Have a happy, furry Christmas!

I hope everyone reading this article has a very Merry (and Furry) Christmas! Furry you ask? Well sure! We don't want to forget our little furry friends, do we?

Please remember, while there are a few hidden dangers for our pets during the holidays - such as certain foods & plants, there are also many wonderful moments to be shared as well!

One thing I thought of, was traveling with our pets this Christmas! Thinking of taking Fido or Fluffy with you this year? Outstanding! I love taking my pets when I travel! Motel Six and many other places are pet friendly, so if you are driving to Grandma's this year, google the pet friendly places along the way!

Does your pet get car sick? Now this can be a bummer...but it can also be dealt with. Obviously, if you are just now starting to address this issue, it may not be possible to train your pet to ride without becoming sick at this late date. You may want to go the route of a pet motion sickness medication. Dramamine or Benadryl can be used for pets, just as for people...but never attempt to administer these medications without consulting with your Vet. Dosage is extremely important with pets, as it would be with children, so your Vet will need to tell you what dosage will be safe for your pet based on its weight and/or age. There are some non-prescription medications available such as "Johnston's Travel Eze", or "Pet Calm". Ask your Vet about these as well, and see what they recommend!

Here are a few other tips that may make the trip more enjoyable:

1. You may want to make sure your dog has an empty stomach before getting in the car. Don't give him any food 3 to 4 hours prior to travel. Some vets also recommend limiting water intake just before travelling.
2. Allow your dog to relieve itself before travelling.
3. If you know your dog is prone to car sickness, be sure to take it slow, and be extra careful around sharp curves or up and down hills.
4. There are a number of homeopathic solutions that help reduce travel sickness. You can google these on the internet, or go to someplace like Pet Smart for help in finding one that works!
5. Open the window a little. Fresh air does wonders for animals that have a tendency to get car sick. Take note of the temperature; dogs cannot regulate their body temperatures as efficiently as humans can, so make sure it isn't too hot or too cold in the car.
6. Looking out the window can bring on nausea in many dogs, so consider keeping your pet safe and secure in a covered portable crate.
7. Be prepared in case the dog gets queasy in the car. Cover the seats, bring towels, paper towels and bags, give a back seat dog plenty of air, play soothing music, and do not play music too loudly.
8. For long road trips, give yourself and your pet a rest stop and take a walk every two or three hours. Aviod dehyrdation and take a good travel bowl will allow them to have a drink during the break.

So, gear up, break out the doggie downers, and hit the road to the relatives for Christmas! Taking the pets can be almost as much fun as taking the kids...and you wouldn't leave them behind...would you?!!!

Brrrrrrrr!

Well, it's official! It's cold outside!!! I know this because of the thermometer hanging on the wall next to my Rocket Science Degree!

So, not that most of you need any reminding, let me play "mother hen" and remind everyone anyway that if you have a pet outdoors, PLEASE be sure they are set up with a warm environment for the weather conditions.

Just a few helpfull hints:

1. If you are using hay or straw for the dog house, check it every couple of days. Moisture can and will accumulate in the bedding, and it may need to be turned or changed if it gets wet. Not only that, but most pets like to "spread it around" a little bit, so they may not have as much in their dog house as they now do outside their dog house!

2. Check those water bowls everyday. It's supposed to get down to 12 degrees tonight, so you can be sure that water will freeze. And unless there is direct sunlight on the bowl during the day, it may not defrost enough to provide potable drinking water.

3. Be aware that if you put out canned food for you dog, it will freeze too. I know most people use dry, but that food can form ice crystals as well, and become soggy later as it thaws.

4. And finally, please be cautious about using creative means to warm your doggies house. Placing an unprotected light bulb attached to an extension cord inside the dog house, can be very hazardous to your dogs health. Not only can they be electrocuted if they chew through the cord, but they can be badly burned if they get too close to the hot bulb. Seems like common sense, I know...but if I mention it here, it's because it has already been tried by someone. Really!

Also, heating pads and those small lap-style electric blankets are just as dangerous. Really, if it is so cold that you think you need to try these things, then maybe it's cold enough to bring the pet indoors for a day or so!

Just Say No !

We all have our favorite foods & beverages. Not surprisingly, so do our our dogs. And often, it just happens to be the same as ours! Spoiling our pets often becomes second nature to us. Unfortunately, many of us don't know that that we may not just be spoiling them, but we might be poisoning them as well!

So here are a few of the things we should NEVER feed our dogs...no matter how much they beg for it!

Alcohol: Alcohol depresses brain function in dogs and can send them into a coma. It can cause further damage by turning their blood acidic.

Dogs are not equipped with the protective enzymes that allow humans to imbibe reasonable amounts of alcohol without harm. And because most dogs are smaller than humans and are more sensitive to alcohol, it doesn't take much to cause serious problems. How much depends on the size of the dog, and the amount and type of alcohol it consumes.

So - no pina colodas for Fido. Not for fun, and not by accident with those party leftovers.

Coffee: The caffine in a cup of coffee is a methylxanthine compound that binds to receptors on all surfaces, precluding the normal compounds from attaching there. In english? Caffine blocks the normal compounds from attaching to Fidos blood cells. In much the same way that inhaling carbon monoxide from your cars exhaust will block oxygen from attaching to your blood cells. It just tastes better to Fido.

Caffine in any form - coffee, tea, soda, or chocolate - can increase your dogs heart rate, produce an irregular heart beat, and trigger seizures. It can also cause severe gastrointestinal problems. So no Starbucks for Fido!

Garlic: Someone once told me that if you eat a lot of garlic, you won't be bothered by many types types of biting insects, like mosquitoes and fleas. Or your friends & neighbors either! So...by logical extension, you might think it will work the same way for your dog. WRONG!

Garlic, in any form, breaks down a dog's red blood cells, and large amounts over time can lead to anemia and possible kidney failure from leaking hemoglobin.

Dogs don't have the necessary enzyme to properly breakdown the compound thiosulphate, which is a prime ingredient of garlic.

According to ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), if a dog eats 0.5 % of its body weight in garlic, it can show signs of poison. In otherwords, just five grams (0.18 ounces) of garlic per kilogram (2.2 lbs), or two grams (0.07 ounces) of garlic per pound, can mean an emergency trip to the Vet for Fido. As you can see, it doesn't take much.

Chocolate: If you take nothing else from this article, please remember this! The chemical contained in chocolate - theobromine - can be fatal to our furry friends! Just 3 ounces (85 grams) of dark chocolate, or seven ounces (198 grams) of milk chocolate can bring on vomiting in a 50 pound dog!

Chocolate also contains the methylxanthine compound reffered to earlier in coffee, making the combination a deadly & dangerous combination for our best friends. Dogs don't metabolize & excrete theobromine as fast as humans, causing a toxic build up in the blood.

So, how can you tell if Fido has been the victim of chocolate toxicity? The signs can occur withing hours. They include vomiting, diarrhea, increased heart rate, rapid breathing, tremors, seizures and coma. This one is serious, so be sure to tell the children, no chocolate for the dog. No matter how much they beg, just say no!

Grapes: Animal toxicologists have found that grapes and raisins can cause acute renal and kidney failure in dogs.

Though the research is ongoing, some suspect the cause may be a compound soluble in water, which is indigestibal to dogs. A possible fungal toxin is also suspected.

One thing is known for sure. As few as ten raisins or grapes could be fatal to your beloved pooch.

Onions: Aside from the breath issue, onions for your dog is a bad idea for another reason. The damage caused by ingesting onions is cumultive, so small tastes over time can be potentially worse than if Spot ate the whole bulb at once.

Whether its done over time, or all at once, the eating of onions by dogs can cause anemia.

Anything onion, like anything garlic, also contains the thiosulphate compound, which we now know dogs lack the enzyme to digest.

Yeast: Like alcohol, ingestion of yeast can cause fatal damage. Active yeast found in raw bread releases alcohol as it grows.

Yeast enjoys moist, warm environments - like a dogs stomach. The expanding dough can prevent blood from flowing to the heart, by distending or expanding the abdomen.

Macadamia Nuts: Expets have yet to discover why just a few of these nuts can produce tremors, even temporary paralysis, in a dogs hind legs.

High phosphorus content in nuts in general, can cause kidney stones in dogs. And it doesn't take much...four or five nuts and a 10 pound dog can show signs of poison. The holidays are nearing, so be extra vigilant with that nut cracker this holiday season!

Finally, just another precautionary note about the dangers of Antifreeze and your pets. Every year it is estimated that about 10,000 cats & dogs will be the victims of accidental anitfreeze poisoning. Most commercial brands of antifreeze consists of about 95 % ethylene glycol, an extremely toxic chemical. Just a few licks of this sweet-tasting liquid can be fatal to your cat or dog. (It is also extremely hazardous to children!)

For a medium sized dog, ingestion of about 2 ounces (3-4 tablespoons)is toxic. For a cat, as little as 1/4 of an ounce (1-2 teaspoons) can be fatal.

Both cats & dogs are attracted to the taste and smell of antifreeze. So when changing out that radiator in preparation for the upcoming winter season, please use extra care to be sure there is none left on the ground for our furry loved ones to sample.

Antifreeze poisoning occurs in two stages: In the first stage, the ethylene glycol in the antifreeze causes a drunken appearance in the animal within about 30 minutes which may continue for several hours. After passing through stage 1, the animal appears to recover. Stage 2 begins when the dog's liver begins metabolizing the ethylene glycol, changing it into more toxic substances. Within 12 to 36 hours of ingestion, these metabolites have reached such a level that the dog's kidneys stop functioning, and the animal slips into a coma.

Symptoms of antifreeze poisoning include a drunken appearance including staggering, lack of coordination, and apparent disorientation and vomiting. The animal may appear listless and depressed. Because early signs of antifreeze poisoning often mimic signs of other illness, neither you or your veterinarian may suspect antifreeze poisoning until it is too late. Fortunately, in house lab tests performed by your veterinarian by assist in the diagnosis of antifreeze toxicity.

Getting the dog or cat to a veterinarian is critical within the first 9-12 hours following ingestion. After that length of time, the liver will have already begun metabolizing the ethylene glycol into substances that cause kidney failure and ultimately death. Many people have asked, "What should be done to immediately care for my pet. Should I induce vomiting or give activated charcoal to my pet?"

Please take note: These are very short term fixes and not a cure. The faster your pet is treated by a veterinarian the better the chances of recovery. Again, this poison is extremely toxic.

So, remember that just because you can do someting...it doesn't mean you should. When Kitty or Fido start begging for that tasty little morsel left over on our plates...for their health and our peace of mind...just say no! And please watch those household and garage chemicals. Our furry friends only know what smells and tastes good...not what is good for them. Just like our two-legged children, they depend on us to sort that out for them, and to protect them from themselves!

Frequently asked questions!

I'm often asked questions regarding our furry friends. For as long as dogs and cats have been a part of our history, many people have no idea about the little things that make our pets unique. So, for fun, I thought I would list some of the most frequently asked questions and post the answers. Knowledge is power the old saying goes...and gaining a little extra can be fun too!

Enjoy!

1. Are dogs color blind?
Answer: Dogs are not color blind - they see color, but their chromatic acuity is significantly less than humans'. This is for two reasons: (1) dogs have far fewer cone cells in their retina (cone cells are responsible for seeing color); and (2) dogs are dichromatic (they see only two primary colors - blue and yellow) whereas humans are trichromatic, meaning we see three primary colors - red, blue, and green.
Humans have 7 times higher proportion of cone cells than dogs, meaning that when dogs do see colors, they are pale or faded. However dogs have a much higher concentration of rod cells, responsible for seeing black-and-white, and also much more sensitive in lower light conditions. For that reason, dogs have much better night vision than people.

2. Can dogs get frost bite or sun burns?
Answer: Yes they can. Although not all areas are prone to sunburn, the most important locations that are prone are the belly, the tips of the ears and tips of the nose. Although most of you have not thought about the possibility of sunburn on your dog, it is a serious condition that can cause certain injuries. Some of these injuries are skin ulcers (aka sores), infections and even cancer that can spread through the body. Sunburn threat is more serious in some dog breeds than others. For instance, short haired dogs or lightly colored ones are more prone to sunburn than other dog breeds. Lighter dogs naturally have thinner hair and will allow more sunlight to reach the skin of the dog. In addition, shorter dogs get the shorter stick because they are closer to the ground. Being closer to the ground causes sun reflecting from the pavement and other lighter ground covering such as sand to cause sunburn, especially on the belly region. On the other hand, some larger breeds are just naturally prone to cancer which makes the common case of sunburn in a more serious threat status than other dog breeds. Some of these breeds are Weimaraners and Boxers.

3. Is it true my pet will get fat if I have them spayed or neutered?
Answer: Lack of exercise and overfeeding makes pets fat and lazy, not spaying and neutering. Spayed and neutered pets are typically healthier and actually live an average of two to three years longer than unsterilized pets. Exercise your pet just as you did before they were fixed, and they will suffer no ill effects from weight gain.

4. How long does a female stay in heat?
Answer: Female dogs have a heat cycle that takes about three weeks to complete. Female cats cycle at approximately 21 day intervals during the spring, summer and fall.

5. How do I get the smell of dog urine out of my floor?
Answer: Dog urine is powerful stuff, and the smell can linger for years after the dog is gone, enticing any new four-legged family member to use the smelly spot as a "potty spot".

Use an enzyme based cleaner (we recommend Nature's Miracle) and follow the directions on the label.

Tip: Do NOT use an ammonia product, or bleach. The smell simulates the smell of urine, and the dog will continue to use that area for a bathroom.

6. Why shouldn't I breed my dog?
Answer: For every puppy born, three die in shelters. There are too many out there and not enough homes for them all.

Complications in birth and pregnancies happen all the time. You could face losing your dog to death, and all the puppies with her. Will YOU pay the $1200.00 for a much-needed emergency cesarean section when she cannot deliver the pups?

What about sexually-transmitted diseases? That stud dog you had pickled out may have one. They are more common than you think.

How about genetic diseases? They abound.

Breeding is not a careless affair, it is so much more than bringing bitch and stud together during a heat cycle.

7. Do dogs get depression?
Answer: Like humans, dogs do occasionally suffer from bouts of depression. They get mopey, lethargic, stop eating, and drink only minimal amounts of water, stop wanting to play, and even lose drastic amounts of weight.

What can cause this in pets?

Grief, change of scenery, or sometimes it is a chemical imbalance, needing medication to correct it. Even the weather can adversely affect a normally happy dog. The most common reason for dog depression however, is lack of social interaction with their human owners. Dogs are pack animals...and our families are the pack they want to be with... a task made difficult when they kept constantly chained to a tree. Dogs don't just want to be near us...they need to be with us. Left to their own, watching us go about our daily lives, watching the kids playing in the distance while never being able to particpate runs counter to everything that makes a dog our best friend. Not only will your dog benefit from you spending quality time with them, numerous studies on humans have found that quality pet time makes us live longer too!

8. Is it ok for dogs and cats to eat grass?
Answer: Grass eating by dogs and cats is considered normal by most veterinarians. Dogs in the wild do the same thing to supplement their diet with vegetation. You should only be concerned about access to grass that has been treated with herbicides, insecticides, or fertilizers that might cause illness. If chemicals have not been used on the grass, your pooch can graze away!

9. How often should I bathe my dog?
Answer: The simplest answer to this question is, whenever he needs it. Dogs who spend the most of their time indoors will not need much bathing, while dogs who are outside a lot, romping in the mud and trees (and possibly other smelly things) will need to be bathed more often. Also, some dogs' coats will accumulate grease and oil more quickly than others.

Breeds prone to oily skin and other skin conditions, such as Cocker Spaniels, benefit from regular bathing about every four weeks. Breeds with a thick, double coat, like huskies and chows, only need bathing about three or four times a year. Washing a dog with an undercoat more often than this can make the coat softer and less waterproof and insulating.

In general, you can use your common sense to judge when your dog needs bathing. If you're concerned about causing dry skin, there are moisturizing treatments available at most pet stores, which you rub into your dog's skin after you shampoo him. If your dog seems uncomfortable or shows signs of skin problems, consult your veterinarian.

10. What is Parvo?
Answer: Parvovirus is a dangerous virus that attacks dogs' intestinal tracts. It can cause severe bloody diarrhea, vomiting, and electrolyte imbalances and can lead to severe dehydration, a buildup of toxins or poisons in the bloodstream, and eventually death. When puppies under 12 weeks old are infected, the virus can damage the heart muscle and cause lifelong cardiac problems. Parvovirus is extremely contagious and can be transmitted by any person, animal, or object that comes in contact with a infected dog's feces. The virus can survive extreme heat and cold for long periods of time, and may remain alive on a surface long after the feces has been removed.

There are many ways you can protect your dog from parvovirus. Most veterinarians recommend multiple vaccinations for growing puppies. As dogs get older, their immunity is maintained with annual booster shots. Use a solution of one part bleach to thirty parts water to clean areas frequented by other dogs, and use the solution on the soles of your shoes if you think you've walked through an infected area.

If your dog experiences vomiting, severe diarrhea, depression, or loss of appetite, see your veterinarian as soon as possible. Though there are presently no drugs to kill the virus, there are treatments proven to control its symptoms.

Are you "pet friendly" ?

Being pet friendly means more than just loving animals. It also means that we never subject them to physical or verbal abuse. We are not allowed to treat our children that way, and under Kansas State law, we are not allowed to treat out pets that way either. Beating your dog is considered by law to be a form of animal cruelty, which is now a Felony in the State of Kansas.

I have trained dogs for many years, and frankly, I have never had a time when it was necessary to hit a dog. Most dogs respond quite well to verbal commands and the inflection of the owners voice. There are some breeds that require a firmer bit of handling, but that does not mean hitting them. For these dogs, once you lay a hand on them, you have lost control of them forever.

Recently, I have had several reports of owners that have been seen beating their dogs. I cannot emphasize strongly enough, that this is never an acceptable means of discipline, and in many instances, can be counter productive to what you trying to accomplish. More importantly, it is illegal. If you have a training issue, please contact me for assistance. There are many excellent training programs available online or through the mail that can help you train the perfect dog. I will also be glad to help you with a few tips as well.

I urge everyone to be pet friendly, and let your dogs know that there is never a reason to bite the hand that feeds them. Extend your hand in love, never anger!

Old Man Winter is around the corner...are you ready?

There is a chill in the air, which signals the arrival of the winter season. Are you ready? More importantly, are your animals? This is the time to start helping them get ready by making sure they have adequate shelter if they are outside dogs. Be sure they have sufficient warm bedding inside their dog houses, and you will need to check their water bowls every morning to be sure they are not frozen over. Also, remember that many breeds of dogs have shorter coats, and can get chilled quite easily. Like people, dogs can suffer from hypothermia, and freeze to death at worst, or catch colds or pneumonia at the least. If they need a doggie sweater, please make sure they have one. Last winter, even though it wasn't as cold and snowy as predicted, I did have a couple reports of dogs freezing to death.

Finally, remember that during cold weather, dogs will need a little more food than normal in order to keep their metabolism working up to par, in order to help fight the cold.And don't forget to check those weather reports every evening, and bring Fido or Fluffy inside if the temperature is going to hit the freezing mark. Even if they dog freeze to death, a dog can get frostbite on it's feet, tail and tips of its ears...and even its nose! Be vigilant and help your pet through what many are forecasting to be a potentially bad winter!

Happy Fourth of July!

As the 4th of July looms around the corner, you are probably spending your evenings as I have been...listening to all the neighbors popping off those cases of fireworks they have been lugging home. So, this might be a good time to remind everyone that while we humans find this an occasion for celebration, animals might have a different view point entirely!

Many dogs & cats are scared to death of loud noises like thunder, cars back-firing, and of course...fireworks. So how can you minimize their anguish? Well, the answer largely depends on whether your pet is an inside or outside pet. If Fido or Fluffy stays outside, nothing short of being stoned on pet tranquilizers and and being very securely confined will help. Sorry...no need to gloss it over. The fireworks are everywhere, all day...all night. Unless you can bring them in in the evening, they will be at the mercey of every neighbor with a bottle rocket or an M-80!

If your pets are indoor pets, there is help! If you gone during the day or evening, leave the T.V. or radio on...and turn them up a little to help drown out the noise of the outside pyrotechnics. Sometimes, if they are extremely fearful, you may still need the aid of a pet tranquilizer. Ask your Vet what they recommend for these trying times.

And even though I really shouldn't have to say this...say it I will. Parents, please tell your children that it is not permissible to throw fire crackers at animals, strap them to cats tails, or a myriad of other equally nasty little cruelties that animals often suffer.

So, celebrate the birthday of our country. Enjoy the fireworks displays - large or small. But try and remember that not every member of our household is thrilled with the whole thing. They will need a little extra love and attention too!

Things to ponder?

As we go through our daily grind, how many of us really stop to consider the things around us? I'm not talking about things like houses, office buildings or the new car the neighbor just bought. I'm referring to the other things around us. Trees, plants, birds and turtles. Yep...turtles!

Today I came across a very large turtle, about the size of the hubcap on the Toyota my wife drives. To reach this size - if I am remembering my biology correctly - usually takes a turtle around 20 to 30 years. This particular turtle was a female - with eggs. The true tragedy here is that aside from the death of this marvelous creature and her potential offspring, it really didn't have to happen in the first place. Unfortunately, what with cell phones, CD players and XM radio...we often find way too many things inside our vehicles to distract us from seeing what is outside. We go too fast, and observe too little.

I can't help but wonder why it wasn't possible that the person who ran over this poor creature, didn't see her lumbering across the street, and give her a chance? I can only hope they tried to avoid hitting her. I would hate to think that any of us would be so cold and callous, that we would take the destruction of a creature 20 or 30 years old with a frivilous attitude. If that were true...that would really be the greatest tragedy of all!

Rabies Season Is Here!

Well, it's that time of year again. Rabies season is here, and so far this year, there have been 16 cases of rabies reported in the State of Kansas. See link here:

http://www.vet.ksu.edu/depts/dmp/service/rabies/2009/KSpos09.htm

As you can see, all but three of the reported cases have been from skunks. Here in Eureka, there have been several reports of skunk activity during daylight hours. While it is unusual for skunks to be seen during daylight hours, it is not totally unheard of. Here are a few reasons you might observe a skunk moving about during daylight hours:

1. Bad Weather: Skunks will move about when the space in which they reside beomes too wet, too cold, or both. They will look for someplace dryer and warmer, and often will move about in daylight to do so.

2. Noise or other disturbances: Skunks will move about if the space in which they reside is no longer habitable due to continuous loud noises or other disturbances. Some of these might be disturbances from chainsaws, quads(four-wheel drive motorcycles), activity from nearby bull dozers or dump trucks, or any other loud and/or continuous activity which they consider threatening.

3. Food: Skunks are omnivores, meaning they eat meat and plant materials. They are also attracted to garbage, and pet food. Skunks are also one of the primary predators of the Honeybee, relying on their thick fur to protect them from stings. The skunk scratches at the front of the beehive and eats the guard bees that come out to investigate. Mother skunks are known to teach this to their young.

Skunks typically account for about 20-25% of all reported rabies cases, nationwide. Not all skunks "carry" rabies. Clinical signes of rabies in skunks can last from 1 to 18 days, before the animal dies. If you should come across the dead carcass of a skunk, you should notify Animal Control for removal.

The main point is that while many people think that skunks are nocturnal animals, this is just a popular myth. Actually, skunks are crepuscular, meaning they come out mostly at dawn and dusk. During late summer and early fall, skunks may be seen more frequently during the day as a result of the young exploring their new world.

Rabies - What You Should Look For:

1. Furious Rabies - Generally indicated by heightened agression, irritability and restlessness. Instead of running away or displaying warning behavior, such as hissing, stamping it's feet, etc. - which a skunk will normally do - it will actively pursue the pet or person trying to bite them.

2. Dumb Rabies - These animals are lethargic, depressed, partially paralyzed and may appear unusually tame. They may stumble about, often appearing to be drunk, or they may just sit still, weaving about unsteadily. They will eventually die.

If you should encounter a skunk showing the signs of either of the above - call Animal Control immediately. Do not attempt to trap the animal yourself!

As with anything related to wild animals, common sense should dictate caution when you have a close encounter of any kind. As the weather warms up, you may encounter many other animal species wandering about during daylight hours. Just remember to exercise caution, and report anything you think might be unusual.

You can reach me at 750-0302, anytime.

Clinic was a success!

This is just a sincere "Thank You!" to all who participated in the Annual City Tag & Rabies Clinic, held this past Saturday, February 21st.

Last count was at 105 tags sold, which was double what we did last year. And today Monday), I know others came and purchased their tags, since they were unable to make it Saturday.

Obviously, we all know there are many more than 105 dogs and cats living within the city limits. But, now that the price of tags has been lowered, it is hoped that it will make it easier for all to get their tags throughout the year, and getting the tags is what is truly important...no matter when it happens!

So thanks again to all who participated, and a special thank you to Dr. Droge and his staff, who worked very hard to keep up with the long lines. We are talking about even trying to do another one in a few months. We'll keep you posted!

ANNUAL CITY TAG & RABIES CLINIC

If your pets could talk…they’d be telling you that you need to come to the Clinic this coming Saturday, February 21st, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and get their City tags and rabies shots! The Clinic will be held at Memorial Hall.

The cost of City tags for all dogs and cats that have not been fixed is now only $6.00! It is $4.00 for those that have been spayed or neutered.

Doctor Droge and his fine staff will also be present to get those rabies shots – which are required to get City tags – and any other shots your pets might need. He will be offering all shots and worming treatments at a discounted price…so now is the time to get them done!

If your pet is current on its rabies vaccination, please bring proof with you to the Clinic.

Current City tags and rabies vaccinations are required all dogs & cats living within the city limits. Tags are required, whether or not the pet is an inside animal or not. City tags are required on all puppies and kittens, regardless of age. Rabies shots are not required on animals under six months of age.

Any questions should be directed to the Animal Control Officer : 750-0302, or the City Clerk : 583-6511

A friendly dog is a good dog!

Many years ago, I learned in a psychology class while in college about the detrimental effects of proper external stimuli on animals (both the two and the four legged variety), and how it can adversley affect them as they get older.

An example in our text book reflected on two groups of kittens. One group was allowed to roam free, and do what kittens do...climb, jump, play fight, play with toys, chase string and so on.

Another group was deprived of those experiences. They were kept in an area that was comfortable, but devoid of the space needed to learn play, develop proper socialization skills with other animals, and devoid of changes in their external stimuli. The area they were kept was always lit, very quiet and they were kept from prolonged exposure to other of their kind.

The findings of this study were quite informative. The kittens who were exposed to an open, stimulus filled existence, were able to jump up and down at will on things like furniture. They had no apparent fear of heights, reacted in a positive manner when exposed to other kittens from outside their control group, and enjoyed play activities.

The kittens that were deprived of the same open environment were not well developed. The would not jump up on furniture - like chairs or couches. When placed up on these items, they were afraid to jump down. They did not climb like normal kittens, and when exposed to high levels of external stimuli - like screaming children, loud music, etc., they became very fearful and withdrawn. They exhibited anti-social behavior when exposed to others of their age group and species. When presented with toys, or string to chase, they just sat there and stared at them. Also, because they were never exposed to darkness, they showed a marked lack of development with regards to their night vision ability, and so they also became fearful of darkened spaces, because they could not navigate like normal.

Why do I relate this story? Mainly because on my daily travels around Eureka, I often encounter many animals that display the unfortunate behaviorial symptoms of those under stimulated kittens. These animals tend to be fearful of people, agressive towards people and/or other animals - even of their own species - and are fearful of doing things that normal animals would take for granted...like playing with toys, jumping up onto a seat in a vehicle, or walking on a leash. Often, these animals are not even trained well enough to come when called by their own name.

Many of these animals have not been properly socialized, spending much - if not all -of their lives at the end of chain in the back yard. Not much use for a name if they are left to chase their tails all day as they wrap those chains around a tree.

No need to learn to come to their name when they are called either, since once they are finally free to run, they have no intention of returning to the meager existence from which they just escaped. They view most other animals as either threats to their personal safety, or competition for mates or food. People walking, other animals attempting to be sociable, children playing are all seen as things to fear. In the animal kingdom, you either run from what you fear...or you try and dominate it.

The point of this article is not about whether or not an animal should be chained up or not. It is about the need to properly socialize our pets. Not just to other animals, but most importantly to people. Walking people, people riding bicycles, children running and shouting. All the things that normal people do everyday. Your dog does not have to be so well socialized that it would rather sleep in your neighbors bed than yours...but it should not try and bite your neighbors hand off when offered either. It should be trained to learn and respond to its named being called, even by your neighbor. It should not chase people walking or riding a bike in a threatening manner, and it should never chase and try and bite children runnning in play.

The good news is that when the deprived group of kittens were provided with the necessary stimuli need for proper growth and development, they began to act as kittens should. After three months of normal exposure to all the things they lacked, they were all at the same point of development as their peers from the first group. By the age of nine months, all the kittens from both groups were perfectly normal. Well socialized and happy!

Your pet can also be properly socialized - even in the later periods of its life. Although studies show that the maximum benefit of training comes in the early stages of its life as a puppy, training can also be very effective even as late as six or seven years old. It also proves that you can teach an old dog new tricks!

These studies also show that a well socialized animal is happier, less destructive to its home environment, and more tolerant of other animals - often even those of a different species, like cats. So take a little extra time with your dog. Ten minutes a day, every day to start. It will pay diividends down the road for you and your pet. And remember, a freindly dog is a good dog! All dogs want to be good...they just need us to show them the way!

ANUAL CITY TAG & RABIES CLINIC

Every year around this time, the City of Eureka and Dr. Droge and his staff get together and have our annual City Tag & Rabies Clinic. This year will be no different. The Clinic will be held on February 21st, at Memorial Hall, from 9:00AM to 12:00PM.

This is the best time of the year to purchase those annual City tags for your dogs and cats. Yes, I said cats. City Code requires cats have tags as well as dogs. The cost of tags for animals that have been spayed or neutered is $4.00. For animals that have not been spayed or neutered, $30.00. This is really the very best time of the year to get these tags, because after March, there will be a $2.00 penalty fee for every month past March that you wait. So...that $30.00 tag you might have purchased in March, will cost you $42.00 in September for example. So getting them now, can save you later. Also, a dog or cat with tags is much easier to return home in the event they slip out and get picked up.

Dr. Droge will also be offering a discount on his shots as well, although at this time, I do not have information on what it will be. A current rabies vaccination is required for the purchase of City tags. Typically, rabies vaccinations are good for a year, although longer term vaccinations are available. Ask Dr. Droge what is best for you and your pet.

Please be aware that City tags are due every year, in March. If you get a dog in August and get your tags then, they will still need to be renewed in March of the following year. They do not go from August to August, November to November, and so forth.

As a final note, please be aware that every dog or cat is required to have current rabies and City tags if they reside within the City limits. While there is a age limit for the rabies vaccination (generally puppies and kittens under 6 months of age are not required to have rabies shots), there is no such age limit for the City tags. Puppies and kittens are required to have the City tags, regardless of age.

I would like to encourage all pet owners to do the right thing, and get your pets vaccinated and tagged. The fines can be steep if you are caught without them. More importantly, the rabies vaccination is also a public health issue, since household pets can come into contact with rabid squirrels, raccoons, skunks and other critters. Help protect your pets, and your community, and gets those shots and tags while they are the least expensive! Your pets will thank you, and your neighbors will too!

A New Year!

The year may be new, but - alas - we still have the same old problems. Too many dogs running loose. Too many animals without current rabies vacinations or current City tags. And of course, too many animals without good homes.

Let's all try and make this a better year than 2008. Please be more vigilant with your pets. If you are unsure about the current City Codes regarding the number & types of animals you are allowed, please call me at 750-0302. I would happy to help you figure out what you need to do to avoid getting an unnesscesary citation.

If you have issues regarding the training of your dog, the best food for your pets, or need to know more about the City Tethering Ordinance, please be sure to call me as well.

The annual City Tag & Rabies Clinic will be sponsored again this year, and is currently scheduled to happen in February. It will be at Memorial Hall like it was last year. I will make sure an ad is posted in the paper, and will also annnounce it on the radio. A poster will also placed on the door at City Hall. The actual day and time has not been set yet, but will be decided soon...so check back frequently.

Let's all work together this year and make Eureka a safer and more pet friendly community!