Articulate Animals Blog, Kelly Krueger, Animal Communicator

Animal Communicator Kelly Krueger puts voice to your pet's thoughts, needs, and emotions.

Posts Tagged Cats

Dental Care for Animals

Jul 15

Posted by Kelly Krueger in Health & Well Being for Pets, Products & Animal Resources | No Comments

I’ve just become an expert in animal dental care. Well, not an official expert. I’m not a veterinarian or vet tech but I have just been through extensive dental work with my girl dog and now I know a lot more about responsible guardian dental care than before. It’s not that I didn’t know it before – I just let it slide.

Jezebel and her beautiful smile

None of my pugs had beautiful teeth even when young. They all had dental cleanings occasionally, but not as often as most veterinarians recommend. The process of needing to go under general anesthetic for a good, thorough dental cleaning always made me nervous and I hid behind that excuse every time the vet stated a dental exam was due. I also had plenty of excuses for not brushing their teeth at home regularly (okay, never in recent years). A pug’s smooshed face doesn’t give one much of a handle and their tiny little mouths are difficult to get to through all their cheek skin. Not to mention they are STRONG and PUGNACIOUS (get it?) and they can clench those tiny little mouths closed and hold that pose forever!

Alright, no more excuses. Jezebel has several fewer teeth this week than she did last, and I’m going to be brushing those few remaining teeth every day. She’ll be annoyed at first but I’ll communicate with her that this process is for her good, and she’ll question my logic but she’ll believe me eventually. It’s my responsibility as her guardian to do this for her.

All domestic animals need routine and regular dental care just as humans do. Home dental care and regular dental exams are a must. I love my vet and she’s done great dental work on my beloved animals in the past, but she also knows when to recommend a specialist with appropriate equipment including an x-ray machine with dental capabilities. A visual exam did not reveal the area where a tooth had broken off under the gum-line, leaving the roots intact but dying. Dental x-rays are also important for small mouths (like Jezebel) where tooth roots naturally grow near and even into the jawbone. Your veterinarian may be well equipped to take care of any anticipated and unanticipated dental issues, but if not then take their recommendation for a local veterinary dental specialist.

Every pet needs regular dental care, no matter the age. Pick up a toothbrush from any pet store and schedule appropriate dental exams and cleanings as part of your routine pet health care. Your pet’s beautiful smile will be all the thanks you need!

 

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Toys to Keep Pets Challenged

Jun 18

Posted by Kelly Krueger in Animal Behaviors, Products & Animal Resources | No Comments

When I work with animal communication clients regarding certain behavioral issues with their dog or cat, it is not uncommon for a part of the cause to be related to

  • anxiety or boredom,
  • prey drive/hunting instinct, or
  • territorialism.

Of course, every animal’s rationale for their behavior is different and it is important to understand what is driving them to react as they do. But quite often the solution involves redirecting the pet to a less destructive, more productive activity. Toys to keep your animal companion challenged, mentally and physically, can be just the ticket.

Consider your pet’s breed, which gives a clue as to their in-bred instinct. Obviously a Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever dog loves to retrieve. It’s great exercise for them to chase balls, Frisbees, and sticks as thrown by their guardians, and until these dogs approach their golden years, they could partake in this activity for hours. You can add more mental challenge for them by rubbing their favorite retrieval item with a food scent and hiding the item. This is great for an retriever dog who might have a bit of anxiety or destructive behavior when you leave them alone for a few hours. Give them the “job” of finding their toy, assisted only by scent, and then guarding or protecting it while you are away.

Other dog breeds may not have a strong retrieval instinct, but may be very motivated by food. Toys that allow a special treat to be locked inside can keep these canines busy and mentally challenged for hours.

Cats have a strong prey drive, and they don’t lose that instinct just because they are indoor cats. Sometimes their frustration at not being able to stalk and hunt builds to a point of frustration and unwanted behaviors can develop, not to mention stalking and hunting is a great way for a cat to keep themselves fit. Scratching posts, catnip toys, and interactive games with their humans are all great, but consider adding some challenge for your kitty by making a simple toy to allow them to express their natural instinct, AND allowing them to reap the final reward at the end. A few bits of dried chicken or their favorite fish flakes in a recycled (empty) water bottle with small punctures for the aroma to escape will keep them redirected from yowling at the window, attacking your visitor’s feet, or scratching the furniture due to boredom. Small, light-weight bottles are all the better for skittering across the kitchen floor, just like a mouse would do. And best of all, if you don’t tighten the lid much, repeated batting and rolling around will eventually allow the lid to come off and the treats will be revealed. This kind of foraging toy, while not identical to hunting a mouse or snake in the garden, will allow your feline to honor his natural instinct for hunting, and a redirection to this game from an unwanted behavior could make your home much more harmonious for all.

If your pet is exhibiting unwanted behaviors and you suspect they are bored, find a mentally challenging game for them which is appropriate for their breed and personal preferences.

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Helpful Pet Product: Administering Oils and Essences

Jun 2

Posted by Kelly Krueger in Products & Animal Resources | 2 Comments

I am a big fan of using flower essences and/or aromatherapy when they are appropriate for pets. Once we understand what essence or oil might be helpful, then we tackle the second challenge of how best to administer. There is a new product which I learned of last month that can help with that challenge.

The Collar Companion™ (patent pending) is the brainchild of Wendy England, founder of Daisy Paw, LLC in Colorado. According to Wendy’s bio, she has used aromatherapy on her own animals for years. When her dog, Daisy (ah ha!), developed a chronic skin condition, Wendy wanted to find a way to provide the benefit of aromatherapy without rubbing it directly on Daisy’s sensitive skin.

Now Daisy Paw offers a variety of collar companions for dogs and cats – a contraption which fits right on a collar and allows the guardian to drop oil or essence into the cavity – allowing all the benefits of the oil without the concern of ingesting or causing irritation to the skin.

So if you are about to administer a flower essence, essential oil, or perhaps one of the Daisy’s Blends essential oils produced by Daisy Paw, consider a collar companion* to make your life, and the life of your beloved four-legged companion, much easier!

* Wendy has tested and guarantees the collar companions when used with the Daisy’s Blend line. 

 

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Animal Communication Provides Vacation Preparation

May 17

Posted by Kelly Krueger in Activities, Events, Classes, Health & Well Being for Pets | No Comments

May begins the vacation season. Through the summer many of us will be taking a week or two away from our own homes to visit family, attend weddings and graduations, or to get away to a special spot with our loved ones. Often that means leaving our animal companion loved ones at home. Whether you share your life with dogs, cats, horses, guinea pigs, fish or others, animal communication can provide the opportunity to explain how they will be cared for during your time away.

May is National Pet Month; show them how much you care!

This summer, prepare your pet for your summer vacation. Let your animal companion know when you will return and how he or she will be spending THEIR summer vacation! Animal communication consultations with Kelly Krueger are available during the summer months for vacation preparation. 

Special:  Pre-book by May 31, 2010 for a 15-minute vacation prep phone consultation in May, June, July, or August for a discounted price of $15.

Enjoy your summer holidays!

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Interview with Kelly about Animal Communication

May 2

Posted by Kelly Krueger in About, Products & Animal Resources | 2 Comments

I was honored to be asked for an interview recently to answer some questions about animal communication. As an animal communicator, I appreciate opportunities to offer information and examples of how animal communication can benefit our pets and strengthen our relationship with our beloved companions. That was my primary motivator for participating in the interview, however a secondary benefit is now knowing of this great blog for cat lovers. While specific to the Ragdoll breed of cat, I believe there are resources contained in the daily posts that will speak to any and all cat guardians.

Check out my interview on the floppycats.com blog, and take a look around while you are there!

Interview With Pet Talker Kelly Krueger, May 2, 2010 

Floppycats.com asked Kelly Krueger, a pet talker, to answer some questions we had about animal communication as well as questions about her services. Thank you, Kelly, for the interview. More…

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Animal Communication and Body Language

Apr 16

Posted by Kelly Krueger in About, Animal Behaviors, Frequently Asked Animal Questions | 2 Comments

An animal communication client of mine has been studying up on animal body language as they get to know their new puppy. They wonder about a dog’s body language and how it relates to their feelings from an animal communication point of view. I’m so glad they asked! I’ve never thought about this before, and I’ve taken some time ponder.

More than 90% of my animal communication consultations are done via phone. I generally have a photo of the animal(s) with which I am working, but photos don’t convey the ever-changing body language present in all beings. Since I am not in the physical presence of animals during most of my communication sessions, do I notice body language? Do I utilize it while communicating with animals?

I realize, Yes I do! This is one of those things I hadn’t noticed until I actually thought about it. An animal’s body language does come though in various ways as I work with them telepathically. I tried to dissect my process of receiving information from animals as it relates to body language – is it my perception, or does literal body language come though energetically?

Turns out, there is some of both. When I chat with a cat, for example, who conveys an unwillingness to consider a change of opinion or behavior, I might receive an image or a sense of the cat sitting back with his or her arms crossed with a very stubborn attitude. Obviously cats don’t have arms, nor do they cross them in the same posture that humans use. Yet very often the emotions expressed by animals, in this case a cat stubbornly expressing her disinterest in changing her behavior, comes through in such a way that I perceive a typical human expression of body language, and this is often the best way I can convey that strong emotion to the cat’s human. When I work with extremely fearful or aggressive animals, I feel and/or “sense” their fear or aggression; similar to viewing body language of a tail tucked between the legs or a certain posture with correlating snarl or exposed teeth.

On the other hand, animals can and do send me information that contains literal body language which is important in understanding how they are feeling, or what they are trying to convey. I have a number of experiences where the animal sends an image or a sensation of themselves to explain just how they are feeling. A dog once said to me “I’m a Princess” and showed me an image of her walking through the house in a very regal way. Her princess-like attitude was very clearly conveyed to me in body language to illustrate her royalty as opposed to her being diva-like.

My own girl-pug dog does NOT like to talk to me about serious issues; she says “I just want to have fun with you!” So when I broach a serious topic when communicating telepathically with her, I quite often see an image of her turning her head and becoming disengaged in our conversation. If you have teenagers, you probably know the same body language!!!

All of the subtle bits of information come together to form a picture of the animal with which I am working, and just exactly how that animal is feeling. Body language certainly plays a part, even telepathically. How does body language benefit animal communication? The solutions to a behavioral problem with a regal-princess vs. a diva-princess are slightly different; therefore how we proceed in the conversation would be slightly different as well. It is important to be in tune with energetic body language when solutions to the particular topic are delivered to the animal. An animal who hears an expectation or request and responds with the proverbial “arms crossed” will probably need some more convincing, but a dog that receives the expectation of a change in behavior by sending me an image of an enthusiastic tail-wag is good to go!

Thanks for asking this question about body language and animal communication. It has given me something to ponder, and I hope has helped explain an aspect of animal communication which will help you understand your new puppy better!

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Worthwhile Animal Articles

Apr 9

Posted by Kelly Krueger in Health & Well Being for Pets, Pet Nutrition, Products & Animal Resources, Recommended Reading about Animals | No Comments

I’ve mentioned articles I enjoyed reading in the Animal Wellness Magazine previously and this issue, April/May 2010, follows suit with good information for both cats and dogs.

April/May 2010 issue

“Toxic Talk” by Sara Jackson discusses plants and foods which can be toxic to house pets, and then goes one step further with lists of household cleaning products and medications which are dangerous to animals. These latter two categories of toxic danger are not always in the forefront of our minds, so I appreciate the reminder and ways to keep pets safe within their home environment.

It is not uncommon for animals to have skin allergies, and the “Forget the Steroids” article by Jean Scherwenka is very helpful in understanding allergies and possible treatments.

My favorite article in this issue is “Turning Over a New Leaf” by Juniper Russo Tarascio. We don’t often think of offering our animal companions leafy greens as part of their diet, but this article lists a number of green vegetables along with the significant dietary benefits provided by each. There are also tips on how we might get our beloved companions to eat their greens. I mentioned to a friend who’s cat has ongoing digestive issues that certain greens have properties which help digestion. “Great” she replied, “but how do you suggest I get her to *eat* rather than just *play* with the leafy greens?” Those of you who have had an animal communication consultation with me know that I believe strongly in the innate ability for animals to intuitively know what they need. Sure enough, when offered a few chopped up greens in her food bowl, my friend’s kitty gobbled them up. She knew immediately the usefulness of the greens in helping her tummy feel better.

If these articles seem like they are speaking to you, I encourage you to pick up the current issue next time you are at the pet store or supermarket.

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Talking To Your Animals is Great Validation!

Feb 11

Posted by Kelly Krueger in About, Animal Behaviors, Frequently Asked Animal Questions | 2 Comments

Animal communication is, in its simplest form, validation for both you and for your pets. External validation helps us know we are on track and making a difference in our world and for those around us. It serves the same purpose for our pets.

The dictionary definition lists:

Validation - to make somebody feel valued as a person, or feel that his or her ideas or opinions are worthwhile; confirm truthfulness of something – to confirm or establish the truthfulness or soundness of something; make something legal–to declare or render something legal or binding; i.e. validate a passport

Just as we humans enjoy a well-timed “atta boy” or “atta girl” from family or co-workers on a job well done, our pets enjoy knowing they are on track and making a difference in your life as well. Praise is immediate gratification to our pets, and most species react physically to sincere praise. An enthusiastic wag of the tail, a special “this is just for you” rubbing and purring, or a little nuzzle on the arm from a horse all give us indication that our pets appreciated our praise – the validation from you to them that they did something well or right.

In the reverse, most animals *love* giving validation to their humans for what is going on in our world. Very often, however, we humans are too preoccupied to catch the praise coming our way from our animals. Sometimes we even minimize or discourage our animals’ attempt to validate our efforts. How often have you responded to your kitty coming to give a nice leg-massage, “oh that’s just Fluffy – always asking for more attention.” That could be true, but it is not unusual for our pets to want to participate deeply in our life in the ways they know how. They want to congratulate you on your accomplishments, AND they really want to thank you and acknowledge all that you do to keep them safe and healthy. Perhaps in that moment Fluffy was sincerely expressing her pride in your accomplishments.

So many of my animal communication consultations reflect exactly this desire, and serve as a wonderful opportunity for your animals to give you some “atta boys (or girls)” on jobs well done. My list is long of animals who have jumped at the chance to tell their beloved humans:
“I love the new house; good choosing on this huge back yard!”
“That’s the *perfect* job for me – thank you for thinking of it!”
“Thank you for cooking my food; and you could add a little more {xyz} sometimes if you want to!”
“I really appreciate that you moved my litter box out of that scary room”
“You are doing a great job taking care of me as I get older; thank you for asking my opinion on what the next step should be”

What human wouldn’t relish this kind of sincere validation that we are, in fact, making a significant difference in our pets’ quality of life?

Similarly, many of my animal communication sessions provide the human with the opportunity to validate the animal in a very deep way. A nice rub on the head and a “good kitty” goes a long way in showing our immediate emotions to our pets. Adding some words around how deeply grateful we are to our animals for just being them, and a “thanks” to them for being in our lives often elicits a deep feeling of pride in animals. Quite often the ability for humans and their pets to share in mutual validation results in a much deeper emotional connection and a stronger relationship.

Yes, we certainly do communicate in some form or fashion with our pets every day. We know when we’ve given Rover a job which he performs with precision and enthusiasm, and the empty food bowl generally indicates that Fluffy likes her food. Working with a professional animal communicator can take it one step further and expand our understanding of what our pets love and desire, and can provide the validation that we need as our relationship with our pets evolve and grow.

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