Socialization of Cats and Dogs

What is socialization?

Socialization is the process of preparing a dog or cat to enjoy interactions and be comfortable with other animals, people, places, and activities. Ideally, socialization should begin during the "sensitive period" which is between 3 and 14 weeks of age for puppies, and 3 and 9 weeks of age for kittens.

Advice to new puppy and kitten owners

Adopting a new kitten or puppy is a wonderful and exciting experience. It is also a time where a little extra planning can help a new pet develop a calm and confident temperament that will help them enjoy life to the fullest. The basic tenets of socialization are outlined below.

• When adopting a puppy or kitten, ask for a pre- and post-adoption socialization plan.

• Create a socialization plan specifically for your dog or cat to prepare him or her for life in your household. Plan exposures to the animals, individuals, environments, activities, and objects that will be part of his or her new life.

• Provide regular positive and diverse experiences to encourage your dog or cat to enjoy new experiences without becoming fearful or aggressive.

• Provide praise, play, and treats to reward engagement. Allow the dog or cat to withdraw if he or she is uncomfortable. Move at a pace appropriate for your pet's personality.

• Well-managed puppy or kitten socialization classes are a good way to socialize your new pet within the “sensitive period” of a pet’s life.

• Puppies or kittens that are not fully vaccinated should not be exposed to unvaccinated animals or places they may have been (such as outdoor parks).

• Continue to reward your dog or cat for calm or playful responses to social interactions throughout his or her life.

• For dogs or cats with special behavioral needs, develop a plan with your veterinarian and/or another animal behavior expert.

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How to Remove Ticks on Dogs and Cats

Ticks can transmit deadly diseases to a pet within as little as 24 hours of latching on, so swift removal is important for minimizing their exposure to disease.

While removing a tick may seem like a self-explanatory process, you’ve probably heard some myths about tick removal that can actually do more harm to your pet. Here’s the best way to remove a tick from a dog or cat safely.

What You’ll Need to Remove Ticks on Pets

Before you start the actual removal process, these are the supplies you should have on hand:

• Tweezers (pointy ones work best)

• Latex or rubber gloves

• Rubbing alcohol

• Antiseptic wipes (optional)

• Jar or container with lid

• Treats (for distraction)
  

How to Get a Tick Off Your Pet

Follow these steps to safely remove a tick from your dog or cat:

STEP 1: PUT ON YOUR GLOVES.

Ticks carry infectious agents that can affect both humans and dogs, so it’s always better to play it safe and wear protective gear.

STEP 2: STEADY YOUR PET AND KEEP THEM CALM.

When you’re getting ready to remove the tick, you’ve got to keep your pet calm. Any unusual poking or prodding tends to make dogs and cats nervous. If there is another person available, have that person help keep your dog relaxed during removal.

You may find it helpful to distract your pet with lickable dog treats. You may also use treats as rewards for cooperative behavior during the tick-removal process.

Never try to force your dog or cat to stay put. If your dog resists during the tick-removal process or becomes scared or aggressive, you should enlist the help of your veterinarian.

STEP 3: POSITION YOUR TWEEZERS.

Take a pair of tweezers—fine-tipped, pointy ones work best—and grasp onto the tick as close to your dog’s skin as possible. Grabbing close to the skin is the best way to get a tick head out.

Be careful not to pinch your dog’s skin.

STEP 4: PULL OUT THE TICK.

Using steady, even pressure, pull the tick straight out. This is the best way to remove a tick from a dog.

Do not twist or jerk the tick because you want to avoid leaving any part of the tick’s mouth or head behind. Also, make sure not to squeeze or crush the tick, since its fluids may contain infectious material.

Although you may have heard that you can remove a tick with a lit match, this is a dangerous myth! Doing so can cause a tick to release toxins or diseases into your pet.

After removing the tick, examine it to make sure the head and mouthparts were removed. If not, take your pet to a veterinarian to remove any remaining tick parts.

STEP 5: KILL THE TICK.

Kill the tick by placing it in a container with rubbing alcohol.

Once the tick is dead, most veterinarians recommend keeping it in the container with a lid in case your pet begins displaying symptoms of disease.

There are many types of ticks, and each tick carries different kinds of diseases, so keeping the tick can help your veterinarian make a proper diagnosis.

STEP 6: DISINFECT THE BITE SITE.

You can use triple-antibiotic spray or wipes to disinfect the bite site, or you can use over-the-counter chlorhexidine solution to clean the area.

Keep an eye on it for signs of infection. If the skin remains red or becomes inflamed, see your veterinarian right away.

STEP 7: PROTECT YOUR DOG.

Start your pet on effective flea and tick prevention to keep them safe. If you already have your pet on flea protection, read the label to make sure it also protects against ticks. If it doesn’t seem to be working, ask your vet for recommendations for an effective flea and tick treatment.

Make sure to keep a close eye on your dog or cat over the next few weeks. You should be on the lookout for any strange symptoms, including a reluctance to move (joint pain), fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, swollen lymph nodes or swelling at the tick bite site.

If your dog displays any of these symptoms, take your pet to your veterinarian immediately.

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Why do dogs eat grass?

Why Does My Dog Eat Grass? And Should I Be Worried?

Is your canine companion chowing down on the lawn? You're not alone! Many dog owners are confused (and maybe a little worried) when they see their furry friend munching on grass.

Rest assured: Occasional grass-eating is normal dog behavior and usually isn't a cause for concern. But let's explore the reasons why dogs do it and when you might need to intervene.

Why Dogs Eat Grass:

• Natural Behavior: Dogs, even wild ones, sometimes eat grass. It might be a leftover instinct from their ancestors.

• Upset Stomach: Some believe dogs eat grass to induce vomiting and relieve tummy troubles. However, the evidence is mixed.

• Fiber Needs: Grass is a good source of fiber, which aids digestion. If your dog's diet lacks fiber, they might seek it out in the lawn.

• Nutritional Deficiencies: In rare cases, grass-eating could indicate a dietary imbalance.

• Boredom or Curiosity: Puppies and young dogs might simply be exploring or trying to relieve boredom by nibbling on grass.

Signs to Watch For:

• Vomiting After Eating Grass: While some dogs vomit after eating grass, it's not always the case. Frequent vomiting could indicate a more serious issue.

• Loss of Appetite or Other Changes: If your dog's eating habits change significantly alongside grass-eating, consult your veterinarian.

• Eating Harmful Plants: Make sure your dog isn't munching on toxic plants alongside the grass.

Should You Stop Your Dog From Eating Grass?

In most cases, no. Occasional grass-eating is harmless. However, you can address potential underlying causes:

• Increase Exercise: If boredom is a culprit, provide more playtime and mental stimulation for your dog.

• Adjust Diet: Talk to your vet about a high-fiber diet if you suspect a fiber deficiency.

• Keep Your Lawn Safe: Ensure your lawn is free of toxic herbicides, pesticides, and plants.

When to See a Vet:

If your dog's grass-eating is accompanied by vomiting, lethargy, or other concerning behaviors, schedule a vet visit to rule out any underlying health issues.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

• 10 Poisonous Plants to Pets

• Signs of Poisoning in Pets

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Toad Venom is Toxic to Dogs

Does your dog love exploring the outdoors?

Beware of sneaky stowaways! Certain toads, like the Colorado River Toad and Marine Toad, pose a serious threat to curious canines. Their toxic secretions can be life-threatening if not addressed immediately. Learn how to identify the signs of toad poisoning, take swift action, and keep your furry friend safe.

Symptoms of Toad Venom Poisoning

Symptoms usually appear within a few seconds of the toad encounter and may include the following:

• Crying or other vocalization

• Pawing at the mouth and/or eyes

• Profuse drooling of saliva from the mouth

• Change in the color of membranes of the mouth – may be inflamed or pale

• Difficulty in breathing

• Unsteady movements

• Seizures

• High temperature

• Collapse

Causes

• Living in proximity and coming into contact with toxic toads

• More commonly seen in animals that spend a lot of time outdoors and/or with a curious nature

Fast Diagnosis is Key: Saving Your Dog from Toad Toxin

Toad venom poisoning is a serious situation. Time is critical, so get your dog to the vet immediately. Be prepared to describe your dog's health history, the onset of symptoms, and any chance they might have encountered a toad (especially a Bufo toad).

The vet will perform a complete physical exam and likely run some tests, including blood work and a urinalysis. While these tests often come back normal, they may reveal high potassium levels (hyperkalemia). A telltale sign can be an abnormal heartbeat. If time allows, an electrocardiogram (ECG) can confirm an irregular heart rhythm, further supporting a toad venom poisoning diagnosis.

Treatment

Toad venom toxicity is an emergency with highly-likely fatal outcomes. Time remains a crucial factor in the survival of the affected animal. If you suspect that your dog has encountered a toxic toad, immediately take the dog to a nearby veterinary hospital for emergency treatment.

If in case of an emergency in our practicing area, please contact the following:

Animal ER - (941) 355-2884

Vet Care Express Animal Ambulance - (941) 592-5131

The first step is to flush the mouth with water. Body temperature will be regulated; a cool bath may be needed. Heart function and ECG will be monitored for abnormalities. Medications can control heart rhythm and saliva production. Anesthesia may be used for pain relief.

Living and Management

Continuous monitoring will be required until the dog is fully recovered. Your veterinarian will continuously record the heart's rhythms using ECG to evaluate your cat's response to the treatment patient. Patients that have been treated before enough of the toxin has had the chance to reach the system, within about 30 minutes, have a good chance of recovery. However, the overall prognosis is not good for most animals, and death is very common in dogs that have been exposed to toad venom.

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Pet Poison Prevention: Toxins in the Living Room

While your living room may be one of your pet’s favorite places to hang out, it can also be one of the most dangerous! Be cognizant of these common living room dangers and make sure to follow these helpful poison proofing tips.

Learn about your plants! Some common household plants may be toxic to pets (and not people). For example, lilies (Lilium and Hemerocallis spp.) are especially poisonous to cats, so quickly eliminate them from any bouquets. The ingestion of just 1-2 petals can be fatal to a cat. Always consult our Top 10 Poisonous Plants list before buying new plants for your home.

Keep home fragrance products, such as simmer pots of liquid potpourri, well out of reach. These products may cause chemical burns if ingested.

Never spray aerosols or any heavily fragranced products around caged birds. They are especially sensitive to any airborne products.

Keep ashtrays and smoking cessation products such as nicotine chewing gum or patches out of reach. Even cigarette butts contain enough nicotine to cause poisoning in pets.

Be careful with batteries! Dogs enjoy chewing on batteries and battery-containing devices such as remote controls and cell phones. If ingested, they can cause serious chemical burns.

Hang up your purse! Pets love to dig through purses and backpacks which often contain potential pet poisons such medications, cigarettes or sugar-free gum with xylitol.

Even with the best planning and intentions, our pets will occasionally be exposed to toxic substances in the living room. If you suspect your pet has had a toxic exposure call your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline immediately as time is of the essence. It is not always safe to induce vomiting or administer other home remedies. Seek counsel before taking action.

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