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We present the FEBRUARY edition of Nose-To-Toes for your reading pleasure.
Everything you always wanted to know about your pets but didn't know who to ask.
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TOXIC TREAT
February brings Valentine chocolates but those chocolate goodies should never be shared with your dogs.
Chocolate contains varying levels of caffeine and a similar compound called theobromine, each of which can have serious effects on a dog’s heart and nervous
system. How much is too much depends on the type of chocolate and on the individual dog.
A single milk chocolate bar eaten by a 10 pound dog could cause some adverse reactions.
The same amount of unsweetened baker’s chocolate, which contains ten times as much caffeine as the milk chocolate, could kill the same size of dog.
Obviously, feeding chocolate to your dog simply is not worth the potential risk to his health.
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CHANCE OF A LIFETIME
January through March is the prime season for the over 30,000 Snow Geese and 1,500 Trumpeter Swans who call the Skagit Valley in the northwest Washington area their winter home.
This region is home to the largest wintering population of these birds in the lower 48 states.
Trumpeter Swans are the rarest swan in the world. They are also the largest of the swan family. They are known for an amazing wing span of 5-8 feet. Their striking appearance features snowy white feathers and black bill, feet, and legs.
Snow Geese are about half the size of the Trumpeter Swan with a wing span of about three feet. This differential makes identifying these two birds much easier.
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ANGORA BUNNY
When the word Angora is mentioned, most people think of goats. There are also four breeds of angora rabbits: English, Satin, French, and Giant Angora Rabbit. Each has hair that is treasured by craftsmen who spin the valuable commodity into fine yarns. The English Angora Rabbit is the smallest, weighing 5-7˝ pounds. Their coat has little guard hair in proportion to its wool, and wraps rather tightly when spun. Although their personalities are usually sweet and gentle, they are not recommended for people who don’t enjoy grooming their animals.
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FASCINATING PET
Sugar Gliders are members of the rodent family, closely related to squirrels, however their method of travel is very different. Sugar Gliders have the unique ability to almost fly! They travel from tree to tree by gliding, using the thin flap of skin between their front and hind legs to catch the air and allow them to glide, up to 150 feet if high enough.
Adult gliders weigh 4-5˝ ounces. Their body is about 8 inches long with tails up to 8 inches. Tails are used for balance and steering when gliding, but not much else.
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MILITARY NOTES
A reminder to our readers that we offer a FREE subscription to Nose-To-Toes to your friends and loved ones in the military who are deployed. There is absolutely no charge to you or to them!
It is hard enough to be away from home and family and friends. Perhaps the animal features in Nose-To-Toes each month will bring a smile.
Let us immediately begin their FREE subscription, as long as they are deployed. Just send their name and full mailing address to us at:
Nose To Toes in the Military
P.O. Box 2029
Lynnwood, WA 98036
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A QUALITY NAP
Humans and felines have many things in common, not the least of which is the type of sleep. Both humans and cats have two distinct phases of sleep:
* Slow Wave, also called “quiet” sleep. You will notice the cat’s breathing slows to a rhythmic, slower pace, his muscles relax slightly, and he can awaken easily. In a 24-hour period, the average cat will sleep in the Slow Wave phase three times as much as in the REM phase.
* REM or Rapid Eye Movement is a much deeper sleep. His muscles are very relaxed. His eyes dart back and forth under his eyelids and his brain is very active.
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PENGUIN TENNIS
Some stories are so cute that they simply must be passed along. The following is such a story, sent to Nose To Toes by one of our readers.
This is reprinted with permission from an article in the Audubon Society magazine:
“A Mexican newspaper reports that bored Royal Air Force pilots stationed on the Falkland Islands have devised what they consider a marvelous new game.
“Noting that the local penguins are fascinated by airplanes, the pilots search out a beach where the birds are gathered and fly slowly along it at the water's edge. Perhaps ten thousand penguins turn their heads in unison watching the planes go by, and when the pilots turn around and fly back, the birds turn their heads in the opposite direction, like spectators at a slow-motion tennis match.
“Then the pilots fly out to sea and directly to the penguin colony and overfly it. Heads go up, up, up ... and ten thousand penguins fall over gently onto their backs."
NOT SO SNUGGLY
Rabbits are often kept as pets however not all of them are ideal in this role. For instance, it is believed that less than 5% of rabbits actually enjoy being held. Others will simply tolerate the attention, but the majority will rebel.
They may look like sedentary animals, but rabbits need daily exercise. Unlike large dogs who enjoy a long run, or hamsters who can live in a small cage with an exercise wheel, rabbits should have accommodations that are large enough to allow them to move with ease.
HUNTING: IT'S A SCIENCE & AN ART
Cats are masters at effective hunting. If you watch them carefully, it becomes clear that hunting is a skill.
To catch their prey, there are five distinct actions:
1 - STALKING: As soon as a cat has located a suitable victim, he begins to approach slowly and cautiously, using all available cover. He then moves forward rapidly in a movement known as a "slink run" with his belly pressed close to the ground.
2 - PAUSING: The “slink run” is interrupted by pauses, during which the cat intently observes its prey. The sequence of “slink run” and “pause” is repeated until the cat reaches the nearest piece of cover to the target.
3 - AMBUSH: When close enough, the cat prepares for the final phase of its offense. His hind feet begin to make treading motions, his eyes follow the prey's movements, and his tail twitches in anticipation.
4 - ATTACK: The cat leaves his cover and shoots forward quickly with his body pressed to the ground. When within striking distance, the cat raises his forepaws and leaps on the prey.
5 - PINNING DOWN THE PREY: The cat uses his forepaws to catch the prey. He then pins it down, forcing the prey into a position where the death bite can be made or control over the prey can be accomplished, and the hunt is concluded.
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TOPSY TURVEY
Most Catfish swim near the bottom of a river, looking for food. However, the African Catfish rolls over and swims upside down on his back as he searches for food near the water’s surface. This unique skill has earned this fish the appropriate pseudonym of Upside-down Catfish.
JOIN OUR FAMILY
Pet lovers are amazing people. They are dedicated to their animals. They like to learn more about their pets. And they enjoy finding products and services that will make their lives and that of their pet’s happier and healthier. Nose-To-Toes is dedicated to those same goals. Our readers are also avid consumers for their own needs and pleasures. We take great pleasure in presenting a wide array of information for our readers.
Nose-To-Toes is totally advertiser supported. Over 650 veterinary clinics and hospitals offer this complimentary publication to their clients and Nose-To-Toes is available on the Internet at Nose-To-Toes.com.
If you own a business, plan the marketing and advertising for a business, or know a company who could benefit by reaching our readers, please contact us for complete advertising information.
We would appreciate the opportunity to share your message and help promote your products and services.
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Nose-To-Toes is offering a budget-saving special for all new advertisers! You advertise for three months and you receive a fourth month ABSOLUTELY FREE!
Please contact us by email to NoseToToes@hotmail.com
Or write to us at: Nose-To-Toes, P.O. Box 2029, Lynnwood, WA 98036
AH-H-H-H CHOO
Many cats and dogs suffer from allergic reactions to a number of elements, especially fleas. Humans suffer from allergies, also.
Some researchers have determined that human allergic reactions may also be triggered when in the presence of a black or dark-colored cat. A survey found that being around dark-colored cats caused more sneezing, runny eyes, and wheezing than when near white or light-colored cats.
People who had moderate-to-severe symptoms were up to four times more likely to have darker- colored cats than light-colored or white cats or no cats at all.
Also, regardless of whether or not a cat lives in the home, people who suffer from allergies or asthma may still be at risk. Cat allergens can be found in virtually any home -- whether a cat lives there or not.
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SINK OR SWIM
A river or stream may be a barricade for many animals, but not for the armadillo which can cross bodies of water. They will sink to the bottom and walk across the river bed, or they will swallow enough air until they are able to float, then they will paddle across.
ENTERPRISING GULLS
Seagulls typically live near water, but the Gray Gull thrives in a dry, rocky, desolate region in the Atacama Desert of Chile in South America. There is no vegetation, no freshwater lakes, ponds, or springs.
They lay their eggs on the desert floor, relatively safe from predators since the environment is such a hostile place to most animals. The Garumas, as they are referred to in Chile, fly over an hour to the coast to feed, then return to their nests.
RAT CHAT
Domesticated rats are very different from their wild ancestors. They have been selectively bred for calm dispositions and are clean so they do not carry diseases that can be transmitted to humans. Rats are more intelligent than other small pets, able to learn a variety of tricks, including learning their names and coming when called. They also love to be with people and beg to come out of their cages to play or be petted.
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PERFECT PUPS
Love at first sight can be a risky way to choose a pet. When considering a dog, be sure you have compatible lifestyles and temperaments.
It is important that you use logic when matching your needs to a dog’s. Despite longing for a Dalmatian since you saw 101 of them in the movie, they require an active life and good obedience training.
If you are gone all day, avoid big, active breeds such as the Irish Setter. Instead, choose a small dog, such as a Toy Poodle, that requires little exercise.
With a curious toddler in the home, a high-strung Terrier is not the ideal dog. A Saint Bernard would be hard for a youngster to handle on their daily walk. Look for a gentle breed known for his friendly and forgiving temperament.
Purebred dogs have their fans. Mixed-breed dogs make terrific family pets also. Keep in mind the characteristics of the dog's blended heritage. For example, dogs that are part Labrador Retriever are typically friendly. And their thick coats mean they will more often tolerate a toddler's grabbing their fur.
Golden Retrievers are a favorite family pet, too.
Breeds to avoid in families with youngsters include the independent Chow Chow; the possessive Lhasa Apso; and traditional guard dogs which may love the family but do not tolerate visitors.
AMAZING INFORMATION
How far can you jump from a standing position? Picture standing at home plate and jumping to second base!
Proportionately, if you could jump as far as a grasshopper, that feat would be an everyday occurrence. They are able to jump up to 20 times their length. For a 6-foot adult, that is 120 feet, the Major League distance from home-to-second (less 1 foot)!
READERS’ NOTE
Our January 2012 edition of Nose-To-Toes included an article, Feline Facts, where we stated, “Cats are the only animal that purrs!”
We received a fax from Tammy about our statement. She wanted to let us know that raccoons also purr. Thank you, Tammy, for the fax and for the information.
Actually, there are a number of animals who are believed to purr, including rabbits, guinea pigs, elephants, ring-tailed lemurs, gorillas, and of course raccoons.
Zoologists use a specific definition of purring. It is a “continuous sound production which must alternate between pulmonic egressive and ingressive airstream” which usually lasts for several minutes. Using this definition, felines (most members of the cat family) are the ones who truly purr. But it is great to know that other members of the animal world also have a way of showing their contentment!
We always welcome faxes, calls, or letters from our readers. We at Nose-To-Toes want to present only accurate animal details and we value all information shared
by our readers as well as any questions they may have.
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ADJUSTING
Adopting a dog or a cat from a shelter can mean big adjustments for the animal once you bring him home. He may have been kept in a container for extended periods of time and may be confused when given the run of your house. Many act out by chewing, scratching, or urinating/spraying around the house. The solution is usually quite easy.
Give your newly adopted pet a chance to acclimate to his new home. Provide a crate/kennel for him to initially call home. Then, gradually let him out of the kennel for longer and longer periods of supervised activities. Stay with him, assuring him that he truly has a human companion and his adoption is real. It is important that when he is out of the kennel, he is not alone.
Always leave the door to the kennel open for easy access. He will soon spend less time in the kennel and more time in the security of his home, the entire house.
“E” IS FOR CAT
When you use the phrase Egyptian Mau Cat, you are being redundant because Mau is the Egyptian word for cat. These felines are the only naturally spotted breed of domestic cats. They are very devoted to their family, human as well as animal. And they express their happiness with a soft, chortling voice.
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INDIVIDUALITY
Choosing a name for your pet can be harder than you think. Watch him, his characteristics, and his behavior. If the name you choose has more than two syllables, make sure a nickname is possible. A name that is too long can be confusing for the animal.
DOG’S EYE VIEW
In dim light, dogs have the advantage over humans. They have a light-reflecting layer in the back of their eyes called the tapetum lucidum, which acts to intensify images, allowing them to make better use of even a small amount of light.
Dog's eyes are less sensitive to detail and more sensitive to movement than a human’s. Their peripheral vision is also much more acute than a human’s.
The angle of vision varies according to the breed and how far apart the eyes are set. Breeds with narrow heads (like the greyhound) have a typical range of vision of 270°. Dogs with flatter faces range around 230°. Most dogs are at about 250°.
Regardless of the breed, all dogs have a greater range than humans (which is only 180°), allowing dogs to detect small movements over a much wider area.
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INTERESTING
The world of the humpback whale is interesting. When feeling romantic, all male humpback whales sing to the females of the species. All males sing the same song
in any given year.
HOW’S YOUR SPANISH?
The national dog of Mexico is an interesting little animal, a hairless canine that has descended from the time of the Mayans and Aztecs.
Besito Xoloitzcuintle is the name of this breed, pronounced bess-EE-toe so-low-eats-KEENT- lee. Owners of these pups nickname them Xolo, much easier to pronounce. They are also known as Mexican Hairless, or Tepeizeuintli.
These are very intelligent dogs, so training is a relatively easy task. Their affectionate personalities and cheerful dispositions make them great around children, making them wonderful family dogs.
The Xolo is bred in three sizes, Standard (16-22”, 20-30 lbs.), Miniature (12-15”, 13-22 lbs), and Toy (11-12”, 9-18 lbs). This small breed does not require an extensive exercise program.
Since this is a hairless breed, they require some special precautions in skin care.
Remember that they are extremely susceptible to scratches from bushes, shrubs, or other animals, to dry irritation, and to sunburn. Sunscreen is an important part of this dog’s care.
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LET US SEND IT
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PIGEON POINTS
A full grown pigeon has about 10,000 feathers. They have the rare ability for a large bird: they are able to fly nearly straight up.
EYES TELL
The eyes of a happy, relaxed horse will be round and kind, a soft eye. An unhappy horse will glare with a hard eye which looks oval, angry, and mean. A horse also has a hard eye when something is bothering him, he is not sleeping, or he has a sore back or leg.
LEAPING LEMURS
Lemur species range from the Aye-Aye, the largest nocturnal primate in the world, to the Sifaka, well-known for his method of travel.
The Sifaka remains in a vertical posture and leaps through the trees using just the strength of their back legs. And those legs are strong! This animal can leap as far
as 30-feet in one bound.
Ringtail Lemurs are probably the most easily identified among the ten primary species. When they travel in their troop, they keep their distinctive tails raised in the air creating a beacon for all members of the group to easily see and follow. This is important because in the wild, the lemur’s territory can cover up to 60 acres.
These are one of the most vocal of the primates. They have several different sounds, many of them are used as alarm calls, used to alert members of the group that there may be danger nearby.
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YES, THIS IS AN ANCIENT BREED
The Pug breed originated in the Orient at about 400 B.C. This canine has many names throughout the world. For instance, in Holland, it is known as Mopshound, from the Dutch word “to grumble”. In Germany, it is Mops.
In France, the Pug is Carlin. Some people think this breed resembles the Marmoset Monkey, which is also called a Pug, thus the similar name.
Interestingly, many describe this dog using the Latin phrase multum in parvo, loosely translated to mean “a lot of dog in a small space”.
VERY HIT ’N MISS
The weather is cold, the rains continue, and there is a possibility of snow in the forecast. But wait, there may be hope! The annual winter ritual of Punxsutawney Phil predicting the weather may deliver a positive message.
Groundhog Day gives many weather-watchers hope. As the tradition goes, if the groundhog leaves its burrow on February 2nd and sees his shadow, there will be
six more weeks of cold weather ahead. If he cannot see his shadow, spring will come early.
Can the groundhog, also called a woodchuck, actually predict the weather? As a meteorologist, the groundhog fails. Weather service records show their predictions are far from precise. In fact, they are accurate only about 26% of the time.
Groundhogs hibernate during winter, rarely leaving their den. When they do come out, they are looking for food or a mate, not a shadow.
Nose-To-Toes is a monthly publication and website distributed by Melody Tucker, MTA, 1620 South Lake Stickney Drive, Alderwood Manor, WA 98087. Nose-To-Toes is a registered trademark of MTA. As a new/information newsletter and website, data is gathered from published reports and documents, and advertisements are received from sponsoring companies, and the inclusion of product, service, or treatment information does not constitute an endorsement, and in no way is intended as a substitute or medical counseling. Nose-To-Toes strives for accuracy in its articles and honesty in its advertisements, but the publisher and editor assume no responsibility for injuries or loss incurred by anyone utilizing the information in the articles or responding to the ads. Nothing may be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission from MTA.
© 2012 Melody Tucker & Associates
1620 South Lake Stickney Drive - Alderwood Manor, WA 98087
P.O. Box 2029, Lynnwood, WA 98036
206-228-4980 fax: 425-743-5921 email: NoseToToes@hotmail.com