Tips for raising a happy, healthy pet
PET BULLETIN
‘Mews and Yips’ from the Central Aroostook Humane Society
Special to the Star-Herald
We all want a fresh-smelling home, but before you put out that liquid potpourri, consider this: Many liquid potpourris contain essential oils and detergents that can be harmful to your pet. The ASPCA’s Dr. Steven Hanson states: “A class of detergents known as cationics is usually responsible for severe ulceration of the membranes of the mouth, throat and gastrointestinal tract. Where there is contact with the skin, redness, swelling and extremely painful lesions can appear.” Symptoms of these exposures include drooling, vomiting, depression, metabolic disturbances and difficulty breathing from fluid on the lungs.
To avoid exposing your pet to the dangers of liquid potpourri, ASPCA experts offer the following tips:
• Place potpourri simmer pots and unused liquid in rooms where pets cannot gain access;
• Consider using relatively safer alternatives, such as plug-in or solid air fresheners. (Do take care to use these in out-of-reach locations as well); and
• If you suspect your pet has been exposed to liquid potpourri, please call your veterinarian or the APCC’s emergency hotline at 888-426-4435 for round-the-clock telephone assistance.
We are so happy to say that all the little dogs and rabbits seized by the state that were at our shelter have found wonderful, loving homes. What is hard about situations like that is that these animals do not belong to the shelter; as a matter a fact, they are considered evidence. We are no more than a holding facility for these animals; we cannot adopt them out or foster them out, we can only care for them and the state does pay us $4 per day per animal while they are waiting to go to court. It is hard for some to understand. We have had many people upset with us because they want a certain animal but our hands are tied in situations like this.
I encourage all dog owners to socialize their dogs, it is the most important thing you can do for them. What is socialization and why is it important to both you and your dog? It is literally introducing your dog to as many different things in his environment as possible. Dogs that are well-socialized are happy, secure, confident dogs who are healthier because of a general reduction in stress. A well-socialized dog will readily interact with all types of people and will easily play with other dogs, as well. He is not afraid of most objects and may be cautious about certain things. A dog who is secure in himself will go with you anywhere and be fun to be around. The hard work will pay off in the end.
When do you start to socialize your puppy? Now! Socialization is most critical in puppies between the ages of 3 weeks and 14 weeks. This is the time when experiences are new. They exert a maximum and long-lasting effect on shaping your dog’s future personality and temperament. The key is to make each experience a positive one. Your attitude towards these experiences is going to also weigh heavily on how your puppy responds to his environment.
Basic guidelines for socializing your dog from SCVhumane.org:
• Do not drag your dog toward the object or person of whom they are afraid. Let your dog approach upon his own willpower, helped with some of his most favorite treats! See the section on easing the fearful dog’s fright for detailed instructions on how to use treats and toys to help him overcome his fear;
• Do not touch or talk soothingly to a frightened dog. You only make them worse. A better way to deal with that situation is to ignore your dog if he is hiding and only speak happily and touch Fido when he comes out from under your chair or actually starts to investigate. Help Fido learn that being confident and bold is what you really want him to be. You are jolly to help your dog overcome his fear;
• Do not pick up your small puppy or dog if he is afraid. You would be rewarding him for acting shy by coddling him. Remember, a small breed of dog is going to be little the rest of his life, so you need to help him learn how to deal with the world at his own height level by leaving him on the floor;
• Act and talk happy. Act like the situation is no big deal. Talk to your dog like you do when you play together. So instead of your dog remaining in a fearful mode, you switch him over to a play mode. Bringing your dog’s favorite toy or treat with you can help him overcome his fears as well;
• Take your dog to as many places as possible, to meet as many different people as possible; and
• Hesitation is normal in socializing your dog, but panic is not! If your dog panics, you need to actively work on socializing your dog to that situation, person or object. Do not think that ignoring it will help. Dogs do not grow out of fears, they only become worse unless you work directly on the problem. Please use the techniques described to help your dog overcome his fears.
Creating a “good dog” takes time and dedication, it won’t happen without work and commitment. It is our responsibility to make our dogs the best that they can be and do it in a positive way.
If you are looking for a friend for life, please contact the Central Aroostook Humane Society. We are open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday, or you can give us a call at 764-3441. We are now on Facebook and our Web site is www.centralaroostookhumanesociety.org.
Please be part of the solution and have your pets spayed or neutered before it is too late.
