Intro to companion animal exam 1

Mongrel (Mutt)

any mixed breed of animal

Purebred

recognized as a specific breed

Natural breed

Developed in nature, not by human selection

stray

animal with no home or owner

cattery

place where cats are raised or kept

kennel

a place where dogs are raised or kept

feral

wild, not domesticated

zoonotic

disease that can be transmitted between animals and humans

Over ___ of american families share their homes with 1 or more pets.

2/3

Companion animals are used in a variety of ways such as:

police, search nd rescue, working on ranches, therapy, and medical asstants.

Companion animals are

species that have a special association with people, are partially or totally dependant on humans for survival.

basic care for companion animals

Food, Water, Shelter, Medical Care, Protection from Danger

Benefits of companion animals

Makes owners feel less lonely, More protected, Less fearful, Brings joy, Increases exercise, Beneficial for certain medical conditions related to stress such as Cardiovascular disease, mental health issues, neurological disorders, etc

dogs are considered to be the first

domesticated animal with wide range is sizes, confirmations, and breeds

the first dog was most like domesticated for

their hunting ability and retreiving skills, and protection from other predators

dogs where domesticated

15,000 years ago most likely from domesticated wolves. over time, dogs became less able to survive in the wild

cats are believed to have been domesticated around

6000 years ago in Egypt. they were often used to hunt birds. they were often mummified with their owners. they where the main source or controlling mice and rodent populations.

during the middle ages, cats became associated with

witchcraft. thousands of cats were killed during this time by religous leaders.

unlike dogs, cats can

easily transform themselves into hunters and retain there survival instincts unless they have been declawed.

there are over _____ million dogs in the US today

80 million

projected to have over ___ million dogs in the US by 2030.

100 million

over ___ million domesticated cats in the US today

73 million, however including feral cats it would be 163 million

___% of housholds own at least 1 cat

25%

The most popular breed in the US is the ________ followed closely by Labrador Retrievers

french bulldog

The _________ is considered the most popular breed of Cat in the US

Ragdoll, however most cats are simply classidied as DSH or DLH

There are over ___ million pet birds in the US

16 million. Parrots, macaws, and cockatoos are some of the most popular companion birds.

pocket pets are

gerbils, hamsters, guinea pigs, mice, rats. over 4 million homes in US have pocket pets

Reptiles are

snakes, lizzards, iguanas, turtles, frogs. very popular among younger generations, less expensive than dogs and cats, however they love longer. population has doubled in recent years

Rabbits are the ___ most popular pet in the US behind dogs and cats.

3rd most popular.

Ferrets have decreased in population because

they are intelligent and need lots of interaction. they tear things up and get into trouble.

extensive research should be done before acquiring a companion animal because

basic needs of each specieas should be consodered and accommodations made for that animal.

bird cages must be

large enouph for the bird to fully extend wings

sterilization procedures need to be considered in

multi pet households

You should recognize these things:

common diseases in the breed, zoonotic diseases, and the cost it will take to care for the pet

when choosing a pet it is important too

research the breed, consider expense, consult veterinarian, consider adoption, consider your lifestyle, pet restrictions, traveling, and boarding.

When handling wildlife:

must have a permit, never approach them, always call appropriat officials to report injured wildife. DO NOT pick up fawns

uncontrolled breeding and reproduction can lead to

overpopulation and spread of disease. Important to spay and neuter pets for general health and to control population

A dog that is wagging its tail is a sign the dog is nice

false

Tail wagging

means the dog is stimulated, the faster the more alert

Tucked tail

tail that is pointing downward to the ground usually indicated scared or fearful

tail pointed up

tend to appear more assertive and possibly aggressive

piloerection

hair along the back standing up. signifies intense interest, possibly excitement. not always a bad sign. is involunatry.

dog cowering down means

fearful, submissive, trying to appear smaller and less intimidating

rolling over to expose the belly

the belly is the most vulnerable, an act of submission

Standing tall with weight shifted forward

potentially aggressive, curious, excited, trying to make themselves look bigger than they are

Play Bow

The motion of a dog bowing by lowering the front of his/her body but keeping his/her hind end and tail up; a dog demonstrating this behavior is indicating that he/she wants to play.

dog lip licking

nervousness or excitement

baring teeth

aggression if the body is rigid and the dog is growling, nervousness

smiling

just happy teeth

growling

low sound that is usually a sign of aggression

whining

squeling type sound that usually indicates happiness. may be associated with pain or injury.

squinted or relaxed eyes usually indicate

calm, happy dog

intent stare with eye contact usually indicates

aggression

stressed or scared dogs often

look away from eye contact

cet ears facing forward means

alert, interested, happy

cat ears facing backward means

irritable, angry, frightened

cat ears swiveling means

attentive, listening

cat eyes can be very

inconsistent

eyes closed mean

contentment

constricted pupils mean

aggressive, focused

Dilated pupils mean

Large: scared/aggressive, Mild: contentment

cat tail up with flat fur

happy curious

tail up but with furr standing

angry/frightened

tail between legs

anxious/scared

tail thrashing back and forth

agitated

tail straight up and quivering

very happy, possibly in heat if not spayed

Meowing

greeting

chirps/ trills

cat wants you to follow them

purring

contentment, anxious

growling/hissing

annoyed, frightened, angry, aggressive

howl drawn out meow

needs help, looking for someone, distress

chattering

excitement

back arched with piloerection

frightened and angry

back arched with flat fur

welcoming, wants to be petted

lying on back purring

relaxed

lying on back and growling

upset, ready to attack

rubbing

marking their territory, maybe claiming you as theirs

kneading

repetitive messaging motion of paws "making biscuits" really happy, originally a nursing behavior that some retain