Introducing<strong>Dogs</strong> and Catsby: Jean DonaldsonBefore AdoptingBefore taking the plunge, it’s important to knowwhether the dog is a good candidate to live witha cat and vice-versa. The best possible indicatoris confirmation that the dog has successfullylived with a cat(s) before and that the cat haslived with a dog(s).If there is no history of successful cohabitation,the next best thing is to gather history on theanimals and “audition” them with the otherspecies before proceeding. <strong>Dogs</strong> who are notwell socialized to cats are likely to react to catsas though they were either other dogs or preyobjects. This means they will direct play, investigationand posturing at cats or will give chase.Sometimes they will do both, partly dependingon what “role” the cat plays.If the dog is gentle, relaxed and friendly and isnot much of a predatory type (i.e. doesn’t chasecats or squirrels when outdoors), he is a goodprospect to develop a relationship with a cat.Predatory types are much more stressful for catsand must be constantly managed when aroundthe cat if they are to live with one. Predation isnot something a dog can be easily trained not todo as it is deeply ingrained.When you audition a dog with cats, do it onleash, to avoid overly stressing the cat(s) andany flat-out chasing. If possible, use cats withdog experience – they are less likely to flee or bestressed. It’s also good to try out the same caton more than one occasion and to try out morethan one cat.Good signs are cautious investigation andwagging, along with respect (i.e. backing off)for cat defensive signals. Bad signs are instantattempts to chase, out-of-controlstraining at the leash, whining, barking andagitation.Many dogs will fall somewhere in the middle,which will make your decision less clear.Sometimes, with diligence and perseverance,a dog with intense predatory drive can betaught to direct it at other outlets and tostick to carefully trained rituals and routineswhen around the cat, but this is tricky anddoes not work in every case. <strong>Dogs</strong> who areless intense are better prospects.It is important to know that dogs can and dosometimes injure and kill cats. <strong>Dogs</strong> who kill catsare almost inevitably highly predatory so oftenthey can be picked out. A pair or group of predatorydogs is of greatest risk.It’s also important to know that most dogs whochase cats are not in this category. They chasebut do no physical damage if they catch or cornerthe cat. The psychological stress for the catis still present with these dogs, of course, and isan important consideration.There is a range of temperament in cats and thisis a factor that will influence the success of dogcatcohabitation. In general, relaxed, laid backcats and kittens are the best prospects to accepta dog. They are also at lower risk to flee andtrigger chasing, which will allow a social – ratherthan a predator-prey - relationship to develop.Shy, skittish and de-clawed cats are less rosyprospects.De-clawed cats feel more vulnerable and aremore likely to display aggressively when cornered.Cats who have not been socialized to dogs willalmost always behave defensively, by fleeingand/or with an aggressive display the first timethey encounter a new dog. If the dog does notcome on too strong, and if the cat is given dogfreezones to retreat SSSSS!! to, many cats willgradually get used to the dog and sometimeseven become bonded.After AdoptingIf you’ve decided to blend a dog and a cat inyour household, here are some pointers:Have a “safety room” or rooms as well as highplaces the cat can access but the dog cannot.Baby-gates, cat doors and clearing high surfacescan accomplish this. It is important that the catcan retreat to regroup and relax away from thedog and then venture forward into “dog territory”at her own pace. The cat should have accessto food, water and litter in this area so nointeractions with the dog are forced.Never force the cat (or dog) into proximity byholding her, caging her or otherwise restrictingher desire to escape. This is stressful and doesnot help. Aside from it being inhumane, stress isa common reason for cats to break litter boxtraining.For the first introduction, have the dog on leashin case he explodes into chase. If it seems to begoing well, take the leash off and superviseclosely.If the dog is behaving in a friendly and/or cautiousway, try to not intervene in their interactions,except to praise and reward the dog forhis good manners.Interrupt any intense chasing and try to redirectthe dog’s attention to another activity – this isvery difficult so you may be forced in future tomanage the dog on-leash around the cat untilyou have worked out a routine or divided up thehouse.In the first few weeks, observe the trend: arethings getting better or worse? Monitor interactionsuntil there is a pattern or plateau in theirrelationship.If the dog is the newcomer, be sure to giveplenty of extra attention to the cat so she doesnot associate this change with reduced attentionand affection. If the newcomer is a cat, it’s also agood idea to make sure the dog associates thenew intruder with good things for him. Shoot forpositive associations always.<strong>Dogs</strong> should not have access to the cat litter box– it is too stressful for the cat and the dog mayeat cat feces and litter. Most dogs will also eatcat food the cat leaves behind – we suggestfeeding cats in the cat’s “safe” room or on a highsurface. <strong>Dogs</strong>...<strong>Naturally</strong>! <strong>September</strong>/October 2010
y: Erika PhillipsBladderwrack~ Fucus VesiculosusBladderwrack FactsBladderwrack, or kelp, is useful in thetreatment of underactive thyroid glands.People who are overweight due to thyroidtrouble may benefit from this herbas it can help reduce weight. The iodinein the kelp helps maintain a healthy thyroid,and the nutrients and oxygen increasethe body's ability to burn fat whenexercising. Bladderwrack is rich in theconstituents algin, mannitol, carotene,zeaxanthin, iodine, fucoidan, and bromine.It is reputed to have a beneficialeffect for relief of rheumatism and rheumatoidarthritis (and can be taken internally or externally applied to inflamedjoints).How Bladderwrack WorksBladderwrack contains three main constituents:iodine, alginic acid, and fucoidan.The iodine in Bladderwrack helpsthose people deficient in this trace mineralto regulate and improve thyroidfunction, thus it is beneficial for hypothyroidismand goiter. It works as an antiinflammatoryand possesses antirheumaticproperties to relieve arthritisand rheumatism. Bladderwrack's antibacterialproperties also help ward offbacteria and viruses. The alginic acidconstituent, a type of dietary fiber, isuseful in relieving constipation, diarrhea,and heartburn. The fucoidan constituent,another type of fiber, contributesto lowering cholesterol and glucoselevels.Possible Benefits Contributes to a healthy thyroidgland and better metabolism Helpful with hypothyroidism andgoiter Relieves rheumatism and rheumatoidarthritis Soothes irritated and inflamed bodytissues Aids in weight loss if thyroid problemsare a factor of obesity Helps burn more fat when exercising Boosts stamina by allowing cells toconsume energy efficiently. Lowers blood cholesterol andblood glucose levels Works as dietary fiber to help withconstipation, diarrhea, heartburn,and indigestion Acts as an anti-bacterial to ward offbacteria and viruses and to speedwound healingUsage Guidelines -Bladderwrack can be used either in tabletform, tincture or as a dried herb.www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com <strong>September</strong>/October 2010 | 7
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