Animal Care Foundation Blog - Animal Care Foundation of Minnesota

The Perks of Pet Fountains

7/6/2022

A pet fountain is a water fountain for your pets. Many dogs and cats prefer running water to drink from, so having a pet fountain that is a source of running water will grab the attention of your pets and can help keep them hydrated. Generally, cats are picky water drinkers so a device like this helps encourage them to drink more.

Pet fountains maintain a temperature that is 1 - 2 degrees cooler than a traditional pet water dish. Pet fountains can also carry 1-6 liters of water, which means you don’t have to constantly refill your pet’s water.

Because the water in a pet fountain is constantly circulating it helps prevent dirty build-up, unlike a traditional water bowl. Some pet fountains even have filters to collect any dirt in the fountain, keeping the water clean and safe for your pets. However, this doesn’t mean that you can get by without cleaning the fountain. It is a good idea to clean the fountain at least once per week. Most fountains have a filter that will last for about a month, make sure to replace it as recommended by the manufacturer.

Pet fountains can be especially helpful for pets with kidney or liver problems as well as diabetes. Since you can not reason with your pet to get them to drink more, having appealing sources of water for your pet can be a great health benefit. Because of this, you should consider having multiple sources of freshwater for your pet around your home so they are always close to an attractive water source. One fountain in an inconvenient location will not increase the amount your pet drinks.

When looking for a pet water fountain, make sure you get one that is specifically made for pets or says that it is made of food safe materials. Many decorative fountains contain minerals or chemicals that are dangerous for people and animals to consume.

What are your experiences with pet fountains? Please comment below.

Written by Shaniya Payton and Heather Mains

6 Funny Pet Behaviors

6/8/2022

Cats and dogs are amazing for countless reasons, but have you ever seen your pet do something strange and wonder why? Today we’re counting down some of our favorite funny pet behaviors and breaking down the meanings behind each action.

1. Kneading
At one point or another, you’ve probably seen your cat knead with their paws. Kneading is when a cat pushes their paws against soft objects, such as a blanket or lap, the action is often referred to as “making biscuits”. From the very beginning of kitten-hood to the end of their adulthood, cats knead because it’s instinctive. For kittens, kneading is a signal to their mothers for milk. For adult cats, kneading brings pleasure and can be used to mark territory. It’s important to always let your domesticated cat express and retain their instinctual behaviors. If the kneading behavior is damaging furniture, consider placing a folded blanket in their favorite kneading spot as protection.

2. Spinning in Circles
Have you ever seen a dog aimlessly spin in circles? The list of reasons why a dog spins in circles is extensive, but there are four common reasons. The first reason is right before a bathroom break. Dogs intuitively take time to “mark their territory” along with circling the environment to survey their surroundings before proceeding to squat down. Another occasion is before settling down for a nap. This pre-nap ritual acts as a signal to other dogs that this spot belongs to this dog. The last two reasons are controlled by emotions, if a dog is happy or if a dog is anxious. If you notice an increase in anxious spinning, consult your veterinarian.

3. The Zoomies
One second your cat is sitting peacefully and the next your cat is “zooming” and frantically running around the house! As the name suggests, this behavior is called the zoomies. Cats are known for getting these whimsical little bursts of energy, but why? The zoomies are more likely to occur in the middle of the night when your cat has had an excess of rest and needs to release their pent-up energy. Cats naturally get the zoomies from time to time, but if it’s a daily occurrence or waking you up in the middle of the night, it’s likely a sign of not enough exercise. The best way to avoid everyday zoomies to make sure your cat is getting enough exercise and playtime. Laser pointers, throwable cat toys, and cat dancers can help get your kitty the exercise and mental stimulation they need.

4. Winking
Have you ever thought maybe your dog was trying to communicate with you through their eyes? Winking is a distinctive gesture dogs use to express affection and happiness! Similarly to humans, dogs have facial expressions to connect with other dogs or their families. Dogs like to mimic human behaviors; it should not come as a surprise if you wink and your dog winks back at you. While a little wink from your pup is nothing short of adorable, too much blinking may be a sign of a medical issue. If you’re noticing chronic or prolonged blinking, be sure to see your vet to make sure there is not an infection or foreign body causing the action.

5. Sitting On Your Laptop
Since cats are naturally drawn to warmth, it’s not much of a surprise cats love to lounge on laptops. Laptop keyboards provide coziness along with some guaranteed attention from a pet parent. Despite how many cozy crevices you have in your home, cats like to be near you; or in other words, be the center of attention! If this behavior is preventing you from getting your work done, you can take 2 different approaches. First, you can provide them with a comfy bed to the side of your work station. Often this will prevent them from being directly on top of your work space but still nearby their greatest love (YOU!). If this does not work, avoid giving your cat attention and encourage them to move to a more appropriate nap location.

6. Barking At Reflection
As we all know, dogs tend to bark at a lot of things. But the most puzzling may be when your dog catches a glimpse of their reflection. Dogs are highly intelligent animals, however the sense they rely on the most is smell and not vision. When they catch an unexpected glimpse of themselves in the mirror they are surprised that another dog could sneak up on them! If you’re looking to lessen barking at reflections, simply allow your pup more time in front of the mirror or glass door. This will allow your dog to become more comfortable with their reflection.

Written by: Gracie Butler

Pets in Cars

6/1/2022

One of the most avoidable pet-fatalities occurs when pets are left in cars. Whether you’re running into the grocery store or popping into the post office, it is never safe to leave an animal in a hot car unattended.

According to studies, hundreds of pets die from car-related heatstroke every year; studies also show the first 15-30 minutes are critical. Parked cars can become ovens fast. Even on a day a moderately warm day, a parked car can rise from 75˚F to 100˚F in just ten minutes. You may have heard of a “safe period”, the amount of time in which your pet can be left in a car. However, it is not prudent to follow a “safe period” since there are external factors that you can not control, such as the sun shifting. Since there are many factors as to why a car heats up, there’s not a safe amount of time to leave your pet.

Another thing to remember is your pet’s inability to sweat. You’ll need to keep in mind when you’re warm your animal is even warmer! Most dogs and cats are covered with a thick coat of fur making it difficult for them to dissipate their body heat. Warning signs that your pet is in distress include heavy panting, tongue hanging out, restlessness, anxiety, clawing at window, trembling, vomiting, disoriented, foaming at mouth, diarrhea, collapsing, and seizures.

What can you do if you see an animal trapped in a car that appears unsafe? The state of Minnesota prohibits leaving a dog or cat unattended in a standing or parked motor vehicle in a manner that endangers the dog's or cat's health or safety. For this reason, you can feel justified calling law enforcement. You could also wait nearby for a few minutes to see if the owner returns quickly.

All pets are at risk of developing heat stroke if left in a car, this can lead to severe illness or death. We urge you to recognize it is always your responsibility to keep your pet safe and spread awareness! Ultimately, the goal is to avoid the heartache of losing your pet’s life to a hot car.

Written by: Gracie Butler

Hydration and Heat Protection for Dogs

5/18/2022

The dog days are in full-swing, and you may be wondering how to keep your pup happy and healthy during this warm season! From hydration to feet protection, read on to learn how to keep your dog healthy and happy as you enjoy the warm weather together.

Black and white dog drinking from a spigot.

Hydration
The first step to beating the heat with your dog is to always have a supply of water. Whether you’re going for a stroll, drive, or running an errand, it’s important to keep your dog hydrated both indoors and outdoors. Many public beaches and parks have a spout of clean water, but it’s never safe to assume; error on the side of caution and bring water. You’ll also need to know how to identify signs of dehydration, the more noticeable signs can include vomiting, loss of energy, excessive panting, and the loss of elasticity in your dog’s skin. However, there are less spottable signs; here is a resource that identifies all possible signs and can help decipher if your furry friend has had too much sun. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/warning-signs-dehydration-dogs/

Tan and white dog sitting on hind legs with paw in the air.

Paw Protection
The next thing you’ll want to know is how to protect your dog’s paws. We all know the pain of a bad sunburn, but did you know your pup can catch a burn too? Burned paws are more common than you may realize, wildly uncomfortable, and potentially dangerous for your dog. The signs you should look for are limping, avoiding walks, licking or chewing feet, paw pads appearing darker than usual, pads looking visibly damaged, and blisters or redness. To avoid burned paws try using dog booties or socks to shield hot pavements and avoid walking on streets during the peak temperature of the day. It’s important to regularly check their paws and monitor the weather app before strolling on hotter surfaces. Since your dog may not realize there’s a problem, it’s up to you to recognize the signs and protect your furry friend.

Tan puppy sleeping in the shade under a picnic table.

Find Shade
As much as you and your pup may love to bask in the sun, we all need a break! Whether you’re on a walk, spending time at the park, or chilling in the yard, be sure to scout out a shady area for your dog to catch a break from the rays; tree shade and tarps are prime places since they don’t obstruct air flow. We recommend paying attention to how long your dog has been exposed to the sun, and make sure to monitor how strong the UV rays are that day. Always remember when you’re warm, your dog with a fur coat and inability to sweat, is especially warm.

Tan dog sleeping inside on a pink pillow.

Take a Break
The final thing we want you to keep in mind is to give your dog a rest! With all the adventures summer has to offer, it’s important to take a break from your summer activities, head indoors, and enjoy a nap. We suggest monitoring your dog’s activity and building in breaks on the particularly hot days. Despite how much energy your pup exhibits, we all need downtime. Make sure to know your dog’s limits in order to have the happiest and healthiest summer yet!

Written by Gracie Butler

Spring and Summer Activities To Do With Your Dog

3/23/2022

Spring and summer are finally within reach, and with the temperatures rising you may be looking for some activities to make the warm seasons cool. Here are a few ways to make the most of your Spring and Summer with your pup.

Go For a Stroll, Hike, or Run
Activity Intensity Rating: 3/10 - 9/10

Dog running through the woods.

We all know how much dogs love to embrace the outdoors! Whether it’s through a walk, hike or run, such activities are possible nearly everywhere anytime! Some great trails your dog will love in Minneapolis and St. Paul are the Minnehaha Fall Lower Glen Trail, the Mississippi Gorge Regional Park, and Winchell Trail. You can Google “hiking trails'' for a list in your area. Whether you head for a wooded trail or walk around your neighborhood, spending time outdoors is a great way to get some exercise and have quality time with your dog.

Dog-friendly Dining
Activity Intensity Rating: 2/10

Dog under a patio table.

Outdoor dining in the Spring and Summer are great, bringing your dog along with you to your favorite patio is even better! Two great options with dog-friendly patios in Minneapolis and St. Paul are Eagle Street Grill and Aster Café. If you’re looking to feed you and your dog head over to The Howe Daily Kitchen and Bar where dogs are welcome on the “pawtio” and have their own doggy menu; yappy-hour is from 3:00pm-6:00pm!

Take a Swim
Activity Intensity Rating: 2/10 - 5/10

Dog jumping through water on a beach.

Splish, splash, or take a bath! In the land of 10,000 lakes finding a body of water for your pup to splash around in is hardly a problem. Whether you’re wanting to play with your dog or just enjoy watching them, taking advantage of the water is a great way to cool off on those warmer days. Make sure you check for postings about sewage leaks, algae blooms, or other contamination that would make the water unsafe for your dog before letting them swim.

Enjoy a Treat
Activity Intensity Rating: 2/10

Dog eating an ice cream treat with a dog bone in it.

Whether it be a pup cup, lick of ice cream, or homemade dog dessert, your dog will love a sweet treat to enjoy on beautiful Spring and Summer days. Pup cups can either entail a small cup of custard or whip sold at numerous fast-food chains such as McDonald’s, Dairy Queen, and Starbucks. If you’re looking for a DIY activity, countless dog dessert recipes can be found on Pinterest. What better way to show your dog how much you love them than by treating them with sweetness! If your dog has never consumed these treats make sure to offer them in moderation. Dogs are lactose intolerant and if they eat too much of these delicious treats, their tummies may not be too happy! Offering them ice cubes or other hard frozen treats can cause cracked teeth that then need to be addressed by a veterinarian, softer options are better. Some dogs are very sensitive to dietary changes, checking with your vet before trying these treats would be a good choice.

Yard and Outdoor Relaxation
Activity Intensity Rating: 1/10

Dog sitting in front of a dog house on a sunny summer day.

Sometimes the best ways to spend time with your dog are more peaceful and laid-back activities. For this activity all you really need is a cozy spot in your yard or local park! Hot days are inevitable this summer, make sure your dog takes breaks from play and has access to plenty of water and shade to avoid heat exhaustion and potentially life threatening reactions.

Written By: Grace Butler

Easy Homemade Pet Toys

12/15/2021

It is that time of year when many of us are getting loved ones gifts. We at ACF hope that you don’t forget your furry (or scaly) loved ones and want to share some easy homemade gifts you can share with your (or someone else's) pet!

Dog Specific Toys:

Check out this article on Puppy Links for several great and easy to make dog toys for your pup of any age!

Another cost effective option is to rescue a child’s stuffed animal from a thrift store. Make sure to wash the animal before giving it to your pet and remove any hard embellishments (like eyes, noses, or buttons) so that your dog does not swallow them.

Cat Specific Toys:
Check out this article by Marlene Sauer for
some great cat specific toys that are super easy
to make!

My cats’ favorite toys are craft puff balls that
I leave in a container of catnip. I take fresh
ones out periodically, and return the old ones
to refresh in the catnip essence.

Rodent, Bird, and Reptile Toys:
Many of the above cat and dog toys can also serve as reptile, rodent and bird toys.

You can find some specific Reptile toy recommendations on the Reptiles Direct page here.

Check out The Spruce Pets article by Lianne McLeod, DVM for some great rodent toys. (Though this is targeted to rats, many would be great for rabbits, mice, hamsters, gerbils, and more!)

Bird toy ideas can be found at Exotic Direct here. These are targeted to parrots, so size down if you have smaller birds!

Fall Activities To Enjoy With Your Dog

10/20/2021

With the fall season rapidly approaching, here are a couple of activities that you and your fur baby can add to your fall bucket list to do together to celebrate the season!

Apple Picking

Picking apples is the perfect fall activity to do with your dog. Ammodts Apple Orchard and LuceLine Orchard are great dog-friendly apple orchards located in Minnesota. You and your pup can snack on apples together, pick them, and then bring them home and create a delicious treat.

Go For a Walk, Drive, or Hike

You and your furry friend can take in the fall colors by going for a nice long walk, taking a drive down the scenic route with the windows rolled down, or by going for a hike. There are many dog-friendly hiking trails located in Minnesota that are ideal for exploring and admiring the fall leaves.

Visit a local Taproom or Restaurant

Do you ever wish that you could have a beer, a bite to eat, and spend time with your pup? Luckily, at Unleashed Hounds and Hops, your dog can hang out with you and other dogs while you grab a beer and some food from the taproom. Saturdays and Sundays in October you can stop by Unleashed Hounds and Hops for BarktoberFest, where they offer a specialized menu, prizes, and great brews. There are other local outdoor dog-friendly restaurants that you can take your pup to though, I would double-check with a quick phone call to make sure that they are in fact pet friendly.

Plan matching Halloween Costumes

Whether you plan on going trick or treating or not, it is always fun to dress up for the occasion. Once you and your dog have decided on your Halloween costumes, you can take a photo and enter the Animal Care Foundation Pet Halloween Costume Contest. The winner will receive a Starbucks gift card!

Keep Fido and Fluffy Safe this Holiday Season!

12/13/2019

The holidays are jam packed with fun activities, family, and festive decorations! While these times are great fun for us humanoids, they can be dangerous for our pet family. Check out these tips to keep your pet safe this season:

1.  Decorations:
Whatever holiday is being celebrated (Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Christmas, or New Year’s) we love to decorate! Unfortunately, all the new things we bring into our homes can be dangerous for Fido and Fluffy. Often these new items are potential toys to our furry friends. Chewing on them can cause mouth lacerations, while eating them can cause digestive blockages. Both likely resulting in a trip to the emergency vet. Block off new and interesting decorations from your pet family or consider decorating in a room that can be closed off when you are not able to monitor your pet’s activities. Some specific dangers to pay particular attention to include:

Confetti from New Year’s celebrations can cause intestinal blockage if eaten by your pet.

Christmas Tree water from pines, spruces and firs often contains pesticide residue. The sap in some trees is also toxic to pets. Make sure they can not access the tree’s water reservoir.

Pets will often investigate your Christmas Tree. Ensure that it is well supported by the stand and tie the top to a hook in the ceiling with fishing line to prevent it from falling during your fur family’s explorations. Check that the bolts in the base are tight every few days as they can loosen over time.

Tinsel is especially tempting to pets. Eating tinsel can lead to intestinal problems including blockages.

Many plants are poisonous to pets. Avoid placing holly, mistletoe, and poinsettias where pets can chew on them.

Lights pose a problem if pets chew on them or their cords. They can also become tangled in them and potentially be strangled. Make sure they are not accessible to your pet.

2.  Gifts
We often exchange gifts with family, friends, and neighbors at this time of year. Keep these out of reach of your pets until you know what is in them. It would be a real bummer if Fido at that fancy chocolate you didn’t even know was there and had to be rushed to the vet! By keeping presents in a location inaccessible to your pet until it is time to open them, you’ll ensure that you got the chocolate, not Fido!

3.  Food
Your furry friend is likely interested in tasting the delicious food surrounding them. Be aware some of it is very poisonous to them! Be especially aware or grapes, raisins, chocolate, and alcohol. Left over bones from your meal should not be shared with your pet. They splinter as your pet chews them and can cause cuts in the mouth and lacerations to their intestines as they travel though the digestive track.
Food bags should not be left alone with pets as they may stick their head inside to eat the leftovers or simply lick the residue. This can lead to suffocation in just minutes as the bag suctions onto their head.

4. Socializing
While many pets enjoy the extra company and noise that comes with the season, some do not. And some pets that are normally very social could become overwhelmed. If your pet is showing signs of stress or acting oddly provide them with a break in a room away from the noise and stimulation. The last thing anyone wants is to need to doctor a bite to a family member or friend.
The Holiday Season is a time filled with joy and excitement for many of us. Make sure to keep your beloved pets safe during this time by following the advice above!

Additional information can be found at:
Pet MD “10 Pet Safety Tips for the Holidays”
ASPCA “Holiday Safety Tips”
Dog Time “6 Helpful Christmas Safety Tips for Pet Owners”

Image created by rawpixel.com accessed at www.freepik.com

Winter Pet Safety

11/13/2019

Winter can be a dangerous time for pets. Keep these recommendations in mind during the cold months to keep your pets healthy and happy.

Provide a warm place for your pet to sleep. A place away from drafts and off the floor is ideal. A cozy cat or dog bed is perfect.
If it is too cold for you, it is probably too cold for your pet. Keep them indoors. If left outside, pets can freeze or become ill.
Do not leave pets in cars, they can act as a refrigerator intensifying the cold.
Coolant and anti-freeze are lethal to your pet. Clean up spills immediately and if possible, keep your pet out of spaces where the chemicals are stored.
Salt and other chemicals can get on your pet’s paws or belly during time outside. Wipe them off when they come inside. Petroleum jelly can also be massaged into their paws to provide protection before heading outside. Booties are another good option.
Coming in from outside repeatedly can cause itchy dry skin for your pet, just like it can for you. Drying off paws and bodies when they come in and keeping your home humidified can help.
If you are going on a long walk, bring a towel along to remove irritating ice clumps from between their toes.
Do not shave your pet in the winter, the extra fur helps keep them warm in the cold months.
Bathe your pet only when necessary in the winter as baths remove essential oils and can increase their chances of having dry, itchy skin.
If your pet spends a lot of time outside, they might need additional calories to replace the ones lost while attempting to remain warm. Consider providing a bit of extra food.

Adapted from https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/cold-weather-safety-tips
Photo from www.freepik.com