Plants for Pets The Saturday Evening Post

We’ve uncovered more cartoons featuring dogs.

from September/October 1996

"Before the Shot"
from March 15, 1958

Does the first one remind anyone of a famous Norman Rockwell cover?

"You've been drinking out of the toilet again, haven't you?"
from January/February 1998

from May/June 1996

"People kept tripping over him."
from December 1982

from September/October 1996

"Hello, Rover's Retreat, formerly known as the Acme Obedience School."
from July/August 1993

"Don't pet him! He's been naughty all day!"
from November/December 1993

Cartoons: It’s a Ruff Life The Saturday Evening Post

According to Dr. Kelly Ballantyne, a veterinarian with a special interest in animal behavior, the reason pets are scared of thunderstorms isn’t always clear. One study found that a traumatic experience linked to noise was the likely origin of noise sensitivity in only about a third of pets with these phobias. Other factors that may contribute to noise sensitivities include chronic stress, genetics, neurochemical imbalances, and a change in hearing.

Practicing at the University of Illinois Chicago Center for Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Ballantyne offers behavior consultations to help pets with phobias and other behavioral issues.

She says it is perfectly normal for a pet to be scared by the loud noises and flashes the first time the pet experiences a thunderstorm or fireworks. A pet may react defensively to these high-decibel noises because they probably hurt the pet’s ears, they lack a regular pattern, and it’s difficult to figure out where they are coming from.

It isn’t normal, however, if the animal does not get used to storms, and each thunderstorm is as terrifying as the previous one. Unfortunately, thunderstorms are common, and these frequent stressors can reduce a pet’s quality of life. Addressing your pet’s fears is important for the sake of the pet—not to mention the household objects sometimes destroyed by frightened pets.

Dr. Ballantyne suggests several measures that may help noise-sensitive pets feel a little safer and less frightened during a thunderstorm.

“First, try to make a safe place where your pet can go,” she says. “An interior room with no windows is ideal because it is more sheltered from noise and the flashes of light. Avoid crating your pet unless the pet already feels that the crate is a safe place.”

When pets are already hiding, don’t force them out: that can scare and stress them more. Playing music or increasing the white noise in the house can decrease the perceived amount of noise from the storm.

Your behavior around your pet also plays an important role in managing the pet’s anxiety during a storm. You should avoid either comforting or punishing the pet, and you should stay calm to avoid increasing the pet’s anxiety.

If your dog isn’t too scared, you can try to play with him. Interactive toys, such as a Kong filled with food, can help as well if he is willing to eat.

A pheromone spray for dogs called DAP helps reduce anxiety in some dogs. It can be sprayed on a bandana and tied around the pet’s neck during a storm.

Dr. Ballantyne acknowledges that noise sensitivities can be hard for owners to manage. Sometimes you can do everything right and your pet is still scared of the storms.

“Don’t hesitate to ask your veterinarian for help,” advises Dr. Ballantyne. “If nothing else is working, your veterinarian can prescribe anti-anxiety medication to augment the behavior modification plan.”

Don’t forget that a pet that is scared of thunderstorms will likely have a similar reaction to fireworks. These pets should be given a safe place to hide during the celebration and should never be taken to watch fireworks.

If you have questions about pets’ noise sensitivities, please contact your veterinarian or a veterinary behaviorist.

Andrea Lin is an Information Specialist at The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign College of Veterinary Medicine.

Lowering the ‘Boom’: Reducing Pets’ Noise Sensitivities The Saturday Evening Post

If you’ve bought or adopted a pet within the last few years, you’ve probably heard of microchipping. It’s a process that has largely become standard procedure in most adoption centers and vet clinics, frequently included with the standard new pet services like vaccinations and spaying or neutering. Despite the high-tech name, we’re not actually talking about turning your puppy into a robot. Microchipping is actually a very simple procedure.

Preparing our robot puppy overlords

Photo by Daniel Lobo.

A microchip implant is a tiny, integrated circuit placed under the skin of a dog, cat, or other animal. Using passive RFID technology, it contains an identification number that is linked to a database. Pet owners can register their pet’s microchip through various websites so that if the animal is ever lost or stolen and then found, a shelter or veterinarian can return the animal where it belongs.

The chip itself is just a tiny bit bigger than a grain of rice, and it can be implanted without anesthesia in just a few minutes at a vet’s office. It doesn’t hurt the animal at all, and once it’s in place, neither you nor your pet will even know it’s there.

Standards and information

When pet microchips first became available, every company that made a chip used its own database and its own radio frequency, requiring a proprietary scanner to read. This proved to be a huge issue for shelters and clinics, which needed multiple scanners in order to check the animals that came in.

Thankfully, most manufacturers now follow the International Standards Organization (ISO) guidelines for animal microchips so that any chip created following those guidelines can be read by any scanner. The United States doesn’t require that animals be tagged with an ISO-compliant chip, but several other countries do. In the United States, vets and shelters must rely on scanners that can read the ISO chips and the four major types of proprietary chips available today.

Show me some identification

The chip itself isn’t like a driver’s license, containing a lot of identifying information, nor is it a GPS location device. The only information the chip contains is a unique identification number and sometimes the phone number or website for the registry of the company that produced the chip.

Photo by Patrick van IJzendoorn.

It’s up to you, the pet owner, to make sure that you register the chip and keep your information up to date. The vet, shelter, or adoption agency where you acquired your pet should provide you with the instructions for setting this up initially. If you move or change phone numbers, make sure you update the chip registry!

Beam me home, Scotty

A study cited by the American Veterinary Medicine Association points out that lost dogs and cats with microchips are successfully returned to their owners 52.2% and 38.5% of the time, respectively, versus just 21.9% and 1.8% for dogs and cats without microchips. Even pets that have traveled thousands of miles have still been reunited with their owners, thanks to microchips.

One piece in the responsible pet owner puzzle

Photo Courtesy of smlp.co.uk

Being a responsible pet owner is an ongoing process. Your furry companion needs regular veterinary care, and it’s a great idea to ask your vet to scan your pet’s microchip whenever Fluffy’s in for a checkup just to make sure it’s still in working order.

While the microchip technology is very well tested, it’s not completely foolproof. Make sure that your dog or cat is wearing a collar and tags at all times, including at least one tag with a phone number where you can be reached. If Fido wanders down the road and is picked up by a good Samaritan, it’s much easier for that person to call the number on his tag than figure out how to get him to a vet to read the microchip.

The heartache and angst of losing a pet can be devastating, but planning and diligence — and a little dose of technology — will give your beloved companion a much greater chance of finding his way home!

Cyberpets: Microchips Help Lost Pets Find Their Way Home The Saturday Evening Post

According to Dr. Mauria O’Brien, a veterinarian board certified in emergency and critical care at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Urbana, one such irregular heart sound, a murmur, has different meanings depending on the age and breed of pet.

A heart murmur indicates turbulence in the flow of blood. Normally, blood flows only forward through the heart’s chambers, making a distinct “lub dub.” A murmur may indicate that blood is moving backwards or is being pushed through an opening that is narrower than normal.

If your pet has a heart murmur, your veterinarian will grade the murmur on a scale of 1 to 6, depending on how loud the murmur is.

It can be normal for puppies younger than 16 weeks old to have a “baby” murmur. Your veterinarian will to listen to your puppy’s heart at its routine puppy wellness appointments (at 8 weeks, 12 weeks, and 16 weeks) in order to determine whether the murmur is a “baby,” or “innocent,” murmur that will go away as the puppy ages. If a murmur is still heard beyond four months of age, the murmur could be considered a congenital defect, and your veterinarian will likely refer you to a veterinary cardiologist for a complete diagnostic work-up.

Acquired heart murmurs are those arising as your pet ages. In dogs, signs of a heart problem include exercise intolerance and cough, whereas cats often show no early warning signs.

Heart murmurs themselves may indicate a variety of underlying diseases. For example, in cats a murmur may indicate hyperthyroidism or hypertension as well as various heart diseases. The underlying cause of an acquired murmur must be identified in order to determine the correct treatment.

Radiographs (x rays), ECGs, and echocardiograms are among the diagnostic imaging approaches that can help your veterinarian understand what is going on with your pet’s heart. In certain cases, examination by a board-certified veterinary cardiologist will be advisable to reach a diagnosis and effective treatment plan.

The best way to catch a heart murmur in its earliest stages is to have regular examinations for young and adult pets so your veterinarian can listen to what your pet’s heart has to say. If you have further questions about heart murmurs in pets, contact your local veterinarian.

Brittany Way Rose is an Information Specialist at University of Illinois’ College of Veterinary Medicine.

Heart Murmurs Speak Volumes to Veterinarians The Saturday Evening Post

Finding a nearby vet for your pet

While Google Maps is always a handy way to search for local businesses, there are several excellent websites specifically designed to help you find a local vet. One of our top recommended sites is Veterinarians.com. Here, you can easily search for local vets, read reviews and testimonials, and even request a consultation from various vets in your area.

Two other sites to check out are FindALocalVet and LocalVets. They’re not as full-featured as some sites but still make great resources when shopping around for vets in your area.

Not all vets are right for you

When searching for a veterinarian online, it’s important to keep in mind that not all vets are right for all pets. Most vets can handle the common problems and routine maintenance for your cat or dog, but finding a vet for birds, reptiles, and farm animals can be more of a challenge. It’s always a good idea to call the vet clinic in question and ask if they are comfortable treating your pet.

Just like finding a doctor for yourself, you’ll want to do some research on prospective vets. The easiest way to do this is to go to the VetRatingz website. Just type in the name of the vet clinic to read reviews from other pet owners. Be sure to look up prospective vets on Google Maps for additional comments and ratings.

Finding emergency care

Coming home to find a sick or injured pet is an owner’s worst nightmare. Even if your primary veterinarian is still open, not all clinics are equipped to handle emergency visits. It’s always a good idea to have an emergency vet clinic or animal hospital in mind well before your pet needs to visit one. Researching local emergency vets now will save you time (and possibly your pet’s life) later; be sure to consult your primary provider for emergency vet recommendations. You’ll want the two providers working hand-in-hand as much as possible.

The VetLocator website has an excellent emergency vet locator tool and lists several emergency animal poison control phone numbers. Google Maps can also be useful when researching and locating emergency vet clinics and hospitals.

Support and help

Vet visits and pet medication can be very expensive. If you find yourself having trouble paying for pet bills, you can often work something out with your vet, especially if you have an established relationship. Another option is to sign up for pet insurance. A simple Google search for pet insurance will give you several options to choose from.

The unfortunate reality of pet ownership is that some day your pet will pass away. There are many websites to help you and your family cope with the loss of a pet. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) offers a number of helpful articles and even a Pet Loss Hotline to help you in your time of need.

How to Find the Right Vet for Your Pet Online The Saturday Evening Post

Dr. Jordyn Boesch, a board-certified veterinary anesthesiologist at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Urbana, urges owners to talk with their veterinarian about the medications that will be used in their pets to control surgical pain and to work closely with their veterinarian to manage pain for optimal health outcomes.

“It is now accepted, thanks to a very large body of scientific evidence, that animals experience pain in much the same way that human beings do,” Dr. Boesch says.

While procedures like a spay, castration, tooth extraction, or lump biopsy may be necessary for the health of your pet, these procedures will cause pain if adequate pain medication is not administered. Pain medications are more effective when they are given both before and after such procedures.

Controlling pain is important not just for ethical reasons, but because studies show it can also speed your pet’s recovery.

“Pain causes the body to release a wide variety of stress hormones that interfere with tissue healing,” explains Dr. Boesch, “so decreasing stress can lead to faster healing.”

Dr. Boesch advises pet owners to discuss the pain management plan with their veterinarian before any surgical procedure and to ask specific questions: What kind of pain medication will be administered, and at what points in the procedure? What are possible side effects or risks of those medications? What are the instructions for administering any pain medication at home after the procedure? What signs of pain should you watch for at home?

Because the signs of pain may not be easily detected, it is important to consult your veterinarian for advice on general signs of pain as well as signs that may be specific to your pet’s species or the procedure performed. A pet in pain may simply appear more subdued, may stop eating or drinking, or may not want to engage in favorite activities. Cats may hide, stop grooming, or eliminate outside the litter box. The pet may look at or lick an incision site or “guard” the area that is painful. Unusual behaviors should not be ignored or attributed simply to the stress of visiting the vet’s office.

Some species may not show any signs of pain at all.

“Farm animals such as horses and cattle, as well as birds and small mammals such as rabbits, indicate pain even more subtly because, as prey species, they have evolved to hide signs of pain from predators,” says Dr. Boesch.

Just as in human medicine, veterinary medicine makes use of a range of pain medications suited to various conditions. Sometimes using more than one pain medication together, such as morphine (or related drugs) plus an anti-inflammatory drug, is needed and is more effective than either one used alone. And sometimes, other non-drug treatments such as physical therapy or icing an incision can help tremendously too.

Dr. Boesch stresses the importance of giving pets only the medications and doses indicated by a veterinarian.

“Pet owners should never take their animal’s pain management into their own hands,” she says. “Giving an over-the-counter human pain medication to a cat, for example, could kill the cat. Owners must consult their veterinarian before giving their pet any medicine or supplement.”

If you have any questions about pain management in your pet, please consult your local veterinarian.

Julia Disney is an Information Specialist at University of Illinois’ College of Veterinary Medicine.

Pain Management in Pets: An Owner’s Guide The Saturday Evening Post

Dr. G. Robert Weedon is a shelter veterinarian at the Champaign County Humane Society who lectures on shelter medicine as an adjunct professor at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in Urbana. He reminds good Samaritans that what appear to be stray pets often have homes.

“People need to remember that when a stray dog or cat is found, it is very likely that someone is looking for it,” says Dr. Weedon. “While we may be tempted to keep the animal, and provide it a good home, at a minimum we need to make sure it is scanned for a microchip, and a thorough description is given to local humane societies and animal control. A distraught owner may be frantically searching for the lost pet.”

Here is a step-by-step guide to doing all you can to ensure that a “stray” cat has the very best chance to be reunited with its people—or to find a new home. And if you are a cat owner, reading these ideas may prompt you to take steps to ensure that your pet is “findable.”

Step One: Take the cat to your local veterinary clinic.
A veterinarian can help you obtain information about the cat. Ask for the cat to be scanned for the presence of a microchip. Increasingly, responsible owners are having their pets microchipped—a process very similar to getting a shot in which a tiny chip is implanted under the pet’s skin with a needle. The chips are encoded with a number that identifies the animal’s owner. If the cat has been microchipped, the clinic should be able to contact the owner.

If no chip is present, ask the veterinarian whether the cat is male or female and whether it appears to have been spayed or neutered. You may also want to determine whether the cat has been declawed and its approximate age (whether young, senior, etc.).

Step Two: Make a “found” sign.
Like a “lost” sign, this should include information about the cat: its sex, sterilization status, whether it is declawed, and more. It will also be extremely helpful to include a clear photograph of the cat. Be sure to mention the area where and when the cat was found.

Step Three: Distribute the sign.
Take the sign to animal control, the humane society, and any local veterinary clinics and pet stores. When at animal control, check the current lost reports for possible matches among the cats reported missing. Be sure to scan the “lost” fliers for a cat matching the description of the one you found.

Step Four: Place an ad in the local paper.
Most newspapers do not charge for “found” ads. Craigslist is another place to post a found animal; it’s free, and you can upload the cat’s picture.

If, after all these steps have been completed, a week goes by and no one has attempted to re-claim the animal, you may consider taking the cat to the humane society or a local rescue organization or even providing the cat with a permanent home.

Susan Norris is an Information Specialist at University of Illinois’ College of Veterinary Medicine.

Stray Cats: How Can you Help? The Saturday Evening Post

Pet obesity is a growing problem that often isn’t taken seriously, even though it contributes to life-threatening and life-shortening conditions such as cancer, heart disease, joint problems, and more.

Kim Knap, a certified veterinary technician and a certified canine rehabilitation practitioner, runs the Companion Animal Rehabilitation clinic at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Urbana. Through a program called “Shape up, Pup!” Knap works with pet owners to develop practical, individualized plans to safely achieve and maintain ideal body weight for pets.

If you are uncertain whether your pet may have a weight problem, Knap offers these guidelines: “You should be able to easily feel the ribs without a layer of fat. When you look down at your pet, you should be able to see a waist, and when you look from the side, you should see a tucked abdomen,” she says.

But what if Fluffy is, well, fluffy?

“For pets with lots of fur, run your hands through the fur to see if you can easily feel her ribs,” says Knap.

If you think your pet’s weight may be a problem, call this to the attention of your veterinarian. If the veterinarian rules out metabolic disorders, you may be referred to a rehab program like “Shape up, Pup!” that would create a personalized plan to fit you and your pet. These programs often have special equipment, such as a doggy treadmill, that will make exercise more fun for your pet. You will find plenty of options and people who can help once you start looking.

Knap cautions that unmonitored treats are a common pitfall in an otherwise well-regulated pet diet.

“Commercial treats are typically high in calories,” says Knap, “and the semi-moist variety is especially bad. Moist treats add fats and sugars to keep them moist.”

What should you do if your pet habitually looks at you with big sad eyes and begs for treats? Knap says he may really just be begging for your attention and playtime. Try finding more time to play, she advises, which provides both the attention he craves and the activity he needs.

Another approach Knap recommends is to replace calorie-laden treats with baby carrots or ice cubes, inexpensive choices that your pet will love. Most dogs will be just as thrilled about getting that carrot piece and your attention as getting a processed commercial treat. And you might enjoy watching your pet dash after the slippery ice cube just as much as your pet likes chasing it.

Keeping pets at an ideal weight helps them live longer, healthier lives. Fit pets can make the most of play time without tuckering out early, and they are less likely to develop chronic, life-threatening diseases.

For more information about your pet’s ideal weight, talk to your local veterinarian.

Andrea Lin is an Information Specialist at University of Illinois’ College of Veterinary Medicine.

Resolve to Keep Your Pet at a Healthy Weight The Saturday Evening Post

“Hypothermia occurs when your pet’s core body temperature drops below the normal range of 99.5 to 100.5 degrees F,” says Dr. Finan. “Animals with hypothermia will show signs such as lethargy and weakness. If you suspect this problem, wrap your pet in a warm blanket and get her to a veterinary hospital quickly.”

Dr. Finan warns against placing anything hot, such as a heating pad or warm water bottle, directly against your pet’s skin. This could cause burns.

For pets that enjoy the outdoors, exposure to extreme cold temperatures—below freezing—should be limited to 10 to 15 minutes. It’s important to factor in the wind chill and how much shelter is provided to your pet. Even with above-freezing temperatures, the wind chill can cause pets, especially short-haired pets, to become chilled and potentially hypothermic faster.

Pets that remain outside longer will need access to a warm shelter away from the snow and ice. You’ll also have to find a way to ensure that their water bowl does not to ice over.

Surprisingly, some exotic pets can develop hypothermia even if they don’t go outside.

“Many of these pets come from a desert environment,” says Dr. Finan. “The chilly winter time doesn’t suit them well.”

Especially in the winter it is very important to make sure your exotic pets’ heat sources and/or light sources are providing them with the appropriate temperature. Also, be sure to keep these pets away from drafty windows and cold rooms, which can cause the temperature in their enclosures to drop to levels that are not appropriate for these pets.

For pets that spend a great deal of time outside during the wintertime, frostbite is another common concern.

“You should monitor your animal for signs of cold and numbness of the extremities and ears during the winter, especially after prolonged periods outside,” says Dr. Finan. Typically the ears and paws are the first body parts affected.

Despite these cautions, Dr. Finan still encourages owners to take their dogs for walks in the winter.

“Taking pets for a short walk may result in some temporary cold discomfort, but nothing more,” she says.

“If your dog will wear booties on the walk, those can help protect their feet from cold as well as from the salt spread on sidewalks to melt ice, which can irritate the footpads on dogs’ paws,” says Dr. Finan. “Applying a protective ointment such as ‘Musher’s Secret’ to dogs’ paw pads before walks can also help prevent this irritation.”

And what about those adorable doggy jackets and coats to go along with the booties? Dr. Finan thinks for the most part those are more for show than for actual benefit to the pets. However, she says breeds with low body fat and a short hair coat, such as the greyhound, should wear a coat outside during the winter to help prevent hypothermia.

If you have questions about protecting your animal from the cold, please consult your local veterinarian.

Brittany Way Rose is an Information Specialist at University of Illinois’ College of Veterinary Medicine.

Prevent Pets’ Cold Weather Emergencies The Saturday Evening Post

“Here Boy!”

"Here Boy!"Frances Tipton Hunter December 5, 1936

Now, where is that dog? A reader recently requested information about cover artist Frances Tipton Hunter (1896-1957). Hunter’s career spanned the 1920s through 1950s, and like many female artists of that time, she frequently focused on children and pets.

“Girl and Boy at Soda Fountain”

"Girl and Boy at Soda Fountain"Frances Tipton Hunter June 6,1936

This was Hunter’s first cover for The Saturday Evening Post. The expression on the little boy’s face when he realizes he forgot (or lost) his money makes this a favorite of mine. Hunter’s artistic talent revealed itself during her high school years. She graduated with honors from the Philadelphia Museum of Industrial Arts and did the same at The Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts and the Fleisher Art Memorial. She moved from Pennsylvania to New York where she illustrated children’s fashions for department stores.

“Boys in Principal’s Office”

"Boys in Principal’s Office"Frances Tipton Hunter September 12, 1936

In 1936, like today, when little boys get in fights, a trip to the principal’s office is in order. I love the anxious expression on the blond boy’s face. In the 1920s Hunter created a series of paper dolls for Ladies Home Journal that became so popular that a compendium of her doll artwork was later published. She also illustrated for Collier’s, Women’s Home Companion, and Good Housekeeping as well as being known for her work in advertisements, puzzles, and calendar art.

“Boy and Girl at Candy Counter”

"Boy and Girl at Candy Counter"Frances Tipton Hunter August 19, 1939

Oh, gracious, this takes me back! I can remember having a few pennies to spend on candy and taking forever to make the momentous decision. Hunter was said to imitate Rockwell in her idealized visions of children. Perhaps this is because she never had children of her own.

“Little Boy and Winter Underwear”

"Little Boy and Winter Underwear"Frances Tipton Hunter,br /> Feb 27, 1937

The life of an artist! Post editors suggested this idea for a cover, and the artist liked it. She wanted to sketch it from real life, so she found a spot in a Philadelphia department store and waited. “Well, she waited and waited,” editors wrote in this 1937 issue. “Little girls came in, with large mothers, and stolid, big boys with small mothers, but not a small boy in the lot. Hours passed, with Miss Hunter waiting patiently in her corner. Finally, when all seemed lost, in came the pair you see on the cover of this issue. Miss Hunter sat bolt upright, all eyes, sketch pad ready. She wanted the expression on the youngster’s face, particularly. And then came the big moment—the small fry glowered and muttered: mother held the despicable woolies. Miss Hunter poised her pencil.

“‘Turn around, Richard,’ said mother, ‘and I’ll measure these against your back.’” Sigh. Somehow our dedicated artist caught the perfect expression and the cover came out great.

“Girl and Boy on School Steps”

"Girl and Boy on School Steps"Frances Tipton Hunter May 25, 1940

Hunter painted big kids, too. In this 1940 cover, the young lady is concentrating on teaching her classmate the math formulas and he is concentrating on … well, I think you can guess. When Frances Tipton passed away in 1957, she left her artwork to be divided between the James V. Brown Library and the Lycoming County Historical Museum, both in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

“Kids Riding Trolley”

"Kids Riding Trolley" by Frances Tipton Hunter July 20, 1940

This 1940 cover of a boy and girl was another of eighteen covers Hunter did for the Post. For others, see the Curtis Publishing website.

What does any of this have to do with Ogden Nash? Just this: I found an illustration by Frances Tipton Hunter for a poem called “Remembrance of Tings to Come” published by Nash in the August 29, 1936 issue of the Post. Here is a link to that poem, with Miss Hunter’s illustration:

The Art of Frances Tipton Hunter The Saturday Evening Post

“I Can See You!”

From May/Jun 2003

This cute cartoon from 2003 gives one reason why a glass-topped table is not a good idea.

“Babysitter Feeding… Baby?”

From May/Jun 2003

Feeding the baby doesn’t mean you have to miss your soaps. Unfortunately, the kid is missing his lunch. All food is dog food.

“What, no pipe and slippers?” “You’re retired. I’m retired.”

From May/Jun 2003

Okay, cats aren’t the only pets with attitude.

“You know, it’s about time you realize who’s boss around here!” “Your wife?”

From Jan/Feb 2000

Fido knows. The wife. We told you dogs never miss a thing. This cartoon appeared in the magazine in 2000.

“Would you please tell us which room Mr. Markus is in?”

From Jan/Feb 2004

Admit it, this one makes you go, “awww!” Ever faithful, these dogs are bringing the master’s slippers even to the hospital (unlike the “retired” dog above).

“Like me? Are you kidding? They collect my poop!”

From Sep/Oct 2005

And we thought cats felt like they were gods.

“Looks like old Ned finally caught one of those cars he’s been chasing.”

From Jan/Feb 1999

You always wondered what that dumb mutt would do if he caught one of those cars. Now you know. Old Ned wasn’t so dumb after all! But I do kind of wish he’d bring me a sports car next time. I reached back to the Jan/Feb 1999 issue of The Post for this one.

“You have just one more wish. Are you sure you want another belly-rub?”

From Sep/Oct 2005

Three wishes. Three belly-rubs. Like there’s any more to life?

Cartoons: Favorite Dogs The Saturday Evening Post

Cat Goes Out of Way to Walk Past Dog in Window

Jul/Aug 2004

After a little 10- or 12-hour nap, there’s nothing like taking a stroll to see if you can irritate the dog next door. Yep, works every time. This appeared in the Post in 2004.

“Just throw her a ball of yarn and she’s busy for hours.”

Nov/Dec 2001

This is probably not the picture you had in mind when you read the caption! This 2001 cartoon shows that cats do much more than sleep all day (and aggravate dogs).

“No! She can’t come out to play again.”

Jul/Aug 2002

Honestly, humans are so touchy. This is another busy feline. Abe Lincoln reportedly said, “No matter how much the cats fight, there always seem to be plenty of kittens.”

“I bought Harvey a cat because having a pet will be good for his blood pressure.”

Sep/Oct 2005

Well, cats ARE good for your blood pressure—when they’re not giving you a heart attack. Mine loves to jump on my stomach when I least expect it. I’m sure having the wind knocked out of you regularly is healthy. But the snuggle time is worth it.

“We’ll have to make sure that sneaky cat doesn’t get this batch of fish.”

July/Aug 2004

Some would say cats are sneaky. This is ridiculous, of course; some felines just enjoy scuba diving.

Cat Demands Seat on Sofa

Jul/Aug 2004

Some would dare to suggest that the real head of the household is the cat. Hey, maybe Tiger just wanted a warm spot. It is said that everyone needs a dog to adore him and a cat to bring him back to reality.

Top 10 Stress Management Techniques

Mar/Apr 2009

On the other hand, some of us say that everything we know, we learned from our cats.

And yes, there will be equal time for dogs.

Cartoons: Favorite Cats The Saturday Evening Post

Plan Ahead

Not all hotels allow pets inside, so before you leave, research hotels near your stops and make reservations at places you know you can take pets. That way, you know your pet will be welcomed wherever you go. Some hotels even have special VIP accommodations for visitors with pets.

Pet owners should “stay at a place that will respect and welcome them,” says Dan Douglas, the general manager of a Best Western in Allen Park, Michigan.

“We’ve had so many great experiences with pets and pet owners,” Douglas adds. “Problems are rare and far between.”

It’s also a good idea to look into restaurants and activities in the places you’re visiting. Be sure to choose pet-friendly places to go. If not every place on your agenda allows pets, make sure you have the appropriate equipment to leave your pet in the hotel for a couple hours. Notify the front desk and put a “Do Not Disturb” sign on the door so the cleaning service doesn’t come in while you’re gone.

You should also check to make sure there are vets in the area you’re visiting. “Like people, pets on vacation do things they wouldn’t normally do,” says Dr. Meryl Kardon of Back Bay Veterinary Clinic in Boston. Owners should know where to go in case their pet has a medical emergency.

Visit Your Vet

Bring your pet in for a checkup. Make sure he or she is up to date on vaccinations. Some states require you to present rabies vaccination confirmation before you cross the border, so you need to get that from your vet and keep it handy. Many airlines require a certificate of health from within 10 days of the flight. This also applies to a return flight. If you’re going somewhere for more than 10 days, Dr. Sara Rudwell of the Broad Ripple Animal Clinic in Indianapolis, Indiana, recommends that you find a vet in the area you’re staying to do a pre-flight checkup.

You should also talk to your veterinarian about medications or anything else your pet might need to stay comfortable and healthy on the trip. Don’t try any medications or sedatives without your vet’s approval, since they could cause problems or bad reactions, particularly while you’re in the air.

“They could have trouble breathing, or their blood pressure might be dropping,” says Dr. Julie Moodoyan of Southwood Animal Hospital in Tallahassee, Florida. “Particularly on an airplane, it’s hard for pets to be monitored.” In fact, she says many airlines won’t allow a visibly sedated animal onto the plane.

Get Your Pet Acclimated

Make sure your pet is used to traveling before you set out on a long journey. If you’re driving in a car, take smaller trips around your hometown to give your pet practice with being in the car.

If you’re using a kennel, carrier, cage, or crate to transport your pet, either in a car or an airplane, have your pet spend some time in it at home. The kennel will need to be big enough for your pet to sit, stand, and turn around.

Stranger Safety

If you need to transport your pet and don’t want to do it yourself, there are several service options available, depending on your location. However, make sure to do plenty of research on any company you want to hire. Many pet transportation services have been accused of harming or even killing pets in their care due to neglect or abuse. Make sure you have thorough information—some companies have even been known to fake recommendations to get people to hire them.

“On the whole, it’s not the greatest idea,” says Dr. Kardon, though she adds that most pet transporters are very hard and good workers. “Check into the number of pets being transported and the crowding situation.”

It’s always best to check with your vet and others you know and trust who might have experience with pet transportation services to make sure you hire a good company.

Safety First

While you’re traveling, one of your main concerns should be making sure your pet is safe and secure. Always keep your pet in a kennel or strapped into a seatbelt. And even though dogs love sticking their heads out the window or sitting in the back of a pick-up truck, both are dangerous and result in a high death toll for dogs.

Never leave your pet unattended in a car. Not only is there a risk of pet-napping, but pets left in cars can overheat or freeze, depending on the weather. This can also be the case while you’re on the road. If you’re too hot or cold, then your pet probably is, too.

Staying Comfortable

Pets require more than a good kennel to travel comfortably. Be sure to supply your pet with a couple of familiar toys to make the journey more enjoyable. Keep plenty of water handy so your pet doesn’t get dehydrated in the car. It’s always wise to bring your own from home, since your pet might react badly to strange water.

Also, don’t feed your pet too much right before you start out or while the car is in motion. Your pet could get carsick, and that’s not comfortable for him or for you.

Dr. Moodoyan recommends that you bring several familiar toys and blankets for your pet. She says pheromone sprays can also help make your pet feel at ease.

“They utilize the pet’s own pheromones and decease the pet’s anxiety,” she says. She adds that the sprays are odorless to humans. You can find a spray at most pet stores and vet offices.

Pets on a Plane

Today, many airlines allow cats and smaller dogs to travel with you instead of in the cargo hold, which is more comfortable for both of you. Whether or not this is the case, it’s always best to book a nonstop flight to your destination rather than dealing with tricky layovers and plane changes.

Be sure to make reservations in advance so your pet gets a spot on the plane, since some airlines have limits on how many and what kind of pets can travel. “Pets traveling in the cabin require a reservation to ensure no more than seven pets are booked on any single flight,” according to American Airlines.

Make sure that you follow the airline’s regulations about kennel size and vet checkups, particularly since your pet might have trouble adjusting to cabin pressure. Before you leave, “Ask the airline appropriate questions,” says Dr. Rudwell. She advises double-checking on the airline’s pet policies as well as checking the weather to make sure your pet won’t be too hot or cold during the flight.

To make things as easy as possible, walk your pet outside the airport before you take off, and make arrangements to register near the time of departure, so your pet doesn’t spend hours sitting at the airport. In case of an accident while in the air, place absorbent puppy pads or towels in the kennel.

Keeping Track of Your Pet

Plan ahead and make your best friend's trip a great one!

While you’re traveling, there’s always a chance that your pet could get lost or stolen. Keep him in a collar with your name, address, and phone number.

Many pet institutions are recommending that you have a microchip installed before you leave. These small chips can be read by pet hospitals, vets, and shelters across the country. They make it easy to get information on your lost pet and return him to you quickly.

The microchips, which are about the size of a grain of rice, can be “easily implanted under a pet’s skin,” says Dr. Moodoyan. “Any vet’s office can do it.

“I always recommend a microchip and collar,” she adds.

The procedure is safe and inexpensive, so talk to your vet about it before you leave.

If you’re looking for a great trip idea you and your pet can share, check out the Jul/Aug 2010 issue on The Saturday Evening Post for some great historic road trips!

For more information on the tips above, see the links below:
http://hyperboleandahalf.blogspot.com/2010/05/sneaky-hate-spiral.html
http://www.bestwestern.com/tripplanner/travelwithpetstips.asp
http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/pet-care-tips/car-travel-tips.html
http://www.petswelcome.com/
http://www.takeyourpet.com/pages/trav.htm
http://petcare.suite101.com/article.cfm/tips_for_flying_with_pets
http://www.koa.com/familyzone/camping101/pets10tips.htm
http://www.southwoodanimalhospital.com/

Pet Travel for Happy Tails The Saturday Evening Post

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Norman Rockwell Goes to the Dogs The Saturday Evening Post