What would you do if you were allergic to your pet? (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

It is an unfortunate fact that some people are allergic to animals.  Cat allergies are the most common and occur twice as often as dog allergies, but allergies to birds and other animals occur too.  While many people have animal allergies throughout their life, it is possible for an allergy to develop, which means you could have had a pet for years before developing an allergy to it.

What Causes Allergies?

Allergies are caused by a supersensitive reaction of our immune system.  Although normally designed to protect us from dangerous bacteria, viruses, and other harmful foreign agents, our immune system can sometimes get it wrong.   When that happens, when our immune system reacts to something that is not harmful, we call it an allergic reaction.  People who have pet allergies have an immune system response to the pet’s dander or saliva.  The immune systems response determines the extent or severity of the allergy.  This is why some people with cat allergies cannot be in the same room with a cat if they want to be able to breathe and others are fine as long as they don’t touch the cat.

What are the Symptoms of a Pet Allergy?

Pet allergies can cause several different kinds of allergic reactions.  The most common symptoms affect the nose, skin, respiratory system, and ability to breathe.  Generally, these symptoms are the result of some kind of inflammation of the tissue.  Common symptoms are:

• Sneezing
• Nasal Congestion/Runny Nose
• Itchy Nose/Itchy Eyes
• Coughing
• Constant Rubbing of Eyes or Nose
• Problems Breathing
• Asthma Attacks
• Chest Pain
• Wheezing
• Shortness of Breath
• Hives
• Itching on the Skin
• Rashes

How are Pet Allergies Treated?

Unfortunately for pet lovers who have pet allergies, the best treatment is to avoid any contact with the type of animal that causes the allergy.  For people with severe allergies, this can be difficult as pet hair and dander get carried from place to place on clothes, shoes, and bags.  You can get a pet that doesn’t cause an allergic reaction which most times is one without fur or feathers like a lizard or a fish.  You can also keep your pets, but it is likely you will have to take medication to control your allergic reaction and do specific things around the house to help keep your exposure to a minimum.

Can I Keep My Pet?

This is a personal decision and likely depends on how severe your allergy is and how effective medication is at preventing allergic reactions.  If you have a severe allergy that compromises your ability to breathe, you may need to find a new forever home for your pet.  If you decide to keep your pet and try to manage your allergy, here are some steps you should take to minimize your risk and discomfort.

1. Ban the pet from the bedroom.  Make sure you have a place to sleep that is pet hair/pet dander free.  This means that you need to change into your pajamas in the bedroom and don’t leave the bedroom while wearing them unless you aren’t planning on coming back in.
2. If you have forced hot air or central air conditioning, install filters over any vents in your bedroom to keep dander from entering the bedroom from other parts of the house.
3. Swap wall to wall carpet in other rooms for wood or tile floors.  Avoid using area rugs if you can help it.  Opting for throw rugs that can be washed in the washer is your best bet.
4. Clean everything, and that means everything.  Pet dander is sticky which means it adheres to walls, baseboards, furniture, etc.
5. Buy a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter and wear a dust mask over your nose and mouth whenever you vacuum.  If your allergy affects your eyes, you will need some way to protect your eyes while vacuuming as well.
6. Use an air cleaner with a HEPA filter for 4+ hours a day to help cut down on the pet dander in the air.
7. Make sure any pet grooming happens by someone else outside the house as this can cause a huge influx of allergy inducing dander into the environment.

Many people with pet allergies can also be pet owners, it just means making the right decisions and taking extra steps to protect your health.

Related articles

• Are You Allergic to Cats? (everydayhealth.com)
• Allergies in Cats and Dogs (familyvet.com)
• 5 Common Pet Care Questions (familyvet.com)

Dog parks offer a great opportunity for dogs to socialize, play with other dogs, and for dog owner’s to socialize with other dog owners.  Unlike other spaces and places, your dog can run free and it is ok for dogs to be dogs.   In order to find the right dog park for your dog, you may need to do a little research.  You will want to find a place where you are comfortable with the rules.  It is also important to pick a park where your dog fits in.  Some dog parks cater to specific kinds of dogs while others are like private clubs and charge a fee for using the park.  The key to having a good, positive experience every time you take your dog to the park is taking the time to find the right park for your needs.

Common Dog Park Rules

Your first step is to familiarize yourself with the rules.  There are some common rules that many dog parks share, but each park may also have its own set of rules.  The purpose of the rules is to ensure the dog park is a safe, healthy environment for all the dogs that go there.  Before going to a park, read through the rules to make sure you are comfortable and on board with following them.  The rules of the dog park must be followed and should not be confused with etiquette in the dog park, which should be followed, but are not required.  Here are some of the most common rules you will find used in many dog parks throughout Arizona.

• Dogs must be on leashes unless they are in designated off-leash areas.
• Dogs can be off-leash in off-leash areas only if they are under voice control by their owners.
• If there are any problems, dog owners must immediately leash their pet and remove it from the off-leash area.
• Dog owners must be present the entire time their dog is at the park and must remain in close proximity to and with their attention focused on their pet at all times.
• Dogs must be up to date on their shots to interact with other dogs within the park.  Many dog parks won’t allow unvaccinated dogs to even enter the park.  Dog owners should have a copy of current immunization records with them at the dog park.
• Dogs must have current license and rabies tags affixed to their collar to enter the park.
• Puppies must be more than four months old to be allowed in the dog park.
• Children are not allowed in the dog park.  Infants, even if they are being held or carried by an adult are also not allowed in the dog park.
• Owners are responsible and liable for the actions of their pets and any resulting consequences.
• Dogs that exhibit aggressive behavior are not allowed in the dog park.
• Female dogs that are in heat are not allowed in the dog park.
• Food, both human and dog varieties, should not be brought into the dog park.  Some parks allow small treats to be brought in and used for training purposes.
• If the park allows treats, do not give treats to other people’s dogs unless you have the permission of the owner.
• No dog toys are allowed in the park
• Owners are responsible for cleaning up and disposing of all droppings created by their dog.

When choosing a park for your dog to play at, there are some other things you may want to add to your list of good things for good parks to have.  You may want to look or parks that provide separate spaces for small and large dogs.  Access to water will likely be another key concern.

Related articles

• Dog Park Do’s and Don’ts (familyvet.com)
• Dog Parks Around Arizona (doggoes.com)
• Phoenix Dog Parks (phoenix.about.com)

Do you know how to properly care for your bird? (photo credit: Wiki images)

In honor of Bird Day, celebrated on May 4^th, let’s talk about the basics of bird ownership, the most common types of pet birds, and what not to feed your bird.

Bird Ownership Basics

Birds differ from cats and dogs in many ways. One primary difference is that different species may need different kinds of food and have different nutritional needs.  Ask your veterinarian to determine the kind of food your bird needs and how much/how often to feed it.  Birds also need the right kind of habitat which involves humidity and lighting levels, access to sunlight, fresh air, a perch or two, and food/water.  Birds need physical activity on a regular basis.  Depending on the type of bird and your personal preference, you may be able to allow the bird to fly around inside the home.  Talk to your vet about this and other options for physical activity.

Common Types of Birds Kept as Pets

There are many different kinds of birds kept as pets.  Here are five of the most common.

1.     Parakeets

This is a great choice for new bird owners and children because they are hardy and easier to take care of than bigger birds.  They live 12-14 years and love to whistle and sing.

2.     Cockatiel

Cockatiels are bigger than parakeets and are native to Australia.  They love to sing and whistle as well and are excellent at mimicking interesting sounds.  They live from 15 to 20 years.

3.     Finches/Canaries

These birds are smaller than most other birds kept as pets which make them great pets for small spaces.  They prefer the company of other birds and like living in small flocks.  They can live as long as 10 years and because they aren’t that interested in humans they can be the perfect pet for someone who likes birds but isn’t interested in interacting with them much.

4.     Lovebirds

This is the smallest of the birds that are considered parrots and can be perfect for someone who likes parrots but doesn’t have space for a larger bird.  They are also very quiet and can live up to 20 years.

5.     African Greys

These birds are big talkers and boost a big intellectual capacity.  This means they are capable of learning a lot of words but also means that they get bored without stimulation which can make them high maintenance pets.  They are also a pet for life as they generally live 50 to 70 years.

Things You Should Not Feed Your Bird

Just like with other pets, there are things that we eat that are toxic to birds.  Bird owners need to know what foods are hazardous and take steps to ensure their bird is safe.  Here are some of the things that are toxic to birds:

• Chocolate – people and chocolate are a good fit, pets and chocolate are not.  Symptoms of chocolate poisoning are digestive in nature, at least to start, and include vomiting and diarrhea.
• Apple Seeds – Apples may keep the doctor away, but apple seeds will not.  The seeds of apples and other fruits in the same family like cherries and apricots contain small amounts of cyanide which can make your bird very sick.
• Excess Salt – Just like us, birds need salt to live, but too much salt is just as bad for them as it is for us.  If a bird gets too much salt it can suffer from dehydration, have kidney problems, and even die.
• Avocado – Avoid feeding any part of this vegetable to your bird as it can cause heart problems almost immediately.   Don’t forget to keep avocado products away from pets too including the guacamole.
• Tomato Leaves – Although tomatoes are good for your bird, the leaves of these plants are definitely not.  Ingesting the leaves can be toxic.
• Dry Beans – When it comes to beans, the decision to feed them to the bird or not depends on whether they are dry or cooked.  Cooked beans can be ok; dry beans are very toxic.
• Caffeine – Don’t share any drinks or eats with your bird containing caffeine as it causes significant cardiac problems in birds and can even cause them to have a heart attack.

Related Articles:

• Poisonous Foods to Birds (birds.about.com)
• How Often Does My Pet Need to See The Vet? (familyvet.com)
• Caring For Your Pets on a Budget (familyvet.com)

Do you have an emergency plan? Image via Wikipedia

Disaster preparedness is everyone’s responsibility and preparing to care for our pets when the worst happens is part of being a responsible pet owner.  Disasters, emergencies, and crises can happen at any time and can cause a variety of problems specific to pet owners.  Different problems require different solutions which mean your disaster planning needs to include several different scenarios.  Knowing what you need to do and having the supplies you need to have on hand before something happens is the best thing you can do for your family and your pets.

Plan Ahead

One of the most important reasons pet owners need to plan ahead is that not all emergency shelters accept pets.  You need to research the emergency shelters in your community to determine which, if any, can accept animals if you are required to evacuate your home.  If there aren’t any, you will need to locate a hotel or motel that will allow you to bring your pets there if you have to be away from home.  You need to know where you will go during an evacuation so that everyone in your family knows the evacuation location and so that you can have enough emergency cash on hand to pay for the necessary accommodations.

Make sure you include everything you will need to care for your pet in your family’s emergency supplies.  This is critical for emergencies that require you to evacuate and for those that require you to stay in your home.  Your emergency supplies should include food, water, and medication for your pets.  You will also want to include a dish for feeding, bedding, and any other supplies like cat litter and a leash needed for your pet.

If You Have to Evacuate

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), you should never leave pets behind if you have to evacuate.  Most domestic pets cannot survive on their own and if they do, it is unlikely you will be able to locate them after the emergency has passed.   Pack the supplies you need for your pet with your family’s emergency kit and be sure to include a picture of your pet and their vaccination history.  Secure your pet in a carrier or on a leash to keep them safe during the evacuation and to help keep them safe and with you at your evacuation location.  FEMA also recommends adding information to your pet’s tags indicating the evacuation location so that if you are separated, there is a better chance of your pet finding its way back to you.

One thing that every family should have as part of their emergency preparedness and planning is a packet of important documents like birth certificates and insurance policies.  When you have pets, this package should also include the vaccination records for each animal and a list of locations within 250 miles that offer boarding for the type of pets you have.  This ensures you can find a safe place for your pet to be cared for if you have to be away from home for an extended period of time.

Pets are part of the family and emergency preparedness plans need to include them.  Don’t assume your pet will be able to fend for itself; plan ahead and ensure that every member of your family is safe and secure when disaster strikes.

Related articles

• Emergency Prepare Plan with Animals (fema.gov)
• Disaster Preparedness (aspca.org)
• What to Do When Disaster Strikes (everydayhealth.com)

How often do you take your pet to the vet? (Image via Wikipedia)

The primary reason that many pet owners ask this question is because they are unclear about what preventative care or well-animal visits are needed for their pet.  The office visit with your vet is the core of any preventative care and well-animal program.  In order to monitor changes to your pet’s health over time, recommend vaccinations and preventative health programs, and find any health problems early, your vet needs to see your pet on a regular basis.  By the time your pet starts exhibiting symptoms that you notice, a disease may have progressed to the point that the most effective treatment options are no longer available.

Dogs

We recommend that dogs get an annual exam until they are eight years old and then are examined twice a year for the remainder of their life.  A preventative care visit will include a physical exam, any necessary vaccinations, and possibly a fecal parasite exam.   The following vaccines should be given to dogs every year, parvovirus, distemper, coronavirus, hepatitis, lyme disease, and respiratory disease.  Additionally, dogs should have a rabies vaccine every three years.  During the visit, your vet can answer any questions you have and offer recommendations on things like proper diet and prevention programs for fleas, ticks, and heartworms.

Cats

We recommend the same schedule for cats as for dogs, an annual exam until they are eight years old and twice a year for the remainder of their life.  Preventative care visits for cats will also include a complete physical exam, any necessary vaccinations, and possibly a fecal parasite exam.   The following vaccines should be given to cats every year, distemper, rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, pneumonitis, feline leukemia, and rabies.  Cats should also receive the vaccine for feline infectious peritonitis according to the schedule recommended by their vet.    As part of the exam, the vet will be able to answer any questions you have and make recommendations about proper diet and how to prevent fleas, ticks, and heartworms.

Ferrets

Ferrets should also see the vet annually for a quick check-up and any necessary vaccinations.  This visit is considered preventative care and will include the same types of things as visits for cats and dogs.  Ferrets are susceptible to some of the same diseases as dogs and cats including distemper, rabies, and heartworm.  An annual visit to a ferret-friendly vet can help catch problems early and reinforce the need for adequate preventative measures.  Ferrets need to receive vaccines for canine distemper, rabies, and heartworm.  It is very important that ferrets receive the canine distemper vaccine as the feline distemper vaccine offers no protection.

Rabbits

Similar to the other pets here, rabbits need an annual visit for a check-up and to get their vaccines.  Rabbits need to be vaccinated against myxomatosis and VHD.  If your rabbit has any specific health concerns, your vet may recommend more frequent visits.  Make sure you find a vet that specializes in and/or is knowledgeable about how to care for rabbits.

Related articles:

• The Top 10 Dog Health Problems (everydayhealth.com)
• Pet Health Alert: Distemper Cases Up (myfoxphoenix.com)

Dogs at park (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Here in Arizona, there are dog parks aplenty where dog owners can give their dogs time to run and play off the leash and to socialize with other dogs.   Dogs of all sizes and breeds can benefit from time at a dog park provided that the park you chose is a good fit for your dog and your dog has a positive experience.  Like social gathering spots for people, dog parks have their own set of rules and their own form of etiquette.  In order to ensure your dog has the best experience possible, you need to find the right park and help your dog learn the laws of the land.

Dog Park Do’s

1.     Before You Go With Your Dog

• Talk to your veterinarian about whether or not your dog is healthy enough to spend time socializing with other dogs at a dog park.
• Make sure your dog is up to date on their vaccinations.
• Visit the dog park without your dog to get a feel for the other dogs that frequent the park, how social and interactive the dog park environment appears to be, and to familiarize yourself with the rules of the park.
• Figure out when the busiest times of day are at your chosen park so that you can let your dog experience the park and become accustomed to the social scene when the park is not packed with other patrons.
• Talk to the other patrons to get a feel for them and their feelings about the dog park to gauge if this is a park that will work for you as well as your dog.
• Watch the other dogs to see if there are any behavior issues and pay attention to how the patrons are interacting with their dogs.

2.     While at the Park with Your Dog

• Bring a pooper scooper and clean up after your dog.
• Pay attention to how your dog is playing with others.
• If your dog starts playing rough with another dog, interrupt their play and reinforce good behavior.
• Watch your dog to make sure he isn’t being a bully or being bullied by other dogs.
• Monitor your dog’s mood and make sure he is having fun.
• Be willing to leave if the park isn’t a good fit for your pet, your dog is behaving badly, being bullied, or stops having fun.
• Bring lots of water, especially if the dog park doesn’t provide a water source.
• Make sure you close the gate when you leave!

Dog Park Don’ts

• Don’t bring dogs that are too young.  The Association of Pet Dog Trainers recommends that dogs should be at least 4 months old before going to a dog park.
• Don’t take your dog to a crowded park if they are overly sensitive.  It is best to pick times that the dog park is less crowded if your dog struggles with a big group of other dogs.   A good rule of thumb is that a park becomes crowded once it exceeds a ratio of 2 dogs per 20 square yards of space.
• Don’t make your dog go to a dog park that they don’t like.
• Don’t give your dog treats or let them play with toys if there are other dogs in the park.  This can breed conflict across the dogs.
• Don’t bring dogs that aren’t spayed or neutered to a dog part.
• Don’t take a leashed dog into a dog park.  This can cause territorial problems and is one of the primary sources of conflict in many dog parks.
• Don’t bring your kids to the dog park.  You need to be able to focus on your dog while at the dog park and chasing after a child detracts from your ability to do that.

Related Articles:

• Dog Park Behavior Know Risks & Rewards (pets.webmd.com)
• Dog Park Etiquette (huffingtonpost.com)
• Dog Park Etiquette (kswt.com)

Aedes albopictus - Tiger mosquito (Photo credit: Camponotus Vagus)

April brings the start of heartworm season and pet owners everywhere need to know about the disease, what signs to watch for, and what they need to do to prevent it.   Although this disease was originally thought to be a southeastern disease, the American Heartworm Society indicates that the disease can now be found in all 50 states.  Pet owners here in Arizona need to meet with their vet to ensure they have the right prevention program in place to protect their pet.  To help inform and educate dog, cat, and other pet owners, here are 5 things every pet owner needs to know about heartworms.

1.     What is Heartworm Disease?

Heartworm is a parasitic disease caused by Dirofilaria Immitis that affects dogs, cats, ferrets, wolves, coyotes, foxes, beavers, and sea lions.  Although each of these animals can contract the disease, it doesn’t always progress or manifest in the same way for each kind of animal.  The danger of heartworm disease is that the worms damage vital organs and major blood vessels which can lead to blocked arteries, kidney failure, liver disease, and other complications.

2.     How is it Transmitted from One Animal to Another?

Heartworms are transmitted through mosquito bites.  This is why the incidence of disease is so much higher in places that have warm, humid weather conducive to breeding mosquitoes.   Heartworm is not transmitted through physical contact between animals.

3.     What are the Physical Signs of Heartworm Disease?

The symptoms of heartworm disease differ across the different kinds of animals.  In dogs, the first sign is often a cough.  From there, as the worms multiply and the disease progresses, the dog will experience difficulty breathing, start to avoid exercising, seem lethargic, lose his appetite and experience weight loss.

In cats, the signs of heartworm can seem the same as symptoms for other diseases.  Cats may experience difficulty breathing, cough, vomit, faint, have a seizure, become blind, lose their appetite, and lose weight.

4.     How is Heartworm Diagnosed and Treated?

Heartworm is diagnosed using a variety of tests.  It is easier to diagnose in dogs than it is in cats.  For most animals, the diagnosis begins with a physical exam.  Veterinarians may use a blood test, called an antigen test, that looks for evidence of a heartworm infection.  This test is very successful for diagnosing heartworm in dogs that have been infected for at least seven months, less so for cats.   X-rays of the animal can also be used to gauge the severity of the infection as the disease causes changes that can be seen on X-ray early on.  Veterinarians can see enlargement of the pulmonary arteries and the right side of the heart, thickening and abnormal twisting of the pulmonary arteries, and inflammation of lung tissue which are all signs of heartworm disease.  X-rays are often the most useful test for detecting feline heartworm disease.

There are no effective treatment options for heartworm disease in cats.  Treatment for cats is focused on treating the symptoms of the damage caused by the heartworm infestation like providing breathing support, the use of steroids, and in some cases surgery to remove the worms.   Cats are more resistant to heartworm infection and are generally more successful at curing themselves of the disease. However, since there is no way to treat heartworm disease in cats, preventative measures are critical for all cat owners to follow.

Most cases of heartworm disease in dogs can be successfully treated.  The primary goal in canine treatment is to kill off the adult worms and all the microfiliariae, or larvae.  Both cats and dogs can experience complications caused by the death of adult heartworms and may need supportive therapies and treatment during this phase.

5.     Can Heartworm Disease be Prevented?

Heartworm disease can be prevented in all pets by following the heartworm prevention program recommended by your veterinarian.

Related articles

• Heartworm Infection is a Nation-Wide Threat to Pets [Infographic] (prweb.com)
• Does Your Cat Need Protection From This Parasite? (huffingtonpost.com)
• The Top 10 Dog Health Problems (everydayhealth.com)

tick (Photo credit: glemak)

As the weather warms and spring heads towards summer, many Arizona residents are relishing their outdoor time.  This is one of the best times of year to spend time enjoying our beautiful outdoor spaces before the heat of summer settles in.  But with spring and the outdoors comes the possibility of tick bites and the danger or tick fever.  Pet owners need to be aware of the dangers ticks present and what to do to protect their pets health.

What is a tick?

A tick is a parasite in the same family as spiders and scorpions that survives off the blood of mammals and can transmit serious diseases when they bite.  There are several different types of ticks including the Brown Dog Tick, American Dog Tick, and Deer Tick.

Where do ticks live?

Ticks live in tall grass, wooded areas, your backyard, and most other places outside.

Why are ticks dangerous?

Ticks transmit diseases that can cause serious health problems and even death.  Ticks are responsible for spreading Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Babesiosis, Lyme Disease, Tick Paralysis, and Tick Fever.   Many of these diseases are transferred from one dog to another by tick bites, which is why keeping your pets and homes tick-free is the best way to prevent these tick-borne illnesses.

How can I protect my pet?

The best way is to use a tick collar or tick repellant product on your pet that is recommended by your veterinarian.  There are hundreds of products available for managing ticks and your best bet is to talk to your veterinarian for a recommendation.  Your vet knows your pet and their habits as well as the local area and the best course for prevention specific to all those factors.

Types of tick control products include:

• Topical Repellants – These tick prevention products are applied to your pet’s skin and act as a full body flea and tick collar. Frontline is an example of a topical repellant.
• Dips – This preventative measure where a tick repellant is poured onto your pet and must be done every two weeks to maintain an adequate level of protection.
• Topical Sprays – Sprays are good to kill off ticks quickly and do offer some protection.  They are most often used in conjunction with other treatments as a stop-gap measure.
• Shampoo – Using shampoo is good for killing off adult ticks and helping remove eggs, but shampoo doesn’t offer lasting protection from ticks.
• Tick Collars – Collars help kill any ticks already on your pet and can help repel new ticks.  However, it is best to use collars in conjunction with a complete tick control program in order to fully protect your pet.
• Foggers and Sprays for the House – If you suspect that you have ticks in the house and the yard, the use of foggers and sprays can kill off ticks and keep eggs from hatching.

You also need to be diligent about checking for ticks every time your pets come back into the house after being outside.

In the House

One of the keys to keeping your pet healthy is to ensure your home stays tick free.  Start by implementing a tick check for all family members each time they come back from an activity where it is possible that they encountered a tick.  Keeping ticks out of the house is a great start to maintaining optimal pet health.

In the Yard

If your yard contains brush or tall grass, keep it cut low to limit the places ticks have to live.  Ticks also like to live in the woods

Out and About

If your idea of the outdoors is farther outside than your backyard, your best defense against ticks is to pay attention to the areas you and your pet wander through and be very diligent about tick prevention and checking for ticks before anyone re-enters the house.

Taking tick prevention seriously is an important part of maintaining your pet’s health.  Work with your vet to design the right tick control program for your pet.

Related Articles:

• Tick Fever (familyvet.com)
• Ticks (familyvet.com)
• Tick Prevention (healthfinder.gov)

Dogs bark.  It is their natural form of expression and the major way they communicate with us and with other animals.  They bark to alert us, they bark when they need something, they bark when they are excited, and they bark when they are frightened.  But sometimes, all that barking goes beyond normal dog communication and becomes excessive.  Depending on where you live, a dog that barks too much can cause problems with neighbors and lead to nuisance and noise complaints to the police.  But more importantly, excessive barking can impact the relationship between you and your dog.

Why is He Barking?

If you feel like your dog’s barking has crossed the line from normal to nuisance, the first step is to identify why he is barking.  According to the ASPCA (American Society for the Protection and Care of Animals), animal behaviorists have identified some common types of barking:

• Territorial – a response to someone or some animal venturing toward the dog’s territory
• Alarm – an alert to others that something out of the ordinary is happening, usually a sight or smell
• Attention –a way of getting attention
• Greeting – a way of saying hello
• Compulsive –extremely repetitive and consistent
• Social –in response to the barking of other dogs
• Frustrated – when they are prevented from doing something
• Separation – the result of separation anxiety
• Medical – due to illness or injury

Pay attention to when your dog is barking excessively and see if you can identify the trigger based on the list above.  There may be more than one trigger and your dog may be barking for more than one reason, but determining what factors are causing him to bark excessively will help you figure out how to help him stop barking unnecessarily.

If the nuisance barking is a new behavior, it may be a good idea to take him into the vet for a check-up.  The vet can check to make sure there is no medical reason for the barking and may be able to help you identify the source of the barking.

What Can You Do?

Once you have identified why your dog is barking excessively, you can take steps to eliminate or reduce their exposure to what is triggering the barking.   Here are some tips from the experts.

1.   Territorial/Alarm Barking

If you believe your dog is barking excessively in response to territorial issues or to alert you, the ASPCA recommends blocking your dog’s access to the external triggers that cause him to bark.  For example, if your dog barks incessantly every afternoon when the kids get out of school and walk by your yard, make an effort to bring him in or take him for a walk during that time frame.

2.   Greeters

If you determine that your dog is just really happy to see you and anyone else that comes to your house, you can divert his attention with toys upon entering.

3.   Attention Seekers

If you feel your dog is barking in order to get attention, you need to do two things.  First, look at how much time you are spending with him and how much attention you are giving him when he isn’t barking.  He may be barking for attention because he isn’t getting what he needs.  Second, don’t reward the barking with attention.  By ignoring him when he is barking and increasing the positive attention you give him when he is not barking, you are making sure he is getting the attention he needs while quelling the nuisance barking.

Cesar Milan, the dog whisperer,  says you must assert yourself as the pack leader and use your presence to calm and control your dog and get him to stop barking.  All the experts do agree that punishment isn’t an effective way to curb nuisance barking.

Related Articles:

• Why Does My Dog Bark So Much (aspcs.org)
• 5 Tips for Handling Nuisance Barking (cesarsway.com)
• How To Stop Barking (humanesociety.org)

Make sure you avoid these common mistakes with your pet. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Even the most conscientious pet owners can make mistakes.  Sometimes we think what we are doing is the right thing and sometimes we just don’t understand the consequences of our seemingly benign actions.  Here are 7 of the most common mistakes we make with our pets and how we can all be better pet parents.

1.     Failing to Build a Relationship with Your Vet

There is a reason that you go to your doctor for check-ups and regular appointments.  By establishing a relationship with your doctor when you are well, you are providing your doctor with your history and a baseline from which to gauge any future changes or problems.  It is the same way for your pets.  If you wait until your pet is ill or injured to seek out a vet, you are starting from scratch.

2.     Not Having Them Spayed or Neutered

Some pet owners still think that getting their pet spayed or neutered is unkind or unhealthy for them, but according to the Arizona Humane Society, it actually helps them live longer happier lives.

3.     Failing to Take Care of Their Teeth

Most dogs and cats will have some form of dental disease during their lifetime which should concern every pet owner because of the possible consequences.  While oral disease can cause damage your pets’ gums and result in tooth loss, it can also cause serious life threatening damage to other parts of their body if left unchecked.  Talk to your vet about what you can do to take care of your pet’s teeth at home.

4.     Not Feeding Them Properly

Everyone knows that it is important to eat a healthy diet and the same is true for your pets.  Pet owners who don’t consider what kind of food they are feeding their pets or how much food they are giving them risk endangering their pets health.  Check with your vet to find out what you should look for in a pet food and how much food your pet needs.

5.     Failing to Make Exercise a Priority

Your pet needs space and time to participate in the type and frequency of exercise that is appropriate for them.  Make sure you are enabling your pet to be active and help them live a healthier life.

6.     Not Protecting Them from Parasites

Parasite protection is a necessary evil for all pet owners.  The parasites your pet needs to be protected from will depend on your pet and you need to work with your vet to determine what protection they need and how best to provide them that protection.  Remember, parasite protection is a year-round need.

7.     Failing to Remember that Your Pet is Not a Furry Person

Pets have their own personalities and we can definitely come to love them like a member of our family, but they are still animals.  Pets don’t think like we do and when they do things we don’t like it is not because they have some secret motive.  Pet owners who ascribe human motives to their pet’s behavior are doing them both a disservice.  Treat your pet like the cherished member of the family they are, just remember that their fur isn’t a fashion statement.

Related articles

• Pet FAQ’s (familyvet.com)
• Most Common Mistakes Pet Owners Make (today.msnbc.nbc.com)
• Uh-Oh Mistakes New Pet Owners Make (today.msnbc.msn.com)