Oh No, Where'd You Go?

Veterinarian clinics report that approximately 14% of dogs seen are suspected to suffer from separation anxiety. Since canines are very social animals, it's no surprise that many develop increased attachment behavior to their human family members. The onset of these problems often coincide when there is a dramatic change in the amount of time the owner spends with a pet. Symptoms can include increased activities like restlessness, pacing, and whining when the owner is not present. Depression and physiological changes such as panting or even vomiting can occur. But short of never leaving your pet's side, how can you avoid increased anxieties in your furry friend?

Professionals report that medications should only be used in extreme cases, and there are many things owners can do to avoid serious situations. Ignoring attention seeking behaviors such as whining and nudging during training is important. Certain departure cues such as picking up keys and purses, or putting on coats and shoes should also be kept as low key as possible. Creating a big to-do when leaving a dog at home is common in humans, but this can increase the likeliness of anxieties in pets. Until a dog is desensitized to those cues, it's helpful to do them in another room or while the dog is distracted with a special toy.

Upon returning, you of course want to play with your dog immediately, but it can be very helpful to wait until your pet has calmed down to begin playtime. 

Leaving your pets behind isn't easy for anyone whether it be an hour or a day, but creating and maintaining a normal and low-key routine can make it easier on everyone. K9 Resorts can help when you leave for an extended vacation to give your pet the same amount of attention and love that you do at home in our beautiful accommodations to ensure your pets stays happy through your absence and are ready for your return. 

Pet Trends Turn to Acupuncture

The past decades have indeed seen a huge increase in the amount of care and money that is spent on pets in the United States. But going beyond the boarding, diets, and designer threads, the newest trend for pets seems to be in human medicine. In fact, beyond traditional approaches to therapy, owners have begun exploring alternative therapies. Namely, acupuncture. ABC's Nightline recently ran a feature on the new trend.

Sessions ring in around $100 per visit three times per week, but doctors say that's a small price to pay for something you care about most. Owners report that even though their pets, of course, may not be able to speak for their results, they do see a difference in pet behavior. One owner even reported that pet acupuncture saved his dachshund's life. 

Still, all agree that the best medicine for any pet is free: TLC. 

To read Nightline's full article and view the video feature, click HERE or view the video feature below:

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Westminster Dog Show Will Go On

The Westminster Kennel Club is hoping that the impending winter storm indeed moves beyond the New York area by mid-Saturday as predicted. WKC released this statement on their website:

"Westminster is fully informed about the impending storm but all reports indicate that the storm will move out by Saturday afternoon. So, in the tradition of all good dog shows, the show will go on."

The world famous show is in its 137th edition, and this year, will take place at two locations in Manhattan. The Best in Show will be crowned, as tradition has it, at the World's Most Famous Arena, Madison Square Garden. However, new in 2013, the breed judging will be moved to Piers 92/94 on the West side of Manhattan.

The DAILY NEWS ran a story of the preview that happened this past Thursday at the New Yorker hotel, which held touching moments as survivors of Hurricane Sandy strutted their stuff proudly down the runway. Owners shared many inspiring stories, having to lead their pets down countless flights of stairs in complete darkness, some still not having been able to return to their homes since. To read the full story, click HERE.

Canines featured at the show this Monday and Tuesday (Feb. 11-12) have surely shared in an abundance of weather related setbacks. We wish them all the best and safest travels as they come to compete for the crown.