Category: Extras

Keeping Pets Safe in the Heat

Post author By KS
Post date July 13, 2023
1 Comment on Keeping Pets Safe in the Heat

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Last summer we had a heat wave and triple digits to deal with. And this July 3rd marked the hottest recorded day on earth. When we’re outside having fun with our fur babies, things can quickly go downhill for them, if it’s hot. It doesn’t take Sophie long to tire out and start panting after chasing her tennis balls. I already explained about taking care of chickens in the heat last year. So, today I’ll cover keeping your other pets safe in the heat.

Because cats and dogs don’t sweat like us, their pet parents, they’re more sensitive to the heat than us. Thus, what’s warm to us may be hot to them. And what may be hot to us could be deadly to them. Both dogs and cats release heat through their paw pads and by panting. However, whereas dogs also use their noses, cats will fastidiously groom themselves. But what they’re in truth doing is evaporative cooling, much like sweating. Plus, if they can, both animals will move to a cooler area, like a stone or tile floor to cool off.

Normal body temperature for cats is around 100.5°F – 102.5° F, while normal temperature for dogs is 99.5°F to 102.5°F. Therefore, if your pet’s core temperature is higher than that, and they’re unable to cool themselves, they can suffer from heat-related illness or hyperthermia. Additionally, there are 3 different types, and they differ in degree of danger: heat stress, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. Heat related illnesses are not as common in cats as they are in dogs, since cats aren’t as at risk of being locked in hot areas. However, that doesn’t suggest cats aren’t vulnerable to the heat. Below are some signs to look out for.

Signs of Heat Stress in Pets

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Dogs

Excessive thirst
Increased panting
Appears tired
Looks for cool or shady spots to rest

Cats

Restless Behavior
Panting
and Seeks cool spots or shade

If you notice your cat or dog displaying any of the above symptoms, then simply move them to a cooler area. And offer them cool, fresh water. Both your cat and dog will most likely stop to rest until they feel better. Although, in the event your dog doesn’t realize they’re overheating, just keep them from any other activity until their symptoms improve. Cats don’t generally have an issue with resting; just be sure to get them into a cooler environment. And offer them fresh water.

Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion in Pets

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Dogs

Severe panting
Rapid or difficulty breathing
Anxiety
Excessive drooling
Drinking water often, or looking for water
Lethargy
If on a walk or run, taking frequent breaks

Cats

Excessive panting
Rapid heart rate
Sunken eyes
and Dehydrated (Gently pinch skin between neck and shoulders. Does skin stay ‘tented’? Or is it slow to smooth down? If so, your cat is likely dehydrated.)

In the event your pet has any of the symptoms of heat exhaustion, move them to a shady spot or an air-conditioned space at once. Next, offer them small amounts of water, but don’t force them to drink. In addition, you can place your pet on a wet towel, and gently pour cool, NOT cold, water over your pet’s groin, armpits, and neck. Or you can immerse them in a tub of cool water. Don’t use cold water or ice, because that would over-cool your pet, causing them to shiver. Also, using cold water and ice causes vasoconstriction and reduces your pet’s ability to cool down.

If your fur baby isn’t treated for heat exhaustion, then in all likelihood, the symptoms will move on to heat stroke. Heat stroke can occur when a pet’s internal body temperature gets above 104°F -105°F. And it damages organs and cells in the body, and might also result in death. Moreover, heat stroke is an emergency in any animal. Contact your pet’s veterinarian immediately if you think your dog or cat is overheated.

Signs of Heat Stroke in Pets

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Dogs

Excessive drooling
Confused or disoriented
Increased sleepiness
Gums either bright red or pale
Elevated heart and respiratory rate
Muscle tremors and/or seizures
GI issues (vomiting or diarrhea)
and They may appear to be unresponsive

Cats

Panting
Fast breathing or respiratory distress
Anxiety and uneasiness
Sleepiness and weakness
Confusion
Dark gums and tongue
Rapid heart rate
Sweaty paws
Salivating excessively
Seizures
GI issues (vomiting or diarrhea)

What to do with a Pet with Heat Stroke

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Treating a pet with heat stroke is similar to heat exhaustion. You quickly remove your pet from the heat into a shady or air-conditioned area. If you can, check their temperature rectally: 104°F indicates an emergency for a cat, while 105°F for a dog. Also, if they’re alert, then offer COOL water to drink, but don’t force them. Again, place them on a wet towel, and pour COOL water on their groin, armpits, and neck. DON’T wrap them in wet towels, as that will trap the heat. And notify your veterinarian immediately. Or go to the closest open veterinary clinic at once. You want to keep checking their temperature, so it doesn’t fall too suddenly, or get below 103°F.

After starting the recommended first aid care for your pet, and seeking medical attention, your vet will observe your pet’s temperature and administer a number of assessments to diagnose your pet’s condition. And treatment may include

IV fluids
Mild sedation
O2 therapy
and Continued monitoring

Recovery depends on how quickly pets are treated. According to NIH, one of the main risk factors for heat strokes resulting in death for dogs was prolonged time-lag from heat insult to veterinarian visit.

Risk Factors for Pet Heat Stroke

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Dogs

Obesity
Very old or very young
Underlying health issues
High body weight or large breed dogs
Certain breeds, like Labrador retriever
Lack of acclimation to heat stress
Lacking physical fitness and exposure to hot, humid environments
Brachycephalic (flat faced) dogs
and Exercise induced malignant hyperthermia

Cats

Elderly cats or kittens
Being overweight
Pre-existing conditions, like kidney or heart disease, or cats with lung conditions
and flat faced cats

Preventing Heat Stress before it’s an Emergency

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Either keep your pet indoors and out of the sun during the hottest and most humid part of the day.
Or make sure they have access to cool, shady spots outside at all times.
Do NOT leave your pet in cars or hot rooms, like the garage.
Make sure your pet has access to plenty of water throughout the day, and add ice to keep it cool.
Plan exercise at cooler times of the day, morning and evening.
Groom your pet if it’s advised for their breed. And trim long hair, but never shave double coated breeds, like Shelties and Aussies, because it can have the opposite effect of cooling them off.
Ask your vet if your pet would benefit from sunscreen.
Bring extra water bottles on walks.
Hot pavements can burn paws! If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your pet to walk on.
If you don’t have A/C, leave ceiling fans on, and get your pet cooling mats.
Even with A/C on, if your pet stays inside, don’t set the temperature higher than 80°F.
and Buy or make frozen treats for your pet; and dispense them on the super yucky days.

Keeping Your Pets Safe in the Heat

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Flat-faced, obese, large breed, and exercise, heat, and humidity deficient dogs are more at risk for having trouble with the heat. Likewise, cats that are flat-faced, very old or very young, or with pre-existing conditions have more difficulty with the heat. While, it’s been suggested that some dogs can be properly acclimated to the heat and humidity, nothing indicates the same for cats. Though cats aren’t as susceptible to heat stroke as dogs are, neither should ever be locked in a hot room or vehicle.

Signs to watch out for include drooling, disorientation, vomiting, diarrhea, panting, racing heart, respiratory distress, and seizures. And if you suspect your pet is overheating, immediately contact your veterinarian. The sooner they get treated, the better the outcome. Furthermore, when it’s 80°F out with high humidity, if you leave your pet outside, make sure they have plenty of water and shade. And save physical exertion for mornings and evenings.

When I was ~ 8 and 9, we lived in Tennessee, and we had an outside dog and 2 outside cats. One summer, one of the cats died from heat stroke. Back then, obviously I didn’t know why or what caused heat stroke. It’s more common for a dog to get heat stroke, but here was one of our cats that died from it. The cat wasn’t one of the flat faced breeds. And it was around 2 years old, so not old or young. However, I have no idea if it had an underlying condition. Have any of your pets overheated or almost overheated? If so, how did you treat them?

Thank you for visiting. Please share, and if you don’t already follow, you can do so now. Also, if you live in the Oklahoma City Metroplex and need chicken, duck, or any other pet sitting needs, feel free to visit my contact page.

Tags pet heat exhaustion, pet heat safety, pet heat stress, pet heat stroke

All animals cats dogs non-fowl

What Does Cat Grass do for Your Cat

Post author By KS
Post date July 6, 2023
3 Comments on What Does Cat Grass do for Your Cat

Itty eating her cat grass.

Most cat parents know cats are obligate carnivores. That means cats depend on meat for survival. Although, you’ve probably witnessed your kitty munching on some grass at least once or twice. In fact, some places actually sell cat grass growing kits. But what does cat grass do for you cat? And what is it exactly?

First, What is Cat Grass

Cat grass is absolutely distinct from the grass on your lawn. Rather, it’s the sprouts from cereal grass seeds, commonly rye, barley, oat, or wheat. What’s more, it can be grown indoors or out. Though, wait to plant till after the threat of frost has passed.

Below is a list of vitamins and minerals in cat grass beneficial to your cat, including

folate

Vitamin B9, or folate, aids digestion and cell growth.

chlorophyll

Studies suggest chlorophyll may be an antioxidant. And it’s touted to be a deodorizer and immune system booster.

vitamin A

Beta carotene is essential for good eyesight and a healthy coat.

vitamin C

This awesome vitamin is an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and aids the immune system.

vitamin E

Labeled essential for optimal health, vitamin E can be used to treat mites, eczema, and allergic dermatitis. But it’s also an antioxidant, necessary for healthy circulation and immune systems.

vitamin K

This vitamin is necessary to prevent bleeding issues. In addition, it’s essential for liver function.

vitamin B5

Pantothenic acid, or vitamin B5, metabolizes carbohydrates, fats, and some amino acids.

lecithin

Lecithin is a group of fats that attract both water and fats. But usually water and oil don’t mix. That’s where lecithin comes in. Because lecithin is a fat emulsifier, it blends the fat binding hairballs, which allows your kitty to pass them.

magnesium and calcium

Both are important for the development of bones and teeth.

and iron

Iron is responsible for the production of hemoglobin, a protein that allows red blood cells to carry oxygen.

However, cats don’t need to eat cat grass, if they’re being fed a well balanced diet. Despite that, it doesn’t mean cat grass isn’t good for them in other ways. Especially if you notice your cat trying to nibble regular grass or plants, it’s better to provide them cat grass and be safe.

So, What Does Cat Grass do for Your Cat

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Anyone who’s ever had a cat has witnessed their curiosity. Plus, most animals examine things with their mouths, cats included. But why do cats like cat grass? And what is so appealing about it? Continue reading for the following theories.

It helps indigestion.

The most popular belief is that cats consume cat grass, because it helps upset tummies. Due to regurgitation that follows at times, it’s thought cats purposely eat grass to help them throw up. I’ve witnessed my own cat eat cat grass to try (to no avail) to vomit after I gave her medicine. Personally, I think she’s a medicine cat, and knew I drugged her. Thus, she wanted to get back to normal.

Cat grass is a laxative.

At times your cat may eat food that gets stuck in their GI tract. So, if they eat cat grass, they might be trying to loosen things up.

Great for hairballs.

Cats are meticulous in their grooming. In fact, bathing herself is Itty’s most favorite pastime. Additionally, some cats get terrible hairballs, particularly long-haired cats. Similar with the first two items, cat grass can ease the issue of hairballs.

Cat grass can prevent or expel internal parasites.

Scientists believe younger cats eat cat grass, because their immune systems aren’t as good at keeping parasites away. And researchers have speculated that house cats eat grass based on an instinct to expel intestinal parasites. Not that these cats actually have any parasites; it’s just in their genetic makeup to munch on grass to prevent the parasites.

Lastly, it provides mental stimulation.

This is one of the most important reasons to have cat grass available for your cat. Since foraging is instinctual, it’s a great way to develop your cat’s cognition. In addition, indoor cats tend to get bored. So, it provides that necessary means for their inquisitiveness.

Also, not every cat that partakes of cat grass is sick. Most of the time when Itty eats her greens, she doesn’t throw up afterward. She’s simply enjoying herself in her own little world.

How Safe is Cat Grass

Whether your cat shares a home with a dog or a bunny, cat grass is safe for all of them as well as chickens. However, wheatgrass seems to be preferred for pets other than cats. Additionally, you have control over it since you plant and take care of it. And so long as you keep it chemical-free, it will remain safe for your pets.

That said, the first time you offer your feline friend some cat grass, don’t overdo it. Even though it isn’t toxic, you might have a big mess to clean up. Moreover, keep the cat grass in a completely separate area from your other plants, given that many are toxic to cats. And cats don’t know the difference between what they can or can’t eat, especially when it comes to greens.

Signs to Watch for Regarding Cat Grass Dining

Whereas eating cat grass is safe, cats instinctively will puke to relieve digestion issues. But, if your cat eats cat grass and doesn’t vomit, that’s not a problem. However, if your cat vomits every time they eat cat grass, call your veterinarian. According to Chewy, it could be a GI issue. Or if they’re puking blood, it might signal they’ve ingested a toxin. Regardless, your vet needs to be contacted immediately.

How to Plant Cat Grass

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When our daughter, Hannah, worked at a plant nursery, she brought us home some cat grass seeds. Though, it wasn’t till this Spring that my husband planted them.

First, he filled a pot with Miracle-gro potting soil. Next, he spread the seed. Then he covered it with an inch more of Miracle-gro potting soil. And after he watered it, he placed it in the greenhouse, in direct sunlight. Also, he watered it a few times a week. But he didn’t soak it. And it started sprouting within a couple of days.

Cat grass is ready for your cat to munch on 10-14 days after sprouting, or once it’s ~ 4 inches tall or higher. Furthermore, it will last about 3 weeks. Let your cat eat directly from the pot. And water with a spray bottle. When the grass begins to wilt, most sites recommend planting new seeds. And that’s usually around 3 weeks. Though, some places advise that with regular care and trimming, you can get more life out of your cat grass.

To Summarize

Cat grass is from cereal grass seeds, and can be grown both inside and outside. Even though house cats don’t need it, cat grass still contains vitamins and minerals essential to their diet. Theories about why cats eat grass abound: it’s an emetic, a laxative, and it provides mental stimulation for bored cats. Moreover, it’s safe for all your pets as long as you keep it chemical-free. And don’t forget to keep it away from other plants, so your cat won’t get confused. Further, if your cat eats it and pukes more than once a week, call your vet to make sure your cat doesn’t have a blockage or underlying health issue.

Does your cat eat cat grass? And if you have other pets, have they tried any?

As always, thank you for reading my posts. And I appreciate your comments. Please share, and if you don’t already follow me, please do so now.

Tags cat grass, cats, hairballs, lecithin

Extras recipes

Charred Corn Avocado Salad

Over 8 years ago we moved into our current home in Blanchard, Oklahoma. That year was a year of firsts. We first got chickens, albeit the wrong kind in the beginning. But then we course corrected with actual layer chickens. Then, in July of that year, we celebrated Independence Day with our neighbors. Prior to that first Independence Day celebration I fumbled for something to cook. However, eventually I came across this recipe for charred corn avocado salad. It’s actually quite easy, and it tastes delicious. Now I regularly make this every year.

Charred Corn Avocado Salad Ingredients

5 fresh ears of corn on the cob
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1/8 c and 1 -2 tsp olive oil, divided
salt and pepper
1 avocado, sliced
1/2 c cherry tomatoes, halved
1 tbsp lime juice
1/4 tsp honey
1/2 tsp each dried basil and mint leaves

Instructions for Charred Corn Avocado Salad

First, shuck corn, and cut kernels from cobs into a bowl. Add sliced onion, tossing with 1 – 2 tsp of olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Stir and transfer to a sheet pan.
Next, broil corn for 3 to 5 minutes; letting it char in a couple of places.
Then make the vinaigrette: whisk together lime juice, honey, herbs, and slowly add remaining olive oil, whisking till mixed.
Remove pan from oven, and add tomatoes, mint, basil, and avocado.
Transfer corn mix to a bowl and drizzle on vinaigrette. Lastly, serve with your favorite main dish.

You can change out a handful of fresh herbs for dried, if you prefer. And instead of incorporating it with the vinaigrette, toss it with the other ingredients first.

This charred corn avocado salad can go with so many meals, including burgers, tacos, fish, and barbecue. Plus, it can even be a garnish. My family loves this so much; it never lasts long at my house. And I guarantee it won’t last long at yours. Me being me, I hacked the original, but not by a lot. The dressing was way too much volume. Though, if you want extra dressing, then go here for the original recipe.

Do you have a tried and true recipe you make every 4th of July? Or, if you made this one, what did you think of it? Your comments are appreciated. Thank you for stopping by. As always, please share. And if you don’t already follow me, you can do so now.

Tags avocado, corn, salad

All animals cats dogs non-fowl

What is Socialization for Dogs

Post author By KS
Post date June 26, 2023
1 Comment on What is Socialization for Dogs

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Recently I wrote an article about dog attacks while walking. And in it, and several posts, I’ve mentioned the word socialization. Additionally, we hear that term a lot regarding animals like cats, dogs, and even people. But just what is socialization for dogs? We’ll explore the answer to that question and why it’s important. Plus, I’ll explain how to socialize your dog, including how to recognize poor socialization.

What is Socialization for Dogs

According to Wikipedia, socialization is the process of training animals, so they can be kept in close relationship to people and other animals. Similarly, socialization for dogs is teaching them to like contact and be easygoing with other people, animals, places, and situations.

Benefits of Socialization for Dogs and Pet Parents

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Socialization for dogs is equally as important for dogs as it is for people. But the reasons of significance aren’t necessarily the same. Below you’ll find the advantages to socializing your dog, such as

fear and anxiety are greatly reduced

If your dog is well socialized, then they usually aren’t afraid of people, animals, situations and/or activities, making them a calmer and more confident dog.

better physical and mental health

Good socialization is better for overall health. Also, with proper socialization, dogs aren’t as prone to issues like Cushing’s disease, depression, upset tummies, skin problems, and diabetes that occur from continual fear and worry. In addition, if stress and anxiety are managed, then dogs will live longer, healthier lives.

traveling and grooming are easier
non-aggressive to people and other pets/animals
alleviates unacceptable behavior

When your dog is adequately socialized, they don’t use the bathroom in the house, chew on your clothes, walls, furniture, or baseboards. And they don’t bark non-stop. It’s almost like they’re a member of the household. I don’t know; maybe because we’re treating them like one.

and playful, positive, lifelong relationship between pet-parent and man’s best friend

When and How to Socialize Your Dog

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Experts say the best time to socialize a dog is when they’re 3 to 14 weeks old. But the socialization process doesn’t end at 14 weeks. It’s ongoing and lifelong. So that means, if you rescued a dog from a shelter, you can still socialize them. However, just keep in mind, they possibly have trauma, and it may take longer. Therefore, go slowly and be patient with them and yourself.

As I’ve pointed out elsewhere, we got Sophie from a couple nearly twice our age when she was 8 months old, way past the magical socialization period. And we’ve had to deal with her incessant barking, recent aggression, and chewing on clothes, etc. Though, it’s not a reflection on the previous owners. In some cases it can be, but not all the time.

Most situations where a dog or cat isn’t socialized, I believe it’s similar to this couple. They mean well and love their pet, but they’re busy and tired. Or they’re much older, so don’t socialize or go out as much themselves. Then again, they may not know they’re creating an issue for their pet and themselves, or any of a number of things.

That said, when adopting a puppy, ask for any pre and post-socialization plans. Then take the following steps.

First, without delay, gently handle your young charge.

As soon as you have them carefully start handling your puppy. And don’t forget to include other members of your nuclear family. There’s always an opportunity to teach your little fur baby what’s acceptable and what’s not, in a safe manner.

Further, utilize positive reinforcement.

Never scold or harm your pet if they don’t meet your expectations. They won’t understand why you’re yelling at them anyway. Plus, your negativity will further stress them out.

In addition, steadily introduce your promising pooch to new and diverse people, animals, places, and experiences.

Begin small, and work your way up in difficulty. For example, one of your first public outings with your pup should be to the vet, if they haven’t had any vaccinations yet. Depending on where you live, this should be just the right experience too. Avoid public parks and dogs that haven’t had their shots until your pooch is caught up on vaccines. Also, don’t forget to bring a treat!

But, don’t overdo it.

While you’re acquainting your fur baby with being a respectable member of your family, try not to overwhelm them. Moreover, be aware of any indications they’re afraid, anxious or stressed. If you see any clues your puppy is uncomfortable around other people or pets, back off and review the situation. Maybe revisit another time with more rewards. Although, don’t push your dog, if they’re clearly stressed out.

Also, sign your pup up for a class.

Dog socialization classes can be a huge help during this formative period.

And be dedicated.

Given that socialization is forever, don’t ever stop working on it. Like I said, there will always be an opportunity to teach your fur baby.

Lastly, get help when needed.

In the event you’re having trouble training your pooch, or there are specific behavior problems, reach out to a certified dog trainer.

What About Adult Dogs

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Socializing adult dogs looks very similar to socializing puppies. However, adult dogs may not be as eager with the process, depending upon the particular dog’s history. As such, if you have an adult dog that requires some socialization, try the steps below.

First, go slow

Since you don’t want to distress your furry friend, take this step first. Just don’t rush the process.

Next, use a reward system

Like positive reinforcement, a reward system depends upon treats, praise, playtime, etc. And you reward your dog for good behavior.

Take your pooch for a walk

Walking is as good for socialization as it is for exercise. Although, if you get into a stressful encounter, just stop for the day. And go home. But don’t forget to bring the treats to reinforce the positive contacts for the day.

Then acquaint your dog with an adult dog

Get together with a friend and their dog for a walk. Make sure there’s abundant space between the dogs. And if your dog stays calm, reward them. Moreover, when the walk is finished and both dogs appear calm, let them approach each other, leashes on. Additionally, reward the positive interactions. In this instance, you both might be finished socializing for the day. Or, if you both feel good about the other dog, you could go to a fenced-off area and attempt allowing both dogs to get to know each other. Start from a distance and on leash to off leash, reinforcing good behavior. If your dog had a good time, continue meeting up with this dog for regular visits.

Time to meet another adult person

Some dogs do better with people than their own kind, and vice versa. Thus, if your dog has trouble with people skills, invite a friend to your house, sans any dogs. Ask your friend to ignore your dog, and if your fur baby is at ease, then give them a treat. Then allow your friend and dog to get more comfortable with each other, by allowing your friend to give your pooch a treat. Eventually invite more friends over to meet your dog, one at a time. And go through the same process, working your way up to a group.

Introduce your dog to pups and kids

Don’t forget to be certain the puppies you introduce are fully vaccinated. Also, be sure everyone (puppy, your dog, and child) is in a good mood and peaceful. I strongly advise against presenting hyper puppies and very hyper children to your dog if you know your dog suffered trauma. Since both puppies and kids can be impulsive, definitely do this only one at a time. And manage each move, and don’t permit any touching or contact until everyone is very familiar with each other.

Enroll your dog in an obedience class

With the aid of obedience classes, your pooch can go much further. Socialization prepares your dog for being & behaving like a dog with other pets and people. Though, obedience training offers help with basic commands. However, there are a number of other things that can be learned with obedience training.

Consistency is key

On par with socializing puppies, if you quit working on it, both you and your dog will suffer the consequences. Just remember to continue to take your dog on outings. And reward positive interactions.

and Finally, enlist professional assistance

If you have trouble with any of the steps, or you don’t feel equipped with something, consult an animal behaviorist.

Signs Your Dog Needs Socialization Training

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All puppies need socialization. So, if you adopt a puppy, begin training. And adult dogs still require consistency, no matter what training they had. But below you’ll find signs that indicate your dog needs socialization.

Fear

One of the major consequences of not socializing your dog is fear. It can be a generalized fear of anything and everything new, like meeting someone for the first time. Furthermore, it can look like shyness or skittishness around others, difficulty being handled at the groomer, reactivity, and/or sound intolerance. Plus, it leads us to the next issue.

Aggression

Fear and anxiety can cause aggression in dogs. In addition, raised hackles or growling are just 2 examples of aggression that could signal a dog lacks socialization.

Very spirited around other people and pets

Hyper-excitability can look like your dog is happy and having a good time. However, in truth, your dog can be stressed. Moreover, a dog that acts overly excited can get out of control. And if you’re around other dogs, your dog could invade another dog’s space, and the situation could deteriorate quickly.

So, What is Socialization for Dogs

Dog socialization is training puppies and dogs how to confidently navigate their world. Even though the optimal time for this is 3 to 14 weeks of age, it’s never too late to start. And remember, training needs to be consistent, lifelong, and rewarding. Also, there are many benefits to dog socialization, including improved health and behavior. Moreover, the biggest signs a dog lacks socialization are fear and aggression.

In my opinion, I believe pet socialization can be achieved much easier with other socialized animals of the same species. For example, when we lived in Dallas, Paul had a Sheltie named Kirby when we first married. Soon we got another Sheltie we named Roxy, who was the runt of her litter. She was skittish and clearly lacked socialization. But Kirby was perfectly socialized. He was 8 years old when we got Roxy, and taught her how to be a dog. We had very little to do with her actual training. She was potty trained and trained to wipe her feet off at the door in a matter of a couple of months, if that.

What do you think? Is it easier to socialize pets when you have a well socialized pet of the same species already, or not? As always, thank you for reading my post. I look forward to your comments. Please share, and if you don’t already do so, you can follow me now.

Tags dog socialization, positive reinforcement, reactivity, socialization

Extras recipes

Beef Pot Pie Recipe with Pie Crust

Post author By KS
Post date June 22, 2023
No Comments on Beef Pot Pie Recipe with Pie Crust

Pot pies are some of my favorite foods to cook. They’re versatile, taste good, and just plain goodness. Furthermore, they have an interesting history which includes live birds. But I, for one, am glad we don’t use live animals in pot pies anymore. Below you’ll find a beef pot recipe with pie crust. This is one you’ll want to plan about 3 hours for. However, it is well worth the wait. Additionally, you could just as easily make it ahead, refrigerate, and then bake it when ready.

Beef Pot Pie with Pie Crust Ingredients

~ 3 1/2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 lb new potatoes, washed and quartered
4 oz can of mushrooms, drained
1 onion, chopped
1/4 c all purpose flour
olive oil
1 1/2 c water
1/2 c red wine vinegar
2 tsp of beef bouillon
2 tbsp Worcestershire
1/4 tsp black pepper
and premade refrigerated pie crust

Beef Pot Pie Instructions

First, put the meat and flour in a gallon size baggy; shake baggy to evenly coat the stew meat.
Next, in a 5-quart Dutch oven over medium-hi heat, heat ~ 3 tbsp of olive oil; and cook the beef till brown, adding more oil as necessary. Stir frequently.
Then remove the beef, reducing heat to medium, and add the onion to drippings. And cook ~ 3 minutes or till almost tender, stirring occasionally.
Stir in wine, water, bouillon, Worcestershire, and pepper, stirring to break up the bouillon.
Add potatoes, mushrooms, and steak; heat to boiling. Then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer 2 hours or till meat is fork tender.
Spoon mixture into a 2-quart shallow casserole. Preheat oven to 400°F. Prepare the pastry; roll out to fit 1 inch larger than casserole dish.
Fit crust loosely over meat mixture; trim back pastry overhang about 1 inch, and make a fluted edge. With point of knife, make slits in crust.
Bake pie ~ 40 minutes until brown and bubble. Cover loosely with foil if the crust browns too quickly.
Finally, serve immediately.

Do you have a favorite pot pie recipe? Even though it takes some time, I still love this beef pot pie recipe. If you made it, what did you think?

Thank you for stopping by! Please share, and if you don’t already follow, you can do so now.

Tags beef and potatoes, comfort food, home cooking, make ahead meals

All animals cats dogs non-fowl

How to Protect Yourself from a Dog Attack While Walking

Post author By KS
Post date June 6, 2023
3 Comments on How to Protect Yourself from a Dog Attack While Walking

Photo by Cuong Duy on Pexels.com

Recently my youngest daughter and I started walking mornings. And we typically take the same route each time. But, there are a lot of dogs any way we choose to go. Unfortunately for us, none of the dogs are confined to their yards. In the US, 4.5 million people become victims of dog bites. Of those, half are children. If you live in the city limits, you’re likely in a safer walking environment than where we live. However, if not, do you know how to protect yourself from a dog attack while walking?

City limits require dogs to be on the owner’s property. That’s how it is here in Oklahoma. And I’m sure it’s no different elsewhere. Though, when you get outside city limits, the laws are extremely loose. Or at best, they’re murky. So, when walking, you have to be very cautious. And if you have children with you, be extra vigilant.

First, the Statistics

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As I said, there are a ton of dogs just where we live. In fact, a dog we’ve never seen before nearly attacked Sarah on our walk a few days ago. Below you’ll find facts on dog attacks, such as

~ 65 million dog owners currently live in the US
47.7% of dog owners live in Oklahoma
1 out of 5 victims need medical treatment
70% of dog bites are from un-neutered or intact male dogs
25% of fatal dog bites are from chained dogs
and US insurance companies paid over $1 billion on dog-related injuries in 2022

Reasons Dogs Attack While You’re Out Walking

The following are the most commonly believed reasons why dogs attack, including

fear & surprise

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Any dog can attack and bite when afraid or surprised. But fear aggression is a behavior that some dogs develop or are predisposed to have. Often it can happen when a dog has experienced trauma, such as abuse, or wasn’t adequately socialized while young.

Also, being surprised has its roots in anxiety, which is linked to fear. In addition, dogs who are startled awake can be bewildered and disoriented. Moreover, this is especially characteristic of older dogs, if eyesight and hearing are failing. So, if you’re out walking and a dog comes out of nowhere, looking like they’re about to attack, your approach might’ve startled them.

pain & illness

No one likes to be sick or in pain. Not even our canine friends. Plus, being sick and hurt can be very stressful for dogs. Thus, if an ill or injured dog is approached, they’re more likely to attack, because of fear of more pain. This situation is more probable in the home environment, with your own dog. Or it could happen when you visit someone you know.

possessiveness

This is also called resource guarding. Additionally, it happens when your dog acts aggressively over items they perceive as their own. Food, toys, furniture, your own clothing, and even you are all examples of things dogs guard as their own.

Sophie, our Aussie, has gotten more possessive since having 3 heat cycles. She’s possessive of her food, a hoodie of Paul’s, and most recently, a crate we used while on our trip to South Dakota. When Paul tries to take his hoodie back, she gives all kinds of indications she’ll attack.

protective

In the wild, dogs live in packs and naturally protect one another. With domestic dogs, the pack might consist of the dog’s owner, other family members, especially helpless family members, and other house pets.

Generally, protective dogs are inherently prone to being protective. Or they’ve been trained to be protective. In addition, they have the socialization to understand an actual threat properly.

and predatory

Predatory behavior is usually hereditary and not fear based. What is more, it’s commonly related to dogs chasing small animals or other pets like cats or ferrets. For instance, our last dog, Moses, used to chase wild bunnies and birds when we lived in Dallas. However, he never killed anything, and he’d stop chasing when we’d call him. Further, when we moved here, he helped us keep the chickens in their yard.

But, this is why some dogs chase bicyclists, cars, skaters, and even running children as well.

Signs Dogs Will Attack While You’re Out Walking

Now that I’ve covered some statistics and reasons dogs attack, we’ll look at signs to watch for while out walking. Furthermore, quite possibly the first signs to heed will be a running and barking dog. And if you see any of the signs below, be on your guard.

growling
snapping
snarling
baring teeth
lunging
hackles raised
ears flat against head
lips compressed together
yawning

showing whites of eyes
pacing
panting
tail tucked under
cowering
staring at you
again barking
and running up to or at you

When I was looking up information to prevent dog attacks, of course everything was the same. Besides that, none of the information seemed proven, like it would actually work if you were about to be attacked by a dog. So, it made me wonder if somebody pulled the ideas out of their hat.

And one of the suggestions meant I could no longer go walking: avoid houses where there are dogs. That’s almost every single house here. Didn’t I tell you practically all of our neighbor’s have dogs, and they’re not confined? Plus, I know that’s the case in similarly rural areas. Therefore, we’ll skip preventative measures, and go straight to the next step.

Protecting Yourself from Dog Attacks While Walking

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Again, because a dog attack happens so quickly when you’re out walking. you don’t have the luxury to think about what to look for. Thus, when going out, take the following on your walks:

a good stout walking stick
and treats

If you see a dog rushing your way, do the following

First, stay calm and avoid eye contact with the dog.

It’s been proven that dogs can sense fear and anxiety. And that is more likely to get you attacked if that’s what you’re giving off. Plus, if you’re dealing with an aggressive dog, and you make eye contact, the dog will take your eye contact as a challenge.

Next, get something between you and the dog, preferably that good stout walking stick.

Most other sites don’t have a preference regarding what you put between you and the dog, just something. However, my partiality to the walking stick is that it has greater reach between you and the dog’s jaws. Thereby, my hopes are that the walking stick will keep any chomping teeth away from you.

But if you’re not going on a walk, except to your car, then by all means, use whatever you have on hand: an umbrella, purse, briefcase, etc.

Then firmly, command the dog or dogs to go home. Use words like No. Down. Back. Home. etc.

Don’t yell at it and don’t scream or run away.

Yelling, screaming or running away can get the dog’s arousal further stimulated and escalate the situation. Moreover, if you run away, the dog may very likely see you as prey and try to run you down.

Now the treats.

Multiple sites and people I know recommend carrying treats for stray dogs while out walking. The idea is to toss any strays some treats, so they don’t find you threatening. Eventually they may find you their personal treat bringer.

Therefore, if the commands don’t work, toss milk bones at the dog’s feet, before they reach you. Thus, you have to act fast. Then move diagonally away from the dog till you are beyond them.

What to do if a Dog Attacks You Anyway

Say you’ve done all of the above, but a dog lunges for you anyway. What do you do then? If the dog lunges at you, be sure to cover your vitals: one knee up to protect your stomach and abdomen. Though, if the dog jumps toward your face, quickly cross your arms over your face and hold them there.

Or you can drop to the ground and curl into a tight fetal position. Also, put your hands behind your neck, with your head down, and your knees up, as close to your face as you can. It’s better to be bitten on the arm than on the face or neck. And be as still as you can until the dog goes away. And don’t pull away if and/or when you get bit. Don’t reach out toward the dog; and don’t stick any fingers out, because you just might lose them.

When the dog leaves, assess your injuries and call for help. Based on the severity of your wounds, either call 911, or immediately go to the ER to get checked out. Not only is rabies a concern with dog bites, but infection is also a serious risk. Next, as soon as you’re able, you need to identify the dog’s owner. Check this site out for more info on what to do in the event a dog bites you.

So, How do You Protect Yourself from a Dog Attack While Walking

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When you’re out walking, don’t forget to bring your trusty walking stick and dog treats. And if you meet an aggressive dog on your walk, be calm, don’t go toward it, and avoid eye contact. Also, put your walking stick between you and the dog. Then if it starts toward you, say, “No, go back,” in your commanding voice. However, if it ignores your commands, toss it a milk bone to distract it. But, if that fails, and the dog attacks anyway, protect your vitals and be still until it leaves.

The dog that almost attacked Sarah was a pug mix. And it came from out of nowhere. Plus, it’s either a new dog the homeowners got or a houseguest. We’ve seen the other dogs there before, because they’ve barked at us many times. But they’ve never attacked. When the dog was on top of us, (our legs) I had the walking stick. Although, it didn’t do much good, since the dog was already at our feet. Regardless, in my commanding voice, I said, “No. Down. Get back.” At which point, the owner came outside and called the dog back.

Most of the dogs that accost us on walks are Maremma sheepdogs. Though, they’re nice. And the only thing I worry about for them is that they’ll get hit by a car. I hope none of you have ever been attacked by a dog. Although, have any of you almost been attacked by dogs while walking? If so, what did you do to protect yourself?

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. I appreciate your comments. Please share, and if you don’t already follow, you can do so now.

Since we’re no longer moving to Dallas, “I’ve finally decided what I wanted to do when I grow up.” I recognized a need based on our own whenever we want to go on vacation, or just need to go out of town. So, if you live in the Oklahoma City Metroplex and have chickens, ducks, and/or farm animals that make it difficult for you to travel, then give me a call. Further, I’ve added the details to my About page for more info, if you’re interested.

Tags animal control, dog attacks, fear aggression, resource guarding

Extras recipes

Traditional Stuffed Bell Pepper Recipe

Post author By KS
Post date May 31, 2023
No Comments on Traditional Stuffed Bell Pepper Recipe

Stuffed peppers have been around for a long time. Since every culture has their own recipe, unfortunately, no one really how they got started. But, one thing is clear, they are delicious. And there are a number of ways to prepare them. The recipe I’ve included has some Polish roots, relevant to how it’s made. Plus, the majority of it was handed down from my mom. Though, she hasn’t cooked stuffed peppers in a while. Thus, I filled in the blanks based off of memory. So, please enjoy this traditional stuffed bell pepper recipe.

Traditional Stuffed Bell Pepper Recipe Ingredients:

6 to 8 bell peppers
2 c cooked rice
1 lb ground beef
1 egg
1/4 c to 1/2 c Italian style breadcrumbs
14 1/2 oz diced tomatoes
1 tsp each of salt, dried granulated garlic, oregano, and basil
and 1/4 tsp dried marjoram

Stuffed Bell Pepper Recipe Instructions:

First, preheat oven to 400°.
Next, clean bell peppers and remove stems and insides. Set aside.
Then hand-mix rice with next 6 ingredients. And stuff mixture into peppers.
Further, place each pepper into greased baking dish. Also, cover with aluminum foil, and bake for 40 minutes, or until instant read thermometer inserted in middle of stuffed pepper reads 160°.

As you saw, the peppers don’t require any pre-cooking. The meat and peppers are supposed to be raw. Although, the rice should be cooked. Hence, if you have any leftover rice, that would work great. Additionally, you’re basically making meatballs mixed with rice, which then gets stuffed into peppers. It’s one of the easiest meal preps I’ve ever had.

Besides, you can serve these peppers as an appetizer. Or make them the centerpiece of a meal. And pair with your favorite side dish. Alternatively, you can change out the meat for pork, chicken, or even seafood. Moreover, instead of rice, you can try quinoa, orzo, or barley. Furthermore, if you love veggies, add more variety. Do you have a favorite recipe for stuffed bell peppers that you’re willing to share? I’d love to hear it! Or let me know if you tried this recipe.

Thank you for your time. Please share this with others. And if you don’t already follow, you can do so now.

Tags bell peppers, fresh vegetables, savory, whole foods

ducks other fowl

How Ducks Get Clean

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Have you ever wondered how ducks get clean? Or perhaps, you’ve watched how they do it. Plus, is it the same as other birds? While we’re on the subject, do ducks get sick if they can’t get cleaned?

I realize my duck posts are typically more popular. However, I also know I don’t write about them as frequently. Although, one of my ducks deserves more to be said about her. So, I’ll try to remedy that in this article as I address how ducks get clean.

How Ducks Get Clean

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Preening

Preening is the regular, essential grooming practiced by birds to keep their feathers clean, healthy, and strong.
© 2023 – Birdfact

All birds preen to maintain feathers by using their beaks to clean plumage and take care of parasites. Additionally, for aquatic birds, preening spreads oil from the preen gland with the beak over feathers to keep them waterproof.

Submersion

In addition, ducks will submerge their heads in water to clear out their eyes and nostrils.

Showers or rain

Yes, ducks love the rain. Very likely if you have ducks, you’ve seen them gamboling in the rain. Or, even if you’re watering with the hose, they’ll stand under that as well to get clean.

and Dust bathing

Have you seen a duck dust bathing before? No, I’m not joking. Ducks will, at times, dust bathe. In fact, Bakugo, our Pekin, has been known to dust bathe with the chickens.

What Happens if Ducks Can’t and Don’t Clean Themselves

Ducks are known to be more resilient to sickness and pests than most other domestic birds. However, that doesn’t mean they can’t or won’t get sick. For instance, just by having an insufficient amount water for these birds can create issues, such as

Photo by u0414u0435u043du0438u0441 u041du0430u0433u0430u0439u0446u0435u0432 on Pexels.com

wet feather

Another term for a duck’s feathers being water-logged is wet feather. And there are multiple thoughts as to the cause. But one of the reasons is having an inadequate water supply for your ducks.

foamy eye

Typically a duck that has foam or bubbles in its eyes has an underlying respiratory infection as well. Though, this condition is said to be preventable if ducks have sufficient water to submerge their heads in.

and dehydration

Whether it’s too cold or in the middle of a heat wave, outside animals, including ducks, are at-risk for dehydration. Furthermore, ducks can’t go ~ 8 hours without water. That’s how important it is to them.

Moreover, one of the most important reasons ducks need water is to drink while they eat. You see, they take a bite of food, then a sip of water, all so they don’t choke to death.

Things You Can do to Help Your Ducks Get Clean

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Since ducks need water for their health and life, it’s absolutely essential to provide enough of it. However, for most commercial outfits, the struggle has been to find the right type of watering system for ducks. For example, if ducks are long exposed to wet litter in the coop, they end up getting diseased feet. So, that’s not an ideal situation either.

Therefore, to prevent this for your backyard ducks, try pasture-raising them. That way ducks can have all day access to water. And you won’t have to deal with the constant mess. Plus, they won’t be exposed to water-ridden litter, which breeds disease. In addition to that, get

shallow water pans or keep waterers by food

Keep water near food for ducks, so they don’t choke. Although, don’t leave any in the coop, because they can go overnight without water.

kiddie pool or small pond

Unless you just want to, you don’t have to get anything elaborate for your ducks. They will be totally ecstatic with a kiddie pool from WalMart. But, depending on how many ducks you have, you may need to get more than one.

Also, ducks poop, eat, drink, and clean themselves in their swimming hole. But they still require clean water to drink to be healthy. Therefore, at a minimum, clean out the swimming hole once daily.

In Conclusion

You saw that the main way ducks and all birds get clean is by preening. However, ducks prefer to add water to their routine as well. This is to prevent certain diseases and to remain waterproof. Moreover, if you have ducks, make sure to add waterers by their food to prevent choking. And get a kiddie pool for them too.

Tags ducks, dust bath, preen gland, wet feather

All animals Hens non-fowl raising happy, healthy chickens

My Pets on Vacation

This is my family with their significant others.

Many of you know that I was going to take my pets on vacation last week. In fact, we went to South Dakota with our dog and cat. And just like last year, I’m going to share some highlights of this trip. The plan was to pick up the rental car Tuesday night around 5pm. But, unfortunately, the rental car company changed the time to 7pm. Sarah has martial arts Mondays and Tuesdays. So, by the time her class was done, and we picked up the car, it was ~ 8pm when we got home. Thus, it was too late to get Itty and Sophie accustomed to a different vehicle.

It would have been nice to let our fur babies explore the rental car. Though, that wasn’t an option. Therefore, when we left early last Wednesday morning, they were both super anxious. So, I pulled out all the guns: ThunderJackets, calming chews, Rescue Remedy, etc. However, nothing was helping. Sophie was barking non-stop, while trembling Itty was crawling over everything incessantly. We were maybe 30 minutes to an hour into our drive when we administered the sedatives to them both.

This is after the sedatives took effect.

The sedatives took around half an hour to kick in. Although, after that, the drive was more peaceful for everybody. However, our pets weren’t completely knocked out, which was great. Sophie and Itty were simply much calmer and more relaxed. Regardless, every time we’d pull in to get gas or stop for food, Sophie would still bark. And then Itty would get up to look around. Nevertheless, I haven’t been able to cuddle my kitty so much since she was an itty bitty kitten. I have to admit, it was really special.

The medicine wore off after ~ 12 hours for both Itty and Sophie. Though, we didn’t bother giving them anymore. We just carried on, because there were only a few hours remaining till we made it to our destination. With all the potty breaks and snacks, it took 15-16 hours total to arrive in Hill City. Plus, Itty and Sophie didn’t get sick. However, I didn’t feel that great. I hypothesize it was a combination of sitting in the back, being a bumpy drive, and also the winding roads.

Our Airbnb was a cozy 2 bedroom 1 bath basement rental on 8 acres. Unfortunately it rained the entire time we were there. Thus, we didn’t get to do any hiking. And yes, I said 1 bathroom for 5 people. Yes, somehow we survived.

Regrettably, it had been wet, gray, and cool our entire stay. As a result, the conditions were definitely not ideal to take Itty and Sophie on any outings. Pets aside, we visited Mount Rushmore in Keystone. And did a lot of shopping in Custer in the rain. Plus, we had wonderful food everywhere we went. In addition, we even toured a museum in Hill City. But the best part of this vacation was getting to spend time with my daughter, Rebekah.

I wouldn’t say Sophie and Itty were exactly comfortable in this home away from home setting. Sophie kept trying to simultaneously herd us and play with us. And after Itty smelled her surroundings, she mainly stayed hidden the whole time. Therefore, my thoughts never strayed too far from them. But especially so when we had to leave them in the Airbnb. I tried not worry, though it was difficult.

This is when they were much younger.

For those of you new to my blog, you may be wondering why we don’t just board them. Or you might be asking why we brought them in the first place. When we had our last dog, Moses, we could, and did board him. Also, due to his temperament, our neighbors could watch him. Hence, he was never an issue to leave at home. Although, now we have around 40 birds, 2 cats, and a dog. But both Itty and Sophie were abandoned as babies. That’s how they came to us as well. As a result, they have major separation anxiety. While Sophie doesn’t like being separated from any of us, Itty has separation anxiety only with me. On account of this, we simply don’t board them.

Additionally, most of our neighbors are much older than Paul and me. Plus, there aren’t any kids older than Sarah; she’s 12. Otherwise I could hire a teenager to help out. Regardless, Itty got locked in a bedroom for 3 days without food, water, and her litter box last year. Furthermore, our neighbor who watched them last year, who also took care of our birds and Cake this time, fell and had to go to the ER twice. Thankfully, he didn’t fall at our house. And it was unrelated to us completely. Other than having to get stitches, he’s doing well. Though, for a time, our birds and Cake were on their own. FYI, the reason we didn’t take Cake with us is because she detests all other animals. She doesn’t mind people. In fact, she loves the people. But put her around another animal, and she’ll start a fight.

Given that we had another 15-16 hour drive back, we left at 6am Sunday morning. Prior to loading the car, we dispensed the sedatives to our fur babies. No use going through the struggle, only to have to do it anyway. Sadly, the ThunderJackets didn’t help. The Rescue Remedy did, but only in conjunction with the sedatives. Hopefully, over time, the Rescue Remedy will be enough on its own. However, the drive back was much better than the drive to South Dakota. And once we walked in the door of our house, both Sophie and Itty were totally at peace.

During our vacation, we were kept abreast of the home weather situation via our neighbors. As many of you know, we live in Oklahoma, tornado headquarters. Though, the last tornado to hit Blanchard was in 2011. Nevertheless, the homes in our neighborhood are ~30 years old or older. Despite this, there was still a ton of water. For instance, our coop was flooded. And that’s never happened. Plus, we lost a duck. We don’t know if she died; she’s just gone. Although, everyone else is accounted for.

So proud of my kids!

All in all we had a good time in South Dakota. We enjoyed visiting with family and seeing cool places. And I would love to say it wasn’t stressful at all with Sophie and Itty. But I would be lying. It just shows me we need to do more conditioning with them both. And we’ll do that by taking them on more short car trips till we build up to longer ones. Though, there is a silver lining to all of the stress on both parts. I feel like Itty and I are closer than we were before. For example, she sleeps closer to me than she did before, even during naps. Moreover, Paul feels like he and Sophie have a stronger bond than before. I know our pets were anxious about the trip, because I could see it in their behaviors. But I also know that they would much rather be with us than be left on their own.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. I hope you enjoyed it. Do you take your fur baby on vacation with you? Or do you have someone you trust to watch them? Any advice on taking pets on vacation? I’d love it if you shared. I told my husband that the next vacation I wanted it to just be him and me; that the kids could watch all the pets. Plus, I’d love to go somewhere warmer. Maybe another beach trip. Please share this post. And if you don’t already, you can follow now. Thanks again!

Tags boarding pets, Mount Rushmore, pets on vacation, sedating pets, South Dakota

All animals non-fowl

Can I Sedate My Dog for Travel

Post author By KS
Post date May 7, 2023
2 Comments on Can I Sedate My Dog for Travel

Photo by Alexander Dummer on Pexels.com

If you have a very anxious pet, you know what it’s like. For example, they might act terrified of strangers or situations. However, it could seem like aggression to others. Further, taking them to the vet may feel like a huge ordeal. Or taking them on any kind of outing, even one that’s fun, can be challenging. But what if you want to take them with on vacation, or you’re moving? So, you might have wondered at one time or another, Can I sedate my dog for travel? Or my cat? We’ll explore these questions and some possible alternatives for traveling with your pet.

Not long ago I mentioned that my family and I were making a trip to South Dakota. Plus, we’re taking Itty and Sophie, our house pets. And we’re renting a vehicle. Thus, to prepare, I had both of them seen by their veterinarian. Since Sophie is super nervous in car trips, even short ones, the vet prescribed a sedative for her. But there are different thoughts on the issue.

What’s the Problem

Most mammals, including cats and dogs, can suffer anxiety. Moreover, sometimes the anxiety and fear is so bad, it affects both pets and pet parents.

Though, for our purposes, we’ll focus more on travel anxiety. Yes, travel anxiety is a real issue. And not just for pets. It also affects people. And travel anxiety has some of the same symptoms as generalized anxiety. Below you’ll find signs that your cat or dog might have travel anxiety.

Travel Anxiety Symptoms

Dog Travel Anxiety Signs

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unwillingness to get in the car
whining, panting, and/or barking
restlessness or pacing
drooling
yawning
lip licking or smacking
shaking or trembling
urinating or defecating
wide open eyes
trying to hide or escape
and attempts to sit with you or on you (if not in pet crate)

Cat Travel Anxiety Symptoms

Photo by Noemi Ji on Pexels.com

excessive meowing or howling
pacing or restlessness
lip licking or smacking
diarrhea or vomiting
and trembling or shaking

Causes of Travel Anxiety

So, what causes travel anxiety in pets? Well, it’s possible your pet is afraid of your car or strange situations if they lack good socialization. Or they could associate the car with anything scary or traumatic. For example, your cat might have travel anxiety, because she associates your car with the vet. Or your dog might have travel anxiety, because his first pet parents abandoned him at your house.

But both cats and dogs can experience motion sickness. Although, it occurs more often when they’re babies. And they can outgrow it when adults. Thus, that can be the issue as well. Or the memory of motion sickness can be the problem, if your pet is an adult.

How to Prevent Pet Travel Anxiety

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Obviously preventing cat and dog travel anxiety is preferable to sedating our beloved fur babies. Therefore, if you have a kitten or a puppy, use what’s referred to as desensitization. When they’re little, start training them for car rides. That’s similar to socialization. Anyway, desensitization is basically just getting your pet comfortable with your car. Taking small, extremely small steps, while giving praise and treats to your pet along the way. But, over the course of some time, you will, eventually, take your cat or dog on a short drive. You can read more about desensitization in detail here.

However, if, like me, your pet already has travel anxiety, you still need a solution. And you can’t travel back in time to change the past. Thankfully there are options. People in the know refer to this option as counter-conditioning. This assumes you have time to put this into practice. Though, if you do, counter-conditioning teaches your pet that your car, and thus traveling is super fun. As I mentioned, it takes time, particularly if your pet already associates your car with something absurdly un-fun.

Counter-conditioning uses some of the same techniques as desensitization. Although, along with car rides, you take your pooch somewhere fun, like the dog park. For example, if you’re flying with your pet, you would take either your cat or dog to the airport to get used to the airport sounds and smells. But after the session at the airport, take your dog somewhere fun. However, counter-conditioning looks different for cats. Since cats get scared easily, it resembles desensitization more. Rather than taking your cat anywhere else, offer more rewards, like added treats and playtime.

OTC Calming Aids

Say you’ve tried the suggestions above, but your pet is still nervous. Or maybe you don’t have the time to work with them. What do you do in that case? Don’t worry. You don’t have to cancel your trip or board your pet.

First of all, there are over-the-counter and homeopathic aids available, such as

ThunderJacket or ThunderShirt for your pet

According to their website, ThunderShirts or -Jackets are similar to swaddling a baby, by applying a gentle, constant pressure to your pet’s torso. And research suggests that this type of pressure can release a calming hormone like oxytocin or endorphins.

cat or dog pheromones

Both cats and dogs release pheromones after giving birth, to calm their babies. Plus, these pheromones have been copied synthetically, And both are available in a variety of forms: diffusers, sprays, or collars.

Rescue Remedy specifically for pets

For years people have been using Rescue Remedy for anxiety. It’s a homeopathic remedy, made from the essence of plants and flowers. But make sure you get the one that’s alcohol-free.

and playing pet-specific music

Species-specific music has been going on, at least, since 2009. And animals like their own music simply, because they can hear it and feel it. Unlike with our music, they have no idea what’s going on. Also, there’s cat-specific and dog-specific music. I guess when we go on our trip, we’ll just have to take turns playing each.

Prescription Medication

If you still observe any of the signs listed above in your pet, then notify your vet. As I mentioned, car sickness is one of the main reasons why pets dislike cars and traveling. Additionally, motion sickness and travel anxiety share symptoms. Thus, if your pet shows signs of travel anxiety, call and discuss the symptoms with your vet. And the veterinarian will be able to confirm if your pet has motion sickness. Plus, if necessary, they can prescribe medicine to help.

Sometimes your pet may still need, or even benefit from a prescription sedative. However, it’s important to discuss this with your veterinarian. Moreover, if they prescribe something, do a trial run before your trip. For instance, give your pet the recommended dosage while at home to make sure there are no side effects. While some pets won’t experience any effect, including sedation, others will have the opposite effect. Therefore, it’s essential to try it in a safe place first. You absolutely don’t want your dog to be super hyper while on a long drive.

Experts like the AVMA discourage veterinarians from prescribing sedatives to pets for travel by air. They argue that pets that have been given sedatives or tranquilizers are at a higher risk of respiratory and cardiovascular problems at high altitudes, especially snub-nosed breeds. Plus, most airlines won’t allow pets that are sedated.

Pointers for Traveling with Pets

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Make time to train your pet for travel

Over the long-haul, counter-condition your dog or cat to travel with treats, playtime and praise. And continue to expose them to airports, cars, and pet carriers. Also, leave their carrier or crate out several days to weeks till they get used to it, and get in it on their own. This will make traveling with your fur baby much easier to manage.

Tire your fur baby out before travel

Because exercise helps dispel nervous energy, take your dog for a walk. Or play hard with your cat the night before your trip.

Limit food consumption

By limiting your pet’s access to food, it’s less likely they’ll have motion sickness or need to use the bathroom. Also, a pet that needs to use the bathroom might be more distressed when traveling. This is particularly important while traveling by plane.

What to Pack

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Your fur baby’s necessities are important for a happy and successful trip. So, depending on whether you have a cat or dog, you want to bring

collapsible food and water bowls or their own
your pet’s food
leash
halter
favorite toy
treats
toy or bone that’s safe for chewing (for dog)
blanket that smells like you, that you don’t mind getting dirty
litter box, litter, plastic bags, unscented baby wipes
and hand cleaner

Take Away

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Pet travel anxiety and generalized anxiety look a lot alike. Plus, the causes for both are very similar. However, there are both ways to prevent and treat travel anxiety in your fur baby. By using desensitization when they’re little, you can teach your pet that traveling is fun. Though, if your pet is currently suffering from travel anxiety, then use counter-conditioning.

Additionally, there are over-the-counter remedies to help you and your pet. From anxiety wraps and essential oils to pheromones and species-specific music, there’s something for every pet. And lastly, there are a number of prescription medications available, including actual sedatives, in the event your pet needs one. But that is best discussed with your pet’s veterinarian and under their guidance.

Our Experience So Far

Sophie and Itty are best friends.

I’ve been concerned about both Sophie and Itty regarding our upcoming trip. Itty absolutely does not like the car, crate, or her backpack, I think, because she associates all with the vet. But both Sophie and Itty were abandoned before they came to us. So, our vet prescribed Acepromazine, which is the most commonly prescribed pet sedative. I gave them each their appropriate dose a couple of weeks ago.

I wanted to make sure it wasn’t going to make Sophie even more hyper than she already is. But it wasn’t until everyone else left the house that they both started showing the effects of sedation. And it didn’t knock them out. It just made them a little wobbly. However, after a few hours, Itty ate some cat-grass to make herself throw up. She definitely didn’t like being drugged. Additionally, the days following that, she didn’t trust that I wouldn’t drug her food again.

For our trip, I’ve invested a ton on just Sophie and Itty. I’m trying to make sure they’ll both be comfortable and stress-free. We have their prescriptions as the absolute last option. But I also have Rescue Remedy, ThunderShirts for both of them, their toys, so many treats, pet pheromones, etc. Something is bound to work, right? I’ll keep you guys updated.

Thanks for stopping by! Do your pets get anxious when traveling? What are your go-to methods? Please post a comment and share. And if you don’t already, please don’t forget to follow!

Tags counter-conditioning, desensitization, pet rescue remedy, pet sedation, traveling with pets