My Pet World: Ways to help dog overcome fear of loud noises

By Cathy M. Rosenthal, Tribune Content Agency on Apr 7, 2020

If after all this, she still freezes when you take her outside, then get a lawn chair and sit with her in the front yard for a while. Do this every day, increasing the time outside so long as she remains relaxed. Be patient. Dogs that are sensitive to sound need time to adjust. Eventually, she will want to go for a walk again.

Dear Cathy,

I just read your recent column regarding a reader wanting to help feral cats in her community. It was from L. Nelson of Tucson. May I suggest an addition to your suggestions? Alley Cat Allies' website has a ton of helpful how-to information and resources for people wanting to help feral cats.

- Jan, Wisconsin

Dear Jan,

I am happy to share Alley Cat Allies as a resource for people helping feral/community cats. They are also offering some advice for community cat caregivers during this coronavirus crisis. They are recommending that healthy community cat caregivers carry on with their care and feeding routines so the cats aren't put "in grave danger," says Becky Robinson, president and founder of ACA. These cats are dependent on humans for food.

But ACA adds that caregivers should only do so long as they can observe proper social distancing and are not infected with or experiencing symptoms of coronavirus or under mandatory isolation for exposure to a person with coronavirus.

Regular community cat caregivers who are unwell or under quarantine should reach out to friends and local TNR groups to check on and feed the cats under their care, they say. If a caregiver cannot find someone to help, call ACA at 855-340-CATS and they will help find someone in the community to assist you.

Check AlleyCat.org's "Crisis Guidance for Caregivers" for more information.

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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.)