Pet Briefs

Bark Busters offers school tips

As kids head back to school, Bark Busters dog training company, which has a branch locally, offers suggestions to help families avoid behavior problems with dogs.

By providing training and the right combination of food, shelter and entertainment, families can help their canine companions adapt to a new schedule.

With everyone gone to work or school during the day, dogs left alone can become stressed, often resulting in destructive behaviors and endless barking. These tips may help:

--As the last person leaves the house for the day, don't confuse your dog by talking in a sweet voice. Therefore, ignore your dog for about 10 minutes before you leave.

--Most dogs love toys. Buy high-quality, virtually indestructible puzzle toys. Every few days, rotate what toys are available.

--Dogs are natural foragers who look for food. Try hiding a few treats so your dog spends extra time looking for them. And always provide lots of fresh, clean water.

--Most dogs love the safety of a crate. If you plan to be away more than 10 hours for a dog or 6 hours for a puppy, ask a friend to let your dog out for a bathroom break.

--If your dog will be inside all day and you are concerned about him having an accident in the house, enclose him in a small room and has an easy-clean floor of vinyl or tile. Place a soft bed and toys in the room for him.

--If your dog will be kept outside while you are gone, be sure he has shelter in which to get out of the weather. Place the doghouse next to the house so that he feels like it is an extension of the larger den.

--Parents need to train their children to ignore the pet for five minutes or so to allow the dog to settle down.

Litter firm urges vet visit for all cats

Despite their reputation as low maintenance pets, cats require regular veterinary care to catch issues early and prevent pain and discomfort.

Feline Pine all-natural cat litter aims to raise awareness among cat owners about the importance of annual feline checkups through National "Take Your Cat to the Vet Week," which takes place today through Aug. 22.

The inaugural campaign was launched in 2009 after research indicated many cat owners are not aware of the importance of regular vet visits for their cats.

In a national survey Feline Pine conducted of cat owners, fewer than 50 percent take their cats for annual check ups. The event was extended to a week in 2010.

Cat owners can visit www.felinepine.com/national-vet-week and sign up for an e-mail from Dr. Gaspar to remind them to schedule a check-up appointment with their vet.

The reminder is for owners of both indoor and outdoor cats.

Compiled by Brenda Rindge. Send items to pets@postandcourier.com.