Sit Means Sit of Palm Beach County presents
Pawsitively Amazing
Month, Year - Vol 1, Issue 1
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| Dear, Pet Enthusiast |
Welcome to this edition of our electronic newsletter designed for dog lovers who might want some helpful tips on training. This is also to help keep our Palm Beach clients informed on what's happening in our local area. To manage your subscription to this newsletter just scroll over to the sign up section. If you feel that your friends could use some information, or our services, then forward this to them. Bob Burnell Sit Means Sit of Palm Beach County 561-543-5583 RobertBurnell@sitmeanssit.com
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Holiday Safety Tips for Dogs
Drs. Foster & Smith, Inc.
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We want the holidays to be a happy time for you and your pet, not a
time for an emergency visit to your veterinarian. The food and
decorations that make the holidays so much fun for us can be dangerous
for your pet. We do not want this article to dampen your holiday
spirits, but we do want you to be aware of the dangers and plan
carefully to avoid these potential hazards.
Food - Related Items
Holiday foods we enjoy cooking and eating can be a problem for your pet.
Rich, fatty foods, like gravy or grease, can cause problems ranging from stomach upsets to pancreatitis, which is an inflammation
of the pancreas resulting in pain, vomiting, and dehydration. Dogs with
this serious condition often require hospitalization for treatment.
Alcohol
can cause serious intoxications in pets, and many dogs are attracted to
it. Every year hundreds of dogs die after a single bout of alcohol
consumption. Clean up glasses after holiday parties. Dogs are often
attracted by the sweet taste of drinks, especially eggnog.
Chocolate,
coffee, and tea all contain dangerous components called xanthines,
which cause nervous system or urinary system damage and heart muscle
stimulation. Chocolate, with theobromine, is especially a problem
because dogs love its flavor. Problems from ingestion range from
diarrhea to seizures and death. Unsweetened baking chocolate and dark
chocolate are the worst culprits, but all chocolate, fudge, and other
candy should be placed out of your dog's reach.
Uncooked meat, fish, and poultry can contain disease-causing bacteria, such as E. coli, and parasites such as Toxoplasma gondii.
These uncooked foods should not be given to your dog. For your own
health, as well as your pet's, wash utensils that have been in contact
with raw meat, and cook meat thoroughly.
Bones from fish, meat, or poultry can also cause problems if
swallowed. Even small bones can splinter causing lacerations (tearing)
throughout the intestinal tract. So, no matter how big or how little
they are, be sure to keep bones (other than those that are specially
sterilized and treated) away from your dog. Rawhides, Kong toys, and
hardened, sterilized bones would be better alternatives.
Tobacco products can be fatal to pets, if ingested. Signs of
poisoning develop within 15 to 45 minutes and include excitation,
salivation, vomiting, and diarrhea. Pets may develop seizures, collapse
and die from cardiac arrest. Keep cigarettes, cigars, tobacco, nicotine
gum and patches, and ashtrays out of the reach of pets. Empty ashtrays
frequently since cigarette butts contain about 25% of the total
nicotine in a cigarette.
Uncooked yeast dough can expand and produce gas in the digestive
system, causing pain and possible rupture of the stomach or intestines.
Grapes and raisins contain an unknown toxin, which can damage the kidneys.
The artificial sweetner, xylitol, that is present in some gums, breath mints, candy, and other human food can be very toxic to dogs.
Macadamia nuts contain an unknown toxin, which can affect the digestive and nervous systems and muscles of dogs.
Remember, dogs have an exceptional sense of smell - juices on
plastic or aluminum foil left on countertops are very tempting. If
ingested, plastic or foil wrap (cellophane candy wrappers or food wrap)
can cause choking or intestinal obstruction.
Meat-soaked strings from rump roasts are also enticing. Ingestion can cause a surgical emergency called a 'linear string foreign body' in the intestines.
To be safe, put away food immediately, and pet-proof your garbage.
Garbage contains all kinds of other hazards for your dog such as
plastic wrap and bags, 6-pack beverage holders that could cause
strangulation, fat trimmings, bones, and pieces of ribbon or tinsel.
Feed your pet(s) before a party so they will not be so apt to beg or steal food.
Poisonous Plants
We
all like making our homes more festive for the holidays. We enjoy the
green foliage and colorful flowers of plants. Unfortunately, many of
the plants we have in our homes during the holidays can be poisonous to
pets. If ingested, holly (leaves and berries) causes stomach upset and
can be potentially fatal to both dogs and cats. Mistletoe upsets
stomachs and can cause heart collapse, while hibiscus may cause
diarrhea. Poinsettias have an irritating sap that can cause blistering
in the mouth and stomach upset. So when you brighten up your home,
place these plants well out of your dog's reach, or use imitation
holiday plants.
Decorations and Wrappings
All that glitters is not gold - it could be dangerous for your pet.
Ribbons, yarn, and string can cause intestinal obstruction and
bunching of the intestine along the length of the string. These
conditions require surgery and can be fatal. Ribbons around your dog's
neck may be cute, but they can also be dangerous.
Adhesives and glues can be toxic and are often attractive to animals.
Potpourri contains oils that can be toxic to dogs if eaten. We may not think of eating it, but some curious pets may.
Candles can cause burns and fires. Never leave lighted candles unattended or within reach of your pet.
Few things are more tempting to a playful dog than a game of tug.
This is not a good game, however, to play with the end of a tablecloth.
Try to keep items such as tablecloths, table runners, etc., from
hanging too low to the floor, and tempting happy dogs running by to
grab an end and pull!
Gifts Under the Tree
Rawhide or other edible items left under the tree can be very
tempting, and remember that companies (even Drs. Foster & Smith!)
often package rawhide or other pet gifts wrapped in ribbon. Make sure
to remove ribbons or ties before you present gifts to your dog. If
played with and swallowed, yarn, ribbon, or string on gifts can cause
intestinal obstruction, requiring surgery.
Perfumes
and after-shaves contain ethanol (alcohol) and perfume also contains
essential oils which can be very toxic to dogs if ingested. Batteries for toys or other gifts can be toxic and cause intestinal
obstruction. Keep in a safe place until they are ready to be inserted
in the gift.
Christmas Trees
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, how careful we must be. Christmas trees and their decorations can create hazards for pets.
Place Christmas trees in a stable stand, and attach the tree
securely to a window or wall with something like fish line. We have
known others who have hung their tree from the ceiling! To keep pets
away from the tree, it may help to use a Scat Mat. While most dog
owners use an indoor exercise pen to provide a safe place for a pet to
play, during the holidays, some people place the pen around the tree.
Even though you take precautions, make sure your dog is always
supervised when in a room with a tree.
Tree needles can be toxic and cause mouth and stomach irritation.
Even needles and the wire of artificial trees could pose a problem. Be
sure your dog is not chewing on branches or eating fallen needles.
Tinsel's shininess is attractive. When eaten, it can cause
blockages, which often require surgery to remove. Leave it off the tree
altogether.
Angel hair, flocking, and artificial snow are mildly toxic. If
consumed in larger amounts, however, they could cause blockage of the
intestine. Try decorating with something less likely to cause a problem.
Chewing on electrical cords, including cords of lights can cause problems ranging from burned mouths, to electrical shock
to death by electrocution. Some larger lights can become quite hot, and
could also cause burns. Unplug decorative lights when you are not
there, use pet-proof extension cords, and spray cords with a product
such as Bitter Apple or Chew Stop.
Dogs will often play with glass ornaments as if they were balls and
serious oral lacerations can result. Sharp ornament hooks can also
become imbedded in your pet's mouth or esophagus. Place ornaments that
are shiny, or could be swallowed or broken high up on your tree.
Larger, less intriguing ornaments can go near the bottom.
Decorating trees with food is asking for problems. Candy canes and
gingerbread people can be as enticing to your dog as they are to
children. We know of one diabetic dog who ran into some problems with
regulating her disease because she was stealing candy canes off of the
tree. Popcorn, raisin, or cranberry garlands are beautiful, but can
cause an obstruction when eaten, requiring surgery.
Because tree preservatives are often sugar-based (and inviting to
dogs) and because the water stands so long, the water in the tree stand
often harbors potentially harmful bacteria. Fertilizers, insecticides,
or flame retardants that were used on the tree may also get into the
water. Cover the stand with a tree skirt or use other means to prevent
access to the water.
Visitors
Some pets love visitors and behave very well. Others may be fearful or aggressive. Some puppies may urinate when meeting people. Still, others may be too full of holiday cheer and over-exuberant. Plan for how your dog will react to visitors.
A quiet room, away from the commotion with water and food available will help fearful dogs be more comfortable.
Brushing up on obedience training before the holidays may help a dog
who has become a little rusty. Be sure to inform your visitors of any
household 'rules' or problem behaviors concerning your pets, e.g.,
sneaking out the door, jumping up on the couch, getting food from the
table, etc.
For dogs who may not behave or could be aggressive, placing them in
a separate room, using pet gates, or having them stay at a friend's
house during a party, may be necessary. Sometimes, boarding a dog in a
kennel may be the safest alternative.
Cleaning products such as disinfectants get a lot of use during the
holidays as we spiff up our homes for visitors. Remember, many of these
products can be toxic to your pets.
When inviting visitors, make sure they know you have a pet. If these people have allergies, you could help them by using a product such as Allerpet to decrease the dander in the house.
If you are traveling during the holidays, and need to leave your
pet(s) at home, start to make accommodations for your pet(s) early.
Many boarding facilities fill up very fast. Responsible pet sitters are
a good alternative. If they are unfamiliar with your house or pet(s)
have them come over and get acquainted before you leave.
New Pets
New pets are not good holiday gifts. If someone is thinking
about getting a new pet, give the new prospective owner a variety of
dog toys, food, or books on dog care. You may also wish to give a gift
certificate so the person can choose his or her own pet after the
holidays.
Similarly, if thinking about getting a new pet for yourself,
remember pets need routine and a time to bond with you. With its noise,
commotion, and special hazards, the holiday season is anything but
routine. Think about getting your new dog after the holidays. We
guarantee you will not have an after-holiday let down!
Why not make the holidays more enjoyable for homeless pets? Contact
your local animal shelter to see if you can donate food, kitty litter,
toys, or time.
Pet Gifts and Treats
When
choosing a holiday gift for your special friend, be sure it is safe -
no small pieces that could come off and be swallowed. Choose healthy
holiday treats for your dog and give them in moderation.
With all of the festivities, do not forget to relax and spend some
quality time with your pet. Your dog will think that is the best gift
of all.
Holidays are a time to be joyful and thankful. We hope all of yours are beautiful.
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Dealing with Behavioral Issues
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Continuing our series on dealing with behavioral issues
Digging Behavior
Genetic Digging
·Certain dogs like Terriers have been bred to
dig.
·These dogs will be more resistant to any
measure you take to stop or redirect this behavior.
·Try teaching the dog to dig in selected
area. Create a dig pit and bait it
with the dog's favorite toys. Line
the pit rocks etc so as to make it easily recognizable by the dog. Ensure the dirt is soft and let the dog
see you digging in this area only.
Burying Toys and Bones
·Another reason dogs dig is called
caching. They bury bones or other
objects and then dig them up later.
·The problem lies with toy selection as you
still want the dog to have toys to relieve his boredom. Use bigger toys or drill a hole in them
and tie the toy to a post etc.
·Sometimes, dogs will bury bones or treats
because they are being overfed and want to save some for later. Cut down on the dog's food.
Hunting
·Hunting is one of the more difficult digging
motivations to address. The dog is
looking for gophers or similar types of animals.
·You will need to get rid of these animals,
but ensure you use a non-toxic approach for the dog's safety.
·You will know he is digging for animals when
you see deep holes that are in a row.
The dog is following the underground tunnels.
·Be sure you have addressed the separation
anxiety issue first.
·How do we determine if it is based on
separation. If the dog is digging
out of boredom, you should be able to leave and return in 15-20 minutes, with
no digging taking place. If the
same dog is left alone for 2-3 hours and then begins to dig, it is probably
safe to say he may be digging out of boredom.
·Separation anxiety digging occurs when the
owner comes back after only 15-20 minutes.
·If the owner is giving their dog a lot of
free attention and catering to the dog's demands etc, then digging due to
separation anxiety is a definite possibility.
·As separation anxiety is eliminated, so will
the digging.
This topic concludes this series on dealing with behavioral issues
·The information provided is meant to
supplement the training you are receiving.
·The information is not the last word in dog
training, but meant to be a possible course of action.
·Remember, training should be fun. If you are not having fun then the dog
is not. If the dog feels bored, he
will not try to succeed.
Our next series will cover some of the fundamental principles behind dog training.The Animal Behavior College
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About Your Trainer
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Bob grew up in Long Island, New York
and upon graduation from High School spent four years serving this country in
the U.S. Army. Bob graduated from
Hofstra University Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelors Degree in Business and
earned several academic achievement awards.
Bob spent several years as an Operations Executive for a major retailer
until he joined the N.Y.P.D. Bob
graduated #1 in his class from the police academy, earning the highest academic
achievement award. Bob is currently a
full time Police officer with over 6 years of K9 experience. Bob has
certifications in dog training through The Animal Behavior College and The No
Limitations School for Remote Collar Training.
Bob has worked with some of the most influential dog trainers. Bob has studied under Brian Kilcommons (noted
trainer and author) and Fred Hassen (founder and creator of Sit Means Sit). Bob has over 8 years of experience in training dogs and receives a real sense of accomplishment when he witnesses the success his clients have with our program.
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Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to work with your family. We appreciate everyone of our clients and value the relationship that we have with you. The highest compliment that you can give us, is the referral of your family and friends. Remember, we are never too busy for your referrals. If you know someone that would benefit from our services or that might enjoy what we do, please forward this newsletter to them. We are always looking to improve our service. If you have any comments or suggestions, please send them to us. We are always looking for testimonials from our clients so that we can show others how our training as helped you. Please feel free to visit my Palm Beach Training Blog to obtain additional information and view some more great videos. Missed an earlier edition of this newsletter? Go to my blog and view past editions that are archived at this location.
Sincerely,
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