Catnip - The Herb for Cats (and Dogs?)

Catnip is an herb that most Cats love -- it's a member of the mint family of plants. Spearmint and oregano are related to Catnip and has the same type of intense aroma and strong flavor. Whenever a cat smells or tastes catnip, special receptors in their nose and mouth receive stimulating signals and can energize even the most inactive kitty. This is one of the reasons vets often recommend catnip for over weight cats - it can get them up and MOVING!

Catnip has a natural chemical compound called nepetalactone. Basically cats sniff, rub against, and even eat catnip to immerse themselves in the scent. Think aromatherapy - the effect of catnip can bring about any of several responses in a cat: wiggling and wriggling, head nodding, rolling, licking, body rubbing, and happy frolicking. The reaction can last up to 20 minutes with about an hour delay before there is another response. The stimulating effect can be very healthful, especially in sedentary or overweight cats.

Kittens do not show sensitivity to catnip until they are about 12 weeks old. Their olfactory receptors need to develop first before they can produce the classic kitty reaction to catnip. But due to genetics, some cats lack the special receptors necessary to experience the effects of catnip, so don’t be surprised if you have a cat that has no reaction – 20-30% of cats fall into this category. The sensitivity to catnip is inherited; if a kitten has only one parent who is effected by catnip, then that kitten has a one-in-two chance of growing up to enjoy catnip.

Certified Organic Catnip is harmless to cats but they can become "immune" to its effects with extended exposure. If your cat suddenly seems unaffected by catnip, try putting away all items containing catnip for a week or two.  Then bring them back out and your cat should be able to enjoy them again.

At Cause to Paws we carry a variety of catnip toys as well as loose catnip.
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What about the Dog?

The herb is less widely used for dogs because it is often ineffective, and people are afraid of potential side effects. The effects of catnip on dogs are generally fairly mild and certainly not as dramatic as with cats, but the herb can be beneficial for the dog's digestion, mental health (has a calming effect) and minor wounds, as an antiseptic treatment.

And oh by the way - Humans can make a tea out of catnip which helps with digestion, too,

Tips and Tricks:

If you buy the catnip in a plastic bag be sure to put them into a sealed container. Store the container in a cool dark place to maintain the potency of the catnip.

You can put loose catnip into a sock or stocking and give it to your catch to play with.  Many cat toys have pockets where you can add new catnip as the potency of the existing catnip diminishes. You can also store small cat toys in the container with catnip so that the toy gets “infused” with the catnip essence/oils.

You can put loose catnip in to a cardboard box and let your cat roll around and play in it.  In this way it keeps the catnip contained and a little less messy.

Cleaning Your Dog's Ears - Not the Easiest Thing to do, but may be Necessary

Is your dog scratching his ears a lot? Shaking their head? Do the ears smell funny? Are they red and inflamed? These are all indications of an existing ear infection or other ear problem and may require a vet visit.

Ear infections are probably the number one reason dog owners go to the vet. Thorough and regular ear cleaning and maintenance can help your dog avoid ear problems and infections. And therefore save a trip to the vet. Many dogs do not like to have their ears touched so it often is not the easiest thing to accomplish.

Pictures of dog ear infections : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOLRr-bTumM

Handling Your Dog's Ears

From the time the dog is a puppy you should practice handling your dog's ears- gently. Be sure to give lots of treats while you massage initially the outside then the inside of the ear. Do this as often as possible so eventually your dog will accept other kinds of ear manipulation.

Dogs have different Ears

Dogs with heavy, floppy ear, like Cocker Spaniels and Basset Hounds, generally need to have their ears cleaned more frequently than dogs with standup versions which  allow for better air circulation. Dogs that have a lot of hair in the inside of their ears may also require additional including the plucking of hair.

Cleaning Your Dog's Ears

Frequent ear cleanings (weekly) will keep the ears free of wax and debris, and will also allow you to understand what your dog's ears look like when they are healthy. This enables you to more easily recognize any abnormalities in the ear should they arise.

To clean your dog's ears well, you will need an appropriate ear cleaner, a number of cotton balls, and maybe even someone to help- they can feed the dog treats and keep them calm. Using an appropriate ear cleaner, you can release wax and debris from the canal and help dry the ear.

Some dogs have a lot of hair on the inside of the ear. This hair can serve as a reservoir for dirt, debris, and accumulations of earwax. Plucking the hairs takes a bit of skill and can cause discomfort when done incorrectly, so is best left to professionals who have experience on plucking ear hair in dogs. There are special ear powders made for dogs which are helpful in gripping the hair. . Maybe ask your vet or groomer to show you how it is done. Remember the treats, always a good way to make it a positive experience for the pet.

Once the ears are free of hair, it is time to begin cleaning. Wash your hands well before and after ear cleaning, and have your supplies ready. Squirt a small amount of ear cleaning solution into the ear canal. Do not force the nozzle of the bottle into the ear canal as you can cause significant damage this way - only the tip of the bottle should be inserted into the canal. Once you have the solution in the ear, massage the base of the ear to encourage distribution throughout the canal. Be prepared for your dog to shake his head after you apply the solution. You should be able to hear a "smacking sound." By massaging, you are helping the cleanser to fill the ridges in the canal and loosen ear debris.Take a cotton ball and rub the inside of the ear to remove any discharge or any accumulated wax. You may use a Q-tip to get in the crevices at the base of the ear, but just like for humans, do not insert the Q-tip into the ear canal itself. When the base of the ear is clean, you may use soaked cotton balls or a soaked wet cloth to clean the ear flap out toward the tip.

 YOU'RE DONE - NOW MORE TREATS!

Adopt a Pet and Live Longer!

Adopt a Pet 
Be Happy, Live Longer!

It's Been Awhile
Spring is almost here and I am invigorated so I think it is about time I started writing again!

Often during the Spring people think about getting a dog.  It is easier to deal with training (and walking) when you can go outside for longer periods of time. Well if you are thinking about getting a dog - why not adopt!  You can get puppies or dogs of all ages - some even already trained.  You might even want to consider getting a senior dog - they need homes too - to live out their golden years in a loving home.  Dogs are in Shelters for many reasons - and not necessarily for bad reasons.  Often a loss of owner, loss of a home, strays, rescued from hoarders, puppy millls...........  Dogs with behavioral issues are not offered for adoption until the situation is resolved. Often they go through a Foster Care program and are tested to make sure they are ready for adoption. If you ask the right questions you will get all the information you need to make the best decision for you and your family.

Adopt a Pet 
Be Happy, Live Longer!

Do you know that 94 percent  of pet owners say that their pet makes them smile more that once a day.  I know Kanji makes me smile EVERY Day, ALL Day.  Caring for a pet can make you a happier and healthier person - and this is especially true for older adults. According to the ARL, studies have found that pet owners over the age of 65 (not quite me yet but soon) make 30 percent fewer visits to their doctors then those without pets.  From personal experience I know that pets ease loneliness, reduce stress, promote social interactions (check out our YAPPY HOURS and you will see Social Interactions at work!), encourage an active lifestyle  (definitely gets you out of the house) and provide you with unconditional love.

Getting a pet and especially adopting one can help you live longer - so why  not give it a try - and save another life while you are at it. Make your life more purposeful, too.  Medical studies have shown that pet ownership appears to reduce the risk of heart disease. Pets can add structure and purpose to your life - and they respond by showing their appreciation with an abundance of affection - this is especially true with adopted/rescue dogs/cat once they have their new FOREVER HOME.

Of course you need to find a pet that best meets your needs - Check out the various Shelters, Rescue organizations and online services.  Do your homework and you will be well rewarded in more ways then you could have ever imagined.

LINKS - just too name a few
Animal Rescue League of Boston
MSPCA - Angell Memorial
Sterling Animal Shelter
Petfinder
Shultz's Guest House
Northeast Animal Shelter

Halloween Safety Tips for Your Dog

Halloween is just around the corner. It is the second biggest holiday in the US next to Christmas. It is a fun time for all ages - and for PETs.

At Cause to Paws we are having our 9th Annual Howl-O-Ween Pawty on Sunday, Oct 27th from 5 - 7 PM.

Every year it seems to get bigger and bigger - more pets, more people and more fun. If you haven't joined us before you should really try and make it this year. We have prizes in various categories - Best Homemade Costume, , Group/Duo, Overall Favorite and Best Performance or Trick. We have treats for you (Cupcakes from Party Favors) - and the pets - including my (in)famous carrot and peanut butter Pupcakes.  This year I think I will bake it into a cake  There is Dunking for Discounts and Bobbing for Hot Dogs - or the other way around - seems to change every year. We  use Rubber Duckies or Apples for the Discount Bobbing

We plan to have a ball this Howl-O-Ween - However there are a few things to keep in mind  - to make sure you keep you and your pets safe during Halloween.
Here are some tips I have gathered from a variety of others
thanks to RC Pets & the ASPCA:

• Chocolate in all forms can be toxic to dogs and cats Keep candies and chocolate out of reach from your pet. Candies containing the artificial sweetener xylitol can also cause problems. If you do suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, please call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
• Popular Halloween plants such as pumpkins and decorative corn are considered to be relatively nontoxic, but they can produce stomach upset in pets who nibble on them
• Pet costumes should not impede their movement, breathing, nor hearing and pets must be supervised to ensure that no part of the costume is accidental ingested.  For pets who prefer their “birthday suits,” however, wearing a costume may cause undue stress - just because you think it's cute it might not work for your dog. Use your best judgment.
• When greeting trick-or-treaters at the door, take extra care that your pet doesn't dart outside.
•  All but the most social dogs and cats should be kept in a separate room away from the front door during peak trick-or-treating hours. Too many strangers can be scary and stressful for pets.
• If going trick-or-treating, make sure your pet is fitted properly for a collar and is leashed.  Always make sure your dog or cat has proper identification
• Don't forget to clip on a Safety Light (we have these in the store) and/or pair your pet with a High Visibility Vest for added safety

Having Trouble Training your New Puppy?, Your New Rescue? or Just a Dog that needs a Refresher? -  To  Let You know when they have to Go!

 

Why Not Give Poochie Bells a Chance!

RING RING - GOTTA GO!

 

 

Teach your dog to communicate with you. Poochie Bells can be a helpful tool. They are a dog training bell system on a ribbon that you hang by your door. Teach them to ring them and you're (and your dog) are good to GO!

 

PoochieBells have handy guide on their site but I will share their info with you here on my blog page.

 

1. First you need to INTRODUCE your dog to the bells

 

Hang PoochieBells inside the house on a doorknob or hook next to the door your dog exits to go out and leave it there so it is accessible at all times for your dog to ring

 

 

2. ASSOCIATE going out with the Bells - But be CLEAR

Every time you let your dog out to potty, bring the dog to the bells to sniff, ring them, and state a command such as “Outside, ring your bells!”, praise the dog, then take him/her out to potty. We do not recommend playing with or giving the dog a treat at that time. You want him/her to associate ringing the bells with potty time only.

3. PRAISE and REPEAT & Be Consistent

 

Throughout the training, continue your command, be consistent and praise your dog for their attention and wanted behavior. Consistency is key.

 

Repeat this training method until your dog begins to ring the bells on their own. - AND they Will!  Make sure to praise your dog on their newly learned behavior to reinforce the action.

 

I have sold a lot of them through the years and the feedback has been great but as mentioned above, consistency and praise are essential and you have to associate the bells with going out to do their business - not play or treat time.  The bells come on ribbons - you can choose a color to match your décor.  If you have a house with a front and back door we often suggest you get two to make it easier for your dog and you.

 

They also make great gifts for new dog owners - doesn't matter if they are a puppy, a new rescue or an older adopted dog.

 

 

 



 

It's Hot Out There! Protect Your Pet.

It's Heating Up - Be sure you know how to protect your dog during the summer months.

 

Summer is here and that means more outdoor activities--but heat - especially during the middle of the day can be detrimental to your pet. Dogs can get hot very quickly, faster then their human counterparts. Being outdoors with your dog can be a fun time to share with your family dog; but remember to protect him from the summer heat. If you aren't careful, your dog could suffer from heat exhaustion.

 



THINGS TO THINK ABOUT:

Never -  Ever leave your dog in the car. Leave your dog at home if you have other errands your are running that don't allow dogs. More dogs die of heat exhaustion in parked cars than in any other situation. The car gets too hot - there is nothing that is "just a short time" that is acceptable during this time of year.

Exercise in the cooler parts of the day. Schedule your walks wisely. If you are running with your dog - do it in the cooler times of the morning or evening. Avoid hot pavement. your dog's paw pads can burn. Plus they release heat through their paws - try walking on the cooler grass if possible.

Just like you - there are 3 things your need to do - Hydrate -Hydrate-Hydrate your dog. There are all types of dog related containers that carry or dispense water. We sell a variety of portable bowls, bottles and roller ball caps that fit on standard water bottles, that you can use.

Does a wet bandanna feel good on your neck?  Well, it will feel good on your dog's , too!   We also sell versions that have a gel in the bandanna - soak it in cool water, the gel expands and helps to cool your pet as the water evaporates.

If your dog has a heavy coat, remember to brush them to help remove their undercoat and their "Winter" wear. But remember - don't shave your dog. Your dog can get a sunburn, too. Protect their noses, put sunscreen on them. We sell a type of tick repellant that also has a sunscreen in it as an added precaution - especially for white hair and thin hair dogs who may be loosing their fur and exposing their sensitive skin.

 

Tell tale signs of heat exhaustion - Watch out for excessive drooling, this can be a sign of heat issues as well as heavy panting, red gums, lethargy, extreme thirst and rapid heartbeat.

 

Keep your dog in a safe, cool environment. Provide the dog with plenty of water. Make sure there is always a fresh, cool water supply available for your pet in the house. Even consider getting a wading pool or a basin of water to dunk them in - use cool not cold water which can constrict their blood vessels too much.

 

Be Smart, Be Safe and have a great Summer with your pets!

 

 

 

Health Scare for Kanji - ALL THINGS FOR A REASON

Last December I was at the store with Kanji and I noticed that he started to develop a swelling in his groin - he has a tendency towards Paraphimosis - ( the inability to retract an extruded penis back into the preputial sheath, which is the skin that covers it) - His "lipstick" had been sticking out for over a day, so at first I thought the swelling might be a result of this condition (how to treat this condition will be a topic of another blog!). But the swelling occurred so rapidly it was scary and my mind went to the show Pit Bulls and Paroles ( a great show on TLC that shows Pits as the wonderful dogs that can be if treated right). One of their dogs, Chong, developed a rapid swelling in his groin and was subsequently diagnosed with cancer. I then assumed this was what was happening to Kanji.

 I rushed him to Angell Memorial - an awesome Veterinary hospital near by, since it was a Sunday afternoon and my regular vet was closed. The Doctor examined Kanji and was definitely concerned about the swelling. She attempted to withdraw some fluid from it with great difficulty, since it was thick and "waxy". She sent it to be examined, which showed inflammatory cells and bacteria - basically an infection. She said I could go home with antibiotics and treat it with hot compresses. Still concerned she strongly suggested I actually come back in the morning to have the area excised and drained/cleaned out, since it appeared to be quite aggressive. I agreed to return in the morning - still very nervous about the whole situation.

Dropped him off in the morning  and waited nervously to hear what was going on - then the call came - she said since Kanji was a "senior" dog they needed to take a chest x-ray to ensure that his lungs were clear since they would be sedating him to do the surgery. The problem was the x-ray showed a mass in his chest. They wanted to do an abdominal ultrasound and sample the mass, which I agreed to do. the results were not good - a confirmation of cancer.

They said I could pick him up and suggested I make an appointment with the oncologist. They never did the surgery for the infection and I left with antibiotics and told to do the hot compresses. They could not tell me if the groin issue was a result of the cancer or not. Needless to say I was devastated.
Took a few days to see the Oncologist and in the meantime the groin situation seemed to be resolving.

The meeting with the Doctor was not a pleasant one. She could not tell if the mass was In or On the lungs and suggested we do a Catscan - (Angell had recently gotten a new 3D Catscan machine) . She went through the litany of all the possible cancers it might or might not be - potential treatments and outcomes based on the type of cancer -  none of which sounded good of course and I was overwhelmed. I had brought a friend with me to be another set of eyes and ears since I knew I would be too emotionally involved in the situation to actually be hearing clearly. Seems that Primary Lung Cancer would be the best diagnosis - but very rare in dogs, but highly treatable with surgery. So we began to pray for Lung Cancer - can you imagine that. Wore my underwear inside out hoping to reverse our luck. Went looking for Sage to burn, to ward off bad luck and evil and tried to keep positive - the whole time assuming the worse. And of course I hugged Kanji every chance I could get.

 I agreed to the test and scheduled it as quickly as I could. It was getting close to Christmas/New Years and I wanted to get it done - I needed to know even though I didn't want to. They told me that they would have preliminary results after a few hours from which they may be able to make a diagnosis and if not it would take another 24 for them to do the 3D Modeling. Well the phone call came early AND the news was what we were hoping for PRIMARY LUNG CANCER with no other cancer seen in his body. Even the oncologist was surprised. We scheduled surgery as soon as we could after the first of the year. They removed about 1/8th of his lung through his rib cage, removed a node for additional testing and closed him up with 14 staples. Spent 3 days in the hospital and  took him home for 14 days of bed rest and painkillers. He looked pitiful and a little like Frankendog - a patchwork of shaved areas, raw skin and staples - quite the sight - but the pathology came back and said the margins were good and the node was clear and that he was good to go with no further treatment. Because it was found early (by accident) and he was not symptomatic that his recovery would be uneventful and the surgery considered a success. He is doing great!

When I saw the emergency room doctor I hugged her and thanked her for convincing me the infection was serious enough to take a further look - although we never did that surgery and we treated him simply with drugs and compresses, because of her I found something we were not looking for - if I hadn't done that we would have lost Kanji in 6 month according to the oncologist - by the time you have symptoms it's too late.

I can not say enough good things about Angell (although I can complain about the cost - Kanji is worth every penny!) He's happy and so am I to share the rest of his life with me. Also I want to thank Tia and Pit Bulls and Paroles for bringing my attention to possible causes of his swelling - was not the case for Kanji - BUT ALL THINGS FOR A REASON!