Amy Shojai's Blog, page 78

Heart-to-Heart About Dog Heartworms & Mosquitoes

Heart-to-Heart About Dog Heartworms & Mosquitoes

I hate mosquitos not only because they’re itchy aggravation, but these nasty vampires spread deadly dog heartworms. That can make your dog sick or worse—it could kill her. Dogs are the natural host–but they also can affect cats–and heartworms have been a problem at least since 1922 when they were first discovered. Today heartworms are found all over the world.

The heartworm Dirofilaria immitis belongs to a group of parasites called filarids, and is a type of roundworm. They live in the right heart chambers and pulmonary arteries—the lungs—of infected dogs. As you can imagine, lungs and heart filled with worms can damage and interfere with normal organ function. You won’t be able to tell if your puppy has heartworms. You can’t see them the way you can fleas or ticks. And your dog won’t even act sick until she’s been infected for quite a while.

Hunting dogs that spend lots of time outdoors are at highest risk.

DOG HEARTWORMS ON THE RISE

Despite the availability of effective and easy to use heartworm preventive options, the disease appears to be on the rise. In just two years, from 2013-2015, there was a 166 percent increase in reported positive heartworm cases, according to the Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC). Additionally, the American Heartworm Society (AHS) has tracked the geographic spread of heartworm disease to all 50 states and its increased prevalence in several regions of the country.

So what’s a pet parent to do?

UPDATE ABOUT DOG HEARTWORMS & MOSQUITOES

A groundbreaking study by John McCall, MS, PhD addresses this concern, investigating the effectiveness of stopping heartworm disease at the buggy transmission source. His new research shows that a multi-modal approach (adding mosquito repellents and insecticides alongside standard heartworm preventive protocols), offers even better protection for our dogs.

The study, sponsored by CEVA, explored the efficacy of a new “Double Defense” protocol. John McCall is a professor emeritus in the Department of Infectious Diseases at the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine. After fighting heartworm the same way for decades, McCall says it’s time for a new approach that includes fighting the mosquito as well as the heartworm.

LEARN MORE ABOUT DOG HEARTWORMS

Please ask YOUR veterinarian about how you can best protect your dogs from mosquitoes and dog heartworms. Learn more about Dr. McCall’s CEVA-funded study in this short video.

Several years ago, I interviewed Dr. Wallace Graham about prevention, treatment and more in my Pet Peeves radio show. Much of this information is still valid, so find out more about how to keep cats and dogs safe from heartworm disease in PET PEEVES, HEART-TO-HEART ABOUT HEARTWORMS.

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, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest book give aways and appearances related to my September Day pet-centric THRILLERS WITH BITE!

A mosquito bite is more than just an ouch! That bite transmits diseases – possibly Zika to people and heartworms to our beloved pets. There are ways to reduce the mosquito population around your home, prevent bites and protect the whole family. And, a new study suggests a “Double Defense” protocol may protect your pet best. Learn more at www.fightheartwormnow.com (PRNewsFoto/Ceva Animal Health)

AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Practical Solutions for Pets Problems & Publishing

Dog Digging Disasters: Why Dogs Dig & How to Stop Excavations

Dog Digging Disasters: Why Dogs Dig & How to Stop Excavations

Digging is a normal canine behavior.

Dogs excavate for a variety of reasons. Dog digging is a natural canine behavior that evolved as a means of survival.

I’m sharing this entry about DOG DIGGING, an excerpt from Dog Facts, The Series 4 (Chapter D)[image error]This chapter covers a lot of ground, and here’s the topic list:

Dam, Deafness, Dehydration, Demodecosis, Dermatitis, Diabetes Mellitus, Diarrhea, Digging, Disc Disease, Docking, Dominance, Dreaming, Drooling, Drowning, Dry Eye (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca)

I’ve broken the massive book into discounted treat-size alpha-chapter sections. Folks can choose which ones they most need. Each chapter will release every other week. Of course, you can still get the entire book either in Kindle or 630+ pages of print.

Join Amazon Kindle Unlimited 30-Day Free Trial [image error]

WHY DOGS DIG

The dog’s footpads are very thick and callused, and are the toughest area of her body. Dogs use their claws and paws to shovel dirt when pursuing burrowing varmints, to bury food or toys for safe-keeping, and to create nests in the snow or dirt that protect them from the cold of winter, or the heat of the summer. Dogs also dig to escape, by tunneling beneath fences meant to confine them from harm.

Dog digging is practiced by all canines, but terrier breeds live for the joy of kicking up dirt. The word “terrier” means “of the earth;” terriers were developed specifically to dig in pursuit of below-ground prey.

PROBLEM DOG DIGGING

Dog digging becomes a problem when your dog is given no opportunity to indulge the urge; left to her own devices, she’ll often choose an inappropriate outlet. Dogs dig holes in the yard, un-plant your flowerbed or potted plants, empty the cat’s litter box, or even attempt to tunnel through carpeting, upholstery, and hardwood floors. When confined, dogs often scratch at doors or the floor in an effort to get out.

Digging becomes particularly problematic in dogs that are bored, and conversely, digging enthusiasm can be dampened by giving the dog something better to do. First, be sure you provide your dog with at least 20 minutes (40 is better!) of aerobic exercise every day. Burn off her energy by playing games of fetch or taking her on a brisk walk.

Northern breeds like the Husky instinctively dig holes to stay cool…or warm.

DOG DIGGING MOTIVATIONS & SOLUTIONS

If your dog is caching toys or food, then only allow her to have these items for fifteen or twenty minutes at a time. Take them away when she begins to lose interest, and offer them again at a later time. Some dogs bury objects to prevent another dog from stealing them. Give your dog privacy away from the competition if this is the case.

Digging holes to stay cool can be cured by providing your dog with a shaded area out of the sun, such as access to the covered porch or patio. A dog run with a concrete floor and shaded roof will provide a secure, comfortable outdoor area for the dog that can’t be pockmarked by digging.

For hard-case diggers, build a sand box for his legal excavation. A shaded area about three feet wide, six feet long and two feet deep will satisfy most dogs. Let him see you bury one or two of his toys (very shallowly) and then encourage him to dig them up. Get down on your hands and knees and show him by pawing the sand with your hand.

Escape from a fence (aka “boredom”) or hearing varmints underground motivates many dogs to dig holes.

LET ME OUT!

Dogs that dig to escape confinement may be discouraged when their holes are filled with bricks—eventually the dog should become convinced he’ll run into bricks wherever he digs. Dogs also dislike digging up feces, so you may discourage a hard-case digger by “planting” his own feces in the holes, and covering them up as a sort of booby-trap.

Indoor dog digging may require more specialized corrections. Provide some distraction, like legal chews or a favorite toy, to give the bored dog something better to do. Put a cover on the cat’s litter box, or move it out of reach. Cover the surface of large potted plants with gravel or larger rocks to make the contents unattractive to canine diggers.

Obedience training is the single most important step dog owners can take to prevent and correct problem behaviors like inappropriate digging.

Find out more details about digging and other “D” topics in  Dog Facts, The Series 4 (Chapter D)[image error].

Does your dog dig? Is your back yard a moonscape of excavations? How do curb the impulse to kick up dirt? Please share your tips and tricks so others can help save landscaping and still enjoy their canine diggity dogs.

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, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest book give aways and appearances related to my September Day pet-centric THRILLERS WITH BITE!

AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Practical Solutions for Pets Problems & Publishing

National Bring Your Cat to the Vet Day #Cat2VetDay

National Bring Your Cat to the Vet Day #Cat2VetDay

The “laying on of paws” does not replace proper vet care!

Monday, August 22, is “National Bring Your Cat to the Vet Day” (#Cat2VetDay) and the cat veterinarians from American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) is using this as an opportunity to educate cat owners on the importance of routine check-ups. Last year for this promotion I reported that eighty-three percent of cats are taken to the vet in the first year of ownership, yet over half of them don’t return!

AAFP wants to get the word out all through August. So…are you ready to get Kitty to the vet? What’s holding you back?

Click Here to Get 5 Expert Crate Training Tips!

What About Dr. Google?

Now, y’all know I have a boatload of books available about how to care for your furry wonders, from kittenhood to old age, first aid and everything in between. But a book or an Internet search is NOT how best to care for your cat!

Kitty needs hands-on whisker-to-vet interaction to ensure s/he’s healthy and will maintain that health for all of her nine lives. By the time you notice something may be amiss, it’s likely been percolating for a while…

How To Help

Don’t just spring the notion on Kitty-kins in one day. Plan ahead. You’ll want to get your cat used to the carrier. So check out this how-to blog with a kewl video for tips.

Then for some quick tips, read below.

Check out the PAW-some Infographic, below.
Please TWEET about this using the #Cat2VetDay hashtag.
CALL your vet today and make an appointment for your furry wonders.
SHARE on Facebook. We need to get our cats some furry love.
Oh, and here’s another great resources, a PDF you can share far and wide with more great info: 5 Cat-Tastic Benefits of Routine Vet Visits!

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, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest book give aways and appearances related to my September Day pet-centric THRILLERS WITH BITE!

AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Practical Solutions for Pets Problems & Publishing

Catnip: More Than A Treat

Catnip: More Than A Treat

Catnip turns kitties into tipsy clowns.

I have no doubt that catnip prompted the Cheshire Cat’s grin. My cat Seren wears the same expression when she indulges. August 8 is INTERNATIONAL CAT DAY, and the perfect time to indulge your furry friend.

But why do cats find this nondescript herb so attractive? Is it a kitty aphrodisiac, a harmless pleasure or something more sinister?

CLICK HERE! TO GET AMY’S 6 MEOW-SILENCING TIPS!

What Is Catnip?

Nepeta cataria, or catnip, is a strong-scented mint that contains a volatile oil that’s easily released into the air. Biting or rolling on the plant crushes the leaves and releases the oil so Kitty can get a good sniff. It doesn’t take much. Cats can detect catnip oil in the air at a saturation as low as one part per billion.

I’m sharing this information from my CATNIP entry from Cat Facts, The Series 3: The Pet Parent’s A-to-Z Home Care Encyclopedia[image error] covering Cancer, Carbon Monoxide Poisoning, Cardiomyopathy, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Carnivore, Car Sickness, Cataract, Catnip, Cat Scratch Disease, Cesarean, Cherry Eye, Chiropractic, Chocolate Toxicity, Claws, Climbing, Coccidiosis, Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome, Colitis, Communication, Constipation, Cryptorchid, Cuterebra, Cyst, Cystitis, Cytauxzoon, and Cytology.

I’ve broken the massive book into discounted catnip-size alpha-chapter sections. Folks can choose which ones they most need. Each chapter will release every other week. Of course, you can still get the entire CAT FACTS book either in Kindle or 540 pages of print.

Join Amazon Kindle Unlimited 30-Day Free Trial [image error]

How Catnip Works

Rather than a simple smell, the chemical in catnip resembles sedative components also found in the valerian plant, which may be used in natural therapies to calm pets and people. Catnip also may be similar to one of the substances found in tomcat urine—yucky to you, but a lovely smell to the cat! In fact, this pheromone in urine often triggers the same sort of behavioral reaction in cats as exposure to catnip.

These types of chemicals, once inhaled, enter the cat’s highly specialized scenting organ through the roof of the mouth. The vomeronasal or Jacobson’s organs sit between the hard palate of the mouth and the septum of the nose, and connect to the mouth via tiny conduits directly behind the cat’s upper incisor teeth. You may see kitty perform an odd facial grimace (flehmen) with lips curled back and mouth open when employing this organ.

Catnip is a kitty hallucinogen.

Can Cats Get “High?”

The Jacobson’s organs are linked to the hypothalamus, an area of the brain that acts like a switchboard to direct information to higher centers. This part of the brain integrates taste and smell, motivates appetite, and triggers a variety of behaviors.

Catnip in cats affects the same biochemical pathways that are affected by marijuana and LSD in people. In its simplest terms, catnip is a feline hallucinogen. The kitty “high” lasts from five to 15 minutes, and causes a loss of inhibition. Catnip-intoxicated cats act like furry fools who roll and flop about on the floor, drool, and have a wonderful relaxing time.

Which Cats Are Affected

Cats rarely respond to catnip until they are about six months old, and some cats never do. The trait is an inherited one, with only two out of three domestic cats being affected. Boy cats seem to respond more strongly than females.

Since catnip belongs in the mint family, cats often react in a similar way to other types of mint. I’ve even seen some cats react to a type of honeysuckle—or even olives.

Fresh catnip is the best–cats roll to release the volatile oils

Catnip Stress Buster & Training Tool

Most scientists agree that catnip provides a harmless recreation for cats. For cats who respond, catnip can be a wonderful training tool. Catnip builds the confidence of some shy cats, and it can be used to “spike” the legal scratch objects to help lure kitty to do the right thing. Catnip can help take the cat’s mind off of the scary car ride—or at least induce a catnip snooze so she doesn’t care anymore.

You’ll find catnip toys, herbs, even growing kits advertised in all the finest cat magazines, “special” brands touted in pet stores, and feline fanciers comparing quality like true gourmands. The fresher the herb, the more likely your cat is to react. And no, catnip doesn’t affect people the same way, although it has in the past been used as a soothing tea for upset tummies.

Too Much of a Good Thing?

Be aware, though, overindulgence may “wear out” your cat’s response to the plant. An occasional treat, perhaps once every two or three weeks, is plenty. 

Find out more details about catnip and other “C” topics in Cat Facts, The Series 3: The Pet Parent’s A-to-Z Home Care Encyclopedia[image error]

Does your cat react to catnip? Do you use a bit of ‘nip to help your cat relax, or as a reward or as….what? Is there anything else your cats react to in a similar fashion? Here’s how Seren reacts, LOL!

CLICK HERE! TO GET AMY’S 6 MEOW-SILENCING TIPS!

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, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest book give aways and appearances related to my September Day pet-centric THRILLERS WITH BITE!

AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Practical Solutions for Pets Problems & Publishing

Thoughty Thursday: What’s YOUR Bliss?

Thoughty Thursday: What’s YOUR Bliss?

I’ve had a lot of jobs over the years, all why searching for my own personal bliss. Some were glorious adventures while others hit big numbers on the suck-ometer. That happens, when you follow your muse…in my cases, a furry one.

Jobs, Careers & the Bliss Factor

I’m a college graduate (woo-woo! thanks Mom and Dad!) with a double major in music and communication (aka theater/writing/fill-in-the-blank). So what’s my work history with such credentials?

Cashier, actress, newspaper delivery person, optometric associate, legal assistant, TV news reporter/anchor, voice teacher, vet tech, bank compliance officer, author, behavior consultant, spokesperson, middle school and high school choir teacher. For a while, I wondered if my folks had wasted their money sending me to college when it seemed my “just a job” treading water (to put, you know, bread on the table) had little to nothing to do with my original aspirations. Along with each came a boatload of shoveling crappiocca (and dodging what was lobbed my direction).

Grubby paws can mean you’re digging for gold!

Being Grateful For Crap

Would I change a single day? Well yeah…there are a few I’d give anything for a do-over. The worst times made me that much more determined to reach that shiny brass ring. And some days, I made enough headway to see it up close and personal.

I think without the bad times, I wouldn’t be as appreciative of the not-bad-times. The contrast makes each stand out more stark and bright and distinctive. It’s a struggle sometimes to be that optimist especially when the world around us has lost it’s sparkle, and the darkest portions seem to catch the spotlight attention, drowning out the goodness that I know is there.

For me, I gotta focus on the good stuff or I’ll drown in the pessimism. Goodness doesn’t always come in a spotlight, either–it rarely attracts the hand-waving LOOK-LOOK-LOOK that media wants. No, the goodness comes quietly, without fanfare, and sort of sneaks up on you: A grocery store clerk going out of her way to help find an elusive product. A stranger in the car ahead paying for a Starbucks. Prayer chain at church making a difference. A car stopping a line of traffic to let a mom-duck and ducklings waddle safely across the road.

If the “big bad” throws a large shadow, each of these tiny pinpricks of light are cumulative. You don’t need one big GOOD THING to throw the darkness back where it belongs–taken together, those individual star-shines out-shout the sun.

Finding Bliss Means Watching For Star-Shine Moments

No more dwelling on doom and gloom for me. Today, I resolve to take stock on a daily basis. Watch attentively for the tiny sparks of goodness that together banish the bad. Oh, and to add my own tiny flame to help fan that ember to full light.

Some folks-in-charge aren’t nearly as classy as this lil’ fellow. 

We all make excuses. It’s the human thing to do. But if something or someone tried to keep me from my fur-kids, from writing my heart, from shiny objects or my music, my God-gifted bliss—I’d by-heaven find a way over, through, or around. And shame on me for letting anyone try to take that away!

“Bliss is a ball . . .”

There’s a rush, a natural “right-ness” and physical Snoopy-Dance-‘O-Joy feeling in doing what is meant to be. It never gets old, but there’s no real destination, either. It’s a moving target that makes you reeeeeach just a bit beyond comfort level time and again.

I’m ready to stretch a bit. How ‘bout you? What is your bliss? What’s kept you from reaching out for that brass ring? Are you ready to join your spark to the light shining just over the horizon?

Magic says…”Bliss is Frisbee-Fetch!”

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, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest book give aways and appearances related to my September Day pet-centric THRILLERS WITH BITE!

AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Practical Solutions for Pets Problems & Publishing

Dog Car Sickness: How to Prevent Upset Tummies

Dog Car Sickness: How to Prevent Upset Tummies

Car sickness makes travel with dogs unpleasant for all involved.

Dog & car sickness go together like treats &wags. Young dogs often get upset tummies during car rides. Dog car sickness happens when the motion of the car stimulates the area of the brain that stimulates vomiting. Stress and excitement also impact how well a dog tolerates car rides.

GET DOGGY VOMITING TREATMENT TIPS NOW!

I’m sharing this entry about DOG CAR SICKNESS, an excerpt from Dog Facts, The Series 3 (Chapter 3)[image error].  This big chapter covers a lot of ground, and here’s the topic list:

Callus, Cancer, Canine Coronavirus (CCV), Canine Distemper Virus (CDV), Canine Herpes Virus (CHV), Canine Influenza Virus (CIV), Canine Parvovirus (CPV), Canine Scabies (Sarcoptic Mange), Carbon Monoxide Poisoning, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Carnivore, Car Sickness, Cataract, Cesarean, Chasing Animals/Vehicles, Cherry Eye, Chewing, Cheyletiellosis, Chiropractic, Chocolate Toxicity, Coccidiosis, Cognitive Dysfunction, Colitis, Collapsed Trachea, Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA), Communication, Constipation, Copper Poisoning, Coprophagia, Cropping, Cryptorchid, Cushing’s Disease, Cuterebra, Cyst, Cystitis, and Cytology.

I’ve broken the massive book into discounted treat-size alpha-chapter sections. Folks can choose which ones they most need. Each chapter will release every other week. Of course, you can still get the entire book either in Kindle or 630 pages of print.

Join Amazon Kindle Unlimited (PRIME) 30-Day Free Trial [image error]

Why Dog Car Sickness Happens

Young dogs may not have fully developed equilibrium and suffer from motion sickness as youngsters, but later outgrow the problem. Stress makes it more likely your dog will become sick, and when the dog remembers feeling bad and associates that with the car ride, this can become a vicious cycle.

Dog Car Sickness Symptoms: He’s Gonna Hurl!

Agitation
Whining
Shivering
Excessive salivation
Drooling
Heaving

Drooling and slobbering may indicate an upset tummy.

How to Prevent Dog Car Sickness & Upset Tummies

Acclimate dogs slowly to car rides by making the experiences very short and pleasant. While he’s still young, drive with him around the block, and end the ride with a special treat or favorite game so he associates the car with good things. If he shows signs of vomiting (salivation, excessive swallowing), stop the car and let him walk on leash for a moment or two to allow his stomach to settle.

Some dogs have less problems when allowed to watch the view, while others do better traveling blind; place a towel or blanket over the dog carrier or crate. Your veterinarian may prescribe a mild sedative to calm your pet’s nerves, or a drug like Dramamine to soothe an upset tummy. A newer treatment, called Cerenia, is made specifically for carsick dogs.

Natural Remedies For Dog Car Sickness

Holistic veterinarians suggest using acupressure on the PC6 point to relieve nausea. This spot is located in the small depression on the underside of the front legs, just above the pad on the wrists. Press this point for one minute before you get into the car, and as often as needed during the trip, to help calm the tummy. A homeopathic remedy, Tabacum 30C also calms nausea. Put a couple of pellets on the cat’s tongue two hours before traveling.

Ginger is another natural remedy that can relieve car sickness. The easiest way to give ginger is to sprinkle the contents of a capsule (available from health food stores) in a tablespoon of baby food, and give your dog about 20 minutes before the car ride. Dogs over 15 pounds can take 500 milligrams of ginger (smaller dogs half that amount). Some dog show professionals offer their dogs ginger snap cookies, which may also work, but do tend to stain white fur if the dog slobbers.

Dogs travel best on an empty stomach. Withhold food for at least six to eight hours prior to a long car ride, and give any veterinary-prescribed medication one hour before you leave. Never give your dog anything for car sickness without first consulting with your veterinarian. Most young dogs outgrow the problem.

Find out more details about car sickness and other “C” topics in Dog Facts, The Series 3 (Chapter 3)[image error].

Does your dog suffer from car sickness? Are car rides a nightmare, or do you hit the road with tails wagging? How do manage an iffy stomach? Please share your tips and tricks so others can help make car rides less stressful for their furry wonders.

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, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest book give aways and appearances related to my September Day pet-centric THRILLERS WITH BITE!

AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Practical Solutions for Pets Problems & Publishing

Lend Me Your Ear: Audio Books, A Sound Investment for Authors

Lend Me Your Ear: Audio Books, A Sound Investment for Authors

What kind of “voice” does a German Shepherd have? You’ll have to listen to find out!

This is an updated post that was first pub’d about three years ago. But after taking time off to actually WRITE new books, I’m once again back in the closet recording the new ones.

Do you listen to audio books? I’ve previously had discussions with some of my colleagues. Not all are happy with the voice artists chosen for their books. *sigh* That’s one reason I decided to take on the challenge myself. If you’re a reader, do you also listen to books? Why? Why not?

If you’re an author, do you pursue audio publishing? While it’s still a fraction of print or Ebook publishing, it’s a viable and growing platform and one I think you shouldn’t ignore. Many publishers have the means to exploit audio rights, and that can add sales to the author’s account and offer fans more ways to enjoy their favorite books. You might want to consult with your agent or editor, though, about getting the chance to approve the voice over artist to be sure you’re on the same “listening” page.

My recording studio…a walk in closet in my office with sound foam on walls and ceiling, mic stand, and place to set up the laptop with ProTools software, etc.

ACX and DIY Audio Books

When your publisher doesn’t purchase audio rights, or you decide to self-publish, Amazon makes it easy to exploit those audio rights yourself. They have a self-publishing platform called ACX (Audiobook Creation Exchange). Your book must already be available on the Amazon site to self-publish with ACX which makes it available on Audible.com and iTunes.

At ACX, you can advertise for a voice over artist, audition talent and choose the right person to bring your book to life. Options include paying the talent up front, arranging to pay by sharing future royalties, or other “hybrid” contractual arrangements. It’s pricy to get it done but your royalties and potential income are typically much higher than with other platforms because Audible sets the price (usually pretty high), and for an exclusive contract you garner about 50 percent royalty.

UPDATED: that royalty has since gone down somewhat but is still a significant percentage of 20-40 percent. See details here. 

“Cat got your tongue?”

FUNDING HELP

Sometimes ACX will help you with a stipend of sorts to pay for the production cost, particularly when the book is popular and they want it out there for their clients. You also decide what contract to sign with ACX…an exclusive for a finite amount of time in which case your royalties are a bit higher, or nonexclusive so you can also publish on other audio platforms.

So far, I have FOUR titles out via ACX/Audible, and until recently, the nonfiction has sold better than the fiction. That changed, after my recent BookBub advertisement when LOST AND FOUND sales went through the roof (and I made the Ebook free). More than 800 folks bought the discounted audible book when they got the Ebook (that’s a deal routinely offered) and now all four books continue to be purchased. You can see all four books at this link.

The individual Amazon pages for each book also include a link to the audio version. And the iBookstore also offers them in iTunes.

DO YOU HAVE THE SKILL?

In In another life I’m a stage actor, and have done voice over work myself. So I know why it’s so pricy to hire getting a book published as an audio file. It takes a BOATLOAD of time! Yes, I voiced and published all four of these books via ACX but I had to put the rest of my books audio recordings on temporary hold to get the next thrillers written

Now that there are three fiction books in the September Day thriller series, I’m again recording. Currently, I’m working on HIDE AND SEEK, and will follow that immediately with voicing SHOW AND TELL. Otherwise, I fear that I may forget what voice I used for the various characters…and that’s jarring to have ’em sound different between books, don’t you think?

WHAT’S THE COST?

Say that your book, in a straight nonstop read, takes 10 hours…and nobody can read for 10 hours straight…what would you charge to spend 10 hours recording someone’s book? First you must read it to become familiar, THEN you record it–with good equipment, of course. Then you edit the audio to take out all those lip smacks, swallows, tummy rumbles, overhead airplanes, thunder, the furnace turning on and off…you get the picture.

To hire a VO artist, it’s not unusual for the fee to run $250/finished hour. So if it takes 20 hours to record, edit and master, you’re talking about $5000. And yes, that’s why I decided to do it myself, and invest the funds in a one-time outlay for hardware and software I could use for multiple books.

DO YOU HAVE THE TOOLS?

The audio software matters, and there are different types. You can get the Avid Pro Tools Express with Mbox Mini but I got the Pro Tools 10- Professional audio recording and music creation software along with the MBox because it interfaces so well with my Sibelius music writing software Granted, some of these I purchased while a teacher at a discount, and ACX also has “packages” that you can get at a lesser cost.  The correct mic package is very sensitive. Mine is similar to this but I got a much better deal!

The final step is called “mastering” and basically smooths out and/or boosts the sound to improve the sound of the recording. That’s where the software comes in–it’s not just for recording but also for improving tone, etc. For a nonfiction book, an announcer voice works fine but for fiction, you’ll want a stage actor able to interpret characters and different voices, perhaps.

You ain’t lived until voicing everything from an autistic child to an old man and even a dog! And then, remember what the character in chapter one sounded like so you can repeat it in chapter 23. And duplicate those same voices in subsequent books when characters reappear.

DO YOU HAVE THE TIME?

For every 10-hour-straight-read, multiply the time by at least 2-3…so thirty hours to record, edit and master the book. Yikes! With ACX you (the author) get to listen as the VO-artist uploads each chapter and check for bad pronunciations or accents or whatever, and request a do-over. Once you’ve approved the final version, and it’s sent to ACX to be published, their gurus also do a quality control listen a couple of times through, to be sure it sounds right and is true to the other published versions. If spot-on, it may be eligible to “sync” with some Ebook versions of the book. Most of the ACX titles are enrolled into the Audible book clubs…and authors get bonuses for sign ups there, too. For instance, the free book (below) is available if you’ve never before joined, and it’s a trial program so you don’t have to enroll, either.

Oh, and you’ll notice the COVERS are square. Yes, you must re-design your book cover to fit the requirements of Audible/ACX, and they won’t let you simply add color “bars” on sides of the existing book to make it square.

MARKETING CHALLENGE

I’ve not been able to get ACX/Audible to provide me with review versions of the books. It’s not like print or Ebook versions that you can purchase multiple copies and distribute. Instead, you may “gift” listeners (at full purchase price), so that can get pricy. However, each time a new audio book is born, ACX will give the author/creator a certain number of free “codes” to give to prospective reviewers of the book.

So if you’re interested in a free audio of one of the above or future books, please sign up for my PET PEEVES newsletter because as the new ones go live, I’ll be giving away a few gift codes in the hopes you’ll be kind enough to share a review.

If this post was helpful and you think other readers/authors might be interested in audio books, please share!

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, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest book give aways and appearances related to my September Day pet-centric THRILLERS WITH BITE!

AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Practical Solutions for Pets Problems & Publishing

Cat Balance & How Cats Land on Their Feet

Cat Balance & How Cats Land on Their Feet

The cat’s finely tuned sense of balance is regulated by a specialized organ found deep inside the ear. Balance allows Kitty to travel great heights and effortlessly leap long distances. It is the cat’s uncanny flexibility and motion control, coupled with intricate balance sense that allows the falling cat to land on her feet. She uses a series of spine, shoulder and flank contractions to twist in midair during a fall, and right herself.

Cat Balance Explained

Legends and myths sometimes arise out of a misunderstood truth, and kitty-correct four-paw landings are one such behavior. Yes, cats have an uncanny ability to fall safely from sometimes death-defying heights and land on their feet, which perhaps gave birth to the “nine lives” legend. But do cats always land on their feet? And how do they do it?

I’m sharing a partial excerpt of the BALANCE entry from Cat Facts, The Series #2 (Chapter B) covering Bad Breath, Balance, Behavior, Blood, Bleeding, Blindness, Breed, and Burns. I’ve broken the massive book into discounted canip-size alpha-chapter sections. Folks can choose which ones they most need. Each chapter will release every other week. Of course, you can still get the entire CAT FACTS book either in Kindle or 540+ pages of print.

How Cats Land On Their Feet

Paw-perfect landings result from the cat’s intricate balance sense. The vestibular organ deep inside the cat’s ears keeps kitty informed about which way is up or down, even if you try to confuse and make him dizzy first. This specialized organ also allows the cat to instantly determine acceleration as she falls.

The vestibular organ contains tiny fluid filled tubes and structures called the semicircular canals, utricle and saccule, each lined with millions of microscopic hairs. Fluid in the utricle and saccule also contain tiny particles of chalk that float and move with every motion. Whenever the cat’s head moves, the fluid and chalk moves against the hairs. The hair movement, like teeny kitty antennae, relay information to the brain about body position, and speed of movement.

The balance mechanism can’t do it alone, though. Once partnered with the yoga-like muscle control of a Houdini master contortionist, the cat twists from side to side during a fall, to right herself.

Do Cats Ever Miss?

Ear infections can affect the cat’s balance so she misjudges height or positioning. Tiny kittens can be injured in falls that might not hurt an adult cat, so kitten-proofing balconies and keeping baby cats “grounded” can help keep them safe.

Falls from short distances—like from a child’s arms—may not allow enough time for the righting mechanism to work. Landing on her feet does not prevent Kitty from sustaining serious injuries during falls.

High Rise Syndrome

High rise syndrome refers to cats who fall great distances out of windows, balconies or open doors. Often the cat lounges on a favorite windowsill, and accidentally pushes window screens out and falls.

Falls from the first through fourth floors are least dangerous because the cat can “right” herself and doesn’t have time to reach top speed of 60 miles per hour—terminal velocity. She won’t fall any faster, no matter the distance. This speed is reached during any fall from higher than the fifth floor.

Falls from the fifth through ninth floor are the most dangerous and result in the worst injuries. The cat falls with legs braced in front of him, and lands rigid. His legs hit first, then his head, and both can suffer terrible bone-shattering injury.

Cats survive falls from higher than nine stories with fewer injuries. Falls from these heights apparently allow the cat time to relax, empty the bladder and “parachute” the legs outward so that the wind catches the loose skin in the thighs and armpits and slows the fall. Landing spread-eagle allows the chest and abdomen to absorb most of the shock, rather than the head and legs.

Keep open windows and balconies off limits to cats. Remember that screens are designed to keep bugs out, not keep cats inside. So protect your cats and windows with secured screens or pet-safe barriers.

Find out more details about canine bloat and other “B” topics in Cat Facts, The Series #2.

Have your cats ever “had a great fall?” What happened? How do you keep your cats safe from high rise exploration? 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, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest book give aways and appearances related to my September Day pet-centric THRILLERS WITH BITE!

AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Practical Solutions for Pets Problems & Publishing

Canine Bloat: Know the Signs, Save A Life

Canine Bloat: Know the Signs, Save A Life

Great Dane dogs are at highest risk for canine bloat.

Canine bloat affects up to 60,000 dogs each year, and goes beyond a tummy ache. I worry about this because German Shepherd Dogs are one of the high risk breeds. Bloat (more technically called gastric dilatation volvulus) can cause a painful death.

I’m sharing a partial excerpt of the CANINE BLOAT entry from Dog Facts, The Series #2 (Chapter B) covering Babesiosis, Bad Breath, Balanopothitis, Bitch, Bladder Stones, Bleeding, Blindness, Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus), Blood, Botulism, Breed, Bronchitis, Brucellosis, and Burns. I’ve broken the massive book into discounted treat-size alpha-chapter sections. Folks can choose which ones they most need. Each chapter will release every other week. Of course, you can still get the entire book either in Kindle or 630+ pages of print.

WHAT IS CANINE BLOAT?

Gastric dilitation is the painful swelling of the stomach with gas and/or frothy material. Volvulus is the rotation, or twisting, of the stomach. Bloat refers to one or both scenarios, and either can result in death.

When bloat occurs, the stomach contents cannot be expelled either by vomiting, burping, or by passing into the intestines. The stomach distention causes pressure on other internal organs, which results in shock. If the stomach twists, circulation is cut off and the stomach and spleen can die. The rotation also compresses a vein that returns blood to the heart, resulting in severe depression of normal blood circulation.

Canine bloat can affect any dog but large dogs are at highest risk.

WHAT DOGS ARE AT RISK FOR CANINE BLOAT?

All dogs can be affected, but purebred dogs are three times more likely to suffer bloat compared to mixed breed dogs. Breeds that have a narrow but deep chest have the greatest incidence of the condition.

Great Danes have the highest incidence. They have a 40 percent chance they’ll have an episode before they reach age seven. A recent survey estimated the lifetime risk of bloat at 24 percent for large breed (50 to 99 pounds) and 22 percent for giant breed dogs (over 99 pounds). Some research indicates nervous dogs have a twelve times higher risk than calm, happy dogs.

CANINE BLOAT SYMPTOMS

restlessness
unproductive attempts to vomit or defecate
swollen, painful stomach
pale gums
irregular breathing
collapse and death

EMERGENCY! Veterinary Diagnosis & Treatment

When a high-risk dog suffers any of the above symptoms, don’t wait. Emergency treatment can save your dog’s life. The stomach contents must be removed to reduce the pressure, and passing a stomach tube manages the distension. When the stomach twists, though, the tube won’t pass and surgery is required to return the organs to normal position, and evaluate any damage to the spleen or other tissue.

Managing meals can reduce the risk of canine bloat in Great Danes and other dogs.

What Is Gastropexy for Canine Bloat?

In high risk dogs, and those that have survived a bloat episode, gastropexy surgery is recommended. That fixes the stomach to the body wall so it can’t twist. Gastropexy prevents a recurrence of the condition in more than 90 percent of cases. It can be done at the same time as spay or neuter surgery, and laparoscopic surgery techniques can make the procedure much less invasive and reduce recovery time. Dogs with gastric dilatation-volvulus that do not undergo a gastropexy have recurrence rates of more than 70 percent and mortality rates of 80 percent.

Can Canine Bloat Be Prevented?

Although bloat can’t be completely prevented, predisposing factors can be reduced. Limiting water and exercise before and after meals, commonly recommended in the past, in fact did not reduce the incidence of bloat in more recent studies. Another recommendation—raising the food bowl—actually increased the risk of bloat by about 200 percent.

Avoid sudden changes in food, which can prompt gorging behavior. When a diet change is necessary, introduce it gradually over a seven to ten day period. Meal-feed your dog small quantities of food several times a day, rather than feeding all at once. And if there’s food competition between your dogs, feed them in separate rooms to help slow gulpers and calm their anxiety over stolen food.

Find out more details about canine bloat and other “B” topics in Dog Facts, The Series #2.

Do you live with a high risk dog? Has your dog ever suffered from bloat? What steps do you take to reduce the risk? I hope you NEVER have to face this serious condition, and that learning more about the condition will help keep your beloved dog safe.

Subscribe to Amy’s YouTube Channel

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, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest book give aways and appearances related to my September Day pet-centric THRILLERS WITH BITE!

AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Practical Solutions for Pets Problems & Publishing

Angry Cat? 8 Ways People Hiss Off Cats

Angry Cat? 8 Ways People Hiss Off Cats

Make your pet love shine 365 days a year….

We love our cats but still complain about their “behavior problems,” but did you ever think why your angry cat might behave badly? Our blood pressure goes off the charts when Sheba and Tom scratch the furniture, baptize the bed, and caterwaul at 5:00 a.m., even though we’re purr-fect owners!

Our cats love us back. But there’s no doubt that kitty’s tail gets in a knot over a human’s “behavior problems.” Put yourself in your cat’s paws.

8 Ways People Hiss Off Cats

Clawing Angst: Cats claw to mark territory, to exercise and relieve stress. Owners hiss off cats by not providing the kitty-correct claw object and location. Cats don’t care if it’s color-coordinated to human taste. A nasty-clawed-ugly-old-post with scratch-graffiti is like a child’s favorite binky and can’t be replaced with a spanking-new post. Hiding it away means claw-art won’t be seen. Cats re-train humans by clawing kitty-correct objects of the proper texture and location—like the sofa.

Declawing Growls: Surgical claw removal offends many cats on an emotional and physical level. It strips away normal kitty defenses, and changes kitty stride/balance. Yes, some cats manage to suck it up and soldier on, but others demonstrate hissed-off status by avoiding the litter box (it HURTS to dig with sore toes!), or biting more often in defense.

Litter-ary Woes: Hit-or-miss potty behavior is the top complaint of cat owners—but we bring it on ourselves. Most standard commercial boxes are too small for jumbo-size cats so they hang over the edge or look elsewhere. Kitties hate being surprised in the potty, and dislike strong odors from perfumed litter or stinky deposits—a covered box condenses smells and blocks the view. Do you have a favorite TP? Cats get attached to favorite litter, too, and switching prompts some cats to take their business elsewhere. Having to “share” facilities is like you discovering somebody forgot to flush—ew! Extra boxes will reduce the hiss-quotient for kitties.

Carried Away: Cats love the status quo. Changes to routine annoy or frightens them. Being stuffed into an unfamiliar cat carrier and then grabbed, poked and probed by scary-smelling strangers (vet alert!) makes cats hit the panic button. Couldn’t the vet at least warm up the thermometer? Savvy kitties teach owners a lesson by disappearing each time we reach for the carrier. Make cat carriers part of the furniture and add catnip toys or fuzzy bedding to take the “scary” out of the equation.

Left Behind: Vacations hiss off many cats because it messes with feline routines. Your felines get used to being fed, petted, played with, and snuggled at certain times and the owner’s absence throws a furry wrench in kitty expectations. It can take kitty a week or longer to become used to a new schedule of you being gone. Your return disrupts the newly learned kitty schedule all over again, so the cat has a double-dose of kitty angst from owner vacations.

Sleeping Late: Why would owners want to sleep late, when a kitty bowl needs to be filled? Cats raise a ruckus to point out food bowl infractions or other owner irresponsibility. Felines become quite adept at training us simply with consistent purr-suasion, causing sleep deprivation until we give in.

Indoor Incarceration: Cats that have experienced the great outdoors can become distraught when “jailed” exclusively indoors. Never mind they’re safer indoors away from dangers—closed doors and barred windows drive these cats crazy. Bringing the outdoors inside with puzzle toys, cat towers and a kitty house-of-plenty can calm the feline freedom fighters.

Unfaithful Owners: Owners may think kitty is lonely and wants a friend, but they never ask the cat! Bringing a new pet (especially a cat) into the house turns up the hiss-teria. How would you feel if asked to share your potty, dinner plate, toys, bed—and love-of-your-life human—with a stranger off the street? To the cat, the interloper looks funny, smells scary, and disrupts that all-important familiar routine. It can take weeks or months for cats to accept newcomers as family members.

You can find many more details and tips for relieving the angst in my ComPETability: Cats book. There are always feline exceptions. Your cat may not have read the kitty rule-book, and perhaps throws hissy-fits over other issues. Understanding what concerns our cats helps us be better owners, and enhances the love we share.

What have I missed? Are there other things you do that really urk your kitty? Do tell!

Subscribe to Amy’s YouTube Channel

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, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest book give aways and appearances related to my September Day pet-centric THRILLERS WITH BITE!

AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Practical Solutions for Pets Problems & Publishing