MAY/JUNE 2005

Ask the Lazi Birds!

Steve and Diane Lazicki have been rescuing and working with birds for over 8 years, as well as raising them as pets since childhood. They live with over 150 birds in their "bird house," so they have a wealth of bird expertise.

Q: Dear Lazi Birds,
I am interested in getting a pet bird. What do you recommend I do to start working with my new bird?
Joe, New Haven

A: Dear Joe,
First do your homework. Make sure you choose a species of bird that is good for you and your situation. Then make sure you have all the proper equipment, housing and supplies. When you bring your new bird home bring him to the vet for a checkup and get his nails and wings clipped. A flying bird is an authoritive bird. When taking him out of his cage use a towel or a stick. This is how you start the step up command. Take him out of eye sight of the cage so he relies on you. Remember that any bird will bite. Try not to pull away if this happens and no matter what, don’t hit the bird. Good luck with your new bird!
Steve and Diane

Ask The Cat Lady!

Sally Bahner has spent the last 10 years specializing in writing on cat-related issues, specifically nutrition, holistic care and multiple cat behavior. She was editor-in-chief of "The Whole Cat Journal" and has contributed to "Catnip", "Catwatch" and the new "Whole Cat Journal".

Q: Hello Sally,
I’m hoping you would have a suggestion for preventing hairballs. My cat (9 years old) has been fairly consistently vomiting hairballs every week or two for the past year. I've switched her food to a hairball control formula (Royal Canin); she won't eat the gel (she won't let me wipe it on her nose or paws, she eats around it when I try to hide it in canned food, and she won't eat the treats with the gel in the middle). I brush her once in the morning and once at night. When I called my vet, he has no suggestions and explains that it's normal. But I can't accept that. She only started vomiting a year ago, and it can't be healthy for her digestive system or her teeth.
Michelle Parrish, Clinton

A: Hi Michelle,
First of all are you sure your kitty is vomiting hairballs – are they round tube-like barfs of matted hair? Or clear bile with hair in it? Is there any food in the vomit? Does it occur at any particular time of day?
I will have to admit that cats are finely tuned barf machines, so depending on the answers to the questions above, your vet may be correct in saying it's not a problem.
From my experience, cats vomit for several reasons:
• Hairballs, yes. If it's only once a week or two and you're brushing her regularly, vomiting shouldn't be a problem. Every so often my cat, Coco, throws up the most perfect tube of cat fur. She's a shorthair and doesn't shed excessively, it just comes up.
• Binge and puke. Cats will occasionally throw up a meal if she eats too much, too fast.
• Empty tummy. Cats often throw up in the early morning hours on an empty tummy, just liquid, bile stuff. It's something about the gastric acids upsetting the tummy. A late evening snack really helps.
• Serious stuff. Cats that consistently and regularly throw up – every day – may have problems with IBD or allergies. These are tricky problems, but ones that can often be handled nutritionally.
I really doubt that hairball formulas do much good – the manufacturers just add more wood ("powdered celluose," in the case of Royal Canin) to the food in an attempt to create fiber, with no nutritional benefit. Pet food manufacturers thrive on marketing foods for very conceivable medical or pseudo-medical related issue. I see very little difference among them.
You can try adding Slippery Elm bark to your cat's wet food. It's available in health food stores in capsule form. You can sprinkle a capsule over the food. Or you can make a syrup by heating about a teaspoon of Slippery Elm and 1/2 cup of cold water and whisking until a syrup consistency forms. Give it to the cat before a meal or add it to her food. Slippery Elm is gentle and has a lot of nutrients. It coats the stomach lining and provides for a smooth exit. Papaya also can be used. And, a holistic vet, Jean Hofve, swears by petroleum jelly – smear a dab on the nose or paws.
The twice-a-day brushing is definitely a good thing, especially if your cat is a longhair.
I firmly believe that a high quality meat-based diet (with a minimal amount of dry food) is best in terms of hairball prevention and overall health.
Hope this helps,
Sally

Ask Peter, "The Fish Doctor!"

Peter Oddo has been keeping and breeding tropical fish for over 6 years. He has raised more than 500 baby fish and maintains a saltwater reef tank and 7 other aquariums in his home. He installs aquariums in homes and offices for a living.

Q: Dear Peter,
What is the best way to keep my pet fish happy and healthy?
Hilary, Lyme

A: Dear Hilary,
The single most important thing we can do to keep aquarium fish healthy is to provide frequent partial water changes. I recommend 25% water changes every two to three weeks. Keeping the water clean makes for a happy fish.
Peter

Dog Training? Ask Donna!

Donna Bennett, dog trainer from D-Tails Pet Service can answer your questions on dog training. She has been training dogs for nine years in obedience and agility, her specialty being difficult dogs. She is a member of the Pet Dog Trainers Association and an expert trainer!

Q: Dear Donna,
I have a 2-1/2 year old dog. Because he is overweight I am looking for an activity that will help with his exercise and be fun for both of us. I was considering trying agility because I think he would like it. However, I haven't taken him to any obedience classes in the past, but he does know basic commands. Do you think this is a good choice? Should I do obedience classes first? Is he too old to start this with him now?
Laura, Norwich

A: Hi Laura!
Your 2-1/2 year old dog is not too old for any kind of training you would choose to do. It is helpful if you and your dog have taken a beginner obedience class together before taking an agility class so that you have a good understanding of each other before getting out amongst other dogs to work. Many instructors will use food to teach both obedience and agility so it is advised that you search out someone who does not favor this technique for training if you are trying to reduce your dogs' size. I just read a study that was done on person and dog weight reduction and the consensus was that walking was the best method for both parties. If you don't live in an area that is good for walking, find one... or more than one. Make the activity part of the daily routine. Your dog will soon come to welcome the approach of that time of day. Be sure to bring water and clean up supplies and enjoy the scenery!
Donna