Can You Track A Lost Pet?
Can I use another dog to help track my lost boxer, Billy? He has been missing for almost two weeks.
Dan Los Angeles, California
Dan, it depends.
I went to the website, Missing Pet Partnership, for some help to answer this question.
According to their site:
"It depends. If the lost pet is a cat, turtle, snake, or small animal that does not tend to travel too far and you have a specific area where the search dog can be used to conduct an "area search" then, yes, a search dog could potentially be helpful. That's because instead of attempting to track a scent trail that was deposited by the lost pet, the search dog would be searching for a "scent cone" or the cloud of scent that would be coming off of the animal where it is hidden... If on the other hand the lost pet is a dog that has been missing for a month, the chances are that the scent trail (that your dog deposited when it left the escape point) is probably no longer there for a search dog to pick up. In fact, the oldest known scent trail that a search-and-rescue dog has tracked was 13 days old..."
Visit their website here for some great information on finding lost pets.
Time For Estate Planning For Your Aging cat
My Bengal cat Billy, is 15 years old and undergoing some serious changes in his behavior. Are there some common signs that I can look for to see if his actions are natural or need medical attention?
Shannon New Orleans, Louisiana
Shannon, most Bengal cats live from 10 to 15 years.
According to PetPeoplesPlace.com, common signs of cat aging include:
"cloudy eyes, hearing loss; thinning fur; feels the cold; loose skin; prominent spine, shoulders and hips; loss of muscle tone; stiff joints or lameness and gray hairs around the muzzle and in coat. Behavioral signs include: less tolerance of environmental changes; sleeping more deeply and more often and generally being less active. Some older cats become more irritable or cantankerous due to deafness and/or joint pain, while others mellow with age. Most become more laid back and sociable with those they regard as friends. These are all age-related changes, but sudden mood changes may indicate illness or injury. A cat which starts hiding, becomes unsociable or which seeks constant reassurance may be unwell, so ask your vet to check that all is well..."
Billy is probably at the downside of his life, make sure that any arrangements that you need for and with him, are complete in his and your estate planning.
MERRY CHRISTMAS
Merry Christmas
Enjoy the holiday with your family
...furry and otherwise.
More Travel Tips For Your Pets
We have you some good advice in the last post on traveling with your pets this holiday season and today we will finish up that topic.
I have some tips from Karalyn Eckerle, a fellow animal lover and a paralegal with some experience in this area. Her business email is k.eckerle@cardinalpointva.com, and she writes;
..."Make copies of your pets paperwork -- showing that it is current on all VAX and where the pet is traveling from and to; who to contact in case of an emergency. Include several different contact people so if they will be able to reach SOMEONE if need be. Keep a copy for yourself, forward a copy to the receiving person (in advance) and put a copy in an envelope well-taped to the top of the crate.
When planning flights remember that if there are connections, you will need to allow enough time for the animal to be walked (if necessary) and that may mean arranging for the airline to board the animal overnight. Please remember if that situation arises you will nee to be prepared to pay for someone to transport the animal to and from the boarding facility in addition to boarding fees --- independent of the cost of the airline transport.
Crating is always an issue with dog owners. The airlines push the largest crate they can --- for a reason -- you pay by the size of the crate. They will state that the dog needs to be able to stand in the crate with so much head room clearance. While I don't want a 75 lb. dog crammed into a crate built for a miniature poodle, we don't want a pet bouncing around in a crate --- injuries can result. Remember, pets in crates do not wear seat belts. My suggestion is to call breeders of dogs the size (or breed) of your pet and see what size crate they use. Often you will arrive at the airport and they will tell you the crate is too small. Asked to speak to the supervisor and explain you've done your research and this is the size crate your pet is used to being in --- also point out the safety issues of a crate which is too large. For instance, I recently arranged for transport of a Giant Schnauzer weighing about 70 lb. The airline tried to tell me we needed to use the largest crate (built for Great Danes, Mastiffs, etc.). My poor dog would have been lost in that crate. In my RV I have one of those and, when they wish, BOTH of my Giants can climb in there together. I asked to talk with the supervisor and she finally approved it. She was not happy, but we were down to the time wire and she knew I was right (I know the airlines pushes them to push larger crates to increase revenue).
Always arrive at the airport earlier than they tell you --- if there is a line the people ahead of you may have problems and you may end up down to the wire. I feed early enough that the animal has the opportunity for several walks before departing. Kongs or some other toy that can be stuffed with a favorite treat are great to put in the crate, but make sure the treats are difficult to remove so that it requires some effort on the part of your pet.
In addition to chipping, make sure that your pet wears a collar containing contact phone numbers on both ends. I never recommend putting the pet name on the collar as it only helps someone wishing to steal your pet -- especially if it is not neutered or spayed. Frankly, unless you are truly a breeder I see little reason not to spay or neuter a pet. But if you are shipping an intact pet there are other considerations...."
Travel safely...
Travel Tips For You And Your Pets
If you are planning to travel with your pets this holiday season, flying can be a big issue.
I have some tips from Karalyn Eckerle, a fellow animal lover and a paralegal with some experience in this area. Her business email is k.eckerle@cardinalpointva.com, and she writes;
"…especially today, many airlines no longer accept animals for transport and if they do, it is generally a very limited number of crated animals per flight. So you must plan ahead. Different countries
have different quarantine regulars and different restrictions. For transport INTO the U.S., check with the Dept. of Agriculture.
Just as an aside, all dogs in transit should be chipped. "Home Again" is the universally accepted chip overseas. Next, Continental was the first airline to set up a special Pet Desk which overseas all pet transport and has a phone managed 24/7 for tracking your pet's travel.
Most pets will require a rabies titre (this is the main blood test to check for immunity to rabies) within a 7-10 days prior to departure/arrival. This measures the current effectiveness of the rabies VAX. Generally runs about $50-75.
All pets must be crate trained --- or comfortable in a crate. Something I learned years ago from a breeder -- fill the crate with numerous rolls of UNROLLED paper towels (not newspaper). I emphasize UNROLLED as someone misunderstood my instructions once and while the result provided a great
deal of entertainment for the dog involved, I don't think the owner or the airlines appreciated the end product.
Why paper towels instead of newspaper (to absorb any problems during flight)? Because paper towels are super absorbent and the newsprint doesn't stain the pet's fur.
If the pet tends to be extremely anxious during transport, talk to your vet in advance about medication. ACE used to be common although some Vets no longer approve of its use in air transport situations. Rely on your vet for advice..."
Look for more tips this week and check her website here.
Water Drinking Tips For Your Pets
I have recently received a number of inquires on pets and their water habits.
I have to admit that I have not given the area much thought.
Our Cavalier, Anna, has no trouble keeping up her thirst in the Tropics of South Florida.
So, I did a little research and here is some information that I have found courtesy of the American Animal Hospital Association and Pets 911.com, here:
Though water seems like a simple enough subject, a few common problems can leave pets high and dry:
• The water bowl or water bottle needs cleaning every day. Bacteria that you can't see can grow in a bottle or bowl, giving the water a funny taste and discouraging your pet from drinking. Even worse, some kinds of bacteria can make animals sick. Develop the habit of giving the bowl a quick scrub with dish soap before you fill it in the morning. Pocket pets' hanging water bottles can be particularly hard to get clean; you may want to buy a long, narrow scrub brush that can fit through the bottle's neck and clean the inside.
• Dogs and cats that are left alone for long periods can easily knock over their water bowls. Try buying a bowl with a wide, weighted bottom. You may also want to leave more than one bowl around the house: one in the bathroom, for example, and another in the kitchen.
• Water evaporates faster than you may realize, particularly on warm days. Check water bowls a few times a day, especially in the summer. If your pet's outside on a very hot day, check the water every hour.
• You may think you're helping your pet out by setting out a big bucket filled with water, but once the bucket's half empty, he may not be able to get to the water anymore. Cats and small dogs could even fall in while drinking. Before you use a water bucket, make sure your pet's neck is long enough to allow him to drink from the bottom of it.
• Dogs that are chained up can easily wind the chain around a tree, a post, or even their own legs. With a tangled chain, they can't get to their water bowl. If you have to leave your pet chained outdoors, check him often.
• Lots of dogs and cats see the toilet as a big water fountain. Keep the toilet lid closed, because the bacteria in toilet water can make animals sick and, as with large buckets, cats and small animals can fall in while drinking. Even the best of us can forget to close the lid every once in a while, though, so don't use drop-in cleaners that release chemicals into the toilet bowl. These chemicals may be toxic.
• Some exotic animals, particularly amphibians like frogs and salamanders, can't or won't drink water from a bowl. These guys need a drip watering system, which drips or sprays temperature-controlled moisture into a cage for a few hours at a time. To select the right watering system for your exotic pet, consult your veterinarian.
• Reptiles often need a long, shallow dish of water in their cages. They use this water both to drink and to soak in, so it needs to be checked several times a day for dirt or fecal matter.
• Just like you, pets need more water when they're exercising. If you take your dog out for a long walk or run, bring along some water for him. Most pet stores sell light, collapsible travel water bowls that are easy to carry.
As long as you keep an eye on your pet and make sure his water is fresh and plentiful, you shouldn't have a problem. If you have any concerns about providing water for your pet, consult your veterinarian.
Some excellent tips for you and your pets.
Now Is The Time To Plan For Your Pet's Future
Many studies support the proposition that your pets are good for you, not only emotionally, but also physically, as well.
Dr. Deborah Wells, a psychologist from Queen's University, Belfast, said dog owners tended to have lower blood pressure and cholesterol and in general, tend to be healthier than most other individuals.
According to the website www.pethacker.com, the research of Dr. Wells suggested that dog ownership produced more positive influence than cat ownership and that dogs could aid recovery from serious illnesses such as heart attacks, and act as 'early warning' to detect an approaching epileptic seizure.
Go here, to read the rest of the article.
Your pets can aid you in your lifestyle, you need to properly plan for their future, with or without you.
Another View On Pet Care Insurance
Although I have written about insurance for pets on many occasions, I have never purchased any policies and have no real conviction one way or the other as to it's usefulness.
I did receive an interesting comment from a reader that I thought that I should pass along to all of your.
"I have always had pet insurance.Since 1985 I was with a So.Cal popular company and most recently with a new company out of Canada. In the long run I have lost more money that support from the insurance companies. Any and all claims are initially denied than require an appeal and than you receive a minimum return due to insurance language. Also one needs to pay the cost up front and hope you will receive reimbursement. It is better to put away as much as you can for your animal and gain interest however small. I also recommend a looking into programs that are actually credit cards and have a program that is interest free if you meet the terms. My monthly premium for the company I just resigned from was $235.00 per month. The amount I paid over the last few months would have covered the bills. So my question, Is it really financially prudent to purchase this product. I also recommend making sure that the insurance company you pick is endorsed by the Dept of Insurance. Thanks..."
Good comments and some ideas for you to consider regarding per insurance.
Do Not Forget To Revise Your Estate Plan If You Adopt A Pet
We would like to adopt a dog into our family home. I have heard that there is an application that usually is required for this procedure. Can you tell me about this?
Cathy Estero, Florida
Cathy, most agencies, either private or public require an application and review of the prospective adoptive pet parents.
For example, Southern California Giant Schnauzer Rescue is a group of dog rescuers who have banded together to help Giant Schnauzers find their forever homes.
The founder is virtual assistant, paralegal and animal lover Karalyn Eckerle of California.
They define their Forever Home as,” a home where he is loved, respected and well cared for -- a home where this intelligent working dog can love, protect and call his own.
Go to their website here, and download a copy of the adoption application.
It is a good example of the type of information that most agencies will request and require during the adoption period.
Good for you; to even consider adopting a pet.
Why Do Dogs Bite?
Why are some dogs more aggressive than others?
Irwin San Diego, California
Irwin, I certainly do not know the answer to this question,
But according to Attorney Kenneth Phillips' website, dogbitelaw.com, here are the 6 danger-signs that warn of a dog attack:
1. A dog in its own yard, and no master present. In 2008, 78% of the human fatalities were by dogs in their own yard.
2. Pit bull, Rottweiler, Akita or Chow. Most fatal dog attacks are by pit bulls. In 2008, 65% of the fatalities were by pit bulls.
3. The pack mentality. Three dogs are worse than 2, 4 are worse than 3, etc. Docile dogs often become uncharacteristically violent and vicious when they are in a pack. In 2008, 39% of the fatalities involved multiple dogs.
4. Chained or tethered. Dogs that are tied up are dangerous. In 2008, 9% of the fatalities involved chained dogs.
5. Male. Male dogs are several times more dangerous than female dogs. Unneutered male dogs are the worst.
6. Newness. A new dog in the house is dangerous for the first 60 days, and a person who is new to a household where a dog resides is in danger of attack for the first 60 days. In 2007 and 2008, 20% of fatal dog attacks involved a new person or dog sharing a household for a period of two months or less.
It is estimated that approximately 2 to 3 % of the United States population is bitten by a dog on a yearly basis.
So be careful.
Remember Estate Planning To Include Your Horses
I recently found this interesting post here.
Check out the site for your self…
"I put this in horse care because it's about caring for your horses.
After you die.
My friend just died.
Intestate (no will or trust)
She left no instructions for anyone.
She has a barn full of horses - some of whom are old.
I don't know what happens to us after we die, but I do know what happens to our family and friends. I saw it in my work - every day. And I see it now even though I'm retired.
They have to make decisions when they're grieving and in shock. They may be angry, confused, bereft. Often, they argue over what they think you'd want for your animals. Sometimes your animals are not considered at all - and merely hauled off.
Please don't do that do your loved ones, and don't let your horses or pets become embroiled in a tug of war. Or worse - be taken to auction or the shelter.
Please consult a licensed attorney and have your will or trust prepared.
Educate yourself on the basics of estate planning, how life insurance or other contracts pass to beneficiaries - and have your estate in order.
Review it annually or when a major event occurs (birth, death, divorce, change in other circumstances)
Please don't leave this earth without providing for your loved ones - including your animals.
You are all loved, and will be missed by someone.
And that someone is standing out in the pasture, or napping on your bed...."
Good thoughts for all animal lovers.
What Are the Costs Of Burying a Pet?
Can you provide some idea as to burial costs for my dog, Jimmy? I am afraid that his time is fast approaching.
Billy Des Moines, Iowa
Billy, I am sorry to hear about your friend, Jimmy.
The website Pet Guardian, provides some parameters of these costs as follows:
Cremation
Typical Costs:
Small Birds $ 55
Pets under 20 lbs $ 100
Pets 20-40 lbs $ 125
Pets 40-70lbs $ 135
Pets 70-90lbs $ 185
Pets over 100lbs $ 200
Lawn Space for burials typical costs:
Small - 20lbs $ 500
Medium- 40lbs $ 550
Large- 70 lbs $ 630
X-Large- 100lbs+ $ 730
Casket:
Small $ 90 Medium $ 120 Large $145
I truly hope that you do not need this information for a long time to come.
Reconsider an Euthansia Clause In Your Estate Planning for Your Pets
Many times, pet owners believe that no one can care for their companions with as much care and love as the owner.
Unfortunately, many owners take this idea to the extreme and inset a clause in their will that dictates euthanasia for their pets.
Why would someone spend an entire lifetime caring for a pet and then insist that the same animal be euthanized upon the death of the owner?
An excellent reference source that we often use is the website of the Michigan State College of Law, Animal Legal and Historical center.
They provide the following insight into this question:
"Just as there are instances of wills that stipulate that animals are to be cared for in the event that their owner dies, there are also instances of wills that stipulate that the animal is to be euthanized in the event that their owner dies. Although it seems ironic, the evidence indicates that these people are motivated by good intentions. In each and every case, the testimony revealed that the testator truly loved their pets. However, they believed that no one would take care of their pets and this was the only way to save them from inhumane treatment. In hindsight, their beliefs turned out to be false because once the public was made aware that the animals were to be destroyed, numerous people stepped forward to take them. In fact, usually there were so many people who wanted the animals, an agency had to be appointed to determine who would be the best caretaker among the candidates..."
You can read more here, at their website.
Please reconsider the use of a euthanasia clause in your estate planning.
