Trick-or-Treating and Pets: Keep Them and Everyone Safe and Happy on Halloween

Candy

Dogs should never eat chocolate. The theobromine,the ingredient  in the cacao bean used to make chocolate, is toxic to dogs. Anything high in sugar is also be a hazard. If you want to give your dog something special on Halloween, make sure it is not candies. 

Safe Costumes

Sure, Fido may look cute as a hot dog or an angel, but beware: some costumes can be dangerous. Be sure to keep any string or ribbon away from your dog's throat or mouth, and make sure he has room and a full range of motion in the costume before you go out.

Away from the Door

For pet parents who stay home and hand out candy, one important thing to keep in mind is how your pet will react to having people ringing the doorbell or knocking every couple minutes. This can cause them extreme anxiety and even aggression. Keep your pets away from the door when handing out candy.

Keep them Close & Be Aware

Many families take their dogs out on Halloween. There is nothing inherently wrong or dangerous about this practice, but just to be safe, keep them on a leash and/or keep them close to you. There can be a lot of confusion with all the people out and about, so just be aware of your surroundings. 

Something else to keep in mind:
Don’t forget that Halloween and mischief are often linked. Why take a chance on your pet being a target, becoming injured, or worse? Keep an eye out: on the community, on yourself, and on your pet.

Have a good, happy, and safe Halloween.

Canine Careers

Search & Rescue Dog:

Pair an amazing sense of smell and direction with amazing bravery and you’ve got yourself a search and rescue dog. These heroes go into serious disaster situation to retrieve lost humans. Imagine, these dogs risk their lives going into avalanches and other natural disasters saving humans.

Cadaver Dog:

These canines have been trained to alert their handlers at the scent of a decomposing body.  These dogs are used together with Search and Rescue canines during disaster situations to locate all the victims.   

Service or Guide Dog:

The first school for guide dogs was established in Germany after World War I in order to assist soldiers that had been blinded or injured during the war. These dogs act as the pilots of their handler’s lives. Common breeds include Labradors, Golden Retrievers, & German Sheperds. There are approximately 8,000-20,000 active service pups working each day.

War Dog:

Dogs have been used in combat since ancient times. Today’s war dogs have a 98% success rate in bomb detection making them incredible assets in providing safety to their battalions. Military dogs have also been said to reduce PTSD symptoms if they are able to return home with their partners – there are now tons of war dog adoption programs.

Therapy Dog

A therapy dog’s sole purpose is to make people feel better. You’ll see them walking the halls of hospitals, retirement homes, classrooms, hospices, nursing homes, and disaster relief areas. Therapy dogs make people feel comfortable with physical contact they may not be used and as a result make their treatment easier.  It’s a special pup chosen for this job; they need to be extra gentle and calm.

Herding Dog:

You know that one dog at the park, constantly trying to round up the rest of the dogs by barking and running in circles? Don’t hold it against, him it’s in his DNA… and he thinks your dog is sheep, or a cow. Herding dogs maintain control over livestock, rounding them up when it’s time to get back to farm. Talk about having influence, these dogs can gather up to hundreds of livestock at a time.

Tracking/Hunting Dog:

Hounds, terriers, and dachshunds are the most popular types of hunting and tracking dogs. These dogs are trained to be the eye, ears, and retrievers for their human counterparts. These dogs are not only impressive because of their ability to track, but also they don’t chew their prey to pieces.

Sled Dog:

Imagine a pack of of dogs having the strength, discipline, and organization to effectively pull a sled full of goods, and humans through the coldest winds and harshest snows. Sled dogs have unmatchable resilience and many people in the most northern corners of the world rely on them solely for transportation and deliveries of crucial goods.

https://www.smartrecruiters.com/blog/top-10-jobs-for-dogs/

http://www.dogguide.net/20-jobs-dog-have-done.php

https://www.mainstreet.com/slideshow/who-s-good-boy-10-jobs-dogs

The Cat's Meow: Feline Behavior

Scratching: 

Everyone knows that cats like to scratch. They can tear up the couch, ruin the chairs in the dining room, and reduce the curtains to shreds. This behavior is instinctive and natural for cats. 

There are several things to try that could stop kitty from destroying furniture. Posts and scratchers have a coarse, nubbly texture that cats are attracted to, because it’s something they can really sink their claws into. Rub a bit of catnip on them to make it even more desirable.

Since cats are all about texture, cover the off-limits spots with things your cat will find unappealing on her paws, like double-sided sticky tape, aluminum foil, sheets of sandpaper or a plastic carpet runner with the pointy side up.

Many cats don't like the odor of citrus or menthol. Try attaching cotton balls soaked in cologne or a muscle rub to the places you want her to leave alone.

Declawing isn’t the solution.   

Scratching is normal cat behavior. It isn't done to destroy a favorite chair or to get even. Cats scratch to remove the dead husks from their claws, mark territory, and stretch their muscles. So many people mistakenly believe declawing is harmless and a ‘quick fix’, but in truth, declawing will cause lasting problems for your cat.

Biting:

We all know that sometimes cats turn on their owners. It’s a common behavioral problem. Here are four reasons that cats bite.

1. She is in pain.

Sudden aggression may be a cover for her true feelings. It’s a natural reaction in the wild to disguise their pain.

2. She is afraid.

A fear response in a cat will cause biting and scratching. If your cat is acting fearful it is best to leave her alone until she calms down.

3.She is playing.

Some kittens who are separated from their litter too soon will not understand how to play. If they do not have this opportunity they may bite you during play and not even realize it.

Head Butts:

Cats have scent glands all over their body and they use them to leave a scent mark. This behavior is reserved for bonding, social, comforting and friendly purposes. When your cat engages in head bunting or head rubbing, she is placing her scent there as a social and affectionate gesture. 

Kneading:

Kneading is the motion cats make by rhythmically alternating their paws, pushing in and out against a pliable, soft object (such as a lap). While not all cats knead, it is a common behavior for young and adult felines alike, so it's likely your cat does it. 

Cats start to knead as kittens while nursing from their mother. A nursing kitten instinctually kneads to help stimulate the mother’s milk production. Even though kneading a soft surface doesn’t yield milk, adult cats forever associate the motion of kneading with the rewarding comfort of nursing.

WHAT DOES PURRING MEAN?

Contented cats often purr, which is why the sound is often associated with happiness. For example, cats frequently purr when their favorite person pets them. You might also notice this common form of purring when you feed or play with your cat, or when she is relaxing in a stray sunbeam through the window.

Sometimes your cat purrs not because she is already content, but because she wants to calm herself down. If you've ever noticed her purr getting louder as you place her on the vet's examination table, you can understand this. 

If your cat is in pain, her purr may actually be helping her heal. Purrs occur at a frequency of 25 to 150 Hz, just the right range for promoting healing and improving bone density. By purring, your cat may be trying to gently stimulate her bones and muscles so she can get back to normal more quickly.

http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/cats/tips/destructive_scratching.html

http://ezinearticles.com/?Cat-Biting---4-Reasons-Why-Cats-Will-Bite-You&id=2368015

http://www.catbehaviorassociates.com/bunting-behavior/

http://www.petmd.com/cat/behavior/evr_ct_why_do_cats_knead

Traveling With Your Pet

ROAD TRIP

Trial Run:

A few days before heading off, take them for a short drive to see how they react. Do they get restless and anxious? Do they get carsick? These are some things you should know beforehand.

Seat Belt:

Always, always make sure they are in their carrier, and make sure the crate is secured and buckled up. Thousands of crashes each year have been chalked up to unrestrained pets, especially when they are in the passenger seat. It’s not only distracting, it’s dangerous.

Stay Inside:

While it seems harmless, letting your dog stick his head out the window is inadvisable. According to a study by the ASPCA, such an act can damage the lungs and cause lung infections.

Pit Stops and Water:

The ASPCA recommends that you let your dog out and do his business every two to three hours, and let them get some exercise as well. Also, be sure to have a gallon or two of cold water to keep them hydrated.

Stay Together:

Do not leave them in the car. Even with the window cracked open, the temperature can reach up to 110 degrees in 10 minutes on a hot day. If you are going somewhere pets are not allowed, either leave them at home or keep them in a pet-friendly hotel.

PLANE

Fit to Fly?:

Young pets, old pets, or sick pets do not do well in planes. This also applies to many breeds. Also, many airlines will not allow pets to fly in the cargo hold. Check with your veterinarian before you fly with your pet.

Papers:

If you are going out of the country, find out what vaccinations and paperwork your pet will need. Consult your veterinarian to find out more.

The Carrier:

Make sure that your pet has enough room to stand and turn around without hitting their head. If you have never had a carrier before, leave it out for several days before the trip so that they get used to it.

ID Tags:

Keep your information on your pets’ collar and on their carrier at all times. 

Exercise:

Before you fly, spend some time with your pet while exercising. Play. Go for a walk. The more tired your pet is, the more likely they may sleep during the trip.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/23/traveling-with-pets_n_3640948.html

http://www.aa.com/i18n/travelInformation/specialAssistance/pets.jsp

http://www.thetruckersreport.com/traveling-by-car-or-truck-with-pets/

Preparing for a New Pet

Bringing home a new pet is an exciting event. But it can also be very stressful. Here are some ways of preparing for the newest member of your family, before and after you bring them home.

Dog/Cat Proofing: Adjust Spacing

Preparing for a new pet involves a lot of planning ahead. One area that many people don’t think of is temporarily rearranging a room for your cat or dog to acclimate to their big new home. It is much easier on a new pet to gradually introduce them to more and more space. 

When you set up the pet-proof room, make sure you include a bed, bowls for food and water, and toys. For house-trained pets include a litterbox or something else to collect excrement. If he or she had a blanket or special toy from their shelter days, include it. It can help your pet feel more at home. Both dogs and cats need some time to properly adjust to their new homes. They may spent days in small, dark places like under the bed or the sofa. 

Food and Other Supplies

Make sure you know what they were fed at the shelter, and for pets using a litterbox, find out what kind of litter they used. If you want to change their food or litter, do it gradually. New pets especially have difficulty coping with sudden changes. 

Collar and ID Tag

Every pet should have a collar and a name tag, even indoor pets. It should contain your pet’s name and your phone number, and it should be on hand when you pick up your pet. Without a tag, the likelihood of being returned home after running away is much lower. Some pets have a small chip, embedded under their skin, that can be scanned and traced back to their owner.

Veterinarian

Before taking your pet home, contact a local animal hospital or veterinarian and schedule a few appointments within a few days of the adoption. Making a connection with a vet early on is the start of a good relationship, both for you and for your new pet.

Housebreaking

This is going to take a lot of patience and love. You should begin almost immediately after bringing him home. Puppies need to urinate approximately six times a day, and keeping up with him will take energy. There are many resources with tips or step-by-step instructions that could help you through the process.

Bonding

Finding time for your pets is time well spent. It gets them used to you and makes them feel more comfortable. Sometimes spending just ten minutes a day playing with your new pet is enough. Not to mention that snuggling with your dog or cat can actually lower stress and strengthen your immune system.

Introduction to Other Pets

It may take a lot of time for them to be friends, but it is essential for them to get along. It’s also important too make the process gradual. Give both pets space and time to adjust to each other. Do some looking into reputable sites such as the ASPCA site and WebMD. There are a lot of tips on those sites that could help you.

Patience is key. It may take a while for your pet to acclimate to their new environment, but eventually, everything will return to normal. And congratulations on your adoption!

https://www.petfinder.com/dogs/bringing-a-dog-home/tips-for-first-30-days-dog/

http://dogs.about.com/od/becomingadogowner/qt/What-To-Expect-After-Adopting-A-New-Dog.htm

https://www.petfinder.com/cats/bringing-a-cat-home/tips-for-first-30-days-cat/

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/housebreaking.htm

http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/dog-behavior/introducing-your-dog-new-dog

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What Can Dogs Do For Humans?

Aside from being “man’s best friend”, there are many positions that a dog can fill. Loved as they are by so many and so much, several fields have openings for the most faithful and trusted animals in the world, from the TSA to the military. The following occupations are those which only a dog could do.

LAW ENFORCEMENT

Sometimes referred to as K-9 (a homophone of “canine”), these fearless, specially trained dogs assist the police in several ways. Because dog’s noses are over ten thousand times stronger than humans’, these amazing animals are called in to do what humans can’t.

Illicit Substance Dogs:

The Transportation Security Administration has trained “sniffer dogs”, whose job it is to detect hidden weapons, explosives, and drugs. While the most common breeds chosen for this task are Golden Retrievers and German Shepherds, many other, smaller breeds receive training. These dogs are trained in obedience and focus along with recognizing the scents of drugs like heroin, cocaine, and marijuana. They are not limited to the TSA; they are called upon to sniff out drugs and explosives in buildings, vehicles, packages, and people.

Search and Rescue Dogs:

It takes a special kind of dog to be a search and rescue dog. These four-legged heroes are specially trained to pick up the scent of humans. There are a few different scenarios that require the work of one of these incredible canines, including but not limited to disaster response, tracking criminals, and searching for missing people. 

Cadaver Dogs:

Search and rescue dogs are trained to find living humans, but cadaver dogs are trained to recognize decomposition. They use their highly sensitive olfactories to locate human remains. This job is the most stressful and depressing for dogs. After the events of 9-11, several cadaver dogs were sent in to search for both survivors and victims. For days, these dogs found body after body. Their handlers noticed that the dogs were becoming sluggish and reluctant to go into the wreckage again. To help the dogs cope, several policemen and firefighters hid themselves among the debris so that the dogs thought that they had found a survivor.

SERVICE

These next few jobs are just as much heroes as the ones above. These are the canines who use their senses to help those who cannot. But while most places are by law required to allow guide dogs, some people complain about their presence. 

Guide Dogs

Also known as “seeing-eye” dogs, it is the job of these furry friends to see for an individual who is blind or visually impaired. Their training starts when they are mere puppies, and only after years of learning are they paired with a blind person. Along with leading their owners around obstacles, they are also taught not to obey an unsafe request. For example, they would refuse to let their owner to cross the street if there were cars coming. Since dogs are colorblind for red and green, they cannot read traffic signals. But can they stop and start for changes in elevation or overhead obstacles? Oh, yes they can.

Hearing Dogs

There are dogs who see for their owners, and there are dogs who hear for them. Hearing dogs are a type of assistance dog specially trained to help those who are deaf or hearing-impaired. These furry assistants help alert their owners to sounds inside their homes, like smoke alarms, ringing mobiles, alarm clocks, and doorbells. Outside of the house, they respond and help their owners respond to sirens, car horns, and others, including the sound of someone calling their owners’ name. Professionally, hearing dogs can be trained in as little as three months, but are usually taught for over a year.

Epilepsy Dogs

Patients with epilepsy and other, similar diseases are often paired with a special kind of alarm clock. These dogs are able to detect a seizure before it even happens. They are taught specifically to detect and warn about an oncoming seizure. They may bark to alert the owner, or break the fall of their owner to break the inception of the seizure. Some have been taught to activate a pre-programmed device, something that, when pressed, sets off an alarm.

All of these amazing dogs go beyond “man’s best friend” and become heroes. Whether saving many lives or one, they are not simply bodyguards or alarms. They are important parts of their owner’s lives. They make excellent companions and the most loyal friends.

http://www.worldwidecanine.com/drugdogs_wwc.htm

http://www.searchdogfoundation.org

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http://www.guidedogs.com/site/PageServer?pagename=programs_dog_guide

http://www.epilepsy.com/get-help/staying-safe/seizure-dogs

The Last Great Race on Earth

There is nothing quite like the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. For the last 40 years, this incredibly challenging, incredibly dangerous competition has taken place in the inhospitable cold of the Alaskan wilderness. But this annual event did not just invent itself. There is a good amount of tradition and history surrounding this, the most important sporting event in Alaska.

The story of the Iditarod race goes back to 1925, the first time that the race was run. But this race wasn’t competitive among the teams. It was a race against time. In the city of Nome, there was an outbreak of diphtheria, a serious infection affecting the mucous membranes of your nose and throat which can block your airway, causing you to struggle for breath. With sick and dying children, and a huge blizzard blocking the flight of the planes that tried to deliver treatment serum, the population of Nome had no choice but to send for help. But the closest place with enough antitoxin was Anchorage, hundreds of miles away. 

The Alaskan Governor, Scott Bone, sent 20 of the best mail carrier mushers (sled dog drivers) and 150 dogs along the 674-mile Iditarod trail on relays, a trip that usually took 15 to 20 days. The teams ran day and night, enduring terrible weather and temperatures of 50 degrees below zero, handing off the package to fresh teams. This event, later called the Great Race of Mercy, was completed in a record 5 days and 7 hours. Thanks to these brave men and their dog teams, the mortality rate was halted at 9 deaths. This inspiring story has immortalized several sled dogs and their mushers, and has even been retold in both books and films.

For years, the legend was told, until, in 1973, a race was devised to test the skill of mushers and their dog teams. The sport that took place there became known as the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, named after the trail that started it all. It was later dubbed “the last great race on Earth”.

The race starts in Anchorage and ends in Nome, carving a route straight through over 1,000 miles of Alaska’s most dangerous snow-covered landscape. Each musher has 12 to 16 dogs to pull the sled. The race starts on the first Saturday of the third month of the year. This year, the race will start on March 7th. The record for fastest crossing of the length of the Iditarod is 8 days, 19 hours, 46 minutes, and 39 seconds, held by John Baker in 2011.

The race is a remembrance of Alaska’s history, not least because of the events of 1925. It is linked to most dog mushing traditions in the area. While most of the participants are locals, an increasing number of foreigners have also taken part in the event. The whole trail is a historic site. It is so popular that travel and business picks up as the event draws near. So, will you be among the thousands who turn their attention to Anchorage this March?

Shania Bakes will be covering the Iditarod Trial race this season, so stay tuned for further updates!

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Valentine's Day and Your Pet: Why You May Have a Date After All

You know the deal with Valentine’s Day: either you have plans, or you don’t. However, many animal lovers have found a way to celebrate with not another human, but with their pets. What makes people think that their dog or cat is a better date than a partner or significant other?

Pets vs People

One in five Americans would prefer to spend Valentines’s Day with their pet. That’s 20% of the population. Here are four reasons to have a four-legged valentine.

1. Pets do not judge. They don’t care how messy the house is, what kind of food you serve yourself for dinner, whether you wear a ballgown or a sweatsuit. 

2. Snuggle time! Pets have been shown to help with stress, and petting them has a calming effect. You don’t have to work up the courage to put your arm around your date or give them a kiss. With your cat curled up next to you, or your dog lying on his back so you can rub his stomach, your canine or feline can be the perfect cuddle buddy.

3. You never have to share your Valentine's Day feast, especially any chocolate, with your pet. And besides, chances are that what you are eating could be bad for them. That does mean, however, that dessert will be all for you.

4. Most importantly: Pets love you more than anyone in the universe. They don’t speak. They don’t complain when you spill your problems to them. They don’t mention the couple of pounds you gained when you ate all of your Valentine's Day candy. All they want is your love. After all, that’s the point of Valentine’s Day: love.

Gifts for Fido

It is commonplace to buy chocolate and floral arrangements for your significant other, but a large amount of people buy things for their pets. A few examples are special treats, toys, and pet costumes. Some people even buy new collars and tags.

Chocolate and Your Pet

Of all the things about spending your Valentine’s Day with your dog or cat, the most important thing to remember is that both dogs and cats should not eat chocolate of any kind. It is toxic to them. Chocolate contains a substance known as theobromine, which is similar to caffeine. Theobromine can be lethal to dogs and cats, or at the very least make them violently ill. 

Dog Treats

In lieu of chocolate, why not indulge your pet with special treats? Shania Bakes has a special Valentine sampler, for both dogs and cats: 36 heart-shaped treats in the three flavors of your choice. All of our treats were made in our kitchen and are chock full of delicious, organic goodness. What better way is there for you to thank your furry friends for all of their love?

https://www.petfinder.com/dogs/living-with-your-dog/dog-valentines-day-date/

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/02/13/pet-valentine_n_4763066.html

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The Benefits of Having a Pet

We all love our pets, and they love us. We give them love, food, a place to live, even medical care. But has anyone ever shown you what our pets do for us? Without even knowing it, they help us to be healthier and happier. 

Lowers Stress Levels and Helps Maintain Calm:

Playing with or petting the family dog or cat has been shown to increase the hormones serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin, and can lower the stress-causing chemical cortisol. This reaction can help bring calm and can make you feel more relaxed. With less stress and more relaxation, your physical health can improve. 

Decreases Allergies and Illness:

Researchers in Finland discovered that having a dog or cat in the family may actually protect children from diseases such as the common cold and other respiratory illnesses, helps prevent ear infections, and less need for antibiotics. Another study found that children who grow up with animals have stronger immune systems. 

However, the Finnish study didn’t include allergies to dogs or cats. If the parents have a pet allergy, they are more likely to have children with similar allergies. In such a case, having pets in the house may be unsafe for such children.

Provides Companionship:

Pets will never judge you, never spill your secrets, never let you down when you need comfort. They love you unconditionally and stay by your side when you need a friend. Once you bring a pet into your family, you will never have to be alone again.

Helps Teach Responsibility:

Whether for children or for a couple, adding a four-legged friend into the household can be a wonderful opportunity to practice being responsible. Pets need to be fed, watered, played with, exercised, and cleaned up after. Whoever takes care of the dog is bound to feel a sense of ownership and pride.

Increases Exercise:

Keeping up with a pet can be great exercise for both the pet and the owner, whether going for a walk, playing fetch, or even getting them to chase a laser pointer. Playing with your pet will be good for both of you.

Social Interaction:

Research shows that people are more likely to trust individuals walking their dog, even more so if they themselves have a dog with them. A dog is a great conversation starter. People might ask about breed, age, and personality, and may even watch the dog do tricks.

In the end, we don’t have pets because they calm us down or because they give us a reason to start a conversation. We have pets because we want companionship. We love our pets unconditionally, and they love us. Everything else pales by comparison. 

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