Amy Shojai's Blog, page 119

Say What? Helping Deaf Pets Deal with Schtuff

Seren is going deaf. She can still hear some things, but it’s obvious that her hearing has deteriorated especially in the last year.

It used to be I could call Seren to come watch the bunny on the patio, and she’d run from anywhere in the house. She still enjoys scanning the back view for rabbity entertainment–even if she can’t hear it any more.

She’s always been a loud-mouth kitty, talking constantly and responding to our conversation so she always gets the last word. But her voice has always been pleasant, almost a sweet mew. With her loss of hearing, her voice has become louder, more strident, and she often cries especially at night with long drawn out yowls when she can’t hear to find us.

It’s not surprising. Aging cats commonly suffer hearing loss, and Seren is 16 now. I’m referring a lot these days to my old cat care book.

HOW WELL DO PETS HEAR?

In her youth, Seren (like all normal cats) heard much better than people. However, youthful pets hear better than middle aged and older animals. Some cats are born deaf, or are genetically predisposed to deafness. For example, blue-eyed white cats can be born with a condition that results in deafness at an early age.

Hearing is something that cats are better at than dogs–but don’t tell Magic! Normal dogs typically hear the same low-pitched sounds as humans, as well as frequencies as high as 100,000 cycles per second—people can only hear sound waves up to 20,000 cycles per second. Cat hearing is even more acute. Your cat can hear sounds in a 10½-octave range—a wider span of frequencies than any other mammal. That allows your cat to hear nearly ultrasonic rodent squeaks.

At least, Seren used to be able to hear those mousy voices. Not anymore. Oh well, she never caught a mouse anyway!

With age, the delicate structures of the inner ear begin to lose their sensitivity to vibration. This normal age-related hearing loss, called presbycusis, develops in every pet that lives long enough—just as it does in aging people. We’re going to be in BIG trouble if Seren lives another 10 years and I’m losing my hearing, too.

Hearing loss can be accelerated by damage from loud noises. Dogs that hunt and are exposed to gunshots for years and years are more prone to damage. Chronic ear infections may also result in hearing loss.

MAKING ACCOMMODATIONS FOR DEAF PETS

Cats and dogs can’t tell us that they’re hard of hearing, and they compensate by paying more attention with their other senses. In fact, strangers probably wouldn’t notice any difference in Seren. As long as she can see folks, she clues in very quickly on what’s going on. Deaf pets watch owners and other pets more closely, and cue off of their behavior to know that somebody’s at the door, for example. Seren alerts to Magic’s behavior when my husband comes home. Deaf pets also pay closer attention to vibration and air currents—the breeze made by an open door may cue them you’ve come home from work. Even when they can’t hear the can opener, the pet’s internal “clock” will announce suppertime.

So what do I do to make accommodations for my kitty? I make sure Seren can see me, and if she’s looking the other way, I tap the tabletop or stomp my foot so she feels the vibration. I don’t want to startle her, and this way she is alerted to my presence. If Magic should start to lose his hearing, he’s already learned many hand signals and probably wouldn’t miss a beat. Pets trained with clickers can instead learn to respond to the flick-on-off of a flashlight or a porch light switched on/off to call the dog inside.

Deafness also raises safety concerns. Can the dozing, deaf cat wake up in time to get away from an aggressive stray? Keeping all cats and especially deaf kitties inside is probably the safest option. Seren rarely went outside anyway, and then on a leash, so she’s not missing anything.

Seren is still happy and otherwise healthy. She still indulges in the “zooms” almost every evening, and enjoys putting the dog in his place. Have you ever had a pet with hearing loss? What were tips that helped you keep your pet happy and safe? Please share!

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I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered? Do you have a new kitten and need answers? Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, listen to the radio show, check out weekly FREE PUPPY CARE newsletter, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest book give aways and appearances related to my THRILLERS WITH BITE!

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Published on March 08, 2013 00:00

Dog Proofing 101

For puppies and some adult dogs, EVERYTHING is a toy to be munched. Image Copr. Dave Garber via Flickr

When Magical-Dawg was just a baby, he got into everything. Actually, he STILL would like to get into a lot of schtuff, but we’ve learned to thwart him. While puppies are the most accident prone and clueless of the canine clan, adult dogs often don’t outgrow these hijinks. And one moment of pleasure dumpster-diving can lead to a week of (gasp!) diarrhea and/or vomiting or worse, with extra expense for you to clean–or replace–your carpets.

One of my Facebook followers mentioned the other day that one of her dogs liked to eat paintballs. This industrious canine wasn’t deterred by the owners putting the doggy delight out of paw-reach. Oh no, he snuffled and tracked down the unexploded ones out in the woods for this special treat–she says he particularly liked the yellow ones.

Ew!

Magic enjoyed eating paper. Although gag-prompting from my perspective, at least the used tissues he fished out of wastebaskets passed through his system. The sparkly cat toys didn’t always enjoy such an easy exit, though, and so wastebaskets and cat toys “live” on the tops of counters at my house. It’s a decorating choice. Ahem.

Some dog proofing tips can save your pet’s life. March is National Poison Awareness Month (more on that in later blogs), and cleaning supplies can be a nasty danger to dogs with less than discriminating palates. Remember that he’ll drink out of the toilet and gnosh from the cat’s litter box, so ANYTHING within chomping range could become a potential doggy appetizer.

What are some unexpected dog proofing challenges you’ve faced? We once had a young dog at the vet that got his head stuck through the railings of a ladder back chair. The owners didn’t see THAT coming! I’ve also heard of small dogs that got caught in the La-Z-Boy recliner type chairs. My first dog ate two TV remotes–yes, we were slow learners, that he nailed the second one, too.

Here’s my 10 Tips To Puppy Proof Your House & Yard. The tips apply to adult dogs, too. What have I missed?

I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered? Do you have a new kitten and need answers? Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, listen to the radio show, check out weekly FREE PUPPY CARE newsletter, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest book give aways and appearances related to my THRILLERS WITH BITE!

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Published on March 06, 2013 00:00

Monday Mentions: Word-icity, Food Stamps for Pets & Nosy Awards

Deb Laroche gave me a GREAT review for LOST AND FOUND thriller…and also sent a picture of her expert doggy critics gallery, L-R: Tess, Sookie, Spike and Harley. Thanks to all for the paws-up! Anyone who has reviewed the book–please send a picture of your fur-kids with a link to the review and I’ll post ‘em on a future blog!

As a writer, I love words and I suspect readers love ‘em, too. Some words are just fun to say, and the other day my co-author and I got tickled listing a bunch of our favs. To spread the fun around, I posted a note on my Facebook Page inviting folks to add their own silly or interesting words. These are great to throw into writer-ly scenes, and can add great character to your fiction-icity.

Well yes, I make up words, too. I offered the word PUCE. My co-author replied with SNORKLE. I came back with GARBANZO. KUMQUAT. SCRUMPTIOUS.

Here are more words my Facebook Friends and I added–DISCOMBOBULATE. Antidisestablishmentarianism. MOCKNEFARIOUS (a worthy made-up word!) KOKOMO, WAUKARUSA, KITCHICOQUILLIS, NAPPANEE. Fustian hippopotamus absodamnlutely cockles. Humuhumunukunukuapua’a (Hawaii’s state fish). Vendouza (Greek for “suction cup”). Onamatopoei, Trebuchet. SCARF. Acetabulum. SASQUATCH. TORPID. LUDICROUS. NOXIOUS. SQUIB. Upsidebittemus. Diaphanous Melanoma Malevolent Shyster. Pavlova. Carbunkle, synchronize, vicisitude. Melliflous, nonchalant (so Audrey Hepburn, that one), obsequious and kerfluffle. Jubilate. Clock. Serendipity!

Yeah, I know, my FB cronies ROCK. So what are some of YOUR favs? Post in the comments–and I’ll be extra impressed for those of you able to make a sentence out of 5 or more of the above words that actually make sense. *eg* Don’t miss the hilarious video at the end of the blog, too, with more word-icity.

Monday Mentions is the mash-up-day of all the neato-torpedo writer links and videos, pet schtuff and bling and writer-icity crappiocca collected over the past week. Lots of contests today for cat videos, best veterinarian, dog heroes and pet blogs so be sure to enter and/or nominate your favs. For new followers to the blog, welcome! and you can expect more cat and dog specific schtuff later in the week on Wednesday and Friday.

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WRITER-ICITY SCHTUFF

Penguin’s Solution for Authors just who benefits? Great post by David Gaughran.

Unattractive Contract at Random House’s HYDRA opined by Writer Beware in another interesting development

Traditionally Pub’d Authors Potentially Make Less here’s an interesting analysis on why indie/”hybrid” publishing is a positive choice

Want to Sell Gift Cards for Your Books? Here’s a plan…be sure to read the comments, too, some terrific ideas and tips

15 Ways to Build Your Subscriber List shared by my colleague Diane Capri

Turning Your Novel Into a Serial (no, not cereal…although that might be tasty!)

Get Your Book Reviewed by San Francisco Book Review

Forbes Article on Amazon Reader Buying Trends pointed out by the awesome Steena Holmes

Blue Mountain Arts Seeks Greeting Card Freelancers “We are looking for highly original and creative submissions on friendship, family, special occasions, positive living, and other topics one person might want to share with another person. Submissions may also be considered for inclusion in book anthologies. We pay $300 per poem for all rights to publish it on a greeting card and $50 if your poem is used only in an anthology.”

William Bernhardt Writing Seminars in Oklahoma City in April and June, highly recommended

Dogs In Canada Revived! new life for this prestigious magazine

Ghost Story With Cats from my colleague Dusty Rainbolt–based on a chilling REAL experience (see the video, below)

PET-CENTRIC SCHTUFF

Food Stamps for Pets to help feed the furry family members of those needing help. PAWsome! Check out the video below, too.

My Cat’s Story Video Contest! get your camera’s rolling, this is great fun for you and your cats

America’s Favorite Veterinarian Contest share why your vet’s the cat’s meow (and puts the wag in your dog’s swag!)

“Dear Future Me” a charming dog-blog and an incredibly moving post of a dog’s wish for his canine successors

How To Be A Responsible Cat Owner many of these apply to dogs, too

Hero Dog Awards Nominations Open from American Humane

BlogPaws Announces Conference Speakers and guess who is speaking? *s* (moi!) This topical actually fits under both writer and pet shtuff, and the conference May 16-18 just outside Washington, DC is THE place for pet-centric bloggers of every kind to learn about social media, blogging, and even monetizing your work. (Yep, bet those last three words made your furry lil’ ears prick up!) BlogPaws also has awards for pet bloggers–I’ve already nominated a BUNCH of my favorite pet-centric blogs out there, and this is your chance to also nominate your furry must-reads. Sure, I’d be flattered to receive a nomination…but this isn’t a popularity contest so there’s no need for bunches of folks to “vote.” Here’s the details:

Nominations for the 2013 BlogPaws Nose-to-Nose Social Media and Pet Blogging Awards

Nominations open at 12:00 PM EST, Wednesday, February 27th and close at 3:00 PM EST Friday, March 8th. Click on the image for the category you would like to nominate a Blog, Facebook Page or Twitter Page for. These images are the badges that the finalists will receive. For complete rules and regulations please visit our BlogPaws Official Rules and Regulations page.

To nominate a blog for “Best Blog Design” or “Best Blog Writing” or “Best Humor Blog”:

To nominate a blog for “Best Bark Blog” or “Best Meow Blog” or “Best Wiggle Blog”:

To nominate a blog for “Best New Blog” or “Best Cause Blog” or “Best Blog Video”:

To nominate a blog for “Best Blog Photo” or “Best Facebook Design” or “Best Twitter Design”:

Please be sure to read the BlogPaws Official Rules and Regulations.

I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered? Do you have a new kitten and need answers? Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, listen to the radio show, check out weekly FREE PUPPY CARE newsletter, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest book give aways and appearances related to my THRILLERS WITH BITE!

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Published on March 04, 2013 00:00

First Aid Pet Medicine Chest

While your veterinarian diagnoses and prescribes for your pet’s health issues, first aid as well as minor problems may benefit from human medicines. Let’s face it, Fido and Sheba rarely tears a claw or eats something ify during regular clinic hours, so it’s helpful to know how to use your pantry supplies and human medicine chest to help your cat or dog. Some people prescriptions can be dangerous (especially for cats!) so it’s a good idea to have a handy list. You can find a number of first aid how-to articles here, as well.

First aid and home remedies don’t replace proper veterinary care, but they can keep pets more comfy until medical care is available. And sometimes a home remedy is all that’s needed. Even if human meds work, the doses usually are lower due to the smaller size of the pet. Your vet can tell you the exact dose needed for your specific pet but here are some common human medicines that benefit pets.

Common Human Medicines for Pets

A & D Ointment: antibacterial for scrapes and wounds.
Artificial Tears: eye lubricant
Aveeno Oatmeal Bath: soothing rinse for itchy skin
Benadryl: antihistamine for bug bites—also makes pets sleepy
Betadine: antiseptic for cleansing/soaking wounds or injuries
Burow’s solution: topical antiseptic
Caladryl: soothing topical for pain or itching
Cortaid: anti-itch cream
Desitin: for skin inflammation
Dramamine: helpful for car sickness, nausea
Dulcolax: for constipation
Epsom salts: for soothing soak for sore paws
Kaopectate: to control diarrhea
Lanacane: topical anesthetic
Massengill Disposable Douche: body odor/skunk spray
Metamucil (unflavored): for constipation
Mylanta Liquid: for digestive problems and/or gas
Neosporin: to help prevent wound infection
Pedialyte: counteracts dehydration
Pepcid AC: to control vomiting
Pepto-Bismol: for diarrhea, nausea, vomiting
Phillips’ Milk of Magnesia: for constipation
Preparation H: soothes sore bottom
Solarcaine: topical anesthetic, helpful for sunburn
Vicks VapoRub: for congestion
Witch hazel: topical antiseptic

23 Helpful Household Items

In the best of all possible worlds, emergencies never happen or if they do, pet owners have a professional medical kit handy. These should be stocked with sterile gauze pads in different sizes, elastic Ace bandages, needle-less syringes and eyedroppers for medication and even stretchers. You can buy commercial kits from pet supply stores or put together your own, and it’s very helpful to have a handy pet first aid how-to guide handy.

But all too often pet owners don’t think about being prepared until after the first emergency. If you find yourself faced with a doggy or kitty health crises you may be surprised how many everyday items around the house or in your pantry can be helpful. I’ve lifted most of the tips in today’s blog from my pet first aid book–where you can find more specifics .

Blanket/cookie sheet/ironing board: stretcher
Bubble Wrap: stabilize leg fracture/injury
Canned Pumpkin: for constipation or diarrhea
Condoms: to cover injured/bleeding paw
Dawn Dishwashing Soap: decontaminate fur
Heat pad: for arthritis/aches
Hose/sink spray: flushing wounds
Hydrogen peroxide (3%): given orally to prompt vomiting
Ice bag/frozen peas: topical pain control
Karo syrup/honey: for shock
KY Jelly: lubricant such as for eye out of socket
Olive oil: to suffocate/kill ear mites
Pliers: remove porcupine quills/foreign object in mouth
Pantyhose/necktie: muzzle
Mustache trimmer: clip fur around wounds
Needle/Safety pin: acupuncture CPR
Teabags, soaked and cooled: to treat hot spots
Turkey baster: flush wounds, give liquid medicine
Rectal thermometer
Saran Wrap: seals wounds, holds bandage together without sticking to fur
Sterile Saline Solution: flush wounds, eye injuries
Squirt gun, squeeze bottle: give liquid medicine/flush wounds
Yogurt: settle digestion, control gas

I hope you’ll never have a pet emergency but better to be prepared. What pet emergencies have you faced? What did you do? After such an experience, what would you do different in the future?

Your email:

I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered? Do you have a new kitten and need answers? Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, listen to the weekly radio show, check out weekly FREE PUPPY CARE newsletter, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest book give aways and appearances related to my THRILLERS WITH BITE!

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Published on March 01, 2013 00:09

Injured Ass-ets & Tail Wag Trauma

That tail is one of the most expressive parts of the dog–or cat–body. It’s not unusual for a friendly flail to clear tabletops. But what can you do when the wagging wacks walls, and there’s trauma to twining tail tips? (say THAT fast five times!)

Big dogs like Labradors are so happy—and so large—that happy wagging bangs the tail tip bloody. Pet tails can also be shut in doors, stepped on, or otherwise hurt. Once injured, tails are very prone to re-injury and can stay sore and battered.

The condition isn’t a medical emergency but is painful for the dog or cat. It can also be messy when the injured tail splatters blood around the room. With chronic tail wag trauma, medical attention is needed to speed the healing, but home care also works well.

HOME FIRST AID FOR INJURED PET ASS-ETS

Benadryl has a sedative effect and is very safe. You can give one milligram for every pound the pet weighs to temporarily slow the wagging.

Hair not only hides the wound, it also collects bacteria and holds blood like a paintbrush. When the tail is very furry, carefully clip away the hair with blunt scissors. Electric clippers are a safer choice for fur removal.

Usually infection isn’t a problem, but it’s still best to quickly clean up the tail. The simplest and most effective technique is to dip the tail in a pan of cold water for several minutes. That rinses off the wound, helps stop the bleeding and reduces inflammation. Then gently pat the tail dry with a clean cloth.

If the dog or cat won’t allow tail dipping, apply an ice cube to the area to numb the pain and reduce swelling. The damage prompts the body to release chemicals called histamines that cause swelling and inflammation. Inflammation can break down the cells and cause permanent damage. Ice stops the process. Once the injury is clean and dry, apply a thin film of antibacterial ointment like Neosporin to help prevent infection.

BANDAGE TAILS

Bandage the tail to contain the bleeding (and protect your furniture), and pad the injury to keep your pet from re-injuring the sore spot.

Cat’s tails are particularly difficult to bandage, but for dogs, pull a clean cotton tube sock over the end of the tail. It should be long enough to cover two-thirds of the length of the tail itself. Then wrap tape over the sock, beginning at the tip of the tail and working toward the body, in a diagonal crisscross pattern. Be sure to run the tape two inches beyond the cuff of the sock and directly onto the fur. Finally, run the tape back down from the body to the tail tip, again in a diagonal pattern, which makes it difficult for the dog to pull off. This bandage technique (and others) are illustrated and described in pet first aid books.

Change bandages at least every three days, or oftener if it gets wet or dirty. Apply Neosporin to the area with each bandage change. If the veterinarian recommends you leave the tail uncovered, apply the ointment two to four times a day since dogs and cats tend to lick it off. Some pets may need a prescription tranquilizer to calm tail movement until it can heal.

A collar restraint also can keep him from chewing, licking or pulling at the bandage or tail injury. Or smear Vicks Vapor Rub on the bandage—the menthol odor repels most pets and keeps tongue and teeth at bay.

Some injuries require that the damaged tail tip amputated. If that happens, fur tends to grow over the end and hides the loss. Your pet will never miss the, er, missing link.

Make some changes in the pet’s environment to avoid a repeat of the tail trauma. Bigger dogs need larger areas where they can swing their tails without banging walls, or clearing off the coffee table.

Has your dog (or cat) ever suffered a tail injury? How did it happen? What treatment was required? Do tell!

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I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered? Do you have a new kitten and need answers? Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, listen to the radio show, check out weekly FREE PUPPY CARE newsletter, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest book give aways and appearances related to my THRILLERS WITH BITE!

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Published on February 27, 2013 00:03

Monday Mentions: Veterinarians, Vaccines, Snakes & Cheese

Amy with Tina Martinez of Morris Animal Foundation at the reception celebrating 65 years helping animals!

This past week has been a challenge–exciting, fun, head-pounding angst, and more. This blog migrated from one server to a new one that also hosts my author/speaker website and there were a few hiccups along the way. Not all subscribers automatically transferred over and so I hope you’ll please SHARE this blog with all your pet-centric fur-loving and writer-icity friends and colleagues to get the Bling, Bitches & Blood back on track.

If y’all are ever in need of a guru to help with a blog migration, check out Tanya at Blogelina.com. She made it as painless and saved me many-several gray hairs.

Part of those gray hairs had to do with scheduling the move at the same time I was out of town. I attended the 85th Western Veterinary Conference in Las Vegas, and my eyeballs nearly fell out of my head with all the reading, computer-note-taking, and video-picture-collecting needed. Yep, that’s why I’m wearing glasses in the picture.

I heard veterinarian and other expert speakers expound on the latest innovations in cat and dog health and behavior and attended dozens of sessions. The exhibition hall offered even more great information.

My–head–nearly–exploded! Hopefully, the info won’t leak out my ears before I get everything transcribed.

One of the highlights was attending a Morris Animal Foundation reception celebrating their 65th anniversary–wow! Lots of milestone anniversaries. There also were lots of NEW schtuff that I’ll report on as I’m able to catch my breath. An exciting innovation to watch is ZEUTERIN from Arc Sciences that allows the boy doggies to be neutered without surgery (they’re working on a cat version, never fear!). There’s also some new ways of checking to see if your pet NEEDS that vaccination booster or can wait a bit with an antibody screening test called VacciCheck. And lots of news on the pet insurance front, too. That’s just the tip of the furry iceberg, too–I have an 8-inch stack of materials to sift through.

You can get a taste of what you missed in the video, below. Lots of furry fixes, too! (including snake venom info!).

Monday Mentions is the mash-up-day of all the neato-torpedo writer links and videos, pet schtuff and bling and writer-icity crappiocca collected over the past week. This week, in honor of the Oscars, you’ll also find some screenwriting (and some teleplay) contests, thanks to my actor colleagues.

From my International Thriller Writer buddies, you can get all the top thriller writers in one anthology, LOVE IS MURDER, out in paperback tomorrow!

WRITER-ICITY SCHTUFF

Amazon Changes Affiliate Rules and this blogger has his take on the situation.

Anthology Submissions Open from Writers Guide to EPublishing

Penguin Watching Partridge (India Imprint) from Writer Beware

Close-Up TV News & Radio Pay-To-Play I have gotten half a dozen pitches from these folks wanting me to pony-up major $$$ to be interviewed/featured. DON’T.

Facebook & Twitter App in Kindle lets you tweet/FB your opinion right from the book!

SCREEN-WRITER-ICITY

Nicholl Fellowship in Screenwriting sponsored by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, i.e. the Oscars.

PAGE International Screenwriting Awards.

Austin Film Festival Heart of Film Screenwriting Competition

Scriptapalooza.

Script Pipeline.

Blue Cat Screenwriting Competition.

PET-CENTRY SCHTUFF

The American Canardly Association, Registration for YOUR pet!

Cheetahs & Shelter Dogs, a win-win partnership *check out the VIDEO below, too!*

Apps for Cats to turn your tablet in the BEST EVAH CAT TOY! thanks to my cat behavior consultant colleague Beth Adelman

Cats Get Frank Lloyd Wright Digs, this is great–thanks to the awesome cat-centric Deb Barnes for the head’s up.

Your email:

I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered? Do you have a new kitten and need answers? Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, listen to the radio show, check out weekly FREE PUPPY CARE newsletter, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest book give aways and appearances related to my THRILLERS WITH BITE!

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Published on February 25, 2013 13:27

Dogs Travel in Style with a Licensed to Drive!

My first dog HATED car rides, and would shiver, shake and cry the entire time inside the vehicle. That’s probably because he got car sick during his first-ever ride, and then later he began to associate the ride with vet visits and being left behind at a boarding kennel. No wonder he turned into a basket case! That was more than 20 years ago and I’ve learned a LOT since then.

We did things different with Magical-Dawg. And as a result, he loves car rides. He would drive the car if I let him.

Even if your dog is a reluctant rider, you can transform his hangdog attitude into a fun-loving car ride fanatic. Basically you use desensitization to help the dog associate cars with fun, happy experiences instead of scary memories of vet visits. Once your furry friend realizes a car ride means wonderful things–just like in this awesome video–he’ll look forward to trips–and he might even want to buy his own car!

He already has his Dog Tested. Dog Approved.TM license. Just sayin…*s*

CLICK on the license and it will take you to one of the most fun, clever APPs I’ve seen, where you can ask a dog’s advice–that is hilarious, type in your question and the dog on video answers! You can also input your dog’s info for the best Subaru/Canine fit, and even add your dog’s picture “driving” your favorite Subaru car. I’m afraid that might give Magical-Dawg ideas…I already have to hide the car keys. My favorite of the apps is the doggy drivers license (below). Be sure that you use a FAKE address if you do the license since it will be visible online.

And if your dog is a reluctant rider, scroll down for tips to change his canine mind–AND for a fun contest where you can win enough cash to keep him in treats for a very long time!

Make meal time car time. For very frightened dogs just set the bowl next to the car. If he’ll hop into the back seat, feed him there and make the car his go-to-dinner spot for a week. In between times, throw treats in the open car door for the dog to find, and play fun games near the car. He should learn that only these good things in life happen when you’re near the car.

Take the Wheel. For the next step, when your dog is having fun pigging out int he back seat or gnawing that puzzle toy, get in the front seat behind the steering wheel. Just sit there for a while, no big deal, then get out, so the pet understands nothing scary happens when you’re in the car with him. Do this for one day.

Start Your Engines. The next day, when you’re behind the wheel and your puppy’s munching treats in the back seat, start the car. Then turn off the motor and get out without going anywhere. Do this three or four times during the day until the pet takes it as a matter of course.

Drive the Driveway. Finally, after you start the car, back the car to the end of the driveway and stop—do this two or three times in a row, always letting the pooch out after you return. If he whines or paces or shows stress, you may be moving too fast for him. The process takes forever! but it works.

Reward Bravery. Don’t commiserate with whiny dogs–if you say “poor baby” and whine back, he’ll think he’s right to be concerned! Cheer him along, with jolly phrases, “Isn’t this FUN?! Car ride to the park to play ball!” and use words he likes (play, ball, treat) to change his car attitude.

Increase Duration. Increasing car-time by increments—a trip around the block and home, a trip to the park and home, a trip to a drive-through restaurant, and home. Go somewhere you know your dog will enjoy—get him French fries at the nearest fast food restaurant, or a doggy treat from the tellers at the bank. Make every car trip upbeat and positive so the experience makes the dog look forward to the next trip.

Ride Safe. Be sure your pet stays in the back seat rather than riding on your lap. These fun Subaru videos are just that–lots of tongue-in-furry-cheek fun but safety always comes first. Just as kids can be injured by airbags, your pets can be crushed even inside a carrier. Even though dogs WANT to drive, they can become furry projectiles in accidents, or get in the way of safe drivers when in your lap or under the pedals.

$$$ PRIZES! $$$

I’ve never offered a Rafflecopter give-away before but this was too good to pass up. It’s simple to enter–everyone must like Subaru’s Facebook page to enter, but the other 4 entries are optional and can be done once each day.The rafflecopter opens at 12:00 am ET on Monday, February 18th and closes at 11:59 pm ET on Sunday, February 24th. You can enter once every day as long as the raffle is open. One first place prize winner will receive a $350 Visa gift card and one second place prize winner will receive a $150 Visa gift card. The winners will be announced within 48 hours after the raffle closes. Click here to enter into this special Rafflecopter giveaway

Do your dogs love cars? How have you persuaded reluctant passengers to go the extra mile? Please share–and let me know how you like your doggy license! Betcha we could get a whole FLEET of dog-driven car maniacs, LOL!

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This post is sponsored by Subaru. The opinions expressed in this post are my own. I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered? Do you have a new kitten and need answers? Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, listen to the weekly radio show, check out weekly FREE PUPPY CARE newsletter, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest book give aways and appearances related to my THRILLERS WITH BITE!

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Published on February 23, 2013 01:00

9 Dental Issues You Share With Your Cats and Dogs

Could your dog’s breath melt your glasses? Does your cat’s smile look like five miles of bad road? Pet tooth problems are surprisingly similar to their owners’ dental issues. February is National Pet Dental Health Month and a good time to check out your pets’ pearly whites. Here are common dental issues you share with your cats and dogs, as well as ways to avoid them.

Stinky mouth odor referred to as halitosis develops when bacteria grows on the tooth surface or tongue. Mouthwash and chewing gum may mask your halitosis but dogs and cats don’t gargle. They don’t spit, either, making fluorinated products dangerous for pets when they’re swallowed. There are rinses that can be added to pet water bowls that help freshen breath, and dogs benefit from “dental” chew toys that offer some cleaning properties or incorporate bacteria-killing enzymes.
Plaque develops when bacteria mineralizes into hard yellow to brown deposits on the teeth, often at the gum line. People typically remove most of this by brushing, flossing, and even chewing “detergent-type” foods like apples. Some dogs enjoy carrots and apples but most pets tend to gulp mouthfuls of food without too much chewing. Cats and dogs also lack opposable thumbs that make brushing or flossing possible.
Gingivitis—redness and swelling of the gums—happens when the bacteria in the plaque releases enzymes that cause inflammation. People might see blood on the toothbrush. Owners might see blood on the dog’s chew toy.
Receding gums develop as a result of the inflammation, and forms pockets around the tooth that expose bone, leading to loose teeth and bone loss. People with painful mouths and loose teeth complain to the dentist. But cats and dogs generally eat through the pain without showing much discomfort until it’s very bad.
Periodontal disease (decayed teeth, sore gums, bleeding mouths) affects 80 percent of pets by the age of three. Besides mouth and tooth problems, chewing pumps bacteria into the bloodstream and that damages the heart, liver and kidneys in both people and pets.
Cavities don’t affect pets in the same way as people, but cats can develop a sneaky kind of cavity called resportive lesions. The decay is hidden and starts at or below the gum line, eating the tooth from the inside out and leaving a fragile shell that can break. Up to 75 percent of cats with dental disease have one or more lesions that usually can’t be fixed.
Brushing teeth, as with people, is the first line of defense. Yes, you can teach pets to tolerate or even welcome tooth brushing. Meat-flavored toothpastes with plaque-retardant enzymes and pet-size brushes used after each meal—or at least a couple of times a week—help enormously to reduce bad breath and plaque control.
Dentistry treats pet teeth in a similar fashion as humans but since dogs and cats won’t open wide and say “ah” a professional veterinary dentistry requires anesthesia. Trying to clean pet teeth without anesthesia can be much less effective. Most veterinarians provide ultrasonic scaling, polishing, tooth extraction and antibiotics with pain medication when necessary. Veterinary dental specialists also perform root canals, provide crowns and even offer pet orthodontia (braces) to correct misaligned teeth that cause the pet discomfort.
Dental “treats” and specially formulated diets are available to improve cat and dog dental health. Look for the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) Seal of Acceptance, which endorses such products.

Keep both your relationship and your pets’ breath smelling sweet. Don’t limit it to this month, either, but use the opportunity to “brush up” on the facts of your pet’s tooth health.

(This article originally was published by the Huffington Post). I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered? Do you have a new kitten and need answers? Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, listen to the weekly radio show, check out weekly FREE PUPPY CARE newsletter, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest book give aways and appearances related to my THRILLERS WITH BITE!

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Published on February 22, 2013 00:00