September 24, 2009

Our new kitty Dozer Dave is slowly getting used to our household, but he still growls at me when I get too close. ME, little old sweet, wonderful me! Can you imagine? Truly, my feelings are hurt. He's not fond of Meryl yet, either.

I saw Dr. Vicksman yesterday for my annual vaccinations, so I asked him what we could do to help Dozer Dave settle in. Honestly, if DD doesn't like me or Meryl, just think how thrilled he's going to be when Marianne and John get puppy #7!

"I have a suggestion that might help, Ross," said Dr. V as he finished with my last vaccination and fed me a biscuit. "I am going to talk about pheromones on the Saturday morning news this week."

"Pherowhats?" I asked politely as he peered in my left ear.

"Pheromones are one of many tools that we use to treat behavioral problems in dogs and cats," said Dr. V. "Ross old pal, you have a slight ear infection. We're going to have to put drops in your ears."

"I HATE DROPS!" I whined. I squirmed as Dr. V. held out my ear and put the medicine in. "Ohh, that's cold! Tell me more about pherowhos."

"Pheromones are substances secreted by animals that alter the behavior of individuals within the same species. The pheromone that we use with dogs is called "dog appeasing pheromone," or DAP for short." Dr. V. turned me around to look in my other ear.

"Huh. How do pharothingies work?" I wondered. "Jeez, those drops are cold." I hopped around as he put drops in my right ear.

Dr. V. gently massaged both ears. "Well, DAP is produced by lactating females during times of stress and it calms the puppies down. Research shows that the calming properties actually extend into adulthood."

"Times of stress, like getting drops in my ears?" I asked.

Dr. V. laughed. "I don't think you're THAT stressed, Ross. Pheromones are used to treat problems like destructive behaviors, separation anxiety, and house soiling, among many others."

"I don't do any of those things," I admitted. "But what about Dozer Dave? Do pharowhozits work on cats?"

"Yes, but a little differently. In cats it is called "feline facial pheromone." When a cat is content it will rub its face against a vertical surface like a door jam, depositing that pheromone on that surface. Just like DAP in dogs, the FFP has a calming effect on cats. The most common uses are for aggressive behaviors and litter box problems. But getting used to a new home can be very stressful for dogs and cats."

I nudged Marianne. "Let's get some for Dozer Dave. Unless you have to put the pherosomethings in his ears; I don't think that will make him feel calmer," I said, shaking my head vigorously. Marianne sighed.

Dr. Vicksman showed me a package. "See Ross, the pheromones that we use are now made in a special diffuser that plugs in to the wall. This aerosolizes the pheromone to calm the pet down."

"That's handy! I said. "We can put one in every room! Maybe it will help when the new puppy arrives, too."

Watch Dr. Vicksman on 7News this Saturday at 7:00 a.m. for more information on pheromones! (I got it right that time!)

Oh, and I found out that you can find similar products like one called Comfort Zone at stores like PetSmart and Petco and other retailers.

Chow for now!

Ross

Questions or comments for Ross? Send him an e-mail!

Would you like more information about Canine Companions for Independence or perhaps be a puppy raiser? Call 1-800-572-BARK or go to CCI for details.