American Saddlebred
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The Truth About Teacup Cats
By Helen Anne Travis Whether you call them teacup cats, dwarfs, or miniatures, there’s no denying the cuteness of these fun-size felines. But the breeding practices that go into creating such a small cat could lead to a host of health problems for the pet and a host of heartaches for the pet parent. Here’s what you need to know before spending big bucks on a tiny cat. What Is a Teacup Cat? Teacup cats are cats who have been bred to be as small as possible. While most adult cats weigh around 9 to 10 pounds, teacup cats are bred to be about two-thirds that size, says Dr. Jane Brunt, a feline veterinarian at Cat Hospital at Towson in Baltimore, Maryland, and the executive director of The CATalyst Council, a group dedicated to promoting the health, welfare, and value of the companion cat. Some adult teacup cats weigh as little as 5 or 6 pounds, she says. To make a cat that tiny typically involves mating an undersized male with an undersized female, she says. But not all small cats are created equal. While some animals are naturally petite, others may be stunted in size because of health problems, disease, or undernourishment. “These cats were born runts for some reason. Something is not quite working in the body,” says Katie Lisnik, director of cat protection and policy at The Humane Society of the United States. “That’s one of our major concerns with breeding for purely physical attributes. It could lead to genetic disorders and health concerns.”
You’re Not a Bad Pet Parent if Your Dog Hates the Dog Park or Dog Beach
Image via iStock.com/olegosp By Victoria Schade There’s nothing quite like watching your dog play with his canine buddies, and one of the most common places for these types of friendships to form is at the local dog park or dog beach. Many dogs adore the rough-and-tumble play that goes on, from wrestling to games of tag. But some dogs just aren’t that into going to the dog park, the dog beach or any spot where dogs congregate to play. Does that mean there’s something wrong with your dog? And who’s to blame for this seemingly antisocial behavior? Even though the behavior might seem un-doglike, you might be surprised to learn that your dog isn’t the only one who prefers to skip the park. Why Do Some Dogs Dislike the Dog Park? Pet parents may assume that dogs love playing with their own kind. While that’s true for some dogs, it’s certainly not the rule, particularly in a group play situation. A dog’s reluctance to join in the fun at the dog park might stem from a number of reasons, including: Socialization issues: If during puppyhood, a dog didn’t have the opportunity to have positive experiences with a variety of sights, sounds, people, animals and situations, it’s possible that he’ll feel overwhelmed by group dog play at the dog park or dog beach. This lack of socialization might make a dog more likely to misunderstand the signaling that goes on between dogs during play and could lead to reactivity. The dog park setup: Parks that are too small for the number of dogs present or don’t have separate areas for big and little dogs may make a dog less likely to enjoy his time there. Overcrowded parks and mixing dogs of all sizes can lead to frightening interactions, particularly if you have a little dog that’s forced to hold his own against the big guys. The attendees: Dog parks filled with pushy, inappropriate or aggressive dogs aren’t fun for the average dog who just wants to run a few laps or do some light roughhousing. Similarly, problems can develop quickly if the other pet parents aren’t mindful of their dogs’ behavior. Aging out: While dog-dog play is an important developmental step for puppies, many dogs grow out of the need for physical games with friends. Even if your young dog was the star of the dog park, there’s a chance he’ll be less likely to join the fun as he hits middle age. Undiagnosed pain: Your dog might be wary of high-intensity playtime because of aches and pains. Dog park play can be strenuous, and if your dog is coping with an injury or age-related pain, he’ll be less likely to want to mix it up with buddies.
Green Cleaning Products That Are Safe for Pets
We all want what’s best for our pets, which means keeping them away from any potential dangers. That’s why it’s so important to do your homework in determining which products, such as household cleaners, best suit the needs—and safety—of your family. Toxins in Cleaning Products According to the American Lung Association, many cleaning supplies and household products can irritate the eyes and throat and can cause headaches and other problems, including cancer. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals typically finds household products to be in the top ten most common cause of acute toxicosis in pets. These household chemicals include, but are not limited to, cleaning products, laundry detergent, and paint. Dr. Branson Ritchie, DVM, of the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine and co-director of the Infectious Diseases Laboratory, explains, “Any material that’s considered toxic for your family should also be considered a risk for your companion animals. Birds and reptiles are particularly sensitive to aerosolized toxins and can often serve as sentinels for environmental toxins. “You should take the same precautions to protect your pets from chemicals that you would for your children.” There is no such thing as a product without chemicals, so a label advertising “natural” or “green” does not automatically equal a healthier or safer product. For example, pyrethrin is a natural flea product that is non-toxic to dogs, slightly toxic in cats, and extremely toxic to fish. If there is a good chance that any pet or human could ingest or inhale a cleaning product, it’s best to find an alternative product. Not All Labels Mean Safe for Pets Keep in mind that green, or eco-friendly, cleaning products are not all the same. There are countless meanings and uses of the word “green,” and some products labeled this way may still contain toxins for pets. Finding out which chemicals are being used, and if they are safe for use around pets, is indeed the best way to keep your family safe in the home. Nontoxic Cleaning Products Many pet families choose green cleaning products that are safe for pets and the environment. There are plenty of cleaners on the market today that are highly rated, eco-friendly, and safe for you and your pets. When using any chemicals, a residue is left behind. Keep in mind, pets use their mouths to clean themselves, which increases the potential to ingest a potentially harmful substance that comes in contact with their fur or paws. “It’s better for your pets and for your family to use non-toxic materials in any enclosed space,” says Dr. Ritchie. “If you do need to use chemicals, read the label thoroughly so that you know the dangers associated with that chemical. And be sure you, your family and your pets are in a well-ventilated space.” Using only non-toxic, pet-safe green cleaning products is not only pet-friendly, but it’s also environmentally and home-friendly, too. When a pet mess occurs in outdoor spaces, consider a cleaner like Simple Green outdoor odor eliminator, which uses naturally derived microorganisms to neutralize and eliminate pet waste odors. This product is highly rated for grass, synthetic turf, decks, and patios. Plant-Based Cleaners Non-toxic plant-based products clean your home without the unpleasant and potentially harmful residue that can be found in conventional cleaners. Plant-based cleaning products are made with naturally derived, safe, and biodegradable ingredients, often using sustainable manufacturing practices. Biokleen Bac-Out Stain + Odor remover is a solution developed without artificial fragrances or colors, and it works great on almost any surface. It uses live enzyme cultures, citrus extracts, and plant-based surfactants to clean pet messes. Enzyme Cleaners From everything including urine, vomit, feces, blood, grass, and dirt, non-toxic enzyme cleaners remain top-rated pet stain and odor removers. Enzymes are biological compounds that speed up a chemical reaction. When used in cleaners, they break down biological substances such as urine and feces. This makes them the perfect cleaner for pet messes. Enzymatic cleaners are non-toxic and biodegradable, which means they’re safe to use in any room of your home. There are highly rated enzyme sprays that works on almost any surface. Symptoms of Toxicity in Pets Acute toxicosis secondary to cleaning products is relatively uncommon in pets. However, pets are much lower to the ground, which means they may have a higher exposure to chemicals and fumes. Pets with a pre-existing respiratory condition may be even more sensitive. Regardless of pre-existing conditions, make sure to store chemicals and cleaners in places where even the most curious pet can’t get into them. All cleaning products should be unreachable by pets and children. “Signs of acute or chronic exposure to environmental toxins may include clean ocular or nasal discharge, sneezing, coughing, itching, skin irritation, and diarrhea,” says Dr. Ritchie. “Be sure to make your veterinary professional aware of any potential toxins you may have used in your home prior to your companion animal developing any of these critical changes. And remember that you can always call the 24/7 Animal Poison Control Center.” Image via iStock.com/CasarsaGuru
How To Choose the Right Crate Size for Your Dog or Puppy
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Why Do Cats Loaf?
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Can You Leash Train a Rabbit?
by Cheryl Lock Rabbits make great pets for a number of reasons. They have adorable and distinct personalities, they’re playful, energetic, quirky, and loving — the perfect family companion for some. While it’s true that owners have been known to teach their pet rabbits many tricks — from “fetch” and jumping to litter box training and coming when they’re called— whether or not a rabbit can be properly leash trained is one question bunny owners seem to have over and over again. We consulted some experts to get the definitive answer. Can rabbits be leash trained? The easy answer is yes; with a little patience, a rabbit can be leash trained. The real answer, however, requires a couple of caveats. “First, I want to clarify what ‘leash training’ a rabbit means,” says Nancy LaRoche, chapter manager with the Colorado House Rabbit Society. “It does not mean that the rabbit will hop along beside the human. It means that the human will mostly follow the rabbit, so the rabbit can explore larger areas or run through obstacle courses and remain safe.” How difficult is it to leash train a rabbit? Similar to training for any type of animal, rabbits with a calm demeanor who are willing to try new things will take to training more easily than those who are more stubborn or fearful, says LaRoche. “As with most things having to do with rabbits, leash training requires time, patience, and above all, careful evaluation of what the rabbit is experiencing at each step of the process,” she added. “After all, these are prey animals whose instinct, for the preservation of life, is to be highly cautious of all new experiences.” Training for this behavior requires positive reinforcement, says Barbara Heidenreich, an animal training and behavior consultant with Barbara’s Force Free Animal Training. “That means providing a desired consequence [from the bunny’s point of view!] for each step of the process,” she explained. Are some rabbit breeds better suited for leash training? While it’s not necessarily true that one breed of rabbit is more suited to leash training than another, LaRoche does caution that leash training should not be done with all rabbits, only with those who are calm and enjoy new experiences. “If a rabbit is stressed by relatively minor new experiences, leash training should not be attempted,” she said. “For some rabbits, wearing a harness is equivalent to having been caught by something they can’t get away from, resulting in severe stress. But I’ve seen rabbits from just about every breed who are relaxed and willing to try new things, and those who are badly stressed from such things.” What type of leash is best for rabbits? If you’re interested in leash training your own rabbit, you’ll need a harness that fits the rabbit closely but that is still comfortable for him to wear. “I prefer the type of leash connected to the back of a ‘harness’ that wraps around the rabbit’s body, held snug by both Velcro and buckles,” says LaRoche. “That way, if the rabbit is startled and suddenly dashes away, there is no danger of the rabbit’s neck being jerked and possibly broken. The pressure is against a large portion of the body, which makes stopping the rabbit safe.” Rabbit harness and leashes like these (some look more like “jackets” than harnesses) are available from many pet retailers. What are the steps for leash training a rabbit? LaRoche emphasizes that there is no set time frame in terms of how long this process can take — some rabbits will accept it quickly, while others may never accept it. With that note of caution, using safe treats like tiny pieces of romaine lettuce or parsley as a reward for each step your rabbit accomplishes correctly, try the following to start leash training your pet: Begin by earning trust. Work with your rabbit over a period of several months playing simple games — like peek-a-boo with a small towel, or hiding bits of food in toys for them to find — so that the rabbit has learned to trust you and look to you for safety. “It’s important that a close relationship has been established between the person and the rabbit, so that the rabbit feels that the human has his or her safety and enjoyment as a top priority,” says LaRoche. Introduce your rabbit to her leash and harness by letting her sniff at it and play with it. “Give the rabbit a safe treat when he or she pushes the leash around a little,” suggests LaRoche. Lay the harness portion of the leash on your rabbit and allow her to either let it remain there or shake it off. When your rabbit seems comfortable with the harness and leash, slip the harness on and leave it unbuckled. “If the rabbit struts around like she’s enjoying the harness, continue putting it on and taking it off several times a day without engaging the buckles,” says LaRoche. “If he or she struggles against it, either back up to Step 3 (if you think you’ve moved forward too quickly), or accept that this rabbit may not be a good candidate for leash training.” If your rabbit hasn’t minded the harness being on several times a day for a few minutes at a time, put it on her and buckle it up. Observe your rabbit’s reaction. If she indicates distress, remove the harness quickly. If not, let her wear it for roughly three to five minutes before removing. Repeat this step several times a day. Continue doing this until the rabbit ignores the harness and runs around with it on. When you feel ready, attach the leash to your pet’s harness and let your rabbit feel gentle tugs that redirect her from time to time. Once you’re both comfortable with the leash indoors you can head outdoors, but keep your rabbit’s safety in mind always. “It’s important to stop your rabbit from going around bushes and trees or anyplace where the leash can get wrapped up and the rabbit can feel trapped,” says LaRoche. Remember that hard pulls on the leash or harness will likely lead your rabbit to dislike the experience and ultimately avoid it altogether, says Heidenreich. “When used appropriately, a rabbit should barely notice the harness and leash are on at all.” When is it best to start leash training? While age doesn’t necessarily play a factor in how easily your rabbit takes to his leash, keep in mind that older rabbits may have pain from arthritis or other maladies, so that could inhibit his ability to be leash trained. “Starting with very young rabbits will require changing the size of the harness as the rabbit grows,” says LaRoche. “But an adult rabbit with the right attitude can be trained just as easily as a youngster — sometimes even more easily since the adults have a longer attention span.” Additionally, rabbits tend to be more receptive to food reinforcers in the morning and evening due to their crepuscular nature (active during twilight hours), says Heidenreich. “If you intend to use food to train the behavior, those are good times to have a training session,” she said. “If your rabbit is receptive to touch as a reinforcer — many rabbits like their head and ears stroked —late afternoon is usually a nice time for such interactions.” What are the benefits to leash training a rabbit? When your rabbit is leash trained, the world is her oyster. “A pet rabbit who is leash trained can be taken to exciting new places, provided the human is certain the area is safe from poisons, predators, etc.,” says LaRoche. “She can explore safely, too, since the human always has control and can redirect the rabbit when needed.” Teaching your rabbit to behave while leashed will certainly open up a wide array of new activities for the two of you to enjoy together. However, if you find in the end that your bunny just isn’t comfortable with a harness and leash, fear not — rabbits who prefer the safety of home can develop bonds with their owners that are just as strong as do leash-trained rabbits.
How to Teach Your Dog to Go to the Bathroom in the Snow or Rain
By Diana Bocco Does your dog “hold it” when the weather doesn’t cooperate? Many dogs change their bathroom habits when it’s snowing or raining particularly hard, or when it’s a little too cold for their taste. While this might not seem like a terrible thing at first, having a dog who refuses to step out of the house can lead to accidents inside—not to mention a very unhappy pup. “My own two dogs have snow issues,” says Dr. Lori Pasternak, owner of Helping Hands Affordable Veterinary Surgery and Dental Care in Richmond, Virginia. “My Standard Poodle loves it but comes back inside with ice crystals and snow packed into his fur; my Chihuahua hates it and won’t go near it.” If that sounds familiar, here are some tips to help your pup brave the bad weather. Figure Out the Underlying Issue Dogs refuse to go to the bathroom in bad weather for many reasons, including personality, size, age, and type of hair coat. Understanding which factor is affecting your dog will help you find a solution more easily. “For example, the terrain may not only look different, but smell and feel different,” Pasternak says. “It may be slippery, scratchy, coarse, and especially freezing cold on the pads of their feet.” Pasternak also points out that dogs who are trained to go only on grass may get confused when there is no grass to be seen. Some dogs, especially those with tiny paws or thin coats, can be very sensitive to cold weather, says certified professional dog trainer Brandi Barker, owner of Barker Behavior in Chicago, Illnois, and Columbus, Ohio. “When the temperature drops, it becomes stressful for them to be outside, causing them to do what trainers refer to as ‘shutdown,’ meaning they can’t move, they can’t do anything, even urinate or defecate,” Barker says.
Natural Ways to Calm a Nervous Dog
Dog Calming Treats To help calm your nervous dog, calming chews such as NaturVet® Quite Moments calming aid can be given during times of stress. These products are intended to be aids, not a solution. Dr. Basko explains that these products may help reduce anxiety but won’t eliminate a dog’s “triggers.” Dr. Basko goes on to say, “Different dogs will respond differently because each is ‘wired’ differently. It’s all about finding what works for your dog and being cautious not to overdo it.”,If you have a nervous dog, you may not always have to resort to pet behavior meds or dog supplements with artificial ingredients to keep him calm. Sometimes, an all-natural treatment can do the trick. But before you can figure out how to calm a nervous dog, you will first need to determine the cause of the nervousness.
