Child Developed Allergy to Pet Cat

Dear Marie:

My five-year-old daughter has developed an allergy to our cat.  Our pediatrician has told us to either keep the cat outside or get rid of it.  I have had this cat for 8 years and he is part of our family.  We never put him outside and I am not about to start now.  He’d become a coyote dinner before the first night ended.   I also can’t just get rid of him.  My daughter loves him.  She would be devastated.  Not to mention, our whole family would be devastated.  Have you heard of any other alternatives to these drastic measures?

Toni, Rancho Santa Margarita

Dear Toni,

Ask your pediatrician to refer you to an allergist, preferably one who is sensitive to your concerns about your pet and your daughter’s feelings.  Pet allergies are one of the most common allergies in the world, ranking second to dust mite allergies.  The easiest and thus quickest recommended method for coping made by doctors is to avoid or get rid of pets.  However, this recommendation does not take into consideration the emotional issues connected with pet allergies.

If you get rid of your cat because your daughter has allergies, she will feel like it is her fault and possibly experience guilt and grief - especially if the whole family feels bad about having to get rid of the kitty.   If she has siblings who also love your cat, they may blame her and harbor long-term resentment toward her.  This is certainly not an ideal situation for a young child. 

The first thing you should do is to learn as much as you can about allergies to cats.  I can give you a little information, and you can use this as a jumping off point for more.  Knowledge is going to be your major tool for creating an environment and lifestyle that will allow you to keep your cat.  Giving your cat up for adoption should only be a last resort if everything else has failed.

Felines create more allergic reactions in humans than do dogs.  These allergic reactions can be very serious and thus should not be taken lightly.  Allergies are triggered by allergens.  In the house cat, this allergen is produced in the sebaceous glands of the cat’s skin and in its saliva.  Therefore, these allergens will accumulate on your pet’s

fur.  Experts used to think that a cat’s constant cleaning by licking itself was the major cause of allergen deposits.  However, it has now been shown that the sebaceous

glands are the bigger culprits.  Nevertheless, the two sources produce an allergen that is extremely small, thus allowing it to penetrate deep into the lungs after being inhaled.

There are products currently available that can eliminate these allergens.   They can be applied to your cat’s fur with a sponge on a weekly basis.  These products cause no adverse reactions to pets.  They are non-oily and there is no noticeable residue that is left after application. There are also no perfumes or fragrances added.  Eighty to eighty-five percent of allergy sufferers who have applied these products to their pets have enjoyed marked improvement in their ability to tolerate cats. There are many scientific papers that discuss these results as well as other related tests.  The bottom line is that if you are able to remove the allergens from your cat before they become airborne, you will reduce the chances of your daughter experiencing allergic reactions to these allergens.

Further, your daughter may be allergic to other allergens in the environment – not just your cat’s.  In fact, many individuals who are allergic to felines are sensitive to a number of different allergens.  All of the allergens together create a threshold point for allergy sufferers, which causes reactions to occur.  Consequently, you should try to make your home as allergen free as possible.  Take steps to eliminate dust, mold, mildew, pollen, paint, perfume, soaps, cosmetics, and other household items which may potentially combine to trigger allergic reactions in your daughter.

A recent study at John Hopkins University has reached some exciting conclusions.  In the near future, synthetic vaccines may become available that will alleviate allergic reactions to felines.  Talk to your allergist about these and other new treatment regimens.  Chances are, your feline companion and your daughter will not have to be separated.

Pet Expo - THIS WEEKEND - April 10-11-12

Hi Everyone.
I'll be at Pet Expo this weekend in booth 1143 at the Orange County Fair Grounds.  I've been participating in Pet Expo since it first started about 20 years ago!  Here's an old photo of the late Fred Bergendorff and myself from about 10 years ago in our Pet Expo booth.  We always had a great time meeting Pet Place fans.

Hope you will come on over and see me and say hello.  Pet Expo opens at 10AM and closes at 6PM on Friday and Sunday, and 7PM on Saturday.  Honestly, that’s barely enough time to see everything.  It is THE world’s largest pet and pet products exposition with fabulous pet-related entertainment, educational seminars, and shopping for toys and treats for your four-legged and furry, or feathery, or even scaly family members!  They pretty much have everything under the sun at Pet Expo and  I always enjoy meeting the faithful Pet Place Radio Show listeners and my column-readers who stop by the Pet Place Booth.  For more information, visit www.petexpooc.org. 

Giving Living Easter Gifts

The House Rabbit Society wanted me to remind everyone NOT to buy bunnies and other pets for gifts at Easter. I couldn't agree more so I would like to share a poem I wrote about the subject.

Mr. M. Paul Sivv was thinking one fine day,
“It’s Springtime now, so Easter’s on the way.
I should go and buy some gifts for Betty, Bill and Joe.
Some chicks, some bunnies, and a duck are perfect; this I know.”

So off he went to Pets For Less,
a pet store that was quite a mess.
Amazement struck him when he saw,
pastel colored ducklings (which is against the law).

The pet store dyed them purple, pink and blue.
He bought a pink one, and a purple one too.
Then he spied the bunny cage.
How cute they looked at this young age.
He bought a dozen; then he said,
“I forgot the chicks, where is my head?”

The baby chickens were crammed in a pen.
Each one was guaranteed to be a hen.
Mr. Sivv bought 12 that date.
He thought of fresh eggs on everyone’s plate.

When he had paid and left the store,
he carted the gifts to each friend’s door.
He felt so good to have given a gift,
to his three friends for a holiday lift.

But soon Betty called him
and told him as she cried,
“My pastel ducklings...both of them died.
I took them to my vet; and this is what he said,
‘That nasty pastel poison is what made your ducklings dead!’”

 It wasn't one month later, when Bill was on the phone.
“I can’t keep these bunnies!” he said in an angry tone.
“They eat and eat and eat and eat, and when they’re finally done,
the mess they make is far too much for a cleaning crew of one!

Four months passed when Joe did call.
“Those dozen hens you got me,
are ROOSTERS, one and all!
City Zoning’s at my door;
they aren't very glad.
My neighbors are complaining,
those roosters made them mad.
They crow each morning, noon and night.
They’re mean and cranky, and they fight.
I cannot keep them, and that’s a fact.
You have to come and take them all back.”

Mr. Sivv was extremely sad.
He didn't mean to do anything bad.
He learned his lesson a very hard way:
to give living Easter gifts is NOT OK.

It is far better to talk things out;
and to ask some questions when in doubt.
Any one of his "gifts" would have made a fine pet;
but research and preparation are necessary, you can bet.

So if you plan to buy a chick, duck or bunny,
remember Mr. M. Paul Sivv,
BEFORE you spend your money!

Old Dog - New Bad Habit

Dear Marie,
 I have a 16-year-old poodle who always was perfectly housebroken. Recently, she began urinating on the carpet and I don't know why. I took her to the vet, and he said there is nothing wrong. I can't understand why she is doing this. It's almost like she is doing it on purpose because I will open the door for her and she won't go outside – she'll just look at me and then start "going" while I'm holding the door wide open and calling her. This is not an accident. She is very deliberate and looks right at me the whole time she is going potty. I can't get her to stop – and at this point, my carpet is ruined. Why is she doing this and what can I do?
Frannie

Dear Frannie,
As dogs get older, they tend to start having problems like these. Sometimes it's simply because it is cold and damp outside and their poor, old, arthritic bodies and minds aren't up for taking a walk in the elements (from their perspective) just to go potty.

You have a few options. The first is quite simple. Get her into a warm doggie sweater, throw on a jacket yourself, and physically take her outside. Give her lots of praise because even at her age, she needs positive reinforcement.

Don't expect her to go out on her own, because at this point in her life, she's made it clear that she has no intention of doing that. I'm sure the recent rainy weather has a lot to do with her behavior. And yes – this means extra work or hassle for you; or you can look at it as some quality time.

Attitude is everything for people with senior pets. There are so many changes that go on during this phase of a pet's life, and you need to find a way to make it pleasant for you and for her. Changing the way you look at this situation is probably going to be your best bet because your frustration may possibly aggravate the problem. Stay calm and in control. That's what your pet needs more than anything.

Here's another idea – there are several manufacturers of indoor doggie grass. They are raised squares of a special deodorizing, artificial grass that is made specifically for dogs to use for bathroom purposes (somewhat like a doggie litter box). The idea originated from the need of big-city, high-rise-dwelling pet owners to have easy access to a potty location for their pets. But owners of senior pets, or people who live in cold, wet climates, quickly found the advantage to such an item. You can see some of these products at www.petapotty.com/products.html. I first saw these demonstrated at the Pet Expo a few years back and was quite impressed.

Some dog owners resort to using specially designed diapers for animals who are aging and becoming incontinent, though I don't believe this is the right solution for you since your dog seems to still have control. However, you could use a diaper as a preventive tool. Have her wear it, and when it seems like she needs to urinate, bring her over to the door, remove the diaper, then go outside with her.

The last option would be to take out your now-ruined carpet and replace it with tile flooring. If your dog continues to have "incidents," it's much easier to clean up messes on hard flooring. You can even go back to using newspaper or potty pads if there is a specific area that your dog has designated her "bathroom."

Still, I feel very confident that if you go outside with your pet, rain or shine, and wait out there until she goes, you'll begin to retrain the good manners that she exhibited in her younger years. She won't be happy about going out in the cold or the rain, but if you are out there too, she'll feel a little better about it. Be patient with her; she deserves that from you – and be patient with yourself.

Obese Dog

Dear Marie,
I have what is supposed to be a small breed dog. He’s a Lhasa Apso named Kirby and he weighs 31 pounds. He looks like a giant throw pillow for my couch. My roommate and everyone who comes over thinks he is cute being so fat and they keep giving him treats, even when I tell them they shouldn't. I try to minimize what he eats, but it doesn’t seem like it is doing any good. He’s only 4 years old and he never plays. The only time he gets excited at all is if there is food available. My grandmother is the worst. When she comes to visit me at my apartment, she likes to cook dinner. Then she gives him all the leftovers. I try to explain that this isn’t good for him; but she tells me that he won’t eat more than he needs and I feel like I just can’t argue with her because she’s my grandmother and you don’t argue with grandmothers. Kirby has gained 3 pounds this year alone. At this rate, he’s going to pass 50 pounds before he’s 10 years old. I need to get him back to a healthy weight but I can’t do it alone. If you answer this letter, I’ll put it up on my fridge so everyone can read it. With you on my side, I think I can take on all my dog’s “enablers.”
Thanks,
Stephanie

Dear Stephanie,
First of all, let me just say that you and only you are responsible for your dog’s health and welfare. If people are doing things that endanger Kirby, you need to tell them in no uncertain terms that it is not OK and that’s all there is to it. Even if one of those people is your grandmother, you must be firm. Kirby’s life may depend on it.

Obesity leads to poor health and potentially death, especially morbid obesity, as is the case with your dog. A Lhasa Apso should weigh 12-15 pounds at the most. Beyond that, he may develop diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, liver problems, increased risk of cancer, and all the same problems you hear about with regards to human obesity. There is nothing “cute” about this.

Though it appears that your dog is getting fat as a result of eating too much, you should schedule a visit with your veterinarian to make sure there are no underlying causes for the weight gain. If he gets a clean bill of health from the doctor, then you must immediately start him on a special diet and exercise program. Your veterinarian will probably recommend various dog food products along with a maximum daily calorie intake recommendation. Do not stray from this regimen.

It is important that your dog lose weight slowly. Don’t expect results over night. I would suggest targeting nine months to a year to reach your goal.

In the meantime, Kirby will whine for food. He will look at you with big, begging, sad eyes. He will do what he does best to get you and your friends and relatives to sneak him little snacks. You must stay in control of the situation and not give in to Kirby’s or anyone else’s begging – because there will be a lot, and mostly from Kirby’s human allies.

Keep reminding yourself that every extra pound on your little dog’s body is causing him joint pain, discomfort from the heat, breathing difficulties, and all the potential health problems I’ve already discussed.

With that as your motivation, begin taking Kirby out for morning, afternoon and evening walks. Increase the distance of these walks by just a little bit each day. You will notice that as Kirby exercises more, he will have more energy. He will even begin to enjoy playing again.

Buy him a few new toys. Balls are great for getting dogs to run around and have a good time. But be creative – find some toys that both of you like playing with together. When the two of you are enjoying activity time, you will notice that Kirby enjoys his “workout” even more.

Once your dog is back to a healthy weight, don’t stop the good diet and exercise program that you will have developed. You can gradually switch him over to a maintenance diet, but keep the extra snacks and goodies out of the picture. Many dogs do not know when to stop eating so it’s your job to regulate Kirby’s intake. By taking these steps, as hard as they may be, you will be giving Kirby a much more comfortable and healthy life and I’m sure your family and friends will agree that this is best.

Good Luck.

Needy (Demanding) Pet

Dear Marie,
I have a five-year-old dog who loves me very much and I love her too. I spend a lot of time with her every day. We walk together and play together. But, every time I try to do my own thing, she constantly jumps up on me and tries to get all my attention again. I don’t mind spending time with her, but I need time for myself too. Do you think she needs another dog around to be her companion?
Joanne

Dear Joanne,
I am not sure getting another dog will solve your problem. It may compound it. Your dog may teach the newcomer that this behavior is completely acceptable. Then, instead of having one dog mug you when you need quiet moments, you’ll have two! Further, two dogs mean a whole lot more of your time. It seems that time is the one thing you need…not a new dog.

I think what you really must do is set down some ground rules for your pet. Don’t cut down on the playtime and affection you want to give her. However, when you need your own space, you need to let her know what you want in no uncertain terms.

I suspect you may be sending her mixed signals. If you tell her “no” and then allow her to continue pestering, she will assume you don’t really mean it. She has come to expect that she can have her way because you won’t be consistent and firm.

There are a number of things you can do. First, re-establish yourself as the “alpha” or head of the family by taking a refresher dog obedience course together. Especially practice “down, sit, and stay.” Remember, dogs love to please their people but need their guidance to get on the right track. Don’t ever let her get the upper hand or you will lose your credibility.

When you decide it’s time to be on your own, firmly call out these commands. Be sure and praise her when she follows through with the correct behavior. You can also give her a little toy or treat to keep her busy while she is in her “stay.”

You should also temporarily introduce her to kennel time. Kennels are useful in many areas of dog training. It seems as though a kennel would be especially useful in your situation.

After a long walk or play, send her to a large, comfy dog crate or kennel. Make sure she has a toy and a blanket to snuggle with.  You might also give her a treat when she goes in. Turn on a radio and tune it in to soft music or talk radio. After she has settled in, go about your business. Dogs generally don’t mind being in kennels. They are like little dens, which for dogs are actually quite comforting.

When you are ready to spend time with your pet again, let her out, but don’t fuss over her too much. Wait ten or fifteen minutes before handling her. This will reduce the frantic, “so happy to see you” energy dogs sometimes get when their owners return.

If you have friends who are willing, send her out with them for walks and playtime. This way, she will not depend solely on you for fun and affection. In fact, if there is a regular time each day that you need for yourself, you might enlist the help of a dog walker (a responsible teenage neighbor who wants to earn a little money, perhaps) to take your pet for a nice long jaunt through the neighborhood.

In a nutshell, with regular, consistent obedience training and a little more variety of human interaction, your pet will probably become very well-mannered. You don’t need to introduce another dog because I don’t think your girl is bored or lonely. She just needs to know what is expected of her and what she can expect in return.

Dogs suddenly turn on one of their "Pack"

Dear Marie,
My three dogs, two Maltese (8 years and 6 years old) and a Jack Russell mix (3 years old), have been staying at my mom’s house with her two dogs (10 years and 5 years old) for the last 9 months. When my nephew travels, he drops off his two Pomeranians ( 4 years and 5 years old) at my mom’s. All of the dogs are spayed and all weigh between 8 and 12 pounds. They have all gotten along well until recently. One of the Poms was playing with the Jack Russell and suddenly the Jack Russell attacked her and punctured her skin. After the dogs were separated, my two Maltese dogs went after this same Pom in an aggressive manner. I was there when it happened and I immediately kenneled my dogs. There is nothing that I can determine that set the dogs off. Just recently, my Jack Russell went after one of my mom’s younger dog which again caused my two Maltese to attack. The dogs are all house-dogs with a pet door to the back yard. None of my dogs will attack the older of my mom’s dogs and they also do not attack my nephew’s second Pom. Do you have any ideas on why this is happening, how to prevent it, and how to break up the fight?

Thanks.
Andrea A.

Dear Andrea, Dynamics within a family or a circle of friends are always in motion. This is true for every species. Think of a workplace where everyone seems to be getting along. It doesn’t take much to rattle the environment. If someone feels possessive of a certain project, he or she may make hasty decisions or comments based on the need to control, and that usually results in the hurt feelings of co-workers, which then leads to more trouble. Of course, no one keeps these things to themselves, and soon everyone at the office knows about the problem and people take sides. In about 0.5 seconds, things get ugly and people who previously got along great, all jump in the dog pile. Sadly, most humans can never work things out, and things stay sour. But the good news is that dogs are not people. When something like this happens, they forgive. They forget. And they move on. But first, you have to help them forget and you also need to teach them that only you, your mother, and your nephew are in charge. Your Jack Russell, though she wants to move up the corporate ladder, needs to know that her position is and will always be at the very bottom.

Now being stuck in last place in the dog world does not sit well. Dogs instinctively have the urge to eek out a higher position in the chain of command. Somehow, your mom’s senior dog has earned top dog position in your little dog pack. Since she is an elderly dog, I don’t see a problem in letting her keep that spot – so let’s put everyone else in declining order behind her.

Here’s how to accomplish this task. First, assemble your mom, your nephew and yourself for a group meeting. Let them know that the three of you need to participate in group training. Since your mom is the primary caregiver of the dogs at her home, I would suggest that she handle the two dogs that have been singled out in the attacks, as well as her old senior girl, during the training exercises.

You need to leash the three of your dogs. Your nephew needs to leash his Pomeranian which has not been attacked. Your mother needs to leash both of the “victim” dogs and her little old lady. Once everyone is leashed and ready, it’s time to go for a walk. Your mother should leave first, followed by your nephew, and lastly you. Remain in this formation as you walk. Your Jack Russell Mix needs to be in the very back of the walking party which means as you hold her leash, do it in a manner that makes her walk behind you. She’s not going to like this but no matter how much she complains, do not let her walk level with you and the other two dogs.

When you return, let the dogs off leash in the house in the same order you walked in. Your mother releases her dogs first, followed by your nephew, followed by you. Repeat these walks - and they should be good, long walks - each day for a two-week period. Your little pack will notice that the two victim dogs are always allowed to lead which sends the message to all involved that they are indeed leaders. Dogs are very simple-minded in this regard.

During this same period, you must also never let the dogs out to play at the same time. Put a barrier in the doggie door and let the dogs have free run time in the same mini packs that you've defined with your walks. Again, two weeks should be a sufficient amount of time to establish the new hierarchy, but in case there are any setbacks, it may take a little longer.

As a warning – never physically break up dogs involved in a fight. Have a hose ready to use and spray a strong stream of water directly in the face of a dog who initiates an attack. Then when they break apart, grab the dogs and put them in separate places. Hopefully though, you won’t have this happen if you follow through with consistent training.

Good luck.