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Preparing for a baby is quite exciting. You have to decorate the baby's room, buy a crib, get the car seat installed, attend a birthing class or two....wait, what about your pets?
Dogs and cats don't come preprogrammed to understand children. We must teach them to have good manners around our little ones. Furthermore, someday you will teach your toddler how to respect your pets.
Before your baby arrives take some time and implement a few rules for your pets. Teach your dog how to sit, lay down, walk by your side, and a command that instructs them to leave an item alone. Positive reenforcement with small treats works great with our canine friends.
It is a great idea to sign up for a few obedience classes. This way you can ask your instructor questions if your pup isn't picking up on your requests.
Another device that will help your pets get ready for a little baby is a crying CD. Barn's and Noble sell a CD called "Preparing Fido" which is full of baby noises. If your pets aren't used to baby noises they can become very frightened and stressed. It's best to start the CD training a few months before baby is due. Play the CD softly at first and over several weeks continue elevating the volume until it sounds like a baby is wailing. You'll know that your pets are comfortable with these sounds when they continue with their normal activities.
If you have cats in your life, you will want to set up boundaries if the baby's room will be off limits for your felines. A screen door installed in addition to your regular door will keep felines out, but still allow you to hear what is going on.
If cats are allowed in the room, but not on certain furnitures try plastic carpet liner flipped upside down (so the protrusions are sticking up.) This material is not comfortable and will often deter our felines from snuggling up in places they shouldn't.
When you first bring your baby home, there is going to be so much excitement and emotion. Take it slowly when introducing your new baby to your pets. Start by having them gently smell your little baby while he or she is in your arms.
Always remember no matter how well behaved your dog or cat may be, you should always supervise your children and your pets when they are together. It takes just one moment for something terrible to happen.
As your baby grows they will need to learn to respect the pets in the house. Some dogs and cats don't like to be sat on, pulled on, screamed at, or chased. Teaching your little one the right way to interact with animals will help prevent accidents or bites from your animals and other people's animals.
Just one more thing to keep in mind as your whole life is about to change. Continue to make time for your pets. Remember that they need you too. Brushing, playing with a toy, or going for a walk is important for their well being and that loving bond you have with them.
By teaching your pets good baby manners you will be creating a good, safe environment for your family. |
The Kitten Season is Upon Us |
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"What is kitten season?" you may ask.
 Unlike dogs, cats have a seasonal heat cycle, which means a blossoming of kittens that starts in the spring and can last through the fall. This can place great stress on the shelters and humane societies as they try to make room to accommodate these new little ones. The cat population at shelters during this time rises dramatically. The kitten season can also cause adult cats to be overlooked in the selection process because the kittens capture your attention.
What can I do to help out in the Kitten Season?
Volunteer your time, money, or supplies to the local shelters to ease their financial burden. Be a good cat parent and have your own cat spayed/neutered to help prevent the population boom. One of the most rewarding things you can do is go to the shelter and adopt a cat of your very own or a playmate for pets you may already have.
What should I look for when picking out a Feline Friend?
 There are many things to consider when you are looking for a new cat to bring home. You will need to first find a cat with a personality that will fit your own and any other pets you may have in your home. You will also need to decide if a kitten or an adult cat would fit your household best. You must consider the length of hair, either short, medium, or long. If you are adding to your pet family you should talk with your veterinarian and construct a plan for introducing your new family member to the home.
First go to a shelter and meet the cats. Maybe volunteer so you can get to know them over a period of time. Spend time with the cats that catch your attention to see if they truly are compatible with you. If you are looking for a cat that likes to snuggle make sure you find a cat that likes that kind of attention. Take your time to find the right match.
Adding a new member to your family can be a big responsibility so make sure that you will have the time and energy to dedicate to your new cat. This is also a long term decision cats can live from 10-20 years or longer, so make sure you can be a responsible owner. When picking a cat realize that kittens may require more time and energy as they may need some training and socialization, where an older cat may be more relaxed and less mischievous. Make sure that you pick an age that will fit best with your family.
When looking at the cats in the shelter you will find some have long, thick, fluffy coats and others have short, fine coats. Both coats will need regular grooming, however you must consider how much time each coat may take. To keep the long-haired cats coat healthy they may need more brushing to keep their fur mat free. Short-hair cats will need regular grooming as well, but with less fur it may be more managable for your family.
 If you are bringing this new cat into a home where you may already have pets, keep your other pets in mind. When introducing your new cat to your other furry friends, remember this may take some time. The new cat should be quarantined for up to 60 days so diseases it may carry are not transfered to your pets. Consult your veterinarian about this process so everyone stays healthy. Make up a room for the new cat to stay in and acclimate to home. After it is feeling comfortable and has been properly quarantined, you may try meetings with your other pets under direct supervision.
Owning a cat can be very rewarding, but is also a big responsibility. It is important to visit your veterinarian regularly for exams and vaccinations. It is also important to spay/neuter your new friend to help control the cat population and do your part in controling the Kitten Season. Enjoy the time with your new friend and contact your veterinarian with any questions or concerns. | |
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 A common misconception among cat owners is that keeping their cats indoors will keep them safe from disease and infection. Though keeping your cat indoors will decrease their chances of illness and injury, it does not guarantee that they won't be exposed to parasites inside your home.
In a study published in the Journal of American Medical Association it was found that at least 25% of cats with heartworm disease are indoor cats.
Parasites find their way to your indoor cat through a number of ways. Have you ever seen a bug in your house? Mosquitoes can get into your home and infect your cat with heartworm - even if your cat never sets a paw outside! Heartworm is a very serious disease and is much harder to treat than it is to prevent. Often, by the time a cat presents with symptoms of a heartworm infection they have permanent damage to their vital organs.
Many other parasites, such as hookworm and roundworm, can be spread through infected feces and soil. If you have other pets that go outdoors, or if you ever come in with dirt on your shoes, your feline friends can also be exposed to the infected dirt that came inside with you. Infections such as these can cause things like vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy, and anemia.
Fleas can get into your house by riding on your dogs. If your indoor cat is not  protected against fleas, then those fleas will likely make a cozy home on them.
By choosing to keep your cats inside you have already made a decision that will help them live a longer, healthier life. Make sure they stay parasite free too. We recommend using Revolution, a monthly topical product, to prevent infection of heartworm, hookworm, roundworm, fleas, and ear mites.
Learn more about Revolution and Heartworm disease in cats at: www.revolutionpet.com and www.knowheartworms.org.
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What to do with Wildlife this Spring |
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Spring has sprung! And as we start to see our familiar feathered friends returning, birds and other wildlife will begin breeding and rearing their young. During this time of year and through the summer months, you or someone you know might come across a fallen bird's nest or maybe a bunny that looks injured or sick. Many people might not know what to do. If you come across any wildlife you think is in need of your help, please take a moment to access the situation.
 More often than not, baby birds and mammals are "rescued" when help is not needed. These "kidnappings" can be avoided. If you find and unfeathered baby bird, look for a nest in nearby trees, bushes, or on the ground (possibly damaged.) A baby bird put back in nests WILL be cared for by its parents.
If there is no nest or parent birds seen, or if the baby looks sick or injured it needs to go to a wildlife rehabilitation center ASAP. Put the baby in a warm safe place (a shoe box or paper bag if needed) until you can transport the bird. Baby birds cannot self regulate heat so you will NEED to provide them with heat. A hot water bottle wrapped in a towel in the box is usually sufficient for short periods of time.
Many baby birds that are found hopping around on the ground and that are feathered are assumed to be orphaned and are unnecessarily taken. These little guys often don't need our help and should be left to go on their way without humans and pets interfering.
Many people come across the path of a baby bunny during the spring. Bunnies are similar in that they are often "rescued" when it is not needed. Bunnies wander out of the comforts of their nests quite young. If you find a baby bunny that has its eyes open he is probably fine. Bunny nests are often found and damaged easily. Mother rabbits WILL accept young returned to the nest even after human contact. If you find babies with eyes closed and can't find the nest, take them to a wildlife rehabilitation center ASAP and supplement with heat.
Please keep wildlife,their young, and their nests safe by restricting access from our pets. If you find any wildlife that is obviously injured, it is an emergency! Please contact a wildlife rehabilitation center immediately.
In St.Paul you can call the wildlife rehabilitation center at 651-486-9453. It is located on north Dale St. You can also call Wildlife Rehabilitation and Release wildlife intake exam located in the Animal Humane society in Golden Valley at 763-522-4325. They also provide a great wildlife hotline that has pre-recorded answers to the most common questions asked.
If you would like more information on wildlife rehabilitation or volunteering you can contact any of the numbers listed above. | |
2201 Ventura Drive