TheJournalNJ.com | OCTOBER 2021 63
Do it
Better :
BY JOYCE VENEZIA SUSS
This month’s column has been written
on behalf of cats and dogs who
truly love you, but have some special
requests they can’t verbalize. Pets
don’t speak our complicated human
language, and they don’t understand
everything you say to them. Their woofs
and meows sometimes signal the need
to get fed or go outside, but there’s
more nonverbal communication you
need to know.
“My big, sad eyes don’t
mean I feel guilty about that puddle
Pets don’t feel remorse or guilt, even though you think they do.
If the cat urinates outside the litter box or the dog has gnawed on a
chair leg, you might say “What did you do?” in an upset tone of voice –
or worse, shout. Truthfully, it’s more likely their reaction is nervousness
or stress.
A lot of people think those pet-shaming social media posts are
funny. But those woeful looks are probably confusion. The damaged
chair leg could be the result of a bored or nervous dog. That puddle on
needs some serious scooping.
“You confuse me sometimes.”
Maybe you’re happy when your dog jumps up to kiss you, but you
admonish him when he jumps on visitors. Cats need to scratch, and
you think it’s cute she uses her scratching post, but get upset when
she’s scratching your sofa. These differences are not obvious to pets,
so it’s up to you to make it clear what is acceptable behavior. Use treats
as rewards for good behavior. Punishment is never an option, nor is
declawing a cat.
“Please play with me!” or
“Please leave me alone!”
All pets – especially dogs – need some lively activity to remain
happy and stimulated, especially if they are home alone all day. Pets
curled up in his bed and soundly sleeping after a busy day, that’s not
the time to wake him up for a game of fetch. Dogs and cats need much
more sleep time than humans.
Also, if your dog is whining or your cat is frantically clawing on the
closet door, check the weather forecast. Pets hear thunder much earlier
than human ears.
animals.”
Human gatherings can be loud, with
music and lots of voices. There are all those
human legs to dodge, and people trying to
show affection by petting – or worse, picking
up your pet. Some dogs are more social than
-
et place to hide. And many felines will hide as
soon as they hear the doorbell.
“If I’m acting weird, please pay
attention.”
Pets are like babies – they can’t tell you where it hurts. When you see
unusual behaviors like crouching, drooping ears or limping, make an appointment
with your vet. If your pet’s breath starts smelling awful, that may
be a sign of tooth decay. Also, make sure your pet has an annual veterinary
ticks. Remember to bring a stool sample to be tested.
“Slow down! Don’t rush me!”
-
cate the perfect spot to mark their territory, please don’t rush the outdoor
dog-walking process. Put on a slicker or boots if it’s raining, and don’t keep
tugging at the leash.
“I love you! Here’s my butt!”
Don’t be offended if your dog or cat turns around and shows off their
butt – sometimes right in your face. It’s actually a sincere compliment to you
as a pet owner. It means they trust you so much that they don’t have to see
your face, and they don’t view you as a threat. Cats and dogs also socialize
with other pets by rubbing their scent on each other, so exchanging odors
with humans is quite the compliment.
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