Vacation Care for Cats

Dogs and cats are very different when it comes to daycare/vacation care. Cats prefer to stay in their familiar surroundings rather than being whisked off to some facility or a friend’s house. Unusual places, smell, people can turn the nicest, purring cat into a “curtain climber”, “couch scratcher”, refusing food, and even neglect the litter box, using carpet and furniture instead. I talk from my own experience, as my mellow, loving cat turned into a hissing maniac, literally destroying the house of a friend within a week.
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With Halloween around the corner, a few tips to keep this holiday festive and full of fun instead of turning it into a nightmare.

First and foremost keep the chocolate and sweets away from your animals. We have mentioned several times already that just a tiny bit of chocolate can be lethal for cats and dogs. Also raisins are not something you want your animals to snack on!

Some animals respond less than joyful to your favorite costume. The strange look of their owners scares many of them. Better to introduce your outfit to the animals earlier in the day, maybe during a petting session.
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If you keep your dog in the yard make sure that your animal is properly protected from the elements. An insolated doghouse in a shaded place, enough water, the removal of all toxic materials (be careful with mulch!) and a secure fence are absolutely necessary. If your dog can look over the fence by standing on his hind legs chances are that he will jump the fence. Therefore make sure it is the right height and stable, made of wood, chain, or even an electronic fence. And remember, dogs like to dig – so watch the base of the fence and do necessary repairs or add enforcement as soon as you see that he started digging.
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If you only want a dog to protect your home, better get an alarm system. A dog is first and foremost a beloved and loving family member, with the addition of a voice. A voice that will announce visitors, strangers, and eventually keep intruders out.

It is a myth that large dogs are better guard dogs. A dog will become what you make of him. If he is loved, well cared for, respected, he will grow into a loving family pet regardless of his size. He will be protective of the family and guard it.
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Over 400 companies, Google Inc. is one of them, are proud to call themselves dog (pet)-friendly.
Hundreds of dogs now accompany their owners at their workplace, some companies allow telecommuting for their employees that prefer to be with their animals during work. Several thousand companies are expected to participate in the nearest future, an incredible increase from a few hundred some 10 years ago. The pet-friendly policy is beneficial for both sides – employers and employees. Not only do animals create a bond between workers, the absentee time decreases significantly.
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Animals act by instinct, humans act by emotions. An animal cannot “love you”, it will buddy up with its owner because the instinct tells him that he provides shelter, food, medical care.

Is this correct? No way! Such statements can only come from people who never had close contact or owned an animal!

Animals do show emotions! Why would your cat come, jump on your lap and start purring? Why would your dog greet you with wagging tail when you come home? You are not feeding them at this very moment. So why are they pleased to cuddle up, excited, happy to see you again?
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Don’t reward whining ….

Every dog owner has experienced it – your animal whines, howls, whimpers, barks and we just can’t figure out why. If you are sure that your dog does not need to go potty, is not hungry, hurting, IGNORE it!
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