Critter Corner – Little Things Mean A Lot To Our Pets
Critter Corner
Little things mean a lot to our pets
by Frances Goodman
“Little things mean a lot,” as the oldies song goes.
It’s a concept that applies to pets as well as people. But sometimes we are so busy, we overlook the small stuff.
Beyond a pet’s basic need for food, water, exercise and medical care, there are little attentions that can have a big effect on their quality of life.
Here are some things they might list:
Six small things to do for your dog:
1. Check to be sure the collar is not too tight. Is it comfy to wear 24 hours a day, every day, and for sleeping? (This is especially important to watch closely on growing puppies);
2. Check daily to be sure water bowl is clean, water is fresh;
3. Brush coat regularly with a comfortable brush (note comfortable) to remove loose fur and distribute the natural oils. Many dog owners overlook brushing and instead tend to overbathe, which can cause dry skin and itchiness. Regular brushing can also strengthen the bond between dog and owner;
4. Talk to your dog while taking walks together;
5. Take time to teach her a trick — sit for a treat, catch a food kibble, or shake. When she does it, tell her how smart she is.
6. Touch your dog frequently. Research has shown that for many dogs, being touched by their human is just as rewarding as receiving a food treat.
Six small things to do for your cat:
1. Check to be sure cat’s break-away collar is not too tight (comfy for sleeping?);
2. Keep water bowl clean and water fresh daily;
3. Sing to your cat while petting her;
4. Give cat an outside view– a perch by a window or a cat window-bench;
5. On tile or hard floors, toss a few dry food kibbles, one at a time, for cat to chase, “catch,” and eat. This can be great fun and fulfills the natural prey drive;
6. Buy pet grass at the pet supply store for kitty to nibble on for nutrients and fiber.
Little things can mean a lot.
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We heard it through the Grapevine
Pet lovers have their own round of Internet jokes going, and here’s a cute one that came our way:
“A man who was a little behind schedule arrived at a theater and went in to watch the movie that had already started. As his eyes adjusted to the darkness, he was surprised to see a dog sitting beside its master in the row ahead, intently watching the movie.
“The dog even seemed to be enjoying the show: wagging its tail at the happy bits, drooping its ears at the sad bits, and covering its eyes with its paws at the scary bits.
“After the movie, the man approached the dog’s owner: “Wow, man, your dog really seemed to enjoy the movie. I’m amazed’! ‘Yes, I’m amazed too,’ came the reply. ‘He hated the book.'”
See you next time. Thanks for caring about animals!
For questions, comments or news items, e-mail Frances Goodman at crittercorner@highdesert.com.
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