Saturday, November 30, 2013

Socializing Multiple Pets In Your Home

Hi Friends!

In 1992, I rescued a beautiful Yellow-Nape Amazon Parrot named Dudley.  For many years after first welcoming Dudley into my home, I thought how nice it would be for Dudley to have a companion.  Much to my delight, while living in Southern California, I was able to add a sweet, loving Umbrella Cockatoo into the Flotron Feathered Family.  I anticipating for a match made in heaven and that Dudley and Sing-Sing would quickly become best of friends.  Fast forward to present day, I am more realistic and happy knowing that Dudley and sing-Sing merely tolerate one another.  Perhaps there is an occasional sign of mutual respect and appreciation.

Resulting from my experience with introducing a new pet, I decided to conduct research into how to create positive relationships among pets.  My experience along with my research findings make it clear.  Just as there may exist issues between human siblings, difficulties in relationships can easily occur in animals as well.

Like siblings, sometimes pets in the same family don’t get along. But this shouldn’t discourage you from opening your home to various pets. There are many ways to mesh different breeds and species.  It’s really about having ground rules and being consistent with them.  Pets need to know that you’re the one who makes the decisions. They don’t have to be best friends, but they need to learn to coexist peacefully.

To help keep your pets — and you — happy, take a look at these common challenges associated with housing multiple pets. The solutions should help fuse both canine and feline kinfolk.

Challenge: Adding a pet to the family

Solution: When you bring home a new pet, dogs and cats usually go through three levels of acceptance.  First, the original pet will be hostile toward the new pet. Then, in the second level, the original pet will be tolerant, changing to an ‘I won’t kill you, but don’t get in my way’ attitude.  And the third level is, hopefully, bonding. Some pets go through this in an hour; some never get all the way through the process.

To help smooth this progression, start by making a proper introduction. Let your pets look at and sniff each other, but don’t allow them to have physical contact. For example, keep the new pet in a crate while the other household pets get used to the unfamiliar smell. When not crated, keep the new pet in a closed-off room, such as a utility room. Allow supervised interaction only after you think the behavior on all sides seems calm and friendly. Keep favorite toys out of the area to avoid spats, and make sure pets have access to a safe retreat, such as a pet bed or open crate.

Depending on how your pets react, you might need to monitor short meetings for some time before giving the pet full access to the house. Also, consult your veterinarian about introduction tips specific for your pets and family.

Challenge: Different dietary needs

Solution: Pets need to stay out of each other's food bowls for various reasons. First and foremost, pets of varying ages and breeds often require different nutrition.  If your dog gets into the cat food or vice versa, serious health problems could result. Sometimes veterinarians prescribe special food for certain pets. For example, pets with chronic systemic diseases might require special diets, as would overweight pets.

The key to ensuring dogs and cats eat only the food intended for them is to feed all your pets at the same time in separate areas.  Feed one in the kitchen, one in the laundry room, et cetera, and then put away the remaining food.  Given the feline propensity for high places, another solution is to place the cat’s food on a counter or other lofty location out of your dog’s reach.

Challenge: Disparate veterinary care

Solution: You may find your senior dog has you at the veterinarian for various ailments and checkups several times a year, but you can’t remember the last time you took your cat to the doctor. Even though making multiple trips to the veterinarian can be time consuming, every cat and dog should visit at least once a year. Many problems go undetected.  Seeing pets for an annual exam allows veterinarians to find these problems early and keep pets healthy.

One way to ensure all your pets get this vital preventive care is to schedule all their wellness appointments in the same month.  This way you’re reminded that every pet needs to see the veterinarian in April, for example.
Another idea is to ask your veterinary practice about the possibility of scheduling appointments for multiple pets at the same time. Your veterinarian might limit the number of pets seen during a single visit. Keep in mind that the purpose of wellness appointments is to provide you with a chance to discuss changes to your pets’ health and for your veterinarian to conduct a thorough examination. This can be difficult if you’re juggling more than one pet, so opt for this strategy only if it seems realistic for you.

Challenge: Cats and dogs that bicker

Solution: While your cat and dog may never snuggle together, you can ensure they don’t hurt each other.  Cats usually know enough to stay away, but we have to work on training the dog to stay away from the cat, especially the hunting breeds, like Terriers or Retrievers.  I recommend starting the learning process by doing what I call training an incompatible behavior.  Here’s an explanation: Teach the dog what ‘go lie down’ means. If the dog gets up to chase the cat, tell the dog to ‘go lie down.’  If he lies down, he won’t be able to give chase, and maybe he’ll get a treat.

Even pets of the same species tangle over toys, food and your attention. If these scuffles are happening, try adding more toys to the mix so pets don’t have to share.  Also try coaxing each pet into its own space. To separate cats, place each cat’s food, litterbox, scratching post and bed in a different area of the house. Give dogs quiet spaces of their own, such as a bed or crate where they can escape from the other household animals. You may need to completely separate dogs at meal times to avoid conflict.  Consistent training and enforcement of the house rules will keep you in charge of the pack.

Challenge: One pet dominates your attention

Solution: Whether because of its personality or needs, you may find yourself doting on one pet. For example, a new puppy may absorb your time with veterinary visits, obedience class and potty training.  Or your cat might not interact with you as much as your dog.  Cats aren’t gushy with their affection the way dogs are.  But they still want and need affection.

Remember that all your pets require daily exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy, healthy and well behaved. Some pets even develop undesirable behaviors if they feel bored or lonely. Spread your love around — and keep your pets out of trouble — by taking all your dogs for a walk every day and spending quality time with each cat.  Soon your harmonious household will be the envy of families everywhere.

If you are considering adding new pets to your household, please contact me so that I may be able to assist in the socialization process.

Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving and Happy Holidays!

Warmly,

Paul

Paul F. Flotron
Creature Comforts Great & Small, LLC
"Giving your creatures the comfort they deserve"
www.CreatureComfortsGreatnSmall.com
314-200-8561
Cell:  314-775-7107

Saturday, November 23, 2013

Thankful For You - Thankful For Dudley & Sing-Sing - Happy Thanksgiving!

“What Are You Thankful For?  - Gratitude Is My Attitude Because of What I Learned From Dudley & Sing-Sing”

Hi Friends & Family!

This is the time of year that I usually like to speak to the virtues of gratitude and recognition of the things that mean most to us in life.  Some families have a Thanksgiving tradition of going around the table and each person sharing what they are thankful for.  I was wondering what would happen if the family pet was included in that

family custom; if for just a moment we could talk and listen to our animal family members.  What would they be thankful for?  Since my parrots Dudley and Sing-Sing do talk, they have shared with me laughter and uttered the word "fun" while playing with their many toys surrounding their cages and parrot play gyms.  But, I wonder what else?  I am curious about the areas the many animal friends I care for are thankful for -- your beloved animal companions.
People of course feel thankful for valuable life commodities like health, family, a home and successful careers.  But our pets I suspect have a different take on things.  Just the other day I saw Sing-Sing dancing on her manzanita perch stand and parrot play gym.  She was singing to her heart's content and I could virtually see her smiling.  I couldn’t resist the temptation to go over and pet Sing-Sing.  She was so full of joy and looked so satisfied.  For her, at that moment, everything was right in the world.  I thought how much I would like to have half as much joie de vivre as Sing-Sing in that moment of singing and dancing.  Why was I unable to share in such enthusiasm demonstrated by Sing-Sing as she acted upon the immortal words of Ray Charles "Shake Your Tail Feather?"  .

Later the same day I walked into the room and heard my 33 year-old Yellow-Nape Amazon parrot  “Dudley” whistling and expressing himself in the manner of a town crier so that the world could hear.  As I approached and opened his cage he happily climbed onto my finger and seemed ever so content with just being there.   Just having a few minutes of my undivided attention seemed to make Dudley's day.  Especially making Dudley's day was when I pulled out some of his favorite toys such as a rope toy, a sheet and Dudley began to laugh as he was swinging from these great sources of pleasure.

As I was caring for the many furry best friends of mine, we enjoyed God's amazing creation as we walked, jogged and ran throughout the colorful trees in beautiful parks in the area.  Being fortunate to observe dogs running around the many nature trails of Laumeier, Babler, Creve Coeur, and Tilles while frolicking in the leaves gives me so much joy.
There’s no doubt that if animals could weigh in on the question of “what are you thankful for?” I suspect they would stick to the simple things in life like the warmth of the sun or the satisfied feeling of a full stomach. They would likely go on and on about the how special it is to just “be” with someone who cares for you, and how the opportunity to be physically active is something you should never pass up.  I have told many people over the years that I truly believe that we can learn so much from animals.  Patience, respect, nonjudgmental and unconditional love and loyalty toward others are attributes any person would do well to acquire.   But thisThanksgiving season maybe we can learn one more lesson from our beloved pets. Maybe we can learn that no matter what hand we are dealt in life, no matter what trails and tribulations we face every day, no matter how many bad choices we’ve made, or how unlucky we’ve been in the past, we can always be thankful for those little things, that even if just for a
moment or two, seem to make the world right.  So the next time you see your pet taking utter joy in some simple, basic things in life, go over and join him.  It will do you both good.

This Thanksgiving, I thank God for You and I thank God for being surrounded by many loving animals.

A Very Happy Thanksgiving!

Warmly,

Paul

Paul F. Flotron
Creature Comforts Great & Small, LLC
"Giving your creatures the comfort they deserve"
www.CreatureComfortsGreatnSmall.com
314-200-8561
Cell:  314-775-7107

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Pet Dogs Are Part of The Family Yet Not Human - How Do You Treat Your Dog?

Hi Friends!

I am French and German.  At the risk of resorting to stereotypes, I believe that there are some moments I am more French (romantic, loving) and other times in which I am German (stoic, rigid and strong).  In my work with animals, I am so focused on the relationship through showing love and affection.  I also place importance on developing mutual respect with animals.

The biggest mistake dog owners can make with their dogs is to treat them like humans. The human race is such a kind, compassionate species that we tend to look at our canine companions as little humans, when in reality, they are canines and have a very different thought process. This is what differentiates mankind from other species in pack societies; there must be a specific order, from the leader on down to the last follower. Everyone has a place. The leaders are the strength of the pack, while the followers need the leader to guide them. Dogs have an instinct to constantly test the being above them and an instinct to know they will always be tested by the being below them. Instinct tells them that if there is not a strong being in charge, their life and the lives of the rest of their pack are at stake. This primal instinct keeps the pack secure and happy.


 
Dogs instinctively crave rules to follow, and limits as to what they are allowed to do. When dogs live with humans, the humans become the dog's pack. For the relationship to succeed, humans must become the dog's pack leader. The mistake is made when the humans in the pack only give the dog love, and overlook the other needs of the dog. To a dog, constant affection without rules and limits goes against every grain in its instinct. While dogs enjoy being given affection, it does not satisfy the animal and it is not what makes them well balanced, stable minded, secure and happy. Dogs love affection, however that alone does not make a dog happy, satisfying its instincts do. You need to provide proper emotional stability in order to achieve this, and showing you have an orderly pack with rules to follow is what the dog needs. Giving your dog affection is important for the human, and enjoyed by the dog, but must be done at the correct times.
A dog is an animal and does not possess the same reasoning skills as a human. Dogs do have emotions, but their emotions are different than those of humans. They are simple creatures with instincts, and their emotions lack complex thought process. They feel joy when they know you are pleased, they feel sad when someone dies. However, they do not premeditate or plan ahead, and do not dwell in the past or future. They live for whatever is happening at the moment.
Let’s say that you are upset over something that has happened in your life, for example, your girlfriend or boyfriend just broke up with you. Your dog will know you are upset, but it will not know why. Your dog is unable to reason out in its head that you have just been broken up with. Its interpretation of you will be that you have unstable energy and it will see you as weak.
Similarly, when a human shares its affection with a dog that is in any other state of mind but a calm, submissive one (for example, aggressive, obsessive, shy, skittish, fear or hyperactivity, etc.) and you give it a hug or pat it on the head and tell it all is OK, it is comforting to the human, but intensifies the dog’s current state of mind. You are telling the dog it is OK to feel that way. While a human feels they are comforting the dog, the dog sees it as a weakness, as you are not providing strong energy from which the dog can feed. If your dog has a traumatic experience and you show it affection during that time by trying to comfort it, rather than letting it work through the situation in its own mind and being a strong leader it can feed from, you leave it stuck in that state of mind. Later when your dog faces this traumatic situation again, when you comfort the dog, this intensifies the situation even more. You are creating the problem. Dogs do not see comfort and affection in the same way we humans see it. Dogs are always looking for a strong stable being to feed from.

On the same note: when a dog is constantly leaning on you, putting his paw on you, using his nose to make you pet him, and always feeling the need to be touching you in some way, this is not your dog loving you, it is your dog displaying dominant behaviors. In the dog world, space is respect. A dog that is constantly nudging you and leaning on you, is not only disrespecting you, it is being the alpha dog.

If a dog has an operation and you feel sorry for the dog—at a time in the dog's life when it needs a strong pack leader more than ever to feed from—you instead become weaker in the dog’s mind.

If you show weakness to your dog, the dog instinctively takes over the role of leader whether he wants to or not, because there must be a strong leader and an order in a dog's pack. If the dog does not feel he is strong enough to handle the role of leader it can be very stressful, and even terrifying, for the dog to have such a heavy weight on its shoulders, as it tries to look after all of the humans around it. Humans often give the dog mixed leadership signals, which throw the dog off balance, confusing his psyche, and causing many of the psychological/behavioral problems we see in dogs today. Mental tension and energy build up within the dog, which lead to many common canine behavior issues: eliminating in the house, obsessive behaviors, neurotic behaviors, chewing on themselves, being overly excited, barking excessively, whining, not following their owner’s commands, not coming when called, running off, getting into the trash, destroying things in the house, obsessively digging, chewing the furniture, tail-chasing, scratching, aggression toward other dogs, animals, or humans, snapping, biting, growling, and becoming just plain old uncontrollable (just to name a few). Whatever the problem is, it is more likely than not, traceable back to the way you treat your dog. In some cases it may appear the dog is just nuts, or psycho, and there is nothing one can do about it.
This is also the number one cause of separation anxiety. In a pack, the leader is allowed to leave; however, the followers never leave the leader. If your dog is instinctively seeing you as its follower and you leave it, the dog can be so mentally anguished that it will often take its frustration out on your house or itself.

I would appreciate assisting you with establishing greater respect and you as "leader of the pack, please contact me at anytime.

Thanks so much!

Paul

Paul F. Flotron
Creature Comforts Great & Small, LLC
"Giving your creatures the comfort they deserve"
www.CreatureComfortsGreatnSmall.com
314-200-8561
Cell:  314-775-7107

Sunday, November 17, 2013

Holiday Giving Pets - Happy Holidays!

Hi Friends!

My two favorite seasons being Fall and Spring.  Fall offers an array of beautiful colors and relief from the sweltering heat.  Spring offers a rebirth of flora and fauna after a long dormant Winter.  I must confess that the older I become the more I find myself complaining about the weather.  November is a month clearly revealing to us that the  frigid cold Winter season is lurking right around the corner.

Every minute we are able to take a breath is a moment to give thanks.  November is a month set aside as a reminder to appreciate the many blessings we are given.  As I am a sentimental man, I treat my relationships as sacred and consider far more important than anything else.  For example, I view Dudley, my Yellow-Nape Amazon Parrot as a gift from above.  I welcomed Dudley into my home on November 3, 1992.  It was a day I will never forget.  Not just because it happened to be our National Election Day.  That particular day was all about Dudley and that day was Thanksgiving Day as far as I am concerned.

This year, Nov. 28 is Thanksgiving and the first full day of the eight-day Jewish festival of lights, which begins at sundown the previous night.
For many Jewish Americans, this is no trivial convergence, but a once-in-an-eternity opportunity to simultaneously celebrate two favorite holidays, one quintessentially American, the other quintessentially Jewish.

Regardless of your faith or religion, Christian, Jewish or other, families throughout the country are preparing for a special time of year.  For me, it is reflecting on a childhood always anxiously anticipating opening up gifts, the beautifully decorated Christmas tree and most importantly being with family.

In my family we celebrated baby Jesus in a manger.  For now, I want to set everything aside to share with you the gifting of animals during Christmas and the Holiday Season.  Without question, there are not a lot of things cuter than a baby puppy or kitten, except for maybe a tiny furball leaping after wrapping paper on Christmas morning as the children squeal and clap with delight at their new living present. That’s right -- a puppy for Christmas!

Last year, a good friend of mine gave her teenage son a sweet little pug puppy for Christmas.  The photos on Instagram and Facebook were completely precious, and it’s obvious the entire family is in love with this ridiculously adorable little girl. 

But isn’t gifting animals for holidays a bad idea? How many abandoned chicks and bunnies at Easter, black cats at Halloween, and puppies at Christmas do we have to hear about before people will stop doing this?
Before we jump all over someone’s case for buying their kid a pet for Christmas -- let’s remember that every situation is unique, and sometimes a puppy as a present is a great idea. It all comes down to the motivation.

It is never ok to buy a pet on a whim.  Ok, maybe a beta fish. But that’s it! Then you find yourself walking by the pet store in the mall while you’re Christmas shopping, the sweetest set of brown eyes accompanied with the most adorable little pink tongue catches your eye. It looks so cooped up there in that pet shop kennel … couldn’t we just take him home? We’d be rescuing him, and the kids will love him, and it’s Christmas! Try to remember that by buying from a pet store, you’re probably helping to fund cruel puppy mills. Then keep walking.
Unless you’ve worked it out in advance with the parents after careful consideration and planning, never ever buy a pet as a gift for another family. Beta fish included. And even then, this scenario might only be appropriate if you’re a relative or very close family friend that a) breeds dogs responsibly yourself, and you’re gifting one of the litter, or b) have bonded with the children over your own dog, and now with mom and dad’s permission, are presenting them with their very own snuggle puppy. Otherwise -- just no.

The only time puppies or other pets make wonderful, perfect Christmas gifts is when you’ve already made the big decision to adopt a pet, and Christmas provides the opportunity to make it a ‘present.’ That’s what happened in my friends’ case. They had a pug they loved that died of old age last year after a long, happy life. The decision to add to the family again was made carefully, and it just happens that they decided to wait until Christmas to make it happen.

That’s responsible pet parenting.

Have you ever given or been given a live gift?

Please feel free to share your experiences.  I always welcome your input and feedback is always appreciated.

Wishing you and your families a blessed Thanksgiving and Holiday Season!

Warmly,

Paul

Paul F. Flotron
Creature Comforts Great & Small, LLC
"Giving your creatures the comfort they deserve"
www.CreatureComfortsGreatnSmall.com
314-200-8561
Cell:  314-775-7107


Thursday, November 14, 2013

SEEKING A PET CARE ASSOCIATE - PET CARE PROFESSIONALS

SEEKING PET CARE PROFESSIONALS

In my pet care business Creature Comforts Great & Small, I am becoming involved in a variety of niche areas.  For instance, ensuring that a family's animal companions receive the best of TLC and eliminate any possibility of anxiety, I am providing pet care for those animal lovers relocating. Also, I have existing clients and new clients with second homes and condos outside of St. Louis. Clients wanting to take their beloved pets with them while they enjoy an extended stay in warmer pastures. I have one client I just met with who wants to take her 2 cats to stay at her condo in Florida for a couple of months. I will be providing pet care to her cats while helping her drive and/or fly (airline restrictions for 1 cat per passenger). To consistently guarantee superior quality pet care services to my clients are maintained during my absence, I am seeking trustworthy, reliable and experienced pet care professionals. If you or anyone you know are interested in earning a supplemental income while doing what you love (loving on animals), please contact me at 314-200-8561. I am passionate about this business -- I am passionate about animals -- and would love to talk to you about our shared love for animals -- and how that translates into providing the BEST TLC for family pets. Thank you!

With kind regards,

Paul

Paul F. Flotron
Creature Comforts Great & Small, LLC
"Giving your creatures the comfort they deserve"
www.CreatureComfortsGreatnSmall.com

314-200-8561


Wednesday, November 13, 2013

How To Handle Dog Aggression Behavior In Dogs


Hi Friends!

I am increasingly becoming more involved with my clients to assist in socializing and correcting negative behaviors. Over the past few years, I am helping more clients having dogs with fear aggression issues. Because I am so passionate about ensuring that animals are able to enjoy the most fulfilling lives possible, I am providing tips and information I hope you will find to be beneficial. I am encountering more dogs with fear aggression issues. As a result, I would like to be able to create awareness and inform so that you will be able to correct and manage any possible fear aggression behavior that may arise.

A fearful dog may appear generally insecure and give off signals like cowering, shaking, or averting is eyes. Owners may describe their dog as “skittish,” “nervous,” or “snapping at people.” Not all fearful dogs are aggressive. There are different thresholds for when a dog will become aggressive towards different stimuli. For some fearful dogs, avoidance and ‘shutting down’ is their response when afraid. Others may become defensive: growling, snarling, lunging, or biting. Fear-aggressive dogs may appear worse when they are confined, such as in a crate, in their home, or on a leash. When a dog is confined by a leash, his option to flee is limited, so he may become defensive out of fear- towards other dogs or towards people. To work with a fearful animal, a trainer must be very skilled at reading the dogs body language and signals. Causes of fear aggression can include genetics (one or both parents may have been fearful dogs), experiences in early puppyhood, and lack of socialization and training. If you have a fearful dog, realize that it may be strongly genetic, as fear is a hardwired response in animals.

TREATMENT FOR FEAR AGGRESSION: A fearful dog does the best with a patient and confident trainer who can make them feel safe and give them guidance. We want to teach the dog to defer back to us for guidance in situations where he is unsure. As dog trainers, we don’t want to associate punishment with something the dog is already afraid of, example “I am already scared of dogs, and now every time a dog comes around I get punished.” We want to make a good association of “Every time a dog comes around, good things happen!” This is “counter-conditioning.” You play a big part in your dogs behavior and training. It is important to not reinforce your dogs fear through trying to comfort them when they are displaying aggression (growling, snapping, lunging), which can be taken as praise for that behavior. To counter-condition, praise and reward must come before the dog shows aggression, and the training plan should use a desensitizing technique along with counter-conditioning. First and foremost, you will need a strong and reliable foundation of obedience so you can have control, including sit, down, sit-stays and down-stays. Obedience gives your dog something else to focus on. Your dog should be getting about 30 minutes of exercise per day along with his obedience lessons. Anxiety medication may also be recommended through your veterinarian, such as fluoxetine (Prozac), amitriptyline, or clomipramine .Many times the dog is simply interpreting a human's behavior as threatening. Lack of socialization is one of the main culprits. It is key to expose your dog to as many animals and people as possible before it reaches fourteen weeks. Another factor is abuse: A dog that has been mistreated by humans will naturally be distrusting of them. Thankfully, there are a number of basic steps that you can take to alleviate this potentially dangerous situation

1. Break down the triggers for your dog's aggression. Socialize your dog if it acts aggressively toward strangers. Display alpha male behavior if it is aggressive toward members of your family. Quickly correct these tendencies by using leash restraint. Slowly introduce your dog to more people, both children and adults, preferably before 12 to 14 weeks of age. Be careful not to crowd your pet as this can trigger fear.

2. Manage your dog's environment. If the animal is nervous around children, keep your pet on a leash at all times until it is accustomed to them. Dogs can sense fear, and this makes them skittish. Avoid shouting and hitting your dog if it displays aggression. This will only increase your pet's fear and consequent aggression.

3. Use different, real-life situations, like allowing your dog to greet someone at the front door. Take it to bustling places that have the potential to trigger fear and aggressive behavior. Be sure to keep your pet on a leash at all times until the animal is desensitized to this environment. Erect a fence around your house to prevent the dog from roaming at will.

4. Keep obedience training lessons for your dog short and consistent. Give your pet a treat for a reward as well as positive verbal reinforcement when it obeys your commands. Isolate the animal when it misbehaves.

5. Contact a professional animal behaviorist as soon as possible if your dog continues to display aggressive behavior toward people. If you leave such behavior unchecked, one savage attack or bite can lead to untold problems.

Over the past year, I have been expanding my pet care business to include more training, socializing, enrichment, and exercise programs for my clients' dogs. I am committing myself to be a resource of information and to help equip others in providing the best of care for their pets. I am always here for you and will always go the extra mile to ensure that your animal companions are happy and healthy.

Please contact me anytime to schedule an initial consultation for socialization, enrichment, exercise and training.

Thank you for your friendship and support!

Warmly,

Paul

Paul F. Flotron
Creature Comforts Great & Small, LLC
"Giving your creatures the comfort they deserve"
www.CreatureComfortsGreatnSmall.com
314-200-8561

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

I Know The Power of Prayer - I Know The Power of Pets

Hi Friends!

A widely known belief is that a writer must have a muse as a source for inspiration.  During the past 15-plus years I have been involved in pet therapy, I have so many muses and remarkable people inspiring me to put pen in hand for sharing their stories of how pets have made a difference in brightening the world in which they live.  It is through being moved by the many smiles produced on the beautiful faces I have seen, I began documenting the experiences and conducting research over the comfort and healing effects animals give.

Before I begin to share the stories of others, I would like to share my own personal experiences.  You see, I am convinced that I would be crushed, damaged and scarred beyond repair had I not had Dudley and Sing-Sing in my life
.  At the risk of sounding trite, the rain and clouds quickly disappear while every day seems sunny because of my birds Dudley and Sing-Sing.  I have more pep in my step and much greater vitality, joy and hope.

And now, this leads me to telling a few tales of just a few of the many people I know having been touched by their pets.  When Barbara D. is so down she can’t get out of bed, her 14-year-old Himalayan cat, Elmo, literally gets in her face.

“He will walk up, in a very pushy way you can’t ignore,” says Barbara, 54. “He’ll stick his face right into my face like, ‘Here I am—don’t forget about me. I need you.’ It pulls me out of my depressed thinking.”

What’s most amazing about Elmo’s behavior is that the feline is usually aloof. He only gets physical when his owner becomes immobilized by the depression she has experienced for more than 30 years.

Barbara also shares her apartment with Phoebe, a joyful Yorkshire terrier. The little dog jumps on her lap to be petted, then licks her face, hands and arms. Since bringing Phoebe home two years ago, Barbara has reduced her psychotherapy appointments from weekly to monthly. She credits “the emotional support—the love and affection” Phoebe gives her.

“It cuts down on some of the loneliness,” Barbara explains.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the company of a pet can help people who are living with depression. Maybe it’s because cats, dogs and other companion creatures offer unlimited affection and nonjudgmental companionship. They lift our spirits and lower our stress. They counteract symptoms such as isolation, rumination and lethargy.

“All people report feeling less lonely in the presence of animals,” says Alan Beck, director of the Center for the Human-Animal Bond at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana.  “Animals are good for everyone, but particularly for anxious and depressed people.”

For one thing, pets keep us anchored in the present and distract us from negative or anxious thoughts, says Beck.

“If you can focus on the present in positive ways, it makes you less anxious,” he says. “Much anxiety and depression comes from the thoughts of past or future that you are worried about.”

For another thing, caring for another creature bolsters self-esteem and provides purpose and a sense of being needed. Bonnie R., 36, has recurring anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. No matter how bad she may be feeling, she pulls through for her little cockatiel, Patches, who has chronic liver disease.

“Even if I don’t feel well, I have to get up to feed him and give him his meds twice a day,” she reports.

In fact, “building self-empowerment” is one of four ways pets assist in recovery from serious mental illness, according to a 2009 study published in the American Journal of Orthopsychiatry.

Jennifer P. Wisdom, PhD, an associate professor of clinical psychology at Columbia University Medical Center and a research scientist at the New York State Psychiatric Institute, and her colleagues surveyed 177 individuals with mental illness to determine what factors affect the recovery process.  For pet owners, the researchers concluded, companion animals not only boost self-esteem, but also provide empathy, initiate social encounters and serve as substitute or additional family members.

Scientists are still trying to figure out why animals affect us so powerfully. It may be that communing with a pet exercises our emotional muscles, so to speak.

“Our relationship with animals brings intrinsic rewards, separate from those we have with people,” says Leslie Irvine, PhD, associate professor of sociology at the University of Colorado at Boulder and author of If You Tame Me: Understanding Our Connection With Animals (Temple University Press, 2004). “They stretch our emotional capacities. We can’t tell animals we love them, so we have to communicate through touch, eye contact, and other nonverbal [means].”

Many pet owners speak of the unconditional love their pets shower so generously upon them—the cat purring by your computer, the dog that enthusiastically bounds to meet you at the door even if you’re returning from a five-minute errand.

“They are not going to say your hair isn’t pretty enough, or your clothes aren’t nice enough,” notes Barbara D..

For people who tend to self-isolate, have social anxiety, or are simply shy, having a pooch along can be an ice breaker. In a 2000 study conducted by researchers at the University of Warwick in Coventry, England, 65 strangers stopped to speak with a man or woman out walking a dog, while only three people stopped to talk to that same person walking alone.

“If you are out walking your dog, you are considered more approachable,” explains Irvine, who lives with two cats and a dog.

She sees a similar effect even through images decorating her clothes: “Whenever I wear cat socks or T-shirts or earrings, it always starts up conversations.” 

Barbara says she now knows many of her neighbors thanks to Phoebe the flirt—including some who assumed she’d just moved in.

“When Phoebe meets a neighbor, her little tail starts wagging. She starts acting like they are her favorite person in the world,” Barbara explains. “If it weren’t for her, I wouldn’t know anyone in the building.”


Having to walk the dog also guarantees that you’ll get out for daily exercise, no matter what your mood. Studies show that dog owners do walk more frequently. The benefits of regular exercise are well-documented, including cardiovascular fitness, mental alertness, weight control and improved sleep quality. And walking at a brisk pace will release endorphins, which can leave you feeling happier and more relaxed, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Apart from the exercise factor, there is growing evidence that people who live with animals have lower blood pressure and heart rates and decreased levels of cortisol—known as the “stress hormone.” 

“Just petting a dog, or even looking at fish, gives you a relaxation response,” explains Alan Beck.

Bonnie R. says Patches, her cockatiel, somehow knows when she’s upset and will fly across the room, sit alongside her and begin chirping.

“He’ll cock his head down so I can rub his head,” Bonnie says, “which calms both of us.”

Stroking and touching an animal has “a calming effect,” agrees Irvine, adding, “We don’t know exactly how this works.”

Cheryl Krause-Parello’s research supports the theory that being around animals combats stress and reduces anxiety by lowering our cortisol.

“When you’re anxious, your cortisol level kicks in,” explains Krause-Parello, RN, an associate professor and director of the Center for Nursing Research at Kean University in Union, New Jersey—and the owner of two dachshunds.

In one recent study, she compared pet owners with individuals who did not own pets. Each group spent 20 minutes with Autumn, a trained therapy dog. The pet owners had lower levels of cortisol overall, but members of the other group experienced a significant drop in cortisol levels after their visit with Autumn.


Joseph Lancia, an assistant professor of psychiatry at the University of Rochester Medical Center, has his own theory for why being around animals helps us feel better. When we bond with another creature, he says, “it connects us to nature in a deeper sense, which so many people find healing. The more we move away from nature, the more we feel distressed.”

Lancia raises Arabian horses and practices equine-assisted therapy at his farm in Hilton, New York. There’s no riding involved; instead, Lancia assigns patients an exercise, such as getting a horse to jump over an obstacle or stand still on a tarp, then observes the interaction to gain insights that will be useful in his therapy sessions.

“Is the person focusing on the task, or on how the horse is feeling, or is there some balance between the two?” he says. “Just stepping into a pasture with a 1,200-pound animal is a metaphor for overcoming the fears in your life.”

The literature on animal-assisted therapy dates back to 1962, with researchers concluding that having a dog, cat, rabbit or horse present during counseling helps engage the client, reduce anxiety and create a sense of safety that is vital to the emotional work of therapy. The practice has gained wide acceptance; for example, the counseling center at Utah State University has been using dogs in individual and group therapy sessions since 1997.

Maggie, a mixed-breed dog owned by Jason E. Mihalko, PhD, seems to make the Boston psychologist’s clients feel welcome, safe and understood. 

“She goes out and wags her tail,” he says. “Then, she’ll poke them in the back of the knee with her cold nose and herd them into the office. It’s a nice way to say hello to someone.”

During therapy sessions, Maggie provides comic relief by licking clients, bringing them toys or stealing choice items from a purse.

“I had someone tell me, ‘I picked you because I wanted to have a dog to pet when I’m scared.’ Sometimes I wonder if people come to see me or Maggie,” he jokes.

More importantly, the dog somehow detects when a client is becoming upset—before either human realizes it.

“When clients are having difficulty speaking about a traumatic experience or emotion, Maggie will come over, place her paws on the person’s shoulder and nuzzle them,” says Mihalko. The psychologist has learned to take that as his cue to ask, “Are you feeling sad about something and don’t know how to say it?”

“Without fail, clients have started to cry and disclose something important,” says Mihalko. “Maggie has the ability to be connected in ways I don’t understand.”


Numerous small-scale studies suggest that even brief visits with a pet improve psychological well-being for residents of nursing homes, hospitals and jails.

The residents at Levindale Hebrew Geriatric Center and Hospital in Baltimore include fish, cats and birds. Several dogs drop by during the week to spend time with the human residents—including a soulful-eyed dachshund named Brutus. “If we have a patient who is very anxious and won’t cooperate with therapy, we take Brutus as an incentive,” says his owner, Beverly Carbonilla, a registered nurse. “When someone is upset, he can sit on their lap and their blood pressure comes down.”

Michael K. of Toronto sometimes brings his lovebird, Baby, along to his part-time job providing peer support at a residence for people with mental health issues.

"Baby is great at breaking the ice," says Michael, who has major depression, generalized anxiety disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. "They all come out to hold and pet her."

On his own account, having Baby means he no longer comes home to an empty apartment.

“I [used to] feel very isolated—in my own little world. She makes me feel less alone,” says Michael, adding that his depression has eased since Baby moved in a few months ago. “As soon as I come home, she gets excited, moving from side to side. She flies to my finger or shoulder.”

The little bird sits on Michael’s shoulder when he watches his favorite TV programs. When he's at the computer, she's there pecking at the keys. And she makes him laugh by hanging upside down on her perch or sitting on his big toe as he lies in bed.

“She’ll dive inside my shirt sometimes,” he says. “I think she thinks she’s a person.”

Borrow the benefits

If owning a pet just isn’t your thing, or if severe depression makes it difficult for you to care for another creature, there are other ways to reap the mental-health benefits of being around animals. Alan Beck, director of the Center for the Human-Animal Bond at Purdue University, has these suggestions:

Visit a zoo. Farms that open their barns to visitors and even petting zoos can also be an entrée into the animal world.

Put up a birdfeeder in your backyard or outside your apartment window. You could also get out to a park to enjoy birds, chipmunks and other critters in their natural setting.

Set up a home aquarium. It may take a little work to get the pH levels balanced, but an established fish tank is fairly easy to maintain.

Volunteer at an animal shelter. This is a win-win-win. The shelter gets extra hands to groom, play with or clean up after their charges; you get the feel-good effects of being around animals, and the abandoned pets benefit from your attention.

My hope and prayer is for everyone to be able to reap the many benefits of having a bond and close relationship with animal companions.

Thank you for your friendship and support.

Warmly,

Paul

Paul F. Flotron
Creature Comforts Great & Small, LLC
"Giving your creatures the comfort they deserve"
www.CreatureComfortsGreatnSmall.com
314-200-8561
Cell:  314-775-7107

Sunday, November 3, 2013

Creature Comforts Tips For Pet Care In Cold Weather

Hi Friends!

“A tired dog is a good dog.”  While you’ve probably heard the saying many times, there’s a lot of truth to that simple phrase.  Bored dogs will often try to entertain themselves—whether that means chewing your shoes, barking at what seem like imaginary sounds, digging up your flower garden, or chasing their own tails.

Playtime can solve many behavior problems and help you strengthen the bond with your dog at the same time. Walks—preferably twice a day for at least half an hour each—are a great way to help your dog burn some calories but playing together adds a whole additional layer of activity. Just as children learn and develop through play, our pets need the stimulation, both mental and physical, that play can provide to develop their full potential.

It's getting cold outside and suddenly a game of fetch seems less appealing than it did 4 months ago.  Ensuring that your dogs get enough exercise throughout the year is crucial to their health.

Every season is beautiful in its own special way. The burst of flowers in spring, memories of the beach during summer, the colors of fall, and now, as winter arrives, we await the snow dusted pine trees of a frosty morning. Our dogs love every season as well, racing through flowers, leaves or snow with equal vigor. But enough romanticizing the cold – it isn’t always easy to get started when the sun sets before you get out of work, walking down the street means dodging slush puddles and you’re layering on outerwear until your arms won’t reach your sides. Here are 7 active tips to keep your dog healthy this winter.

1. What you Need to Know

Your pup’s exercise requirements will differ by age, size, breed and diet, but most veterinarians will agree that a dog needs daily exercise, broken up into two or three sessions, totaling no less than 45 minutes a day. An exercise session can be anything from a brisk walk to a game of catch or a hard run but it should try to incorporate both physical and mental stimulation, as well as a bathroom break.

2. Put On Your Fur

Put yourself in your dog’s winter booties.  If you had a thick layer of fur, you wouldn’t mind spending an extra ten minutes rolling in the snow.  Always dress to be as warm as your pooch and keep moving along with them. In this way you will both be at a similar temperature and you will be more likely to want to go in at the same time.

*If you have a husky or other cold-weather dog, you better invest in a warmer coat!

3. The Right Apparel is Key

Choosing the right clothing and gear is important for both you and your dog.  Avoid slipping on ice with a good pair of winter boots, and get a matching pair of booties for your dog to help keep their paws safe and comfy.  Likewise, having some unique winter toys on hand can increase the fun factor. Imagine playing fetch with a heavy ball in the snow – one throw and it’s game over.  Choose a bright colored or glow-in-the-dark Frisbee that won’t sink into snow.

4. Make Your ‘Dog Chores’ Part of Your ‘Life Chores’

Exercise is as crucial for your health as it is for your dogs. Don’t come home from the gym dreading your evening dog walk. Instead develop a manageable winter workout to do with your dog. Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are great exercises you can share with your dog, but snowball fights and sledding are also healthy pursuits your dog and family will love to get together for.

5. Learn a New Sport

You have probably heard of dog sledding but have you ever heard of skijoring? Skijoring is a variation on dog-sledding where all your dog has to pull is you, on skis. Dog sledding can be a fun and humane sport if you know what you’re doing but skijoring requires much less equipment and a lighter load which means it can be more suitable for someone who is running only one or two dogs. As with all dog-pulling activities you have to have the right leash to avoid straining your pooch. Get a sense of how much weight your dog is comfortable pulling and let them dictate the pace of the activity.
Or what about snowshoeing with your dog.  This snow-hiking experience is a favorite of many hikers for the beautiful landscapes you get to enjoy. Why not bring your dog along to enjoy it with you? Since there aren't any snowshoes made for dogs, it's important to consider whether the snow is packed enough for your dog to walk on, or be prepared to "pave" the way for your dog by stomping down on the snow!

6. Diet for a Darker Day

New studies in canine medicine suggest dogs are as susceptible to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) as humans. The best way to fight winter blues is with lots of exercise and a healthy diet, rich in vitamins, particularly vitamin D. If your dog doesn’t feel like going out even when you snap on the leash and start shaking the treats bag it may mean they are suffering from SAD and they could benefit from a multi-vitamin and the use of a sun lamp for a few mid-day hours.

7. Bring the Play Inside

If all else fails and you must stay in, don’t let that be an excuse not to show your dog love and attention with active indoor games.   Race up and down the stairs, try some tug of war, or practice some Dog Yoga. There are so many great ways to interact with your dog.

The cold days will come but, for your dog’s health and yours, try to stay active and keep having fun.

May Every Day Be Filled With Creature Comforts!

Warmly,

Paul

Paul F. Flotron
Creature Comforts Great & Small, LLC
"Giving your creatures the comfort they deserve"
www.CreatureComfortsGreatnSmall.com
314-200-8561
Cell:  314-775-7107

Friday, November 1, 2013

Health Warning Signs In Dogs - When To Take Your Dog To The Vet

Hi Friends!

Throughout my entire life I have loved and cared for animals.  During the past 21 years, my animal companions have been of the feathered persuasion.  For all these years, my birds, Dudley and Sing-Sing have been healthy and happy.  As we all know, dogs or cats have been fully domesticated for thousands of years.  Conversely, parrots have not been domesticated and remain wild.  So, they are not exactly tailored to human desires and can be more difficult to keep than dogs and cats.  Many pet birds are more challenging because wild animals disguise or mask early signs of disease so that they will not be eaten.

Ensuring that Dudley and Sing-Sing are healthy requires me to be knowledgeable and perceptive.  Having success with maintaining the health of my birds allows me to be even better equipped to make my clients aware of any potential issues with their pets.  As to Dudley and Sing-Sing, I'm always looking out for any changes in their behavior and personalities.  Keeping in mind any warning signs of potential health issues, I consider whether there is weight loss, change in the color or consistency of their droppings, discharges from eyes, ruffled feathers, lack of appetite, lethargy, etc.

Some of you have expressed concerns about when to take a dog to the vet.  What are the signs to be on the look out for and how to determine that there may be a potential health issue in the first place.

There are quite a few instances when you should call your vet. He may tell you to monitor the situation for a few days, give you an appointment or refer you to an emergency clinic.
Always call your vet should you think or know a car has hit your pet. Even if you do not think the wheels touched him, get him in! If your vet is not open, find the closest emergency vet clinic.

Always call your vet should you suspect your dog has eaten a toxin. Things like antifreeze can kill in tiny amounts. Onions, chocolate, alcohol and many plants are toxic in varying amounts. Tylenol (acetaminophen) and Ibuprofen can be deadly, as can other human medicines.

Always call your vet if you suspect your dog has had a seizure.

Always call your vet should you suspect your dog has swallowed a foreign body.

Always call the vet if you pet has been in a fight - especially if you suspect a wild animal or you do not know what animal your pet tangled with. Even if you see no bite, call. Rabies (in some countries) is always a concern as is infection from bites
Sudden weight gain or loss should be alerted to your vet.

Sudden shifts in temperament – like going from normally very sweet to aggressive – can be a sign of problems, even medical.

Should you find any lumps or bumps when examining your dog (you should examine your dog weekly when your groom) call the vet.

If your dog has been off food, water or acting lethargic for twenty-four hours or more, call the vet. A young puppy or senior dog should be called in sooner.

Though one missed meal may not be an emergency – look for other signs of illness. Should your dog be vomiting or have abdominal tenderness or swelling, call the vet.

An odd cough at any time could be a sign of something serious such as collapsed trachea, heart problems, infection, etc.

Should you notice lameness and limping -whether or not there was an injury. If you notice lameness when getting up, stiffness in moving, etc., call.

Ask your vet about the signs of bloat. Large and giant breeds are more prone, but it can happen to any dog. Indicators of bloat are abdominal swelling and discomfort. If allowed to go on even for a few hours can be deadly.

Diarrhea for more than twenty-four hours or diarrhea with blood should be an alert to call the vet.

Rashes, falling out fur, excessive shedding or chewing at spots on the body should be brought to your vet's attention.

Should the eyes look hazy or your dog seem to have trouble seeing or there is an abnormal discharge from the eye, call the vet.

Bad breath and yellow teeth indicate dental issues – though not an emergency should be addressed. However, if the breath  smells sweet, there could be other problems. Pale gums can be signs of a serious problem.

Bad odors, discharge and crud in the ear could signal a problem.

Know your dog and all his normal habits. In my book, it is better to get the animal in and spend the money to find out nothing is seriously wrong than to let something go for days and turn into something very serious. Fast acting is often the key in fast recoveries.

Part of being a responsible puppy or dog owner is knowing when to call the vet. So many people let things go and have a "wait and see" attitude when their pet has something wrong. Sometimes, "wait and see" is fine, other times it can be the difference between life and death. With many things, the sooner caught, the more effective and even less expensive treatment can be.

Younger dogs, older dogs or dogs with a condition that can affect how it responds to illness can succumb faster than a young, healthy dog. Age and overall health play a factor in how a dog will respond to an illness, accident,  etc. Your vet should be you first ally when concerning the health of your dog. Try to use a vet willing to work with you and who seems generally concerned about your pets. Just like with human doctors, there are vets who are very dedicated to their profession and others who are not. Having a good relationship with your vet is a key element in the health and maintenance of your dog.

If for some reason I have to leave a clinic my pets are seen at (like when my family moved), I will think nothing of interviewing various clinics to ensure my pets will find someone as caring as the people we had to leave. With the Internet as popular as it is, many people go there for information before the vet. Though the person may get advice, it may be incorrect. Many conditions have similar symptoms. What if someone says their dog had the same symptoms and was fine in a couple days but your dog's symptoms are of something potentially deadly? Even vets on line cannot see your dog to examine, runs tests, etc. These are vital in proper diagnosis. Relying solely on information from message board posts, etc., is not the best way to find out what is wrong with your dog.

I hope this is helpful.  Thanks for your friendship and support.

Warmly,

Paul

Paul F. Flotron
Creature Comforts Great & Small, LLC
"Giving your creatures the comfort they deserve"
www.CreatureComfortsGreatnSmall.com
314-200-8561
Cell:  314-775-7107