Comfort Zone Critter Care

11/26/2024

[WINDY WALKS] 🌬🐕‍🦺

Did you ever notice that your dog behaves a bit differently when it’s windy outside? You’re not the only one!

Windy weather makes many dogs a bit agitated, and there are good reasons for that. Dogs have sharp senses and four, especially, are affected by wind:

🌬 SIGHT
Dogs’ eyesight is a bit different from ours. They are extremely good at detecting motion and also quick to react to it. This trait was brought along from their wild ancestors who used it to hunt, and put to good use again in working breeds, such as shepherds, herders, guardians and hunting dogs. A lot of motion creates a response in the dog, and this happens via stress (as stress is often what prepares the body for a task). When the wind moves all kinds of things in your dog’s surroundings, she might be more stressed and she might respond more strongly to situations. Something to keep in mind! 🙂

🌬 TOUCH
The wind moves dogs’ coats and gives them a sensory experience that might either be pleasant or unpleasant - sometimes even both at the same time. In any case, it is extra information that their brain has to deal with.

🌬 SMELL
Dogs are amazing at scent detection and discrimination, which means telling scents apart. As the wind blows, many scents are swirling around and our dog may be receiving a lot of information in a short time. Again, this may be pleasant or it may be overpowering - maybe even a bit of both.

🌬 HEARING
Dogs hear better than we do, and they have great stereo sound technology. 😆 The wind rustling around their ears will give them extra sensory input.

So, does this mean that the wind is all bad? Not at all, dogs may enjoy it, or they may not. It is important to be aware of how it impacts their experience.

If we see that our dog is agitated or a bit overwhelmed, we may decide to shorten the walk or have a calm session. The latter can be a fantastic way to let them process all this information.

11/26/2024

Luna 🐾💚

11/26/2024

11/26/2024

Ginger 🧡🐾

11/26/2024

Holly and Willow 🐾💜

11/26/2024

Bogey 🐾💙

11/26/2024

With Thanksgiving just a couple of days away, it’s natural to want to treat our pets to a delicious bite of holiday food. However, it’s important to take caution and ensure the foods we offer are safe for them. Cats digest and absorb nutrients differently than we do, and even small amounts of harmful foods can lead to life-threatening complications.

Please avoid giving your cat the following foods (note: this is not an exhaustive list):

High-Fat Foods: Items like ham, bacon, gravy, and poultry skin can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and pancreatitis.

Nutmeg and Cinnamon: These spices can upset your cat's gastrointestinal system and may be toxic.

Garlic and Onions: All members of the onion family contain compounds that can lead to severe anemia in cats.

Raw Meat: Feeding raw meat poses a risk of bacterial infections. Similarly, raw dough containing yeast can cause bloat or alcohol poisoning.

Sugar-Free Products: Many sugar-free items contain xylitol or other substitutes that can dangerously drop your cat’s blood sugar levels.

Dairy Products: Milk, cheese, and other dairy items can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration, leading to gastrointestinal inflammation.

11/26/2024

What is the most important thing a reactive dog needs from their people? Support. These special complicated dogs with their extra needs are most in need of our understanding, our empathy, and – most of all – our support. So often the behaviours seen in reactive dogs can appear, to those who are ...

11/26/2024

11/25/2024

Walkies and a treat for Bogey.

11/25/2024

Midday potty break fun with Piper, Jasper, and Penny.

11/25/2024

Luna loves her sniffari walks!

A sniffari is more than a leisurely stroll around the neighborhood. It’s an opportunity for your furry friend to immerse themselves in the world around them, absorbing every scent and detail that has changed since their last visit. You don’t need to venture into a wilderness trail to embark on this incredible activity. Even a walk around your neighborhood can count as long as your dog is the one leading the way and it’s not about the pace of the walk, but rather about allowing them to explore and smell at their own pace!

While sniffaris in the neighborhood may pose a bit more of a challenge, they are definitely achievable. Alternatively, you could take your dog to a nearby park and let them explore and sniff there. There’s also a fantastic app/website called Sniff Spot that allows you to rent dog-friendly locations in your area. This way, your dog can indulge in their love for sniffing without leaving home!

11/25/2024

Finnegan enjoyed a sniffari walk and some enrichment fun inside for his midday potty break.

🐾🐶 ENRICHMENT: WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR YOUR DOG? 🐶🐾

You often hear about “enrichment” and “mental stimulation” in dog circles, but what does it really mean? And how can you make sure your dog is truly enriched and mentally stimulated?

By definition, enrichment is “the action of improving or enhancing the quality or value of something.” In the context of dogs, it’s about enhancing their quality of life. Here’s how you can enrich your dog’s life:

✅ **Let Them Be Dogs**
Allow your dog to make their own choices—whether it’s rolling around, running, exploring, or just relaxing in the sun. They don’t need constant entertainment from us.

✅ **Consider Their Origins**
Dogs evolved as opportunistic scavengers, which is why many love to counter surf or steal food! Tap into this instinct by changing up how they eat:
- 🍽 Scatter feed them in the yard or use a snuffle mat.
- 🍽 Use interactive feeders like kongs, topple toys, or lickimats.
- 🍽 Play “find it” games with their food.

✅ **Off-Leash Playtime**
Provide opportunities for quality off-leash time with other dogs.

✅ **Engage in Fun Activities Together**
Try activities like scent work, agility, or life skills training. These can be mentally and physically rewarding for your dog.

✅ **Let Them Observe Their World**
Slow down on walks and let your dog watch the world around them—whether it’s other dogs, wildlife, or farm equipment. Let them take in their surroundings at their own pace.

✅ **Consider Their Breed**
Each breed (or breed mix) was developed for specific purposes. Give your dog opportunities to engage in activities that reflect their natural instincts and drives.

**IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER**
Not all dogs enjoy the same things. What’s enriching for one dog might be frustrating for another. If you’re using interactive or puzzle toys, ensure they are actually enriching and not a source of stress. Always prioritize what’s best for YOUR dog!

11/25/2024

Holly and Willow love to play “Find It” during their midday potty break! It’s an easy game that involves scatter feeding.

Scatter feeding is a great low-arousal activity to help you fill your dog’s emotional cup. This easy method of spreading food or treats is a wonderful enrichment activity that you and your dog will reap the benefits of!

Benefits:
💜Slows down feeding for dogs who scarf their meals, which can improve digestion.
💜Can calm stressed or aroused dogs.
💜Engages your dog’s brain and sense of smell.
💜Sniffing is relaxing- it lowers their heart rate!

When can you scatter feed?
💜When you are struggling with your dog’s extra energy.
💜 Can be done inside while you are cooking to keep your pup busy and out of the kitchen.
💜 While on a walk if a distraction is approaching or your dog’s arousal level begins to increase.
💜 In replacement of a meal from a bowl! Add extra brain stimulation for your pup in the garden!

I challenge you all to try scatter feeding this week!

11/25/2024

Bogey hopes everyone has a great day today!! 🐾💙

11/24/2024

11/24/2024

Sunday afternoon sniffari walk with Bogey.

11/24/2024

Sunday Fun Day starts with a walk with Bogey. 🐾💙