Safety Products for your Dog

Keeping your dog safe is similar to keeping a child safe, you need to constantly be on alert. There are certain dangers a dog faces, especially in urban and suburban settings where the risk of running away and getting hit by a car poses a serious threat.


Keeping your pooch protected on your property even when you’re not there to supervise, or keeping your dog from running off and becoming injured when playing around off leash, is reason enough to look for practical solutions. Below are three products that can help you and your companion enjoy some freedom while being safe!

Water Alarm

This product is designed to alert you should your dog enter the pool. Now I’m sure you’re thinking, my dog’s a great swimmer. And I’m sure he is. But the reality is dogs drown in swimming pools, simply because they can’t find the stairs. To keep your pooch safe this summer, look into the Safety Turtle Water Safety Alarm, or a similar product. This particular product works by attaching the Turtle to your pet’s collar: an alarm will sound at a base station in the house the moment he jumps in.

Fencing

There are numerous wireless pet fence manufacturers to choose from: Innotek and Petsafe are 2 very good brands. This form of containment makes it possible for you to create invisible boundaries on your property, so that your dog doesn’t run off. How does it work?

A transmitter (usually housed in the garage or basement) sends a radio signal through a concealed wire buried along the perimeter of the "fenced in" area. Your dog wears a special collar with a receiver that alerts him with a warning tone when he’s approaching the edge of the safe area, followed by a minor shock if he gets too close. Additional training, usually 7 – 14 days, is necessary to assist your dog in understanding and learning the boundaries of the fence.

It is important to note that while invisible fences work well with most dogs, they are not 100 % effective, especially if your dog is older, stubborn and not well trained. If you think this might be the case with your pet and you want to try this product, make sure you are on guard for a reasonable trial period to make sure your dog doesn’t figure out he can ‘jump’ the fence and run off.

You also need to check up on the fence once it is installed to make sure the perimeter wire is in tact, the batteries in your dog’s collar still work and if your dog has a heavy coat, the area where the collar makes contact is shaven. Also, check with the manufacturer about the radio frequency whether is it FM or AM. FM is preferable as AM tends to pick up stray signals that may give your dog a correction even when he is not near the perimeter of the fence.

Another disadvantage to this type of fence is that it does not keep other animals out. For this reason people often use this type of fence in conjunction with a standard fence to keep the dog out of a garden or pool.

Safety Light collars and vests

Safety collars and vests with flashers in general are constructed with reflective fabrics and have a flashing lights attached to them. Some, such asPolyBrite™ collar and leash do more than just reflect light, they generate their own. Both the collar and leash and give off a bright red glow and can also be set to flash.

They use a replaceable watch battery that last up to 250 hours, are light weight, and above all – water resistant. You can also find a range of clip on flashing lights, from the more durable and water proof for larger dogs to something very small and light such as the Pet Blinker. The clip on flashing lights can also be attached to a child’s coat or belt if needed.

Safety vests are a must for the working dog or if you take your dog jogging in poorly lit areas. Also essential for hunting dogs. Besides being constructed of reflective material higher end safety vests generate light and may have a flashing light for added visibility.

Safety precautions are always advisable but should the unexpected happen to your pet another consideration is pet insurance . And remember, these products are not a substitute for training your dog but they will give you another layer of confidence when you're not around to supervise.

Your Kitty Feels Safe At Home

When Jean Wisken wrote to Your Pet to warn others of how easily her daughter's kitten crawled into the washing machine, Janice Holland was prompted to explore what it takes to make our homes "kitty safe".


It was the worst day of my life," says Jean Wisken, of Robina, recalling how her daughter's six-month-old Burmese cat, Sapphire, climbed into the drum of their front loading washing machine.

I placed a few items in the machine then went upstairs to fetch more laundry. By the time we discovered Sapphire was missing, the machine had been working for several minutes.

"The thought of what Sapphire must have endured will haunt me forever, all because I failed to close the door between loading the washing."

Sapphire received immediate vet care and survived her ordeal. But Jean's experience is a pertinent reminder of how careful we need to be around the home when inquisitive kittens are involved.

Kittens can get themselves into all sorts of mischief because they are naturally inquisitive.

"This is so they can learn and grow, it is how they learn the way of the world," says Sharon Tooth, head nurse at Paddington Cat Practice in Brisbane.

"Kittens are a bit like children, they need to be kept in line by their parents. If kittens are not watched by their mothers then they rely on their owners do ensure that their home is safe for them."

So how can we keep kitty out of harm's way?

Safety first

Think safety first. Kittens can easily get underfoot and trodden on, especially after a strenuous play session when they will just fall asleep when the need arises, which could be in the hallway or on stairs. Encourage your kitten to sleep safely in its own bed.

Also keep an eye on where they climb, such as bookcases, fridges and cupboards, as exploring kittens can easily fall and sustain injury. It's probably best to put glass and other fragile items away until your kitten learns the household rules.

Sharon says most kittens will not chew power cords but there is the odd one that will chew almost anything and it is very difficult to stop them.

"Put the cords inside a hose pipe when running them around the house. This makes it more difficult to chew. You could also put some Tabasco sauce on the cord to deter the cat but ensure the cord is not connected to the power source first."

In the kitchen

Cleaning agents should always have secure lids and be kept in cupboards.

"I would also recommend that after using cleaning agents, the area is washed thoroughly. This way a cat cannot come along and lick the area and ingest the residue that can cause erosion to the tongue or throat. If a cat should come into contact with any cleaning agent, phone the vet for advice then get to the vet as soon as possible."

It is hard to watch kittens and cats all the time when you are cooking. Keep them out of the kitchen if possible as they could jump up onto the stove and burn their feet on the hot elements.

Sharon says ensuring hot items are away from the edge of benches and not leaving pots unattended will help.

"If anything should happen, such as your cat pulling a pot of boiling liquid down onto itself, immerse the cat in cold water and get it to the vet as soon as possible."

And be sure to check fridges and freezes before closing them in case any smells have enticed your cat inside.

In the bathroom

Thankfully, most kitties do not like water so will not play in the bathroom, but if a cat should fall into a hot bath, immerse in cold water and take to the vet.

"I know that I have had a kitten fall into the toilet. The tell tale signs were a soaking wet cat and toilet seat, so the kitten had jumped straight out. However, it is probably best to get into the habit of closing the lid after use to avoid your kitten falling in."

In the laundry

Sharon says she is paranoid about closing a washing machine or dryer with a cat in it.

"I always check before I close the door to make sure there is no cat in the machine before I put it on. I sometimes double check exactly where each kitten or cat is before turning the machine on too!"

In the garage

There are some nasty things in the garage and Sharon recommends keeping everything in a secure cupboard, so cats cannot get at any of the poisonous products.

"One thing that is fatal to cats is anti freeze, which is added to car radiators. If this should leak, cats like the taste and once ingested they need to be treated within six hours to stop irreversible kidney damage. The only cure if not treated is a kidney transplant which will cost from $4000 to $8000."

In the garden

There are many indoor and outdoor plants that are dangerous to pets so its best to ensure your cat cannot chew on any part of a plant. Sharon warns that any flower from the lily family is toxic to cats if ingested and will cause fatal kidney failure if not treated quickly.

This can occur even if a cat just mouths any part of the plant. As lilies are popular with florists, be particularly careful if your kitten is moving around a floral arrangement containing lilies.

The outside world

When it comes to exploring the outside world, Sharon provides her "totally inside cats" with access to the outside world with a cat enclosure that is attached to one side of her house.

"This way they can laze out in the sun and also come and go as they please. We live on acreage and so have the added hazard of snakes and ticks. By having the enclosure it keeps away the tick problem and we have not had any snakes in the enclosure."

Keeping windows and doors screened will prevent your kitten from falling or wandering off unattended.

To exercise your kitty and let it explore the big wide world, keep in mind that cat harnesses are available and walking a cat on a lead is becoming popular. (And it will become more popular as more people do it!)

In case of emergency

Sharon says if in any doubt about your cat's health or safety, contact your vet immediately and get advice.

"We are always available to give clients advice no matter how trivial. If a cat is just slightly off it is always better to catch something early so that the cat does not get dehydrated and really sick before the vet's attention is sought. If a kitten or cat has ingested anything toxic, we may be able to save them."

Entertainment

Of course, the best way to keep your kitten entertained and out of mischief is by providing lots of toys, a scratching post and interaction.

"Play with a kitten every day with toys, rolled up paper or a piece of string," Sharon says.

"If you get into the habit of spending quality time with your kitten it will learn to come to you naturally and the activity may even help to keep your cat from getting fat."

Hopefully, these suggestions will help to prevent any accidents around the home such as the "most horrific experience ever" endured by Jean Wisken and Sapphire.

Jean says Sapphire is now as playful and as mischievous as ever, but will always be thought of as their little Aussie battler.

"I pray that she will enjoy a long life despite her terrifying ordeal," Jean says.

And so do all of us.

Cat's Meow

The Cheshire cat explained to Alice in Wonderland "a dog growls when it is angry, and wags its tail when it is pleased. Now, I growl when I am pleased and wag my tail when I am angry. Therefore, I am mad".

All cat owners will be familiar with the warning sign of a swishing tail when "puss" is displeased and the purr of contentment when everything is going puss's way, but there are many other ways in which the cat expresses its emotions or communicates with its owner.

Owners may notice that when the cat is sitting on their lap it slowly blinks and momentarily shuts its eyes. This is a cat's way of saying "I feel safe and I trust you" and has sometimes been described as a "cat kiss". If the owner gives a soft smile and blinks slowly many cats will respond by blinking back. When the cat is in this mood it will often appear mesmerized and knead the owner's lap or arm with its front paws, often with the claws extended which can be quite uncomfortable for the owner. Nonetheless it is a sign of affection and contentment - for the cat!

Cats also pat with their paws. In contrast to the defensive for angry swipe with claws out, the gentle pat with claws retracted is the cat's way of getting attention or inviting play. Many cats will gently tap their sleeping owner's eyelids when the cat believes it is getting up time!

On returning home, the cat owner will be greeted by "meow" which with a little imagination may sound like "hello". This particular meow will be quite distinctive and used only as a greeting. It is quite unlike the "meow" to remind you it is meal time. The cat will also rub around the owner's legs and purr and the tail will be carried flag-like in greeting.

The owner who has upset the cat will also be familiar with the rear view of their departing cat - with its erect tail and stiff legged haughty walk which very clearly demonstrates the distain with which mere humans should be treated!

A cat will also express contempt through grooming. Who hasn't noticed the cat sitting just out of reach of a dog and washing behind its ears with a look of total disinterest.

The cat is a most complex creature which has learnt that there is mutual benefit in living with humans who will provide food and warmth and comfort. In turn, humans gain the benefit of companionship and entertainment from a pet which is quiet, clean and undemanding.

My dog is itchy

Spring and Summer is the time of year when owners might notice their pets starting to scratch. It is very unpleasant to watch our loved ones biting or scratching and chewing at themselves. This constant self-trauma can lead to other problems such as secondary infections and further skin inflammation.

There are many different causes for itchy skin in our pets and your veterinarian can determine what is causing your loved one to scratch.

There are certain parasites which can cause our pets to be itchy, such as fleas and mites. Fleas breed rapidly in summer, so flea allergy problems are worse at this time of year. There are many good preventative treatments on the market. Your vet is able to do a number of small simple tests to check whether your pet has a parasite problem. Some parasites such as fleas can be seen on your pet but others such as mites can only be seen under the microscope.

Certain infections (including bacterial and yeast infections) can also cause your pet to scratch. Your vet can also check for this and treat your animal accordingly.

Similar to humans, pets can suffer from allergies and there are many different things that give your pet an allergic reaction. Dogs and cats can be allergic to foods. By feeding your animal a different type of food (under the guidance of your vet) you may see an improvement. Food allergies are usually due to a particular protein source. Feeding your pet a different type of protein may help to resolve this allergy. There are commercial diets available from your vet specifically made for animals suffering with food allergies. Your vet can advise if your pet should have one of these diets.

Dogs and cats can also be allergic to pollens, dust mites and things in the home such as carpets and certain bedding. Some pets are allergic to flea bite saliva. Your vet can help you to determine what your pet may be allergic to. Some of these things can be controlled by preventative measures, such as flea control and removal of bedding, whereas other triggers such as pollens - that can increase at this time of year - are very difficult to eliminate from your pet's environment. In these cases, your pet may need medication to help reduce the signs associated with this disease.

So, if you see your pet scratching do not hesitate to ask your vet for help. There are many different causes and your vet will work out the best treatment option for your beloved friend!

Time For A Checkup

We’ve all heard the term ‘dog’s breath’. For some reason we’ve come to expect our furry friends to have bad breath – but the truth is if they do, there’s something wrong.

Halitosis is usually caused by bacterial by-products present in plaque, a soft material that builds up on teeth and gums, irritating gum tissue.

Tartar, a hard, calcified material, develops on top of teeth and provides a rough surface for more plaque to stick to. Untreated, the pet’s gums will become infected – this is gingivitis. Eventually, a painful condition called periodontitis sets in. By this time, all the structures around the teeth, including the bone, will be infected and teeth become loose.

Dogs and cats should have a dental check-up during their annual vaccination. Older pets will need a professional scale and polish under anaesthesia.

Root of the problem
Oral disease is the most common infection in our pets, with 80 per cent of dogs and almost as many cats having a degree of periodontal disease by the age of three. While bad breath may be the only sign noticed by pet owners initially, gums will turn red and bleed as the disease progresses. Pets’ eating habits will also change – usually they’ll develop a preference for softer foods as chewing becomes painful.

The effects of periodontal disease don’t stop at the mouth. Bacteria surrounding roots enters the bloodstream and harms other organs. Studies show dogs with severe periodontal disease have increased microscopic damage to kidneys, heart muscle and liver.

Prevent plaque
The key to managing gum disease is prevention. If teeth are cleaned frequently, plaque will not build up and gums will stay healthy. Oral health is maintained by daily hygiene, as with humans.

The gold standard of care is daily brushing. Diets and chews approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council will also help.

How to clean your pet’s teeth
This experience can be challenging for all! But if you can do it effectively, it will make a big difference. Here’s what I find works best:

• Start by getting a soft cloth, then apply something your pet likes the taste of (Vegemite or anchovy paste, for example) and gently open its mouth, rubbing the cloth on the teeth. Don’t worry about trying to clean them the first time – just getting the pet used to you opening its mouth is the aim of the step. Reward your pet with a treat.
• Over a two-week period, use the cloth to work your way around the outside of the teeth at the front and back. Give a little treat and a big cuddle as a reward for cooperation.
• Once your pet has accepted the cloth, you can change to a soft child’s toothbrush. You can also use a pet toothpaste product – never use human toothpaste as pets hate the taste, and it’s too high in foaming agents and fluoride for them. Pet toothpaste comes in a wide range of flavours including malt, chicken, beef and prawn.

Cooking for your pet

The contamination of commercial pet food has pet owners across North America worried as scores of dogs and cats have fallen ill or died as a result of eating melamine-poisoned pet food.

The massive pet food recall by Ontario-based manufacturer Menu Foods started in mid-March 2007. Since that time over 100 pet food brands manufactured by six companies have been recalled, and the list seems to keep growing.

In response, frightened pet owners are increasingly turning to the internet for do-it-yourself pet recipes - but is this a good idea?

Providing your pet with a nutritious, well-balanced meal may not be as simple as it sounds. In fact, pet owners take certain risks when making a home-cooked meal for their animals, according to the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA).

"If you want to home cook for your pet, you really need to do some research into that," Danny Joffe, a Calgary veterinarian speaking for the CVMA told the CBC. "It takes a lot of work to make a well-balanced meal because every species has different nutrient requirements."

Preparing a nutritionally sound diet for your dog or cat can be as complex and time-consuming as organizing a healthy diet for humans.

Raw food diets considered risky

One alternative to commercial pet food are raw food diets that include uncooked meats and vegetables, similar to what an animal may eat in the wild.

But a raw food diet involves some risk for salmonella poisoning. In fact, a study found that 30 per cent of dogs on raw food diets had salmonella in their stool. For this reason, the Canadian Veterinarian Medical Association doesn't recommend feeding pets raw food.

Salmonella poisoning can cause mild-flu like symptoms or more serious life-threatening illnesses. Pet owners could also be at risk of cross-contamination.

Nutritious home-cooked pet food

Because pets need a vitamin-rich diet, the CMVA recommends owners talk to their veterinarian for information on healthy recipes and diet plans. While the internet is filled with home-made pet recipes, not all may right for your pet. Generally speaking, the association says to select recipes calling for cooked meat, such as hamburger or chicken, as well as potato or rice and a mineral supplement.

Recipes should also be tailored to your pet's age, food sensitivities and general health. Some foods are toxic to dogs including onion, garlic, chocolate, raisins and grapes. Household plants such as Easter lilies can also cause acute kidney failure in dogs.

To prevent food poisoning, never feed animals foods that have gone bad.

If you decide to go the home-cooked route, here are two web sites recommended by the American College of Veterinary Nutritionistst

• Petdiets :
• Consulting company for vets, pet owners and food and supplement companies. You'll find information on basic nutrition facts and myths. The site also sells nutritionist-certified recipes for cats and dogs and offers individual, nutritional consultations.

• Balanceit
• Run by Davis Veterinary Medical Consulting, the website sells nutritional supplements for dogs and cats. Owners can also receive advice on choosing balanced recipes using human food from the grocery store. Recipes are reviewed by board-certified veterinary nutritionists.

• Free pet food recipes can be found on websites

Vegetarian pet foods

Experts say that healthy vegetarian diets can be formulated for cats and dogs. But because cats are carnivores, developing a vegetarian diet is a more complicated than the case with dogs, who are classified as omnivores. The main source of protein in vegetarian diets consists of millet, beans, lentils, grains and legumes. Dogs appear to require a slightly larger proportion of protein in their diets than humans.

As with home-cooked meals, consult your veterinarian on how to provide a nutritious vegetarian diet.

Dogs on holiday

There used to be no place like home for a dog when the family went away. But these days, there's a place that might be even better than home.

Like so many dog owners, Reba Love, a retired accounting professor from Panama City, Florida, is shunning the old-fashioned kennel when she leaves town. Instead, she is opting to give her pooch a vacation of its own. Love takes her three-year-old Weimaraner, Chloe, to Beaches Pet Resort when she has to travel. The upscale pet boarding facility in Northern Florida offers luxury accommodations including extra playtime with staff. Rooms have tile floors and soft blankets. Love often opts for the larger room with a doggie door so Chloe can go out into the courtyard whenever she pleases.

"You can pay more for a room with a TV," Love says. "But I have no idea what they watch." While she doesn't want Chloe to be a couch potato, Love has been thinking about treating her beloved pet to a bubble bath the next time she goes out-of-town.

Unless you take your dog with you on trips, vacations often mean that man's best friend ends up being boarded. These days, a growing number of facilities nationwide are eschewing the "kennel" label and are donning such nicknames as "Doggie Utopia." Canyon View Ranch, in Topanga, California, bills itself as a "Canine Shangri la," where dogs can run on manicured lawns, climb ramps and crawl through tunnels in Disneyland-inspired parks.

Camp Bow Wow, which expects to have 50 franchises open in the U.S. and Canada by the end of 2006, offers all-day romping, while overnight guests get tasty "campfire treats" before being tucked into cots in their own cabins. Camp Web Cams help families monitor pups over the Internet from wherever they are -- the beach, the ski resort, or the Champs Elysees.

"Our clients typically humanize their pets a bit. They see them as their kids," says Heidi Flammang, CampBowWow founder and CEO. "The thought of leaving their dog alone in a box for 24 hours a day is too much."

Here's how to decide if a pet resort is right for your pooch:

What to look for Never decide on a boarding facility from a brochure or the Internet. You have to go visit the grounds, meet the staff, and see for yourself how animals are treated. A good kennel is clean, well-ventilated, air conditioned in the summer and heated in the winter. The staff should interact with pets. "When dogs are at home, they're generally with family members being touched and petted.

Suddenly, you put them in a kennel with handlers who never touch them and it can be quite traumatic," says Elizabeth Wilmot, owner of Countryside Kennels, in Owings, Md., and the Mid-Atlantic regional director of the American Boarding Kennels Association. Countryside offers a "Sportsman's Package" for $40-a-night, including a swim in the bone-shaped swimming pool, jogging, Frisbee sessions, and bottled water. Pampered pooch guests receive playtime, moonlit walks, petting sessions, and an orthopedic bed for $35 nightly.

Consider your dog's temperament Many of these kennel redux owners shy away from cages and encourage dogs to play in groups by romping, running and chasing. Cage Free K-9 Camp, of Los Angeles, allows overnight guests to sleep in a 2,000-square-foot, climate-controlled loft on individual dog beds. In the TV lounge, they show Animal Planet. And over at CampBowWow, despite the fact each dog is given a private dining space, all dogs are temperament-tested. "We have an interview process," Flammang says. A dog needs to enjoy the company of other dogs to be boarded in a communal environment. Otherwise, individual rooms are a better bet.

How to pack Dogs, like children, sometimes do best on "sleepovers" when they have a comfort item to remind them of home. Check with a facility before bringing a blanket, a towel, or a favorite toy, Wilmot says. This is usually fine if your pet has his or her own "room" or run. It may be more difficult -- or provoke aggressive behavior -- in the group environment.

For dogs with sensitive stomachs, or special diets, you may want to bring your own food to the kennel. Many luxury kennels provide top-notch fare for overnight guests, such as the "healthy lamb-and-rice diet with Glucosamine" included in the $50-a-night rate at Canyon View Ranch. Medications will also be administered on site at most pet resorts, although some charge extra. No matter where your dog stays, you'll want to spring for a bath and flea dip before bringing your pet back home.

These new-fangled pet resorts may cost a tad more than the old-style kennel, but pup parents say it's worth the price in peace of mind. "This is my baby," Love explains of her dog Chloe. "She's a 70-pound baby, but she's still my baby."

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