Basic Communication

As the human population increases, so too do the number of household pets. Cats, dogs and others are all learning how to live with their “human-folk” while keeping peace in the household. To complicate things is the sometimes contradictory behavior that different species exhibit under normal circumstances or in response to stress. For example, a cat that wags its tail is in attack mode whereas a dog's wagging is considered a gregarious, friendly signal. When human owners confuse these signs, bad things happen!

The key to developing a good relationship with companion pets is for owners to have solid knowledge of their innate, instinctual behavior and, of course, their basic needs. Animals communicate their social status in various ways, and it's the pet owner's responsibility to learn the cues of a particular species. What makes them tick usually revolves around their evolutionary background. What signs and gestures helped them survive as a species?

What do barking, digging, chewing, chasing and begging all have in common? Annoying and often dangerous, unless owners are running a cattle ranch or raising sheep, these behaviors are mostly undesirable. At first they are cute (when they are pups), but it doesn't take long for any of the above to become tiresome. Dogs just don't understand that the dinner table does not hold a seat for them! Some of the above can be downright dangerous. Especially if a pet whose instinct is to herd mistakes a car for a sheep. Most of these inappropriate behaviors are easily avoided but even when discovered late can be treated. Owners must first understand “where the dog is coming from.” A general rule is to ignore the bad and reward the good behavior.

Cats most often present with problems that tend to either stink or cause irreparable damage to furniture! Inappropriate elimination, scratching and various aggressions are the most common undesirable cat behaviors. Again, understanding the pet's ancestral nature is of paramount concern when dealing with behavior issues. For example, cats are often thought of as solitary, independent beings. Many people don't realize how much love and affection they really need. Not to mention their obsession with cleanliness; if boxes aren't kept clean, cats will often eliminate outside of them. Play is super important, along with mind-stimulating toys and accessibility to heights. When the basics are missing, the trouble often begins. So, humans, do your husbandry homework, sometimes a small change can establish harmony quickly.

Understanding pet behavior is the glue for the human-pet bond. When pets’ basic needs conflict with those in the home, it's usually due to lack of knowledge or a misunderstanding in the house. Occasionally, however, genetics and lack of socialization make it impossible to keep the bond loving. In any case, if untreated these behaviors often lead to early euthanasia. If a family pet is annoying its roommates with a particular habit, please schedule a consultation with your veterinarian before it's too late!

Dr. Dawn Mehra, North Idaho Animal Hospital 320 S. Ella St. Sandpoint Idaho www.idahovet.com ask@idahovet.com.

#homeessentials