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Similar to How to Help Dogs Cope with Thunderstorm Fear
Similar to How to Help Dogs Cope with Thunderstorm Fear (20)
How to Help Dogs Cope with Thunderstorm Fear
- 1. Dogs and Puppies: Fear of Thunder/Loud Noises Kate Scheer Thunderstorms are alarming enough to us- with all that loud noise and sudden light flashes- but to your canine companion it can be downright terrifying. This applies to most loud noises-- they don't understand what all that racket is, and might even think it is out to get them. Fortunately we know better, and there are a lot of things you can do to help your dog with their fear: 1. Stay calm and act natural If you're upset or nervous, your dog is going to notice and get nervous too. Even over-comforting can make your dog more anxious because it's out of the ordinary. Give your pup a few pets and go on about your business-- you're not scared, so they shouldn't be either. 2. Give them a cozy place to hide If your dog is kennel trained, encourage them to cuddle up inside it with a few extra blankets or a well loved toy-- but don't close the door; you don't want them feeling trapped. If they're not kennel trained, find a nice nook to put down a dog bed or make a blanket nest. Dogs are much more likely to run away or bolt through fences when they're scared, so giving them a place to feel safe is important. 3. Distraction Playtime, chew toys and chew treats (something that lasts more than .3 seconds) are great ways to keep your pup's mind off the scariness of the weather; it also reinforces that you're not afraid, so they can relax. Playing calm music, such as jazz or classical, can also help by masking the sounds of the storm. 4. Professional If your pet is debilitatingly frightened despite trying the above soothing tactics, consult your veterinarian for pet-specific advice or alternatives such as ThunderShirts or medication. References https://www.petfinder.com/blog/2015/06/keeping-your-pet-calm-during-summer-storms/ https://www.petfinder.com/dogs/dog-problems/petside-dog-scared-thunder/
- 2. Small Doves & Pigeons Kate Scheer Habitat The size of the bird determines the size of its habitat. If it can't flap its wings without hitting the sides, it's too small. A rectangular cage (tall) is better than a square one and the bird shouldn't be able to fit its head through the bars. If the cage has a wire bottom, it needs to be covered with paper or grassy sod. It's important to keep the cage in a bright, draft-free area-- not in direct sun! They also like to have a partially enclosed box-type nest for security, and a shallow, wide bowl for bathing. Doves and pigeons are territorial by nature- meaning they may not appreciate a roommate- and do not mix well with cats or dogs. Diet There are commercial mixes and seed only diets available for doves and pigeons, but for complete nutrition they need supplements: • For the smaller birds, you can include a budgie or canary mix, or millet spray. • With any commercial diet, include mineral rich greens such as lettuce, spinach, and clover. • You can also give them fruits: berries, apple, and pear. • With a seed-only diet, you need to provide grit or gravel to help grinds up the harder seed bits in the bird's gizzard. • Calcium needs to be added in the form of oyster shell or grit (the same grit as above). • Other vitamins should be added to the water or sprinkled onto their food as a powder once a week. Healthcare Watch for abnormal behaviors such as closed eyes, fluffed feathers, balance problems or slimy droppings. If you see any of these symptoms, take your pet to an avian veterinarian. Out of Cage Time/Time with Humans Your bird needs time outside the cage every day to fly or walk around. Water, food, and bathing bowls should be cleaned daily; perches and platforms washed weekly, and the entire bird house and accessories should be periodically disinfected with a mild bleach solution. Life Span In captivity, these birds live anywhere from 12 to 20 years. References http://www.americandoveassociation.com/html/dove-information.html http://animal-world.com/encyclo/birds/doves_pigeons/DovePigeonProfile.htm
- 3. Hamsters Kate Scheer Hamsters are mistakenly considered a 'starter pet' because they're so small, but there's a lot to know to take proper care of one. Consider the following before adopting: • They're not recommended as pets for children. Kids under 8 haven't developed the fine motor- skills to keep a hamster feeling safe, so they might get bitten. • They're not a good choice for individuals with a compromised immune system. • Hamsters are extremely active and need a lot of exercise-- provide them with a wheel to run on and tunnels/tubes for enrichment. • Hamsters are nocturnal so don't keep them in your bedroom-- their activity will probably keep you awake! • Get only one per cage. Hamsters are territorial and will not get along, with the exception of the dwarf hamster (if introduced properly). Diet Hamsters should be fed at night when they're most active. They need a pellet diet that you can supplement with fresh vegetables-- seeds and nuts aren't sufficient! Also, because they're so small, they dehydrate quickly. Make sure you have fresh water available at all times. A water bottle is better than a dish. Habitat Aquariums are better than wire cages for hamsters because their paws can get stuck in the bars and cause injury. They also love to burrow, and the high walls of an aquarium let you thickly pad the bottom with shredded newspaper, paper towels or recycled paper bedding. These materials can get dirty fast, though, so you need to be able to thoroughly clean out the cage once a week. Do not use shavings or wood chips! Healthcare Hamster teeth never stop growing, so they need to wear them down by gnawing. Be sure to give them chew toys or block of natural wood (nothing treated or painted). Out of Cage Time/Time with Humans You should handle your hamster daily-- but keep in mind that they're delicate and easily scared by big things (like human hands), so they need to be handled gently and slowly. Life Span 2.5 to 3 years