As a kid, I thought power outages were fun. I felt like a pioneer doing my homework by kerosene lamp; and I always liked the adventure of navigating in the dark from one end of the house to the other attempting to find the emergency flashlight. Even as an adult, I still think power outages are kind of fun. My friends on the East Coast however think I’ve lost my mind.

Winter storms keep buffeting much of New England and the East Coast; these storms are dropping record amounts of snowfall, causing the temperature to fall into single digits, and knocking out power on a very regular basis. And with a lack of power comes a lack of heat. Fortunately, many counties are able to provide temporary shelters to both the homeless and those who have homes but need a refuge from the cold. And I want to applaud these shelters - I have read article after article that says “people may bring their pets, they will be provided for.” Granted the warming shelters themselves cannot accommodate the animals, but many of them have made arrangements with local animal shelters and animal control organizations to make sure that no family member freezes this winter.

Need to find a warming shelter in your area? Call your local red cross chapter (look the number up NOW and keep it handy for when the power goes out).

“That dog,” my co-worker Laurie announced one day about 6 months ago, “is not a real dog.” He was of course referring to Jade, my Cavalier who frequently accompanies me to the office. I looked at Laurie puzzled. “He doesn’t bark,” Laurie went on to explain. Now to my mind, there are some distinct advantages to a dog that doesn’t bark. I don’t have to worry about bothering the neighbors or scaring passers-by (although even when performing his version of a bark Jade is hardly what I would call scary); unlike previous dogs my parents owned when I was a teenager I don’t have to worry about Jade deciding to go out at 2am into the yard and bark at various night creatures; and because Jade doesn’t bark I never have to worry about him scaring scare the mailman, UPS driver, or repairman.

Now Jade CAN bark, he just sees no reason for it. So Laurie taught Jade to bark by holding out a treat, waiting until Jade made some sort of vocalization (usually a cross between a rrrr and yip) and then giving him the treat. And while he can no longer claim that Jade is not a real dog, he also has to deal daily with a very persistent Cavalier - who by the way will ONLY bark at Laurie, and ONLY when he wants treats.

Barking is a normal part of dog behavior (unless of course your Jade who has to be taught to bark and then will only bark for treats). Dogs bark for a variety of reasons: to warn of an intruder in their territory, because they’re excited and want to play, as a form of greeting, and a whole host of other reasons. When barking becomes a problem for the dog’s owner however, some of them turn to a radical means of silencing the dog’s voice.

A surgery exists called “debarking.” According to the ASPCA, debarking is a surgical procedure in which a dog’s vocal cords are severed under anesthesia (puppy mill dogs sometimes have their vocal cords smashed by a pipe). An article published yesterday in the New York Times, entitled Heel. Sit. Whisper. Good Dog., said that veterinarians who perform the surgery claim that dogs recover immediately and, except for the fact that their bark now sounds like a muffled rasp, the dog suffers no ill effects. Debarking seems to be most popular among the show dog people, in homes where people prefer their dogs to be seen and not heard, and drug dealers - who like their attack dogs silent and deadly.

Fewer and fewer veterinarians are performing the procedure. Banfield (a pet hospital chain with over 750 practices nation-wide) has officially prohibited its veterinarians from performing the procedure. Debarking is illegal in many European countries; in the United States New Jersey has banned the procedure and similar legislation is pending in Massachusetts. Dr. Gary W. Ellison, of the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Florida, applauds this decision. He has operated on numerous dogs who had scar tissue build up as a result of a debarking operation; the scar tissue was making it difficult for the dogs to breathe

It is critical for owners to know that there are humane behavioral interventions for dogs who bark excessively. If you are have a dog who barks excessively, your first step needs to be contacting a professional dog trainer. Go to the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, contact your local humane society, or ask your veterinarian for a referral for a good dog trainer in your area.

Does your pet have dragon breath? You know the kind I mean – your beloved dog or cat comes up wanting to give your face a big slurp, and you recoil in horror as a blast of foul smelling breath comes your way. According to the American Veterinarian Dental Society, over 70% of pets show signs of dental disease by the age of 3. February is National Pet Dental Month! So this month I’ll be writing about (amongst other topics of course) the importance of good dental care for your pet.

Bad breath is merely one problem caused by dental disease. Other problems included inflamed and bleeding gums, oral pain, and ultimately tooth loss. And periodontal problems are not confined to the mouth. If dental problems are left untreated, the bacteria can spread to your pets’ heart, kidney, liver and other vital organs. Over time, the bacteria will cause irreparable damage.

Because bad breath and dental health problems can be caused by a variety of problems, ranging from plaque and tartar buildup to tumor, it is critical that you pet’s teeth be checked a minimum of once a year by your veterinarian or by a specialist in pet dentistry.

My dog is one of those dogs who is convinced he will melt if his paws so much as touch water. And although this doesn’t stop him from sleeping with his ear in the water bowl (yes, I’m completely serious!), he will hold out going outside to go to the bathroom until he is literally going to burst. The other day he stood at the dog door starring out at the rain, and I could practically hear him thinking “How badly do I really have to go? Is it possible that I can make it to the edge of the lawn, pee, and get back inside before the rain actually falls on me?”

The fact of the matter is that regardless of rain or cold or snow, your furry family will still spend at least some portion of the day outside. And if you live in a place where ice commonly forms on the streets and sidewalks, odds are that your dog or cat will encounter some form of ice melt during his outdoor excursions. While de-icing of sidewalks and driveways may prevent deadly falls, the ice melt products themselves can be deadly.

60 percent of American households use salt-based ice melt products in the winter. Salt-based ice melts sit on ice and snow for a long period prior to penetrating into the ice. When let outside, dogs (and oftentimes young children) frequently eat the ice and snow thereby ingesting the ice melt. Ice melt pellets can also freeze to pets’ paws. Once inside, the ice melt pellets begin to melt, and the pets lick their paws - again ingesting the ice melt. The danger is that the salt can heat up as high as 175 degrees and not only burn your pets’ skin but their mouth and digestive system. These burns can easily be serious enough to warrant a trip to the veterinarian.

Salt-based ice-melt products are also damaging to homes. Salt and salt residue left over from these products (and tracked in on paws and shoes) causes permanent damage to asphalt, concrete, wood decks, floors and rugs. And salt based ice-melt products burn and kill lawns and plants and contaminate well and drinking water supplies.

To keep your pet, house,  and yard safe this winter:

• Avoid using ice-melt products (products that use salt usually list sodium chloride or potassium chloride in their ingredients) and opt for using a pet-friendly ice melt on your driveway and in your yard.
• Wipe your pets paws, chest and belly with grooming wipes (cats too!) when they come in from the outdoors. This will remove any ice melt that is sticking to their paws or fur.
• As much as possible, discourage your pet from snacking on snow and ice (if they insist on eating something cold, I recommend ice cubes from your freezer).

When I read the New York Times’ article A Best Friend, Yes. Best Runner, Maybe Not. all I could think was “wow, there are dogs that actually go running with their owners?” Keep in mind that I have a dog whose idea of a long walk is walking out my front door, meandering down my driveway (which is approximately the length of my car), checking to see if any other dogs have left calling cards on the front lawn, and sauntering back inside. After this incredibly strenuous bit of exercise, he usually is so exhausted that he feels compelled to sleep for for 6 or 7 hours.

In all seriousness, I have seen plenty of people who are out for a run with their dogs and the dogs seem to really be enjoying themselves. Here are the highlights of that New York Times article which provides great running tips for ensuring that your favorite running companion will stay in top form for many years to come:

1) Ensure that you have a dog that is designed for running. Small dogs, such as Yorkshire Terriers and miniature poodles may enjoy a lengthy game of fetch, but their bodies are not designed to tolerate an extended run. Dogs with short muzzles, like Pugs and Bulldogs are prone to respiratory problems and running for any length of time can put undue strain on their heart and lungs.

The article goes on to point out that even dogs that easily walk or run for long distances (like Rhodesian Ridgebacks) may not make great running companions. Humans like to run at a constant speed in a straight line - dogs like the Rhodesian Ridgebacks like to run towards the most interesting smells, stop and investigate, then run on to the next most compelling scent. While this may work if you are able to run on trails where your dog can be off leash, this manner of “running” is likely to be frustrating for both you and the dog in on-leash situations.

So what types of dogs DO make good running companions? Author Tracey Patterson offers a comprehensive list of breeds, including Golden and Labrador Retrievers, Dalmatians, and German Shepherds, that are predisposed to being good running companions. While I think most of Tracey’s recommendations make sense, I disagree with her suggestion that a Border Collie would make a good companion. Most people who jog with dogs that are bred for herding say that the dog tends to try to herd them as opposed to running along aside them.

2) Train your dog to heel. According to the New York Times article, this is the one command every dog who goes out running should know. A good trainer can help you teach your dog to heel fairly quickly. Teaching a dog to heel will help prevent him from constantly chasing after squirrels and birds (if your dog is on a leash and suddenly runs in one direction after a bird or squirrel while you are running in a different direction, the dog can literally wrench your arm from your socket).

3) Learn the warning signs that your dog is in trouble. As with humans, overheating is a very common problem with dogs. According the ASPCA, symptoms such as excessive panting, increased heart rate, drooling, and weakness are all signs that your dog is overheated. Heat exhaustion can cause permanet damage to your pets vital organs, so take your dog t the veterinarian immediately if you suspect he has become seriously overheated. To help prevent your dog from becoming overheated, avoid jogging with your dog on hot days, and try to run in the mornings or evenings when the temperature is cool.

Be sure to check your dog’s paws for cuts and abrasions after every run. If you were forced to run on snow, ice, or on roads that were salted (for ice melt purposes), be sure to thoroughly rinse off your dog’s paws.

4) Start slowly. Just like humans, dogs need to build up their endurance. Tracee Patterson offers a wonderful training program for getting your dog into top running shape.

Be fit, be safe, and most importantly, have fun!

The US Food and Drug Administration has issued a warning to consumers who have purchased Merrick Beef Fillet Squares Dog Treats. Consumers are advised not to use (or buy) packages of Merrick Beef Fillet Dog Treats with a “Best By 111911” as these treats may be contaminated with Salmonella (the FDA recommends discontinuing use of these treats if you cannot determine a best buy date).  In December 2009, the FDA conducted routine testing of these treats and detected a positive finding for salmonella. Further investigation found problems with manufacturing and packaging process. The FDA release does not state what steps are being taken to correct these problems.

If you have these treats, discontinue feeding them to your pets immediately and put them in a covered trash receptacle. According to the FDA, humans can contact Salmonella from handling contaminated treats. Healthy people infected with Salmonella may experience some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Although rare, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments including arterial infections, endocarditis (inflammation of the lining of the heart), arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their health care provider immediately.

Pets with Salmonella infections may become lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Some pets may experience only a decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected, but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed any of the affected product or is experiencing any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.

A surprising number of bird owners walk their birds. I’ve seen a beautiful white cockatoo on a tether strolling around the Lafayette reservoir with its owner; one time at the post office I encountered a man who had his parakeet in a cage (I spoke with briefly and he said that he tried to take his bird out as often as possible).

Exposing your bird to the great outdoors is a wonderful way to expose your bird to natural sunlight, provide variety to his day-to-day routine, and provide you and your bird with some quality bonding time. Keeping your bird on a harness well help ensure your bird’s safety. Harness Training Your Bird provides excellent step-by-step instructions for teaching your bird to be completely comfortable wearing a harness.

In the winter months, the cold weather will prevent the vast majority of bird owners from taking their feathered friend on outdoor excursions. Vitamin absorption, egg production, molting schedules, and waking/sleeping schedules are all directly influenced by the amount of sunlight to which your bird is exposed.

Putting a full-spectrum light (be sure to choose one specifically designed for birds and bird cages) in or near your bird’s cage will provide your bird with all the benefits of natural sunlight. In addition, you can attach a perch to a window, or put your bird’s cage near a window. This has the double benefit of allowing your bird to experience some natural sunlight, while allowing your bird to benefit from some new sights and sounds.

While I do know my share of people who take their cats for walks (heck, my own parents used to own a Siamese that went hiking and backpacking with them), even the most die-hard of cat walkers tend to stay indoors when the temperature starts dropping and the snow starts falling. Even if you keep your cat indoors all winter, there are still some actions you can take to keep your kitty safe, healthy, and happy.

First, make sure your cat has a warm place to sleep. During the summer, cats will curl up in just about any patch of sunshine. During the winter, cats appreciate being provided with a spot that is warm and cozy, even when the sun isn’t shining. As a child, I have clear memories of my parents setting a heating pad to a low temperature and plugging it in near where the cat liked to sleep. On cold days, the cat would leave the heating pad to eat and play. And that was about it. Another great option is to provide your cat with a covered cat bed. A covered bed simultaneously helps to keep your kitty warm while allowing them to feel safe (by being hidden) while sleeping.

Second, if you have an indoor/outdoor cat, ensure the cat can come and go at will. Most cats will come inside the moment the weather turns foul, as long as they have a cat door or some other opening with which they are familiar. Even so, consider keeping an indoor/outdoor cat inside during heavy storms or when the temperature dips below freezing. Keep your cat from getting a serious case of cabin fever by engaging in one or two play sessions a day, and ensuring that your cat has an assortment of home-alone toys to play with when you’re out and about.

And third, be sure to take a minute each morning and bang loudly on the hood of your car. According to the ASPCA, indoor/outdoor and stray cats have been known to sleep under the hoods of cars (a warm engine means a warm cat). If the cat is under the hood when the engine is started, the fan belt will seriously injure or kill the cat.

The only thing my dog Jade hates more than walks, is going to the vet. He either walks in, realizes where he is and attempts to bolt for the door, or gets to the door, plants all four feet, pulls against the leash and refuses to budge (unfortunately for him he’s only 20lbs. so he’s easy to pick up). I tell you this so that when I then say that Jade hates the rain even more than the vet., you have some basis for comparison.

About two weeks ago I took Jade to the vet for some routine maintenance (so to speak). It was pouring when we got out of the car. Jade hopped out, took one quick look around and RAN for the nearest overhang. When I opened the door to the vet’s office he literally bolted inside and made no attempt to leave. Jade is not alone in his disgust for weather in various forms (he hasn’t encountered snow yet but he despises mud and water). My parents’ Puli (and bear in mind that Puli’s were bred to be sheep dogs on the Hungarian plains where they encounter weather of all types), for years after he was housebroken, used to pee in the house every time it rained because he couldn’t stand getting wet

However, even in the winter weather, it is still critical that dogs get walked as frequently as possible. Dogs who do not get enough physical (and mental) stimulation will frequently start to exhibit a variety of behavior problems. But with the thermometer dropping, how do you know when it’s safe to take Fido out?

A good rule of thumb is “if it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for your dog.” Just be sure to differentiate between “it’s nice and warm under my covers and cold in the room therefore I’ve decided it’s too cold to walk the dog” and “wow, the local weather channel says it’s 10 degrees with wind chill - it would not be safe to walk Fido in this kind of cold.” While there is not a hard and fast rule about when cold is too cold, in general long-haired dogs can play outside for short periods of time when it’s above 20°F; short-haired dogs, young pups, and elderly dogs should wait until the mercury rises to 40°F (remember to factor in windchill!).

Petlane Team Leader and her dog Marci

January 2010 is national Walk-Your-Pet month (I cannot provide you with a link for more information because I honestly have no idea who creates these pet-themed month). In honor of January being national Walk-Your-Pet month, I will be providing various tips and ideas throughout the month to help you and your furry and feathered (yup, I will be offering suggestions for getting your bird some fresh air too!) family members enjoy the great outdoors, even though the outside may not be offering the most optimum conditions.

I also welcome submissions of photos or videos of your pet enjoying themselves in the great outdoors. If you have a favorite photo or video, that fits in with this month’s theme, I would love to post them here on my blog! You can make submissions to tara@petlane.com