ArcaMax

Dear Cathy,

We have a wonderful little Shih tzu mix that we rescued a few years ago. We absolutely adore her! We have one problem: She barks at the TV like crazy when she sees an animal of any kind.

You can see her go on high alert when she hears a commercial, and as you know animals appear in almost all commercials and many shows. It is so annoying and disruptive we just don't know how to stop her other than keep the TV off. We are retired and TV is our evening entertainment. Any suggestions?

— Nancy, Portage, Indiana

Dear Nancy,

This canine behavior is actually quite common. Dogs often perceive animals on the screen as real intruders into their territory, which can trigger protective behaviors. Some dogs even react to sports shows, like tennis and basketball games, if they love chasing balls themselves. With TVs larger and more realistic, it’s no wonder these visuals feel real to them.

To help manage her barking, try desensitization and counter-conditioning. Start by turning the TV on at a very low volume and rewarding her calm behavior with treats or praise. Gradually increase the volume over time, always rewarding her for staying relaxed.

When introducing these visuals, use animal shows as they can help her acclimate to the specific triggers. Pause the TV on an animal image (so there is no sound at first), reward her for staying calm, and then slowly work up to playing the video and then with audio. There are plenty of animal videos on YouTube that you can use to practice with her.

Redirecting her focus can also be helpful. Keep a favorite toy or chew item nearby that she only receives in the evening. Give it to her when you think she is about to react to one of those on-air triggers. Pair an alert with commands like “quiet” or “leave it,” and reward her when she listens with the toy or chew.

Creating a cozy, quiet space away from the TV can also give her a place to retreat if she feels overstimulated. With training and consistency, she can learn to relax during your TV time, allowing you to enjoy your evenings together.

Dear Cathy,

I read your column in Newsday today about giving feral cats a good home for the winter and wanted to share an idea that has worked well for us.

My mom cares for 10 ferals who are comfortable using their insulated houses, but to add to their comfort, we’ve placed heated snow-melting mats from a company called HeatTrak. These mats not only provide a cozy spot for the cats to lounge day and night but also ensure my mom, who’s 87, has a safe, snow-free path for feeding them during winter.

We leave the mats on all season rather than just during snowstorms, and the electricity cost is surprisingly low. They’re placed near outdoor power outlets, so powering them is easy. We even had a custom-sized mat made for a long, narrow walkway near the cats’ houses.

While I’m not affiliated with the company, I’ve been impressed with their products and thought this might be a helpful idea for others who care for ferals during the colder months. Thank you for all the work you do to help animals!

— Laura, Long Island, New York

Dear Laura,

Thank you for the tip. I don’t normally cover specific products in my column, but the product looks like something people in the northern part of the U.S. might use, so I want people to use the product safely around pets.

First, the way you are using the product is perfectly acceptable. HeatTrak says their mats are perfectly safe for small- to medium-sized pets to lie on, and many pet owners have found them helpful in creating warm, snow-free pathways for animals of all sizes to walk upon.

As you say, pets probably often appreciate the added warmth. But it’s important to note that these mats are not recommended for use with large pets. Apparently, the weight of a larger animal lying on the mat could affect the internal heating elements, potentially leading to overheating or damage.

Also, these mats should never be used inside a house, doghouse, or any enclosed space. HeatTrak says their mats are designed exclusively for outdoor use and must remain uncovered in the open to operate safely. Using them indoors or in confined areas creates the possibility of overheating, which could pose a risk to animals.

So, readers, please only use this product outdoors and in open spaces to ensure optimum safety for pets.

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(Cathy M. Rosenthal is a longtime animal advocate, author, columnist and pet expert who has more than 25 years in the animal welfare field. Send your pet questions, stories and tips to cathy@petpundit.com. Please include your name, city, and state. You can follow her @cathymrosenthal.)

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