FairyDust News

We are hoping that everyone is remaining healthy as the COVID pandemic continues. Happy 4th of July! A holiday that will be far different from any we have had in years past.

This time of separation hopefully has been used for introspection, especially about what makes us happy, how best to spend our lives going forward, how precious our pets are and how we have needed their unconditional love at a time like this.

I know one person who has spent time learning about what brings her peace during this chaotic time and has experienced the joy of sharing her talent with others…. this individual is my Manager and friend Bianca. She has a wonderfully creative side that led her to creating beautiful, personalized candles. She calls them Ambitious Vision.

Here is a beautiful candle she created for me with all objects and colors meaningful to me (my mother loved Cardinals, and it meant so much for one to be on the candle)!

Sharing is beautiful, and we would love to hear from you if you would like a candle creation for yourself, family, or friends. We are always committed to bringing joy to others!

Have a safe and happy holiday!

Dog Paw Injuries

Summertime means hiking, swimming, and oodles of outside time. A fun day with your pup can change quickly with a paw injury. Your dog's paw pads are tough, but a paw injury can occur even on a leisurely stroll.

These pads are like the soles of your shoes. They cushion the foot, act as shock absorbers for bones and joints, insulate the foot from hot and cold, prevent slipping, and help dogs navigate rough terrain.

Because they play such an essential role in our best friend's overall health, footpad injuries need to be treated promptly. If your pet cries out, is limping, or bleeding - you've got a problem. So, what do you do if your dog cuts, tears, punctures, or scrapes their footpads?

First, you need to evaluate the wound to determine how bad the injury is and if it is something you can treat at home or if you need to get your buddy to the vet. If a nail is cracked or torn but it's not down to the quick (not bleeding), then trim off the torn part of the nail and file it smooth. If the nail is torn past the quick, it's probably not an emergency, but you will want to have your vet look at it because it could become infected.

If the pad is scraped, but not bleeding, clean it with soap and water, dry it, wrap it, and the pad skin will grow back. Check it every day to be sure it's healing well.

If part of the pad is scraped off, pink, jagged, and/or bleeding, then it's a reasonably deep scrape. Rinse it with water, dry it, wrap it in gauze, and head to the vet so he can deep clean it to prevent infection. If the pad is bleeding significantly (pad wounds can bleed a lot) or if there is a puncture wound, wrap it to contain the bleeding and see your veterinarian.

If your dog is limping, but you don't see blood, check their feet for burrs, sticks, gravel, or foxtails and carefully work out the offending object. If during this inspection, you find your pup's foot is swollen but has no signs of external injuries, you'll need to head to the vet; this could be a sprain or broken bone in their foot. Follow your instincts, even if the injury looks small, but you're not sure - call your vet.

It's always a good idea to check your dog over for cuts, scrapes, burrs, ticks, or swollen areas after a long walk or hike. Get out with Fido and enjoy the summer, just be prepared!

Here is a good list of must-haves for your pet first aid kit.

Why Is My Cat Spraying?

Your cat's most important sense is her sense of smell. It's how they communicate with the world. Spraying (urine marking) is how she stakes out her territory; she also rubs her cheeks, paws, and hips on things (including you) to put her scent on them. Scratching isn't just for sharpening claws; it's also another way that she leaves her scent behind. It's just what cats (big and small) do to let the world know they are around.

Spraying is different from not using the litter box. When a feline is going potty, she squats down. When she sprays, she's standing with her tail in the air. She will back up to a surface (like the sofa or curtains) and will squirt it with a little bit of urine.

First, let's tackle the myth that only male cats spray. False! Both female and male cats engage in spraying behaviors. It is more common in intact felines - another good reason to spay and neuter your cat.

Why do cats spray? A common reason is to mark their territory. In multi-cat households, spraying is a way for the cats to set boundaries and a pecking order. In a single cat home, your kitty might be able to smell a neighboring cat hanging around outside. Mating season is another explanation for marking. Change, stress, and anxiety are other reasons your cat may spray. There could also be a health issue, so it's a good idea to have your vet take a look at your kitty to be sure she is healthy.

What strategies can you employ to stop the spraying? Decrease the mating desire by spaying or neutering your cat. If you have a neighborhood cat hanging around, try closing your blinds for a while. If your cat can't see the other one, it often stops spraying. If you have a multi-cat household and you think it's territorial, you may want to try two litter boxes in different areas. Be sure you have separate hangouts for each cat, and give each cat their own food and water bowls. Play with your cat - mental and physical activity often decreases stress levels. If you think it's anxiety, some people have had success with calming pheromones. Clean areas they have previously soiled thoroughly with pet cleaners. However, don't use strongly scented household cleaners; your cat may mark over the spot.

It's easier to stop spraying as soon as it starts, so employ these strategies early on, and you'll have a happy cat household.

Heat Exhaustion - Recognize the Signs

Every summer, we talk about pets and how quickly they can get overheated; after all, they are wearing fur coats! Heat exhaustion is what happens before heatstroke, and it's best to learn to recognize it before it advances further, because heat stroke is deadly.

Pets can't sweat out excess heat as we can, all they can do is pant so they overheat easily (they have a few sweat glands in their feet). Fortunately, it's not difficult to spot an impending overheating problem.

Look for these signs, and if you see them, immediately help your pet. Heavy panting, pale or red gums, drooling, dizziness, lethargy, red tongue, confusion, excessive thirst, glazed eyes, rapid heartbeat, fever, vomiting, or seizures.

What do you do if you notice these signs? Most important is to keep a close eye on your buddy in hot weather and don't let it progress to heat exhaustion. Take your pet inside to an air-conditioned area. Lower his body temperature by wetting him with lukewarm water (don't use cold water) and be sure to get his eye area and paws wet. Heat exhaustion is an emergency, so get your pet to the vet immediately.

While all pets are at risk, certain breeds and older or very young pets are far more susceptible. Pets with short noses and flat faces are more prone to heat exhaustion.

When your pet is out in the heat, be sure there is a shady area, plenty of water, and limit exercise and outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day. Be sure he frequently comes inside to A/C or in front of a fan. Great summer activities are swimming, running through the sprinkler, or walks very early or late in the day. Never leave your pet in a parked car, not even for a few minutes.

Enjoy the summer, but keep a close eye on our furry friends!

Great Pet Links!

Great links we found around the internet this month. Enjoy!

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