Winter Woes - Eternal Sunshine of the Busy Mind

Mason, here - It has been a while!  I was trying to hibernate through the fall and winter, but these pesky humans who work at the hospital won't let me sleep; they are continually making noise and looking at other cats and dogs (and let me tell you, I'm not very keen on sharing my space).  So, since it's now the New Year and my beauty sleep is on forced hiatus, I figured I would share more of my knowledge with you!

Let's talk about winter, or more specifically, being shut indoors all winter.  It can be very, VERY boring to stay inside all the time with nothing new to do (which is why I was trying to hibernate).  But there are ways you can keep you indoor-bound companions in tip-top shape and their minds sharp as a tack.  I learned long ago that mental exercise can be satisfying to bored, bounce-off-the-wall pups and cats.  Most breeds of dogs were developed to work (like Corgis, Sheepdogs, German Shepherds, and Terriers to name a few), and many dogs today are not expected to fulfill that inherent trait. Giving dogs a job to do is good for them, and they like it! (much unlike cats such as I, who prefer to sleep a lot and keep to themselves).

There are many tricks that you can teach your dog to help them work for their treats, and it also reinforces discipline and good behavior.  I know someone who taught their dog to balance a biscuit on his nose, then flip it into the air and catch it on command. Now that's a heck of a parlor trick!  He also knows to bark on request, shake hands and even find his plush toys and put them away.  Try starting with a simple game and build on it.  If your dog likes to retrieve, begin with simple in-sight fetching and then slowly make things harder.  Add a "stay."  Then "hide" the toy in an easy-to-find spot, making the game a little trickier as your pet learns you want him to "find," instead of merely "fetch."

Every trick, whether useful or just plain fun, was born on a gloomy winter afternoon.  You can also use search games, where you can hide a toy and ask your dog to find it.  For even more mental stimulation, see if your dog can find the right object by name - Kong, frog, football, and so on.  Such games are to dogs what the daily crossword puzzle or the latest computer game is to us.  Dogs have to think, they have to learn, and when they get it right, their sense of accomplishment and joy is palpable and contagious.  And as fun as these games are, with plenty of praise for a job done right, they also reinforce a dog's place in the pack structure we humans call "family."

If bored and lonely, many animals will develop any number of bad habits. They dig holes in the yard or carpeting, bark or cry endlessly day and night, and become chewers of  furniture, shoes, or pillows.  And sometimes, without the socialization all pets need, they become aggressive and moody, ready to bite or snarl at anyone who comes into their territory.  So it's important to keep up with your pet's personal growth and socialization in winter time!  Just don't let them sit around doing nothing.  You'll all enjoy a bitter winter day better if you find your dogs something useful to do! 

 Now, this isn't just a matter for the dogs in your life - birds need exercise, too!  From the smallest budgie to the largest macaw, parrots are highly intelligent, active birds who need to stay mentally and physically active to stay healthy.  Anything a parrot can dig into, from a toy to a challenging food that requires effort to eat, is good.  One toy in particular is good for burning the calories consumed by a sedentary bird: the coiled-rope perch.  This springy invention requires effort to stay on, and some birds become so enamored of it that they'll spend hours bouncing up and down.  Human interaction is a huge part of animals companions' well being and growth, so take those birds out and let them stretch their wings, meet your visitors, watch some TV with you, or run little obstacle courses in the open!

Another thing to remember with birds is that many of the birds kept as pets are of species most comfortable in places that we would find intolerable: the steamy, hot rain forests of Central and South America.  The dry air of human homes - especially in winter - is thought to be a contributing factor to feather-picking, a frustrating syndrome that can drive birds to pluck themselves bald.  Many birds enjoy being dampened by water from a spray bottle or being offered the chance to take a bath in a shallow dish of clean water.  How often should birds get a bath? There are no firm guidelines, but daily would be fine with many of our feathery friends.

And, of course, when it comes to your feline friends, there's no better way to spend a day indoors than this:

No stimulation is "technically" necessary, though we do like a fun game of "Catch the Laser Dot" or playing with feathered devices and whatnot to keep ourselves looking svelt.

So, remember, while the winter is woeful with all its bitter cold and nasty weather, you can still enjoy the indoors with your pets and give them something fun to do to keep them healthy and social!  After all, your pal Mason here would never steer your wrong...right?

Til next meow,



MASON



Great Falls Animal Hospital

703-759-2330

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Brrr! It's cold outside!

Happy Mew Year everyone!! I realize it’s been awhile since my last blog and I apologize.  I decided I needed some time to de-stress (since being a cat is tough) and took a nice long vacation to the green exam room.  It was everything I thought it would be; mostly because it looks the same so I knew how it would be but it was amazing nonetheless.  Nothing terribly

exciting in my world, though I started to put treats towards my 401k.  I can’t even fathom my senior years without them and I refuse to go back to selling catnip on the side.

Mason all snuggled up for winter

Speaking of things I can’t fathom, what is the deal with this below freezing weather we’re having?  I personally need heat and do not appreciate that I am unable to look out the window because Mother Nature is bitter.  You and I both know that this weather can be quite hazardous and unforgiving regardless of how many legs (or lives) you have.  So what am I hinting at you ask?  One of my favorite places to go for more information about my health, www.veterinarypartner.com, has an article appropriately titled, “Winterize Your Pet”.  I think a lot of humans assume that because we have an excess of hair that it gives us superpowers that prevent frostbite or hypothermia.  They assume incorrectly; I know for a fact that cats that were given the superpowers that are geared more toward intelligence operations, not temperature control.

While keeping your pet indoors during the cold winter months is ultimately the safest way to keep your pet happy and healthy; I understand there are a few out there who do love the great outdoors.  Here are some tips from Veterinary Partner to “winterize your pet.”

1. “You must provide adequate outdoor shelter. Animals must be able to get out of the elements.”  Bottom line, if you aren’t able to provide the proper protection from all kinds of weather then your pet shouldn’t be outside.

“A pet must have a well-insulated structure just large enough so that he can curl up  Inside to maintain body heat.  The structure should also have a wind-block to protect it  from wintry blasts. In the coldest parts of the country, it should also have some sort of outdoor-rated pet heating pad or other device.   And be sure that there's always a supply of fresh, unfrozen water by using a heated bowl.”

2. “Animals who spend any significant amount of time outside will need more calories during cold weather.  Food is fuel, and they'll need to burn it to stay warm.”  It should go without saying that you need to provide the right amount of food for your pet daily.  Every pet is different, just as every diet is different in its own way.  Although the instructions on the food bag may serve as a guideline; it can be hard to trust since some companies out there want you to feed more so that you buy more.  My advice is to speak with your veterinarian to discuss your pet’s individual dietary needs.

3. “Remember to thump on your car's hood on cold mornings.  You neighbor's cat may be nestled against the engine for warmth, and thumping your car's hood will get the animal to skedaddle to safety.”  It may sound ridiculous but it could ultimately save a cat’s life (and your conscience!)

Winter doesn’t necessarily only affect pets that go outdoors.  It can be uncomfortable for indoor pets as well.  Pets with any kind of joint pain, arthritis, history of sprains or fractures or of course pets who may not be as blessed as others when it comes to fur coverage may find winter to be very uncomfortable.  Thinking about your pet’s individual needs during the winter (any season really) is the way to go.  If you think your pet may be suffering from joint pain or other ailments that may make them uncomfortable, please speak with your veterinarian to determine what you need to do to ensure comfort.  (Keeping them at a healthy weight is also key to helping with joint issues!) Spoil them a little and maybe get them a heated bed for underneath a blanket.  They’ll thank you!! 

Last but not least, don’t be afraid to fit your pet with a coat or sweater if needed.  according to www.veterinarypartner.com, “Some animals really can use the extra insulation of a well-fitted sweater: older pets, and dogs who are tiny (such as Chihuahuas), or who are shorthaired and naturally lean (such as greyhounds or whippets).  Overcoats can save you time drying your dog if you walk in inclement weather, especially if your pet's longhaired.  And don't forget to wipe your pets' feet, legs and belly after they've been outside to keep the animal from ingesting any de-icing solutions.“  Hear that last part folks?  Keep all the pitty-pats safe outside and provide protection for paws that are exposed to de-icing products!  Most pet stores should carry booties/shoes made for pets and you can also find a large assortment online. Still have questions or concerns?  Give us a ring!  That’s what we’re here for!

For more information, visit www.veterinarypartner.com. In the meantime,

STAY WARM!! :D





  

Mews & Warm Snuggles,

Mason

[Although I am highly intelligent, I must give credit where credit is due. The information I am sharing with you can be found at  http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=2837

]