Amy Shojai's Blog, page 130
July 27, 2012
Furry Friday: Allergic to (Achoo!) Pets? Here’s Help!
Are you allergic to your kitty?
Hot weather may mean more time spent indoors avoiding the sun for both people and pets. It’s also the time of year for pollen, mold and dust, so allergy sufferers double up on the dose of misery. Even if you aren’t directly allergic to your cat or dog, they act like furry dust mops that trap and hold allergens that do set you off.
The last figures I heard guestimated that about 40 million Americans suffer from dog and cat allergies. Nearly 30 percent of cat owners are allergic to their cats. Symptoms include itchy eyes, coughing, wheezing and/or hives.
Even fur-less cats like this Sphynx could potentially cause you to sneeze!
Sensitive people don’t react to the pet hair at all. Instead a specialized protein found in the saliva and skin causes the reaction. Any pet may provoke an allergic reaction–there’s no such thing as a “hypoallergenic” pet, despite marketing claims you may hear.
Of course, you’ll want to consult with your own physician can guide you about human health concerns. But there are steps you can take to feel better, without having to give up their special pet. Here are 10 Tips to Reduce Allergies to Pets.
Kids are LESS likely to develop pet allergies if exposed to furry wonders when they’re young. I promise–not making this up! Image Copr. Tbone’s Green Acres
And of course, if your PETS have allergies, you can find tips for soothing the itch in these articles about various kinds of dog allergies. Most apply to cats, too.
Pet lovers put up with a lot. I’d do nearly anything to be able to keep Magical-Dawg and Seren-Kitty. How about you? I’m lucky that I’m NOT allergic. There are some dogs and cats that are less allergenic but none are 100 percent for all people
More people are allergic to cats than they are to dogs. I always wonder what would happen if a dog became allergic to the cat, or vice versa. Or horrors, became allergic to humans! I asked Magic and Seren, but they aren’t talking.
Do you suffer from pet allergies? What are some tips you can share to ease allergic reactions to your fur-kids? I just met a lady online who loves cats but is allergic–and instead has pet rabbits. How do you and your family/friends deal with allergy to pets?
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. Don’t forget to vote for your NAME THAT DOG/CAT character choice in the forthcoming THRILLER, LOST & FOUND!
Filed under: Cat Behavior & Care, Dog Training & Care Tagged: allergies, allergies to pets, Amy Shojai, cats, dogs, first aid, first aid tips for pets allergies, pets, www.amyshojai.com
July 25, 2012
Woof Wednesday: Pet DISASTER Plan
Storm showers do bring flowers.
Having just returned from Colorado where recently multiple fires grabbed the headlines, natural disasters are on my mind. We’ve had burn bans announced to prevent wildfires from taking off here in North Texas and the drought across the country raises the fire risk widely this summer. I also live in “tornado alley” which means Mother Nature often throws a tantrum.
No matter where you live, it’s important to be disaster savvy. Prepare for the worst, and hope for the best for yourself as well as your furry family members. I’ve written about this before, but make a note or bookmark/share this post for future. Hopefully you’ll never need this info–but in case you do, keep it handy.
CORRAL THE CRITTERS
Watch weather reports. When weather turns ify, bring all pets into the house so that you won’t have to search for them. Designate a “safe room” in the house to confine pets until the all clear.
Many homes in North Texas don’t have basements or storm cellars. In case of floods, that’s not a good option anyway. But an internal room without windows, often a bathroom without windows, can be a good option for tornado safety. At my house, Seren gets stuffed into her cat carrier and placed inside the pantry situated under the stairs. It’s big enough that the humans and Magical Dawg can fit inside, too.
Seren is NOT a fan of the carrier–but it’s the safest spot for her.
If you must evacuate, take your pets along. It may be days before authorities allow you to return home. If you’ve got to evacuate, find a hotel, friend, or other accommodations in advance that will let you bring your dogs and cats.
PROVIDE PROPER IDENTIFICATION
Make sure all dogs and cats are wearing collars and up-to-date pet identification. If you have nothing else handy, use a felt-tip marker and write your phone number and name on the pet’s tummy.
Attach the phone number and address of your temporary shelter, if you know it, to the pet’s collar tags. You can buy temporary tags or put adhesive tape on the back of your pet’s ID tag, adding information with an indelible pen. Write directly on a flat nylon collar or halter to make it easy for a stranger to read the information.
PACK FOR YOUR PETS
In addition to providing for human family members, have a “pet kit” ready to take along that contains a three-day supply of all the pet essentials. If easily packed, take an extra towel or blanket for each pet. Don’t forget sturdy leashes, harnesses, carriers or X-pens for safe confinement.
Carriers for the small pets are a necessity!
Most facilities will require your cats and dogs to be under your control, and may also require proof of current vaccination. Include a favorite comfort toy or treat, the pet’s food and can opener if needed, and don’t forget water—one quart per cat-size pet per day (more for big dogs) is a good rule of paw. One of the pheromone spray products such as Comfort Zone/DAP for dogs or Feliway for cats can help relieve the stress of being in a strange environment.
Have plenty of plastic bags and newspapers as well as containers and cleaning supplies to help deal with pet waste. Puppy training pads or Depends undergarments work well.
PET FIRST AID KITS
Prepare for the unthinkable, too. You can find bunches of pet first aid and home remedy information here.
Include current photos of your pets in case they get lost, and bring a first-aid kit to care for possible injuries. Include disposable latex gloves, sterile dressings, antibiotic towelettes and ointment, eyewash, thermometer, and any prescription medications your pets need. You can find more specifics in “The First-Aid Companion For Dogs & Cats.”
Your evacuation kit should also include a cell phone, flashlight, extra batteries, battery powered radio, map of area, whistle/air horn to signal for help, and matches in a waterproof container. Keep a list of emergency numbers with your phone, including a pet emergency clinic number and shelters that may temporarily house animals. Keep your car tank filled with at least half a tank at all times.
A halter and leash gives you something to grab.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides information and relief for human victims of disaster, and Petfinder.com also offers great disaster preparation information for pet owners.
Have you ever had to ride out a storm with your pets? How did you manage the situation? What about fire? One year we had horrendous floods here and folks had to flee, awakening with water coming under the door.
How have you managed during disasters? Did you evacuate and take the fur-kids with you, or were you forced to leave them behind? That would just about kill me…I’d likely risk my life and stay with them, if it came down to it. Please share how you prepare for the worst.
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. Don’t forget to vote for your NAME THAT DOG/CAT character choice in the forthcoming THRILLER, LOST & FOUND!
Filed under: Dog Training & Care Tagged: Amy Shojai, books, cat behavior, cat books, cat expert witness, cats, disaster planning, dog behavior, dog bite expert witness, dog books, dog training, dogs, http://www.amyshojai.com, http://www.shojai.com, kittens, old dogs, pet books, pet first aid, pets and disasters, publishing, puppies, puppies.About.com, veterinary care, writing
July 23, 2012
Monday Mentions: Birdy Dancing, Co Dreaming & PUB DATE!
Bobbie, the tap-dancing Flamenco.
Wow–in the past 10 days I’ve been home about 12 hours total. I first traveled to Thrillerfest (see lots of fun pictures here!), and then unpacked/packed and drove to my annual Colorado writer retreat. Last year I found my dragon-friend, Maurice who helps scare away writerly angst and inspire me to dive off cliffs in search of dangerous creativity. This year Bobbie joins the Shojai Street Team to help keep me flamenco word-dancing as fast as I can.
Maurice, the dragon wordsmith of all things writerly.
All this inspiration worked. My thriller LOST AND FOUND was conceived, plotted and finished during previous trips and I just found out the pub date:
September 20, 2012!
I will let you know just as soon as pre-orders are available. It will be published in print and all Ebook formats, woot! I just got my copy edits back in time to input the results of the “name” contest–will it feature your cat or dog favorite name? You’ll want to check out the voting for and polls. So far the dog names Dakota and Bruno are nearly neck-and-neck, while cat names Macy and Karma are top contenders. Votes close July 31.
Monday Mentions is the mash-up-day of all the neato-torpedo links and videos, pet schtuff and bling and writer-icity crappiocca collected over the past week. Some of this “schtuff” can be hard to categorize and may fit more than one topic so I urge you to at least scan them all.
WRITER-ICITY SCHTUFF
Social Media Vs Big-A$$ Book Reviews which sells more books?
James Scott Bell Writer Workshop in Nashville Aug 11-12
Top 10 Brain Myths fun stuff!
Facebook “Page” vs “Profile” some good info and tips
Ebooks Now Dominate Fiction Sales
Penguin Buys Author Solutions will they continue the program or kill the competition? Hmnnn.
Job Opening: Senior Editor Petside.com
Discoverability & Marketing Conference
CRITTER SCHTUFF
Behavior Express Tour “Keep LOVE Alive” coming to city near you? Solving pet behavior problems, expert help.
Hero Dog Awards Announced! wow, what amazing canines
Feline Husbandry the book by Neils Pedersen now available in PDF (free!)
The Ecology of Disease scary and true! Bats to pigs to people? Oh my…
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. Don’t forget to vote for your NAME THAT DOG/CAT character choice in the forthcoming THRILLER, LOST & FOUND!
Filed under: Cat Behavior & Care, Dog Training & Care, Writing Advice & More Tagged: Amy Shojai, animal behavior, bats, cat care, disease, dog training, Lost And Found, publishing, Thrillers, writing advice, www.amyshojai.com
July 20, 2012
Feline Friday: VOTE for NAME THAT CAT!
Yes, the day has come. I am delighted at the outpouring of interest in naming cats who appear in my forthcoming thriller LOST AND FOUND. There were 39 total suggestions for feline character names, me-WOW! I ended up choosing four or five of my favorites from your suggestions and then drawing the remainder out of a fish bowl. Two feline characters will be named based on your votes. (Check out the Woof Wednesday for the doggy poll picks!).
The winner’s names and why they chose their selection will also be included in the book, and winners will receive an advance copy of the book.
Image Copr. Florence Ivy/Flickr
Just who ARE these kitty characters?
A sable and white Maine Coon “clicker trained” kitty is devoted to the main character, September. He is instrumental in saving September’s life and capturing the bad guy at the climax of the book.
A senior citizen domestic (no particular breed) kitty who comforts a family when his/her human becomes a victim of the bad guys–now that’s heroic, right?
Does your cat’s name embody the essence of these kitty characters? Love, devotion, fearlessness, smart as only a cat can be? Looks don’t matter, neither does breed or age or even sex–everyone knows that all cats are heroes at heart when they snuggle with us or bring smiles to our faces when we are at our lowest, so make your choice and follow your heart!
The poll below allows you to choose THREE (3) of your favorites. You can come back and vote again as many times as you’d like–and I hope you’ll encourage family and friends to champion your kitty cause and also vote.
DEADLINE MONDAY AUGUST 30TH!
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. Don’t forget to vote for your NAME THAT DOG/CAT character choice in the forthcoming THRILLER, LOST & FOUND!
Filed under: Cat Behavior & Care, Writing Advice & More Tagged: Amy Shojai, cat behavior, cat books, cat care, cat heroes, cat training, cats, lost and found thriller,
July 18, 2012
Woof Wednesday: VOTE for NAME THAT DOG!
Yes, the day has come. I am delighted at the outpouring of interest in naming dogs who appear in my forthcoming thriller LOST AND FOUND. There were 29 total suggestions for canine character names. Some were wonderful names but the same as one of my human characters (now THAT would be confusing!), and others seemed too similar to other suggestions. I ended up choosing four or five of my favorites from your suggestions and then drawing the remainder out of a fish bowl. Two canine characters, both “hero dogs,” will be named based on your votes. (Watch for Feline Friday for the kitty poll picks!).
The winner’s names and why they chose their selection will also be included in the book, and winners will receive an advance copy of the book.
Image Copr. Yulia Schoeman
Just who ARE these canine heroes?
A dark sable German shepherd dog, trained for search and rescue, and protection (Schutzhund) was devoted to the main character, September. He died protecting her husband, and she still deeply mourns his loss. He is the “ideal” dog she compares all other canines to.
A senior citizen German shepherd comes out of retirement to track down the September’s missing nephew Steven. He ends up defending his trainer as well as giving September a chance to escape.
Does your dog’s name embody the essence of these doggy characters? Love, devotion, fearlessness, great heart? Looks don’t matter, neither does breed or age or even sex–everyone knows that all dogs have the heart and soul and devotion of heroes, so make your choice and follow your heart!
The poll below allows you to choose THREE (3) of your favorites. You can come back and vote again as many times as you’d like–and I hope you’ll encourage family and friends to champion your cause and also vote.
DEADLINE MONDAY AUGUST 30TH!
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. Don’t forget to vote for your NAME THAT DOG/CAT character choice in the forthcoming THRILLER, LOST & FOUND!
Filed under: Dog Training & Care, Writing Advice & More Tagged: Amy Shojai, dog books, dog care, dog thrillers, dogs, fiction, lost and found thriller,
July 16, 2012
Monday Mentions: THRILLERFEST!
Finally back from my annual whirlwind Thrillerfest conference–this year even more awesome knowing that I’m now an ITW Debut Author in great part because of this wonderful organization. I’ll have some short videos later, too, but wanted to post the pictures (they’re out of order, sorry!) as soon as possible.
Please also scroll down for the usual Monday Mentions link luv about publishing, writing, pets and more. Stay tuned for some quick excerpts from some of the panels and interviews. And don’t forget, the and polls will be posted this week for you to choose some of the pet characters in my book!
The amazing and generous Sandra Brown at the Thursday night opening reception.
Panel: How Do You Create Spellbinding Series Characters?
Allison Brennan, the Panel Master, for the panel (above) with Jan Burke, William Dietrich, Jack Hoban, Victoria M Johnson, Sharon Linnea…and me. *s*
The book signing–wow, next to the awesome Wendy Corsi Staub.
Kimberley Howe is the Thrillerfest Executive Director.
Yes, I came–I saw–I BLINGED!
Shane Gericke, one of the “Executioners” and great author, and my buddy Paula Lanier…we’ve been hanging out every year (Paula knows EVERYONE! *s*).
David Morrell, co-founder of International Thriller Writers. You may know him as the author of Rambo. *s*
Donna Galanti, one of the Debut Authors this year at the Debut Authors’ Breakfast–check out her book THE HUMAN ELEMENT!
Doug Lyle, Craftfest Director and VP of National Events (with LOTS of great thrillers and nonfiction forensic books), with Paula and my friend Teresa Chandler.
Wendy, Teresa, John Gilstrap (another award-winning author) at the “after” party.
Jon Land, one of the ITW vice presidents…and best seller, too. There’s a lot of great authors at this conference…just saying.
Late LATE late …the after-the-AFTER-party gang! On the far right is Paul McEuen, winner of the Thriller Award for Best First Novel! (He’s a Cornell prof and also has 5 dogs…*s*)
THRILLERFEST AWARDS
Saturday night July 14 the International Thriller Writers (ITW) announced the winners of the 2012 Thriller Awards.
Best Hard Cover Novel:
11/23/63, Stephen King (Scribner)
Best Paperback Original Novel:
THE LAST MINUTE, Jeff Abbott (Sphere/Little, Brown UK)
Best First Novel:
SPIRAL, Paul McEuen (The Dial Press)
Best Short Story:
HALF-LIVES, Tim L. Williams (Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine)
ITW has also announced the addition of two new Thriller Awards next year–Young Adult, and Original Ebook.
MORE WRITERICITY SCHTUFF
6 Reasons to Celebrate “BAD” Reviews
HarperCollins Buys Thomas Nelson
Smashwords Publishes 138,070+ Books
Ebook Pirates–Open Fire or Ignore?
Publishing Jobs from Disney, Hachette Book Group, Little Brown, etc.
PET SCHTUFF
Sasquatch Lives?! from Doug Lyle’s awesome blog
Pet Supply Catalogue–shopping that helps pets! Check it out!
Cat Myths from Sally Bahner’s awesome blog
BLOGPAWS Gives Back donates $12,120 to several worthy animal causes, kudos!
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 .
Don’t forget to check out the NAME THAT DOG/CAT character in the forthcoming THRILLER, LOST & FOUND! Poll with SEMIFINAL NAMES for you to vote to be posted this WOOF WEDNESDAY and FELINE FRIDAY so get your suggestions in ASAP.
Filed under: Cat Behavior & Care, Dog Training & Care, Writing Advice & More Tagged: Allison Brennan, Amy Shojai, David Morrell, Donna Galanti, Doug Lyle, Jack Hoban, Jan Burke, John Gilstrap, John Land, Kimberley Howe, Paul Mceuen, Paula Lanier, Sandra Brown, Shane Gericke, Sharon Linnea, Teresa Chandler, Thrillerfest, Victoria M Johnson, Wendy Corsi Staub, William Dietrich, www.amyshojai.com
July 13, 2012
Feline Friday: Suicide Reporting & Crazy Cat-astrophies
“Don’t blame ME. . .” Image copr. LemurEyes/Flickr
It’s Friday the 13th. Somehow that seems appropriate to address creepy, without-a-clue reportage that does more damage than good. I’m at Thrillerfest this weekend where we’re discussing all sorts of mayhem but that’s make-believe. When bad info crosses over into “real life” that can cause lots of problems.
Every once in a while cats get demonized once again for causing everything from sucking the breath from babies to causing male pattern baldness. Now they’ve been linked to increase suicide risk. On purpose. Because they’re evil.
Huh? Even if they WERE evil, cats are too smart to kill the two-legged servants who hold the keys to the pantry and can openers. Just give me a break!
It’s that toxoplasmosis bug, not cats, that MIGHT increase risk of suicide and honestly, you’ll be more likely to contract that creepy parasite by munching unwashed lettuce.
WHAT IS TOXOPLASMOSIS?
The single cell organism Toxoplasma gondii, a parasitic protozoan, can be found in nearly all mammals (including cats and dogs), and has evolved to infect people and animals without making them sick. It’s been estimated that half the people in the United States have been exposed–60 million men, women and children–already carry this parasite, but never developed symptoms. When they do, the most common sign in both people and pets is transient swelling of the lymph glands. Sort of like flu.
However, the disease can cause life-threatening illness in immune suppressed people, as well as unborn babies of pregnant mothers who become infected during the pregnancy–and the mom rarely show any symptoms.
THE KITTY CONNECTION & FELINE BLAME GAME
Cats become infected either by swallowing the infective stage of the protozoan from the environment, by eating infected animals, or by eating raw meat. The protozoan multiplies in the wall of the small intestine and produce egg-like oocysts. Infected cats are the only animals that pass on these immature forms of the organism; they are shed in the cat’s stool. And THAT’S how kitty got the bad rap. However, the oocysts are passed in great numbers in the cat’s feces for only two to three weeks. Once this stage is passed it’s rare for the cat to ever again shed the eggs.
THE DOWN & DIRTY ON THE DANGERS
It takes two to five days for the oocysts to mature into infective forms of the organism. These organisms can survive in moist or shady soil or sand for many months. The disease is spread when an animal or a person swallows these infective organisms.
Once inside the bird, rodent, cat or person, the protozoan continues to mature, causing pockets of disease throughout the body. If the victim survives this stage of the illness, usually symptoms go away and the disease becomes dormant; the protozoan remains in certain muscle tissues and even the brain.
Cats are diagnosed when a microscopic examination of their stool reveals oocysts, which means the cat is at that time capable of spreading disease. A blood test shows if the cat has ever been exposed. A positive test in an otherwise healthy cat means Kitty is actively immune, and is an unlikely source of disease. In fact, cats rarely show signs of the disease. The immune system of most cats interferes with the life cycle of the organism, so that toxoplasmosis in cats enters a dormant phase often for the remaining lifetime of the cat.
EASY TO PREVENT
Don’t let anyone (your mom, sister, friend, or even doctor!) scare you into giving up your cat by whispering about the dangers of toxoplasmosis. Yes, the disease can be dangerous especially to unborn babies, but a pregnant woman would have to be pretty unsanitary to catch anything from her cat.
It’s easy to prevent the spread of the disease. Since several days are needed for the oocysts to become infective, simply cleaning the cat’s litter box each day eliminates that route of infection. People in high-risk groups, such as pregnant women or those with compromised immune systems should have someone else perform litter box duty.
The chance of contracting toxoplasmosis from a well cared for pet cat is extremely low. The most common infection source in people in the United States is undercooked or raw meat, especially pork, or unwashed raw veggies.
To reduce risk even further, wash your hands after handling raw meat, and cook it thoroughly before eating. Don’t feed your cat undercooked or raw foods, and prevent the cat from hunting. Wear gloves while working in the garden to prevent contracting the disease from the soil.
If you plan to become pregnant, ease your worries by asking the doctor to perform a blood test to see if you’ve ever been exposed to the disease. If a woman has been infected before becoming pregnant, she’ll be immune and her future baby will be protected against infection.
MORE EXPERT INFO RESOURCES
There is much more information available at the CAPC site about toxoplasmosis. For those of you who would like to listen to an audio podcast instead of reading, here’s a great AVMA podcast interview about toxoplasmosis with Dr. Jane Brunt, executive director of the CATalyst Council, and owner and director of the Cat Hospital at Towson in Baltimore. You can also find out more information at the Centers for Disease Control.
This video is one of my most popular and most watched–when a well known pediatrician also got his facts wrong. There’s lots of mis-information out there. But those of us who love cats…and what people protected, too…are doing our part. Please share this post!
Or else the ZOMBIE CAT APOCALYPSE WILL EAT YOUR BRAINS–REALLY–I’M NOT JOKING!
So what kinds of hurtful, clueless MYTH-TAKES have you helped debunk about your cat (or your dog?). How do you change the tied against ignorance? Please offer tips here–it’s important.
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 .
Don’t forget to check out the NAME THAT DOG/CAT character in the forthcoming THRILLER, LOST & FOUND! Poll with SEMIFINAL NAMES for you to vote to be posted next week so get your suggestions in ASAP.
Filed under: Cat Behavior & Care Tagged: Amy Shojai, cat behavior, cat care, cat myths, cats, cats and babies, cats and suicide, http://www.amyshojai.com, toxoplasmosis, www.shojai.com
July 11, 2012
Woof Wednesday: More Keeping Hot Dogs Cool
Great way to cool off a hot dog! But notice the life preserver, too…safety first!
How do your hot dogs deal with high temperatures? No, that’s not Magical-Dawg, although if he saw this picture he’d be campaigning for his own doggy life vest. That is a BIG safety issue to help prevent doggy drowning. You can find first aid tips for drowning in that article, too.
That’s Uschi, the cover dog for my forthcoming thriller. As you recall, she granted me a photo shoot and I gave her that squeaky-bone-toy she’s having such fun fetching in the lake! Yes, will work for toys…
We’ve had a slight reprieve in the weather temps this week but it still gets waaaaay warmer than a good-dog should take. Heat stroke will kill dogs very quickly when the outside temperature reaches normal doggy body temperature or above (right around 100 degrees!). I know, I know, this repeats some of my previous post on Hot Dogs, Heatstroke and Cool Tips.
But just because it’s hot out doesn’t mean dogs want to give up being fetching fools. It’s up to us two-legged folks to devise ways to keep pets safe in hot weather while entertained.
What have I missed? Are there favorite hot weather games you play with your dogs? How to you beat the heat? Do you trim down the mountains of fur? Offer them pup-sicle treats? How do you protect them from sunburn? Do tell!
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.
Don’t forget to check out the NAME THAT DOG/CAT character in the forthcoming THRILLER, LOST & FOUND!
Filed under: Dog Training & Care Tagged: Amy Shojai, dog care, dog swimming, dogs, heat stroke, hot weather safety for pets, puppies, safety, www.amyshojai.com
July 9, 2012
Monday Mentions: Packing, Parenting & Problems
On Thursday I depart for THRILLERFEST! Yay, I can’t wait! I have a bunch of postcards printed with information about my debut thriller Lost and Found and plan to hand ‘em out to readers interested in an “advance look” with an eye toward reviewing the story. If you’re interested, let me know–I’ll keep a list of emails/contact info from the comments section on the book page.
Just so’s ya know, the month of July also will be head-down busy dealing with some angst-icity challenges. One of the problems with being passionate about causes and organizations is that sometimes folks don’t agree with each others’ opinions. That’s perfectly understandable. But it can cause hurt feelings when intentions and/or responses are misinterpreted and unexpected hurtful reactions come from people you respect, admire, or even believe to be friends. Treat Sweet Tweets Right–er, Write, the Hospice Way from awesome blogger Piper Bayard really helped me with this–and maybe it will help readers if/when you find yourself in similar situations.
Anyway, it doesn’t matter in the scheme of things. And I’m nobody’s parent–except for the fur-kids, of course. But after some public “doing what’s ethically right” stands in three very different recent situations and being misunderstood, I’m taking a break from angst long enough for the bruises to fade and am reevaluating such things. Meanwhile, I’ll be busy brainstorming next thrillers–make believe thrills appeal to me at the moment!–as well as preparing for the next play production(s) (yes there are TWO in the works!), so stay tuned.
Monday Mentions is the mash-up-day of all the neato-torpedo links and videos, pet schtuff and bling and writer-icity crappiocca collected over the past week. Lots of fun videos today, too, including some PARENT stuff! Some of this “schtuff” can be hard to categorize and may fit more than one topic so I urge you to at least scan them all. PLEASE add your suggestions to the “Name That Dog/Cat” contest because next week the voting begins!
WRITER-ICITY SCHTUFF
Designing From Bones on cannibalism, awesome post from Gene Lempp
CJ Lyons Indie Success! and you can’t even hate CJ, she’s an awesomely nice person!
WORST Book Covers EVER! a hilarious blog from Colin Falconer
Marketing for Romance Writers with some free online classes, too
Publishing Predictions Score, an interesting evaluation
New Suspense How-To Blog from the awesome Rebecca York, something for all writers!
The Perfect Blog Post template anyone?
Top 25 Free Mysteries & Thrillers from iTunes
Authors Guild & Writers from David Gaughran
Neato writer conference over Labor Day (see video below) and my publisher Bob Mayer (plus many others!) will be there.
PET SCHTUFF
Pets In Nursing Homes–lower infection risk!
Ape Intellect another great shared link from Jane Miller
Dog Memoirs…but where are the cat books?
Kangaroo Paw Preferences–are they right-pawed or left-pawed?
A couple more videos on ‘parenting’ enjoy!
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 . Don’t forget to check out the NAME THAT DOG/CAT character in the forthcoming THRILLER, LOST & FOUND!
Filed under: Cat Behavior & Care, Dog Training & Care, Theater & Performance, Writing Advice & More Tagged: Amy Shojai, cat behavior, cats, dog training, dogs, pet care, pets, Thrillers, videos, writing advice, www.amyshojai.com
July 6, 2012
Feline Friday: Kitty Claws & Pedicures
Seren tries to keep her claws trimmed but needs help.
Sneaking up on Seren-kitty can have dire consequences. I was reminded of this during our bi-weekly session trimming her claws.
Yes, she gets regular pedicures, especially since she’s gotten older. Senior cats‘ claws tend to thicken and now she “clicks” when she walks across the hardwood or table top. Arthritis makes it harder for her to retract her claws–but one of those claws hasn’t retracted well in years. It happened when she was eight.
FLASHBACK 6 YEARS AGO…
At 2:00 a.m. I couldn’t sleep and decided to work in my upstairs office. The moon cast enough glow to guide my steps without switching on lights. But Seren wasn’t expecting anyone to appear in the dark doorway, and one claw caught and tore on the guest room’s bedspread (HER bed) when she leaped in startled reaction.
Active pets rarely suffer from claw or nail damage, because they wear down the length either through scratching posts or from walking and running on the ground and sidewalks. But claws allowed to grow too long often split or pull loose when snagged in bedding or carpets. Even Magical-Dawg has torn both his dew claws just being a roughneck tackling toys during fetch. Yanking out a claw has to hurt like the devil!
Many nerves and blood vessels feed the toes and claw bed, so damage in this area can be painful and bloody. Seren acted nonchalant–cats are stoic little critters and almost never cry uncle–but I noticed a telltale drop of blood splattering the office door. She’d basically lifted the claw away from the tender nail bed, which was exposed. OUCH!
Although the wound looked bad, claw damage rarely is serious and usually can be treated with first aid–that is, if your pet will allow you to do so.
FIRST AID FOR TORN CLAWS
Often you need someone else to restrain your pet while you treat the nail so the painful injury doesn’t get you bitten. Use a muzzle or wrap the pet in a towel with only the affected paw sticking out. Then use very sharp, clean pet nail clippers to remove the damaged nail.
When the claw hasn’t split too far, you can simply clip off the dangling section. If it’s jagged or the split end bleeds, you must trim slightly ABOVE the damage. That can mean cutting the nail flush or nearly even with the toe. You may prefer to have your veterinarian take care of this, because chances are the nail will bleed even more, the pet will yelp and flinch, and you’ll have a mess to clean up as well. If the bleeding fails to stop within about 30 minutes, the veterinarian needs to address the toe anyway. I knew what to do based on the tips from emergency room vets quoted in my pet first aid book.
When Magic tore his dewclaw he required vet sedation and cauterization, plus some antibiotics. He never does anything halfway. And he’s still a weenie about nail trims.
But Seren’s nail stopped bleeding almost immediately since the nail bed wasn’t cut but only exposed. She even allowed me to clip off a good portion of the claw without need of restraint, and then immediately she began cleaning the injury.
Wait until bleeding has stopped before washing the paw, or you may dislodge the clot and restart the bleeding. Use a mild antiseptic liquid soap like Betadine Skin Cleanser.
AFTER CARE FOR TORN CLAWS
By the next evening, Seren’s nibbling removed most of the remaining claw, but the nail bed exposure concerned me. Bacteria can easily enter through cracks in a damaged nail and infect the nail bed. To help prevent problems, you can soak the affected foot in an antiseptic solution three times daily, five minutes at a time, for four or five days.
Two days after the injury, Seren’s toe looked swollen, but with regular soaks, that quickly went away. I simply ran water in the sink, add some Betadine, and held the injured paw in the solution. She complained, you bet! But she never threw a fit, simply hid her face against me as if she knows it’s for her own good.
Six years later, that kitty toe-claw is ginormous, thick, and needs more frequent trimming than the rest. These days Seren doesn’t move nearly as fast, and with the Magical-Dawg around, she doesn’t startle nearly so much anymore. And that ginormous claw looks dang imposing when she shows it to keep the dawg at bay.
Has your cat ever caught a claw? Do you trim your kitty’s nails? I use regular “people” nail trimmers on Seren and just snip off the sharp points. She gets a treat after each session–yes, she makes me pay! How do you manage your pets’ nail care?
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 . Don’t forget to check out the NAME THAT DOG/CAT character in the forthcoming THRILLER, LOST & FOUND!
Filed under: Cat Behavior & Care Tagged: Amy Shojai, cat claws, cats, claw trims, clawing, first aid, old cat claws, torn claws, www.amyshojai.com
