Do you have a long haired cat? It does seem as if long haired cats shed more than cats that have short hair but that’s because their hair is so long that it seems like there’s more of it.  It may seem like you’re always vacuuming up hair and are constantly cleaning out the cat bed.  Exotic cats that have long hair require continual brushing and grooming. This not only helps with cat allergies by reducing the dander but it can also help reduce cat hairballs. There is one solution to this problem. You can get your cat groomed and have his hair cut short like you would a dog. This won’t prevent cat allergies because allergies originate from cat dander not cat hair. Dander will still be an issue but you may be able to reduce the amount time you spend vacuuming up your cats hair. There are many groomers that will make your cat look really “cool.”  Check them out!

If your dog is hyper when he his left alone, this can spell trouble for you and even your neighbors.  Victoria Voight, an animal behaviorist at Western University explains why some dogs bark, chew and damage things while their owners are out.  She says that most of the time that the dogs are destructive while their owners are away is because they have separation anxiety.  The destructive behavior is a way that the dog could get attention and access to the owner. To prevent this kind of behavior, Voight suggests to slowly acclimate your dog to being alone.  Make sure that you exercise your dog regularly and provide enough toys make him get through the day. If this does not work, I would suggest that you call an animal behaviorist or ask your vet about medication. This would be a last resort.  Before going this route, try working with your dog. Leave him alone for very short periods and give him a treat when you get home. See what happens but don’t lock him is his dog carrier or crate as punishment. That is about the worst thing that you could do!

Did you know that pets are quickly becoming an important part of modern patient care? Many hospitals are realizing that friendly dogs can help people heal significantly faster.  Dogs that are carefully chosen and well trained can act as physical therapists for the ailing patient.  Dogs encourage the patients to exercise their arms and legs by playing a game of fetch or grooming. These dogs are particularly helpful to patients that need physical therapy after a brain or spinal cord injury. Patients also benefit from the dogs unconditional love and acceptance. Pet therapy has been shown to reduce anxiety and depression.  We could all benefit from a little of this therapy. So at the end of a hard day at work, give your candystriper dog a nice comfortable place to sleep. A big rawhide bone would do well before he turns in!

Does your cat lick until her fur falls out? If this is so, she may suffer from an inhalant allergy. Did you know that feline skin allergies are very common?  Food is not the only cause. Sometimes cats are allergic to pollen, mold, mildew or other things in the air. The same things that trigger hay fever in humans can make cats itch like mad.  Sometimes the itchiness can be so uncomfortable for a cat that they will lick themselves until their skin is raw.  This problem can be seasonal or year round.  If your cat has these symptoms, take her to your vet for an accurate diagnosis. An allergy test can help determine the cause.  Pet medication such as an antihistamine, allergy shot or steroid treatment is all that is needed to help solve the problem.

I read an article in todays newspaper that really interests me. It was about a Labrador Retreiver that was trained  to help an autistic boy deal with his disabilities.  According to the Bergen Record, the boy has difficulty transitioning from home to school and has outbursts which are common in autistic children. His mother says that the dog’s calming presence helps. The dog is kept on his dog leash and causes no problem at school. The school objects to this and says that they already provide him with adequate service for his autism. Although they may provide adequate service, does this prevent the boy from his outbursts? If the dog helps calm the boy and causes no harm, this author believes that he should be allowed to stay in school.  A county judge allowed the dog to accompany the boy to school until the case goes to trial in November. What do you think? Dogs are smart creatures that have the ability to help the handicapped. Why not let them in schools to help with autism?  Students allergies of course must be considered before a dog is allowed in the classroom.

If your cat is like mine, it is necessary that you make time everyday  for play time. My cat likes to play in the early evening. I receive hints that it’s time when she comes around and sits on top of the sofa or starts to go places that she shouldn’t like behind the  TV or behind my audio equipment. I know that I have to stop what I’m doing to play with her for about 15 minutes. Playing provides valuable exercise for your cat.  If you have a kitten, keep dangerous items like plastic bags, string or small ingestibles away. This is the time to teach your kitten that your hands are not toys. your kitten should not try to “attack” your hands every time you reach out to stroke him.  Playing with your cat is a great way to help him maintain a healthy weight, it ‘s also a positive way for your cat to release negative energy and it strengthens the bond between the both of you. Keep a wide range of cat toys available. My cat loves wand and stick toys. She even takes out the one that she wants to play with. Mice with catnip in them are also good as well as items that make some kind of noise. Whatever toy you choose, your cat will certainly appreciate the play time!

Dogs can get gum disease just as humans can.  The best way that you can prevent it is by brushing your dog’s teeth. Cats and dogs both get plac which causes gum disease. The good news is that the disease tends to develop on the outside of their teeth. Dr Tom Kline is a veternarian who practices pet dentistry near Columbus Ohio. He says to put the brush inside the lips on the outside of the teeth. Make sure that you use a toothpaste made especially for pets. Your dog or cat will enjoy the taste as they come in various flavors such as beef or chicken. Brush gently back and forth. This will be enough to remove the plac and prevent it from coming back. Your dogs tongue may try to snatch some of the meat flavored tooth paste.  Use these preventitive measures and you will elimate having to treat gum disease with pet medication or other means.