Frequently Asked Questions

A: Hairless breeds such as Chinese Crested need to use sunscreen in summer. Be careful not to use human products as they can be toxic to dogs. With summertime, holidays, and nice weather comes barbecues and other outdoors activities. It's great to have pets join in, and some easy precautions can make the season safer for them. Mosquitos are not just annoying; they're dangerous. Dogs and cats should be on proper heart worm preventatives. Pets can get West Nile virus that is transmitted from mosquitos, and even if the disease generally isn't deadly to them it's still unpleasant. There is special insect repellents for pets. Never use insect repellents meant for humans on a pet. Many use citronella-baed insect repellants, such as candles, oils, and similar. While these are great for keeping bugs away, they should be at a distance from pets. Inhaling the smoke can lead to pneumonia and other respiratory illnesses. A pet accidentally eating them can harm their nervous system. Pets can get overhead and/or get sunburn, and on hot days they should be indoors or at least in the shade. If your pet is with you in the sun, make sure they're not overheating. Some breeds, such as Chinese Crested and other hairless dogs, have extra sensitive skin and should wear sunblock. Never use sunblock intended for humans; many kinds are toxic to dogs. Never give pets alcoholic beverages. Even beer is toxic to them. Allowing a dog to drink beer or anything else with alcohol can lead to coma and in worst case scenario death.

A: Most people in the USA probably haven't heard about Barry, but his story is fascinating. He was a St. Bernard that lived 200 years ago at the famous hospice on St. Bernard Pass. Myths declare that he saved at least 40 people during his working years. The hospice resides 2,500 meters above sea level, and has been run since the 11th century. The St. Bernard pass is dangerous at the best of times, and the dogs served an invaluable function in finding the way home even in blizzards. During 200 years, at least 2,000 people were saved by the hospice. Barry was born in the year 1800, and has inspired countless myths. Some claim he even rescued a child on his own and carried the boy to safety on his back. He was clearly special even during his lifetime, because spent his last years in Bern, in retirement, and was preserved after his death. Today, there's a Barry exhibition at the Natural History Museum in Bern. He looks a bit different from St Bernards of today. The breed went nearly extinct during the 19th century, and the remaining dogs were bred with Newfoundlands in an effort to save the St Bernard. This changed the build of the dogs and resulted in a much longer coat. While the effort to save the breed was successful, it also changed them to the point where they were no longer able to rescue people in the mountains. Barry has also given name to the Fondation Barry du Grand Saint Bernard, a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of St. Bernard dogs.

A: Many dogs suffer a fear of fireworks, and with the upcoming holiday it's extra important to know about this, protect the dogs, and prepare them the best we can. Even a confident dog can be terrified by the loud and unpredictable noises and bright lights. Pets should be kept indoors during 4th of July and other firework-holidays. There are some things we can do to help them manage the fireworks. The fear might never disappear completely, but we can make it easier. Find a video of fireworks and play it on lowest possible volume a few times during the day. While you play it, give your dogs treats, cuddle, and play. You want doggie to connect the sound with positive things. During the course of a few days, increase the volume slowly. Keep doing fun stuff every time you play it. If your dog shows fear at any time when you play the video, turn the volume back down and keep the positive reinforcement with play and treats. It might take time, but eventually your dog should be able to hear the sound at a fairly loud volume without being afraid. Desensitizing takes time, and it doesn't always make the fear go away. Keep your pets inside. Try to drown out the sound the best you can, and allow him or her to hide. Pulling them out or trying to coax them can reinforce the fear. Also, don't coddle the dogs when they show fear; acting naturally shows there's no danger. Some dogs have severe firework phobia, and in these cases you should discuss the problem with your veterinarian. There are anti-anxiety medications that can help your pet get through the holiday.

A: Cat cafés are wildly popular in parts of Asia, and the trend is spreading across the globe. The first cat cafe in the USA has opened in New York, and more are expected in San Francisco and Oregon later this year. So, what is a cat cafe? It is a loneliness-curing, stress-relieving cafe with cats. The first cat cafe started in Taiwan over ten years ago, and the concept quickly spread to Japan where inhabitants embraced it. Today, Japan has at least 150 cat cafes. These establishments are so popular that visitors have to book seats in advance. When Dinah's Cat Emporium opened in London, 20,000 people water to enter a 30-seat cafe. They are booked until fall this year. Many people in cities aren't able to keep pets, but the human species still has an urge to be close to animals. The cat cafes offer a chance to sit down, relax, talk to other people who like cats, and maybe even pet one. What do you think? Would you visit a cat cafe?

A: Everyone with a cat or dog knows they're great company. Many pet owners see their furry friends as family members, and they make great snuggle-buddies. Did you know that they add other health benefits to human lives? Cats and dogs protect children against developing allergies This is particularly true for cats. A child under the age of one living with two or more cats or dogs has a smaller risk of developing allergies as he or she grows up. Living with pets is good for the human immune system. Cats and dogs reduce stress in our lives Petting a cat or dog has been shown to lower blood pressure and help humans relax. Pets have a knack for knowing when they're needed, and even the most elusive kitty tends to show up when their human needs a friendly ear. Pet owners also adapt better to stressful situation than people without pets. And if anyone doubts the benefit of a dog, consider all the therapy and emotional support dogs that help people cope with everything from depression to post traumatic stress disorder. Dogs keep us fit The average American without a dog moves significantly less than the average dog owner. Daily walks, exercising, and playing with a dog helps us stay in shape, keep a healthy weight, and lessens the risk for health problems. Pets give healthy hearts The American Heart Association recently reported that pets help reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Pet owners who suffer a heart attack recover quickly than people without pets. They also help lower cholesterol. Pets improve our social lives Walking a dog inspires conversations with other pet owners, neighbors, and strangers out for a stroll. Meeting new people and getting to know those around us battles isolation, loneliness, and depression.  

A: Bloat is a dangerous condition caused by a dog or cat eating too fast, sucking in air with their food or water. If this happens, the dog needs to see a vet immediately and might need emergency surgery. Many people believe that ice or ice water causes bloat in dogs, and this is caused by blog posts and images going viral on Facebook and other social media platforms a couple of years ago. The important thing to know is that ice does not cause bloat. Drinking or eating too quickly causes bloat. If a dog slurps down ice water on a hot day, it's easy to get a connection between the ice and the bloat, but it's the speed of eating or drinking that's the culprit. When a dog is hot and thirsty, portion out water. Don't let them drink too much at once. If a dog eats very quickly, portion out their food on several small meals during the day. Also, dogs who eat or drink quickly should avoid exercise for at least an hour after eating.

A: Everyone knows there are many dog breeds, and most people can identify at least a few even if they're not all that interested in dogs. Did you know there are many breeds of domesticated cats as well? The Singapura cat is the smallest domesticated cat breed, and adult females can weigh as little as five pounds. Adult males usually weigh between six and eight pounds. As the name hints, the breed was believed to come from Singapore. However, the three founding cats traveled from the US to Singapore and were then brought back to the USA. One working theory is that the breed is a mix of Burmese and Abyssinian. It is still considered a legitimate breed, and according to the Cat Fancier's Association, there is at least one legitimate cat from Singapore behind the breed. The breed has become a tourism mascot for Singapore, they have statues of the cats, and have even hosted Singapura exhibits. Besides being small, the breed is known for being active, affectionate, and easy to live with. They thrive on attention and love to play, but won't get excited to the point where they bounce around the house and accidentally destroy things. Most Singapuras have a stunning coat. Each hair has two shades; ivory at the base and brown at the tip.

A: June 20, 2014 is Bring your dog to work day. The event started in 1999 and was founded by Pet Sitters International as a means to promote pet adoptions. Participation has exploded; the first year less than 300 businesses took part, and this year over 300,000 visitors have looked at the website. Bringing a pet along isn't always possible. Some workplaces are poorly suited for four-footed friends, and in other places allergies might make it unsuitable. When it is possible,  bringing a dog gives benefits. Pets lower stress and blood pressure, create a focal point for conversation, inspire walks and exercise, and cheer people up. Some companies encourage bringing pets all around the year, and some larger corporations provide doggie daycare to employees. What do you think? Would you bring a pet if you could?  

A: Renters can have a tough time finding somewhere to live that accepts pets at all, and many landlords only welcome smaller pets. Some accept one dog or cat but not several, and many have breed or size restrictions.  Jacksonville landlord Jade Rouzeau loves large dogs, particularly pit bulls, and she decided to turn these conventions upside down. She only rents to tenants with large dogs. Furthermore, at least one dog in the household must be of a breed most renters put on the "forbidden" list, such as German Shepherds, Huskies, Staffordshire Terriers, Dalmatians, Rottweilers, and Pit Bull Terriers. Besides looking at the dogs, Rouzeau wants friendly and good-natured people who will appreciate the home. It is difficult to find pet friendly rentals; only 12 percent of rentals nationwide welcome pets. The number in the Jacksonville area is even lower, and this initiative will be a welcome one for dog lovers. Have you tried to rent a place to live and been turned down because of your pets?

A: Many dogs love to play fetch and seem to get the idea naturally. Others might need some encouragement. If you want to play fetch and your dog looks at you like you're a peculiar organism when you toss a tennis ball, this trick might help. Cut a slit in a tennis ball and put some treats in. Make sure your dog sees the treats and give them one, so they know it's something worth working for. Throw the ball, and follow the dog to go get it. Once you and the dog have the ball, give a treat. Odds are your dog will figure it out quickly and go get the ball. Give a treat when he or she brings the ball back. Soon you'll be able to give a treat every second time the dog brings the ball, and then every third time. You get the idea =)