-
The companion animal behavior implications of R- and K-species orientations
Dr. Myrna Milani Pet CareCan wild animal ethology concepts like R and K species help us understand better companion animal behavior? To answer that question, we first need to know what R and K species are. Wild R species live in harsh, unpredictable environments. They produce large numbers of offspring that mature rapidly and require minimal to no parental care. Most of these animals only mate once and die young. Compare them to K species, who live in more stable environments with sufficient but limited resources for which animals must compete.
-
Ethology and veterinary practice: When bonds that worked no longer do
Dr. Myrna Milani Pet CareOne of the basic tenets in ethology reminds us that we can say nothing about what an animal’s behavior means unless we know the context in which it occurs. But what does that actually mean? In an effort not to overwhelm my clients, I usually define context as the recognition of what preceded the perceived problem behavior, the behavior itself, and what follows it. "What follows it" includes their responses to the animal’s behavior. However, as a clinician, I also must acknowledge that context involves a lot more.
-
Feeding large breed puppies
Natalie Asaro, Dr. Jennifer Adolphe and Michele Dixon Pet CareAs scientific research has progressed, feeding growing puppies has proven to be a complex task, especially for large breed puppies. According to the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), "large breed" refers to dog breeds that typically grow to an adult weight of 70 pounds or more. Unlike smaller dogs that remain relatively similar in size throughout their life, an average large breed puppy undergoes a 70-fold increase in size during its first year. There are several key nutritional factors that must be considered when formulating a recipe suitable for the growth of large breed puppies.
-
Ethology and veterinary practice: Seasonal companion animal behaviors
Dr. Myrna Milani Pet CareWith the arrival of spring, the number of calls regarding animals displaying problem behaviors often increases. Both cats and dogs may become more aggressive toward members of their own species, including those with whom they live. Multiple natural cycles of varying length contribute to the behavioral unrest. In the wild and free-roaming domestic animal populations, the physiological and behavioral changes associated with some of these cycles first support the territorial displays that occur in the early spring. But how does spaying and neutering affect companion animal responses to these same events?
-
Dog-friendly resorts, vacations are on the rise
Bambi Majumdar Travel, Hospitality & Event ManagementOnce in a while, pet owners may yearn for a vacation that is more inclusive than simply housing them at a dog-friendly hotel. This is where tailor-made holidays for pets and pet owners come in. Some tour operators are offering a variety of custom vacations in this burgeoning niche with special tours and vacation ideas. One U.S.-based tour company, Happy Tails Canine Adventure Tours, is making headlines in this regard. Like others in the niche, the company hopes to give pet lovers some different and unusual vacation options.
-
Ethology and veterinary practice: The behavior-territory-history connection
Dr. Myrna Milani Pet CareIt's difficult to analyze any perceived problem behavior without recognizing the role the animal's territory plays in it. This difficulty occurs because establishing and protecting the territory is a top animal priority. Moreover, this includes the mental and emotional as well as the physical space. If animals don't know where they fit in relative to any people or other animals in their space, their territory is no more secure than a space with physical hazards they must learn to negotiate safely or avoid completely. When people think about their pet's territory, though, they often think about it in general terms — e.g., only in the here and now, and strictly as it relates to their home and yard.
-
When should the commercial lease end?
Dale Willerton and Jeff Grandfield RetailChoosing a commencement date for your commercial lease can be easy enough; however, stating a specific expiration date may be more difficult. That's fair enough, as it is impossible to forecast what the future will hold. Will you be successful at your chosen location? Will an anchor store in the commercial property move out and leave you needing to relocate? Will your own health affect your business operations and result in your selling your business? The short answer is for you to choose your lease term's expiration date based on what's best for you and your business.
-
7 common mistakes business owners make and how to avoid them
Roberta Matuson Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementI've been in business for over 20 years and have seen my share of mistakes made by business owners — many that certainly could have been avoided. Here’s my list of common mistakes business owners make, along with advice on how to avoid following suit. For example, think about a job that you worked in that didn't work out. Was it because you didn't have the skills to do the job, or was it because your values did not align with the organization's?
-
Travel2020: Take the horse, leave the pig at home
Lark Gould Travel, Hospitality & Event ManagementThe phrase "when pigs fly" could become a reality in the near future, but for now, flying livestock will be restricted to miniature horses, according to one airline's new service animal policies that will go live on April 1. American Airlines announced the new policies in light of an increasing trend of passengers who prefer to fly with their support pets. To that end, fully trained service animals and emotional support/psychiatric service animals may fly in the cabin at no charge if they meet the requirements.
-
What you need to know about diabetes in cats
Natalie Asaro, Dr. Jennifer Adolphe and Michele Dixon Pet CareIt is vital for cats and other mammals to maintain a steady level of blood sugar, as glucose plays an important role in many processes in their bodies. Diabetes mellitus is a disease that results in high blood glucose levels and is a common disease in cats. To fully understand diabetes, it is important to know how blood sugar is controlled. In healthy individuals, blood sugar levels are tightly controlled by two hormones, glucagon and insulin. These two hormones act in opposite ways to maintain normal blood sugar levels.
All Pet Care Articles