The Role of a Professional Pet Groomer: Partner to our Veterinarians
March 20, 2010In addition to regular veterinary care, exercise and excellent nutrition, grooming is just another part of essential pet care.
Since we are owned by two amazing Oriental Shorthairs, Hubble and Hush Puppy, with their short, close lying coats, if we are not into the shedding season, our grooming sessions basically consist of a few strokes of the Furminator, followed by either running our hands over their coats, or a quick rub down with a dry washcloth to trap any loose hair. It is really a very simple procedure which in fact many pets tremendously enjoy.
Some long hair breeds however may require the attention of a professional groomer from time to time. Mats can develop which can be difficult and painful for the pet caretaker to comb through. But are we aware of the full extent of the services that a professional groomer can offer?
What I find most fascinating about professional groomers is that through their extensive training is they not only assist with the pet's coat care, and trimming their toenails, but their experienced eyes can detect changes in skin condition and the quality of the hair coat which may reflect an underlying medical problem.
They also are alert to the pet's disposition and any behavioral changes and temperament issues which may need further attention. Therefore, professional groomers are really important partners with our veterinarians.
There are several conditions which can affect the quality of the pet's hair coat. Poor nutrition, parasites, skin and other allergies, environmental impact and underlying illness can create a lack of a healthy luster and sheen. Often an experienced groomer can determine the causes for a coat that appears unthrifty and dry. In consultation with the pet owner, these possible causes are explored before any solutions are suggested.
Additionally, an excellent groomer also knows when veterinary advice is warranted. Most professional groomers have close relationships with veterinarians who make themselves available to render advice when required.
Groomers also pay close attention to the condition of the pet's ears. Canines, with their deep ear canals, can readily attract ticks and other parasites. Their ears are prone to becoming dirty and to develop earwax buildup. Although felines have smaller canals, they are equally vulnerable to similar problems. Yeast infestation can be common with cats, as well as ear-mites. Groomers not only thoroughly clean the pet's ears but also can teach owners how to keep their pet's ears free of problems in-between professional visits.
Toe nail trimming is another service which groomers provide at the visit. They also can teach owners how to safely trim their pet's nails and how to avoid clipping too closely to the quick which causes pain and bleeding. Our cats actually enjoy nail trimming time, and purr loudly with pleasure while they receive their bi-weekly manicure. Rewarding them with treats following this simple procedure helps to cement our bonds, and also reinforces their excellent behavior.
So a visit to a professional groomer is not just a luxurious time at a pet "beauty parlor". It affords the owner an opportunity to become aware of any medical problems and to prevent problems which may be overlooked.
Have you used the services of a professional groomer? Share your experiences by leaving a comment.
Stray Dogs in South America Causes Public Outrage
March 19, 2010My heart goes out with such deep compassion for all the unwanted, neglected stray dogs, not only in the United States, but around the world. As I read an article in our local newspaper the other day about the thousands of scruffy homeless canines living in Mosquera, Columbia, who are roaming the streets searching for handouts I was crestfallen.
The complaints from local residents about these needy canines has once again reached the ears of the town Mayor, Luis Alvaro Rincon, who apparently went ballistic after hearing all the upset these dogs has caused, and angrily, and what I consider to be heartless, spurred on by the loud complaints of a gathering crowd, said, " A street dog is a dead dog." His fists pounding in rage with his verbal volume rising, he continued, "It's an order. Round them up and kill them!"
Stray dogs in Mosquera. Credit: Chris Kraul / Los Angeles Times
According to the article, the mayor's anger is justified. Apparently this small town, a suburb of Bogota has been for a long time, the dumping ground for dog owners who no longer care about their pets, or have become so financially burdened, that they no longer can afford to house and feed them.
There may be up to a total of 30,000 stray dogs when combined with Mosquera, and its two adjoining suburbs, Madrid and Vaca.
Mayor Rincon went on to say that he was aware that his words would not be popular with animal rights advocates and environmentalists, but suggested that they come on down and put their money where their mouths are, and each rescue a dog and bring it home.
The overpopulation of stray dogs is so enormous, that when driving around the towns, one cannot miss seeing groups of starving dogs walking around foraging for food, and in fact often there appear to be more canines than people roaming the streets. And while
Mosquera is one of the fastest growing municipalities with a population of 90,000, the town does not have any Animal Control facility. There is no dog "pound" to help house these strays. With the pressing need of a new hospital, the building of roads and the purchase of uniforms and lunches for the increasing number of poor children, the town considers these items to be a priority over the homeless dog population's needs.
And as the stray dog population increases, human health issues arise into a safety crisis. With an increase of 27 percent since 2008, 89 dog bites were reported last year. The City's Health Officer said, "We had more dog bites than measles last year." Fecal dust levels have risen and are alarming to the town's residents.
Initially Mayor Rincon's "outburst" created little opposing reaction, but following the release of a video on YouTube of his speech, hundreds of angry phone calls and emails from animal rights groups were arrived at City Hall. An animal activist organizer in Bogota, Albeiro Ulloa, said, "This kind of discourse contributes to disrespect for life in Columbia. Is it that much of a leap from mass murder of animals to that of humans?
Last month a march of 300 animal rights defenders bumped heads with a similar group of Rincon's defenders, but eventually tempers cooled and an agreement was made to find a solution to the town's dog population problem. The "capture and kill" order made by the mayor was rescinded and a task force has been formed to raise private money and build a regional dog pound. This panel will additionally change laws to restrict the sale of dogs and enforce vaccination laws.
This video uploaded to YouTube by rmudoccenter was shot in Chile where the overpopulation of stray dogs is identical to the Mosquera canines which gives graphically gives viewers what the town faces.
What are your thoughts about the stray dog problem? Leave a comment and share them.
We are all Responsible for Preserving the Balance of Nature
March 18, 2010My friends often ask me questions about cats since they know that felines are my passion. So I wasn't surprised to receive an email the other day with the subject line, "What Kind of Cat is this?"
Of course I was quite intrigued and eager to check out what I assumed would be an embedded photograph of a rather unusual kitty. But this was not the case. In the email was a link to a video that was so special and compelling that I was deeply moved to share it.
I have frequently written about the many endangered species of magnificent animals whose numbers are rapidly declining, due to shrinking habitats caused by the swiftly growing complex agricultural industries which disseminate like weeds around our planet.
But as I watched this compelling short film which succinctly and graphically demonstrates how important it is to understand that every living being on Earth is so truly inter-connected, my breath was taken away. I was moved to tears several times as I watched the incredible photography and listened to the impassioned narrator who so poignantly explained the plight of these animals who are, or who will shortly completely disappear from existence.
And as I watched in awe, and carefully listened to the narration, I was reminded about how often we take for granted the incredible resources that our living, beautiful blue planet offers us. It is so crucial for us to respect the balance of our all life forms since they are sacred and inter-connected.
So it is not just about finding ways to lessen our carbon footprints, global warming and climate change. It is about fully grasping the interconnectedness of all life on earth, from the smallest insect, each and every animal species to the huge and glorious red wood forests.
Watch the brilliant nine minute video uploaded to YouTube by NatureOfRealityVids and pause for a moment to reflect upon its message. Please share the video with your family and friends. We all are responsible for becoming more conscious and aware about the future of our planet and the vulnerability of its inhabitants.
Photo credits Wikipedia
Red-eyed tree frog
Hopetoun Falls
How Pets Get Their Names
March 17, 2010Naming a pet is much like naming a child-- It is for me, anyway. I take it super seriously and even created naming criteria:
A) The name can't be embarrassing to scream out at the dog park
B) It can't be too awkward or goofy that it will scar my pet for life
C) It must be unique and capture my pet's personality
D) I like people names
So, when choosing names for my little bundles of joy, I was very picky.
Like our cat, Ralph. When we adopted him from the PSPCA, we left the shelter calling him "Tony". I know, Tony the Tiger? Totally doesn't meet the "unique" requirement, he didn't look like a Tony, and it wasn't a name that captured his essence.
So, we figured a new name would come to us once we got him home. And it did.
"Tony" moseyed around for a bit and then-- threw up on the floor. He "ralphed". So Tony became Ralph and the name just stuck.
Now, Sadie was a different case. When we brought this then petite chocolate lab home, she was just 3-months old. So, we thought ahead. She needed a name which would be "cute" yet authoritative, so when she grew to her full size, the name would still fit the paw.
The one loophole in Sadie's naming was my mom was the mastermind behind the naming process. The rest of my family could only vote on her selections. Fine.
She came up with some doozies, like Cosmo (that sounded too boyish) Coco (come on...we have to be unique here, people!) Hershey (oh, geez) and Tiffany (what is she, an 80s teen rocker?). That's not to say I don't like these names, but they just didn't seem to mesh with this particular pup. But then, "Sadie" came to her and our ears perked up. That sounded "right". So, we picked Sadie as our winner.
The one name, which somehow snuck past my criteria was "Bianca". But, all my sister ever wanted was a dog named Bianca. So, why crush her dreams, right?
On first glance, our Wheaten Terrier (or better yet Wheaten Terror) doesn't do the name justice. "Bianca" sounds prissy, pampered, and princess-like. I would expect a "Bianca" to be a fluffy, white fur ball, prancing around the house in a Swarovski crystal collar. But, our Bianca? She's far from girly.
Our Bianca is scruffy, has what we like to call "her beard" (the long scruff around her face), rolls in puddles and mud, and has total bed head after a long nap.
Still, she is ever-so affectionate, tackles you when you walk through the door, and is a cuddler. These traits seem to work well with the name "Bianca". And it fits.
Naming a pet is difficult and we don't always get it right the first time. But, sooner or later, you find a name that's just right.
And I'd love to hear your naming stories. How did you name your pets? Do you have criteria? Send an email to stories@petside.com or leave a comment below!
Celebrating St. Patrick's Day with your Pets
As that universally popular holiday, St. Patrick's Day drew near, I thought it would be interesting to do some extensive research to find accurate information about any historical links between St. Patrick and pets, but sadly to say I came up empty handed.
While I was able to retrieve photos and greetings from endless websites which were holding contests for pet owners to enter their most cleverly designed costumes for their pets, which were quite entertaining to visit, as far as anything "meaty" was concerned, I was disappointed not to be able to uncover any fascinating connections between St. Patrick and animals.
But nonetheless, how could I permit one of the most celebrated holidays go unmentioned? That just would not be keeping in the spirit of this very happy occasion.
Our two cats, Hush Puppy and Hubble frown on dressing up for any holiday event. While it is true that at the beginning of the last football season, Hubble, our white Oriental Shorthair cat who is strongly bonded in a macho fashion with my husband Marty, who is a devoted loyal Giant's fan, actually purrmitted us to photograph him wearing a cap bearing the Giant's logo. But that is as far as it goes. There will be no costuming for our two kitties. We just ain't into it. But I digress.
But apparently there are many dogs and cats who enjoy the special attention they receive, and who delight in getting all gussied up for these photo shoots. I imagine that their pawrents take great delight in dressing up their pets for any special occasion, and St. Patrick's Day is certainly one of the top ten events.
One of the more fascinating St. Patrick's Day contests in the canine department that I discovered invited dog owners to submit photographic entries of their pets dressed in "appropriate attire" to be judged in a variety of categories. They were: Best "Kiss me I'm Irish", "Hottest Irish Dog Muscle", "Best Irish Whiskey Drinking Dog Attire", "The Toughest Dog" "Dumbest Irish Dog Hat" and to "Die for Rhinestone Irish Dog Collars".
You can view some of the winners and catch a glimpse of the costumes which are for sale by visiting the site at: http://www.thepet-boutique.com/st_patricks_day_dog_clothing.htm
There were also an abundance of feline photo contests, and several cat blogs devoted to the celebration of St. Patrick's Day. So after all it is highly possible that Marty and I, Hubble and Hush Puppy are in the minority in our opinion.
I even found a delightful video uploaded to YouTube by chibudgielvr, whose cat Ranj doesn't mind being dressed up and wishes everyone a very Happy St. Patrick's day. By the way, this video was given the honor of being featured by the Wyllie O Hagan St Patrick's Day Film Festival.
So no matter how you celebrate the day, I wish you a very happy one for you and your pets.
Are you planning to add a touch of the "green" with your pets? Leave a comment and let us know.
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