1. Why Does My Cat Knead Me With Its Paws? Kneading, often referred to as "making biscuits," is when your cat rhythmically pushes in and out with their front paws. This behavior stems from their kittenhood when they would knead their mother's belly to stimulate milk flow. Adult cats continue this comforting behavior when they're content, signaling that they consider you a safe space. 2. The Mysterious Cat Chatter Have you ever noticed your cat staring out the window at birds or squirrels and making peculiar chattering or chittering noises? While the scientific community doesn't fully agree on why cats do this, a popular theory suggests it's a result of their predatory instincts. The chatter may be a frustrated response to seeing potential prey but being unable to catch it. 3. The Infamous Belly Trap It's a trap that many cat owners have fallen for: your cat rolls over, exposing its belly, and the moment you reach out to pet it, you are rewarded with a swift swat or bite. While dogs may show their belly as a sign of submission and a request for belly rubs, for cats, it's often a sign of trust and contentment. They're showing you their most vulnerable side, but it doesn't necessarily mean they want it touched. 4. Nighttime Zoomies Many cat owners are familiar with the burst of energy cats display, often during the wee hours of the night. This "midnight madness" or "zoomies" is a result of their natural hunting instinct. In the wild, cats are crepuscular, which means they're most active during dawn and dusk. This is the time when their prey is most likely to be active, so they have evolved to match this schedule. Providing plenty of play and enrichment activities during the day can help lessen these nighttime antics. 5. The Tail Tells a Tale A cat’s tail is like a mood barometer. A high, quivering tail indicates excitement and happiness, usually seen when your cat greets you after you've been away. A puffed-up tail indicates fear or aggression, a response to a perceived threat. A low or tucked tail suggests submission or defeat. Observing these tail signals can provide valuable clues about your cat's emotional state. Deciphering cat behavior can be a fascinating journey. While they are renowned for their mysterious demeanor, with some understanding of their instinctual behaviors, you'll find that your feline companion is also capable of a vast range of emotional expression. Remember that every cat is unique, so what holds true for one might not for another. Paying close attention to your cat's specific behaviors and responses will foster a stronger bond and a harmonious co-existence.
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Nonie’s Pet Care, LLC
Our Biggest Milestone Yet July 20, 2023 On July 20, 2023, we broke a record, we reached an impressive milestone of 1,002 visits for the month of July, and there are still days to go. Words cannot express the overwhelming sense of pride I feel in this moment. I am immensely grateful for my incredible team made up of degreed Vet techs and experienced pet handlers of all kinds. As the owner, there is no greater satisfaction than reaping the rewards of our hard work, meticulousness, and dedication to providing the best possible care for our clients and their beloved pets. The countless photos we provide, showcasing the happiness and playfulness of our furry clients, fill our hearts with joy. It's hard to believe that I started as a sole proprietor in Old Metairie back in 2011, and now we have grown to a team of 14, serving not only Metairie but also New Orleans, Kenner, Elmwood, Jefferson, Harahan, and River Ridge. The journey hasn't been without its challenges. Dealing with computer glitches, staff shortages, adverse weather conditions, personnel issues, and ensuring the well-being of everyone during impending hurricanes has tested our resilience. I have personally sacrificed vacations and even a haircut for two years (yes, a haircut!). I've had to replace the engine in my vehicle after reaching a dog in the midst of a flood. Many sleepless nights have been spent caring for sick or post-surgical pets in need of our assistance. I have provided support and guidance to clients faced with difficult decisions and have even taken on the responsibility of managing the end-of-life process for them when they felt overwhelmed. I can honestly say that I have the best team one could ask for. Together, we have worked through low grade hurricanes, worked tirelessly in the aftermath of disastrous weather events, and stood by our incredible first responders and medical professionals who stayed behind, caring for their pets without electricity or water. We have endured injuries, always putting the needs of the pets first. We have proudly nurtured fearful dogs and cats, shown love to aggressive dogs, and rescued and treated sick feral cats. The variety of species we care for, now, has expanded immensely. Proudly, I have established a Special Needs Unit, with a small team providing round-the-clock care for pets recovering from surgery or illness, offering wound care and assisting with complicated medication administration for clients who may be anxious about handling it themselves. Our Special Needs Unit collaborates closely with local veterinarians, ensuring seamless home care for their patients. Our Mission is to provide every Nonie’s Family with every possible service to help their lives become a little easier and happier. My team and I share in both the hard work and the immense joy that comes from making a pet healthier, happier, and less fearful. We pour our hearts into everything we do, whether it's cleaning up after them in their yards, changing wound dressings, or bringing them home from the groomer. When we step through their front doors and are greeted with excitement, love, and the knowledge that we are there solely for them, we can rest easy knowing we have fulfilled our purpose. Our hearts continue to grow with each passing day, fueled by the unwavering dedication to our work and the boundless love we receive from our furry companions. Although we are exhausted, at the end of the day our lives have been blessed by the work that we do. We may smile as we lay our heads on our pillows at night and sometimes, sometimes, a happy tear finds its way onto our pillowcases as we reflect on the pets that we loved that day. If your dog swallowed something toxic or potentially toxic, such as antifreeze, chocolate, medications, supplements, rat poisons, or drugs in any form, contact your veterinarian or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) immediately. If your dog is having trouble breathing or has any other serious symptoms, contact your veterinarian right away. Dogs frequently swallow things they shouldn’t, especially inquisitive pups, but also dogs whose chewing drive is high (such as Labrador Retrievers, Pit Bulls, etc.). Although some objects may be small enough to swallow and pass through the digestive tract with minor consequences, others may be toxic, get stuck, or do damage at some point—in the mouth, throat, esophagus, stomach, or intestines. If you’re unsure whether your dog could have ingested something, it’s best to be cautious and visit your veterinarian. Left untreated, swallowed objects can be fatal. Any sudden onset of choking that affects respiration must be dealt with immediately. Immediate Care for Swallowed ObjectsThe specific steps to take will depend on what your dog ingested, how long ago it happened, and your dog’s symptoms. Here is a general guide for dealing with swallowed objects: 1. If you know your dog swallowed an object, call your veterinarian immediately and take your dog to the vet’s office as soon as possible. The doctor may be able to induce vomiting or retrieve the object from the stomach before serious problems set in.
4. Even with one hand on the upper jaw and the other on the lower, any dog can bite, so use every precaution. If you are working by yourself, keep an index finger on your lower hand free to perform step 5. 5. Look inside the mouth and sweep your finger from the back of the mouth forward to try to remove the obstruction. 6. Talk to your veterinarian or an after-hours veterinarian regarding follow-up care, even if you were able to remove the object. Heimlich Maneuver for Dogs Here are the steps for performing the Heimlich maneuver for dogs: Small Dogs Hold your dog vertically so their back is pressed against your abdomen. Place your closed fist just under their ribcage with your other hand on top. Pull up and in several times. Large Dogs Do not try to pick up a large dog; you may do further damage due to the animal's size. Instead, follow these steps:
For dogs who have swallowed a ball or similar object and are unconscious, the eXternal eXtraction Technique (XXT) can be performed. With the dog on their back, extend the neck forward so the top of the head is on the ground. Straddle the dog, identify the trachea (windpipe), the stuck ball, and the "V"-shaped jaw. Grasp the jaw with both hands and use your thumbs in a swooping J-like motion to get under the ball and push it forward for removal. Once retrieved, give two rescue breaths and seek veterinary care immediately. Commonly Swallowed Objects Here are some objects that dogs commonly swallow and the damage they could cause Choking, Poisonous/Toxic, Puncture injury, Intestinal injury, Blockage to name a few. Some items are Ballons, Batteries, Bones, Chapstick/Lipstick, Cigarettes, Cough Drop, Food Wrappers (aluminum, plastic), Fruit Seeds/Pits, Gum, Pencils/Pens, Plastic, Rocks, Rubber Bands/Hair Ties, Silica Gel Packet, Socks, String, Tampons, Toys and/or squeakers (especially tennis balls and rope toys that dogs enjoy chewing) What Will Happen at the Veterinarian’s Office? Treating a dog that has accidentally swallowed an object can vary from simply sedating the dog so the object can be safely removed from the mouth or throat to performing gastrointestinal surgery that may require the removal of large portions of bowel. The potential severity of a swallowed corn cob or sock cannot be underestimated. A veterinarian will be able to perform a physical examination and use X-rays, an ultrasound, or an endoscope to determine if your dog swallowed something and what it might be. Based on what it is and where it is in your pet’s body, your veterinarian may recommend surgery, endoscopic removal, or other forms of treatment. Tips for Preventing Your Dog From Eating Dangerous Household Objects If you’re worried about your dog swallowing something dangerous, here are some preventive measures you can take:
FIREWORKS AND PETS, By Victoria Schade, CPDT-KA. Reviewed by Veronica Higgs, DVM on Jun. 24, 20236/29/2023 Fireworks might be awe-inspiring for some people, but many dogs are scared of fireworks and find the sound and spectacle terrifying. Dog fireworks anxiety can leave your pets in a panicked state. It should go without saying that anxious dogs don’t belong at fireworks displays. But even dogs at home can be overwhelmed by the noise, especially if the neighbors are setting off their own fireworks. That’s why it is so important to help your pet. Dogs that are scared of fireworks might hide, tremble, pace, or whine in response to the sounds, leading pet parents to consider trying medications to help deal with the behaviors. However, the following tips might help reduce dog fireworks anxiety. Schedule Meals and Potty Time Early It’s important to time your dog’s dinner and potty trips well in advance of nightfall, since fireworks typically start as soon as the sun sets. There’s nothing worse than a dog that’s scared of fireworks that needs a potty break but is too terrified to step out the door. Give your dog enough time to finish his dinner, digest, and potty before the noise begins so he’s not forced to hold it during an already stressful period. Keep Your Pup Occupied During Fireworks Provide distraction by giving your dog something delicious to focus on during fireworks, like a KONG Classic dog toy. Stuff the busy toy with special goodies like your dog’s all-time favorite treat so that he has something else to focus on during the noise. You can also give your pup a frozen treat to gnaw on, like a carrot. Anxious dogs don’t belong at fireworks displays, but even dogs at home can be overwhelmed by the noise. Muffle the Noise It’s easy to understand why dogs are scared of fireworks; the unpredictable booming sounds can be perceived as an impending threat and make a dog feel vulnerable. While counterconditioning with a fireworks recording throughout the year will help your dog learn to cope with the noise, an easy way to manage dog fireworks anxiety during the event is to simply muffle the sounds with something else. Plug in a white noise machine or turn on some calming music loud enough so the fireworks are camouflaged. If your dog’s “safe zone” is his crate, you can also cover the top, sides, and back with a thick blanket and play music or sounds for him. Just make sure your dog can leave the crate if he wants to. Comfort Your Dog You might have heard that comforting your dog in times of stress can reinforce his fears. However, your dog’s reactions to fireworks are based on a legitimate fear. Providing comfort during this time is appropriate and often helpful. Sitting close to your dog, petting him gently and offering quiet words of reassurance during scary events like fireworks can help to center your dog and might even reduce his fearfulness. Plus, doing so will help your dog understand that you’re his partner and that he can always turn to you when he’s feeling scared. Consider Calming Supplements Calming supplements can be used to help support your pet during stressful events such as fireworks. Calming treats such as VetriScience Soft Chews or Nutramax Solliquin Chews promote relaxation without sedation. Another alternative is a pheromone collar or diffuser. These calming solutions can really help your furry friend relax during stressful times. Consult a Professional If your dog’s behavior doesn’t improve, find a positive trainer to help you and your dog work through relaxation protocols. If your dog’s fireworks anxiety puts them or you in danger, talk with your veterinarian or a board-certified veterinary behaviorist about anxiety medication for dogs and whether it’s necessary. Remember that your dog’s fireworks anxiety is a visceral response, and it will likely take a multi-step approach to help your dog feel more comfortable with the sounds. Pets bring us joy, love, and companionship, but they also have a mischievous side that can lead to countless funny and unforgettable moments. From sneaky antics to peculiar behaviors, our furry friends never fail to provide us with laughter and entertainment. In this blog post, we will delve into the amusing world of mischievous pets, sharing anecdotes and stories that highlight their comical nature. Get ready to chuckle as we explore the hilarious adventures and antics of our beloved animal companions. Stealthy Food Bandits: One of the most common mischievous acts performed by pets involves their unwavering determination to snatch food whenever the opportunity arises. Whether it's the dog that stealthily steals a sandwich from the kitchen counter or the cat that pounces on a slice of pizza left unattended, these food bandits leave us both exasperated and amused. Their incredible agility and lightning-fast reflexes can turn any mealtime into a comical chase scene. Unusual Sleeping Positions: Pets have an uncanny ability to find the most peculiar and awkward sleeping positions. From upside-down cats with their legs spread-eagle to dogs contorting themselves into bizarre shapes, their sleeping antics never fail to elicit laughter. It's as if they are on a mission to explore the limits of comfort, much to our amusement. These funny sleep positions often result in adorable photo opportunities and endless giggles. Hilarious Reactions to Everyday Objects: Pets have a knack for turning the most ordinary objects into sources of fascination or fear. Whether it's a cat's hilarious reaction to a cucumber or a dog's confusion when encountering a vacuum cleaner, their exaggerated responses can leave us in stitches. Watching them react to the simplest things with wide eyes, tilted heads, or playful barks reminds us of their curious and unpredictable nature. Silly Playtime Shenanigans: Playtime with pets is a never-ending source of laughter. Whether they're chasing their tails, leaping after toys, or engaging in playful wrestling matches, their energy and enthusiasm can turn any room into a circus. From dogs doing hilarious zoomies around the house to cats comically misjudging jumps, their playtime shenanigans provide endless entertainment and a much-needed break from the seriousness of daily life. Pets have an incredible ability to bring laughter and amusement into our lives. Their mischievous antics, peculiar behaviors, and silly playtime moments remind us not to take life too seriously. These furry companions have an uncanny ability to brighten our day with their comical nature, making us laugh with their antics and warm our hearts with their affection. So, the next time your pet engages in a hilarious escapade, remember to cherish those moments and embrace the joy that they bring. After all, the laughter they inspire is one of the many gifts they bestow upon us as cherished members of our families. Pets have fears, but that doesn't, necessarily, make them a fearful pet. By: Liz Serda Schneider5/6/2023 Let's get right to it. As humans, most of us are afraid of maybe a handful of things like spiders, the dark or of flying; but that doesn't make us pantophobic. If we have a specific phobia, we might feel intense anxiety, but with pantophobia, we would feel extreme anxiety and fearful of many things. [https://www.healthline.com/health/pantophobia#definition]
Some pets are afraid of thunder; some pets are afraid of fireworks and some of motorcycles; and some pets seem to be afraid of nothing at all. A true fearful pet generally has a vaster range of things that they are afraid of unfortunately. By vast I mean, numerous and here a just a few:
If your pet has one or two, he is not considered a "fearful" pet. BUT definitely respect their fear. You may not understand their fear, but their fear must be handled with care, and it is real to them. Speak calmly, reassure them it is okay and if they want to hide, let them hide and even provide them with a safe space that is all their own. If your pet has all or most of what I have listed above, then, yes, consider them a fearful pet. The absolute first thing that you want to do is let your trusted Veterinarian evaluate the dog and assure that your pet is not ill, injured or in pain in any way. When pets are ill or feel pain, they will hide and their behavior often mimics a fearful pet because they don't want to be bothered or touched, they may not want to eat either. Once you rule out, by your Vet, that he is healthy, then you can take steps to help his fear(s). There are several signs that a pet may be experiencing fear or anxiety; here are the most common ones:
An excerpt from the AKC on Fears vs Phobias: Dealing with a Fearful Dog “Living with a fearful dog can be stressful and frustrating. Treating phobias takes patience, time, and consistency. This can feel impossible, especially when excessive barking angers neighbors and landlords. Perhaps the most stressful component is the risk of an accidental dog bite from a fearful dog or a dog that may jump or run through a window or into the street. Luckily, there are steps pet owners can take to help their dogs deal with phobias, beginning with a visit to their veterinarian as soon as possible. According to Dr. Klein, phobias may worsen with time, and they rarely resolve on their own. In some cases, they can even lead to new phobias, so the sooner you take action the better. Veterinarians and board-certified veterinary behaviorists recommend behavior modification techniques as a first line of defense. These techniques, such as desensitization, help dogs manage their fearful behavior. There are medications available to relieve distress, however, most drug therapies work best in conjunction with behavior modification and are not an instant cure.” I, personally, just completed a course on dog behavior from the Victoria Stilwell Academy and there are so many alternatives to help your pet; from medications to behavior modification and always love and lots of patience. But it takes your veterinarian to rule out illness or pain. He may prescribe Prozac or some similar type of medication to help your dog feel more confident so that he can be able to discern, in his own mind, what he believes that he can handle, not us. Behavior modification offers many types of treatment, on their level, to help with certain fears. Talk to a behaviorist that can come to your house and observe and evaluate. We can offer Freework exercises that help with so many different fears. Freework is an enjoyable and stimulating activity for dogs that provides them with opportunities to build confidence around new or unusual objects, expend energy, and receive mental stimulation. By engaging in Freework, dogs can develop calmness, positivity, and a sense of security. Freework is done in many different forms to address different types of fear, But above all, if you only get one piece of information out of this article, I hope it is RESPECT YOUR PET'S FEARS; your pet respects yours, doesn't he? Teaching hyper dogs to relax; Just watch & listen to their communication, by Liz Schneider4/28/2023 I get asked quite often, "why does my dog seem afraid?" or "why does he hide so much?" and more often, "why is my dog so hyper, I don't understand." If a dog appears hyper, it may indicate boredom or a need to burn off energy, necessitating walks or playtime. A behaviorist can assist in determining whether overstimulation within the household is the issue. Dogs may retreat to a quiet place to relax, but if they engage in excessive activity, they may require exercise to release energy. A long walk, including time for sniffing and exploring, can be beneficial. Excessive stimuli within the home can cause health issues, such as gastrointestinal problems. A quiet place, such as a bed or crate with a blanket, can be provided to allow dogs to relax and escape overstimulation. If a dog is anxious, providing chew toys and a peaceful atmosphere can help, especially if the dog has a strong parasympathetic nervous system. Neuroscience has taught us that the sympathetic nervous system is responsible for increasing the dog's arousal in response to stress and the parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for counteracting the arousal and calming the dog. But sometimes we have to teach them this. No yeling at the dog, or punishing him or sticking him outside is going to teach hm anything. He will only be confused as he was trying to communicate to you what he needed. To teach dogs how to relax, a quiet retreat space can be set up with a soft bed, chew toys, and treats. Blocking off the room with a baby gate allows the dog to explore and learn that the space is for them alone. Avoiding loud noises elsewhere in the house, such as loud music or movies, helps the dog recognize that the retreat space is always available to them. Meditation or spa sounds can help dogs relax, and with time, they will learn to use their retreat space when needed. There is so much more to teach on this subject, just call me if you have any questions. There are more methods to teach a dog to calm down and feel safe. Dogs all learn in different ways. BUT HOW CAN YOU TELL? The signs of fear, anxiety, and stress (FAS) can vary from pet to pet and are directly correlated with the intensity of these emotions. While some stress is normal, chronic stress can negatively impact your pet's health. It's essential to recognize your pet's FAS signs and take steps to soothe their fears to prevent further escalation. Pets may display subtle cues through their behavior and body language. Cats tend to withdraw and become quiet when stressed, while dogs may exhibit more obvious FAS signs such as whining, pacing, or avoiding eye contact. Chronic stress can lead to changes in behavior patterns, routines, and even health issues like inappropriate elimination or overgrooming. FAS triggers for pets can stem from environmental or social interactions, such as encountering new situations or meeting unfamiliar people or animals. Improper housing situations, inter-cat aggression, and loud noises like fireworks and thunderstorms can also cause stress in pets. Pets who lack proper socialization or whose mothers were anxious or nervous during pregnancy may be more prone to FAS. Recognizing your pet's FAS signals and understanding their triggers can help you prevent and soothe their fears in the future, ultimately improving their overall well-being. Seek a behaviorist should you need help in translating the information and communication that your dog is giving you. |
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