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Your 2023 Guide to Gift Ideas for Pet Parents
Pet parents are always on the lookout for holiday gifts for their beloved pets. To help you find the perfect presents for your dog this holiday season, we've compiled this holiday gift guide, full of gift ideas for pet parents! Great Gift Ideas for Pet Parents (And Your Pampered Pooch) Dog lovers who love spoiling their furry friends will enjoy this section of our gift guide.
Non-surgical birth control for feral cats a great idea but it doesn't exist yet
Carlos Dear Carlos, Food that could be fed to feral cats to halt or interrupt feline reproduction would be a game changer, but there is nothing on the market yet. The problem with doing that with food is that a wild animal could eat it and be impacted as well. But you're thinking in the right direction. Research into nonsurgical sterilization is ongoing. Hopefully, someday we will have another option to help feral cats.
What should you do when you find a lost dog?
Amy Dear Amy, Even if dogs have not gone far, they don’t necessarily know how to return home. Busy roads, cars whizzing by, and unfamiliar faces and landscapes can disorient them and cause them to go even further astray. So one should help a lost dog wherever possible.
Hemp chews are OK for anxious dogs, but exercise will calm them, too
More animals matter: Why do dogs lie in the sun when it's so hot outside? Now I have Phoenix, a 1-year-old Schnauzer mix. He recently got carsick on the first leg of a trip. We stopped and got him some hemp chews. That took care of the problem for the remainder of the 700-mile trip. After reading your column, I wonder if I should use this as a daily supplement. As a terrier youngster, Phoenix is very active. Calmer behavior would probably make both of us happier.
Why do dogs lie in the sun when it's so hot?
Carol Dear Carol, Dogs and cats love to sunbathe and often will search for patches of sunlight in the house to “nap on.” As they age, though, they actually may seek more warmth to get relief for stiff and achy joints. While my 12-year-old dog, Buster, has always loved to sunbathe, he has wanted to be outside more in his senior years. Your dog is likely doing the same thing, which I know seems odd with our summer temperatures. More Animals Matter: Should you get a rabies shot for a feral cat bite?
Should you get the rabies vaccine when bitten by feral cat?
I got a nasty bite on my hand from one cat while transferring him from one crate to another. Needless to say, I got the rabies series. Why? Because I know that rabies can lie dormant in your system for a while before it presents itself and because it is almost always 100 percent fatal. Two people have survived it, I believe. As a nurse, I wasn’t taking any chances. The shots are not nearly as bad as they used to be, and once you’re vaccinated, you’re usually good for life.
Make sure your pet's tags, microchip information is up to date
So, I reported the lost dog to area animal shelters, posted his photo on neighborhood social media, and began my own reconnaissance. I tracked down who we thought might be the owner (or at least the cat owner who might have this dog’s rabies tag) to place he worked, but he had since left. I found another number for him, which belonged to a Corpus Christi woman who had gotten his old number and was still receiving calls for him a year later.
A happy ending for S.A. kitten rescued with ears, tail cut off
I was shocked, horrified and heartbroken to read it. I burst into tears and became so angry at the heartless monster who had so cruelly maimed him. The kitten was very tenderly taken care of and nursed to health, but the post ended with: "If you are interested in adopting Gunner, please visit SAhumane.org/cats today." There was no indication anywhere if he was adopted. I hope so. That poor baby deserves so much tender, loving care.
Cat bites are dangerous, with infections, surgery not uncommon
My bite didn't come from a play session with my own feline but from my own carelessness around a feral cat I had trapped. While sitting and talking to the cat prior to releasing her, I allowed the tip of my pointer finger — only about a half-inch — to slip through the cage, which was enough for Miss Piggy, as I call her, to bite through the very tip of the nail. It was entirely my fault.
How to help dogs and cats stay calm during 4th of July fireworks
I've had two noise-phobic dogs in my life. These dogs didn't just hide under a blanket until the loud noises passed. No, these dogs knocked over and climbed onto furniture, dug through the carpet to escape, tore up things and trembled so badly, I feared they would collapse or have a heart attack. Dogs with that level of noise-phobia can hurt themselves, and it’s up to us to develop a strategy to help them cope. The best thing any pet parent can do is to prevent noise phobia from ever developing.
Dog and cat foster groups needed to keep San Antonio's kill rate down, live-release rate up
That's not true, right? I want to correct them, but I'd like to have the correct information so I can respond. The dogs appear to be in good health and well cared for. — Sally Dear Sally, San Antonio's ACS is an open-intake shelter, which means it must take in every animal surrendered as part of city services to the community. Of course, it can run out of space, which can put a dog or cat at risk of euthanasia.
How to help your older dog or cat with their pain, stiffness with beds, bowls and activity changes
June 16, 2022 If you have a senior dog or cat, you’ve likely noticed they’re stiff when they wake up and don’t have the same energy to walk or play anymore. I used to walk my dog Buster at a brisk pace for an hour a day. Now that he’s 12 years old, we take only 20-minute strolls. Like most senior pets, Buster suffers from joint pain and stiffness — the hallmarks of arthritis.
How to ensure your pets are cared for after your death
My neighborhood is a favorite dumping ground for many, so I have found dumped kittens in paper bags. I've brought them all home, raised them, found homes for them when I could, and borne their vet bills. Fortunately, my husband is as bad as I am about foundlings. So, we are full up, as you can imagine. Hence my question: my husband and I are writing our wills. We have someone who will take the horses, but what do we do with the cats? This is only if we go at the same time.
How to know when your pet really needs emergency care
With more pets and fewer vets, finding urgent care for your dog or cat may be more difficult going forward. When my dog was vomiting and excreting large amounts of blood, I took him to an emergency clinic. They told me it would be a six-hour wait because there were many more critically ill patients ahead of him. I certainly understand they have to go with the most critically ill first, but even then, they couldn’t guarantee they could see him.
How to find a mobile pet vaccine clinic in the San Antonio area
My 80-pound dog has not had shots since COVID started. We love them and want our pets and ourselves to be safe. We are in our 80s. Ms. Janszen Dear Ms. Janszen, You are not the only pet owner that put off their pets’ annual vaccinations because of COVID. Very few mobile clinics operated during COVID, making it difficult for many pet owners to keep their pets’ shots current. The good news is, there are several groups in San Antonio offering mobile clinics again.
Abandoned kittens, not trash, found in brown paper bag
Dear Cathy, So many people called and emailed Animal Care Services (ACS) about a recent column you wrote (San Antonio’s Animal Care Services a driving force to save more dogs’ and cats’ lives) that I wanted to thank you and tell you about something that occurred the morning your piece ran. I was came in early to work at the shelter when I saw a brown paper bag next to our driveway. It looked like trash, but I knew. Your inner voice starts a mantra of, “Please be empty.
Tips for healthier, happier pets this spring and summer
May 12, 2022 This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Follow these tips for a healthier, happier pet this spring and summer. Does your dog stink? Most dogs go through the winter with little coat care except for brushing, so they may need a little spring cleaning. Bathe your dog, wash their bedding and collar and scrub those ID tags clean. If you bathe your dog outside, use a leash so they can’t take off.
Pet turtle or tortoise not a good idea for your child
“Many of these animals are taken illegally out of the wild or are victims of international smuggling (for the pet trade),” said ATR co-founder Susan Tellem. Rescue groups try to discourage people from buying these animals as pets for several reasons. First, if you are buying a turtle for a child, stop. Children lose interest quickly in animals that spend their days not moving much, just basking in the sun or in an enclosed tank.
No, you can’t leave your cat alone for a week with extra food
April 28, 2022 The other day, while standing in line, I couldn’t help but overhear the couple standing behind me discussing their upcoming trip to New Mexico and what they should do with their cat, Mondo (there’s not much social distancing anymore). The husband thought the cat would be fine if they left enough food and water out for the week. The wife disagreed and wanted someone to check in on Mondo daily. In this instance, the wife was right. What’s wrong with the husband’s plan?
Animal Care Services is a driving force to save more pets’ lives
Could you highlight the good work of San Antonio Animal Care Services (ACS)? So much social media paints them in a negative light that is not fair. Linda Dear Linda, Absolutely. People tend to think of city shelters in an old-school way when in fact today, they are often the driving force behind saving more lives in most communities.
Groups taking donations to help animals in Ukraine
While there are (thankfully) quite a few rescue organizations to help dogs and cats, zoo animals, and sanctuary animals in Ukraine, there don’t seem to be many that are assisting abandoned farm animals. I really want to donate to legitimate organizations that will use the money to actually help these animals as best they can. Do you have any recommendations?
San Antonio Army vet gets PTSD help from a little brindle pitbull puppy
When Rich and Alicia Scott first set eyes on Hesco, he was an 8-week-old puppy whose head seemed too big for his 9-pound body. He was “goofy and silly,” they recall, and “chasing his tail in circles” — and they knew instantly he was the dog they needed at that moment in their lives. An Army veteran of 23 years, Rich was deployed in Afghanistan with special forces and did two tours of duty in Iraq. “When I got home, I wasn’t in a good place,” he said. “I had PTSD and insomnia.
Can cats and dogs really get along? Here’s how to make it work
When I was a kid, I always thought the expression “fight like cats and dogs” was gospel. After we got our first dog, a cat adopted us and moved in, and the two of them were best friends. After we got our second dog, the same thing happened. So much for myths. Richard Dear Richard, While some dogs and cats don’t get along, there are many more that do. The most successful friendships are based on the dog giving the cat the leeway to rule the roost.
Tips for clicker training your new foster or adopted dog
Your column February column about how San Antonio does not have enough shelter space or rescue groups to keep pace with city’s stray pet problem got my attention. I am considering adopting or fostering a stray dog but need more information. I have never housetrained a dog, and I prefer an older, medium to small animal. Please let me know where I may get more information on these options. Thank you! Kay G. Dear Kay, I am so excited you want to adopt or foster a dog.
The 3 best ways to keep your dog or cat from getting bored and destructive and acting out
Many behavior problems are the result of our cats and dogs getting bored. If a dog is left alone in the house for too long, they might start chewing on the furniture. If left in the backyard unattended, they might start digging in the yard.
Overprotective, leash-aggressive dogs need boundaries, training
I was interested in your column on leash-reactive dogs. My Delilah is a rescue, a 10-pound poodle mix about 7 years old, who has been with us for three years. She barks crazily at passing dogs while on walks or when in the yard, and even barks at my husband coming to bed, if she and my other poodle-mix are already in the bed with me. Then, there’s Juliet, 4, my other poodle-mix rescue, who screams in terror, lunges and nips when a larger dog gets close.
How to stop a dog from digging under a fence and escaping the yard
I have a 2-year-old keeshond, who is a sweet and loving dog. I can’t always be home all day, so sometimes I leave him in the backyard so he can enjoy the outdoors. But he likes to dig holes in the yard and has escaped under the fence in the past. I want my dog to be able to spend time outside. What can I do to keep him from digging out in the future? Pete Dear Pete, Dogs may dig out of habit or boredom, to stay cool, to hide food or a toy, or instinctively because of their breed.
How to get dog that hates the leash to accept it and go for walks
We have a 14-month-old long coat Chihuahua that does not want a collar or leash on him. If you put the collar and the leash on him, he will lay on the ground and not move. The same thing happens when we try putting a sweater on him. We have tried giving treats or having other dogs play with him, but we always get the same results. We got him when he was 2 months old and know of no trauma prior to us getting him. He is a great dog except for this issue with leashes/collars/sweaters.
Brushing your dog’s or cat’s teeth daily can extend their lives and keep them healthy
February is Pet Dental Health Month, and a good month to peer into your dog or cat’s mouth and see what’s going on inside. Does your dog or cat have missing teeth, loose teeth, or “doggie” or “kitty” breath? While we might think these things are normal for an animal as they age, they are all signs of periodontal disease (unless the tooth loss is from chewing on a rock).
How to socialize dogs to raise mentally healthy and friendly canines
I want to weigh in on dog parks. I agree with pretty much everything said in your Nov. 25 column, except what the reader said about dog parks being stressful for most dogs and that they are a terrible idea. We take our 2-year-old golden retriever to the Bark Park in the Olmos Basin. I realize this will sound snobbish, but most of the people who bring their dogs are from middle- to high-income families. They know their dogs and are responsible people. I rarely see a dog that is stressed.
New Texas dog law closing tether law loopholes goes into effect in January
The Safe Outdoor Dog Act goes into effect on Jan. 18. It closes the loophole that required animal control officers and law enforcement to wait 24 hours before helping a tethered dog in distress, outlines proper protection from the elements, requires dogs to have access to drinkable water and prohibits the use of chain restraints.
How to stop your dog from waking you in the middle of the night to go outside and pee
How can I get my dog to stop waking me in the middle of the night to go outside and pee? She is 6 years old and weighs about 30 pounds. She never used to do this, but now she does it all the time. It’s hard for me to get back to sleep when this happens. Allyson Dear Allyson, Have your vet examine her for illness if she has never done this before. A simple urinary infection, for example, can increase urge and frequency, which always is most notable at night.
How to help feral cats stay warm outside this winter
While San Antonio winters are generally mild, there are days when the weather can be brutal for pets. Animals can freeze to death outside if precautions aren’t taken. Most animal lovers know to bring their pets inside the house, garage or enclosed patio during inclement weather and harsh temperatures. But feral cats don’t have families to look after them anymore.
Your guide to gifts for dogs, cats and other pets this Christmas holiday season
According to the 2021-2022 American Pet Products Association National Pet Owners Survey, 45 percent of dog owners and 35 percent of cat owners plan to buy holiday presents for their pets this year. It’s also a great time to give pet-related gifts to the many people you know with pets. My mom, for example, has no pets of her own, but she loves all her furry “grand” babies and has already bought them all plush toys for Christmas.
Some feral cats are happiest on the streets because that’s what they know
I read your post about the San Antonio woman who struggled to save a pregnant cat. A very friendly stray cat showed up at my front door a few days back. I fed her and gave her water. I have no experience with cats but have a dog. I took her to the vet to get her vaccinated. She was spayed, had a microchip, and was ear-tipped. The vet sedated her to run FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus) and feline leukemia tests.
Why some dog parks are the worst place for dogs
Recently, a gentleman posting online said his dog was attacked at the Universal City dog park by a larger dog. He said when it erupted, the offending dog’s owner pulled out a leather glove to get his dog off. The injured dog’s owner immediately took his dog to get treated. Some people mentioned how dog owners are inattentive to their dog’s behavior at dog parks. I am sure some people visit with intact dogs, of all things, and who knows which dogs have or haven’t been vaccinated.
Make sure your dog never bites anyone by socializing it
Last week, I talked about how to raise a puppy that doesn’t bite by training for bite inhibition. In part two, I want to share with you several other ways you can reduce the chances of your dog ever biting someone. The second step involves socializing your puppy. Poorly socialized puppies often grow into scared and fearful dogs. So, training a puppy to be comfortable around people is important.
San Antonio woman struggles to save pregnant feral cat in difficult labor, shedding light on plight of homeless cats
My friend Kathy Kardon often has animals appear on her doorstep in Northwest San Antonio. Somehow, they sense she will help them, if needed. So, I wasn’t surprised when she told me a feral cat that she had been trying to catch for a while now had suddenly crawled into her lap while she was sitting on the front lawn. Kardon said the cat looked pregnant and she thought the cat might be close to delivering, so she brought her into the house. A few hours later, the momma cat delivered her first kitten.
Why do dogs eat poop and how to stop it?
Last night, my brother mentioned that his new puppy has a thing about eating poop. Why do dogs do that? How do you stop it? Linda Dear Linda, When a dog eats poop it’s called coprophagia (cop-row-fage-ee-uh), which is a Greek word that basically means feces-eating. While not uncommon for our canine friends to partake in this behavior, it does remain somewhat of a mystery to the veterinary world.
5 ways to teach your children to be kind to animals
May 2 through 8 is Be Kind to Animals Week. American Humane created the week in 1915 as a way to celebrate the special bond between people and pets and introduce humane education to children. The week was a novel idea that gained momentum over the century. While we’ve made considerable progress for animals since then, humane education remains as vital today as it was in 1915.
Universal City dog left out in rain spurs debate about neglect
By Cathy M. Rosenthal Published 4:01 am CST, Thursday, February 11, 2021 A Universal City dog left out crying in the rain led to quite a debate online about how to handle the situation and help the dog. A Universal City dog left out crying in the rain led to quite a debate online about how to handle the situation and help the dog.
How to train your dog to be quiet despite doorbells, other noises
We have two shelties. Lexi is 8, and Sochi is 4. Before we got Sochi, Lexi barked at the doorbell, rather insistently, and at anyone walking through the common space behind us. Sochi has become a horrendous barker at those same things. She also barks like crazy when we sneeze, when we put trash bags into the can, when the oven timer goes off, or just when we take a deep breath. We paid for a week of training and boarding with no improvement. I admit some of the problem is us.
Cat uses toilet, tub, sink to relieve herself - all without training
I went to use the bathroom and heard what I thought was a water leak. My cat Bumper was using the tub drain to relieve herself. I told my wife, but she didn’t think it was funny because she had seen the cat use the toilet as well. There are three litter boxes that I clean daily. How did the cat learn to use the tub drain? She was acquired as a kitten as a stray. She is a talker, always meowing and wanting to be in my lap.
How a lucky stray from San Pedro Park found a home
When a stray, white, 50-pound lab mix first approached Sally Rios and her dog Chiquita during a walk at San Pedro Park, she noticed he was limping on his left paw. Rios noted he was a friendly dog who wanted to play with other dogs. But he definitely “didn’t want to be touched or caught by anyone,” she said. Rios asked the park police to call Animal Care Services (ACS). Because the dog was friendly and not seriously injured, the they told her the dog probably wouldn’t be picked up right away.
Animals Matter: How to train a dog to pee while on a leash
Dear Cathy, We recently adopted a 1-year-old greyhound with vision problems and slight weakness on her right side. She is a great girl. Watching her play, you would never know she is handicapped. One problem we have, however, is that she won’t go potty on a lead. We take long walks and short walks, but she never goes. We want to travel with our dogs, but that will not be possible if we can’t get her to go on lead.
Animals Matter: Feral cats do mourn when their friends die
Dear Cathy, I am relatively new to being a “cat person” and accepting responsibility for several cats. My first two came together and presented themselves at my back door one morning. When one of my neighbors died about two years ago, she made arrangements for her two cats to go to another neighbor to raise. Then, unexpectedly, that second neighbor died and had not planned for her two groups of cats.
Animals Matter: San Antonio cat missing for 4 months reunited with owner with help from Montana
Sundance, a fluffy orange tabby living the good life in a San Antonio apartment, had been missing for four months. “We had no idea how he got out,” said his owner Jacqueline Hill. “He never rushed the front door. I searched for weeks.
San Antonio animal shelters came out ahead in 2020
COVID-19 presented everyone with an ever-changing and challenging landscape in 2020. For animal shelters, shutting down their campuses meant that dogs and cats weren’t being seen or adopted. Shelters had to think quickly about how they could continue adopting pets. And in spite of limitations that kept shelters closed to the public for many months, San Antonio animal groups found creative ways to keep services going, which ended up exceeding their expectations in many ways.
Animals Matter: Horror tales of Thanksgiving going wrong for pets and tips to keep them safe
My most memorable Thanksgiving occurred when I was 10, and it wasn’t a good one. My mom was pulling the turkey out of the oven when our little terrier mix, Pepper, raced through the kitchen and under the open door on the stove. My mom lost her balance as Pepper whizzed by, and the liquid from the pan spilled onto Pepper’s back. I can still hear my sweet dog yelp from the pain. Pepper’s back was burned badly — and at a time when there were no emergency veterinary clinics around.
Animals Matter: A few things to try for your arthritic dog
Dear Cathy, You helped me with my dog Lady back in 2011. She was having problems making friends with my son David. Lady is still very protective of our home and me, but she is better at making friends with people now. Lady is now 10 years old. About a year ago, I noticed she was limping with her right shoulder. The veterinarian said it was arthritis and recommended we start her on Omega 3. A few months ago, I noticed she was also limping with her right leg.
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