The Care & Feeding of Aging Dogs

A lot of folks don’t realize it, but as companion animals grow older, their nutritional needs often change. As their caretakers, we owe it to them to provide the best we can, based on their current nutritional requirements. The truth is, when it comes to senior dogs, appropriate, targeted nourishment can make a real difference in terms of longevity and long-term happiness.


The Four Stages of Canine Life

The four stages of a dog’s life are:  puppyhood, adolescence, adult and senior. Keep in mind, however, that breeds age at differing rates. When it comes to determining where your dog lands on the scale, size really does matter. For instance, small breeds enter adolescence and reach full size as adults much more quickly than do large breeds. Even so, small breeds enjoy a longer period in the adult life stage. Large and giant breed dogs progress more rapidly to the senior life stage but overall have shorter lifespans. For example, while the average miniature poodle lives 15 years, a Great Dane’s life expectancy is about nine.

When Do Dogs Become Seniors?

There is not one specific age at which a pet becomes a senior. In general, veterinarians consider dogs ages 6-7 as having entered their senior years, with larger dogs reaching seniority more quickly than small breed dogs. In human terms, a small or medium-sized breed dog at seven years of age is the equivalent of a mid-forties human, while a large or giant breed dog is more similar to a 50- to 56-year-old.

Aging is a complex process that depends on breed, environment, and lifestyle, so even within the same breed, some individuals age more quickly than others. Your companion animal’s unique state of health is more important than any date on the calendar!


Common Health Conditions in Senior Dogs

Some of the common medical conditions seen in older pets include heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, obesity and joint disease. While it’s impossible for diet alone to address all of these conditions, we do know that providing senior dogs with optimal nutrition is the best thing you can do to ensure longevity (more about that in a minute). I ask each of you to work with your veterinarian to come up with a holistic plan to address your senior dog’s individual needs.

In addition to regular veterinary checkups, pet parents should be on the lookout for any of the following symptoms, all of which warrant a visit to the vet . . . . 

• Sudden changes in appetite, either decreased or increased
• Increased thirst & urination
• Straining to urinate or defecate
• Persistent cough
• Panting, even when resting
• Vomiting
• Difficulty rising from a resting position, climbing stairs, or getting in & out of cars
• Increased incidents of indoor elimination
• Sudden changes in temperament
• Acting confused or disoriented

The Importance of Dietary Supplements

Nutritional plans for seniors really should feature dietary supplements. For instance, most senior dogs would benefit from taking a premium joint supplement. Remember, aging joints are often painful joints! And it’s not at all uncommon for coats to lose their luster later in life . . . . not to mention, skin becoming dry and flaky. Adding a balanced skin-and-coat supplement just might make all the difference! And, of course, general wellness supplements with antioxidants and immune support could help provide what your senior dog needs for his or her golden years.


The All Life Stage Food Solution

If you have multiple dogs on different diets and you’re worried about who’s eating what, simplify meal time by feeding in different rooms, or even in crates.

For most households, a premium all life stage diet offers the perfect solution. At Life’s Abundance, we’ve worked diligently to perfect formulas that provide abundant nutrition for all breeds, at all points in their life spectrum. The truth is, puppies and senior dogs share many of the same nutritional needs. For instance, our All Life Stage Dog Food features the additional amino acids, probiotics, Vitamin E and zinc that dogs need early AND late in life. With precise portions and individualized wellness supplements, the needs of each individual dog can be met.


Now that we’ve covered canines, we will soon be delving into senior cat nutrition! 

Learn more about all of our pet & people products at:

www.PremiumPetFoodStore.com

Grief Recovery for Pet Loss ~ Dealing with the Loss of Unconditional Love

Everyone who loves them says the same thing: The only thing wrong with pets is that they just don’t live long enough. And it’s true. Their lifespans are shorter than ours. Someday, they’ll be gone.

For many, our pets are closer to us than some members of our own families. They live in our homes for years. They sleep in our beds and take us for walks, regardless of the weather. We tend to their needs; they tend to ours. The relationship is often liberating and intense; we can be ourselves with our pets more easily than we can with many of the humans in our lives. Good times or bad, they’re there for us, comforting us, forgiving us, and spurring our imaginations. Their habits become ours, and vice versa. And no matter how young or old we are, they keep reminding us how much fun it is to play!

Pets don’t care if we sing off-key; they don’t judge, criticize, correct, or demean. We carry their photos on our cell phones. We confide in them. Sure, they can manipulate us, but what are treats for? More often than not, the unconditional love between humans and pets flows both ways . . . . and when it stops, when the object of such pure affection dies, it truly can devastate us.

“It’s Just A . . . . "

When people we love pass away, no one is surprised to see us grieving. It’s natural . . . . to be expected. We can look to friends and family to provide sympathy and understanding and give us time and space to experience our feelings and arrive at some peace.

But when a pet dies, it’s often a different story. People we thought we knew and trusted often consider grieving for a pet strange, even silly. "It’s just a dog," they say. “It's just a cat.”

They Have No Idea

Pets are important members of our families. Considering how much emotional support and companionship they provide, it’s natural and healthy to feel intense sorrow when they die. But knowing it's natural doesn’t make it easy. Step number one: acknowledge your feelings. You don’t have to justify how to feel to anyone. Your love for your pet is all the permission you need to grieve his or her loss.


Grief, and Where It Takes You

In her groundbreaking book “On Death and Dying” (1969), Elizabeth Kübler-Ross delineated five stages of grieving, which apply as much to losing a beloved pet as they do to the death of a dear person. Of course, everyone grieves differently, and Kübler-Ross did not propose a five-step recipe for living through loss. Rather, the list presents a dynamic and fluid process. For some, the process is more or less sequential; for others, it develops its own rhythms, with feelings that overlap, leave, return, and often collide. In any case, most of us experience some aspect of all of these stages. Taken together, these insights shed light on where we are, what we can expect, and how we can care both for ourselves and for those around us.

1. Denial. Denial is a defense mechanism that dulls the shock of loss and gets us through the initial surge of pain. It’s that raw time when, just after a pet’s death, you could swear you heard him in the other room, “attacking” his favorite catnip mouse. Or you see her coming around the corner with her food dish in her mouth . . . . or sitting by the door, asking to go out. But it’s not your dog you see by the door; it’s a shoe. And it’s not your cat you hear; it’s your grief ~ and it feels as if it’s everywhere, inhabiting every space your pet ever occupied, including that emptiness in the pit of your stomach. Denial is both confusing and comforting, and it’s crucial for helping you realize how much you loved your companion and how deeply you miss him or her.

2. Anger. Denial is often followed by anger, which arrives when reality sets in. Grieving people can direct their anger almost anywhere ~ family, friends, veterinarians, even the pet we loved so much. We know better rationally, but emotionally it’s tempting to blame someone for the pain we’re feeling, including ourselves. “The vet should have seen this coming and done something. I should have gotten a second opinion. Why did my pet leave my like this?”

3. Bargaining. Many people try to deal with their sense of vulnerability and helplessness by bargaining, often with a higher power, with themselves, or even with their lost pet. Sometimes the bargaining involves a sense of guilt about what they did or didn’t do for their pet. Often it’s a jumble of intense, confusing emotions that seem impossible to reconcile. “I’d do anything for just one more day,” you think. “Anything!” If only I could take him for one more walk” “If only I could hear her purr one more time.” If only . . . . If only . . . .

4. Depression. Sometimes depression is another word for sadness. In this state, grief can lead us to acknowledge the finality of the separation we must face. Some people withdraw into their own worlds; others begin to reach out to others. In both cases, mourners need support and patience. Sadness helps you acknowledge that you’re wounded, and that’s the first step toward healing.

5. Acceptance. This is in some ways the most challenging stage in the grieving process. Acceptance does not mean forgetting or betrayal. What it does mean is embracing the sweet, beautiful life your pet lived, as well as the sad fact of his or her death. It means seeing and forgiving life itself for having an end, a fact we all know intellectually but often lose track of emotionally. Acceptance also recognizes that no other pet could replace the one you lost. At this point, remembering can bring more smiles than tears.

Finding Support

Everyone grieves differently. Ultimately, it’s a deeply personal, individual experience. Nevertheless, others have gone through it, and you can reach out to them and profit from their stories. Misery loves company, they say, and today, people grieving their companion animals can find wise company in many forms.

Go online. More than ever before, medical and psychiatric professionals are acknowledging and honoring the unique human/animal bond by offering safe, respectful support for people grieving the loss of a pet. Look for pet bereavement groups in your area. Talk to your veterinarian; many practices offer bereavement services for grieving clients. Check out pet-loss hotlines, books, videos, and magazine articles. Some experts in the field advise keeping a journal of your memories and feelings; others suggest holding a memorial event for your pet. And remember, as someone who dearly loved a pet, you probably have sensitive friends who’ve experienced similar loss. Talk to them. They want to listen. They want to help.


Giving Support

Children ~ For many children, the loss of a pet is their first experience of death. Children may blame themselves, their parents, or the veterinarian for letting their best friend die. Once again, the Internet offers a variety of sites full of sound advice. One thing experts agree on is that honesty is the best policy when dealing with children whose pets have died. Trying to soften the blow with a lie (“Sandy ran away!”) is the wrong approach. Not only will the child fantasize that the pet might return, he or she will feel betrayed after learning the truth. Being honest and gentle is best for the child and for your relationship.

Seniors ~ Older people whose pets die face a unique kind of grief. If they live alone, they might feel an overwhelming emptiness. Death always reminds us of our own mortality, but for seniors this reminder has a powerful immediacy. For older people, loss accumulates, and a pet's death may remind them of other losses in their lives. Further, deciding whether to adopt another pet is complicated by the possibility that the pet may outlive the senior. For these and other reasons, older people need special support and should take steps to deal with their loss and reaffirm their reason for carrying on. If you are a senior, reach out to friends and family. Contact a pet-loss hotline, or consider volunteering with a rescue group. If you know a senior in this situation, make a special effort to help by providing a sympathetic ear and pertinent information. No one has to do this alone.

Other Pets ~ Surviving pets often grieve, too. Some refuse to eat or drink, become lethargic or restless. Some become especially needy or “break training,” especially if they had a close connection with the deceased pet. Pets are especially sensitive to changes in their environment. Your distress, body language, and sadness can make a pet anxious and fearful. Talk to your veterinarian about how you can help your pets cope. Keeping the household as normal as possible will help them ~ and you ~ regain your footing.


Adopting Another Pet

Once again, there is no universal answer to when you “should” adopt another pet. In fact, there are no “shoulds” in the grieving process. You know you’ll never replace your deceased pet, any more than you could replace a beloved friend who’s died. Individuals are not replaceable, no matter the species.

People say you'll know when the time is right to adopt, and chances are you will. For some, the best way to grieve is to adopt immediately. For others, it takes time. So pay attention to how you feel. Make sure you’re ready to make the commitment again, even with all the emotional risks it entails.

Then, when the time comes, be sure to visit your local animal shelter. There will always be someone waiting for you. And the best way to honor the pet you’ve lost is to save the life of another.

For more information or to book an appointment for Grief Recovery, 

CLICK HERE

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This article excerpted from the North Shore Animal League America ~ the world's largest no-kill rescue and adoption organization that has saved the lives of over 1 million dogs, cats, puppies and kittens at risk of euthanasia. Through their many innovative programs, they reach across the country to rescue animals from overcrowded shelters, unwanted litters, puppy mills, natural disasters and other emergencies and find them permanent, loving homes. As a leader in the no-kill movement, they are dedicated to promoting shelter pet adoptions; encouraging spay/neuter programs; reducing animal cruelty; ending euthanasia; and advancing the highest standards in animal welfare. Please join us in saving the lives of innocent animals by donating to support their lifesaving mission.

Pet Food Super Powers by Dr. Jane Bicks

Believe it or not, it wasn’t until nearly the 20th Century that pet food was something distinct from scraps derived from human diets. However, only in the past four decades has the emphasis on health promotion entered the mix. Some of our readers will no doubt recall the “Gravy Train” commercials of the 70’s. Pet food certainly has changed dramatically since those days!

Back in 1999, our company was born of the true revolution in health-promoting diets for companion animals. As a holistic veterinarian formulator, I’m proud to say our nourishing formulas have made a real difference for the dogs and cats who enjoy our products every day.

As many Life’s Abundance customers have witnessed firsthand, simply feeding a dog or cat appropriate nutrition can go a long way in promoting health. But how exactly does food alone help to protect wellness? In the following, we’ll explore four ways that nutrition packs a powerful punch!

Edible Immune Protection

One of the best ways you can protect your pet kid is by building up his or her immune system. The scientific evidence is clear … a stressed body has a lower immunity compared to a non-stressed individual. Veterinary behaviorists are just discovering sources of stress in companion animals. Many focus on domesticated cats, who have on the evolutionary scale only just recently made the switch to indoor living. Even though we don’t know all the things that cause stress, or even recognize all the symptoms of stress in pet kids, we do know that actively trying to improve their immunity with proper nutrition is worthwhile.

At Life’s Abundance, we were one of the first to add fruits and vegetables to our formulas. They naturally offer huge amounts of flavanoids, vitamin E, C and so much more. Antioxidants are just one of the many reasons doctors and dieticians say, “eat your fruits and veggies!” A 2002 study suggests that antioxidant supplementation can achieve sustained increases in circulating levels of antioxidants that exert a protective effect by a decrease in DNA damage, leading to improved immunological performance.

Our formulas feature guaranteed levels of Vitamin E and C, as well as guaranteed amounts of probiotics, important to gut health and immunity.

Healthy Joints

Joint health, which affects one’s ability to get around, is obviously important to your pet kid’s quality of life. Foods and dietary supplements that contain natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate have been scientifically shown to promote cartilage, joint and connective tissue health. This is done by decreasing the enzymatic activity that breaks down cartilage in canine joints. These compounds, along with other synergistic ingredients, are found in Life’s Abundance Agility Supplement.

Possibly even more important to your pet kid’s joint health is maintaining a healthy, size and breed-appropriate weight. Your first clue that your dog or cat is too heavy is when you cannot easily distinguish the ribs (and the spaces between them). Measure out proper meal proportions for your companion animal, using the recommended servings as a guideline, to help maintain an ideal weight. If your dog needs to shed excess pounds, I strongly encourage you to cut back on portions and consider switching to our Weight Loss Formula for Adult Dogs. Of course, I can’t stress enough the importance of regular exercise, which also supports joint and bone health.

Sharp Minds & Shiny Coats

For cats and dogs, skin and hair condition reflects overall health and well-being. If your cat has a matted, greasy coat, or your dog’s once shiny coat has grown dull over time, these are examples of the body sending clear messages that something is up and you should schedule an appointment with the veterinarian.

To maintain healthy skin and coat, dogs and cats need to eat the appropriate ratio of fatty acids. Dogs cannot produce omega-6 fatty acids on their own, so it’s vital that they consume sufficient amounts through diet. In fact, new research is highlighting the importance of adding omega-3 fatty acid supplements to daily intake as well, but in proper ratios with other fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are particularly important for pregnant dogs and for puppies, as they are required for brain and retinal development.

Proper Digestion from Tip to Tail

Many people don’t realize, but your pet’s digestion starts with his or her teeth! Brushing your pet’s teeth at home, coupled with routine oral health check-ups at the vet, can have a phenomenally positive effect on your pet’s health. Giving your dog a daily dental treat and safe items to chew can benefit overall health and digestion.

And that’s just the beginning of a healthy digestive system. To keep things moving along the entire tract, all Life’s Abundance dry foods are formulated with prebiotic fiber, a plant-based carbohydrate that produces fatty acids. These fatty acids provide energy to the large intestine and promote overall health of the entire intestinal system.

We live in a very exciting and fortunate time. With all these advances in nutrition and veterinary medicine, our beloved pets will benefit, living longer and being healthier.

Learn more or get started on your pet's transition to better health. 

Samples available! 

www.PremiumPetFoodStore.com

REFERENCES:

Massimino S1, Kearns RJ, Loos KM, Burr J, Park JS, Chew B, Adams S, Hayek MG. Effects of age and dietary beta-carotene on immunological variables in dogs. J Vet Intern Med. 2003 Nov-Dec;17(6):835-42.

Heaton PR1, Reed CF, Mann SJ, Ransley R, Stevenson J, Charlton CJ, Smith BH, Harper EJ, Rawlings JM. Role of dietary antioxidants to protect against DNA damage in adult dogs. J Nutr. 2002 Jun;132(6 Suppl 2):1720S-4S

Flint River Ranch Officially Closes to Distributors . . . Then Partially Reopens??!

It's A Matter Of Trust!

In December Flint River Ranch announced it would be terminating the MLM / Distributor portion of their business and would be selling via direct sales. This came as a shock to thousands of distributors who had helped them build them company. On February 15, 2016, Flint River Ranch officially closed its doors. At the end of March, they posted a notice that they are only shipping limited products to a handful of western States and are hoping to prove to investors that they are a somehow trustworthy. 

If you were a Flint River Ranch customer or distributor, I invite you to please take a look at our premium line of pet products ~ www.PremiumPetFoodStore.com.  

Our products have NEVER been recalled, they are formulated by a holistic vet and are delivered fresh to your door. We can't say enough good things about this company and its products!  We have personally been feeding their foods, treats and supplements for several years, however, the company has been around since 1999. There are not a lot of companies that have been in business for 17 years and can still make the statement that they have never had a single recall!

Flint River Ranch issued this email to their clients:

It is with heavy heart that I have to announce the closure of the Flint River Ranch Company at end of business today; February 15, 2016.   We have tried to overcome our challenges for these past 2 months, but we have been unable to garner the necessary support to return to normal operations as we had intended.

We thank our customers and cadre of Flint River Ranch Independent Distributors for their support and loyalty over these past 25 years. We have loved being a part of your pets lives and in a small way, making an impact on strengthening the nutritional offerings by this industry. Most pet products offered are much better now than where they were when we first started, we’d like to think that we were part of this improvement.

All official orders submitted to the Flint River Ranch Company before today have either been shipped out or we are in the act of canceling and refunding that order. If you ordered through a FRR Independent Distributor, you will need to contact them directly to find out the disposition of your order in question. Flint River Ranch can only be responsible for the official orders that we have actually had processed into our order system. Logging into your “My Customer Account” link at the foot of this page will take you into the Flint River Ranch database where you can research to see if you have an order that has been “shipped” or “voided”. All voided orders either have been or if just received, will be refunded. Automatic shipments that were on file, we had product for and were to ship by this Friday, have been processed for shipment.

I know that this is a shock and extremely disappointing to so many of you. We hate that we have made it more difficult on you for finding your pets nutritional needs. We are truly sorry for this difficulty.

We all wish to extend our gratitude to all of you for allowing us to be a part of your pet’s life…we have taken that responsibility very seriously over these years.

Warmest regards,

Jay P. Margedant

Life's Abundance offers distributorships too! Join our team and help transition your current customers to Life's Abundance. You can get started as a Basic Rep for $29.95 or choose one of our Executive Rep packages. Feel free to Contact Us with any questions you may have!

Learn more about the Life's Abundance business opportunity:

  www.PremiumPetFoodBiz.com

Tired Of Pet Food Recalls?!

ALERT: If You Feed Your Dog Purina, Make Sure To Check Against This Recall!

Nestlé-Purina has issued a voluntary recall on a number of their wet dog food tubs due to lack of nutrition. The lines being recalled don't have the recommended vitamins and minerals found in normal dog food. This recall includes specific lots of Beneful Prepared Meals, Beneful Chopped Blends, and Pro Plan Savory Meals.

Click HERE for the Latest Purina Recall

TIRED OF PET FOOD RECALLS?

Choose Life's Abundance Dog and Cat Food! They have NEVER been recalled and the food is shipped fresh to your door within 4-6 weeks of being made. They have been in business since 1999! Choose a pet food you can trust! This food is only sold online to ensure you receive the freshest food possible. Click Here to order.

www.PremiumPetFoodStore.com

Learn more and order here:

www.PremiumPetFoodStore.com

Why Giving Animals As Gifts Never Makes Good Sense

Animals, like us, require love and proper care to flourish. Although people who give animals as gifts invariably have good intentions, it is unfair to give an animal to anyone unless you are absolutely certain that the person wants that particular animal as a companion and is willing and able to give a lifetime of proper care.


Think Twice Before Giving

Adding an animal companion to the family is an important decision. It means making a permanent commitment to care for and spend time with the animal and to provide for his or her lifelong care.

Before adopting, consider the time and money involved in proper animal care. Will your loved one have the time and patience to exercise and housetrain the animal? Is he or she prepared to pay for food, accessories (such as toys, grooming supplies, leashes and harnesses, and bedding), inoculations, and veterinary care, including spaying or neutering, flea treatment, deworming, and emergency care?

If a family decides to adopt an animal, every member of the family should go to the local animal shelter together to choose the animal, having already discussed the obligations and long-term commitments involved. Please, never buy from breeders or pet stores, and always practice your ABCs ~ animal birth control. For every animal purchased from a breeder or a pet shop, a potential home is taken away from a homeless dog or a cat at a local animal shelter.


Teaching Children Responsibility and Kindness

Small children may unintentionally harm animals, even breaking their fragile bones or causing other fatal injuries, when they think they are playing. Puppies, kittens, bunnies, chicks, baby ducks, and other young animals are especially vulnerable.

We have heard too many stories about families in which the child has lost interest in an animal, and the adult is forced to make the difficult decision on the best way to “solve” the problem. Often this means turning the animal over to a crowded shelter or pound or ~ worse ~ passing the animal on to a series of homes, causing trauma, psychological scarring, and behavioral problems.

Rarely A Happy Outcome for the Animals

Animal shelters are filled beyond capacity with homeless animals, many of whom were former “pets” who, for one reason or another, didn’t fit into someone’s lifestyle. No matter how much they would like to, many people who receive animals as gifts find that they are unable to make the lifelong commitment to care for their new companion.

Sadly, many people end up turning animals they received as gifts over to an already overburdened humane society or animal control agency that is likely filled to capacity. In worst-case scenarios, some people even abandon animals on the road or in the back yard when they move away.


Here's What You Can Do 

~ Don’t ever give an animal as a gift. If you have discussed the idea with the prospective recipients and know that they have the time, willingness, ability, and resources to properly care for an animal and make that serious commitment, consider offering them a gift certificate from the local animal shelter.

~ If you attend a fair, flea market, or other event at which animals are being given away, try to politely educate those who are responsible. If people are offering free kittens or puppies, for example, explain the risks of giving animals to unknown passersby ~ some people sell dogs and cats to laboratories or dealers, and others abuse, neglect, or abandon them.

~ Make a pledge that you will never buy an animal from a pet store or a breeder and that you will always practice your ABCs (animal birth control) by spaying or neutering your animal companions.

Does Coat Color Predict Feline Behavior?

Our companion animal’s coat colors, once only the concern of breeders, have now become the focus of research for other characteristics, including behavior. You may have heard reports that white coat color has been linked to deafness in both dogs and cats. Others have suggested a connection between coat color and aggressive behavior in some dog breeds. Now there’s some evidence of an association between feline behavior and coat color. But is there really anything substantial to this claim?

First, how do cats get their color? Coat-color pattern genes fall into four categories that control spotting, pigment intensity, orange and agouti color switching, and even patterns. Located on the X chromosome, several sex-linked genes are responsible for controlling fur color, such as orange and black. Female cats whose XX sex chromosomes have a genetic predisposition to orange and black fur display a patchwork coat, yielding what are commonly known as tortoiseshell coloring (affectionately referred to as “torties”). Other varieties of this include torbies (tortoiseshell tabbies) and calico mosaics. Male cats can have these coat colors, but only if they are an XXY, which makes male calicos and tortoiseshells extremely rare.

Researchers have also studied whether behavior can be inherited in the cat as well. A series of studies conducted in the 1980s to the 1990s showed that cats inherit some levels of sociability from their fathers. They noted that certain aspects of a kitten’s personality remain relatively constant throughout the first few years of life, suggesting a genetic predisposition to personality (Lowe and Bradshaw, 2001). Type of cat breed influences differences in interactions with humans, for example, Siamese cats are more demanding and vocal toward their pet parents when compared with other breeds (Turner and Bateson, 2000).

There are lots of reports about what cat lovers think about the behavior of their cats and how that relates to coat color. Orange cats are thought to be friendly (Delgado et al, 2012), some perceive black cats to be wild and unpredictable (Huntingford, 2009), and still others claim that tortoiseshells have a combination of stubbornness, independence, and unpredictability (Delgado, Munera, Reevy, 2012). Way back in 1895, veterinarians were quoted as saying torties were ‘not overly affectionate, sometimes even sinister, and most ill-tempered in disposition’ (Huidekoper, 1895). How rude!

Certainly, there are anecdotal reports of tortoiseshells and calicos being rather . . . shall we say . . . feisty, inspiring personality descriptors like ‘tortitude’ and ‘calico crazies’. However, due to the lack of actual research in this area, veterinary behaviorist Elizabeth Stelow and her team of researchers set out to determine whether coat-color can be truly linked to behavior in cats. The four-month survey disguised the fact that coat color was the primary subject, to avoid bias on the part of the responders. Over 1,400 pet parents filled out the survey, and the results just might surprise you!

Pet parents of kitties reported tortoiseshells, calicos, “torbies”, as well as black-and-white and gray-and-white cats, acted more frequently aggressive toward humans in three settings: during everyday interactions, during handling, and during veterinary visits. The researchers were surprised that gray-and-white and black-and-white cats were reported as more aggressive in these settings.

But keep in mind . . . the behaviorists did not independently observe any cats themselves, so the study was completely reliant on the self-reporting of the cats’ guardians. Furthermore, the respondents were people who might have had preconceived notions about their cat’s behavior. This factor could skew the results for the tortie or calico cats, but what about grey-and-white or black-and-white cats?

The study concluded that coat colors may be associated with aggressive behaviors in the cat but that the differences are actually relatively minor. These findings support some common assumptions about personalities associated with different cat color patterns, and can help people better understand their feline companions. Researchers also concluded that the subtlety of the results of this study suggests the need for additional research on the topic of the relationship between coat color and behavior. Anyone considering adopting a pet should pay attention to the behavior of each individual cat they meet, rather than making decisions about cats based on the coat color. I suppose one could honestly say, never judge a book by its color!

Regardless of your cat's coat color, feed them the best . . . natural, never-recalled premium cat food from Life's Abundance . . . delivered fresh to your door!

www.PremiumPetFoodStore.com

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Article References

Elizabeth A. Stelow, Melissa J. Bain & Philip H. Kass (2015): The Relationship Between Coat Color and Aggressive Behaviors in the Domestic Cat, Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, DOI: 10.1080/10888705.2015.1081820

Amat, M., de la Torre, J. L. R., Fatjó, J., Mariotti, V. M., Van Wijk, S., & Manteca, X. (2009). Potential risk factors associated with feline behaviour problems. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 121, 134–139.

Amat, M., Manteca, X., Mariotti, V. M., de la Torre, J. L. R., & Fatjó, J. (2009). Aggressive behavior in the English cocker spaniel. Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research, 4, 111–117.

Bateson, W. (1894). Materials for the study of variation, treated with especial regard to discontinuity in the origin of species. London, England: MacMillan.

Becker, M. (2012). Is there a connection between markings and personality in cats? Retrieved from vetstreet.com/dr-marty-becker/is-there-a-connection-between-markings-and-personality-in-cats.

Dantas-Divers, L. M. S. (2011). Questions about coat color and aggression in cats (author response). Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 239, 1288–1289.

Delgado, M. M., Munera, J. D., & Reevy, G. M. (2012). Human perceptions of coat color as an indicator of domestic cat personality. Anthrozoös, 25, 427–440.

Huidekoper, R. S. (1895). The cat: A guide to the classification and varieties of cats and a short treatise upon their care, diseases, and treatment. New York, NY: D. Appleton.

Huntingford, J. (2009). The color of a cat can determine their personality. Retrieved from petwellbeing.com/ blog/the-color-of-a-cat-can-determine-their-personality.

Kim, Y. K., Lee, S. S., Oh, S. I., Kim, J. S., Suh, E. H., Houpt, K. A. ... Yeon, S. C. (2010). Behavioural reactivity of the Korean native Jindo dog varies with coat colour. Behavioural Processes, 84, 568–572.

Kogan, L. R., Schoenfeld-Tacher, R., & Hellyer, P. W. (2013). Cats in animal shelters: Exploring the common perception that black cats take longer to adopt. Open Veterinary Science Journal, 7, 18–22.

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Cold Weather Safety Tips for Dogs

Exposure to winter’s dry, cold air and chilly rain, sleet and snow can cause chapped paws and itchy, flaking skin, but these aren’t the only discomforts pets can suffer. Winter walks can become downright dangerous if chemicals from ice-melting agents are licked off of bare paws. To help prevent cold weather dangers from affecting your pet’s health, please heed the following advice from our experts:

• Repeatedly coming out of the cold into the dry heat of your home can cause itchy, flaking skin. Keep your home humidified and towel dry your pet as soon as he comes inside, paying special attention to his feet and in-between the toes. Remove any snow balls from between his foot pads.
• Never shave your dog down to the skin in winter, as a longer coat will provide more warmth. If your dog is long-haired, simply trim him to minimize the clinging ice balls, salt crystals and de-icing chemicals that can dry his skin, and don’t neglect the hair between his toes. If your dog is short-haired, consider getting him a coat or sweater with a high collar or turtleneck with coverage from the base of the tail to the belly. For many dogs, this is regulation winter wear.
• Bring a towel on long walks to clean off stinging, irritated paws. After each walk, wash and dry your pet’s feet and stomach to remove ice, salt and chemicals—and check for cracks in paw pads or redness between the toes.

• Bathe your pets as little as possible during cold spells. Washing too often can remove essential oils and increase the chance of developing dry, flaky skin. If your pooch must be bathed, we recommend a moisturizing shampoo and/or rinse.
• Massaging a non-toxic, pet safe paw protectant into paw pads before going outside can help protect from salt and chemical agents.Booties provide even more coverage and can also prevent sand and salt from getting lodged between bare toes and causing irritation. Use pet-friendly ice melts whenever possible.
• Like coolant, antifreeze is a lethal poison for dogs and cats. Be sure to thoroughly clean up any spills from your vehicle, and consider using products that contain propylene glycol rather than ethylene glycol.

• Pets burn extra energy by trying to stay warm in wintertime. Feeding your pet a little bit more during the cold weather months can provide much-needed calories, and making sure she has plenty of water to drink will help keep her well-hydrated and her skin less dry.
• Make sure your companion animal has a warm place to sleep, off the floor and away from all drafts. A cozy dog or cat bed with a warm blanket or pillow is perfect.
• Remember, if it’s too cold for you, it’s probably too cold for your pet, so keep your animals inside. If left outdoors, pets can freeze, become disoriented, lost, stolen, injured or killed. In addition, don’t leave pets alone in a car during cold weather, as cars can act as refrigerators that hold in the cold and cause animals to freeze to death.

* Portions of this article excerpted from the ASPCA General Pet Care