Q: Our seven-year-old male Bouvier really, really likes to gobble up snow and then vomit about thirty seconds later. If he’s prevented from eating the snow, he doesn’t vomit and there are no problems.

It is not as if he had a stomach full of something nasty that had to come up. But give him a chance to scoop up the white stuff and less than a minute later, up comes everything. After dozens of times, surely he must have figured it out but he still does it. I’ve watched him many times and he definitely does not appear to enjoy vomiting, so I’m at a loss as to his motivation. What could be the reason?

A: Your dog may be eating excessive amounts of snow for the sole purpose of inducing vomiting. This is not so bizarre if you think of it as a form of zoocognopharmacy; i.e., the ability of an animal to self-medicate.

What would possess your dog to eat so much snow? The most obvious reason may be an underlying gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining). This can be caused by an allergy to certain foods or excessive acid production by the stomach (also known as acid or gastric reflux). When seen in terms of zoocognopharmacy, your dog could be eating so much snow for the specific purpose of trying to counteract the excessive production of acid in the stomach.

To rule out the possibility of an upset stomach caused by diet or food allergies, ask your veterinarian to put your dog on a hypoallergenic diet for a few weeks. If the snow eating stops, then the cause is likely an adverse food reaction or food allergy.

While a gastric disorder appears to be the most obvious cause for your dog’s behaviour, there are other possible explanations. For example, an underlying medical problem such as thyroid or kidney disease can make dogs extremely thirsty and this could explain the excessive snow eating.

Alternatively, behavioural disorders can also account for this kind of behaviour. For example, your dog may be engaging in a form of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). OCD is repetitive behaviour that reduces anxiety or stress in the person or animal engaging in that particular behaviour. In senior dogs, snow eating can be a symptom of canine cognitive disorder.

Talk to your veterinarian about your dog’s snow eating habit with a view to determining which of these possibilities apply to your dog.

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The inordinate numbers of animal lovers I have encountered over the years have always shown me how gifted they are when it comes to communicating with their pets. Not only do they understand what their pets are “talking” about, but they are also enthralled with what they are “saying”. I just adore the words they use to relate to fellow animal lovers about what their pets are doing, and especially how deeply they treasure each and every moment they spend with them.

Since these devoted pawrents are often audaciously accused of being anthropomorphic by those with little or no experience with furry companions, I think it’s high time we pet lovers take a stand and “tell them how it is”, letting them know that pet people rock!

For instance: Today, with the easy access to the Internet many pets enjoy, there is nothing more delightful than reading the message boards that some communities provide for pets to express their feelings. And while it takes a little practice to become fluent in “cat-speak” or “canine-chatter”, in my humble opinion, it’s always a good idea to now and again check out what Fluffy or Fido may be saying about their human companion.

To demonstrate exactly what I am talking about, the other day one of my “cyber-sisters” sent me an email with a link to a video which proves my point. While the original video uploaded to YouTube by hkbecky of two cats appearing to be boxing with one another was amusing, JustinCElliott, one very “tuned-in” cat lover, grasped the true meaning about what these kitties are actually doing while they play with one another.

With total comprehension about these two adorable felines’ behavior, Justin cleverly voiced over hkbecky’s presentation, capturing its true essence (which I imagine is the reason Justin's version recieved over 13,240,465 hits while hkbecky's only recieved 175,582). This dubbed video clearly demonstrates how those blessed with feline purrception exemplify the need to delve a little more deeply into similar situations in order to appreciate the incredible range of feline play. So take a moment to enjoy “meeting” Goo and Yat Jai, the stars in this video gone viral, “Patty Cake Cats”.

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LOS ANGELES – If you are too cold to be outside without a coat, your dog probably is too. If your cat eats just one of your acetaminophen cold or flu pills, it could be fatal. Those are just a few of the tips experts offer to keep pets safe this winter. Here are some other basic cold-weather precautions with pets from experts and animal welfare organizations.

From the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals:
— Keep your dog leashed in the snow and make sure it has an ID tag. Dogs can lose scents in snow and get lost.

— Keep your dog's coat longer for warmth. If you have a short-haired pet, get a coat or sweater with a high collar or turtleneck that covers it from the base of its tail to its belly.

— Don't leave a pet unattended in a car. The vehicle can act like a refrigerator, holding in the cold and freezing your pet to death.

— Puppies may be difficult to housebreak in winter. If weather bothers a puppy, try paper-training indoors.

— Make sure your pet has a warm place to sleep, away from drafts and if possible, off the floor.

— Outdoor cats and wildlife will often sleep under hoods of cars. Bang on the hood before starting the car to give the animal a chance to escape.
From the Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital:

— Pets, like people, are vulnerable to hypothermia and frostbite. Get your pet to a vet if it is shivering, disoriented and lethargic or if its hair is puffed out and standing on end. Frostbite can turn skin bright red, pale or black. Skin at the tips of ears and on extremities, including reproductive organs, are particularly at risk.

— Antifreeze can be fatal to a pet, even in small amounts. They will need immediate emergency care. Symptoms of antifreeze poisoning include drunk-like behavior, vomiting, excessive urination, drinking and depression. Pets may appear to recover within a few hours, but the antifreeze continues to poison their systems and is often fatal. Don't ever dump antifreeze on the ground, and store it away from pets. If there is a spill, sop it up immediately.

From the Humane Society of the United States:
— Dogs kept outdoors should have a dry, draft-free doghouse big enough for the dog to sit and lie down in comfortably but small enough to hold its body heat. The floor should be a few inches off the ground and covered with cedar shavings or straw. The house should face away from wind and the doorway should be covered with waterproof burlap or heavy plastic.

— Use plastic food and water bowls instead of metal because your pet's tongue can stick and freeze to metal.

From the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center in Urbana, Ill.:
— Use pet-friendly versions of products that melt ice on steps, driveways and sidewalks. Products like Safe Paw and Safe-T-Pet avoid chemicals that irritate pets' paws (and their stomachs, if they lick their paws). The pet-friendly products are usually colored so you can also see where you've sprinkled them, said Dr. Camille DeClementi, the Animal Poison Control Center's senior toxicologist.

— Keep pets away from medication commonly used during cold and flu season. Two hours after an average cat eats just one tablet containing 500 grams of acetaminophen, it may start having trouble breathing. In addition to gasping, other life-threatening signs of acetaminophen poisoning in cats that require immediate veterinary care include swollen face and paws, lethargy, and discolored gums, DeClementi said.

— Dogs are less sensitive to acetaminophen because they tend to be bigger, but four or five of the pills eaten by a 50-pound dog can cause liver failure, she said. If a dog eats your decongestant and it contains pseudoephedrine, the animal can experience a racing heart, tremors and even seizures.

— Keep pets away from heating pads. They can get a shock from chewing on electric cords and can be poisoned by chewing on iron oxide pads, DeClementi said.

— Watch where you place baits and poison to kill rodents that find their way into homes to get warm in winter, DeClementi said.

From the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles shelter:
— Brush your dog regularly because heaters dry the air and deplete moisture from your pet's skin and fur.

— Monitor older or sick pets that might be more sensitive to colder weather.

— Never leave a portable heater unattended with pets around.

— Add a blanket to the pet portion of your family's emergency preparedness kit.

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Andrew Ross was a University of Chicago student 20 years ago when he took advantage of a discounted fee to adopt Zucchini, a 1-year-old red tabby from Community Animal Rescue Effort in Evanston. In honor of beloved pet, which passed away in September, Ross made a cash donation to C.A.R.E. so that others can save money when adopting a cat.

Ross’ donation will set up “Zucchini’s Gift,” a program in which 10 cats will be offered for adoption at a reduced fee of $15, instead of the usual $100. The 10 cats chosen will be ones that are either older or have a medical condition — two factors that shelter staff said hamper adoption efforts.

“We hope this will make someone consider a cat they might not have considered,” said Erin Marcus, a C.A.R.E. volunteer. While Zucchini was not considered “old” when adopted by Ross, the cat became a dear companion to Ross as he traveled across the country for work.

“He was the most tolerant and lovingly social cat,” Ross said. “As cats get older, a lot get more mellow and social. He was always friendly, but got nicer as time went on.”Ross’ donation comes at a time when C.A.R.E. is experiencing a spike in its cat population. Marcus said the shelter currently houses between 35 and 38 cats, but that number was as high as 50 just a month ago.

“This is some of the highest totals we’ve had in some time,” she said of the current cat population. Fewer people are adopting cats, she said, and more are giving up their pets, possibly due to the struggling economy.

Room at the shelter is tight, Marcus said, with 25 cats currently on a waiting list to join the shelter’s population of animals available for adoption. “Being a small shelter makes it difficult to help all the families we would like,” Marcus said.

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Taking a cat or dog on holiday can offer the chance to spend some quality time with that beloved pet but being away from home can cause the animals some stress. Some pet owners need to consider if their pet will be better boarding in a kennel or under the care of a friend or relative.

For pet owners who do take their four legged friend on holiday there are many things to consider in the interest of the pets health and well being. Dr Jo Righetti has top 10 tips to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the family and family pets on a family holiday.

Pets like routine. Always take the pet's food and water bowl, bed and toys. This will lower the risk of anxiety and following incidents. Grooming and medication should always be kept up to date. Consult your vet about travel medication and although usually unnecessary it may be the deciding factor between a stressful experience and a relaxing holiday. Remember to have a trial run on any medication; this can avoid the surprise of unknown side effects.

Make sure your pet has a collar and identification tag. Contact details need to be up to date because pets can go missing in a strange environment. A missing pet can be heartbreaking for both children and adults alike.

Pets can become comfortable with a carrier over time so the best option is to leave it open on the floor at home, with some treats and soft bedding inside. A longer period of introduction, to the carrier, the more at ease a pet will be, making it more comfortable for them to travel in.

Air travel with pets can be more complicated than a road or rail journey but plans can be made well in advance. Seven to eight months before departure a check should be made about the airlines policy towards travelling with pets because each airline is different.

Before departure it should be checked if a pet can travel comfortably by using a large pet carrier with a food and water bowl and a light sheet to cover. Cats will need a small disposable litter tray.

As with everyone else pets need a break from travel. If on a road trip remember to stop every couple of hours to give the dog a toilet break and a chance to stretch their legs. Even if it's raining, keep the car window open to allow ventilation for your pet. Also never leave your pet in a hot car, even for a few minutes.

Pet friendly accommodation is becoming more common these days but remember to check if there will be other animals on site. Pet friendly accommodation should allow cats indoors and dogs must be kept on a property with adequate fencing.

Last on the list is to remember what a holiday is all about, having fun. Always take plenty of entertaining activities, for a pet, to prevent them from chewing up the holiday house.

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An expert has suggested that as well as making new year's resolutions to improve their own lifestyle, pet owners should do the same for their dogs. Writing for the Bradenton Herald, regular contributor and chief of Manatee County Animal Services Kris Weiskopf suggested January can be the time for people to assess their dog's diet and look at ways of improving their overall nutrition.

This could include swapping treats and scraps of food meant for human consumption for a healthy diet of specialist dog food such as Pro Plan dog food, which is available for both large and small animals, as well as those with sensitive stomachs.

Mr Weiskopf noted getting the right nutrients is just as important for pets as it is for people. "Poor skin, hair coat, muscle tone and obesity problems can be a result of a poor diet," he stated. "Like humans, pets that eat poor-quality food don't have the same health reserves as those that have a good balanced diet."

He also urged individuals to make grooming their pet a new year's resolution if they do not do it already. Along with using some dog nail clippers, this should include brushing their fur and cleaning their teeth with dog toothpaste.

As well as keeping pets happy and healthy, Dogs Trust notes this can reduce expenses for owners as they will not have to pay for professional hair cutting and grooming services. Regular trips to the vet were also recommended by Mr Weiskopf as annual examinations will work out cheaper for people in the long run if they mean underlying illnesses are picked up sooner rather than later. Therefore 2012 could be the perfect time to start.

"A regular visit also establishes a good baseline of information about your pet, giving your veterinarian something to compare when something just isn't right," the expert added.

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Whether you are considering your first horse or simply getting the next generation ready to care for these glorious animals, the basics of horse care are important to review. A horse needs many things in order to thrive and provide the companionship and sport that many horse owners are looking for. In short, horses need space to range, shelter and bedding for comfort and security, proper care in the form of food and grooming and quality equipment that will allow them both freedom and security.

Space to Range
Sometimes referred to as a pasture, horses need open space to stretch their legs and exercise. The general rule that applies is to ensure you have one acre of land for each horse. More is not a problem, but less can leave your horse bored and potentially unhealthy.

Be sure the area is free of poisonous plants (such as foxglove, privet and star thistle, to name only a few) and other dangers that could seriously harm your horse. Deep, hidden holes should be filled or blocked and a decently solid fence should be put up to keep your horses in. Avoid the use of barbed wire as it can seriously harm the animals and could lead to infection as well.

Shelter and Bedding
A stable is the most common form of shelter for horses and serves as a secure home for your family of horses. Be sure the building is in fact stable and that the area for each horse is supplied with fresh clean bedding regularly. Straw, wood shavings and hemp are all commonly used as bedding for horses in the UK.

Proper Health Care
Food is obviously important to provide for proper horse care. A good quality mixture of food supplied at the right times and in the right quantities will ensure your horse is fit for riding and whatever else you have in mind for the animal. Consult your vet to find out what the proper food and amount is based on each individual horse.

Grooming is vital to the health of your horse and should be taken seriously, if you are not committed to grooming your horse daily (or paying to have that done at a full care stable), you should reconsider the idea of owning a horse. Grooming a horse includes the care and cleaning of the hair, skin, hooves, eyes, nose and teeth of the horse. There are certain steps and products used for each of the different breeds, although many of the techniques are similar.

Horse Equipment
Having high quality equipment for horses is important as well. You need to have bridle work, turnouts and other horse equipment that are comfortable, made of high quality materials and dependable for years. This is generally an investment for first time horse owners, but well worth it in terms of the health and enjoyment of your horse.

Knowing the basics of horse care is essential for the health of your animal. When properly taken care of, a horse is one of the most glorious animal companions man has ever known.

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Every pet owner knows that like any animals, cats need our attention and should not be physically harmed. Most cat breeds are very easy to take care but Persian cats require special attention. Persian cats have long and soft fur so most would think that shedding would be a problem. But unlike other long furred animals, Persian cats shed minimally. This is one reason why they are favored inside the house. Taking care of these cats will not be a hassle as long as you follow simple Persian cats care tips.

Yes, Persian cat does not shed a lot but because of its long furs, they tend to get in the way of what the cat is doing. One problem with its fur is that when your cat poops, some of it sticks to its fur making the cat look dirty and smell bad too. Another problem is that it easily gets mats on its fur which makes it annoying for both you and the cat to get rid of.

To prevent these fur problems, make sure you comb its fur and not brush it. Brushing is not as effective as combing the fur because it leaves some dead fur on the undercoat. Combing its fur daily prevents the fur to tangle with one another. You can also have its fur cut into a lion clip. Its fur will be similar to the lion's fur. This will remove the fur around its rectum which will prevent the poop from sticking on it. These are some of the basic Persian cat care tips which should be done by the owner regularly.

Here are some Persian cat care tips:
1. Do not play with your cat using your hand especially when the game involves biting. Use toxic free toys instead of your hand to prevent biting habits and avoid unwanted injuries.

2. Keep small objects like coins, pins, eraser and matches away from the cat's reach. When eaten, it may cause serious injuries to your cat. They might choke on it while others are simply poisonous to your cat.

3. Cats are naturally curious so they tend to lick and smell anything that will trigger their curiosity. So bear in mind to keep soaps, detergents or any hazardous chemicals in a closed storage. It is also best to keep your cat in its cage when you are cleaning the house.

4. Do not allow your cat to over eat. This will cause obesity, vomiting and other health problems. Feed your cat at a specific time. Do not allow your cat to have access to its food whenever it wishes by leaving its bowl full every time.

5. Do not let your cat wander outside your property. Your cat might get into fights, run over by a car or stolen by other people. Always accompany your cat when walking outside.

Cats have precious life that should be treasured. These Persian cat care tips are important to keep your Persian cat happy, healthy and safe from harm.

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Dogs can be very expensive. When you first get a dog, you typically have to pay for it, either through a breeder or a pet store. Then you have to take it to the vet to get its initial shots. Then you have to buy food, treats, toys, and even bedding, depending on how much you want to spoil your dog. Then, if the dog gets sick, you have to take it to the vet.

You still have to take it to the vet regularly to get vaccinated and then there's training costs, etc. Pets are so expensive, they're almost like having actual children. That's why it always pays, literally, to know of someplace you can take your dog that offers free dog care. Free? Is that a typo? No, you can actually find free dog care if you know where to look.

The first place to go for free dog care is your local SPCA. There are many instances where they will spay or neuter your dog and even vaccinate your dog for free. Sometimes, you have to qualify for the free dog care, which means you'll have to prove that you don't actually make enough money to afford regular dog care.

These places, like your local SPCA, know that taking care of a dog can be very expensive and that's why they want to help those families out by providing free dog care so that all dogs are taken care of. They actually care about your pet, as you do, and they want to see your dog as healthy as possible. That's why they'll often provide free dog health care for those families who can't afford it.

Ask Your Vet
You may be wondering why you would ask your vet for free dog care. The words free and vet never go together, after all. However, just as in the case of the SPCA, your local vet's office will usually know of places you can go to get free dog care if you can't afford the vet's fees. Vets also care about your dog and if you can't take it there, they would rather you take it somewhere rather than not taking it for care at all.

And that's just what some families do when they can't afford dog care, they just leave the dog be. That usually results in sick or dead dogs. Don't do that. Do everything you can to find free dog care if you can't afford it so that your dog remains as healthy as possible.

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Nowadays, it's not uncommon at all to find that people are apt to keep a pet at home. However, with the popularization of pet-keeping, there come many troubles meanwhile. Among them, the most heated topic is the concern of pet care.

Pets always are so smart and emotional as human beings, so it's rather significant to pay much attention to their living. Then how to treat the pets? In fact, pet care is not an easy thing; without professional care, the pet is likely to be weak.

If you don't know how to look after your pet, or if you have not enough time to take good care of your baby pet, you can turn to the pet care professionals for help. But before choosing a so-called "profissional", you should make it clear that what should a pet care professional be. Or you are likely to be cheated and your pet may be at the risk of weakening.

1 They have a back-up plan. Because they consider themselves business owners, they have procedures and plans in place to accommodate all the pets in their care - even if they get a flat tire, have a personal emergency, or catch the flu. As you interview pet-care providers make sure you understand, and are comfortable with their "back-up" plans.

2 They use a contract. In order to protect you as well as the business, pet-care professionals have a contract that details their responsibilities while you're gone. It's important to spend time reading the document and ensuring that both you and your pet-care provider are clear on what's expected, and, what's NOT expected. I've heard of pet-sitters who trim nails, clip fur and provide 'extras'. This is great, as long as you expect your dog to be trimmed when you return home.

3 Professionals never overbook. Find out how many visits your pet-care provider makes on an average day - then do the math. Ask your pet-sitter to be realistic about how many trips they can make each day in order to ensure your pet is getting visited for the length of time you've contracted. No pet-sitter starts out wanting to short-change their clients, but sometimes during busy seasons, in an effort to serve all the clients who make requests, they may be forced to shorten visits. If you are booking for visits during busy times, be aware of this.

In a word, you should never be too careless to involve your pet with risk. It's of importance and help to realize the characteristics of pet care professionals. In this way, you can find the most reliable "professional" for the best service.

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