Vision Problems

Some dogs and cats suffer from retinal atrophy, which makes it hard for them to see in dim light. Others can get cataracts, glaucoma or other eye diseases that cause their sight to dim. There are sophisticated treatments available, but even if your pet doesn’t regain her 20/20, there are many things you can do to make her life easier. Try these tips:

-Don’t play musical chairs: moving furniture can confuse dim sighted pets and can even cause injury. If you don’t have to, don’t move the furniture.

-Show her around: If you do shuffle the furniture or your pet’s vision has suddenly faded, lead her around on a leash for a day or two to help her find her way. It’s also a good idea to confine her to one or two rooms until she knows them well. Most pets want to be around people, so you can keep her in rooms you frequent so she won’t be alone.

-Be predictable: Stability is important for poorly sighted pets. Leaving their food and water in the same place will give them a sense of order and security. The same goes for litter boxes and beds -- the less you move them around the better.

-Give her a leash on life: If your pet has even the slightest trouble, don’t let her wander outside unless she’s on a leash or in a fenced area where she can’t escape.

-Bring in a friend: Sometimes a pet with vision will help one without it. In many cases they are willing to be very giving to the pet that can’t see, helping to guide her around.

-Try a new hairdo: If your pet has vision problems and her bangs are hanging in front of her eyes, trim them away. Hair in a pet’s eyes can further impair vision that’s already questionable.

When to see the vet? Animals are adaptable and because of their fine-tuned senses have an uncanny ability to get around. Some pets can actually hear if a door is open or closed. Blind dogs are often reluctant to go up or down stairs. Blind cats might not jump up on furniture as much as they used to. You may notice she had problems finding you when called.

One other way to tell is with the cotton ball test. Stand several feet in front of your pet and drop a cotton ball. If you do it a couple of times and your pet doesn’t even glance at it, she may be having trouble seeing. Any pet with vision problems needs to be seen by a vet.

*These tips are home remedies only and should not ever be used as a substitute for any treatment that may have been prescribed by your veterinarian. If your pet has a medical problem, we urge you to seek competent medical care.

Alice England
Makingstuffwithlove.etsy.com

Can you guess these Christmas songs?

You will find two lines from six different Christmas songs below. Guess what song they belong to and send your answers to my Catcalls shop. The winner will be sent a surprise stuffed animal in time for Christmas! A name will be drawn in the event of a tie.

Good Luck!

And enjoy the completely unrelated pictures along the way!

1. The virgin Mary and Christ were there
On Christmas Day in the morning.

2. Where meek souls will receive him, still
The dear Christ enters in.

3. That hath made heaven and earth of naught,
And with his blood mankind hath bought.

4. Saints before the altar bending,

Watching long in hope and fear,

5. Mary, Joseph, lend your aid,
While we raise our hearts in love

6. Gosh oh gee, how happy I'd be,
If I could only whistle (thhhh, thhhh)

By Patty

from

Catcalls and Dogbarks

SHOW AND TELL TUESDAY

Really short and cute today.

Pauline sent this to me, and I thought it was worth sharing. So here's a plug for Pauline.

Pauline makes some top of the line doggie dresses and the cutest slip dresses for pets, and more. Check out her shop and you will even see many kitties dressed in her fashions. Visit her at www.PaulinesFashions.com

Now here is the cute video she shared with me:

Diana

http://www.dianadesignsny.etsy.com/

http://www.stylindogsboutique.etsy.com/

Artists Contributing to the December Pet Sampler Boxes

Free photo slideshow created with Smilebox

Sasha's Night Before Christmas Part 4

Twas The Night Before Christmas Sasha's Version Part 4

(Click on the pictures to see how you can get one of your very own.)

His eyes-how they sparkled! His eye dots so merry!
His ears like warm fuzzy socks, his nose like a blackberry!

His happy little mouth was smiling at me,

And his tail was wagging as fast as can be.

The hubby stuffed bone he held tight in his lips,
And the drool flowed down with many drips.

He had a black and tan face and a little round tum-tum,

That made him waddle and sometimes fall on his bum-bum.


To Be Finished Next Week:

Saturday Blog Hop 12/11/10

A glimpse of spring for all of those buried in snow:

Welcome Pet Blog Hoppers!

Give us a follow and we'll return the favor.

Click here to sign up for our email list and
Click here to see our team Pet Sampler boxes.






A sampling of the artisans who contribute to the pet sampler boxes --------------------------->

A Cavy’s Christmas!

By Patty from Catcalls and Dogbarks

Christmas is coming, the pigs are wearing hats.

Please join the choir as they whistle, squeak, and chat.

If singin’ ain’t you’re thing, then jugglin’ will do.

If jugglin’s just too tough, then dance without your shoes!

But whatever you do....don’t FURget the prezzies!

All product photos can be found at Otter House on Amazon