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Odor Destroyer Newsletter
The Odor Destroyer Pet Newsletter is a free publication packed with articles on general pet care, pet health care, grooming, moving, training, and lots of other topic related to pets and people living together in harmony.
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November 2006: In this issue
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Selecting the Ideal Dog House.
What qualities does the ideal dog house have? Should you build it yoursel
f, buy dog house kit, or buy your dog house pre-made? Find answers to these and
other questions in our article on: The Ideal Dog House.
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Excessive Meowing: When you cat talks too much.
Excessive meowing: Fluffy meows all the time, often for reasons unknown. Her meowing may be conversational, or it may be a sign of distress. Read more about: Why cats meow.
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October 2006: In this issue
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Cats and Socialization.
As humans, we learned how to interact with other people and with animals from our parents, our siblings, our classmates, and our teachers, among other people. Cats also learn socialization skills from their mothers and littermates as well as from their contact with humans. If kittens are separated from their mother and litter too early, or if they grow up with limited or no human contact, socialization is more difficult . but still possible.
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Hip Dysplasia in Dogs: Prevention and Treatment
He limps or walks with a swaying motion, and he has developed an awkward, hopping gait when running. After your veterinarian examines your dog and does X-rays, you get the diagnosis: canine hip dysplasia.
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July 2006: In this issue
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What Children Learn with and from Pets
Those of us who had pets as children probably remember the unconditional love we received, the pleasures of animal companionship, and the lessons in caring for another creature. Most likely, we gained far more from our pets than we realize even now.
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Do-it-Yourself Dog Grooming
Should you take your dog to a professional dog groomer, or should you groom your dog yourself?
Depending on your dog's needs, the answer might be to do both. |
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May 2006: In this issue
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When Your Dog Chases Cars
He sees the moving object or person. Or perhaps he sees it or him or her as a threat to his territory. His instinct to chase overcomes him, so he runs after the car, the bus, the truck, the bicyclist, the jogger. And.victory! Although he didn't manage to bring down lunch, he did frighten off the predator.
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Caring for Senior Cats
Their gait slows down. Their weight goes down . or up. They can't take care of themselves as well, and chances are that they'll develop at least one health condition that senior cats are prone to.
Senior cats require more care from us than they did when they were younger. We can do a lot to make these years more comfortable for our cats, starting even before the signs of aging appear.
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February 2006: In this issue
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When your dog is jealous
You and your honey are spending some quiet time together. Your honey touches you, and your dog whines, growls, or tries to get between the two of you. Or perhaps a new baby has joined the family, and your dog has become withdrawn or aggressive.
Can dogs feel jealousy? Their behavior in some situations indicates that yes, they can.
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Cats and hairballs
Fluffy looks healthy and content as she does her normal cat things. Suddenly . and possibly on your carpet . she begins to retch. When she's finished, she resumes her normal cat routine.
Is your cat sick? Perhaps, but a likely cause is hairballs. Hairballs are common in cats, particularly long-haired cats.
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January 2006: In this issue
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How to deal with Cats and stress
She might become aggressive or withdrawn. Perhaps she is restless or more emotionally needy. Some cats under stress mark their territory more by scratching, spraying, or urinating or defecating in inappropriate places. They may become more vocal, hide, spend more time outdoors or indoors, lose interest in food, groom themselves excessively, or even mutilate themselves.
If your cat shows any of the above symptoms, she may be exhibiting symptoms of stress.
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Rabbits as pets.
Are rabbits perfect pets? For some people, yes. But like dogs and cats, rabbits require daily care. Rabbits are healthiest and happiest when they live with people who understand and can accommodate their needs.
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December 2005: In this issue
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Choosing a Cat or Kitten
Once you adopt a cat, she'll be part of your family for up to 20 years. How do you choose a kitten or cat from all the felines waiting to be adopted?
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Search and Rescue dogs
They work in difficult working conditions . in the aftermath of avalanches, earthquakes, and other disasters. They track scents in thick bush and even in water. Their will to work and their anticipation of praise keeps them pushing their powerful noses through wilderness and rubble to find victims, dead or alive.
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November 2005: In this issue
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Is a Raw Food Diet Right for Your Cat or Dog?
For decades, we've fed our dogs and cats processed food from cans and bags. Pet food manufacturers and veterinarians have assured us that food made especially for cats and dogs is the best for their nutritional needs.
In recent years, the raw food movement for dogs and cats has spread across the continent. Is it a fad, or does a raw food diet have advantages for our pets?
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Puppy Care
When you see him with his mother and littermates, your new puppy-to-be is playful, affectionate, and happy. When you bring him home with you, your puppy is still playful and affectionate . but he whimpers at night. And gets frightened easily. And isn't house-trained.
With the right preparation and training, your new puppy will adjust to his new family and life with minimal difficulty.
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October 2005: In this issue
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Grooming your Cat
Your cat cleans herself every day. Tongue to fur, Fluffy grooms every part of her body. Do you need to groom your cat as well?
You might not need to groom her, but by grooming your cat, you can help maintain her health while bonding with her.
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Moving Home with Dogs and Cats
You're moving to another neighborhood or to another state. To your cat or dog, the only difference is the traveling time. Moving to a new home is a major uprooting for dogs and cats.
You can help the move go more smoothly for your pet as well as for yourself. If you start preparing well before the move, the adjustment will be easier for all of you.
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September 2005: In this issue
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Cats, dogs, and vaccinations.
You vaccinate your dog or cat for rabies. Distemper. Feline leukemia. Or do you? If you do, how often? If you don't, why not?
The answers to these questions are less clear-cut than they were a decade ago.
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Dogs and Skunks
You and your dog are out on your daily walk, or perhaps your dog is in your back yard. Suddenly, he dashes toward the bushes or the garbage cans, and just as suddenly, he yelps. You almost yelp too when you realize that your dog has been sprayed by a skulking skunk.
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| August 2005: In this issue
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Caring for a new kitten
Taking care of a new kitten is a small challenge and a great joy. Kittens have rapidly changing bodies and inquisitive minds, and they're learning how to interact with the world. The care you provide for your kitten will affect her for the rest of her life.
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How to stop your dog from chewing
Fido doesn't chew only his dog toys . he chews your shoes, the bedding, the furniture, and even power cords. How can you stop your dog from chewing?
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| July 2005: In this issue
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Cancer in Cats and Dogs
Fluffy or Fido has developed a lump. You observe your cat or dog having difficulty when chewing. Your pet doesn't want to play any more. The diagnosis: cancer.
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Travel with Dogs
You're planning your vacation, or you need to travel for other reasons. Should you take your dog with you? If you take him, how do you prepare for travel with your dog?
The answers depend on your dog, the traveling type and distance, and the destination.
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| June 2005: In this issue
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How to Pet-Proof Your Yard
You want to keep your dog or cat safe in your yard. Perhaps you want to keep the neighbors' cats and dogs out of your yard. Build a good fence, reinforce it, and design a yard that's safe and fun for your dog or cat.
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Cats and Babies
You're expecting a baby, and you already have a cat in the family. Your friends and relatives are telling you that you can't keep your cat when the baby arrives.
Do cats smother or suck the breath out of babies? Is it safe for cats and babies to live together?
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| May 2005: In this issue
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Including Your Pets in a Disaster Plan
You've packed for and practiced a home emergency plan in case there's a fire, flood, earthquake, or other disaster. Does your disaster plan include your pets?
Plan and prepare with your pets in mind before a disaster happens, and your pets will have a much higher chance of survival.
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Separation Anxiety in Dogs
While you were out, Fido scratched your door, chewed your shoes, and urinated on your living room carpet. Your neighbors tell you that they hear your dog howling whenever you aren't home.
Some dogs are predisposed to have overly dependent personalities. Others develop this trait from being separated too early from their mothers, or from not having the opportunity to form close bonds with humans early in life.
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| April 2005: In this issue
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Can Cats and Dogs Live Together?
Fluffy and Fido play together, eat together, and even sleep together . or so you've heard. Some cats and dogs do become best friends, while in other households, they just tolerate each other, or they don't get along at all.
Millions of Americans live with at least one dog and one cat. How do they do it?
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Insurance for Pets
Should you have health insurance for your pets?
If your pets need only routine care for all their lives, pet health insurance probably costs more than the cost of veterinary bills. On the other hand, if your pets require emergency treatment or ongoing care for a chronic condition, pet insurance can save you a lot of money.
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| March 2005: In this issue
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Jobs for Dogs: Service and Therapy Dogs
They work without a contract and they don't receive salaries, but they never complain or go on strike. We rely on them and they thrive under the responsibility we give them.
Service dogs, also called assistance dogs, are trained to meet the disability-related needs of people with disabilities.
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To Declaw or Not Declaw Your Cat
Does declawing harm cats? Is it really worse than spaying or neutering? Are there other successful methods to prevent cats from clawing furniture?
Yes, yes, and yes.
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| February 2005: In this issue
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When Your Cat Scratches the Furniture
Your prized furniture has become a collection of cat scratching posts. While Fluffy can't stop herself from scratching, you can't accept the destruction of your furniture. Can scratch-free furniture and cats co-exist?
To prevent your cat from scratching furniture, you need to convince her that scratching furniture isn't pleasurable, and that the alternatives you provide are.
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Heartworm Disease in Dogs and Cats
Fido is eating less, he's tired all the time, and he doesn't have enough energy for exercise. He's been having difficulty breathing. You hear abnormal sounds from his lungs, and he has a deep, soft cough. He may be losing weight and vomiting. Fluffy may also be having these problems . or you may see no signs of the condition that could kill her.
You know something is wrong, but what? And what can you do about it?
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| January 2005: In this issue
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The Sport of Dog Agility
Dogs can be athletes too. In dog agility competitions, dogs negotiate obstacles while following their handlers' directions. Judges award points for speed and accuracy, and they hand out fault points for mistakes on the course. Dogs gain skills, confidence, and an increased fitness level while playing in a giant doggie playground.
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Cats Versus Dogs: Which Are Better Pets?
Fido barks and dances in circles to greet you. He barks when you come home and when he's home alone. He frightens off burglars and brings in neighbors' complaints. Fluffy, on the other hand, purrs when you sit down for her to snuggle on your lap. The neighbors never complain about her meows, but they do complain when she digs up their gardens.
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| December 2004: In this issue
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Protecting Your Pet from Winter Cold
Rain, wind, snow, and ice. Cold temperatures and the accompanying weather can cause discomfort to our pets as well as to us. It can also be life-threatening. Adjust to the elements with your pets, and they'll be safer and healthier.
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Homeopathy for Animals
His owner started him on a homeopathic remedy. Three days later, the leg trembling had stopped, and within a week, he could climb and descend stairs without pain. He no longer favored one side when he was lying down.
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| November 2004: In this issue
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How to Choose a Veterinarian
Veterinarians are not alike. Neither are veterinary clinics. Choose your pet's veterinarian carefully, and when your pet needs veterinary care, everyone will be happier.
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Gift Ideas for Pet Owners
What is the perfect gift for Fluffy or Fido's caregiver? You can spend a little, a lot, or even nothing . just give of your time. We've compiled some ideas to help you choose gifts for the pet owners in your life.
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| October 2004: In this issue
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Understand and Communicate with Your Cat
Fluffy purrs when you stroke her head. Your hand moves down her back, along her soft fur. You feel the pleasure of connecting with your feline friend.
Suddenly her teeth or claws meet your skin.
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How to Pet-Proof Your Home
You're emotionally ready for your new puppy, kitten, dog, or cat. You've done your shopping . pet food, dishes, toys, brush, comb, identification tag, litter box, litter, collar, leash. Now you need to see your home from a dog or cat's point of view.
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| September 2004: In this issue
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Your Aging Cat or Dog
As cats and dogs get older, they're prone to many of the same ailments that people may experience with aging. Unfortunately, instead of helping their companions grow old gracefully, some people replace their aging pets as they would an older car. Shelters are full of even healthy older animals that no one wants.
Animals have even more to give when they need you more. Learn how to manage their problems, and you'll be rewarded as you help your cat or dog live a longer and more comfortable senior life.
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Should You Have Your Dog Neutered?
Dog neutering is a routine veterinary operation, but the decision is not always routine. Some people are concerned that having their dog neutered reduces his quality of life. In reality, unless you're a professional dog breeder, you're giving your dog far more than you're taking from him when you have him neutered.
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| August 2004: In this issue
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When You're Allergic to Animals
Itchy, puffy, watery, red eyes. A stuffy or runny nose. Sneezing. A scratchy or sore throat. Itchy skin. Hives. Shortness of breath.
Allergic reactions to family pets can develop in childhood or in adulthood, even after years of living with animals.
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Games Animals Play
Kids call it Cops and Robbers. To cats and dogs, the premise of the game is the same, but the players are different. While rabbits see things a little differently, they can get into the fun too.
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| July 2004: In this issue
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Protecting Your Pet from Summer Heat
He's panting excessively. He's restless and agitated, or maybe lethargic. He salivates, vomits, staggers, and loses coordination. If you're there to see it, you may observe that his eyes are glazed, and his gums and tongue are reddish or purple. In just a short time, he may lose consciousness.
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are preventable when you know how to take care of animals in hot weather. If you see these symptoms, you need to act fast to save the animal's life.
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Children and Pets: Choosing a Pet for a Child
We remember...Blackie. Or Brandy. Or Buddy. Animals don't live forever, but the imprint of their bonds with children does. Adult help in selecting pets and guiding children in their care can help nourish these bonds.
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| June 2004: In this issue
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Thyroid Problems in Dogs and Cats
Fido or Fluffy may be lethargic. Or hyperactive. Eating less and gaining weight, or eating more and losing weight. Feeling cold. Feeling hot. The thyroid gland, which sits against the windpipe, could be responsible.
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Gardens for People and Gardens for Cats
To cats, gardens are a little piece of heaven. Fresh soil makes a perfect litter box, and seedlings that get uprooted in the digging process are of no consequence to them. You may not want your cat in your garden, and if the cats in your garden aren't your cats, you probably like having them there even less.
The solution? Make your garden unattractive to cats, and give them a garden of their own.
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| May 2004: In this issue
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When Your Dog Barks Too Much
It's annoying. It's sometimes maddening. It can even be life threatening.
Your dog's bark may not be as bad as his bite, but dogs' barking is a common reason that dogs are poisoned. The good news is that you can work with your dog to reduce his urge to bark.
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Why adopt an adult cat or dog?
Puppies and kittens can almost always find a home. Older dogs and cats often can't. If you adopt an adult dog or cat, you've not only bypassed the puppy and kitten accidents and training, but you've got yourself an appreciative, mature companion.
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| April 2004: In this issue
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When Your Cat Won't Use the Litter Box
It happens on your linoleum floor. Or worse, on your carpet. Your cat has done her litter-box business somewhere other than in the litter box.
Why? And what can you do?
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Dental Care for Dogs and Cats
They didn't have - or need - toothbrushes. For the ancestors of our dogs and cats, chewing through bone and skin of wild prey accomplished the same job. Without the workout that the teeth and gums need, dental problems typically develop after the first few years of life.
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| January 2004: In this issue
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Pet Containment: What's in it for Cats and Dogs?
Fences aren't always practical. Fortunately, there are other types of pet containment systems. These systems differ in the type of deterrent used (sonic deterrent, electric shock) and in their range of confinement or exclusion.
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Are Topical
Flea Treatments Safe?
Walk into a pet shop and you'll find topical flea treatments ranging from flea spray to flea shampoos. They may work to rid your pet of fleas but are they safe?
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| Jan 2004 Supplement:
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Artists Killing Animals For Art. Is it art?
Artists have taken to killing animals in the name of what they call art. A spokesman for the veterinary association said the artist violated laws regulating the use of animals for public viewing.
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Tokyo Residents Paying to Play with Cats
Cat Bag, a new commercial venture in Tokyo, Japan that charges people approximately $5 to play with cats, is proving to be very successful.
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| October
2003: In this issue
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Pet poisoning prevention: Is your home dangerous to your pets?
Many things found commonly around our homes are deadly to animals. How to prevent pet poisoning, and what to do if you suspect you pet had been poisoned. Did you know that grapes and raisins are toxic to dogs? That garlic and onions are toxic to cats? It's true. Items as simple as chocolate, coffee grounds, and even apple seeds can be fatal if ingested by your pet.
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Should you microchip your pet?
Pet microchips are becoming increasingly popular around the world. But along with it's popularity increases, the debate over microchipping animals has heated up as well. And even as some cities are passing laws to mandate them, other pet owners would like to see them outlawed. In this article, we try and shed some light on mysteries behind microchipping.
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