Do Your Pets Notice the Switch From Daylight Saving Time?
You might think it unlikely that this weekends switch from daylight saving time (DST) to standard time could throw your cat or dogs busy schedule eat, sleep, eat, sleep off-kilter. But, as it turns out, some animals are so in tune with their owners schedules that falling back an hour can cause our furry friendssome confusion.
Just like humans, animals have their own internal clocks that tell them when to eat, sleep and wake up. This biological timekeeper, also known as circadian rhythm, is set in motion by natural sunlight. However, for pets this effect is minimized by the artificial environment they live in, where light comes and goes not only with the rising and setting sun, but most oftenwith the flip of a switch.
Humans set their pets routines, said Alison Holdhus-Small, a research assistant at CSIRO Livestock Industries, an Australia-based research and development organization.
Animals that live with humans develop routines related to human activity for example, cows become accustomed to being milked at particular times of day, or pet dogs become accustomed to going for walks or being fed at a particular time of day, Holdhus-Small said. When humans apply daylight saving time to their own lives, if they carry out their routine according to the clock, the animals can become confused. [Everything You Need to Know: Why Do We Observe Daylight Saving Time?]
More pets, more combos, more burning: ArenaNet brings big changes to Guild Wars 2
If youre anything like us here at the Massively offices, youve been feeling a bit starved for Guild Wars 2 news. ArenaNets been extremely quiet for weeks now, and just as fans were beginning to despair of hearing anything, the information gates swing wide.
The ArenaNet blog has a shiny new update courtesy of designer Jon Peters this morning, and its a doozy. It brings all sorts of new details on pet improvements, the Engineers big upgrade, and the ever-fascinating cross-profession combos. Follow along after the break for all the news!
Jon has lots to stay, starting with the Engineer professions tool belt, which is a handy mechanic exclusive to the Engineer, and one that the GW2 developers felt had a lot of unused potential. When we initially talked about the Engineer, only some of the heal and utility skills had corresponding tool belt skills, but as we spent more time with this profession — especially testing for the Gamescom demo — we started imagining a much cooler version of the Engineers tool belt, where every slotted heal/utility skill had a tool belt counterpart, says Jon. In the end, this cooler version added 23 more skills to the Engineers repertoire, which Jon details in the blog.
Engineer upgrades are only the tip of the iceberg, however. The GW2 developers acknowledged a long time ago that pets could use some tweaking, which theyve been hard at work improving. The tl;dr version is that players will now have two aquatic and two terrestrial pet slots (amphibious pets can occupy either slot type). This gives Rangers a lot of flexibility within the dynamic combat style of Guild Wars 2 — bringing in a new pet immediately when the current one is downed, for example. Rangers will also have much more control over their pets behavior.
Pet skills and acquisition also have some big changes. Pets no longer evolve; but their levels match that of the player character, eliminating the need to spend time leveling pets. Pets have family skills according to animal type — bears, drakes, felines, and so on — as well as a unique skill for each species within a family.
Finally, if youre a fan of cross-profession combos, youre going to love the final part of this blog. Longtime fans know the shooting an arrow through a fire wall combo entirely too well by now, but Jon brings some new examples and some exciting new details of cross-profession combos. Leaping Death Blossom through a Symbol of Faith will remove conditions from allies near your target. Stomp inside a Smoke Screen to cloak nearby allies. This is just a small sampling of what you can do with combos, and we leave it to you to find them all and combo to your hearts delight.
Jon goes on to give a detailed explanation of how the foundation of the system works, running down some pros and cons of development and balance. Just as Guild Wars 1s unique skill bar restrictions made for some amazing builds created by players, these combos in GW2 seem to be the logical next step into player-discovered efficiency and power.
Weve given you plenty of details, but there are even more at the ArenaNet blog, so head there for the full scoop!
SPCA to open holiday store at Capitola Mall, increasing chances pets…
Pets like these will be available for adoption when Santa Cruz SPCA opens its storefront at the Capitola Mall on Nov. 15.
Fall Flu Season and Your Pets
Fall is here, and with fall comes the flu. Every fall our physicians urge us to be vaccinated against the flu to protect our family members and ourselves from contracting or spreading this year’s flu virus.
What about our pets? Why didn’t I start this post urging you to take your pet to the veterinarian for its annual flu shot? That is because, unlike the human influenza viruses, canine influenza’s occurrence is not seasonal. So, anytime is the right time to vaccinate your pet against this highly contagious disease. I have answered some commonly asked questions I receive during flu season.
What is Canine Influenza?
Canine influenza is a new disease which was first identified in Florida in 2003. It mutated from a horse influenza virus to an influenza virus infecting dogs. Canine influenza is now found nationwide.
Is my dog at risk for contracting Canine Flu?
Dogs at risk for canine influenza infection are social dogs, such as those that go to doggie day care, dog parks, dog shows or a boarding kennel anytime of the year. If your dog is a social dog, a vaccine has recently been developed to protect against canine influenza, and your veterinarian will know if it is right for your dog. The protocol for vaccination is two doses of vaccine given two weeks apart, followed by annual revaccination.
What about cats? I have heard about a Feline “Flu.”
Feline flu is a misnomer. Frequently called feline flu, feline herpes virus and feline calicivirus infections are not caused by an influenza virus and are not technically “flu.” No influenza virus has been identified in cats, but the clinical signs associated with herpes virus and calicivirus infection can look very similar to flu in humans. Even though cats don’t have their own influenza virus, vaccinating them against herpes and calicivirus will help keep them healthy and limit the impact of upper respiratory viruses on their health.
Can my dog or cat catch the flu when I am under the weather?
Feeling sick? Thinking cuddling with your cat or dog will make you feel better? Wrong. Cats and dog can contract human flu. When you have the flu, quarantine yourself from all members of your family, including your pets.
If you must touch your pet while you are sick or prepare their food, be sure to wash your hands before doing so. Cover your coughs and sneezes to keep everyone else in the family healthy, including the pets.
Travel Picks: Top 10 tips for flying with pets
NEW YORK (Reuters) – Traveling with pets can be a nerve-racking adventure for first-time fliers – and even more so for their owners. But preparing ahead, from organized feeding schedules to vet visits, is a strategic way to guarantee you and your furry friend will be fine 35,000 feet in the air.
Online travel adviser Cheapflights.com (www.cheapflights.com) offers its top 10 tips for flying with pets. Reuters has not endorsed this list:
1. Calculate the costs
The charges associated with carrying pets onboard – whether checked or in the cabin – add up quickly. Research airlines different rates ahead of time and factor the canine and feline fees into the total cost of airfare – both yours and your pets – before pressing book. Delta Air Lines for instance, attaches a hefty $200 fee per kennel to check a pet for one-way flights; cabin riders do less financial damage at $125 per kennel. And a good rule of thumb: like general airfare, discount airlines like Southwest ($75) and JetBlue ($100) often charge less for pets.
2. Call the airline
Start by checking your airlines website for regulations, but also get a verbal confirmation that you and your pet are set to fly. Many airlines limit the total number of animals allowed within the cabin on each flight, so its important that a reservation be made sooner rather than later -and confirmed 24-48 hours before departure. American Airlines, for instance, caps the number of four-legged fliers at seven per flight: two in First Class and five in Business and Coach.
3. Rehearse nearby
First-time fliers are sometimes overwhelmed – justifiably – by a 35,000-foot ascent, so its important to schedule trial runs before the big day of flight. If you live in a city, take your pet for a ride on the subway or other modes of public transportation to familiarize it with both the movement and the crowds. Since the American Veterinary Medical Association frowns upon sedation – the combination of tranquilizers and high altitudes can prove fatal – its best to travel with calm, drug-free pets.
4. Visit the vet
Some airlines, like JetBlue and US Airways, dont require vaccination or health and veterinarian documents for animals on domestic flights. Its still recommended, though, that pet owners visit their vet before trips and carry up-to-date medical records and a first aid kit (gauze, tape, eye dropper, etc.) on flights. Many airlines, like United, require you to carry a health certificate issued less than 30 days before departure. To play it extremely safe, get acquainted with local veterinarians at your destination in case your cat or dog gets sick or injured while away.
5. Prepare the kennel
Squeezing your dog or cat into the claustrophobic kennel you purchased when they were just wee ones wont do on a flight, whether short- or long-haul. Invest in a container that leaves your pet room to turn and stand up without hitting its head on the top of the carrier. Different airlines have different dimension requirements, though the USDA has laid out universal must-haves: food and water dishes, Live Animal stickers, upright arrows, bedding and other necessities. Remember to include objects that the animal is familiar with, whether its a favorite toy or blanket from home.
6. Attach ID tags
In case of separation, its important to mark your pet – as well as carrier – with proper ID tags. Attach to the kennel a note with your flight number, contact information and pets name. Do the same on your pets collar; remember that a reachable phone number is the most important detail. Many animals nowadays have microchips implanted that shelters can scan to identify the dog or cat within a national database. Tattooed IDs are also an option for pets, and handy when registered with the National Dog Registry.
7. Exercise the day before
Spoil your dog or cat the day before traveling with extra exercise, the goal being to wear them out. For dogs, that means longer walks and high-energy activities; for cats, a few extra games of Claw the Rope could do. Exhaust your travel companion so the next days flight is met with relaxation.
8. Pack food and water
Just like us, dogs and cats get dehydrated on flights. A handy tip: Freeze water before you leave home to ensure your furry friend has water in his dish by the time you both pass through security. United reminds passengers that, according to the USDA, pets must be offered food and water within four hours of checking in for a flight. On United flights, a signature is required to show when your pet was last offered nourishment.
9. Withhold food
A silly suggestion, considering the aforementioned tip. Of course you can pack food and snacks for your animals voyage, but its also important to avoid giving any edibles to your pet for a matter of hours before departure. Nerves are a guarantee, and not just for finicky felines. Queasiness, on the other hand, doesnt need to be.
10. Prepare for the unexpected
Flexibility and patience are virtues that every traveler should possess. The same holds especially true when flying with pets. Whether your flight is delayed, your dog gets sick mid-flight, or your cat decides he cant wait for the kitty litter – taking pets up in the air can be tough. Bottom line: Plan for the worst and expect the best. Bon voyage!
(Editing by Paul Casciato)
Patch Pets: Meet Playful Stacey
Patch Pets: Meet Playful Stacey
Stacey really likes to play and is looking forward to getting lots of attention in a new home.
Plan for Pets Before a Hurricane Hits
Largo resident Kandi Schell recently moved into a mobile home and is acutely aware of the danger hurricanes pose to her home and two dogs, Bella and Oreo.
#13;
She filled a hurricane to-go bag with food, water and the dogs’ medical records.
#13;
In a pinch Schell said she would head to Petsmart with her dogs if they had to evacuate during the day because she doesn’t know where the pet friendly shelters are.
#13;
If disaster struck in Pinellas County, it would be too late for Schell to get into a pet-friendly shelter. Thats because the countys pet friendly shelters require pre-registration.
#13;
“The time to plan is now–when it’s sunny with no storm off the coast,” said Tom Iovino, Pinellas County communications specialist who focuses on hurricane preparedness.
#13;
He explained these decisions should be made in comfort, as now “you have a window of time that closes rapidly once a hurricane can be seen.”
#13;
In addition to a ready supply of pet food, medicine, records, a leash and a way to pick up after waste, pet owners need to plan for pet-friendly housing during a crisis.
#13;
In 2005, after experiencing 2004s Hurricane Leanne, the county converted three public schools into cat-and-dog-friendly shelters. Dunedin Middle School, Oak Grove Middle School and Thurgood Marshall Middle School are stocked to operate as emergency shelters for 3-4 days before the county would need to resupply or relocate people.
#13;
According to Iovino, schools are ideal as they already have the food, maintenance and management staff needs to run a shelter.
#13;
Mobile home residents like Schell would be given first priority in the event of an evacuation. Everyone, including mobile home owners, who need to use a pet-friendly shelter must call Animal Services at 727-582-2150 and preregister before a crisis to get a spot.
#13;
Iovino stressed that residents should still always seek an alternative to pet-friendly shelters.
#13;
“Rather than relying on shelters, have an evacuation plan that includes finding a friend, relative or coworker to host you and your pet. Check your bowling team or church group,” he said.
#13;
This is especially important for owners of less traditional pets, such as ferrets, birds or reptiles.
#13;
Pinellas County’s pet-friendly shelters only allow dogs and cats and according to Iovino most other disaster resources for pets operate the same way.
#13;
“Shelters should be considered lifeboats–not cruise ships,” he said.
#13;
To-Go Pet Survival Kit:
#13;
- Food and water: Pack at least a three-day supply of food and water, along with some treats to ease your pet’s nerves.
- Medicine: Keep an extra supply of anything your pet takes regularly in a waterproof container.
- Collar and leash: Pinellas County’s pet-friendly shelters don’t allow retractable leashes. While microchipping is recommended, you should also have an ID tag and rabies tag on the collar.
- First aid: Consult your veterinarian about the most important items for your pet or purchase a kit designed for pets.
- Medical records: Keep all immunization papers and documents regarding your pet’s medications together in a water proof container.
- Cleanup: Small bags, newspapers and disinfectant. For cats, pack a litter box and a supply of litter.
- Recent photo: A photo with you and your pet will be very helpful in case of separation. You can use the photo to help locate your pet as well as prove ownership.
- Carrier: You never know where you’ll end up in a disaster so you should keep a crate with you.
- Favorite toys: Your pet will be just as stressed as you are and a favorite doll can help calm him or her down.
#13;
#13;
#13;
#13;
#13;
#13;
#13;
#13;
#13;
Your pets don’t just want to have fun they need to
Playing is more than just fun if youre a dog or a cat.
Running and jumping strengthen bones and muscles burn calories and support the cardiopulmonary systems. Playing teaches animals crucial social and hunting abilities and for seniors reinforces their mental skills.
Owners definitely should play with their pets because its important for bonding. It also gives pets the sensory stimulation they need at any age said veterinarian Kathleen Nyland of the Neffsville Veterinary Clinic.
Both puppies and kittens hone their social skills through play explained veterinarian Ilana Reisner director of the Behavior Clinic at the University of Pennsylvania Veterinary Hospital. Socialization in puppies occurs at about three to 12 weeks. In kittens socialization is earlier at two to seven weeks.
Grown pets may play to practice those skills to get human attention or just because theyre hardwired to respond. Nobody knows if it feels good Reisner said. But pets get bored alone at home and toys and playing enrich their lives.
When cats are outside on their own they spend a lot of the day exploring and hunting seeking food and warmth and interacting with other animals she said for example. The indoor cat without such incentives will look for stuff that stimulates such as hiding and biting or waking up and vocalizing in the middle of the night. Interactive play sessions before bedtime and puzzle or fooddispensing toys for overnight may resolve those problems.
Similarly dogs who get regular exercise often improve behavior. I recommend playtime at least twice a day Nyland said. Two daily walks can help avoid unwanted behaviors at home dogs getting into trouble or selfdestructive behaviors like chewing at themselves.
Jen Black manager of Pet Supplies Plus 1515 Lititz Pike suggested taking dogs for walks before leaving them at home with their toys. If you leave a dog alone all day to play it has all that pentup energy and will destroy any toy.
Durable rubber toys balls and bones are her biggestselling dog toys she said especially those you can fill with treats. Stuffingfree toys are currently popular for dogs. Cats like anything with catnip or toys that move sound or resemble prey.
Anything that the owner is involved in is good Reisner added including interactive toys and teaching tricks to dogs and cats. Vary a pets activities to increase interest she said.
Put toys away after playtime for safetys sake and to help train pets Nyland advised. That way you pick what they play with and they learn deference behavior that nothing in life is free.
Simple objects make great toys including empty boxes paper bags and cardboard cylinders. Create others: stuff knotted socks with catnip or crumpled cellophane; cut holes in a plastic water bottle so kibble falls out when the pet rolls it; tie fabric tails to a stick for throwing or chasing. Encourage play by bouncing pingpong balls or aluminum foil balls into the bathtub or down the stairs.
Cats use scratching posts as playthings. They are maintaining their bodies by stretching and moving in ways that are good for their flexibility and joint mobility said Elizabeth Colleran president of the American Association of Feline Practitioners. She said most cats over age 9 have some arthritis so stretching is hugely beneficial. Its like cat yoga.
Overweight pets benefit the most from exercise. Obesity in dogs can cut their lifespan by two years Nyland said and it increases any pets risk for arthritis respiratory and cardiac problems. Obese cats also risk Type 2 diabetes.
Encourage your chubby dog to follow a ball rolled on the floor. Entice your fat cat to swipe at a feather. Let your pet hunt for his meals by hiding food around the house or making him go up and down steps. Put some of his daily kibble inside treatdispensing toys to promote physical activity.
But dont make an obese or geriatric pet jump or run around without first consulting your veterinarian. And avoid toys that fall apart or are small enough to be swallowed. Make sure all decorations strings and appendages are securely attached to the toy. Remember that kittens and puppies will play with anything risking injury or even death if no ones watching.
Playful USA
Americas 86 million pet cats and 78 million pet dogs have lots of toys according to the American Pet Products Associations 20112012 National Pet Owners Survey.
52 percent of cat owners and 62 percent of dog owners purchase pet toys.
More than onehalf of dog owners buy balls rope or plush toys.
More than threequarters of cat toys contain catnip.
23 percent of cats and five percent of dogs have laser toys.
19 percent of cat owners but only three percent of dog owners buy automated toys.
90 percent of cats and 80 percent of dogs share their toys in multipet households.
Pet Talk: Summer fun can be dangerous for your pets
As the dog days of summer approach, dont close the door on pet safety practices. According to pet health insurance provider Veterinary Pet Insurance, June is the years most dangerous month for pets nationally. In an analysis of 2010 claims, the company reported 4,145 claims, an average of 138 pets treated each day for accidental injuries in June.
In fact, June 14 ranked as the third-most dangerous day last year, and the month contained five of the top 10 most dangerous days in the report.
Heres a list of the types of accidents that can happen during the summer and what you can do to prevent them.
Cars: At DoveLewis Emergency Animal Hospital, car accidents increase by 20 percent in the summertime, staff veterinarian MeiMei Welker says. Treatment can range from $500 to $6,000.
The problem is it happens so suddenly, people arent prepared for it financially, she says, so it brings up the horrible decision of what to do at that point.
Heat stroke: Speaking of cars, they can still pose a threat if theyre not moving. Leaving pets in a hot car can cause heat stroke, which could kill a dog in a matter of minutes, says Emilio DeBess, Oregon Public Health Division veterinarian.
It may be only 80 degrees outside but its probably 100 in the car, he says.
Dogs sweat only from their paw pads, so panting is their main way of dissipating heat, says Dr. Jason Nicholas of The Preventive Vet, which helps pet owners prevent emergencies.
Once a dogs temperature rises above 104 degrees, Fido may experience liver failure, intestinal cells may die, or he may have a seizure.
Dogs also risk heat stroke when they overexert themselves, especially overweight or brachycephalic dogs such as pugs or boxers that cant breathe efficiently to begin with, Welker says.
Signs of heat stroke include heavy panting, a deep brick-red color in the tongue and gums, lethargy, vomiting and diarrhea.
Share your shots | Patriotic pets
Share your shots: Patriotic Pets
Fourth of July means red, white and blue — for people and their pets. Send us photos of your patriotic pets to feature in our gallery!
Please give a real name or your photo may not be used.
In case we need to contact you.
You can upload JPG files or a ZIP file containing multiple images.
