PETS
Training Cats and Dogs
If you already have one pet and are thinking of introducing another, you can’t assume that the incumbent will be delighted with their new housemate. You need to allow a bit of time for them to adjust to sharing the sole attention they’ve had up to now.
Dogs and dogs
Start by finding a neutral place for them to meet e.g. a friend’s garden, so there are no territorial issues. If your new dog is a puppy, put them on a leash initially. They are likely to be very excited and a bit overwhelming for an older pet. Don’t overdo it and assume the initial
introduction is good enough. They both need a bit of time and personal space. If they start to growl or bark at each other, separate them straight away and wait until they calm down before trying again.
Cats and dogs
If you already have a cat and are introducing a puppy, be aware that the cat might react to the introduction by hissing or swatting at them, or try to escape by running away or hiding. Again, it’s a matter of giving them time to get used to each other. Separate cats and dogs at mealtimes so both can eat in comfort without the risk of stealing each other’s food. Don’t worry if your dog and cat don’t immediately gel. With time, most cats and dogs that live together do become friendly, even if it is very much on the cat’s terms!
Dogs and dogs
Start by finding a neutral place for them to meet e.g. a friend’s garden, so there are no territorial issues. If your new dog is a puppy, put them on a leash initially. They are likely to be very excited and a bit overwhelming for an older pet. Don’t overdo it and assume the initial
introduction is good enough. They both need a bit of time and personal space. If they start to growl or bark at each other, separate them straight away and wait until they calm down before trying again.
Cats and dogs
If you already have a cat and are introducing a puppy, be aware that the cat might react to the introduction by hissing or swatting at them, or try to escape by running away or hiding. Again, it’s a matter of giving them time to get used to each other. Separate cats and dogs at mealtimes so both can eat in comfort without the risk of stealing each other’s food. Don’t worry if your dog and cat don’t immediately gel. With time, most cats and dogs that live together do become friendly, even if it is very much on the cat’s terms!
On The Catwalk
While the idea of walking a cat might raise eyebrows, it’s an endeavor that can bring both owners and feline friends unexpected joys.
Cats are often stereotyped as solitary creatures that prefer lounging indoors. However, the benefits of walking a cat go beyond the conventional image of a leashed pet, offering physical, mental, and social advantages.
Walking provides indoor cats with a chance to experience the outside world in a controlled environment. It allows them to engage their senses — sniffing fresh air, feeling the texture of the ground beneath their paws, and observing birds and insects. This sensory stimulation can help alleviate boredom and curb behaviors like excessive scratching or overeating, which can result from a lack of mental stimulation.
Physical exercise is crucial for a cat’s overall health, and walking is an excellent way to achieve it. Engaging in a controlled outdoor exploration promotes healthy activity levels, helping to maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of obesity related health issues. For young, energetic cats, walking can be an effective outlet for their energy, which might otherwise be directed toward less desirable behaviors indoors.
Moreover, walking a cat strengthens the bond between owner and pet. Unlike dogs, who often crave human interaction and guidance, cats appreciate independence. Walking with a cat allows for a unique connection based on mutual respect. The cat is given the freedom to explore while still being connected to its owner, creating a sense of security and companionship.
Before embarking on a walk with your cat, it’s important to consider the cat’s temperament and comfort level. Some cats might adapt readily to the leash and harness, while others may find the experience overwhelming. Patience is key during the training process. Start indoors with the harness, gradually introducing the leash, and allow the cat to adjust at its own pace. Never force a cat beyond it’s comfort level though.
In essence, walking a cat offers a host of advantages that can enhance both the cat’s well being and the owner’s relationship with their furry companion. From physical exercise and mental stimulation to shared experiences and strengthened bonds, this unconventional activity can be a rewarding adventure for both cat and owner alike. Try it and see if it works for you and your fury friend.
Happy walking!
Hot dogs (and other pets)
Animals are not able to release heat through their skin as humans do, which makes them particularly susceptible to overheating in very hot weather.
Leaving your dog in a hot car makes it prone to heat stroke within minutes, even if you’ve left the windows open and provided water. Equally, walking your pet in full sun, even for a relatively short period of time, is really unhealthy for them and comes with the added risk of burning the pads of their feet on the pavement.
Cats don't normally pant until they are already in distress. While most cats instinctively move to cooler locations as soon as they feel too warm, they could become trapped in a hot area like a greenhouse, garage, shed or conservatory.
Smaller caged animals can’t move out of the sun of course, and this makes it essential you check the position of their cage, especially if leaving the house for some time.
Too late? Signs that your pet has overheated include panting (a very strong sign in cats), red gums, vomiting or displaying a lack of coordination, and you need to act quickly.
Obviously move them into a well-ventilated, shady spot. Offer them cool (not cold) water and with larger animals wrap them in cool damp cloths, particularly the head.
Finally, don’t assume your pet will just recover. Contact your vet immediately and be honest with them about what’s caused the problem. They’d rather work towards saving your animal’s life than judge you for a mistake.
Even Cats Get Lonely
Many people buy or adopt a cat as company and but forget that it works both ways. If you’d miss your cat if they aren’t there, remember they’ll miss you too. However, unlike dogs you don’t usually take a cat with you, so prepare well in advance for times when you are away from home.
For short breaks – whether a day at work or a weekend away – our feline friends are quite independent, especially when given access to a cat flap and timed feeders. However, some animals will express feeling lonely by behaving out of character. For example, they could start urinating in the house or spending long periods of time away from home.
The easiest way to address this is to find a friendly neighbour to pop in once a day. Even five minutes fussing and attention can be enough to make your pet feel calmer. But if you are often away, a professional pet sitter might be a better option. Either way, do make sure you have introduced them several times before they attend to your cat without you being present.
For longer trips away, it’s more likely you’ll need to opt for a cattery. Cats can be sensitive to the pre-holiday stress though, so rather than dropping them off last minute, build in an extra day to give them chance to settle – plus you’ll have one less thing to worry about as you rush out the door.
Dog Dieting
Your dog isn’t starting the month worried about zipping up their jeans. But if a check on their waistline shows that they are carrying a few extra pounds, it’s time for to you to address the problem for the sake of their health.
Studies have shown that overweight dogs don’t live as long and are more prone to illnesses that spoil their quality of life. All those little extra treats you’ve been giving them could mean there’s a genuine risk of killing your pet with kindness.
There’s no BMI chart for dogs, so you need to look at body shape and assess body fat. Viewed from above, does your dog have a waist where their body tapers after the ribcage? Can you feel your dog’s ribs or do they have a potbelly?
Increasing exercise will not be enough on its own, so you should plan a trip to the vet. Not only will they assess how overweight they are, they’ll check if any medical conditions are causing the extra pounds or will prevent weight loss. Furthermore the vet can provide a special calorie-controlled food.
Keep a note of everything – including table scraps and treats – that your dog eats for a few days. A dog that does not seem to eat much dog food probably still has an appetite for sausages and biscuits!
If you’ve reached the stage that your pet actually looks plump, it’s going to take quite a while to reach their target weight, so stick with it.
Your dog isn’t starting the month worried about zipping up their jeans. But if a check on their waistline shows that they are carrying a few extra pounds, it’s time for to you to address the problem for the sake of their health.
Studies have shown that overweight dogs don’t live as long and are more prone to illnesses that spoil their quality of life. All those little extra treats you’ve been giving them could mean there’s a genuine risk of killing your pet with kindness.
There’s no BMI chart for dogs, so you need to look at body shape and assess body fat. Viewed from above, does your dog have a waist where their body tapers after the ribcage? Can you feel your dog’s ribs or do they have a potbelly?
Increasing exercise will not be enough on its own, so you should plan a trip to the vet. Not only will they assess how overweight they are, they’ll check if any medical conditions are causing the extra pounds or will prevent weight loss. Furthermore the vet can provide a special calorie-controlled food.
Keep a note of everything – including table scraps and treats – that your dog eats for a few days. A dog that does not seem to eat much dog food probably still has an appetite for sausages and biscuits!
If you’ve reached the stage that your pet actually looks plump, it’s going to take quite a while to reach their target weight, so stick with it.