Living with a cat is always an adventure, if one takes the time to observe, to reflect, and to wonder about some of the fascinating behaviors displayed in the course of a single day by a kitten or a cat!!
And, when you have more than one feline in your home, of course there are all the other social interactive types of behaviors to watch and wonder about, too!! One thing you can definitely be sure about - cats do EVERYTHING for a reason!! Sometimes, that reason may involve something that we humans cannot see, hear or smell; and sometimes, that reason may simply and miraculously be part of the genetic and instinctive make-up of the wonderful animal we call a “cat”. Here are some of the more common behaviors many cat owners have observed in their own felines, and perhaps even wondered about the reasons behind that behavior and/or the best way to respond to a certain behavior. 1. Dunking favorite toys in food or water bowl Has your cat ever dropped his favorite catnip mouse or rubber fetching ball in his water bowl? Or, have you gone to re-fill his food bowl, only to find a special toy of his right in the middle? It just might be that your cat is trying to find a “safe” place for his favorite things. It often happens that the toy that ends up in the water or food bowl is often a toy that has recently been enjoyed by your cat, or even by your cat with you. In the wild, cats often take their prey back to their “nest” area, and hide it from predators. Indoor cats don’t really have a “nest” per se, so they often consider their food and water dishes as the “safest” areas within their “territory”. 2. Kneading you with his paws Most people realize that when their cat kneads your stomach with his paws, he is showing his love for you. Usually, the cat will have a very special, loving expression on his face; he may be purring, and he may even be drooling slightly. Your cat is back in touch with his instincts as a kitten when he does this, and feeling the same sense of comfort and warmth that he did as a kitten when he was with his mother. Young kittens knead their mother’s nipples to stimulate the “let down” reflex in her so that her milk flows for the kittens to suckle. If his kneading behavior is uncomfortable for you, be sure to keep your cat’s nails clipped short, and maybe keep an extra towel around to pad the area he is kneading! 3. Sudden hissing while you are petting him Sometimes, your cat may give you a hiss, or even try to scratch or bite you seemingly without warning right in the middle of what you thought was a pleasant petting or stroking session with him. It doesn’t mean that your cat no longer likes you! This behavior most likely is just the only way he knows to signal to you that he has had enough of the petting and stroking - perhaps it has gone on longer than what he enjoys. Chances are, if you think about it, perhaps you had actually continued the session longer than usual, or started thinking about something else while petting him, not realizing that your cat was getting uncomfortable and that so much time had passed. 4. Licking or chewing photographs & plastic bags This is a difficult behavior to explain, and some cats are more prone to it than others. Most feline behaviorists have come to believe that some cats find a slight odor to the plastic and/or film surfaces simply irresistible, and also that the coolness and texture of the plastic and/or film must feel and taste good on the cat’s tongue. It may also be another form of trying to “nurse” - sort of a feline “oral compulsive” behavior. 5. Deciding to play with you in the middle of the night Maybe your cat’s been listening to too many country-western tunes on the radio about “the night time being the right time”! It can certainly be annoying when your cat behaves this way. But actually, the night time is the prime hunting time for cats in the wild, and his instincts may be telling him to be active at night. Galloping over furniture and knocking over everything in his path may be his way of looking for “prey”! Another key reason for cats behaving this way is when their human families are away all day, it only makes sense that the cat may choose the day time to sleep and snooze, so it can be awake and active when his human family is home. Young kittens and cats especially can be very active at night. Try making efforts to spend time with your cat before and after work, and any time you can during the day, and make a special ritual before bed of wearing him out with interactive toys such as wand toys, feather toys, Whirly Birds, etc., so that he gets to spend time with you, yet gets tired out just before you go to bed. If you have a single cat who insists on behaving this way, you might want to consider getting him a feline companion so that he would not be bored during the day, and could work off some of that energy during the day instead of saving it all up for the night. 6. Scratching his paws on glass windows This is most likely your cat’s way of “testing” the glass to be sure that it does effectively keep him away from what he can see beyond the glass. Sometimes, he may see (or hear) things that definitely interest him and that he’d like to explore such as other cats, other animals, potential prey such as butterflies or birds, people, cars, moving and stationary objects. He can be expressing his frustration that he can’t get beyond the glass. And, as the saying goes, “you can’t blame him for trying”! 7. Chattering his teeth at birds Most cats make that quite distinctive teeth chattering sort of noise that seems reserved specifically for when they see birds or squirrels, whether outside or on television. Actually, that noise may be more of an instinct than we realize. Many feline behavior specialists have noted the similarity of that noise to the special neck bite that cats use in the wild designed to kill a bird or small rodent quickly and efficiently, before they have a chance to struggle. Young kittens and cubs in the wild have the opportunity to practice this special bite; house cats may just be showing their excitement at seeing potential prey, or possibly their frustration (with the excitement, too) in seeing potential prey that they cannot get to. Many times, you may notice that your cat’s tail is getting puffy, or is twitching in a special way that accompanies his special chattering noises. 8. Trying to bury his food bowl Sometimes after eating, or simply when you put down a bowl of wet food, your cat may try to let you know that the food is not to his liking by trying to “bury” the entire bowl! This behavior can also occur when the cat is displeased with the location of his food bowl, the food itself, or possibly when he is not very hungry, and is trying to “bury” his food (which he is then thinking of as “prey”) for him to have later on, when he is perhaps more ready to eat. 9. Preferring water out of a running faucet Not surprisingly, cats prefer their water fresh, also. The motion of water coming out of a faucet is very appealing to their sense of hearing, as well as of sight, and possibly even of smell. Even if your cat’s water dish looks clean, bacteria can collect very quickly especially in ceramic and plastic bowls. Always use stainless steel bowls for food and for water for your kitty. And, it is best to change his water daily, after rinsing out his water bowl thoroughly, or even washing it daily. Water that has been standing even a few hours loses oxygen; cats are smart enough to know that the freshest water still has lots of oxygen in it, which is certainly true in the running fresh water right out of the tap. 10. Rubs his head against you or your shoes Your cat has special scent glands located in various parts of his body, including the area underneath the skin on his chin, and the area around his eyes. When your cat rubs up against you with his head, he is actually “marking” you with his own scent, as a signal to other cats that he is claiming you as “his”! You will probably notice that when your cat is doing this behavior, he is in a loving, peaceful and contented mood. The scent glands around his face release what are known as “facial pheromones”, sometimes dubbed “happy hormones”! You should feel honored when your cat does this behavior to you as it is demonstrating his deep affection for you. Rubbing his head against your shoes is also a marking behavior - perhaps your cat is trying to cover up the scents from where you have been during the course of the day (which of course will be on your shoes) with his own scent, signifying again his “claim” on you. 11. Attacking your ankles as you walk by This behavior usually signifies a kitten or cat who is bored! Cats need to play and to practice their hunting techniques. An indoor cat (especially an active breed like a Bengal, Ocicat or an Abyssinian), without adequate toys, cat furniture and other objects and situations to stimulate him, may well feel that his only chance to practice these skills is on you. They may start making up elaborate prey games whereby they hide behind furniture or out of your sight, and wait for you to walk down a hall, or in to their “lair” where they can ambush you. It is important for you to realize that your cat is not trying to hurt you, and is probably unaware that he may be hurting you. A cat doing this behavior needs more scratching and climbing toys and furniture around, and also may benefit from stuffed animals to drag around, animal-style cat beds which can give them the illusion of company and the security of “mom” or a sibling. A cat that continues with this behavior may well benefit from having another feline friend, who will be able to wrestle and play with him, and help burn off some of that energy he feels. Most often, the cats who exhibit this behavior are males, and there may be some sexual impulses involved, even if the male is neutered. A possible way to avoid this behavior turning in to a bad habit (and your legs and ankles turning in to a war zone) would be to have one of your cat’s favorite rubber balls or mouse toys in your hand, and before reaching the spot where your cat usually ambushes you, try throwing the toy down the hall or in another direction. The idea is to recognize that your cat wants to engage you in a play game ritual, but to make the ritual more fun and safe for you. 12. Burying outside his litter box If your cat is scratching around the floor or area around the OUTSIDE of his litter box, especially if this is right after he has used the litter box, he is most likely trying to tell you that something is not right to him about his litter box; either he is displeased with the feel of the litter; the smell of the litter; the type of box; the location of the box; or something to that affect. The only way he can think of to demonstrate this to you is for him to try to “bury” the area outside of his box. If all was well to him with his litter and litter box arrangement, he would jump in to his box, do his business, bury his urine or feces, then jump out and go back to what he was doing. 13. Trying to nurse on clothes or objects This behavior is most often displayed by a kitten or cat who was taken or weaned from his mother too early. Keep in mind that just like humans, cats are individuals too, and some may need more time with their mothers for emotional reasons, than others. This behavior often is one that the cat will outgrow as it gets older; however, some cats never seem to outgrow this special babyish behavior. The way to avoid your cat “nursing” on an item of clothing or household item you don’t want him to suck and chew on, is to put something on the item that is distasteful to your cat, such as citrus-smelling agents designed for this purpose. This also works well with cats who like to chew on electric cords. Be aware though that chewing electric cords is often thought to be directly related to your cat’s anxiety due to being separated from you. 14. Collecting small round objects & string & storing them in a safe place Cats who exhibit this behavior (and it seems some breeds are more prone to this than others) are usually trying to utilize their natural instinct to retrieve. In the wild, cats hunt their prey, then they bring their prey back to a safe place before they consume it. With house cats, the challenge often becomes how to create safe and meaningful ways for your cat to be able to “hunt” and to “retrieve”. Therefore, some cats seem to develop an enjoyment of taking small objects such as their toys, but often small objects such as jewelry or other possessions of their owners, and collecting them in a particular spot. 15. Trying to bolt outside the minute you open the door Cats that have this figured out and are consistent with this behavior are probably strongly attracted to the sights, smells and sounds of the outdoors. Cats like this may do well if you can build a small, safe enclosed area right outside your back door, or if you can try adding a greenhouse window type of enclosure to his favorite window. Of course, ensuring your cat is fixed is the first line of defense, but even neutered and spayed adult cats can still feel their deep instincts to find a mate, and this can be triggered by them hearing or smelling another cat outdoors. If you have a cat like this, getting a companion feline for them is probably a very good thing to do, and they definitely will also benefit from being entertained by having the radio on, the television, hiding their toys around your living room while you are gone, providing several tall pieces of cat furniture, possibly hammock style cat beds at your windows. Try using different doors to enter and exit your house, so that your behavior is not so predictable. Your cat can’t be waiting and watching 2 or 3 doors at the same time! 16. Constantly making noise or meowing Some cats, of course, are definitely “talkers” and are very vocal all the time! However, if your cat has been checked out by your vet and there are no medical problems, and he is really trying to get your attention with his constant meowing, it’s time to start paying close attention and try to figure out what it is your cat is trying to tell you! He is possibly hungry; possibly lonely; his litter box is possibly not clean enough for his liking; there may be changes in your home or personal routine that are upsetting to him. Remember - your cat has feelings too, and you should try to look at things from HIS point of view - not yours. 17. Slowly blinking his eyes at you This is a fun feline behavior to observe as it usually signals that your cat is very content and serene at that moment. I will often sit quietly and slowly blink my eyes back at my cat, and quite often, this will be just the final sweet comfort that will make them close their eyes completely, secure that they are loved back, for a luxurious cat-nap. 18. Biting Young kittens between the ages of 3 weeks old and 8 months old will be teething off and on, and will have very strong needs to bite. Just like baby children, kittens are born without teeth, start getting their first baby teeth at about 3-4 weeks old, then they will lose their baby teeth and have their adult teeth come in up until the age of about 8 months old. So the trick here is not to keep them from biting; but rather, to provide them appropriate items to bite. We use heavy-duty plastic drinking straws with our kittens (being careful to cut off any bitten ends and discard the entire straw before it becomes dangerous, as with any toy), and train them from the start that toys and straws are purr-rectly fine to bite, but human body parts are off-limits! If a kitten learns this from the start, there is hardly ever an inappropriate biting behavior as an adult. Some cats start biting out of misplaced aggression, which usually can be countered by providing the cat a feline playmate, and/or providing them more cat toys, cat furniture, and making their environment more stimulating for them. For a cat with a serious biting problem, often the quickest way to teach them not to bite you is to immediately blow on his face, as soon as you realize he is biting or is about to bite you. Saying “NO!” firmly at the same time reinforces this training. At all times, it is critical that you be thinking and acting on the firm belief that “toys and straws are for biting; human hands are for giving and receiving love”.
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Nicknamed the "Dutch mastiff," the Pug is a small dog with a wrinkled face, short legs and barrel chest. In addition to being one of the world's most physically distinctive dogs, the Pug is also well loved for its charismatic personality and effortless charm.
Physical Characteristics The Pug’s attentive and soft expression is its distinguishing feature. Its coat, which is fawn and black in color, is short, fine, and smooth. A compact and square-proportioned dog, the Pug moves with a jaunty and strong gait; its hindquarters roll slightly. The Pug also has clearly defined black markings on its muzzle, ears, cheeks and forehead, which has deep and huge wrinkles. Personality and Temperament The Pug is a playful, confident, and friendly companion that magnificently combines comedy with dignity. It is usually pleasant and willing to please, but it can be headstrong and adamant at times. The breed is also known to frolic and flaunt about. Care Coat care for the Pug is minimal, requiring only occasional brushing to remove the dog's dead hair. Meanwhile, regular cleaning and drying is necessary to prevent skin infections, especially in the dog's facial wrinkles. As far as exercise requirements, the Pug's needs can be met daily with a moderate leash-led walk or an energetic game. Sensitive to humidity and heat, the Pug should be kept indoors. The breed is also prone to snoring and wheezing because of their flat, small muzzles. Health The Pug has a lifespan of 12 to 15 years and is prone to major health problems like Pug Dog Encephalitis (PDE) and canine hip dysplasia (CHD), as well as minor concerns like elongated palate, patellar luxation, stenotic nares, Legg-Perthes disease, entropion, keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), hemivertebra,obesity, and skin infections. Nerve degeneration, demodicosis, seizures,distichiasis, and allergies are occasionally seen in this breed of dog. Its facial wrinkles must be kept clean to prevent skin fold dermatitis, a form of skin inflammation. The Pug is also sensitive to heat and anesthesia. History and Background Multum in Parvo, meaning "a lot in a little," is the official motto of the Pug and sums up its description. The Pug has had various names throughout the years, including Mopshond in Holland, Chinese or Dutch Pug in England, and Mops in Germany. But the word “pug” is thought to have come from the Latin pugnus, meaning fist and attributed to its clenched fist-like head, or from the 18th-century marmoset "pug" monkey, which purportedly appeared quite similar to the dog. Although its exact ancestry is not known, many consider the Pug as one of the first breeds miniaturized in Asia. China is the earliest known source of the breed, where Buddhist monasteries of Tibet favored the Pug as a pet. The Chinese considered the Pug's facial wrinkles an important feature of the breed, referring to it as the "prince mark" because of its similarity to the Chinese figure for prince. Brought to Holland by the Dutch East India Trading Company, a pug would become a pet to William I, the Prince of Orange in the mid 16th century. The Pug was also bestowed the position of the House of Orange official dog after one of its kind saved the life of William I by alarming him to the approach of an upcoming attack of Spaniards at Hermingny in 1572. Later, when William II landed at Torbay to be crowned King of England, his cortege included pugs, making the breed fashionable for generations. By 1790, the Pug had made its way to France. Most notably used by Josephine, wife of Napoleon, her pug, "Fortune," carried secret messages under his collar to Napoleon while she was confined in Les Carmes prison. In England, the Pug gained popularity during the Victorian era. These pugs sported cropped ears, which further enhanced their wrinkled expressions. And in 1885, the American Kennel Club would recognize the Pug. Since then, the Pug has become not only a popular show dog, but a wonderful family pet. A 911 dispatcher in Portland, Oregon, had to ask a supervisor if they should send police out on a most unusual call. A man was reporting that his family had barricaded themselves in their bedroom to hide from the family cat, which had gone berserk and was attacking the family, he said.
The cat can be heard on the 911 tape howling and hissing. The ruckus began when the Himalayan cat named Lux scratched the 7-month-old baby of the family. Lee Palmer, the baby’s father, told The Oregonian, “I kicked the cat in the rear, and it has gone over the edge. He's trying to attack us — he's very hostile. He's at our door; he's charging us." When police arrived, Lux ran into the kitchen and jumped on top of the refrigerator. Police captured the 4-year-old, 22-pound kitty with a dog snare and placed him in a crate. “The cat remained behind bars in the custody of the family and officers cleared the scene and continued to fight crime elsewhere in the city," Portland police told CBS News in a release. "We are debating what to do," Palmer said. "We definitely want to keep (the cat) away from the baby and keep an eye on his behavior." Dr. Stephen Zawistowski, science advisor for the ASPCA, said that there are various reasons a cat might become aggressive. "Where a cat came from and how well socialized it was as a kitten are factors that often influence a cat's behavior. Sometimes cats will show redirected aggression. This is especially true if there are other cats outside in the neighborhood. The indoor cat gets very anxious and aroused and may attack anyone, anything in the vicinity. This might also happen if other activities have aroused the cat, such as rough play or some type of commotion in the house. For some cats, this might be a baby screaming and crying, and the parent's reaction to the baby.” Yelling, screaming and kicking the cat might escalate the situation, Zawistowski explained. “If a cat becomes aggressive or hostile, one option is to throw a blanket or towel over the cat. You can bundle up the cat and hold it until it calms, while staying safe from claws and teeth." Zawistowski said cats shouldn’t be left alone with babies, especially if the cat has shown aggression in the past. PARIS, AFP - Horses from the United States, Canada and other countries in the region whose meat is sold in France for human consumption pose a health risk and are often cruelly treated, a leading animal rights group said Thursday.
L214, which derives its name from an article in a 1976 French law that stipulates that animals have to be kept properly and in healthy conditions, said the conclusions followed a wide-reaching, two-year investigation launched in 2012. Horses from the US, Canada, Mexico, Uruguay and Argentina destined for human consumption were found to be emaciated, sick, injured or had been administered strong doses of anti-inflammatory medicines, according to the findings. Using secret cameras, the probes were conducted at horse auctions, in export enclosures, at veterinary checkpoints, feedlots and abattoirs. In a video posted on L214's website, horses are seen with open gashes, dislocated or broken legs, and left without treatment in feedlots. Some are visibly dead and in a state of decomposition, in enclosures or in transport trucks, with other horses squeezed around them. "Apart from the unacceptable treatment of the horses, the use of phenylbutazone or other dangerous substances banned in the European Union is common," said L214's Brigitte Gothiere. The drug, commonly referred to as bute, is used to alleviate pain in horses that are not destined for human consumption. It was originally also given to humans to treat rheumatoid arthritis and gout but was found to cause irreversible liver damage when combined even in small doses with other human painkillers. The drug is no longer approved for human use in the European Union and United States. The revelations follow a Europe-wide health scare last year when horsemeat was found in millions of ready meals labelled as containing only beef. The group called Thursday upon leading supermarket chains to shun horsemeat coming from the Americas to put an end to the "cruel and illegal treatment" of the animals. It carried out the study in conjunction with other animal lobby groups including Switzerland's Tierschutzbund-Zurich, Animals Angels' USA, Belgium's GAIA and Eyes on Animals in the Netherlands. According to the groups, 82,000 horses were slaughtered in Canada in 2012 for human consumption. About 70 percent of them were imported from the United States, where horse abattoirs were closed down in 2007. France, meanwhile, imported 16,900 tonnes of horsemeat in 2012, mainly from Canada, Belgium, Argentina, Mexico and Uruguay -- many of the countries featured in the investigation. Dogs and cats are living longer and longer these days. Though it may seem counterintuitive, in some respects we should be treating our senior pets like we did when they were still puppies and kittens. Here are five ways how (and why) you should do just that.
1. Like puppies and kittens, senior pets require your extra attention. Senior pets may not be as adventurous as their younger counterparts, but they are frailer and can easily injure themselves around the house or while playing outside. Senior pets may also suffer vision or hearing loss that makes ensuring their safety even more important. In addition, senior pets are prone to age-related illnesses. Watch your senior pet closely. Do not place your senior dog or cat in a situation where harm may befall your pet. If your pet experiences a change in behavior or is not acting like him or herself, consult your veterinarian. 2. Like puppies and kittens, senior pets require regular visits to the veterinarian. Senior pets are susceptible to various illnesses, including dental disease, arthritis, heart disease, and kidney disease. Early symptoms of these diseases may be difficult to impossible to detect at home. However, your veterinarian is trained to look for subtle signs of illness and also has access to diagnostics (e.g., blood and urine testing, radiographs, ultrasound, etc.) that can easily identify problems early in their development. The sooner a problem is detected, the sooner it can be addressed. Early intervention will prolong your pet’s life, make your pet more comfortable, and will likely be less expensive for you than waiting until your pet suffers a crisis. This is why experts recommend that senior pets be examined by a veterinarian every six months. 3. Like puppies and kittens, senior pets require an age appropriate diet. Calories and nutrients are just as important for senior pets as they are for puppies and kittens. However, senior pets may have specific unique dietary needs due to an existing disease or condition. For instance, pets with arthritis might benefit from a diet containing such things as glucosamine and fatty acids. Pets with kidney disease, meanwhile, may have electrolyte disturbances that must be addressed in the diet. Some seniors may even be overweight and require lower calorie diets; still others may be underweight and require a highly palatable, nutritionally dense food. Your veterinarian can help you choose an appropriate diet for your senior pet based on your pet’s individual nutritional requirements. 4. Like puppies and kittens, senior pets require alterations in their environment. For young pets, safety is a major concern and pet owners need to puppy- or kitten-proof their home. In the case of older pets, the environment should be altered to address your pet’s comfort and accessibility. Older pets will appreciate a soft bed or perhaps a heated bed to provide even more relief for sore joints. For those pets that have difficulty getting around, providing ramps for easier access to beds and stairs should also be considered. Even a ramp to get into and out of the car would be appreciated, especially for larger dogs that cannot simply be lifted and placed in the car. For cats, placing ramps near perches can make it easier for your senior to access his favorite spots. Consider a litter box with low sides in an easy to reach area as well. 5. Like puppies and kittens, senior pets will benefit from a little extra playtime/exercise. Your senior may not be all that playful or active on his own but encouraging him to become more active will have numerous positive effects. Exercise will keep joints supple and muscles strong. Play and exercise will also provide mental stimulation for your pet. When you cannot play with your pet yourself, puzzles can be an acceptable and enjoyable alternative. Check with your veterinarian though about what level of exercise is safe for your pet. This will vary from one pet to another and is dependent on your pet’s health. Have you heard about the tragic case of the 10-year-old boy from San Diego who died from an infection that he allegedly caught from his new pet rat? The disease is called rat bite fever.
Despite its name, bites aren’t the only way transmission can occur. According to the Centers for Disease Control, people most commonly contract rat bite fever through:
Rat bite fever is a zoonosis — a disease that can be transmitted from animals to people. According to the World Health Organization, over 200 zoonotic diseases have been identified. In fact, most infectious diseases that affect people got their start as animal diseases. And before all you owners of “traditional” pets think this topic only applies to people who choose to live with “weird” animals, dogs and cats can be carriers of around 30 zoonotic diseases. Zoonotic diseases are generally spread from animals to people by one of three routes:
Disease transmission may be directly from animal to person or via fomites (contaminated objects). Protecting yourself and your loved ones from zoonotic diseases is in large part a matter of common sense. Here are a few helpful reminders:
Immunosuppressed people, including those who have HIV/AIDS, are on chemotherapy, have had bone marrow or stem cell transplants, or splenectomies, and the very young or old are at higher than average risk for zoonotic diseases. Consult with a doctor before having contact with animals if you or a family member falls into one of these categories. Gentle and dignified, the Saint Bernard is one of the most popular giant breeds. Its powerful and muscular build contrasts the wise, calm expression. The breed has either long or short hair, ranging in color from a deep to a more yellowed brown, with white markings always present.
Physical Characteristics Being powerful and well muscled, the Saint Bernard has the qualities required to travel through deep snow for miles. This tall and strong breed has an imposing stature. Its expression makes it look intelligent. The St. Bernard's coat, meanwhile, can be one of two varieties: one is smooth with dense and tough short hair and the other is longer with slightly wavy or straight medium-length hair. Personality and Temperament Even though the Saint Bernard is not very playful, it is patient, gentle, and easy-going with children. It is willing to please and shows true devotion to its family. Sometimes the dog displays its stubborn streak. Care The daily exercise requirements of the Saint Bernard are met with short runs and moderate walks. The dog is best when raised outdoors, keeping it away from smooth surfaces. Oversized puppies, which are brought up indoors, are susceptible to hip problems. The Saint Bernard is not tolerant of heat; in fact, it loves cold weather. It does best when given access to the yard and the house. The coat requires weekly brushing and more frequently during shedding season. In addition, many St. Bernards have a tendency to drool. Health The Saint Bernard, which has a lifespan of 8 to 10 years, may suffer from major health problems such as canine hip dysplasia (CHD), elbow dysplasia, gastric torsion, osteosarcoma, distichiasis, entropion, and ectropion. It is also prone to minor health issues like heart conditions, cardiomyopathy, Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD), diabetes, seizures, cervical vertebral instability (CVI), and hot spots. To identify some of these issues, a veterinarian may run hip, elbow, and eye exams on the dog. History and Background Originating from the Roman Molossian dogs, the Saint Bernard developed into the impressive life-saving dog from 1660 to 1670. During this time, the first batch of these big dogs were brought to the St. Bernard Hospice, which was a refuge center for travelers moving between Switzerland and Italy. Originally, the breed helped in turning spits, pulling carts, and may have acted as companions or watchdogs, but soon the monks discovered that the dogs were exceptional pathfinders in snow. A Saint Bernard would track lost travelers, lick the lost person's face, lie next to him to provide warmth, and help revive him. The dog served this prized role for more than 300 years and saved as many as 200 lives. The most renowned of the St. Bernard dogs was Barry, who saved some 40 lives. Prior to this dog’s death, the Saint Bernard were known as "Hospice Dogs," among other names. However, when the famous Barry died, the dogs were named Barryhund, after him. In the early 19th century, numerous dogs died due to disease, severe weather, and inbreeding. In 1830, a few of those remaining were crossed with Newfoundlands, creating the first long-coated breed of the Saint Bernard variety. It appeared that long hair could protect the dog in very cold snow, but it was a hindrance as the snow stuck to the coat. Therefore, the long-haired varieties were not used for rescue work. St. Bernards were exported into England in the mid-1800s, and were first referred to as the "Sacred Dog." By 1865, the breed was commonly referred to as Saint Bernard, and was registered by the American Kennel Club in 1885. At this time, U.S. dog lovers took a fancy to the breed, making the Saint Bernard extremely popular by 1900. The dog remains one of the most popular giant breeds today. Recently the American Veterinary Medical Association issued a policy statement discouraging pet owners from feeding raw diets. The American Animal Hospital Association followed with a similar policy statement. Owners of dogs fed raw diets are now excluded from many groups that offer therapy dog visitations to nursing homes and hospitals. And certainly, studies have shown that raw diets do pose a greater risk for bacterial contamination to family members than other pet food sources. This, however, does not imply that commercial dog food is risk free.
Just published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association is an epidemiology study of a Salmonella outbreak in humans exposed to dry, commercial dog food. The Salmonella Outbreak Case During routine surveillance of retail dog food, Michigan Department of Agriculture inspectors identified a particular strain of Salmonella in an unopened bag of dog food. The food was traced back to a pet food manufacturing plant in South Carolina that made foods for over 30 brands of pet food. As the 2012 investigation progressed, it was found that 16 brands of dry dog and cat food had been contaminated. The food was shipped to 21 states in the U.S., and to two Canadian provinces. Fifty-three people were made ill in these locations were infected with the exact strain of Salmonella found in the original bag of dog food. All of the patients had fed their pets the contaminated food. The identical strain of Salmonella was also isolated from the feces (poop) of the dogs belonging to the patients. Thirty-one cases of illness in dogs were also linked to the dog food during the same period. No illnesses were reported for cats. Fortunately, there were no fatalities, human or animal, associated with the outbreak. The source of the contamination at the plant was never identified. Samplings of the plant equipment and ingredients were all negative for the bacteria. Oddly, the workers at the plant “were not considered a likely source of contamination” and were not tested. This case is not unique. Three other studies have documented humanSalmonella outbreaks prior to 2012 which were associated with dry pet food or treats. How Is Salmonella Transmitted? Infection with Salmonella requires ingestion of the bacteria. The routes of infection for those in this study were not identified. Because 38 percent of the victims were children 2 years or younger, infection may have come from direct eating of the food or inadequate washing of the hands after handling the food or food bowls, or from contact with feces from the dogs. Since most dogs are fed in the kitchen, cross contamination to humans could occur when food bowls are washed with human dishes. A big concern with Salmonella is that dogs can host the bacteria and be disease free. Their saliva and feces can serve as direct sources of contamination. Flies feasting on feces in the yard can contaminate surfaces and food with the bacteria. How to Avoid Salmonella Contamination? No one should fear their pet’s food, dry or raw. We just can’t be complacent about how we handle food. Hand sanitation is extremely important. Food utensil sanitation is important. This is too often forgotten, even in the preparation of our own food. Feces in the yard should be disposed of daily in fly resistant containers. Bacteria have been on this planet far longer than us in their original form and they aren’t going away. Common sense can reduce the risk of human outbreaks from bacteria in pet food. Forget the Fur Whether you’re concerned about pet allergies or are just looking to limit the amount of hair in your home, there are a variety of dogs with minimal amounts of shedding. From large breeds with short coats to toy breeds with long, luxurious coats, here are our top picks for dogs that shed so little it's hard to tell. 1. Bichon Frise While completely non-shedding dogs are impossible to come by, the Bichon comes very close with their curled double coat. They’re active, playful dogs that have a cheerful disposition and are compatible with allergy sufferers, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC). They do, however, require frequent grooming to keep their coats healthy and mat-free. 2. Daschund Known for their long bodies and short legs, smooth and wirehaired Daschunds are light shedders with a loveable and playful disposition. Their small size makes them a great dog for apartment living and with the appropriate supervision can be an ideal pet for owners with children, according to the AKC. 3. Poodle This active, intelligent breed is a great choice for allergy sufferers but will need regular, professional grooming to maintain its coat. All three breed varieties, the standard, miniature and toy, come in various colors including white, black, apricot and gray and make excellent companions, according to the AKC. 4. Portuguese Water Dog Known for its strength and spirit, Portuguese Water Dog’s coats are waterproof and hypoallergenic. It can either curly or wavy and requires regular maintenance to prevent mats. These dogs make loyal companions but are an active and athletic breed that requires regular, vigorous exercise to stay fit and happy, according to the AKC. 5. Yorkshire Terrier In addition to being light shedders, Yorkies also make wonderful travel companions and can accommodate to living in nearly every type of environment. They’re personable, energetic dogs that like exploring new places and interacting with their owners. Their long, blue and tan coats require regular brushing to prevent tangles. 6. Standard Schnauzer While they don’t shed regularly as much as other breeds might, Standard Schnauzers do require their body coats to be stripped — or loose, dead hair plucked out — at least twice a year, according to the AKC. Their beard and leg hair requires regular brushing to prevent mats. Schnauzers are social and affectionate and are especially good with children, but their strong-willed nature requires a stern hand in training. 7. Border Terrier A working breed of terrier known for their persistence and alertness in the field, Border Terriers make affectionate and very trainable pets. Their active nature requires regular exercise while their weather resistant coats require only an occasional brushing and hand stripping twice a year, according to the AKC. 8. Maltese
A toy breed easily recognized by its long, silky white hair, Maltese are brave and gentle. A great family dog that has a big personality for such a small body, they do require daily brushing and regular grooming if their coats are kept long to prevent matting. The elegant and stylish Skye is a working terrier. Often recognized for its courageousness, determination, and long straight coat, the Skye Terrier is a great choice for someone searching for a small indoor terrier that enjoys outdoor activities.
Physical Characteristics The solidly built Skye Terrier is twice as long as it is tall. Its short legs enable it to pursue game such as badger and fox easily, and its long back gives it flexibility in small spaces. The Skye Terrier also has strong jaws and a close undercoat. Its straight, flat outer coat, meanwhile, grows to about five inches in length and is usually black, blue, gray, fawn, or cream in color. Personality and Temperament Don’t be fooled by the dog’s soft appearance; it is extremely courageous and makes for an effective watchdog. The stubborn yet sensitive Skye Terrier is also loving towards its family but very wary of strangers. And even though it mixes well with other household dogs, it does not get along with dogs it does not know. Care The Skye Terrier is most comfortable living indoors as a house dog. However, it should be allowed outside to play daily. Also, to maintain its peak physical form, a daily short or moderate walk is required. Coat care involves regular combing, and unlike other terriers, a regular bath is necessary and won’t soften the coat much. Health This breed survives for approximately 12-14 years and may suffer from minor ailments like premature closure of distal radius. History and Background The Skye Terrier is one of the oldest terriers in Scotland. The purest strain of such dogs was seen on the Isle of Skye, which explains how they got their name. The breed was described for the first time in the 16th century, when its long coat made it noteworthy. There is some confusion in delineating its history as there were many breeds that were known as Skye Terrier. In 1840, the actual Skye Terrier became well-known when Queen Victoria took a fancy to the breed. Thus, the dog gained more popularity among commoners and in the higher circles of society. Soon it arrived in the United States and with the American Kennel Club giving the breed recognition in 1887, it became popular in the show scene. In spite of the dog’s striking features and its illustrious start, its popularity started diminishing and today, it is one of the least known of the terriers. Greyfriars Bobby was the most renowned Skye Terrier -- he guarded his owner’s grave for 14 long years until he met his own death. Today he lies buried next to his master’s grave. A wonderful statue of this Skye serves as a perfect tribute to of one of the most faithful dogs. |
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