Let the Games Begin
In the field of animal behavior, social play is often referred to as "play fighting." "Play fighting" includes many of the postures seen during real fights. Example - during play, one dog might chase and tackle another, or use a neck bite to make another dog go to the ground. Dogs will also hip check or slam, mount, rear up, bite, posture over, bark, sit on, snarl, growl and bare teeth. Despite the overlap in behaviors, clear differences exist between play fighting and real fighting. When playing, dogs control the force of their bites and sometimes voluntarily give their playmate the advantage - for example, rolling over on their back or allowing themselves to be caught. These are behaviors that would NEVER happen during a real fight!
Dogs will also clearly animate their movements during play. They are most likely to "play bow" just before or immediately after performing an especially assertive move - such as a bite accompanied by a head shake. This pattern suggests that playing dogs recognize moments when their behavior can be misinterpreted as serious aggression and remind their partner that "I'm still playing."
To people unfamiliar with the notion that nonhuman animals have this ability, (play that includes aggressive behaviors) it can be quite confusing. Close attention to the actions can help differentiate between play aggression and the real thing.
Research shows that for many dogs, play fighting is the primary method used to negotiate new relationships and developing lasting friendships. When we regularly break up what we consider "inappropriate" play, we are confusing them by butting in to their conversations.
What is "safe play?" Although we recommend carefully monitoring play between dogs who are significantly different in size or age, or who do not know each other well, studies have shown that dogs are pretty good at figuring out which dogs they want to play with and how to play well with friends!
So... let the good times roll (over)!
Living with Kidney Disease
As pets age, the signs of chronic diseases, such as Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), can be subtle. This is why it is important for all of us as pet owners to be prepared and know the early signs of the disease.
CKD is an irreversible, progressive disease that typically affects older cats. Early in the disease the signs can be easy to overlook, and early detection and medical management is the key to slowing the progression.
CKD occurs when kidney cells become damaged. Once a kidney cell dies, the body is unable to replace it and the remaining cells must pick up the slack. CKD can have a variety of causes - from breed related heredity to viral infections to cancer. Most signs go unnoticed until late in the stage of the disease. Early in the disease, cat's lose the ability to concentrate their urine - this leads to excessive urination and increased thirst. As the disease progresses, excess waste (usually filtered by the kidneys) builds up in the bloodstream. Cats become weak, lethargic and less likely to groom themselves. Decrease appetite, weight loss and vomiting are also signs of CKD.
Because older cats are more likely to be affected by CKD, cats over the age of seven should be monitored for early signs - weight loss, increased thirst, decreased appetite, increased urination, poor grooming habits and decreased or hard stools.
Increasing your aging cat's veterinary visits to every six months (which is recommended for all aging pets) will also help catch CKD early. Your veterinarian can spot changes in your cat's physical exam that can alert that problems may exist. Routine senior bloodwork and urinalysis' are also keys to an early diagnosis.
The good news is that with early detection, frequent monitoring and at-home nursing care, many cats with early stage CKD lead full lives. Just remember, preventing complications such as dehydration and secondary infections is essential to long term health! As we say, you know your pet better than anyone! So if something is amiss, don't hesitate to have it checked out by your veterinarian!
Did You Know?
... That despite their fur coats, winter can be challenging for pets. Here are a few tips to keep your furry friends comfortable this winter season:
*Keep pets indoors when the temperatures go below freezing
*For outdoor pets, be sure they have proper shelter and that their water is not frozen.
*Don't leave your pet in the car in the cold weather.
*If your pet gets stuck outside in the freezing weather for a long time, they may get hypothermia. Signs include: slow pulse, shallow breathing, disorientation, collapse and unconsciousness. GET YOUR PET TO A VETERINARIAN IMMEDIATELY
*Antifreeze is a lethal poison for pets. Clean up any spills and consider using products that contain propylene glycol instead of ethylene glycol.
Top Ten Poisons
Surprisingly "people" food and plants aren't the top issues when it comes to pet poisoning. In 2009, the ASPCA Animal Control Poison Center received over 140,000 calls about pets exposed to poisons. Here are the top 10 for 2009:
*Human Medications (45,816 calls)
*Insecticides (29,020 calls)
*People Food (17,453 calls)
*Plants (7,858 calls)
* Veterinary Medications (7,680 calls)
*Rodenticides (6,639 calls)
Household Cleaners (4,143 calls)
* Heavy Metals (3,304 calls)
*Garden Products (2,329 calls)
*Chemical Hazards (2,175 calls)