Articles

Cat Communication Tail Signals

by Melissa on February 16, 2012

When it comes to communicating with cats, the tail is a big indicator of what a cat is currently feeling, and what messages it is sending to another animal or a person.

If the tail is raised high and straight, and completely vertical, this is a very happy cat. An article from Pets: Part of the Family Magazine, “For adult cats this is borrowed from the action of a kitten greeting its mother. The kitten’s signal is an invitation to the mother cat to inspect its rear end.” You may have noticed this action if you have two cats that are really bonded to each other.  If the tail is erect and quivering, the cat is very happy to see her owner and the shaking indicates the greeting.

If the tail is held vertical with a slightly curled hook at the top, this means that the cat is interested and curious about something. It also indicates a friendly demeanor with just a hint of caution.

A tail that is wagging quickly from side to side means the cat is very angry about something. Sometimes cats do this if they don’t like the way they are held, or feel uncomfortable. They also do this before making an attack, or while they are hunting prey. Slight irritation is communicated when the tip of the tail twitches ever so slightly. If it begins to move faster, it is a sign to steer clear of the cat.

Bristles on a tail that is held straight in the air is another sign of aggression and an angry cat. This might happen when a cat is scared suddenly, or when a feline pal returns home from the vet with new and unfamiliar smells on her.

A raised, curved tail is a sign of curiosity. If you have ever noticed your cat sniffing the shopping bags after returning home from the store, it is likely that their tails are in this position. Cats love to explore new things, and this position shows their interest.

Knowing how cats communicate with their tails can help to avoid sudden bites or hisses by knowing when to leave them alone, and gives the green light for a cuddle session!

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This article was written by My Pet Saving’s contributor Melissa. She has a master’s degree in creative writing, owns several pets and runs her own online pet magazine. To learn more about this author check out the contributor profile page.

Six New Breeds at the Westminster Dog Show

by Melissa on February 13, 2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

The 139th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show airs this week on February 13th and 14th. This year, six new breeds are allowed to compete, as they are now recognized by the American Kennel Club. Check out these new and unique breeds!

The Xoloitzcuintli is not only a mouthful to say, but it is the national dog of Mexico. This dog is an ancestor of hairless dogs that were renowned by the Aztecs, and hailed for being guarded dogs for the dead. They are intelligent dogs that come in three sizes. If you can’t figure out how to pronounce the breed’s name, it also goes by the nickname”show-low”. This dog is a member of the Non-Sporting Group.

The Finnish Lapphund is a member of the Herding Group and known for herding reindeer throughout Scandinavia. This dog has a historical background, known for helping tribes thanks to their agility skills, intelligence, and drive. With a thick coat, they are prepared for the cold winters, but they are also devoted members of the family, especially in Finland where they originate from.

The Cesky Terrier of the Terrier Group are wary of strangers, but faithful to their families. These dogs are smart hunters that do well hunting in packs. Upon first glance, the Cesky Terrier could be confused for a Schnauzer. These dogs are muscular and sport a long coat in a variety of silver shades.

Another Non-Sporting Group newbie is the Norwegian Lundehund, also known as “Puffin Dog”. These dogs were used in Norway for hunting and retrieving puffin birds. Now that puffins are protected in the environment, these dogs are settling into their new role as companion dogs. One unique fact about the Norwegian Lundehund is that it has six toes on each foot, a trait used to navigate the steep terrain that puffins occupy.

The American English Coonhound, from the Hound Group, is a skill hunter. This breed is known for hunting fox during day and raccoons at night. This breed needs an abundance of exercise due to being a strong athlete, blessed with the gifts of endurance, speed, and grace. This dog enjoys being around people and other dogs.

The Entlebucher Mountain Dog is another member of the Herding Group, and hails from Switzerland. This dog is a guardian dog that needs a lot of socialization, as it is known for having a strong bond with his owner. This dog is highly regarded for being highly trainable like many Herding Group members, and also possesses a keen work ethic.

More information about these breeds can be found at the American Kennel Club website.

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This article was written by My Pet Saving’s contributor Melissa. She has a master’s degree in creative writing, owns several pets and runs her own online pet magazine. To learn more about this author check out the contributor profile page.

Obtaining A Talking Bird

by Melissa on February 11, 2012

Talking Bird

Adopting a pet bird requires just as much research as taking care of a cat, dog, or other pet. One attractive quality that some birds have is the ability to speak, or the capacity to learn how. Teaching a bird to talk requires a lot of patience, and some birds learn more swiftly than others. While the only true way to get a bird that talks is to find one that is already trained, there are still birds out there that are willing to learn.

Quaker Parrots are active and social birds that are known to thrive in captivity if they are fed properly. Known for their charismatic personalities, Quakers like to spent time with their human families and can learn how to say words, phrases, and mimic environmental sounds. It is illegal to keep Quaker Parrots in some climates and locations, so make sure to research the laws in your area first.

Budgies (a parakeet) are very active birds that enjoy exercise and are one of the world’s most popular bird pets. They enjoy people, but are also independent, making them a good choice of bird for people who are gone for long hours. With a lot of training and socialization, Budgies can learn to whistle different songs and can also learn how to speak, although this is not the easiest bird to train and will take more diligence.

The beautiful African Grey Parrot is widely known for its intelligence and learn to speak more easily than other birds, as they can mimic household sounds like phones, doorbells, and other pets. Urban legend claims that one African Grey revealed a woman’s affair when the bird called out the other man’s name in front of her husband. Keep in mind that the African Grey is not the best choice for a bird novice, as they require a lot of space, exercise, and a steady schedule.

The Cockatiel is one of the most popular bird pets and are loved for their magnetic personalities and charm. These birds are very social and need to spend time with family to be happy and well-behaved. Cockatiels can learn a few words, but will spend most of their vocal energy on mimicking other sounds.

To teach your bird to speak, a bird must have a bond with the owner. Using simple words that are said enthusiastically is one place to start with training. Choose an initial word to be your “training word”, and use repetition. Soon, the bird will likely catch on with practice.

Have you ever trained a bird to speak? Was it difficult or easy?

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This article was written by My Pet Saving’s contributor Melissa. She has a master’s degree in creative writing, owns several pets and runs her own online pet magazine. To learn more about this author check out the contributor profile page.

What Are Hot Spots?

by Melissa on February 9, 2012

It’s a quiet, perfect evening in the early summer. The air is crisp, and you sit down with a tall glass of lemonade and admire your dog, who is passed out on the living room floor after a long day of hiking with you. Suddenly, the dog is up, scratching and biting her fur furiously. Thinking nothing of it when the dog stops, you continue to kick back and reflect on the great day you had together. It isn’t until a few weeks later the same spot where the place your dog scratched so intensely that you notice an open sore about an inch wide, with the fur around it gone. What could it be?

In this scenario, it is likely that the dog has a very common ailment known as hot spots. There is no set amount of time that hot spots become infected and irritated, but they form when the dog repeatedly bites, licks, and chews on the itchy spot. Baths, swimming, or other water activities commonly trigger formation when bacteria gets under the fur and takes hold on the skin or in a slight sore.  Hot spots are not limited to any part of the body, but are common in the ear and upper chest area. Dogs with a lot of fur are more prone to hot spots because debris gets trapped near the fur more easily.

Hot spots are easily recognized. They can be anywhere from under an inch to as big as four inches, and are very red. Sometimes hot spots have pus in them. Usually, they scab over and heal if the urge to scratch ceases with a hydrocortisone cream. Before applying a cream or salve, the spot should be cleaned gently with a water-based astringent cleanser, which a veterinarian can direct with supervision. Before applying anything or cleansing, the hair in the surrounding area should be trimmed to prevent more bacteria from getting into the sore.

If a dog is continually scratching the hot spot, wearing an e-collar might be necessary until the spot heals. If hot spots are severe, they can spread in size and cause scarring, not to mention a lot of pain for the dog. There are many treatments for hot spots on the market; however, it would be best to consult a veterinarian to seek the information on which one is the best fit for your pet.

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This article was written by My Pet Saving’s contributor Melissa. She has a master’s degree in creative writing, owns several pets and runs her own online pet magazine. To learn more about this author check out the contributor profile page.

Helping Dogs Overcome Car Ride Fears

by Melissa on February 7, 2012

Some dogs just don’t like cars, but sometimes it is necessary for them to get into one, whether it is for a walk at the park, a trip to the vet, or even a vacation. Unfortunately, many dogs are terrified of car rides, especially rescue dogs that might have had bad experiences being loaded into an animal control vehicle, or even abusive situations. The good news is that this fear can be overcome with some diligence!

The best way to get a dog used to a car ride is to practice, practice, practice, and make it a positive experience. This has been a tried and true method in my household on two dogs that were terrified of car rides: Quincy and Walter. The first time I brought Walter to the vet, he jumped into the front seat, onto my lap, and gave me a nice bruised egg on my thigh from digging in with his claws. This happened while trying to get him into the car, and it was there I knew we had a problem! From then on, I brought him everywhere with me and gave him a small treat before and after he got out of the car. Once he figured out that we weren’t always going somewhere scary, like the vet or back to the pound, Walter began to enjoy car rides. This process took nearly a year, but it was worth it to make trips easier.

With Quincy, it was a little different. After two years of car rides, she is finally starting to not cower in the corner and lay on her back every time it’s time to hop in. During previous trips, she would stand up the entire time and pant in fear. To fix this, I started taking her for a walk at a local recreation area. Before leaving, I say the phrase, “Want to go for a walk?”, and show her the leash. Then I give her a small treat and let her in the car. Every time she hops in is a success! Because she knows we are going for a walk, she is more likely to get in the car. I also give her a treat before we leave the park. Positive association has really changed the way she perceives those dreaded car rides!

While the same methods won’t work for everyone, getting a dog used to car rides is a feasible task, even if it seems impossible. There are many calming aids on the market as well, like the Thundershirt and Bach’s Rescue Remedy. If car riding is a bigger problem than can be conquered at home, it might be time to ask a veterinarian or trainer for advice.

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This article was written by My Pet Saving’s contributor Melissa. She has a master’s degree in creative writing, owns several pets and runs her own online pet magazine. To learn more about this author check out the contributor profile page.

Combating Pet Odors

by Melissa on February 4, 2012

One of the most frustrating parts about having a pet, as much as we love them, is maintaining cleanliness in the home. Odor is probably one of the biggest issues that families with pets face. While most homes with pets will have a natural pet odor, that doesn’t mean it has to smell bad! There are ways to maintain a clean house, even with indoor furry friends.

Having pets means cleaning up fur, vomit, accidents, dander, and other shenanigans that pets might get into (as I write this, there are blades of cat grass all over my carpet). For those with carpeting (like me), this is a double whammy! For people entering my home, I probably sound like some kind of crazy pet survey person, because I usually ask, “How does it smell in here?” One day, I was validated in my odor-removing skills by a complete stranger.

A young woman came to my door selling bilingual textbooks for children. I don’t have any kids, but we got to talking and she eventually asked to come inside and use the restroom. In conversation, I mentioned that I had three dogs and three cats, and when she entered my home, she said: “It smells so good in here! I would never know you had six pets!” Of course, I was pleased. Here are some of the methods I use in keeping my home smelling fresh while having pets:

Air filters: While I do have a large air filter, I primarily use two small Hamilton Beach plug-in air filters. One is in the hallway, and the other is in the living room. These filters keep the air fresh and clear, and remove a lot of dander as well. I paid just $15 for each air filter, and the refill packs are available on Amazon, 3 for $10 with free shipping.

Vacuuming: Someday we’ll be moving to hardwood floors, but until then, I keep up with quite a bit of vacuuming, and deodorizing occasionally with baking soda. I vacuum once per day, sometimes twice.

Homemade cleaners: A simple mixture of water, white vinegar, and a splash of lemon juice is an easy, affordable, and non-toxic cleaning solution to make. Wiping down windowsills, counters, and other surfaces on a regular basis keep the home smelling fresh, and it doesn’t take much time to do a quick “drive-by” dusting.

Scotch Fur Fighter Pet Hair Remover: This handy dandy tool is worth the investment, especially if pets are allowed on the furniture. I even dug out most of the cat hair on the carpeted cat tree with the Scotch Fur Fighter. This tool picks up fur from the furniture a lot better than my vacuum.

Nature’s Miracle: For any pet accidents on the carpet, this is my go to solution. I clean up any accidents as soon as possible to avoid odors setting in.

Letting the fresh air in: Yes, this sounds like common sense, but it’s amazing how far some fresh air will go in making the house smell clean. Even in the cold, winter months, I sometimes leave the window open for a few minutes just for the clean air.

Most of these methods to keep odor under control are very fast and easy, and more importantly, they don’t put my pets in danger of any toxic chemicals.

Do you have any tried and true methods for keeping pet odors under control in the home?

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This article was written by My Pet Saving’s contributor Melissa. She has a master’s degree in creative writing, owns several pets and runs her own online pet magazine. To learn more about this author check out the contributor profile page.

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