Sponsored by Color Design Innovations and Pets Without Parents

For many dogs, even the slightest change in daily routines can be upsetting. In response, poor Fido may start acting disruptive or destructive, especially when left home alone. He may resort to pottying indoors, howling, chewing, pacing or trying to escape from the house or yard. When these issues are accompanied by signs of panic, distress or depression, they may indicate your pooch suffers from separation anxiety.But don’t fear - we’re here to help! When treating a dog with separation anxiety, the goal is to resolve the underlying issue by teaching him to enjoy - or at least tolerate - being left alone. Experts have put together a list of top tips for helping your pooch overcome separation anxiety.

Doctor Knows Best: The first step in tackling behavior issues is to rule out any underlying medical problems that might be causing your pet’s behavior. For example, if your pet is pottying in the house, he might be suffering from a urinary tract infection, bladder stones, diabetes or kidney disease - all of which can cause urinary incontinence in dogs.

Conquer Fear: If your pooch suffers mild separation anxiety, counter conditioning - or helping your dog associate being alone with something good, like a tasty treat - might reduce or resolve the problem. To develop this kind of association, offer your dog a food-dispensing toy every time you leave the house.

Dogs Need Jobs: Providing lots of physical and mental stimulation is a vital part of treating many behavior problems, especially those involving anxiety. Exercise can enrich your dog’s life, decrease stress and provide appropriate outlets for normal behavior. Plus, a tired dog doesn’t have much excess energy to burn when he’s left alone!

Prepare for Departure: Many dogs know when you’re about to leave the house and will get anxious or prevent your departure altogether. One way to tackle “predeparture anxiety” is to teach your dog that when you pick up your keys or put on your coat, it doesn’t always mean you’re leaving. For example, put on your boots and coat, and then just sit down and watch TV instead of leaving.

Take Baby Steps: If your dog’s anxiety falls more on the severe side of things, try getting your pooch used to being alone by starting small or “desensitizing” him to the cause of his fear. Begin by introducing several short periods of separation that don’t produce anxiety, and then gradually increase time spent apart over the course of a few weeks.

Together We Stand: Any treatment for separation anxiety requires that your dog never experiences the full-blown version of whatever provokes his anxiety or fear. Avoid leaving your dog alone except during desensitization sessions. If possible, take your dog to work or arrange for a family member or dog sitter to come to your home during the day.

Keep it Mellow: All greetings - hellos and goodbyes - should be conducted in a very calm manner. When saying goodbye, just give your dog a pat on the head, say goodbye and leave. Similarly, when arriving home, say hello to your dog and then don’t pay any more attention to him until he’s calm and relaxed.

Say No to Tough Love: Anxious behaviors are not the result of disobedience or spite, so please don’t scold or punish your dog if he doesn’t overcome his fear quickly. If you punish him, he may become even more upset and the problem could get worse. Be patient, and work with your pet until he feels comfortable and enjoys spending time alone.

So, don’t be afraid to leave your buddy alone - just make sure that he is prepared for it. Time away from home does not have to be a stresser for either of you!

(source: aspca.org)

While You Were Gone...

614.267.PAWSwww.PetsWithoutParents.net

Hugo was born in April 2009, and he has lived his WHOLE LIFE at the shelter. Hugo’s only problem is that he’s a black cat, and black cats tend to get overlooked in favor of more “colorful” cats. Hugo is very sweet and friendly, and deserves a home and family to call his own!

Vol. 3 • Issue 2 • July • 2010

graphics • marketing • printing • websites

Riverside Animal Care Center6924 Riverside Drive

Dublin, Ohio 43017614.766.1222

www.riversideanimalcare.vetsuite.com

Get a Bang Out of July & Have Some Fun With Your Pup!

Please support our Advertisers and Distributors!Interested in Advertising in or Distributing Paws & Think? Call CDI, Inc @ 614.794.4379

Beechwold Vet Hospital, Inc4590 Indianola Ave.Columbus 43214614.268.8666www.beechwoldvet.vetsuite.com

Saturday July 17th - Picnic With the Pups - 4 - 8:30pm, 3765 Corporate Drive, Columbus, OH 43231, Please join us at CHA Animal Shelter for our Summer Gathering! Featuring FREE live music and vendors. Bring a blanket, hang out, shop our vendors, visit a shelter dog or cat and have a great time. Check out www.picnicwiththepups.com for details!

Saturday, JULY 31st - KICKSTAND MUSIC FESTIVAL, 1PM-MIDNIGHT. PWP

will have adoptables at the Kickstand Pub, 8333 Market Exchange Drive in Westerville, from 1PM-8PM. All proceeds will be donated to PWP

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Basil is a 12 week old sweet litttle lab mix that had a tissue-eating abcess on her belly and needed immediate surgery. Her vet bills have already totalled $2,665,

but she’s worth it! We are happy to report that Basil is out of the

hospital and is feeling much better and growing stronger every day in her foster home. Please help

defray the cost of Basil’s surgery by making a donation now.

Thank you, and Basil thanks you.You can donate online at...

www.petswithoutparents.net

A dog’s whiskers - found on the muzzle, above the eyes and

below the jaws - are technically known as vibrissae. These little gems are more than just cute... they are touch-sensitive hairs

that actually sense minute changes in the airflow! We

can also locate the source of a sound in 6/100ths of a second

by using our swiveling ears like radar dishes. So, basically, our

little noggins are like a cool Bond movie. Bond... Izzy Bond.

ROCCO’S RANTS...

Ok people... this is some good stuff! Did you know that in the animal kingdom, the

cat’s IQ is surpassed only by that of monkeys and chimps. Ironically, we also get more

sleep than almost every animal - averaging about

16 hours a day. The sleeping thing is the only reason we

have not taken over the world.

David Dye229.3226baileycavalieri.com

When you have had a cat or dog for a few years or even a few months the two of you have a bond that is hard to break. So, if you want to introduce a new cat to the mix, it might be best to consider a younger one. Pets (especially cats) can be very territorial, but if your buddy is pretty laid back - this should be a breeze. When introducing a new cat to your current cat or dog, some feel it is best to take the “isolation” route. This requires keeping the new cat by itself for the first few days - in their own room. During this time, both pets can get used to the new smells, new situation, and settle in a bit. Keep in mind that your current pet may smell the “new” one on you, and be hesitant to hang out with you - this is normal... give it some time. Most pets love a routine. Once this routine is broken - they may act a little differently. And, when they first see the new family member, they will probably hiss, growl, and bat at each other a few times. That is why the “isolation” period is important. They realize that a new cat is there - but their

Does your cat like their water shaken... and stirred? Are you the owner of a sink drinker? Don’t worry, you are not alone. So, why do cats prefer to drink running water? Well, cats are curious by nature and enjoy playing in water while staying mostly dry. Remember that cats are desert

creatures; they have specially designed kidneys to help concentrate their urine and absorb as much water from their kidneys as they can. You hardly ever see cats sitting at the water bowl as much as a dog does for that reason. Most times, healthy cats prefer to drink out of a dripping faucet just for variety, although a plain bowl of clean, fresh water will suffice just fine. If, however, you notice that (a) your older cat is hovering constantly by the water bowl, (b) the clumps in the litter box are bigger than the size of your head (or his!), or (c) you’re constantly refilling his dish, bring him to a veterinarian for some blood work and urine testing to nip any medical problems in the bud. That’s because there are some diseases such as diabetes, hyperthyroidism, kidney failure, or feline lower urinary tract disease where thirst and water balance are impacted, and hence your cat’s ability to stay hydrated. So, be proud of that sink drinker - they are just looking for a little variety - can you blame them? Who wouldn’t want to make the most of the 8 hours a day that they are actually awake?!

routine has not been altered too much, and stay relaxed in the new environment. When they do meet for the first time - allow them

to attempt it at their own speed, and in their own time. Make sure each pet has an “escape” route if they choose to leave the room. In most cases, they will beccome best buds, and then sometimes they will simply co-exist... it really just depends on your pet’s personality.

Being a rescue minded person... I am always a fan of the “big family” scenario - more is better! In my day dreams, all of my pets are playing cards, sharing treats and talking about how much they love me every time I leave the house. I only have one cat, Stella, and she thinks she’s a dog. She loves the pups, and I think they kind of dig it when she rubs up against them when they pass in the hallway. I often find them curled up together on the same rug or bed when I get home. That has to be by choice... right. Feel the love baby - and spread it around!

The More The Merrier

Each office independently owned & operated.

The time to make friends is before you need them.

~ Proverb

I Just wanted to let you know that Milo is doing very well. My husband and I adopted him about a year ago. I believe it was June 14th 2009 and Milo was almost 4 months old and only weighed about 6 lbs, but now he weighs about 16 lbs. Milo turned one if February - time flies when you’re getting spoiled! We call him our bunny because he hops when he runs. This little boy is so funny and playful, we love him and we take him just about everywhere we go. He is so spoiled that he even has his own room and he has his very own doggie car seat for when we take him places. We are all heading to North Carolina this summer so he will get to see the ocean for the very first time. Thank you PWP - he is a one-of-a-kind pup!

Shaken and Stirred

Are you constantly buying an endless supply of dog treats? Is

your puppy/dog chewing on anything & everything? How would you like some natural & organic, everlasting

dog chews - better than rawhide bones, with nutrients and flavor?? Get them some antler chews! Its

the big new thing in the dog world - and for good reason!

The everlasting (can last up to 6 months), teeth whitening, 100% all natural, no dyes, no preservatives, no additives, taste great dog treat

that your dogs will go nuts for! And - in case you are worried - no animals have been hurt in

the process! These antlers have been naturally shed by deer, elk and others - just for your pup’s

enjoyment!

Check out Grateful Shed at antlerchews.com, and you’ll see what I’m talking about!