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Dogs and Cats Living Together: Body Language

Dogs and cats may not always get along, but it seems they CAN learn to understand each other. Researchers from Tel Aviv University in Israel took a good long look at canines and felines who share a household. Taken individually, canine and feline body language often has opposite meanings. For example, a dog with his ears back or stretching out on his back is relaxed and even submissive. In cat speak, those behaviors are actually signs of aggression. But when the two species take up residence together, researchers have seen cats and dogs adapting their language. Dogs often greet other … Continue reading →

FDA Approves Carsickness Drug For Dogs

Does your dog get a little green on car rides? If you can’t make it around the block without barf, here’s some good news: the Food and Drug Administration has approved a drug called Cerenia to prevent and treat vomiting in dogs. Cerenia comes from drug maker Pfizer Inc, and is currently only available from a veterinarian. In tablet form, Cerenia can prevent motion sickness and related barfing. When I was younger, my best friend’s family took a car trip from NJ to Vermont (a good six hour drive) every winter to ski. The family dog went along and ever … Continue reading →

Dogs Teaching Dogs, Exhibit B

A couple weekends ago, we watched 8 month old puppy Casey for some friends of mine. Casey had been over for play visits a few times, since we have a nice big fenced yard and Casey and her family live in a townhouse without a fenced yard. Casey alone (or with other dogs) is a total energy dog! She springs around with seemingly endless energy. In fact, she didn’t really sleep the night that she was here; she napped for an hour or two, then bounced up to play again. Her indoor playmate was my Lally, but when we were … Continue reading →

Therapy Animals Can Help Kids Who Are Selective Mutes to Speak

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Selective Mutism is something that a lot of people don’t really understand. We hear a lot about Autism spectrum disorders, and ADHD, but there isn’t a much news to be found that talks about children who are selective mutes. It turns out that therapy animals can help children who are selective mutes to find their voices. Although I am not a parent myself, I am familiar with what children who are selective mutes are like. My sister was a selective mute until she was around nine years old. I remember reading somewhere that many kids who are selective mutes decide … Continue reading →

Introducing Pets to Newborns, Pt. 3

Today I conclude my examination of how to introduce a household’s pets to newborns. On Monday I looked at how expectant parents can prepare their pets for the infant’s arrival; today I’ll outline the steps you can take after the baby is born. When it’s about time to bring the baby home from the hospital, first take something with the newborn’s scent on it, like a burping cloth, back to the house. This is most effective for dogs but can also help cats with the adjustment. Pets will then find the baby’s scent familiar once the infant itself arrives. You … Continue reading →

Chaotic Cat Chronicles: The Student and the Teacher

Once upon a time Aimee wrote a series of articles called Dogs Teaching Dogs, Exhibits A, B, C, and D — Bad Habits. Well, dogs aren’t the only ones who teach each other. Lately I’ve noticed Mr. Meow learning a thing or two from Tabby. That’s right. The wizened old fart is picking up pointers from the young whippersnapper. Lesson 1: Being More Loving Won’t Kill You Mr. Meow’s pretty standoffish with most anyone else. It’s the rare person who doesn’t see him as a creepy cat. But he’s always had his quirky ways of showing me he loves me. … Continue reading →

Pet Horoscopes: What’s Your Pet’s Sign?

I find astrology really interesting. I know some people would argue it’s evil because it goes against the teachings of their religions. I have no idea whether it’s bad or not. I just know astrology predates many of those religions and that even presidents as recent as Ronald Reagan have consulted astrologers to guide them in their daily affairs. I also don’t know if there really is something to the way the stars and planets are lined up that affect us, but I have noticed a couple of things. One, when it’s a full moon people do tend to act … Continue reading →

Teach Your Dog to Fetch

My dog Lally learned to fetch from an ex-boyfriend’s dog. She watched him chasing a ball around the yard and soon started chasing it herself! You don’t need a dog to lead by example, though, in order to teach your dog to fetch. Teaching your dog to fetch will probably be easiest if your dog already likes carrying things in his or her mouth. But that isn’t a requirement! Tell your dog to sit. If your dog doesn’t know how to sit yet, you can teach him that first. Bring a toy a few steps away from where the dog … Continue reading →

Test Your Dog’s Intelligence

A researcher from the University of British Columbia has developed a basic canine intelligence test. Want to know how smart your pup really is? Try this quick and easy test. With your dog watching, take a treat and place it under a can. Keep track of how long it takes your pet to retrieve the treat! Less than fifteen seconds is considered a very good time! You may have a four-legged smarty on your hands. With your dog watching, set up three cans and place a treat underneath one. Take your dog out of the room for a few minutes, … Continue reading →

What Makes A Good Temperament?

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Different people value different personality traits in their pets. Some people look for a dog that will be highly protective of the house and family; some people want a dog that will be friendly and affectionate to friend and stranger alike. Things to think about in temperament: Obedience level. Part of being a responsible owner is knowing that your dog will respond to your commands under pressure. My Lally has a pretty high obedience level — she’s pretty attentive to me. Moose, on the other hand, needs more work. Trainability. Is your dog willing and able to learn new tricks … Continue reading →