallow a flea. If the flea is infected with immature tapeworms, your pet will now have tapeworms. Another, not as common source of tapeworms is Lice. Grooming and swallowing infected Lice will cause tapeworms, as well.

Another species of tapeworm commonly found in cats is called Taenia Taeniaformis. This type of tapeworm is acquired when a cat hunts and eats rodents. If the rodent is infected with tapeworms, the cat will become infected as well. Taenia is most commonly found in cats but, dogs can also become infected with Taenia if they are eating rodents, raw meat, raw freshwater fish or raw animal parts.

There are also a few other, less common but more dangerous, species of tapeworms found in certain parts of the country. To avoid any tapeworm infestation in your pets, you should eliminate fleas and not allow your dogs or cats to roam or eat rodents, raw meat, raw game or raw freshwater fish.

If your dog or cat does become infected with tapeworms, the only effective deworming ingredient that eliminates all species of tapeworms is called Praziquantel. Dewormers that contain Praziquantal have always been available through your veterinarian. Recently Praziquantal has become available, over the counter, at a few Pet Retailers. It is expensive, but it is the only ingredient that will eliminate both Dipylidium and Taenia tapeworms.

Remember, If you don't eliminate the source of your pets tapeworm infestation, fleas, etc. In a very short time, they will have tapeworms again!

I hope you found this information helpful. Please let me know if you have any questions. Visit my website at http://www.bestanimalsite.com for more articles like this one. Also, free advice, amazing animal videos, test your animal knowledge quizzes, wildlife information, training & behavior information, products and supplies and more.

Thank you for reading!
Kelly

What's Really Under the Big Top

By Hindy Pearson

The circus is coming to town! The circus is coming to town!

Oh the anticipation. You ordered your tickets ages ago, and the day is almost here. And your kids, well, they can't stop talking about it.

The crowds! The lights! The music! What about the tricks the animals do? They are incredible. Wait a minute, animals in the wild don't naturally stand on one leg on a tiny stool, or jump through hoops do they?

Before you join the cheering crowds, why not take a moment to consider the animals.

The torturing of animals, forced to perform for our amusement, is well documented.

Photos and videos of trainers beating elephants and other circus animals with bullhooks, whips and electric prods, poking, prodding, and hitting animals to "train" them, are widely available for your perusal.

Is it possible there are some people that have not seen them yet? Or worse, seen them but not cared?

Perhaps more people would take notice, if they were aware of the possible dangers to the public. Some animals snap after years of abuse, and go on a rampage. There have been 35 documented incidents since 2000 of elephants attacking members of the public, and killing their handlers.

Animals in circuses can travel 25,000 miles, 11 months of the year. They travel in cramped and unnatural conditions, often forced to stand or lie in their own waste.

Many elephants are chained anywhere from 26-100 hours straight, while other animals are kept in tiny cages, too small for them to turn around in.

Each time you pay money to attend this kind of spectacle, you are telling the abusers of these animals that society approves, and we give them permission to carry on beating, and neglecting, as many animals as they like.

After all, our pleasure takes precedent over everything else doesn't it?

Please help educate everyone you know about the cruelty taking place "under the big top."

If you'd like to help call attention to the cruelty of circuses, you can:

1. Plan or join a demonstration the next time they come to your town.

2. Write letters to the promoters, advertisers, venue and the circus itself, expressing your concerns about the suffering of the animals.

3. Start an online petition and get as many signatures as you can.

It's always about profit, so once their bottom line is affected, we will see change.