Begging behavior can range from a minor irritation to a major annoyance depending on how often it occurs, how relentless it is, and who it’s aimed at. If your pet’s begging is driving you or anyone else in your household crazy, it’s time to do something about it.

Dogs and cats can beg for food, for attention, for a walk, to be let outdoors, or basically anything they want but need a person’s assistance in getting. Pets continue to beg because the behavior has been successful in the past. Every owner has given in to begging at some point, even if they’ve done so inadvertently. Sometimes we’ll comply because the behavior is awfully cute and not too pushy, at least to begin with. At other times, we might reward the pet through no fault of our own. For example, a dog that finds a few old crumbs under the kitchen table may associate his find with the begging that preceded it. Finally, people often reward their pet’s begging when they actually think they are reacting negatively to it. As illogical as it might seem, yelling or pushing a pet away that is begging for attention is actually giving them what they see- attention.

The only way to stop dogs and cats from begging is to make the behavior wholly unrewarding. The best way to do this is to ignore begging pets completely. If their behavior is so intrusive that ignoring them is impossible, put them in a separate room or a pet crate before the situation that brings about begging arises. However, it’s best to make this a positive experience for the pet. For instance, if a dog begs during dinner put him in his crate and feed him his own meal at that time.

Ignoring begging is not the same as ignoring the pet. Dogs and cats obviously need to eat, deserve attention and stimulation, and should be treated to a little something extra every now and then. To prevent these positive interactions from being seen by pets as a reward for begging they should only occur when the activity is instigated by the owner, not the pet. Institute a “nothing in life is free” or “say please” rule in the house. Pets can only get what they want after they’ve first done what their owner wants. For example, a dog must “shake hands” before you’ll throw a ball, or a cat must sit calmly beside you before you’ll scratch her chin.

With persistence and patience, it is possible to teach pets not to beg.

Did you know that dogs and cats can get sunburned? Sunburns are painful, can worsen existing skin conditions, and can lead to various types of skin cancer. Your veterinarian may recommend a pet sunscreen or baby sunscreen for your pet. Dogs and cats that are more at risk for UV exposure include hairless and light-skinned breeds, shaved or short-haired pets, and outdoor or working breeds. Pets that have allergies or inflamed skin can be aggravated by sun exposure. Cats with white fur or pink pigment on their nose are susceptible to skin cancer. Some dog breeds are predisposed to skin tumors including, but not limited to, the boxer, pit bull terrier, bull terrier, bichon frise, poodle, and the schnauzer.

Sun protection is recommended for at-risk pets. Maybe have your pet wear a t-shirt and limit exposure during peak UV hours (10 am to 3 pm). For sunbathing indoor cats, you can place UV filters on windows or screens. If you take your pet outdoors, it is recommended to apply sunscreen before sun exposure. Make sure it is either a pet-approved sunscreen or one that is recommended by your veterinarian. Avoid products containing zinc oxide because they are toxic to pets and can result in zinc toxicity if ingested. Also, cats are more habitual groomers than dogs. Avoid any salicylate products and PABA ingredients in sunscreen for cats.

Look for a waterproof, quick-dry, and non-greasy formula without fragrances. Apply it to areas that are exposed or under pigmented: underbelly, ears, nose, or all-over in hairless/shaved breeds. You may need to reapply if you are out in the sun for several hours. Remember to ask your veterinarian for recommendations.

Like any pet, your hamster needs regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. Obviously, a small cage doesn’t provide much space for physical activity, and you’re probably not taking your hamster out for walks around the neighborhood. Still, it’s easy to ensure your hamster gets all the daily physical activity required.

Exercise Wheel

An exercise wheel isn’t an optional accessory for a hamster, every one of these fluffy rodents needs one. Wheels provide entertainment and physical activity, staving off boredom and extra pounds. Many hamster cages come with wheels that mount on the side, but if your cage didn’t, be sure to pick one up for your pet’s habitat. Hamsters can’t safely use exercise wheels with wire bar rungs, so choose one with a solid plastic or mesh bottom. If your hamster’s back arches while running, the wheel is too small.

Tunnels

Hamsters love dashing through networks of tunnels, making them a fun way to encourage physical activity. Consider buying a hamster cage that comes with attachable plastic tubes. You can even purchase supplemental sets of tubes and compartments that allow you to connect a second cage to the first for a large habitat your hamster will love and be able to move around in freely.

If you don’t own this type of hamster cage, or if you’re looking for other ways to encourage exercise by creating a tunnel network, lay out a maze of empty paper towel and toilet paper rolls in your hamster’s secure play area. PVC pipes work well, too.

Secure Play Area

Your hamster should have a secure play area outside its cage to move more freely and run around. Out-of-cage time is exercise time, but it also provides your pet with a stimulating change of environment and offers you an opportunity to clean the cage. Your best bet is to buy a hamster playpen. Add a few toys to the play area, including something your hamster can roll around for a good workout.

Hamster Ball

When used responsibly, hamster balls are a fun form of exercise for your pet. Pick one with ventilation holes, but make sure they’re small enough that your hamster’s feet won’t become stuck. These rodents have poor vision, so go with clear rather than tinted plastic. Don’t count on the door to always stay closed while your hamster runs around; secure it with a strip of tape.

Place your hamster ball on a carpeted floor, since hard surfaces allow the ball to roll too quickly and your hamster might end up being flipped around. A ball that’s too big can have the same effect. Make sure the room is secure and there’s no way your hamster might roll down steps. Keep young children and other pets out of the room, because they’ll be tempted to kick, throw, or bat the hamster ball around. Take your hamster out of the ball after a maximum of 20 minutes to prevent stress.

There has been an increased use of sugar alternatives, such as xylitol, in American households in recent years. Xylitol is not only a sweetener, but also has other human uses including reducing tooth decay, aiding in weight loss, and even helping with osteoporosis. Unfortunately, these health benefits do not translate to our pets. According to the FDA, xylitol is considered to be an emerging toxicity in dogs. The sweetener is dangerous to dogs because it causes severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and hepatic necrosis (liver failure).

Xylitol is approved for human use and considered a safe sugar alternative for people. It is commonly used in sugar-free products such as candy, chewing gum, and baked goods and often a component to oral hygiene products like mouthwash and toothpaste. Xylitol can be found in over-the-counter-medications, vitamins, and throat lozenges. Xylitol is also available in bulk for at home baking. Other sweeteners such as saccharin, aspartame, sucralose, and stevia are considered safe. Sorbitol and mannitol have no effect on blood sugar, however, can cause diarrhea in dogs.

In dogs, xylitol causes a rapid release of insulin, causing a sharp decrease in blood sugar. It also can alter the electrolytes, potassium and phosphorus. Dogs can become depressed, uncoordinated, and weak. In severe cases, liver failure and coagulopathy (difficulty in blood clotting) can occur. Large amounts of xylitol can cause seizures, coma, and even death.

Symptoms can occur within minutes to days of ingestion of even a small amount (half of a stick of gum). If you think your pet has ingested any product containing xylitol, contact your veterinarian or the Animal Poison Control Center immediately. In cases of recent ingestion and no symptoms, your veterinarian may recommend inducing vomiting. If your pet is already encountering symptoms, hospitalization and monitoring is required.

Remember to keep sugar-free gum or other xylitol containing products out of reach of pets. For more information contact your veterinarian or Animal Poison Control Center.

Diarrhea is one of the most common reasons for dogs and cats to be taken to the veterinary clinic. Some cases of diarrhea do require medical intervention, but others can be successfully treated at home. When an otherwise healthy, adult dog or cat develops mild diarrhea that is not associated with vomiting, abdominal pain, or lethargy, home treatment is a reasonable first step.

Many uncomplicated cases of diarrhea in dogs and cats develop because the pet has ingested something unusual or contaminated. Diarrhea initially develops because of the material’s direct effect on the gastrointestinal tract but can continue long after the initial insult has passed because of disruption to the population of bacteria that normally colonizes the large intestine. Successfully addressing both the early and late effects of dietary indiscretion is essential if a pet’s diarrhea is to resolve quickly.

Proviable-KP offers a two-step process for treating diarrhea in dogs and cats. The quick acting paste contains kaolin, a type of clay that absorbs water and excess bacterial toxins, and pectin, a fiber derived from fruit that absorbs water to make the stool more solid. The palatable paste, which comes in an easy-to-use tube, should be given to pets at the first sign of diarrhea and continued every eight to twelve hours for two or three days.

While the kaolin-pectin paste is beginning to work, owners should also start giving the probiotic capsules that are included in the Proviable-KP package. Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms that normally colonize an animal’s digestive tract and promote proper digestion and immune function. Pets with diarrhea commonly experience a loss of beneficial microorganisms and an overgrowth of potentially harmful bacteria. Probiotic supplements can help shift the balance back in favor of the “good” microorganisms. The capsules in Proviable-KP contain seven strains of probiotics as well as fructooligosaccharides, prebiotics that supports the growth of beneficial intestinal bacteria.

Proviable-KP is not only helpful in the treatment of diarrhea that develops as a result of dietary indiscretion, but can also be used when gastrointestinal function is compromised by the use of antibiotics, food sensitivities, stress related to travel, kenneling or weaning, immune dysfunction, and metabolic disturbances. Because diarrhea often develops quickly and at the most inopportune time, owners of dogs or cats that are prone to gastrointestinal disturbances might want to consider having a supply of Proviable-KP on hand “just in case.”

If an animal’s condition worsens at any time or fails to improve with treatment, call your veterinarian.

While people are sniffling and sneezing from all of the spring pollen, dogs might be experiencing the effects too. Many canines suffer from pollen allergies – both inhaled and on their skin.

Keep track of when your dog seems to itch or lick. If it is the same time every year, it may be pollen associated. Mild cases can be managed with home care. More severe cases will need medical therapy and some dogs will benefit from desensitization injections.

Atopy is the term for inhaled allergies in dogs. Terriers are especially prone to this problem and will often get worse with each allergy season. Many of these dogs will require medical treatment. Make sure that other causes of skin irritation are minimized. Use flea control products to reduce external parasites. Rule out food allergies and contact allergies from bedding or household cleaning products.

You can provide some comfort for your pet at home. During pollen season, avoid having your pet outdoors at peak pollen times, which is generally early in the day. Your local weather channel will often provide you with alerts as to what types of pollen are peaking as well.

After your dog comes inside from his walks, wipe him off with an unscented dryer sheet or damp cloth. You will collect much of the pollen from his coat. Keep windows closed to keep pollen from blowing inside. Weekly baths with a hypoallergenic shampoo for dogs may be helpful too.

You can also do some dietary adjustments to help your dog – especially with the addition of essential fatty acids like Omega 3 in the correct balance. Avoid foods with dyes or preservative additives that might stimulate an allergic reaction.

Your veterinarian may prescribe medications ranging from an antihistamine to a corticosteroid to help control your dog’s allergy symptoms. Your dog may also need medication to help the skin heal while you and your veterinarian identify the true problem causing the allergies and develop a strategy to avoid or manage them.

A dog with allergies is often reactive to multiple things. Very often these dogs can handle some allergens on their own with their immune systems in check. The problem comes when an “extra” allergen shows up and tips that precarious balance. That is often the case with spring pollen allergies. Skin testing may clearly define which allergens are the problems. In those cases, you can time your desensitization schedule to fit the season of most activity.

It is important to recognize that dogs with allergies are never “cured”. The goal is to manage their illness to prevent actual clinical signs. A combination of changes in care, along with medical therapy as needed, are often the most successful ways to handle canine allergies.

Do you ever wonder what’s going through your pet’s mind? With Christopher Rozzi’s new book, Tiny Confessions: The Secret Thoughts of Dogs, Cats, and Everything, you don’t have to wonder any longer. Rozzi is an artist, comedian and writer from New York City and his newest creation, Tiny Confessions, is set to be released on May 7, 2013.

Here’s our interview with Rozzi:

Who or what was the inspiration for Tiny Confessions?
Tiny Confessions definitely developed in a very organic way.  My father gave me an iPad for Christmas and told me about an art app that he had read about that could print out high resolution images.  He’s very into technology.  Soon after, I saw a woman on the subway drawing on an iPad with a stylus.  I had never thought of that!  Then a friend of mine who buys prints on Etsy told me that I should do paintings of dogs and cats, which are quite popular.  I was trying to find a way to combine my comedy and art together in a way that was fun for me.  I could never work on something that I didn’t believe in or that didn’t have some kind of humor to it.

Do you have any pets? If so tell us about them.
Yes, that’s the last part of the inspiration for Tiny Confessions, actually.  My father-in-law was moving to Florida and couldn’t take his Bichon, Willie, with him, so he gave him to us.  Definitely the greatest gift my wife and I have ever received.  Once I started walking him around the city, I immediately began coming up with his thoughts.  I knew that I needed a more specific idea for it to be original, so I thought of making it about confessions.  I have always found people’s awkward secrets to be funny.  Project that onto pets and monsters, or, say, a seashell, and it’s even funnier.

What has been your favorite part about Tiny Confessions?Aside from doing the work itself, [my favorite part is] hearing from folks who really find them funny.  I love knowing that people have them hanging in their homes and that they give them pleasure or make them smile when they look at them.  That’s the best part.  But if I can one day turn Tiny Confessions into a major animal charity that would be amazing.

Which Tiny Confession is your personal favorite?It’s hard to choose, but one that stands out is a cat that says “I could literally spend an entire day just pushing your phone off a table.”  That one was from personal experience, although really all of them are.

You can purchase your copy of Tiny Confessions: The Secret Thoughts of Dogs, Cats and Everything here or here, available May 7^th, 2013.

With the arrival of spring, many families are hard at work cleaning up their home and yard. This is a good time to work on “cleaning up” your pets too.

A good procedure is to start from the tip of the nose and go to the tip of the tail. Check your pet’s teeth for any discolored areas, inflamed gums or broken or cracked teeth. A buildup of plaque or tartar suggests you have not been consistent with dental care over the winter. There are many chews, toothpastes and other dental products for dogs and cats that can help get your pet’s smile back on track.

Feel carefully behind ears and in the armpit area for any small mats that may have built up with the wet winter weather. Trim these carefully – slipping a comb in between your pet’s skin and the mat when you go to cut, then guiding the scissors over the comb. You can also try a mat splitter for areas where you want to save the coat. Check the hair around the paws and in between pads as well. Small mats can build up there and be very uncomfortable for long-haired dogs and cats. Be sure to also trim your pet’s nails if it’s been a while.

If you normally shave your dog (or cat) for the summer, think about doing so now. That way, your pet will have some hair cover before hot summer days when bright sun could cause sunburns. An older pet that dislikes grooming might do well with just a partial shave.

Continue working your way down your pet’s body. Try to be objective as you evaluate his weight. If your pet is a bit pudgy, consider upping his exercise and decreasing his calories. Dogs may need to build up to longer walks and cats may need more interactive playtime. Be sure to speak with a veterinarian before changing your pet’s diet.

Look in the hair for any evidence of fleas or ticks. Fleas will run and be hard to spot but they leave behind eggs and flea feces – which looks like pepper. Put a dab of this grit on a white paper towel and add a drop of water. It will turn red from blood if this is truly flea material. If you find fleas or ticks, you’ll need to treat the animal and the environment. Even if you don’t find any parasites, monthly flea protection monthly flea protection is a good idea.

April 27 has been designated as World Veterinary Day in honor of the veterinary profession. The theme of this year’s World Veterinary Day is vaccination. Keeping pets updated with their vaccinations protects them from dangerous diseases like parvovirus. Some vaccinations, like the rabies vaccination, protect against zoonotic diseases (diseases that can be spread from animal to human).

This day also serves as a great reminder to make an appointment with your vet if your pet is overdue. Annual veterinary checkups ensure an animal’s vaccinations are always up-to-date, that pets are at a healthy weight, and are also a great opportunity for pet owners to discuss any questions or concerns with a professional.

Remember, VetDepot can only dispense prescription pet medications with the approval of a licensed U.S. veterinarian. So, if your pet’s prescription is expiring soon, a checkup is also a good time to discuss refills.

Ibuprofen is popular human pain reliever that can be potentially lethal in dogs and cats. Common brand names for this over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory include Motrin and Advil. Ibuprofen is a common toxicity in pets because of its accessibility in the household. Dogs and cats are more sensitive to the side effects of ibuprofen and exposure could result in stomach ulceration, kidney failure, liver failure, and neurological signs. Signs of poisoning are dose-dependent, meaning that the more ibuprofen ingested, the more severe and widespread the effects on the body. As a general rule with NSAIDs, cats are more sensitive to the side effects and require lesser doses to achieve same level of toxicity in dogs.

With as little as 10 mg of ibuprofen per pound of body weight, stomach ulceration can occur, causing vomiting, stomach bleeding, and dark tarry stool. At moderate doses (>50 mg per pound), the kidneys can be damaged and possible liver injury could result. At high doses (>200 mg per pound), the neurological system is affected; the outcome of severe toxicity is depression, seizures, coma, or death.

The prognosis is good if the pet is treated promptly and appropriately. Treatment of recent ingestion involves inducing vomiting, gastric protectants, and activated charcoal to absorb the toxins. Depending on the amount your pet has ingested, your veterinarian may recommend bloodwork to monitor kidney and liver function. Hospitalization including IV fluids and close monitoring may be required if the kidneys have been affected. Even if your pet recovers, they may be susceptible to kidney problems in the future. If your pet develops neurological signs, the prognosis is poor and it is almost always fatal.

Never give your pet ibuprofen. There is no established therapeutic dose for dogs or cats. Always contact your veterinarian before giving any medication to your pet and remember to keep human medications out of reach. If your pet is experiencing pain, your veterinarian can prescribe a pain medication for dogs or cats.