The Chew

The following bi-weekly column is written and sponsored by Dog Paws n Cat Claws, which provides a heart-centered and safe environment for your pets. Conveniently located at 5818-C Seminary Road in Bailey’s Crossroads, DPnCC offers doggy daycare, boarding, grooming, walking and training services, plus in-home pet care.

At the tender age of 5, I came home with a caterpillar and announced to my parents, “I’m her new Mommy.”

Obviously, that didn’t work out, but it was clear that I would be a die-hard rescuer. Right after I moved to a place of my own, I rescued a kitten on the highway that lived as my loyal best friend for 17 years! I’ve rescued one from an abandoned house, and another under a car. My current 3 cats were rescued off the streets of New York. I “foster failed” with my 90-pound deaf boxer after 2 days and I signed the adoption papers with tears of joy.

I’m lucky enough today to be surrounded by people who have the same mind set as I do. At Thanksgiving, I make a list of what I have to be thankful for and my pets are always at the top. In turn, I look for ways to show my gratitude to the organizations that rescue pets in need of care, love and a family. It’s time to remember those in need.

It’s estimated that approximately 7.6 million animals enter shelters each year in the US, including 3.9 million dogs and 3.4 million cats. Only 10% of them are spayed or neutered. 1.2 million dogs and 1.4 million cats are euthanized every year, even with the 13,600 rescue organizations across the US doing their best to save them. Dog Lover’s Digest lists 7 rescue groups in Arlington alone, with even more in the surrounding areas. We have worked with Homeward Trails for over 11 years and know just how desperate the need is to care for all of these rescued pets.

Homeward Trails, who is responsible for finding my own dog, currently has 55 dogs at its rescue shelter, with 125 dogs and 150 cats in foster care. They need your help! Homeward Trails Adoption Coordinator and Dog Paws employee Miranda Trohon says, “With the increasing number of animals we take in during the colder months, we have an ever-increasing amount of animals to feed. We can go through upwards of 30 bags of food a month at our Adoption Center alone!” This is only one rescue group in our area. Each and every one of them would benefit from donations. I am asking you to pick your favorite and give what you can.

Most of the dogs and cats that enter rescue shelters are from a rough background. Nothing helps a puppy or kitten grow like excellent nutrition and a sick animal is more likely to bounce back into a full recovery if they are eating healthy food. Look for grain free food and make sure the top listed ingredient is a protein. All of the dog and cat food we sell in our store is of the highest nutritional quality.

During this time of gratitude, we can all be thankful for what we have. What we can give to help those less fortunate is a wonderful way to say “thank you.” There are so many rescue organizations in our area that are in need and each November, Dog Paws n Cat Claws offers 10% off of any products bought in our store that will be donated to Homeward Trails, making it easier and more affordable to provide high quality products.

My pets have added so much joy to my life and I’m sure I’m not the only one who feels that way. I personally want to thank them by donating to Homeward Trails in their name. They brought me my best friend. Join me! Where did your best friend come from? Thank the rescue organization that brought you together by giving back. Better yet, adopt a NEW pet!

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Sara Schabach
Dog Paws n Cat Claws
In-home Pet Care Manager

The following bi-weekly column is written and sponsored by Dog Paws n Cat Claws, which provides a heart-centered and safe environment for your pets. Conveniently located at 5818-C Seminary Road in Bailey’s Crossroads, DPnCC offers doggy daycare, boarding, grooming, walking and training services, plus in-home pet care.

If you are a parent of small children, you will very likely spend the evening of Halloween walking through your neighborhood asking for candy with your kids dressed in silly costumes. 

While out and about, you will be sure to see someone with a dog out on an evening walk or joining the family in the festivities. There is a natural attraction between children and dogs. It doesn’t take long for dogs to figure out that the smaller the human, the more food they are likely to pick up and messy faces are delicious desserts. Kids love dogs because they are soft, adorable and just plain fun to be around. Training your children how to approach dogs they’re not already familiar with is important for many reasons: The most important reason is SAFETY!

First, let’s talk about the approach. Don’t ever RUN at a dog. It can make a dog feel threatened or overwhelmed. A calm, slower approach will allow the dog to see you coming and begin the proper greeting. Another important thing to remember is to ALWAYS ask the owner for permission to continue with the meeting. Most owners are going to be very honest if they believe there could be the slightest issue in meeting new friends. Respect anyone who says it may not be a good idea. 

A large, over-excited dog can do harm to smaller children just by jumping up on them and knocking them over. It is certainly unintentional, but the owner of the dog may not feel comfortable with the possibility of harming your child in this way and therefore ask your child not to approach. ALWAYS comply with any owner’s recommendations, as they know their dog better than anyone else. 

At Dog Paws we train our dog walkers to avoid other people during their walks simply because we don’t always know how they will react in all situations. If there is a dog being walked and they cross the street to avoid you, don’t take it personally — it’s probably a neighborhood dog walker.

Once permission has been granted, walk forward with your arm out in front of you, your hand in a fist, palm facing down. Hold it low to allow the dog to take a few sniffs. If the dogs leans forward or gives it the “lick” of approval you may proceed. If the dog does not lean forward or looks away, it’s better to leave it be. Instruct your child to stay away from petting faces and avoid the tail. Not even the nicest dog in the world is okay with a tail pull. Petting should be gentle and slow with long strokes to begin with. Encourage your children to talk to the owner about what the dog’s favorite “scratch spot” might be.

Something to remember is that dogs — even those who do well with children on a regular basis — may feel intimidated if there is a large group of kids. I know a dog that would pull me to the playground on our daily walks to meet the children playing, but once there were more than five of them surrounding her she would show signs of stress. Teach your children to look for these signs of stress in dogs. If a dog is backing away, begins to snarl or you see the hair on the back of his neck and down the spine go up, it’s time to move on.  

Teaching children how to respect dogs will help them develop stronger, healthier pet relationships in the future. Knowing the correct techniques when meeting dogs is the best way for all parties involved. 

Happy Trick-or-Treating! 

Sara Schabach
In-Home Pet Care Manager / Writer Extraordinaire

The following bi-weekly column is written and sponsored by Dog Paws n Cat Claws, which provides a heart-centered and safe environment for your pets. Conveniently located at 5818-C Seminary Road in Bailey’s Crossroads, DPnCC offers doggy daycare, boarding, grooming, walking and training services, plus in-home pet care.

We’ve all been there. We’ll see our dog eating something strange or even downright disgusting and ask ourselves, “Why is my dog eating that?” From grass to poop to the remote control, what are the reasons why some dogs have pretty strange appetites?

Grass. I refer to this as “having a salad” and it can mean a number of things. He may have an upset stomach and grass is a natural remedy for gassy upset tummies. Try a dog food higher in fiber or add fresh cooked veggies to his kibble. Grass eating can be as simple as liking the way it tastes or feels. It also can be a sign of boredom so keep your dog engaged with walks and outdoor activities. Keep in mind that although grass itself is not bad for dogs, the pesticides they pick up from treated lawns could be harmful.

Feces. The scientific name for eating feces is coprophagia and it’s not an uncommon behavior in dogs. It’s a mother dog’s natural instinct to clean herself and necessary to stimulate urination and defecation in her puppies. What about the dog that does this for apparently no reason? Research shows it could mean a dog is suffering from parasites, diets deficient in nutrients, conditions such as diabetes or as a side effect from drugs, such as steroids. Consult your vet to rule out any of these health issues. It also can be due to anxiety. Try adding a Vitamin B complex supplement to your dog’s diet and monitor his behavior for any further signs of anxiety.

The cats provide one of my dog’s favorite “treats” each time they use the litter box. He thinks they’re delicious, we think it’s gross! He probably acquired this unusual craving because of his love of cat food. He’ll do anything to get it and I’ve moved the food to a higher shelf. Cat poop will naturally taste of the cat food he craves but it can make him sick. Cat food is higher in fat and protein than dog food, which is hard on a dog’s liver and kidneys. Chemicals in the litter can cause blockages in the intestines, as well as transmitting parasites.

To solve this problem, go to the pet store and find a top entry litter box. I actually took an old Tupperware bin and cut a hole in the top. It’s deep enough so that even if his head enters the hole, he can’t reach the forbidden treats.

Chewing objects. Puppies have a bad habit of chewing on everything and anything as they explore their world and usually outgrow this behavior. However, when you are not home, a dog may find something that smells like you and immediately want to check it out. Objects like jewelry, cell phones, TV remotes, kitchen utensils and clothing — especially shoes — contain your scent and oils and commonly become chew toys for your dog. If your dog displays this tendency, make sure to keep these objects out of his reach.

Chewing is something dogs need to do to keep their teeth healthy as well as relieving boredom and tension. But it can also be due to lack of exercise so it’s important to make sure your dog gets at least 1-2 hours of exercise each day and mental stimulation through playtime and obedience training. Take her to doggy daycare to blow off some of that steam!

No dog is perfect and let’s be honest…we wouldn’t want them any other way!

Sara Schabach
In-Home Pet Care Manager / Writer Extraordinaire

 

The following bi-weekly column is written and sponsored by Dog Paws n Cat Claws, which provides a heart-centered and safe environment for your pets. Conveniently located at 5818-C Seminary Road in Bailey’s Crossroads, DPnCC offers doggy daycare, boarding, grooming, walking and training services, plus in-home pet care.

“Moose is doing something I’ve never seen him do before,” Jay, one of our midday dog walkers, called to tell me. “He’s barking at nothing! Aggressive barking but there is nothing! No other people or dogs… I don’t even see a squirrel!”

I jumped on my computer to email the client and she had an unusual response: The area they live in has a population of foxes, and since she has become pregnant, Moose has been far more protective of her and the house. Ryan Fochler, owner of Dog Paws n Cat Claws (DPnCC) was sitting next to me and I relayed the information to him. I find it incredibly fascinating that this dog seems to know his mommy has something precious inside her. Ryan turns to me and asks, “Did I ever tell you about Booker?”

Booker is a cranky older black Lab/Hound mix that Ryan and wife Katie rescued years ago from Homeward Trails Animal Rescue, an organization DPnCC has worked with for 11 years. Booker was their first pet and he was never known to be affectionate or particularly sociable. When Katie became pregnant, Booker’s behavior changed so much they became concerned something was wrong. He followed Katie everywhere! He would lie next to her and didn’t like her to be too far out of his sight. He became much more affectionate and very protective of anyone getting too close to her.

When their baby son RJ came home, Booker went back to his usual anti-social behavior. A few years later, Booker for no good reason, began to follow Katie around again, protecting her, demanding affection and would even curl up on her lap, resting his head on her belly. A few days later, they found out she was pregnant! Somehow, Booker knew before his owners. On the day Katie’s water broke, she went into the shower and Booker climbed in with her!

There are several factors that may explain how a dog senses a pregnancy.

When a woman becomes pregnant, her body chemistry changes and for a dog, whose sense of smell is between 1000 and 10,000,000 times stronger than a human’s, it’s going to make the dog take notice that its owner’s scent has changed. A transformation in body shape and posture is another clue your dog could pick up on. Variations in your mood or your normal everyday behavior are also evident to your dog.

Very likely, your dog doesn’t know exactly what is going on during pregnancy, and will still be confused when you bring home the new bundle of joy, but they know something is different. While there aren’t any empirical studies, there is a lot of anecdotal evidence on this matter. Most of the stories I found were similar to that of Moose and Booker but not all dogs react with affection or overprotection.  Some can exhibit such behavior as marking territory, chewing on things they normally would not or being down right uncooperative.

At Dog Paws n Cat Claws, we consider ourselves a very family-oriented business. We have had so many pregnant clients schedule our pet taxi service to doggie daycare when it’s time to go to the hospital that we now provide a free pet taxi run at no charge to Dog Paws when the time comes.

So, a little word of advice: if your dog starts acting unusual, you might want to stop at the pharmacy on your way home. Rover may be trying to tell you something!

Sara Schabach
In-Home Pet Care Manager / Writer Extraordinaire