4 Legs & a Tail NR Spring 2021

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Spring 2021

Our Cats are Getting Older The First Humane Society Transformation of the Horse Start Your Pet Off Right

Inside this issue of 4 Legs & a Tail

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2. National Pet Day Mark your calendar for April 11 and get ready to celebrate!

3. Guide Dog Foundation Celebrates 75 Years Placing Guide Dogs with Individuals Who are Blind or Visually Impaired 4. Vermont Disaster Relief K-9 Team Nationally Certified Kevin Gaiss An urban search and rescue task force that trains in Vermont is now ready to serve all over the country.

5. Meet Piper, the Bird-Chasing Dog Who Kept a Michigan Airport Safer 6. Renee & Rieley: Love, Grieving, & Hope Karen Sturtevant How one dog gave everything he had until the very end.

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8. The First Animal Shelter in U.S. Kate Kelly The remarkable story of Caroline Earle White & her effort to organize the country's first animal shelter.

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10. COVID Companions: How the Pandemic Impacted Pet

Ownership & What's to Come in 2021 Holly Kenseth & Peter Kenseth

12. 10 Pet Dental Questions That You May Be Afraid to Ask Carol Gifford, DVM 16. An In-Depth Look at Essence Pet Foods 18. Kitties Are Getting Older Ingrid Braulini Expert advice to go well beyond nine lives.

19. Do you Aquaspin?

DJ Nelson

20. The Transformation of the Horse Sue Miller A look at the horse of today, 56 million years in the making.

22. All You Need is LOVE! Thoughts on Adding a Dog into Your Life Paula Bergeron

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23. Spring Wildlife and Your Pets: What You Need to Know

M. Kathleen Shaw, DVM 24. Alternatively Speaking: Off to a Good Start

Dr. Anne Carroll DVM, CVA A blueprint for long-term health for your new pet.

25. Is This Deadly Medication in Your House?

Catherine MacLean, DVM If you have been prescribed a cream called 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and have pets, you need to read this article.

27. I'm Afraid of Anesthesia for My Pet, Part III Sandra Waugh, VMD, MS It's a fear many of us have, but is it really warranted?

4 Legs & a Tail Volume N.121 P.O. Box 841 Lebanon, NH 03766

Publishers: Tim Goodwin, Tim Hoehn Office Manager: Beth Hoehn

603-727-9214

Graphic Design: Kristin Wolff

TimH.4LT@gmail.com

Sales: Scott Palzer

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If you have a tale about a tail or a photo that will make us smile, we’d like to hear from you. 4 Legs & a Tail is published quarterly and distributed free of charge throughout Northern and Western VT and Northern NH. 4 Legs & a Tail, Inc. is locally owned and operated and acts as a moderator without approving, disapproving or guaranteeing the validity or accuracy of any data or claim.

Any reproduction in whole or part is prohibited.

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National Pet Day Timeline 3500 BCE WALKING THE DOG The dog collar is believed to have been invented in Mesopotamia, based on a wall painting depicting a man with a collared dog on a leash.

900 BCE HELLO KITTY Phoenician traders bring the first domesticated cats to Europe.

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ational Pet Day is April 11, although if you’re a pet owner, you know there’s not a day that goes by that you don’t celebrate your animal companion! So hug your hedgehog, bond with your bunny, and cut your kitty some catnip! That critter makes you happy — and that’s not all. Over the past 10 years, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has been a partner in research to determine the physical and mental benefits of having a pet. It turns out that not only can pets steal our hearts, but they also contribute to overall cardiovascular health by lowering cortisol, cholesterol, and blood pressure levels.

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History of National Pet Day Colleen Paige, animal welfare advocate, and pet and family lifestyle expert, founded National Pet Day in 2006 to celebrate the joy pets can bring to us. But she also wanted to bring attention to the ongoing needs of many pets of all kinds waiting in shelters to be adopted. She encouraged people who want purebred dogs and cats to contact rescue organizations instead of going to a breeder. “Don’t shop! Adopt!” has become the holiday motto.

In 1973, the Humane Society of the United States estimated that 13 million cats and dogs enter shelters every year.

1866 DOGGED DEFENDER Henry Bergh founds the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in New York after witnessing a carriage driver in Russia beating a fallen horse three years earlier.

2017 ONE-TRICK PONY Japanese feline Maru is certified as the most viewed animal on YouTube after 10 years of diving into boxes.

Some were strays, some were surrendered by owners who could no longer care for them, some were seized in legal actions.

Today, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, approximately 6.5 million companion animals enter shelters nationwide. And 1.6 million cats and 1.6 million dogs find their furever homes.

Colleen’s holiday got its start in the U.S., but it soon expanded internationally. Pet lovers now mark the day in the U.K., Ireland, Italy, Australia, New Zealand, Israel, Spain, Guam, Scotland, and many more nations.

Celebrities have also taken up the cause.

National Pet Day has been promoted by Taylor Swift, Ellen De Generes, Ricky Gervais, Cee Lo Green, Jimmy Fallon, Willy Nelson, Kevin Bacon, Seth Myers, and Carrie Underwood, among others.

And social media has helped spread the celebration and promote Colleen’s cause. When President Barack Obama was in office, he warmed political hearts on both sides of the aisle with his posted pic of Bo, one of the two Portuguese water dogs who shared the White House with him. Bo was rehomed when he couldn’t get along with an older dog owned by a family in Texas.

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Guide Dog Foundation Celebrates 75 Years Placing Guide Dogs With Individuals Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired Guide dog school carries on mission of providing life-changing guide dogs free of charge

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he Guide Dog Foundation, an industry leader in guide and service dog training, celebrates its 75th anniversary this year. In 1946, five community leaders founded a guide dog school in Queens, New York, to provide guide dogs at no charge for blind or visually impaired individuals, including veterans who had returned from the battlefields of Europe and the Pacific. Seventy-five years later, the Foundation remains devoted to its mission to improve the quality of life for people who are blind, have low vision, or other special needs.

The Foundation kicked off its 75th Anniversary on Monday, February 1, in recognition of the completion of their first guide dog class in 1946, with a special birthday party–themed puppy livestream at its campus in Smithtown, New York. On Thursday, February 4, the Foundation will host a car parade to continue the week of celebration. Trainers, staff, puppies and dogs, dressed in party hats and holding signs, will line the Foundation’s 10-acre campus. Long Island–based volunteers, donors and supporters will caravan through the grounds to celebrate this milestone.

“The Guide Dog Foundation has achieved this milestone through the hard work and dedication of our volunteers, donors and staff, instilling a culture of service that exists throughout the entire organization,” says John Miller, president & CEO of the Guide Dog Foundation. “It brings all of us at the Foundation great pride and joy to be able to provide these life-changing dogs to individuals who are blind or have low vision for 75 years. As we continue to further our mission, we remain a committed advocate for the disability community.”

To celebrate more than seven decades of this vital work, Guide Dog Foundation partners Nylabone and KONG have generously donated dog toys and bones to be presented to program puppies and dogs, and to our recent Foundation graduates and their new guide dogs. Additionally, a new virtual run and dog walk fundraising event, as well as several new 75th-themed program sponsorships have been created to support the Foundation as it continues to fulfill its mission to provide these life-changing dogs at no cost to the individual.

Recent program graduate and Team USA Paralympian swimmer Anastasia Pagonis shares the positive change in her life since she partnered with guide dog Radar: “Having Radar has just given me so much confidence and independence – and I’m so in love with him. He’s the best thing ever. We’re a match made in heaven.”

It costs over $50,000 to breed, raise, train, and place one assistance dog, but the Guide Dog Foundation provides its services completely free of charge to the individual. All of its funding comes from the generous contributions of individuals, fundraising events (such as the canine couture fashion show “Dogs on the Catwalk”), corporations, foundations, businesses, and community organizations. To learn more about Guide Dog Foundation, or to purchase tickets to the event, slated for October, visit GuideDog.org.

Follow the @GuideDogFoundation on Facebook and Instagram, @GuideDogFdn on Twitter, throughout the year as it journeys through its storied history.

ABOUT GUIDE DOG FOUNDATION: For 75 years, the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind, Inc. (www.GuideDog.org), has trained and placed guide and service dogs to provide independence, enhanced mobility, and companionship to people who are blind, have low vision, or have other special needs. The Guide Dog Foundation is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization serving clients from across the United States and Canada. The Foundation relies on contributions from generous individuals, corporations, service clubs, and foundations to fund its mission to serve people with disabilities. It costs over $50,000 to breed, raise, train, and place one assistance dog, but the Guide Dog Foundation provides its services completely free of charge to the individual. Its sister organization, America’s VetDogs, trains and provides guide, service, and hearing dogs for disabled veterans and first responders. The Guide Dog Foundation was the first assistance dog school in the United States to be accredited by both the International Guide Dog Federation and Assistance Dogs International.

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Vermont Disaster Relief K-9 Team Nationally Certified A

n urban search and rescue task force that trains in Vermont is now ready to serve all over the country.

They’re called Vermont Task Force 1 and inside that unit is an even smaller team. The K-9 unit is made up of four people and their highly trained dogs that are capable of doing tasks humans aren’t made for. The dogs have a very specific job to do. When a disaster strikes, whether it be a singular house

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Kevin Gaiss

fire with structural damage, or a parking garage hit by an earthquake, they are trained to seek.

“People can be entrapped in houses that we can’t physically go into initially, that’s where these dogs really shine,” said Emily Fitzpatrick, the K-9 Coordinator for Task Force 1. She says they aren’t only benefiting Vermonters. Three of the K-9s are nationally certified as of this year to respond to disasters all over the country. “Having these dogs enables us as a team to be activated more and go out to different events.”

But the team is only four-years-old, so responses have been minimal. Although they never wish for disaster to hit, they will be ready when it does and the unit is called on. “We train once a week, as a team,” said Tyler Cootware, K-9 Sniper’s handler. The two are the newest members of the team.

Sniper is a product of the Penn Vet Program in Pennsylvania, where he was trained from 8-weeks-old for 8 hours a day, 5 days a week. It’s intense for the handler, too. “That two weeks was a lot, mostly for me,” said Cootware.

He had to learn everything from Sniper’s commands, to body language while working, to patience. But now that they work as a unit, he says the returns for the hard work are invaluable. “It can take humans 2-3 hours to clear a pile of rubble properly, but it takes these dogs just minutes,” said Cootware.

And although Task Force 1 says they are more likely to be called on nationally than here in Vermont, Cootware says small or large disasters are exactly what they train for. “Great knowing that we have a very valuable asset that we can deploy at any moment and that we are truly ready,” he said.

The in-state search certification is a combination of basic skills and a simple search problem. But Fitzpatrick says the national test requires travel and a much harder test than the in-state. “It’s just two very complex search problems. There are distractions, like human remains on the pile. You know, day-old cheeseburger, clothing, so they can proof the dogs to know, yup, the dog is alerting on live human scent and not just your sweatshirt that you left in the pile for two days,” said Fitzpatrick.

To be nationally certified, the dogs and handlers had to go to Maryland for the certification test and one of their dogs had to go to Kansas. Cootware says one of the most interesting parts of these dogs is that they want to work. They see the searching part as a big game and their goal to find the scent they are supposed to. But as much as they love working, he also says they do love to go home and just be a dog as well.

This story originally aired on WCAX, Channel 3. To see the full story, visit www.wcax.com/2021/01/08/ vermont-disaster-relief-k-9-teamnationally-certified/ Spring 2021

Meeter, Pip The Bird-Chasing Dog Who Keeps a Michigan Airport Safer C

herry Capital Airport staff know the dangers birds can pose to aircraft.

Several years ago, a loon struck an incoming plane 10 miles out and crashed through into the cockpit.

The pilot, flying at about 3,500 feet, managed to land safely at Traverse City airport, but the plane was left severely damaged, said Dan Sal, the airport’s operations director.

Birds of all sorts congregate around the runway at Cherry Capital, as they do at other airports. In the winter, the issue is with snowy owls. The summer brings gulls, loons, ducks, and geese.

Airport staff use sirens, pyrotechnics, and more to keep the birds away and prevent trouble for planes flying in and out.

But in 2015 they added a secret weapon named Piper. The 6-year-old border collie may be their best chance at keeping their runways bird-free.

While pyrotechnics keep birds away for a short time, eventually they come back. Piper works differently, Sal said.

Piper will continue chasing the snowy owls, which fly low to the ground until he is limited by a gate or the owls are off the airfield. And the owls seem to remember.

By late winter, Brian Edwards, Piper’s owner, would only have to drive out onto the airfield in the red SUV used to Spring 2021

handle Piper, with Piper peering out an open window. The owls sometimes wouldn’t stick around long enough for the dog to even jump out.

“The birds would see the SUV before they got out onto the field,” Sal said. “We’re told to use different techniques to scare the birds, so that’s what we’re doing.”

Piper is one of a small number of dogs specially trained to clear runways across the U.S. Sal believes Cherry Capital is the only airport in Michigan with a canine designated for wildlife control.

Piper seems to truly enjoy his work, said Edwards, who came on staff at the airport in 2008. Edwards attended air traffic control school in 2011, going on hiatus from his work at Cherry Capital. When he returned, he came back to his job as airport operations supervisor but wanted something more, a new challenge to look forward to each day.

He began reading about dogs used for wildlife control and saw potential in Piper, the border collie he had at home.

So Edwards began reading -- a lot -- looking into the techniques he needed to teach his dog to make the canine into an effective partner.

“I figured, ‘Well, why don’t we give this a shot?’” Edwards said.

He began training with Piper on about 100 acres of land in his backyard, teach-

ing him to work off-leash and come back when asked. Edwards brought Piper to the airport last August just to get acclimated with the setting and the people.

Eventually, the two would sit in a vehicle on the taxiway so Piper could get used to the loud noise of airplanes without being frightened. Then the windows were rolled down so the noise was louder.

They eventually stood outside together next to the red SUV, which had become Piper’s “safety zone,” Edwards said.

Over time, the dog’s fear of noise lessened. The two started on perimeter checks outside to get Piper used to the area he had to manage.

“He’ll look at the airplanes and he knows it’s a bad thing, but it doesn’t scare him anymore,” Edwards said of the aircraft noise.

Piper comes out onto the field in the SUV only after being cleared by traffic control. At first, the canine would run out onto the field and just move in circles, Edwards said. This was quite a sight for those looking down from above.

“I always used to get made fun of up in the control tower,” Edwards said.

But Piper eventually caught on to the bird-chasing job at hand -- one that is a natural instinct for his border collie breed. He truly enjoys the work, Edwards said.

As Edwards drives onto the airfield and picks up his radio to alert the control tower that he will be releasing Piper, the canine often will whine with impatience. Piper is more than ready to go.

The new challenge has become a fun part of Edwards’ workday and the challenge he has needed to keep his job interesting. He enjoys having Piper around and looks forward to working with the dog when his own tasks are complete.

E d w a r d s m ay h ave a formal title as airport operations supervisor, but he’s just fine with being known as “the dog guy.”

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Renee and

Rieley

Love, Grieving, and Hope D

o you consider yourself an optimist or glass-almost-empty type of person? Do you embrace challenges or yank a blanket over your head and assume the fetal position? Each of us react differently to stressors and difficult times––some coping methods are more effective than others.

When life becomes demanding, we innately gravitate towards our inner circle for comfort. When Renee White’s gleefully ordinary life was pulled out from under her, she turned to her sweetest support, her dog Rieley.

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Karen Sturtevant

With a constantly wagging tail attached to an infectious smile, Rieley was the essence of the perfect friend. As she grew from a mere pup into mature girl, they enjoyed a beautiful life with walks in the woods, Frisbee play, carrot and ice-cream treats, and snuggles with the softest of blankets. With her smooth fur and muscular physique, Rieley would always greet Renee from the end of a work day with enthusiastic devotion and the gaze of her soft brown eyes.

“I called her ‘My Horsey Girl’ because she was so muscular, like a horse.” As dog own-

ers know, thinking about being with our buddies at the end of a trying day always makes the trudge a bit lighter.

Just as Renee’s days were sailing along without a wave in sight, an unexpected storm was silently churning and would break soon. Her husband of 15 years abruptly filed for divorce, causing understandable emotional upheaval and a subsequent move from their house into an apartment. With family out of state, her solace came in the four-legged variety. Just as she was adjusting to her new normal as a single woman with

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all that entails, without warning, she was told her employment of 18 years was terminated. Rieley again was her foundation.

Taking time to settle in to her new life, making it her own, she and Rieley now had full days together. “When I lost my job I was very angry. I didn’t deserve that.”

More time to spend with Rieley would turn out to be a blessing. “I’ve become strong and independent. Things can get better,” Renee said. Seeking new employment while staying socially connected during a world-wide pandemic proved to be daunting. On days that became draining, Rieley was there with her gentle ways and quiet cheerleading.

When Covid-19 arrived making travel difficult, if not prohibited, visiting Renee’s mother in a Pennsylvania assisted living facility was not allowed. More challenges for emotional well being. They communicated electronically once a week, with Rieley often vying for screen time. Shared walks proved restorative in body and spirt for both human and canine.

As we all adjusted to stay-at-home-orders, Renee used her time constructively immersing herself in her art. A talented artist (a gift she shares with her father), she created landscapes and animals with strokes of watercolors and acrylics while Rieley kept steady watch over paintbrushes. Taking each day one step at a time, Renee comments, “I’m okay where I am now. My art is helping me.”

In spring of 2020, another bombshell.

Renee’s father passed away. Friends offered condolences. Ever the dutiful presence, Rieley was the one to assist in shouldering the pain. Renee continued to lean upon Rieley’s affection while falling apart at times, gaining inward strength during others.

Her most shattering news would come during this growth process. On an otherwise typical weekday, Renee, noticed that Rieley’s throat glands appeared swollen.

Without hesitation, she phoned her veterinarian; they were soon on her way to an appointment. After running tests and performing a biopsy, the results were conclusive: Rieley had cancer.

Rieley was diagnosed with canine lymphoma, a blanket term used to describe a group of cancers (the uncontrolled growth of normal cells) which stem from the lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell).

Lymphocytes are found in high concentration in organs that play a role in the immune system. The cancerous cells had spread to Rieley’s liver and spleen.

After the shocking news, Renee commented, “My heart sank.” She needed a few days to digest and formulate a plan. What would be best for Rieley and how would she weigh that decision with keeping her comfortable in a high quality of life? After a consultation with an oncologist, six chemotherapy treatments, once every three weeks, ($600 plus $40 in prescription drugs each time) were recommended.

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The emotional toll combined with the burden of finances can defeat the strongest of us. A GoFundMe fundraiser was established. “People I did not know donated to help with her treatments.” The final tally totaled just over $1,000.

A friend suggested she reach out to Emma’s Foundation for Canine Cancer, a Vermont organization working to educate, provide resources and financial funding for pet owners like Renee. “They really cared about us and supported me through my pain.” With the assistance of Emma’s Foundation, fundraising and private means, Rieley was able to complete the advised six rounds of chemotherapy.

This brave dog summoned her intrinsic warrior and responded well with only occasion bouts of adverse reactions. Her appetite was good and she was still energetic, although she did sleep more and for longer durations.

At the conclusion of the treatments, Rieley’s cancer was said to be in remission, meaning some, but not all signs and symptoms of cancer had disappeared/or were undetectable for the time being. A break in treatments was recommended.

Shortly after, Renee noticed Rieley began to lose muscle mass in her hind end and legs. Once a cuddle partner on the big, soft bed and couch, she could no longer jump up on her own. Renee commented, “The vet said with lymphoma dogs don’t usually have pain, but I saw how she suffered and her hind end started having trouble walking. She cried with a yelp three times before I could decide to let her go.”

With a heavy heart, Renee made the call all dog owners dread. With her favorite cozy pink blanket and mom by her side, Rieley peacefully passed at nine years of age on December 8, 2020. “She was my fur baby, my protector, my emotional support and so much more.” The following weeks were a mixture of anguish and sadness.

As part of her grieving process, Renee plans to make a series of cards “with a spiritual feeing” with a portion of the proceeds to benefit Emma’s Foundation. “I am using the pain and grief that I have for something good, to honor Rieley in art.” For people experiencing a diagnosis of cancer in their dogs, Renee advises, “Research and talk with your veterinarians about what to expect with the illness. Stay with your pet as long as you can. You will know when the time is right to let them go.” She recommends Only Gone From Your Sight: Jack McAfghan’s Little Guide to Pet Loss and Grief, a book by Kate McGahan. Written from the dog’s perspective, it’s another tool for mending.

Enduring the ending of a marriage, termination of a job, death of a loved one, being unable to visit an ailing parent, or the passing of a beloved pet on its own merit is difficult. Having each occur within a span of a few years is immense for anyone. The pain for Renee is palpable; her

emotions raw. She admirably navigated each obstacle with grace and courage the best she could. In talking with her, even through her tears, I felt a growing sense hope, a spark of healing.

Rieley’s energetic spirit lives on within the pages of a memory book, a shadow box of special tokens, and so many images in the minds’s eye. Her cherished pink blanket, still with her scent, brings joy as well as tears.

Grieving the loss of pet can be just as painful as grieving the loss of a family member. The way in which one moves through the process is based on a variety of factors; each experience is unique. We can help by offering to listen, encourage talking––without judging–– and sharing experiences. Hearts, even when a little piece is missing, heal in their own time. Perhaps one day, another canine companion will find her way to Renee, and together, they will make new memories to honor the legacy and love of sweet Rieley.

To learn more about Emma’s Foundation, please visit: EmmasFoundationForCanineCancer.org

Message from the Rainbow Bridge Angel I met your dog on your walking trail alongside the lake, by the old church.

In joyful sprints she ran uphill leaping into my open arms.

I cradled her, my wings folding around her like a blanket.

I carried your horsey-girl across the Rainbow Bridge.

This in-between is not separation for love is ever tethered between heart-to-heart.

Separation is an illusion.

It’s more a suspension, an ever-burning rainbow light bridges from your heart to hers— she plays in cloud field skies.

She continues to watch over you, now, as a guardian angel who is joined by passed love ones, by her pack: siblings and parents, too.

Hold on, keep watch for joy resides in small places— all winged creatures are messengers, reminders you’re never alone.

–Ava C. Cipri www.4LegsAndATail.com 7

First Animal Shelter in U.S. Due to Caroline Earle White T

Kate Kelly

he first animal shelter in America came about due to the efforts of Caroline Earle White (1833-1916) of Philadelphia.

White was also the power behind several other animal protection organizations.

She was among the first to launch the Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and she created an offshoot of that organization to create a welcoming environment where women, too, could work for animal welfare. Later she became aware of the medical testing that was being done on animals, and she was first to establish the American AntiVivisection Society in the United States.

Early Life Caroline Earle White was raised in a well-to-do Quaker family. Her father was an attorney and fully devoted to abolishing slavery. Her mother, a cousin of suffragist advocate Lucretia Mott, worked for suffrage as well as abolition.

Both Caroline’s parents placed high value on education, so Caroline had more learning opportunities than most girls her age. In addition to a general education, Marriage Offers More Opportunity In 1854 she married out of the Quaker she studied astronomy and learned five religion, marrying Philadelphia attorlanguages other than English. ney Richard P. White, a Catholic. At that time, Women’s branch of PSPCA Protestants and some Quakers found Catholic beliefs to be objectionable, but Caroline’s parents were open-minded and felt that whatever religion Caroline followed would be fine. (Caroline did eventually convert to Catholicism.)

Richard White was very supportive of his wife. He recognized her sincere interest in animal welfare, and he knew that well-to-do New York businessman Henry Bergh had just formed the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (1866).

White encouraged Caroline to set up a meeting with Bergh, which she did.

Animal Life in the Mid-1800s Bergh offered suggestions on what During the mid-1800s, horses and mules needed to be done to get an organization were work animals and were vital to launched in Philadelphia. Caroline White the delivery of goods within a city. Any returned to Philadelphia, and in 1867 she big street would have been filled with began seeking funds and signatures for the horse- or mule-drawn wagons. It was not cause. In doing so, she found that another uncommon for drivers to beat the ani- fellow, Colonel M. Richards Muckle, was mals when they felt the animals weren’t interested in the same thing. They teamed pulling the heavy loads fast enough. As up to work together. a young girl, Caroline hated witnessing When it came time to legally establish scenes like this, and she then tried to the organization, Caroline White offered avoid walking down certain streets that the services of her husband since he was an attorney. When the board was formed, had caused her particular pain.

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Richard White and Colonel Muckle were among the board members of the organization. Caroline Earle White was not.

The inability for the men to give Caroline Earle White her rightful place at the table was indicative of the time. Women were welcome to help with causes but not to run them. It is not clear that Caroline White was particularly bothered by this. She continued to work with the organization, and after only 18 months, the association had 600 members.

In 1869, Caroline White set up an offshoot of the PSPCA so that women could become more actively involved. The Women’s PSPCA, later known as the Women’s Human Society, undertook different causes.

Welfare of Small Animals The main focus of the women’s organization became the number of stray dogs on the streets of the city. Rabies was common at this time, so animal management was important for the human population, too.

When considering household animals, there is a vast difference between “then” and “now.” In the mid-19th century, cats would have been kept at houses and in businesses to keep down the rodent population. City dogs would have been kept as guard dogs. Many would have been considered “pets,” but not the pampered pets of today. A family might have provided dinner scraps and a place for a dog to sleep, but the animal would have had a lot of latitude to travel the town. This freedom during the day would have guaranteed an active number of puppy births on a regular basis.

First Animal Shelter At the third meeting of the women’s branch of the PSPCA, the women passed a motion that “one of the objects of this Society shall be, to provide as soon as possible, a Refuge for lost and homeless dogs, where they could be kept until homes could be found for them, or they be otherwise disposed of.”

The women raised funds to have a facility, which was the first animal shelter in the nation and was the model for all others.

The “refuge,” as they called it, was located in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, about 20 miles northeast of downtown Philadelphia.

The group also undertook other issues: Dog fighting and rooster matches were popular at that time, and the WPSPCA worked actively to end this form of animal abuse. They also brought an end to “animal baiting,” which involved tying up an animal and letting other animals attack it for the amusement of spectators.

Alcohol Part of Problem Many society women of that time believed that alcohol was the root of much evil, and they campaigned for restriction of alcohol.

Those who also supported animal rights felt that alcohol fueled mistreatment of aniSpring 2021

Women's Branch of PSPCA

mals of all types. While the bigger issue of temperance was being fought separately, the WPSPCA launched a program to raise money for more water fountains in cities all over the country. The animals would definitely benefit from more convenient access to water. It was hoped by giving the men a free alternative to liquor that it would reduce drinking.

Medical Testing on Animals During White’s time with the animal shelter, she was contacted by a doctor who made a request that bothered her. The man wanted her to send any unwanted dogs to him to use in medical testing and animal experimentation.

This was an era when great medical progress was occurring, so there was great enthusiasm for learning more through experimentation. But Charles Darwin’s Origin of the Species was also beginning to bring focus to animals as part of an evolutionary process. This made the issue of animal rights a topic of conversation for some.

White was horrified at the thought of sending these homeless dogs off to be used in experiments. Because of this, in 1783 White started her third animal-oriented organization: the American Anti-Vivisection Society.

The Anti-Vivisection Society brought animal medical testing to a national audience by arranging to distribute literature at the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. They handed out many leaflets concerning the horrors of lab animals and live testing on animals.

White also served as the editor of The Journal of Zoophily, a publication that began to document the history of animal rights.

Society Still Exists The organization that began as the women’s PSPCA is now known as the Women’s Humane Society and still runs the animal shelter. They are no longer affiliated with any other animal organization but still maintain an active presence in the community with a low-cost veterinary clinic, an adoption program, and an education program to teach children and community groups about animal care and dog obedience. They also operate a cruelty investigation unit and an animal ambulance service.

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The Society still plays an active role in legislative issues to safeguard animals. They have worked to get birds, mice, and rats included in the protective clauses of the Animal Welfare Act, and they have helped reduce the use of rabbits in cosmetic testing. Part of this work has been encouraging exploration of alternative methods to animal experimentation. They also monitor and advise on the laws that are being put in place regarding animal cloning.

Caroline Earle White’s Greatest Pride When asked what changes she was most proud of bringing about, Caroline Earle White described the 28-Hour law that the Women’s PSPCA spearheaded. The move toward this legislation came about when organization became aware of inhumane treatment of animals in transport.

Under her leadership, the Women’s PSPCA stationed agents at specific locations along the major railroad routes to observe how the animals were handled.

They kept records by telegraphing back to headquarters what they observed on the rail lines.

Eventually they had a strong enough case to take the Reading Railroad to court in 1896 for transporting a shipment of horses over a 52-hour period without ever

stopping to feed them or give them water.

They won their case and were able to pass legislation (1907) that mandated that animals be fed and watered after 28 hours in transit. Fines and convictions of various train lines followed.

Caroline Earle White was a very talented woman with numerous interests. She was also involved in children’s causes and has several travel novels to her name.

Animal Rights Most Important From early in her life, White was always especially invested in animals. She explains her passion this way: “There are many people who when we ask them to join us say that they prefer to work for human beings. But are we not working for human beings? Are we not constantly striving to make men and women more humane and disposed to all kindly feelings and to teach children to become gentle and merciful? Is not everything which tends to elevate man in the mortal scale a benefit to him?”

This article first appeared on the website, www.Americacomesalive.com.

America Comes Alive publishes more stories about American dogs and other animals. Visit the website and sign up for “American Dogs” to receive the stories in your In Box. Or email Kate Kelly at Kate@AmericaComesAlive.com

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COVID Companions: How the Pandemic Impacted Pet Ownership, and What’s to Come in 2021 Holly Kenseth and Peter Kenseth

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he Coronavirus pandemic impacted our lives from day one as people rushed to grocery stores to stock up on essential items, relocated their offices to in-home workspaces, and started social distancing from family and friends. During these unprecedented times, people started to save extra money to prepare for potential employment changes and stopped spending as much on discretionary items.

However, one surprising area of discretionary spending that increased as early as a few weeks into the pandemic was the pet market. Rescues across the country thought that people would need to save their money and not be as interested in adopting pets, but the number of pet adoptions rose in many states, and some consumers started to allocate more money toward pet food, clothing, toys, and other pet goods. Mars Petcare reported that 1 in 3 pet owners got a pet during COVID-19 and estimates that 11 million pets were added to U.S. households in 2020. It turns out that people who were previously hesitant to adopt pets decided it was a good time because they could now work from home to care for their animals and were looking for more companionship during times of social distancing.

From a local perspective, according to WCAX, pet adoptions in Chittenden County were significantly higher than the normal rate by the end of March 2020 – just two weeks into the pandemic. The kennels at the Humane Society of Chittenden County were close to empty after more than 45 pets found new homes within a week, which was about 35 more than the weekly

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average. This trend continues throughout 2020. All Breed Rescue based in Williston, VT had 476 adoptions in 2019 with 419 pet transfers coming from outside of the community. However, in 2020, All Breed Rescue had 120 total adoptions with 85 pet transfers from outside of the community.

The demand for pets kept increasing as people remained at home, but state orders such as “Stay Home, Stay Save,” prevented new transfers from coming into Vermont, so supply could not meet the demand.

In 2021, animal rescues across the U.S. and local shelters in New England are still working to meet the demands of people who want to adopt pets while simultaneously battling supply issues. The Wall Street Journal reported that shelters across the country were emptied early in the pandemic, and that a lack of adoptable dogs was one of the limiting factors that kept the pet population from growing even more than it did. Many rescues have switched their adoption processes to virtual meetings versus in-person meet and greets, so rescues are essentially competing with organizations in all parts of the country to maintain their supplies of adoptable pets. In many ways, a low supply of adoptable animals is a silver lining of the pandemic because that means that more animals are being cared for in loving homes. On the other side, increased competition to bring in more animals means that rescues are not receiving as much money from adoption fees that they heavily rely on to sustain their businesses. It also may have contributed to a spike in the cost of purchasing a dog from a breeder.

The Wall Street Journal noted that “puppy inflation” resulted in ~70% increases in the cost of some purebred dogs. Hopefully, in 2021, supply and demand will move closer to equilibrium as pandemic conditions improve, including the social distancing restrictions that prevent animal transfers from coming into states, so that both animal rescues and those interested in adoptions can benefit.

Another important area of pet adoptions and ownership that needs to be addressed in 2021 relates to the quality of care and overall wellbeing that pets will experience as people return to offices and transition

back to more normal social lives outside of their homes. People who did not adopt pets prior to the pandemic because they were always out of the house will need to be sure they continue to give their pets the care and attention that they need to be healthy and happy. In its “Pets in a Pandemic” report, Mars Petcare noted that 50% of pet owners cited having more time to spend with their pets as the primary benefit of working from home. However, this has led to worries about returning to the office among pet owners, as 78% of pet owners worry about their pet’s anxiety when being left behind, and 75% worry about their own anxiety due to being away from their pet. While it has been advantageous for pets to have an abundance of quality time with their owners, it has also made them very dependent on 24/7 companionship. There has been some discussion that spending so much time together has actually caused dogs to exhibit more stress and anxiety when home alone, as observed via barking and tense behaviors. Pet parents will need to work with their pets to give them chunks of alone time, so the animals become comfortable being along if people return to the office or engage in more social gatherings outside of home that are not pet friendly.

Fortunately, in many parts of New England, it is easy for pets and their owners to participate in the same social events simple by doing outdoor activities such as running, hiking, and biking. Spring is right around the corner and more people will be interested in adopting pets to join them in outdoor adventures. People should make sure that pets will fit into their lives in the same capacity while the pandemic is still in full force and as it improves over the years to come.

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10 PET DENTAL QUESTIONS That You May Be Afraid to Ask A

wellness visit for your pet is often a whirlwind of questions for you, paperwork to fill out, concerns about your pet’s behavior at the clinic, and many recommendations by your veterinarian. Due to current Covid restrictions, you may not be present with your pet which makes things even more challenging. Amid all this, you may not be comfortable asking questions about your pet’s dental care. Below are answers to some of the questions you may want to ask.

You want me to brush my pet’s teeth? I am afraid he might nip me, and I am so busy right now-how can I do that?

Yes, brushing your pet’s teeth is the best way to maintain their dental health.

Dental disease is the #1 disease of older pets-both dogs and cats. Starting them on a routine of home brushing a few times a week has been shown to greatly reduce dental disease later in life. That said, we get it. Not every pet will tolerate it, and not everybody has the time or inclination to develop this habit. We do suggest you give it a try. Either a toothbrush or finger brush works for any size pet. Cats can be especially resistant but starting them slowly with poultry flavored toothpaste often works. You will reap the benefits in their senior years when most pets need dental work by the veterinarian. It also keeps their breath fresher.

However, don’t despair if this does not work for you. Dental chews, water additives, and special diets are all good options for the uncooperative pet or busy pet parent. Any dental product that has the Veterinary Oral Health Council seal of approval (VOHC) has been shown to be effective in preserving oral health

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Carol Gifford, DVM - Rutland, VT My veterinarian says my kitten or puppy has extra baby teeth that have never come out. Why can’t I just leave them there?

Most puppies and kittens lose all their baby teeth by about 6 to 7 months of age.

If your pet does retain any of its baby teeth after that time, it is best to have them removed. This is because retained baby teeth can crowd and damage the adult teeth. Food can also be caught between these crowded teeth which lead to decay

I have always given my dogs bones to chew on. Why does my veterinarian tell me not to do this?

Bones can cause severe wear and even fractures of the teeth so it is best to use other chews such as nylon bones or good quality rawhide. Be sure to check the manufacturers of the rawhide as some imported products are toxic. IF you do give your pet bones, give them in moderation and watch for signs of wear on their teeth. Also, be sure to get rid of bones small enough to be swallowed.

Bone fragments can create blockages in the small intestine that require emergency surgery.

Why does my veterinarian want to put my pet under anesthesia to clean his teeth? My groomer does it without sedation. Also, why is it so expensive?

These are very common questions from pet owners. The efficacy of dental cleaning in an awake pet cannot compare to the thorough complete examination and treatment that can be done under anesthesia. Understandably, pets will not tolerate scaling and polishing, not to mention positioning for dental X-rays while awake. Just try to get a peek at your dog’s or cat’s molars, the furthest back teeth in the mouth, and imagine trying to access them for cleaning. Anesthesia allows for a full evaluation and effective treatment.

The cost of pet dental care is directly related to the severity of their dental disease. Things do add up when extractions are needed, but routine preventative care is much less expensive. So good home brushing or dental products will greatly reduce the cost of dental care.

Dental X-rays seem a bit much for a dog or cat. Why does my veterinarian recommend them?

In pets, 70 percent of the dental disease is below the gum line and cannot be seen without dental X-rays. Also, many pets have heavy plaque and tartar that makes teeth look very unhealthy. However, X-rays often reveal that the tooth itself is actually quite healthy and only cleaning is needed.

Some pets have teeth that lie totally below the gum line and so are only detectable on X-rays. These retained teeth can cause serious damage to the functioning dentition.

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My friend’s dog had 6 teeth removed in 1 visit. Isn’t that too many? My dentist would never do that to me.

Adult humans have only 22 teeth. Adult cats have 30 teeth and adult dogs have 42 teeth. Therefore, they start with a lot more teeth than we do. Also, multiple extractions are usually done when pets have very diseased teeth. They are often quite loose, serving no function and causing significant oral pain. These pets are instantly more comfortable and can eat much better than they were with the diseased teeth in their mouth. In fact, with some small changes to their diet’, most cats and dogs eat quite well with no teeth at all.

My cat has a disease called stomatitis and my veterinarian wants to take ALL her teeth out. How will she be able to eat?

Stomatitis is a sad disease in cats. They become allergic to their teeth and get severe inflammation and pain in their mouth.

Some respond to medication but many of them only become pain-free when their teeth, the inciting cause of the pain, are removed. As mentioned in the previous question, cats do fine without teeth if they are fed a soft diet

for major surgery. This is because a local anesthetic block, like novocaine that people receive, is given if anything painful needs to be done. Also, it is important to keep in mind that severe dental disease is very detrimental to pets’ health. It can cause heart, kidney, and blood infections as well as pain in the mouth. Be sure to talk to your veterinarian about the relative risk of anesthesia versus ongoing disease if you have these concerns.

My veterinarian says my rabbit needs her teeth trimmed. Why does she need this and my cat and dog do not need it? Am I doing something wrong with her care?

Unlike dogs and cats; rabbits, guinea pigs, rodents, and some other species have incisors (front teeth) that grow throughout their lives. They usually wear them down with chewing. However, some of these pets have an abnormal alignment of their teeth or are reluctant to chew. Your veterinarian can trim them when needed.

Hopefully, these answers have helped with some of your concerns with your pet’s dental health. If you have any others, please do not hesitate to talk to your veterinarian. We understand how important your pets are to you and want you to feel secure that they are receiving the best and safest medical care.

Carol Gifford, DVM has been practicing veterinary medicine in Vermont since 1987. In 1991, she founded her practice, which grew to become Riverside Veterinary Care & Dental Services in Rutland and Ludlow, VT.

My dog’s teeth look fine. Why does his mouth smell so horrible?

It may be that the dental disease is in the back of his mouth where it is hard to see what is going on. However, many other diseases can cause bad breath or halitosis.

Anything from kidney disease to parasites and anal gland problems can cause mouth odor. If you are noticing this symptom it is important to schedule a physical examination for them with your veterinarian.

I am very afraid to put my older pet under anesthesia to clean their teeth.

Is this really safe?

This is another very common concern.

There is always some risk to anesthesia but it is a very small risk in a healthy patient.

A thorough examination and bloodwork are typically recommended for older pets.

These help identify any significant risks.

In addition, pets under anesthesia are very closely monitored for any concerns. Pets under anesthesia for dental procedures are not under as deeply as they would be Spring 2021

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at

AN IN-DEPTH LOOK

ESSENCE PET FOODS P

ets today are considered family members, which means we want them to eat healthy, nutritious foods to help them live their best life. This is especially true with Essence Pet Foods.

With so many pet food brands on the market today, Essence may be one you haven’t heard of, but the creators of Essence have a strong reputation in the pet food industry.

Essence Pet Foods is a premium pet food brand made w ith the highest qualit y ingredients and loaded with animal proteins. The recipes are very simple, with meat, fish or poultry as the first and second ingredients and containing at least 85% animal or fish protein ingredients, the highest available on the market today with ingredients sourced from all over the world.

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Essence Pet Foods is a pet food brand that utilizes sustainability sourced plantbased, locally farmed ingredients and a farm-to-plate philosophy. The poultry in the Essence Landfowl limited Ingredient Recipe, for example, is cage-free, antibiotic, and hormone-free. These factors can have a positive effect on the health and well-being of your dog. “Antibiotic-free ingredients are important because there are studies that show that using antibiotics as growth promotants in livestock can contribute to antibiotic-resistant bacteria in humans and other species,” said Dr. Quest.

“Sustainability is important in pet food ingredients just like it is in human food ingredients,” said Dr. Bradley Quest, DVM. “To continue to supply the industry with healthy, wholesome plant and animal ingredients while having minimal impact on our natural environment is something most people agree about.”

Essence Limited Ingredient Recipes utilize two poultry, meat or fish ingredients followed by two meals and two sources of fiber. Their recipes reflect the dog’s ancestral diet: protein-rich and limited in content. It’s also free of potatoes, legumes and gluten and any other ingredient that doesn’t serve a natural, clean diet philosophy. The recipes are rounded out with such healthy ingredients as quinoa and pumpkin.

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Let’s take a deeper look at each recipe created by Essence Pet Foods: Essence Ranch Limited Ingredient Recipe The Essence Ranch Limited Ingredient Recipe is excellent if you’re seeking dog food loaded with powerful proteins. This recipe includes Lamb, pork, lamb meal, pork meal, quinoa and pumpkin. It’s also free of potatoes, chicken, and fish, so if you have a dog with a sensitivity to chicken, he may do well on this recipe.

Essence Landfowl Limited Ingredient Recipe This recipe comes packed with a range of proteins, including turkey, chicken, turkey meal, chicken meal.

Essential vitamins and minerals are also included in the recipe and are balanced out with healthy vegetables such as pumpkin, which provide additional beneficial nutrients and fiber.

Essence Ocean Limited Ingredient Recipe If your customer has a dog who loves fish, the Essence Ocean LIR recipe may be perfect for him!

This recipe comes complete with whitefish, herring, whitefish meal, herring meal, quinoa and pumpkin. The formula is rounded out with vitamins and minerals such as vitamin E supplements, D-calcium supplements, and zinc proteinate.

With the variety of formulas and the use of only eight main ingredients, including two sources of protein and two sources of fiber, combined with essential vitamins and minerals, you can be confident in feeding your furry friend Essence Limited Ingredient Recipe to help them live a long and happy life.

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ESSENCE IS AVAILABLE AT THESE LOCATIONS: Pet Food Warehouse 2500 Williston Rd S. Burlington, VT 05403 802-863-5597

Montpelier Agway 190 E. Montpelier Rd Montpelier, VT 05602 802-229-9187

Pet Food Warehouse 2455 Shelburne Rd Shelburne, VT 05482 802-985-3302

Morrison’s Feed Bag 1186 Memorial Dr Saint Johnsbury, VT 05819 802-748-0010

Guys Farm & Yard 21 Zephyr Rd Williston, VT 05495 802-878-5112

Willow Farm Pet Services 21 VT-106, North North Springfield, VT 05150 802-886-5000

Guys Farm & Yard 555 Fairfax Rd Saint Albans, VT 05478 802-233-8579

The Farmyard Store 3262 US-5 Derby, VT 05829 802-766-2714

Kenyon’s Variety 3337 Main St Waitsfield, VT 05673 802-496-3922

Menard’s Family True Value 780 Brooklyn St Morrisville, VT 05661 802-888-3321

The Pet Cage 97 Crescent St Rutland, VT 05701 802-786-0684

Middlebury Agway 338 Exchange St Middlebury, VT 05753 802-388-4937

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Kitties Are Getting Older Ingrid Braulini - Grantham, NH

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ats have the luxury of living longer than most dogs; in fact, indoor cats like Tom and Lola can have a longer lifespan than we would expect from many pets.

With the right genes and proper care, including neutering, many cats can live to be quite elderly. The oldest cat on record lived 38 years! Generally speaking, they reach middle age around their 7th year, their senior years at about 11-12, and their elder years after 14-15. Many cats live until their early 20’s, although their chances of looking spiffy and running after dust balls and mice are probably not up to par with that 6-month old kitten.

How is it that some cats make it way past their middle age? Like with humans and dogs, a lot of it is found in their breed, genetic make-up, the time spent in either a shelter or wandering the streets, their food, and their maintenance. Just like the rest of us, some cats lead a pampered life. They get the best food and care, lots of attention, plenty of toys, and stimulation but they die at an earlier age from

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some condition or disease. If you have been doing a head-to tail-assessment every month you will catch the changes in their health if possible in time to do something. Your first aid-trained pet sitter is probably doing it too for her own knowledge. They don’t like surprises.

Many issues more likely in elderly cats can range from kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, cancer, heart disease, dental issues, and the mother of them all: obesity. Now you throw in old age, and you can add dementia (yes indeed!

Even in cats), and/or sensory loss.

How to help avoid and to cope with some of these changes is through prevention and maintenance. Prevention is something many cat lovers don’t understand. After all, don’t cats pretty much do it all on their own? The same goes with maintenance, right? Cats are singularly not “needy” like dogs, but they still need that annual vet check-up until they are 12, and then in best case scenario, every 6 months after that. Just like our teeth. If they are outdoor cats they need to be vaccinated against all kinds of nasty stuff in addition to the regulars like rabies, FVRCP, and Feline Leukemia. Ideally, they should be kept indoors (good luck!) as they age so they don’t wander off, get hit by a car, or be eaten by something.

One of the pleasures you can look out for as your senior cat ages is the need for more bathroom breaks. Best to keep a couple of extra litter pans around just in case Tom decides going into the basement is just a bit too far or the steps are too much trouble. You should have had Lola and Tom on a mixed diet of grainfree canned food and dry kibble for their kidney, urinary tract, and dental health anyway. But if not, now is the time to do that and put Tinkerbell on that diet while you’re at it. Their kidneys will thank you. Keep the fish content of those cans at a minimum for maximum benefit.

You may want to increase the number of times Tom eats a day to make it easier for him and add a bit of broth or water to his wet food if he seems to have digestion and or dental problems.

You may also have a roaming senior: Lola roams around at night in the dark crying. This can be due to dementia or a sense of loneliness. Regardless, the answer can sometimes be as simple as helping her find her favorite sleeping nook. If she hears your voice when you call out it reassures her that you are close. She may want to get up on your bed, but arthritis could be preventing her. Now is the time to set up blocks or a low stool so she can get up more easily.

Vision may be going on good ole Tom so other ways of communicating may be necessary, You might try making a specific sound like clapping or whistling when

you need him to react. Since he can’t see danger zones, putting up kiddie gates at stairs or closing doors to rooms and closets may help him. If hearing loss is a problem, use something with a flashing light or flick lights on and off to get his attention.

Human-caused age issues are those that cause even the youngest of cats like Tinkerbell to suffer. Smoking (you, not the cat) is one of the number one killers in all pets. People who smoke and have pets generally are burying the animals sooner than later. Cancer, heart disease, and respiratory disease are directly influenced by smoking. Another slow killer can be chlorinated water. You should not give your cat chlorinated water if at all possible especially if it is highly chlorinated as it can cause bladder cancer.

A big human-caused issue is obesity. Being a fat-cat is NOT supposed to relate to your tubby Lola’s figure. Lola is going to have mega-problems if she is obese, including possible diabetes, joint issues, pancreatitis, cancer, heart disease, and a fatty liver. Rules for any chubby cat, do not let her graze, give her exact times and smaller amounts to eat several times a day. However, make sure that what she gets during the day does not add up to the amount you have been feeding her all along. Cut WAY down on treats. Treats may look small but they are packed with fat and calories. Make sure that she gets lots of exercise. Have her chase a feather, light beam, mechanical mouse, or other exercise toys.

Seizures in many cats can be idiopathic (having no obvious cause), or they can be age-relate, be caused by epilepsy, poisoning, head trauma, tumors, liver disease, diabetes, or hyperthyroidism. If your cat develops seizures keep him calm, reduce any noise or light, and note the time and duration of the seizure for your files. If this is the first seizure, when it has ended, contact your vet and tell the person the circumstances, time, and duration of the seizure. In some cases, there are medications that can help.

Age is not a disease, it is a fact of life. It is important that you learn to do a headto-tail assessment on every pet you own so that you have a standard to which to compare not only their health but also their age progression. If you know how your cat has developed since you first adopted her, you will be more informed when she goes in for a vet appointment. It is also important information for her pet sitter or caregiver.

Ingrid Braulini is the owner of Pet First Aid & Wellness. She is a certified Pet Tech and Wellness Instructor, a NAPPS Board Member, and NAPPS Certified.

For more information, visit www.PetAidClasses.com Spring 2021

Do You Aquaspin?

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DJ Nelson - St. Johnsbury, VT

ou have a fish tank. One day you look in and the fish don’t seem so happy. Maybe they’re at the bottom of the aquarium, looking like they’re gasping for air. They look off. You may research online and then get an Ick medication (often the go-to solution because it’s well known, but not always the issue) or call the local pet store. When calling a pet store, they may ask how your aquarium is testing or suggest bringing in a water sample. Some folks may feel like they’re bad fish parents, think the water is clear, or :I just put fresh water in last week.” The store isn’t asking so they can judge, but trying to collect information to properly help you and your fish out. When you take an environment and add anything to it, it changes. Yes, the water may be clear, but so is vodka, and fish can’t live in that. Yes, that was clean water, but now there may be uneaten food and fish going to the bathroom in that water. The chemistry of that water has changed.

FRESHWATER TESTS FOR: alkalinity • ammonia general hardness ph • phosphate nitrate • nitrite SALTWATER TESTS FOR: alkalinity • ammonia calcium • ph • phosphate magnesium nitrate • nitrite

So let’s talk water chemistry.

A helpful thing to learn when keeping fish is the nitrogen cycle. Once understood, many issues with aquariums can be easily solved. Typically something in the nitrogen cycle is out of whack causing the issue. (Yes, I’m using whack as a technical term.)

When we look into how water tests, yes, we’re looking at PH, but several other things as well. Many fish sicknesses and pH issues can be caused by that nitrogen cycle being out of whack. To put the nitrogen cycle into perspective simply: when fish go to the bathroom and plants or uneaten foods are breaking down it creates ammonia, which is toxic. Bacteria breaks that down into nitrite which is still toxic. Another bacteria breaks that down to nitrate which is fine until it reaches 40ppm (parts per million).

There are 2 types of test kits you’ll find: liquids or strips. They’ll test ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, alkalinity and pH (there are other tests, but we’re sticking with the common things we look at). When testing using any of these, it can be challenging to read as you are comparing colors. It can look different under different light or how someone interprets color. Results can vary, depending on how much a liquid has been shaken before use or how someone reads the color. This leaves human error as a factor. Then you document the conditions in a book.

You don’t have to deal with that anymore!

There’s a new testing system called AquaSpin! This isn’t something one would own personally as it is an expensive piece of equipment, but some stores may have it. I have worked with it and it takes that human error out. I don’t regret having it in my store. When you bring your sample (fresh or saltwater) into the store, we’ll ask if you would like to set up an account. This is great for people wanting to have documentation of how their tank tests and/or get the results emailed. Within minutes, the AquaSpin has the results up on our monitor and tells us if anything needs to be adjusted based on the type of aquarium you have. It will also suggest how to fix it. There will be some product push that can be helpful. You can keep track of as many fish tanks as you want. Most stores will charge for it, but it’s well worth it.

A new era of fish keeping has arrived!

Take it from a fish junkie, this is a game changer!

DJ Nelson is the owner of AquaRealm Aquarium & Pets in St. Johnsbury, VT and has over 25 years’ experience.

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The Transformation of the Horse MUD OR SNOW WES WARD’S THE WAY TO GO!

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Sue Miller - Advanced PATH International Instructor & ESMHL

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find it amazing that the horses you see today are a marvel of qualities that have adapted from descendants some 56-million years ago. What is astonishing to me is that the horse started as something so far removed from the magnificent, majestic creature we know today. Horses have been called the noblest of creatures, and it’s easy to see why. Depending on which scientific accounts you believe, horses have been one of man’s best friends since anywhere from 4000 to 2000 B.C. They’ve taken us wherever we’ve asked them to including the fields of battle.

The domestic horse is an innovation – a never ending process of modification.

From caterpillar to butterfly if you will.

Watching horses is an invitation to fall in love with them, but also their longterm evolution.

Horses have been shaped and reshaped by ice ages, heat spikes, volcanic erup-

tions, and tectonic forces. Horses can live in the most challenging of environments.

Horses are resilient and malleable to their surroundings.

The first horses were more the size of a fox and had toes. The front legs of the dawn horse, called Eohippus found around the time of the Eocene stage had four-fingered toes on each fore-limb and three-fingered toes on each hind limb making them an odd-toed ungulate. Today, horses have the largest eyes of any land mammal.

It’s hard to believe that Eohippus that stood not much more than 14 inches at the shoulder and was about 2 feet long could one day become the size of a Shire draft horse standing some 5 foot 6 inches at the shoulder and weighing close to a ton.

It is the large middle toe that was key to the horse’s survival. Over time horses placed more weight on the middle toes, until the other toes became useless. The vestigial toes are still present on horses today. They have become the chestnut and the ergot respectfully. The wart like areas on the inside of each of the horse’s legs and the small growth at the back of the pastern, above the hoof on each leg.

The five major changes that brought about modifications in the horse started with Eohippus at about 50 million years ago. Mesohippus had a larger body with longer limbs than its predecessor (Eohippus), it stood about 2 feet tall. Gradually it improved its body features suitable for running faster. The face of Mesohippus became longer and larger and teeth evolved suited to grind grass.

Next came the Merychippus at about 10 million years ago. Merychippus lived in the middle of Miocene to Pliocene age.

This was thought to have been the first horse to have grazed. In this version of our equine friend, their middle toe started to become a hoof and the side toes began to recede.

This was followed by the Pliohippus at about 5 million years ago. Pliohippus became the first horse in the evolution with a single toe (hoof). With its long and slim limbs, Pliohippus was able to run faster than other creatures, had teeth similar to modern day horses, and stood a little over three feet tall.

It was originally thought that no horses had roamed the American West before the Spring 2021

Spaniards brought over horses in the Skeleton of Horse Eohippus 1400s during their 50 million years ago explorations, some of which escaped to roam free eventually becoming the American Mustang. However, fossil findings in Wyoming and the Rocky Mountain regions of the west dispel that notion.

While the area was once covered by the sea, it now shares a plethora of history about the horse. Scientists think that much of equine evolution took place in North America. Horses became extinct around 10,000 years ago during another tectonic shift. Horses may have stepped onto a floating landmass and not arrived back to North America until humans began to explore the world and bring their steadfast companions with them.

It is interesting to note that along with the earliest known horse fossil, paleontologists found in the same time period the earliest known fossil of what is thought to have evolved into man. It seems that horses and humans have always shared a bond as evidenced in the cave drawings of France’s Chauvet Cave, dated to at least 32,000 years ago. Perhaps at some point in time past, horse & human were closer kin. Perhaps the visceral bond modern day humans feel toward their noble horses is a more tangible DNA particle found deeply in the bone.

Perhaps time will tell.

Sue Miller is a PATH Registered Instructor & ESMHL, PATH Vermont State Chair, and President of the Vermont Horse Council.

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ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE! Thoughts on Adding a Dog into Your Life Paula Bergeron - Grafton, NH

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very week I get phone calls asking for advice on whether a client should add a dog to their pack, or bring a dog into their family. We relish the idea of having a dog, receiving the unconditional daily love that only a dog seems able to give. In fact, I saw an advertisement the other day for a dog rescue group captioned… All they need is love. I caught my breath and thought YIKES! … dogs need a whole lot more than love, in fact, it is almost insulting to think that love from us is all a dog requires to live a full life.

Dogs have a hierarchy of needs that should be acknowledged when considering adding a pet to your home and life and affection is lower on the list than you might think.

A DOG’S HIERARCHY OF NEEDS 1. Your dog needs to feel healthy and physically safe.

Providing healthy nutritional food, routine vet care, and a safe environment out of the weather, away from traffic, off-leash dogs, and wildlife takes more than an abundance of love, it requires a certain level of financial commitment and stability.

2. Your dog needs to feel mentally safe.

To feel safe a dog needs a trustworthy and competent leader. As the leader, you provide routine in their day, structure within your home, and boundaries with follow-through regarding acceptable behavior.

3. Your dog needs an outlet for its physical and mental energy as well as their specific breed’s behavioral instincts.

A dog with frustrated energy will have to find a way to release it, and that doesn’t usually end well. Dogs in general need to walk or travel with a leader that they trust every day. A dog’s breed will significantly influence other needed exercise as it dictates their impulse to dig, chase, retrieve, swim, herd, guard, bark, play, run , etc...

Research can help you find suitable outlets for your dog breed related impulses.

4. Your dogs crave affection attention from their pack.

We tend to excel here so I will only say we need to be mindful as to how and when we give affection. Too much becomes damaging. Constant contact, protection from anything challenging, and giving excuses for behavior set dogs up for emotional imbalance. Separation anxiety, generalized anxiety, unwanted and guarding behavior are often a result of unrestricted privilege and attention.

It is important to take the canine hierarchy into account as you decide on bringing a dog into your daily life. Do you have the time, energy, finances, and disposition to provide for your dog not only what you WANT to give, but what they actually require to have a full and happy life, something I know we all want for our beloved canine friends. Food for thought my friends.

Happy Training, Paula and Company

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Paula Bergeron and the gang at Good Dogma embrace a holistic approach to bringing balance to your dog’s behavioral issues. Exercise, training, relaxation, massage, grooming, play, socialization, and energy healing are incorporated into your dog’s routine. www.Goodogma.com Spring 2021

Spring Wildlife and Your Pets:

What You Need to Know M. Kathleen Shaw, DVM

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pring is finally here and young wildlife is everywhere. With this abundance of young wild animals, it is important to be aware of the more common animals your pet may encounter and what to do if it does.

It is quite common in the spring for our dog or cat to present us with a live baby rabbit. In addition, children may find one in the yard and bring it inside, thinking it has been abandoned by its mother. If the bunny’s eyes are open, it can eat and fend for itself in the wild.

If you come across a nest of bunnies in the wild and the mother is nowhere to be seen, DO NOT disturb them - this is normal. By removing them from the nest you are greatly reducing their chances of survival. The wild rabbit mother only feeds in the middle of the night; she leaves her babies all day to not alert predators, so don’t assume she is not caring for them and take them from her!

So if your pet or child presents you with an uninjured baby rabbit, confine your pets in the house, and return the bunny to wherever it was found, immediately. It will do fine and the less time it spends in human hands, the better. If it appears injured, contact your veterinarian for the name of the closest wildlife rehabilitator near you. (Not all veterinarians are licensed to treat wildlife.)

Skunks present a smelly problem.

They possess two small glands under their tail that produce a foul-smelling material that the skunk can spray in the face of a predator or curious pet. While the spray is not toxic to our pets, it can cause tremendous irritation to the eyes, causing them to water and sting.

Furthermore, if you think skunks Spring 2021

smell bad, imagine how it is for our dogs and cats, whose sense of smell is up to 30 times stronger than ours! That horrible smelly material is usually sprayed right in the face of our curious pets, and the smell is so bad to them they will often vomit. Because these encounters are always a surprise, it helps to be prepared by having some products on hand to clean up your pet. Your local pet store or veterinarian has products available to clean up your pets if they are “skunked.

Another option is a homemade solution made by mixing one quart of hydrogen peroxide with a half box of baking soda, and 1 tsp of a grease-cutting dish soap. You must mix and use it within an hour as it won’t keep. Whichever you use, remember you shouldn’t get the pet wet first: put the de-skunking material right on the pet. AVOID the eyes! If your pet will allow, you can rinse around the face with plain tap water. If your pet persistently paws or rubs at the eyes and they are red and tearing, call your veterinarian.

Porcupines have sharp quills that can imbed into your pet’s face, skin, and paws. If your pet has been “quilled”, do not attempt to remove them yourself.

The quills can break off under the skin, and also it is very painful for your pet.

Call your veterinarian immediately for help with this problem. The longer the quills remain in the pet the more difficult they are to remove.

Baby birds are commonly found on the ground or retrieved by pets. If there is no obvious injury, the baby should be replaced in the nest or in a tree or bush as close to the nest as possible. Parents

will not abandon their offspring, so even if you don’t see any adults around, leave the area so as not to frighten the parents away. Do not attempt to treat any wounds or feed the baby bird – they require specific types of food and are VERY difficult to care for. For any injuries or wounds, contact your veterinarian, who will help get the bird to a licensed rehabilitator.

Keeping your pet on a leash or in a fenced yard will greatly reduce the encounters with spring wildlife. Also remember with any wild mammal rabies virus is a concern. Rabies is always fatal to the animal, and it can be transmitted to people through saliva and bites.

Vermont law requires your pet to be vaccinated for rabies, so make sure your pet is up to date on rabies vaccination, avoid handling wildlife, and report any wildlife acting in an unusual manner to the game warden or wildlife officer.

If you have any questions or concerns about spring wildlife and your pet, contact your veterinarian or visit the Vermont Veterinary Medical Association website at www.vtvets.org.

The Vermont Veterinary Medical Association (VVMA), founded in 1898, is a professional organization of 330 veterinarians dedicated to compassionate animal care and quality medicine.

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Alternatively Speaking: Off to a Good Start Dr. Anne Carroll DVM, CVA

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hanks to COVID, many of us are looking for ways to entertain ourselves, engage our kids, and let’s face it, add a little joy in these hard times. For many families, a new puppy or kitten fits the bill perfectly since being home more means having time to care for and supervise a new pet. There is a lot to prepare for those new arrivals, not the least of which is their first veterinary visits, and holistic approaches start early to give them advantages that can last a lifetime. For young animals, that means a visit in the first 8 to 10 weeks, often before their next vaccines are due. For older adoptees, they too should have an individualized plan to foster their health, so for any new pet, it is good to plan for a checkup the first week they arrive.

Why go to the vet before any shots are due? Compared to humans, animals fit that first 18 years of development in their first 8 to 12 months, so seeing your vet at 8 weeks of age equates to a first pediatrician visit at 2 years old! Given this timeframe, the first months of life are full of rapid transitions, during which the foundation for long term health is established and influenced for good or bad. Weaning occurs, requiring a digestive transition in the face of parasite irritation. Families and routines change, which is an emotional stress. Vaccines, dewormers, and sometimes other medications are given which 24 4 Legs & a Tail

their bodies have to process while they are still growing. Puberty, and possibly neutering, comes soon after. Some babies navigate these first hurdles without much fuss or intervention. Others struggle and whether or not they have visible issues, early stresses to their digestion, immune system, and psyche can set the stage for physical and emotional problems during adulthood. This is why in our practice we suggest letting your new pet settle in for several days as long as they seem healthy, but then getting them in for their first visit right away to start them off on the right path to health.

The focus of those first visits is as always, digestion and nutrition. Many new pet owners are eager to improve the quality of food their new puppy or kitten is eating, or want to feed fresh foods instead of processed kibble. These are great goals, but an immediate diet change is not always helpful given all the potential digestive stresses going on inside. Most babies come with worms that are causing irritation, immune stress, and nutritional loss, so it’s best to first address intestinal parasites as soon as possible.

Earlier deworming before adoption can reduce parasite loads and serious problems, but usually can’t eliminate worms due to constant re-exposure between mom and siblings. Stools look fine? With few exceptions, adult worms stay inside the intestines, their passing eggs too small to see. It is important to have a fecal lab test done right off to identify parasites and plan how to deworm all the household pets properly. If there are any issues such as soft stools or being underweight, more testing may be needed, or simply more supports such as probiotics, nutritional supplements, or Chinese herbs to address the needs specific to a youngster’s digestion. Food therapy for pups or compromised dogs involves the slow introduction of easily Spring 2021

digested foods like sweet potatoes and bone broth, which provide easily absorbed nutrition while supporting gut healing.

Once parasites have been addressed and your puppy or kitten is thriving, diet changes can be discussed. For cats, introduce a canned or dehydrated water-rich, animal-protein based diet early on so they don’t get hooked on dry food that will only contribute to health issues down the road.

Puppies can get fresh foods as a small part of their diet to help establish the healthy gut bacterial population necessary for ideal digestive and immune function. However, a puppy’s nutritional requirements are strict for growth and differ for large or giant breeds compared to small dogs, adults, or those with pre-existing medical issues. Using a commercial diet, or home-cooking recipe specifically balanced for your puppy’s life stage is recommended during their first year. If fresh feeding is not a good match, then a probiotic supplement is helpful as a digestive and immune support.

As dogs mature and their nutritional requirements are less strict, holistic diet plans will address constitutional patterns and the risk of any breed-related issues. Dry dander, waxy ears, rashes, soft stools, or timid behavior are all signals of imbalance. Just as we would use food therapy to help support illnesses later in life, we can use it in wellness plans for young animals to help regulate their systems and fortify against the development of problems later on.

While diet is super important, there are many other topics to cover early on for your new pet. Besides internal parasites, there are fleas, ear mites, and ticks to treat and decide how to protect against. Have a southern puppy? They will need to be on heartworm protection until they test negative, six months after leaving their southern home. Training, socialization, and evaluating your puppy for tendencies toward anxiety is super important to talk about in advance of developing phobias. This is true not only for rescue puppies and dogs but all pups due to COVID making socialization more difficult. Your vet can recommend how to use predictable routines, reward-based games, and safe “den” havens to create a secure environment in which dogs learn to navigate the world confidently, greatly impacting everyone’s quality of life. For those more anxious pups, pheromone collars that mimic a mother’s soothing, homeopathy, supplements that reduce baseline stress, and fresh foods or herbs that help ground emotions are all options to start discussing early on while your puppy is forming their opinions of the big world.

Let’s not forget where we started, the vaccines! Immunization is an important discussion and one to plan for ideally before the first shots are given.

For some animals a traditional vaccination schedule starting at 8 weeks old makes sense. But understanding that a mother’s immunity can last up to 3 months, there may be some room to delay, especially in a puppy or kitten still struggling with parasites or digestive stresses. Mindfully reducing the risk of exposure while taking the time to help the immune system be ready to handle a vaccine well maybe a better approach, and deserves a conversation with your veterinarian before 12 weeks of age when vaccination becomes more important to begin.

So if you are ready to embark on a wonderful journey with a new companion, plan in advance as much as you can. Arrange for all the things you will need ready to provide a safe environment. Read up or contact your vet for information so the family can be ready with a consistent training plan.

Consider emotional supports for the newcomer, as well as other pets who may need help adjusting to the change in the household too. Lastly, schedule their first checkup so after a little time to settle in and getting to know each other, you can collaborate with your vet to get them on a solid footing of good health for a long, happy life together.

Dr. Anne Carroll is the owner of the Chelsea Animal Hospital where she and her associates practice conventional medicine and surgery as well as several alternative modalities including traditional Chinese acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. For more information on alternative veterinary medicine visit their website at www.chelseaanimalhospital.com.

Spring 2021

Is This Deadly Medication in Your House?

Catherine MacLean, DVM

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f you have been prescribed a cream called 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and have pets, you need to read this article. 5-FU is a prescription cream that is used to treat some human skin cancers and actinic keratosis in humans. If a dog or cat ingests even a tiny amount of this cream, your pet has a 60% chance of dying.

Clinical signs of toxicity start in as few as 45 minutes after ingestion of this medication.

The pet may start having tremors, seizures, difficulty breathing, ataxia (incoordination), hypersalivation, act very lethargic, or have diarrhea. The seizures often don’t respond to anti-seizure medication, and most pets die within 24 hours of ingestion due to uncontrolled seizures that lead to non-cardiac pulmonary edema and cardiopulmonary arrest.

If the pet survives the initial intoxication, they are not out of the woods yet. 5-FU can cause bone marrow suppression (i.e. the body doesn’t produce red and white blood cells and platelets like it’s supposed to, which can compromise the patient) and gastrointestinal toxicity which kills important cells in the lining of the GI tract.

If you suspect that your pet has gotten into 5-FU, immediately seek veterinary attention for your pet. There is, unfortunately, no cure, and only supportive care can be administered.

There is an antidote for people, but it doesn’t appear to work in dogs or cats. Your veterinarian will probably call animal poison control and start IV fluids, anti-seizure medication if necessary, warming measures, anti-vomiting meds, and oxygen if needed. If seizures cannot be controlled, the patient may need to be heavily sedated to try and stop the seizures.

5-fluorouracil toxicity in animals is not well known by most pet owners and can be a commonplace medication in some households.

Many prescription topical medications can pose a risk to your pet. If you are not sure if a medication you’re using may be risky to your pet, ask your veterinarian.

Dr. MacLean completed her Bachelor of Science from Penn State University, her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Atlantic Veterinary College, and her pet acupuncture certification from Chi Institute.

Her areas of special interest include general practice and acupuncture. She opened Sugar River Animal Hospital in 2013, and she has been practicing veterinary medicine since 2010. Dr. MacLean’s family consists of her husband Matt, her daughter Katarina, son Alexander and their three pets: Jack and Misty, two cats, and Arrow, a dog. www.4LegsAndATail.com 25

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Spring 2021

I Am Afraid of Anesthesia for My Pet - PART III Sandra L Waugh VMD, MS

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hen we ended article two in the last issue of 4 Legs & a Tail, our patient was under general anesthesia, wrapped in a “pet burrito” for warmth, connected to the anesthesia machine by the endotracheal tube and to the intravenous (IV) fluid pump and the IV pain medicine pump via the IV catheter. He was also connected to the various monitors by wires and sensors. Now the task of monitoring the depth of anesthesia begins. While anesthesia holds our patient still so we can do the procedure, it depresses the heart rate, blood pressure, temperature and respiration. Our job is to keep the patient still enough to allow surgery to be performed while keeping the depth of anesthesia as minimal as it can be. The goal is for the animal to wake up quickly “as if nothing had happened”, be able to walk out the door and act basically normal by the next day.

Let’s start with the cardiovascular system (heart and circulatory system, which is composed of blood vessels, including arteries, capillaries and veins) and the respiratory system, composed of the lungs and trachea. The heart is actually two pumps. The left side of the heart pumps blood throughout the body, except for the lungs, providing oxygen, electrolytes (salts), and glucose (food) to the cells of all of the organs. Oxygen, electrolytes and glucose leave the blood to provide the cells with what they need to produce energy. CO2 and lactate go out of the cells and into the blood which is then pumped back to the right side of the heart and then through the lungs. The lungs allow CO2 to leave the bloodstream and exit the body through the exhaled gas and more oxygen to load onto the red blood cells. The blood is then returned to the left side of the heart and the whole process repeats. (Lactate and electrolytes are taken care of by the liver and kidneys which we will not describe!)

Heart function is monitored in several ways: Pulse Rate, ECG, Blood Pressure, Lactate concentration in the blood, CO2 concentration in the expired gas, and Oxygen saturation in the blood. The last two measurements also monitor the respiratory system.

ECG dots must make good contact with the skin in order to work correctly. The hair must be clipped off. Then a small amount of gel is used between the pad and the skin. Wires lead from the dots to the monitor.

Appearance of an ECG with artifacts (red arrow) introduced by movement of the wires. Sometimes we need to adjust things and the wires get bumped.

Since we know when we were moving things we know what is an artifact and what is real.

Blood Pressure: we attach a blood pressure cuff to a leg or the tail so we can see the high, mean and low pressure of the blood flowing through an artery under the cuff.

The green arrow points to the pulse rate on both the ECG and the blood pressure monitor. Our blood pressure monitor is made specifically for animals from the very small to the very large.

Spring 2021

Blood Lactate: We also measure peripheral blood perfusion by a l a c ta t e measurement . Lactate builds up if the blood flow and oxygenation to the tissue is poor. To measure the lactate level in the blood we clip a toe nail slightly short, so that a drop of blood can be captured on a lactate test strip connected to a lactate meter. 5 seconds later and the result is displayed on the meter. www.4LegsAndATail.com 27

Blood Oxygen: A Pulse Oximeter (SpO2) is attached to the tongue, ear flap or skin webbing in between the toes. (If you go to your doctor a clip is attached to your finger for this purpose.) We also get a tracing of the movement of the level as blood pulses by the sensor. The number represents the percent of saturation of the blood i.e. 97 = 97% saturation. Pulse rate is also measured by the pulse oximeter. SpO2 is affected both by the function of the lungs and of the heart.

CO2 concentration in the expired gas, referred to as End-Tidal CO2: Again our monitor gives us numbers but also give a tracing of the measurement over each cycle of breathing. This information is quite useful. The respiratory rate is also shown on this monitor. Again, the heart and the lungs both are involved.

When we first start anesthesia we closely monitor the respiratory rate. If the rate is too low we can press the rebreathing bag to mechanically cause a breath. Sometimes at the very beginning our patients are slow to breath but quickly start to breath well on their own. No intervention is then required.

Some patients just don’t want to breath well on their own. In this case we use a mechanical ventilator which breaths for the patient. The machine is set at the beginning according to the weight of the patient and then adjusted for that specific patient’s needs. The ventilator can be used on large dogs (left) or cats and small dogs (right).

Miley hopes you are still awake after all that technical information!

In the next issue we will wrap up this series on anesthesia by talking about the most important component for excellence in anesthesia...

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Dr. Waugh is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. She also holds a Masters Degree from Washington State University of Veterinary Medicine and is owner of Windsor Pet Dental, PLC. Spring 2021

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Spring 2021

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