4 Legs & a Tail 2017 North Spring

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Mud Season 2017 Northern VT & NH

Miranda Lambert and Her Dogs Money Saving Tips for Pet Owners What To Do When Dogs Really Fight Is Your Cat Overstimulated?

Bring Out the Best in Your Horse

Inside this issue of 4 Legs & a Tail

®

2. Service Volunteers Milne Travel announces a new program to help non-profits such

as pet rescue groups

3. A Companion for Your Companion, Pat Jauch 4. Going to School for a Unique Equine Clinic Take advantage of the Morgan Horse

Heritage Foundation’s 5th Annual Unique Equine Clinic. Coming this April, a horseless clinic

6. Let’s Take a Bite Out of Cancer...Together! The American Cancer Society’s Bark

for Life is a noncompetitive walking event for dogs and their owners

7. Third Annual Caws for Paws Pet Expo in Barre June 3rd JD Green does it

again with close to 100 vendors, DOCK DOGS, behavior training demonstrations and More!

8. Bring Out the Best in Your Horse World Renowned Trainer Linda Parelli outlines the

basics for becoming a good horseman

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10. Money Saving Tips Follow these tips to come out ahead with your pet 11. Miranda Lambert...A Dogs Best Friend Meet the country music

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superstar in an exclusive 4 Legs & a Tail interview

13. Rad Girls Club These RADical girls use social media and a unique

approach to help animals in rescues and shelters across our region

15. Why I Didn’t Get the Dog I Wanted, Karen Sturtevant

In adopting, the eventual goal is to adopt the right dog to the right family, into the right dynamic, for life

16. Cat Senses, Mike Robertson Overstimulation can cause nipping,

“Whisker Fatigue” and how to prevent it

17. Dog Fights!, John Peaveler What to do when dogs “tangle” 18. A Healthy Gut Means a Happy Pet The secret behind probiotics 20. Alternatively Speaking: When What You Need is More Time, Anne Carroll, DVM 22. Fractured Jaw Fixed with Dental Materials, Sandra Waugh, VMD, MS

After a motorcycle accident, see how one pug survived

23. Bunnies and Chicks for Easter, M. Kathleen Shaw, DVM

They are “cute” at Easter, but a handful by Mothers Day

24. Preparing for Spring Training, John R. Killacky

With Spring, your horse’s pent-up energy abounds, build on the basics, contentment is around the corner

25. Water Safety, Dr. Anne Culp 26. How to Attack Fleas, Millie Armstrong, DVM

They’re BACK! And this is the way to combat this recurring problem

4 Legs & a Tail Volume N.117 P.O. Box 841 Lebanon, NH 03766 603-727-9214 TimH.4LT@gmail.com Spring 2017

Publishers: Tim Goodwin, Tim Hoehn Senior Editor: Scott Palzer Office Manager: Beth Hoehn Graphic Design: Kristin Wolff, Lacey Dardis Kerry Rowland Sales: Heather Young, Scott Palzer

Pg. 25 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 VT & 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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Service - Volunteers...

Milne Travel’s Prog ram to Promote Volunteering

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Scott Milne and Vince at the Appalachian Trail

olunteering is the foundation of most successful non-profit organizations. Every year thousands of folks take time to support causes and charities that make a difference in our communities.

Milne Travel’s Service-Volunteers program is designed to inspire and honor volunteers and the organizations they serve. According to company President, Scott Milne, “Milne Travel is all about service- to our clients, among ourselves and our communities. Our focus on service started with our founders-my parents, Don and Marion Milne.”

In response to this commitment, Milne Travel has launched a new program designed to reward those groups and volunteers who give of themselves.

How to Win Travel Prizes n Volunteers must log their time volunteering for an eligible non-profit, in order to be eligible and recognized as part of the Service-Volunteers program.

Hours will be logged by registering on their website. www.MilneVolunteers.com n Monthly recognition will be given to the top volunteers. n Quarterly, a Service-Volunteers winner will be awarded a prize. Winners will be authenticated by our proprietary database to verify the person’s claim (log) before announcing the winner. n Share points are the credits that volunteers receive for logging and sharing their volunteer activity. An hour of volunteering counts for 4 Share points. Activity volunteers post to Facebook (via ServiceVolunteers) are awarded one point each for likes and comments. More Shares = more chances to win! n Winners will be posted via Milne Media streams. Be sure to follow them on Facebook! n Minimum logging hours to qualify: 4 hrs per month/50 per year. n At the end of the yearlong campaign, one of the twelve monthly winners, as well as the top three total time contributing volunteers, will be put into a random drawing for a grand prize. n The grand prize award to be named the “Marion Milne Service-Volunteers Recognition Award.”

As Milne explains, “We’ve partnered with our friends at Cabot Creamery Co-operative to also give you the opportunity to win monthly prizes through the Reward Volunteers program. By logging your time with us you will automatically be eligible for these great monthly prizes!”

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For more information or to register, visit www.MilneVolunteers.com Spring 2017

A Companion For Your Companion H

Pat Jauch - Caledonia Animal Rescue, Inc.

aving a dog or cat has special rewards, but having two animals (two dogs, two cats, or one of each) can yield even greater rewards. Although, you will face the added expense of double food costs and veterinary bills, not to mention “entertainment items� such as toys, boarding fees, licensing and obedience training. Having a second animal can greatly enrich your life in intangible ways. In addition, it can enrich the quality of life for your two animals. Just be certain that you are prepared, both emotionally and financially, to assume the additional burden of a second pet.

Generally, it is recommended to choose a pair of the opposite sex in order to reduce the amount of aggression that can develop between them. However, the temperament of the individual animal should be considered before any final decision is made. Two aggressive animals may never get along, while a submissive personality may respond positively to a more dominant creature.

Most behaviorists discourage acquiring two animals at the same time because of the possibility that they will bond with one another, and not become well integrated into the family unit. Also, they may not socialize well with outsiders even if they get along within the household. It will be much harder to recognize individual personalities if the two animals are together constantly.

Having a cat and dog, despite rumors to the contrary, does not have to create constant havoc in a household. Dogs have a natural chase instinct that may be heightened when a cat scurries past. Much of this can be attributed to curiosity and the response to sudden movement.

It is important to know your animal and the limits of his or her tolerance. If your dog understands and responds to obedience training, your commands will keep the situation under control. Socializing your dog, by allowing interaction with other animals at an early age, also leads to good behavior as the dog matures.

So, consider adopting a companion for your companion animal. Dogs are pack animals and thrive on company. Having two animals will definitely double your fun and theirs.

Spring 2017

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Past speakers John Greenall, Luman Wadhams, Richard Boule, and Steve Davis (left to right)

Going to School for a Unique Equine Clinic “S

chool days, school days, good old golden rule days…” not quite, “no readin’, writin’ or ‘rithmetic,” for this school. Just lots of horse talk. This popular horse-less equine clinic is in its fifth year of bringing professional expertise for person-to-person encounters. Have questions on a training problem? Want to know more about equine acupuncture? Do you know how greatly your horse will respond to a massage? Are you interested in turning your horse into a dancing partner? Take advantage of the Morgan Horse Heritage Foundation’s 5th Annual Unique Equine Clinic.

In April of 2012, the Morgan Ho r s e He r i t a g e Fo u n d a t io n President, Marilyn Childs, brought up a fundraising idea: a Spring horseless clinic to be held at the Sharon School, Sharon, VT. The clinic would bring in top horse professionals for a series of classroom presentations, to be followed by a convivial family luncheon. What could be better to shrug off the winter blues and get into the swing for a new equine season?

This year’s 5th Annual Spring Clinic on April 1, 2017, in Sharon may surpass expectations – Richard Boule makes his 5th appearance. Richard is a USEF Judge, manager/trainer extraordinaire for Taylor River Farm.

He fields training, exhibiting and judging questions. John Greenall is making his second appearance. Also a USEF judge, John is an international authority on all things carriage and endurance riding/driving. Lori Berger is a second timer, bringing her knowledge of dressage and western dressage – the newest challenge to developing a well trained partner.

Then there is Doctor Randy Frantz, who has many years of experience in the veterinary field. Have a horse that is sore, or stiff? Randy can help pin point problem areas and offer assistance in overcoming these hidden problems.

Gifford Morgan Jr son of Gifford Morgan

The morning starts at 9:30 a.m. with a welcome coffee and baked goods meet-and-greet with the Foundation sponsors: Joy Smith, Judy Mosman and Nancy Plimpton, as well as the speakers.

Many of the Foundation members will be there to introduce themselves and assist in answering questions as well. At the stroke of 10:00 a.m. the classrooms start filling up, so make sure you grab a chair. The speakers have separate assigned classrooms, giving attendees Continued Next Page

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Spring 2017

the opportunity to pick a favorite presenter or the topic of most interest. Bring your questions; this is the time to ask the experts! Are you ready for more? At 11:00 a.m. attendees can change rooms for a different speaker/topic and take a seat.

Following the presentations a home made lunch awaits.

Lunch is officiated by the ‘Sharon Sprouts’, 5th and 6th grade students, who will serve each person a plate of delicious hot food. The Sharon Sprouts is an active school program that raises money for the school’s food services. Chef Liann Perry and Sharon School Principal, Barrett Williams, coordinate the program. Food is grown in the school’s on-site garden, or is locally sourced – a food to plate experience. The students help prep and serve the lunch with much aplomb. The Foundation is more than happy to hire the Sprouts for your dining pleasure.

Your host, The Morgan Horse Heritage Foundation, is a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to educating the public about the Morgan Horse, and protecting and preserving the history of the Morgan horse. Are you interested in Morgan horses, Vermont history, or becoming involved in great projects? Then fill out a MHHF membership form – the MHHF has something for everyone. Come and join us for the MHHF 5th Annual Spring Indoor Clinic. See you there.

Bulrush son of Justin Morgan

For more information contact: Anne Brown, 802 878-4128, 1380 Old Stage Road, Westford, VT 05494

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Let’s take a bite out of cancer... together!!

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ave you ever missed out on participating in a Relay for Life event in your community because your dogs were not allowed? Well, guess what?!

Since we know that our canine caregivers can be such a vital part of patient survivorship, it is our pleasure to invite you to join us to celebrate them at a local 2017 Bark for Life event! The American Cancer Society’s Bark for Life is a noncompetitive walk event for dogs and their owners that raises funds and awareness for the American Cancer Society’s fight against cancer!

Bark for Life is committed to honoring the lifelong contributions of our canine support team; and so we invite everyone to join us to celebrate our canines and to bring an end to cancer.

It is time to build your FIGHT BACK team and start fundraising to make this year’s Bark for Life event a huge success!

This year, we are once again hosting two events in May. We are adding many news things to our events; from fun event theme, vendor tables, raffles, games, and so much more! If you are a business that is interested in supporting our event; there are sponsorship opportunities available.

For more info or to register your team for one of our events; please contact Jennifer Clark at 802.872.6323 or jennifer.clark@cancer.org or by visiting our websites at: Chittenden County – May 5, 2017 at Technology Park www.relayforlife.org/barkchittendenvt Franklin County – May 19, 2017 at Collins Perley Sports Complex www.relayforlife.org/barkfranklinvt

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Let’s take a bite out of cancer... together!!

Spring 2017

JD Green with a big fan of the Caws

3rd ANNUAL CAWS 4 PAWS RETURNS TO BARRE, VT JUNE 3rd

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for every pet owner —from nutrition to obedience and behavior, to doggy daycare, apparel and beyond. The sky’s the limit really,” he says.

Ian Grant, Owner & Head Trainer from Vermont Dog Boarding & Behavior will be in attendance to offer dog training demonstrations. “The better we understand dogs, the better relationship we have with them,” says Grant. Clients come from Vermont, New Hampshire, New York, and Connecticut to have their dogs trained by Ian and his staff. He was recently featured on WCAX’s “Made in Vermont” segment.

Green’s goal however, is to focus on the cause of countless pet adoption organizations in New England. He welcomes clubs, rescue and therapy groups from all over New England and last year even had several from as far away as Georgia and Florida.

“The word is out. It’s back this spring, and better than ever. Those who attended last year will be there again with their dogs. Those that travel from anywhere in Vermont and New England for that matter won’t be disappointed. Don’t leave your dog at home. Hop in the car and bring them with you. It’s a giant win-win for the community and the local economy and I couldn’t be more proud of what it has become already,” he closes.

his June, local radio personality JD Green brings his annual pet expo, “CAWS 4 PAWS” back to Barre, VT. This year’s event will take place on Saturday, June 3rd from 10am-3pm.

The last two years have seen record crowds at the BOR ice arena, and this year Green plans for an even larger event. The vendor list last year topped sixty-five, a third larger than the inaugural event in May of 2015. Green’s inspiration behind his CAWS 4 PAWS expo is rooted in his To learn more, or get involved as a vendor or volunteer on June 3rd, get in love for animals, mostly his passion for dogs and even more specifically his touch with Green who says he’s already been contacted by several attendees from last year. Make sure to visit the CAWS 4 PAWS Facebook page. beloved partner of sixteen years, Buddy.

“This is something I have wanted to do for a long time, but when I lost Buddy I decided to start it up in his memory,” says Green, who adds that Vermont has one of the largest population of dog owners in the country.

With over four thousand attendees last spring, Green wasn’t surprised by the turnout, especially considering the debut of the world famous DOCK DOGS. “People turned out in droves to see what so many of us in Vermont have never witnessed — dogs that can leap upwards of twenty feet or more across the water to retrieve their favorite toy,” he says with a grin. “It was huge. Like nothing I’ve ever seen before. The trophies and ribbons, the competition, the entire show was a real treat for so many families,” he adds. DOCK DOGS, the world’s premier canine aquatics competition featured various competition events such as “Big Air”, “Speed Retrieve”, “Extreme Vertical” and more, with final rounds of the three day event on Sunday.

Well behaved dogs ARE welcome at CAWS 4 PAWS. Last spring, many tried out their aerial skills for the first time in the novice jumping division.

This spring Green hopes to move closer to his goal of 100 vendors, while teaming up with his radio station 101 THE ONE to promote. His aim this year is to expand the crowd from the reaches of Rutland, St. Jay, Middlebury, St. Albans, Burlington and even New York. “There is something Spring 2017

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Bring Out the Best in Your Horse O

ne of the worst things that happens when you first get into horses is that you think all you have to do is just get on and ride. No wonder there are so many failed relationships with horses! Most horses have a justifiably negative opinion of humans and have learned behaviors that range from frustrating to downright dangerous.

What if, from the first day you dreamed of having a horse, you were taught that your job is to learn how to bring out the best in your horse? That sometimes riding cannot be your major focus, that you might have to act as a trainer — or psychologist or behaviorist or all of the above — first? Then it would make sense that you have to learn to become a horseman, because a horseman is part rider, part trainer, part psychologist and part behaviorist.

A horseman is way more than just a rider, but is a great rider too.

Linda Parelli

It’s the second one that is key, because it’s not until your horse is calm, confident and willing that you can work on yourself to improve your feel, posture, position, technique and advance your skills.

This is also why “school masters” are so valuable. They have their act together, they know their job and they can put up with the mistakes riders make as they are learning. Pat Parelli expresses this in #7 of the Eight Principles: “Horses teach humans and humans teach horses” because he knows how valuable it is for riders to learn from experienced horses. Unfortunately not all of us are lucky enough to have access to that kind of horse which is why becoming an excellent rider, sometimes takes longer than it should.

Linda Parelli is an equine educator a n d co -fo u n d e r of Parelli Natural Horsemanship, a program which offers a systematic and fun way to learn to think like a horse. She is especially wellknown for her work on horse psychology and her development of the concept of Horsenality™, or horse personality. Along with licensed psychologist Dr. Patrick Handley, she has developed a horse/human personality matching system, the Horsenality™/ Humanality™ Match Report.

A lifelong enthusiast of the sport of Dressage, Linda enjoys learning from classical masters and applying their concepts to her own work. Linda’s experiences as a student of the legendary dressage trainer Walter Zettl resulted in her development of a Game of Contact course, a step-by-step program that helps riders achieve mental, emotional, and physical connection with their horses.

Part Trainer A trainer is a teacher, and it is your responsibility to teach your horse what you need and want him to know. As his teacher you need to be a good communiPart Rider cator, have a plan, and be knowledgeable, There are two components to riding: disciplined, patient, and focused. You 1. Not falling off, going with the flow. need to be able to blend consistency 2. Developing and advancing your skills. and variety in the right proportions, to solve and prevent problems, and to make progress as soon as your horse is in a learning frame of mind.

Part Behaviorist Understanding horse behavior takes Part Psychologist the mystery out of horses, and the key In the Parelli program you learn a to understanding the individual horse is lot about how to use equine psychology “Horsenality.” Not only does this allow you to influence your horse’s mind, rather to understand why your horse behaves in than manipulate him against his will a certain way, it informs you of potential using physical force. It’s about getting behavioral patterns. You’ll know how your idea to become your horse’s idea, to design productive training sessions, but understanding your horse’s idea when to speed up or slow down, and you’ll first. Essentially this means you need stop bringing out the crazy, unpredictknow what strategies calm or motivate able, lazy or naughty side of your horse. a horse, when to retreat or use reverse Be a Horseman psychology, and when to advance and By using all your skills as a horseman make rapid progress. you’ll bring out the best in your horse by slipping effortlessly from one role to the other exactly as needed. When your horse is afraid or loses trust and confidence, you’ll understand him and help him regain his confidence and trust in your leadership. When your horse resists or shuts down, you’ll know how to encourage his ideas or wait until he asks you a question. When your horse is calm, trusting, motivated and willing, you’ll get to work on the subtleties of becoming an excellent rider. Even though “rider” is first on this list, for the good of the horse it’s the thing you get to focus on last. One day it will all be seamless — you’ll do it all, all of the time. And then, in your horse’s eyes, you are a real horseman.

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Money $aving Pet Tips I

t’s tax season and there is no better time to look at the family budget than now. Your pet is an important part of your family (although you can’t claim them as a dependant), and probably account for more expense than you think. If you’re interested is saving money and improving your pets quality of life, here are some important money saving ideas:

1. Brush Teeth Daily

Dental problems are more common than you think. Imagine if you never brushed your teeth! If you don’t already have the supplies, get a specially-made pet toothbrush and toothpaste (they come in various flavors), and make it a routine. Pets suffer from the same dental problems as people (plaque, tartar, gingivitis, etc.) and should have their teeth brushed daily to avoid costly veterinary procedures. Perhaps instead of needing a $500-1000 intensive dental cleaning every year, your veterinarian will recommend it every two or three years.

2. Choose a Long-Lasting Flea and Tick Preventative

Over the past few years, fleas and ticks have been the #1 problem facing New England pet owners. Fortunately, there are many types of preventatives to choose from these days. Discuss with your veterinarian which type best fits your needs, and consider preventatives that are longer lasting. Some preventatives can offer your pet protection against nasty flea and ticks for up to 12 weeks.

This can be both convenient and economical for you in the long run.

3. Invest in Quality Food

Feeding a high quality pet food is one of the simplest yet most important things you can do. A properly balanced diet will help ensure that your pet will remain in good health with a shiny coat and a strong immune and digestive system. You may end up spending a little more at the check-out line, but the overall investment should save you hundreds!

4. Avoid Overfeeding

Portion-control is not only crucial in maintaining your pet’s health but cost effective. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, over 50% of dogs and cats are overweight or obese.

A big part of the problem is excess calories due to overfeeding. Portion sizes will vary depending on the age, size, and activity level of your pet. Read the pet food label and discuss with your veterinarian how many calories your pet should consume daily. Then portion out the meals using a measuring cup.

5. Exercise Regularly

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spent on treating pets for accidents and poisonings. Pet-proof your home in order to avoid common pet emergencies such as poisonings and electrocutions. Start by walking your entire house imagining what a pet could eat, climb, or pull down, and then secure those things. Your yard should also be pet-proofed. Check for loose boards along the fence, unlocked gate latches, and trash, recycle bins and other potentially dangerous containers that may not be properly sealed or stored.

7. Start a Health Saving or Pet Insurance Plan

Setting up a savings plan for expected pet care costs like vaccinations, heartworm testing and annual exams is not only possible but also practical. For unexpected or catastrophic events, you may want to consider shopping for a pet insurance plan. Either way, plan wisely.

Borrowing money to pay for your pet’s healthcare can end up increasing the real price of your pet care exponentially.

8. M aximize Discounts and Rewards Visit the website of your favorite local pet supply store. Many offer loyalty reward programs, coupons and rebates that can help save you money on things you were already going to buy for your pet. It is, however, important that you don’t chase savings by continually switching certain items like pet food and medications. Often pets become accustomed to a certain type of food or medication and may suffer from adverse reactions when making an abrupt change. If you are considering making a change, consult your veterinarian on how to best approach the situation.

An overweight or obese pet can be more prone to suffer from expensive and life-threatening health issues such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.

Exercise with your pet regularly to help avoid encountering such problems. Often all it takes is 15-30 minutes a day of physical activity (combined with a proper diet) to ensure your pet remains at a healthy weight. Discuss with your veterinarian As New Englanders, we are renowned about how often and how long your pet should exercise, especially if the dog or for our common sense. Remember the saying, “An ounce of prevention is worth cat already is overweight a pound of cure.” The best money tip is a 6. Pet-proof Home and Yard visit to your vet for an annual wellness Every year thousands of dollars are exam.

Spring 2017

Miranda Lambert...

A D o g's B e s t F r i e n d

Miranda, Bel lamy & Delta Daw Photo credit to Jamie Wrig n ht

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hen she was in her 20s, Miranda Lambert emerged as one of country music’s rising stars. She grew up in Lindale, TX, a small town where her parents ran a private detective agency. Her father was also a guitarist and songwriter, and she grew up listening to such country music greats as Merle Haggard and Guy Clark.

At the age of 10, Lambert entered her first country music talent show. Her budding career got a boost from performing on Johnnie High’s Country Music Revue, a weekly variety show in Arlington, Texas.

This program helped launch the careers of several other country music stars, including LeAnn Rimes and Lee Ann Womack.

Another talent contest led to some acting work, appearing in a commercial and the teen comedy Slap Her She’s French (2001).

She got a big break when she passed the auditions for a new country music reality show, Nashville Star. She moved to the country music capital to compete for a recording contract among other prizes.

While she didn’t win, Lambert still landed a major label contract with Sony Music after becoming the show’s second runnerup. “I was hoping not to win,” she said in a statement on her website. “The winner had to go in right after the contest and make a record in a couple of weeks, and I wasn’t ready.”

Miranda continues her reign as one of country’s most popular performers. In Continued Next Page

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2014, she released Platinum, which featured such hit tracks as “Automatic” and “Somethin’ Bad.” The record also earned several CMA Awards, including single of the year and album of the year, and won a Grammy in 2015 for Best Country Album.

As the Highway Vagabond Tour got off to a great start this year, Miranda is rallying the support of pet lovers by calling on concertgoers to support her passion and to “Fill The Little Red Wagon” at her tour stops with food and supplies to help animals in need.

The country superstar is offering up the chance for one lucky fan and a guest to meet her before her performance. To enter, all you have to do is drop off pet food, treats or toys into the “Little Red Wagon” that is set up at the entrance of the venue on the evening of her shows. All donations benefit local shelters.

Recently, 4 Legs & a Tail caught up with the country music superstar and dog enthusiast between shows.

4 Legs & a Tail - Your passion for dogs is well known. In 2009, you and your mom, Bev started Mutt Nation. What was the inspiration behind this?

ML: All my life I have felt such a strong connection with dogs and never lost the passion for wanting to find homes for them. When I was younger I volunteered at a local shelter where I saw how much money and work it took for a shelter to run efficiently. My mom, Bev, and I wanted to help them so we put together a charity event called “Cause for the Paws” where all the proceeds would be donated to that specific shelter. The event continued to grow every year, so we decided to start working on a program that could help animals on a national level. We decided to start the MuttNation Foundation in 2009 to give it a proper framework and accountability.

off and on, and four of my dogs are way too big for the bus on a longer run, that would definitely not be very comfortable for them.

4 Legs & a Tail - What kind of dogs do you currently have?

ML: They run the gamut. Jessi and Waylon are Golden mixes and they are sister and brother. My 2 Great Pyrenees Thelma and Louise are also girl siblings.

Bellamy is a Comfort Retriever, Delta is a Chihuahua/Pug mix and Cher is a Deer Chihuahua.

Miranda Lambert with Bellamy Photo credit to Stephanie Diggs

is through rescue missions and charity events. We love helping dogs and it made sense to create a product line where it would help fund those rescue missions and charity events. The product line also has a rescue dog plush toy collection and we’ve personalized each dog with a tag that has their story where you can learn more about them. We hope that customers will share those stories, encouraging others to adopt, and in some way become involved with helping to save dogs.

4 Legs & a Tail - Animal homelessness is rampant in many southern areas. What do you see as the most effective solution to this problem?

ML: Many people believe shelters are not a great place to find a dog, but I truly believe shelters are a great way to find your forever furry friend. Most shelters I visit do a great job taking in animals and rehabilitating them to give them a chance at getting adopted. When those dogs go home with their new owners, they are so grateful because their entire life just changed and they know it. This is MuttNation Foundation’s main focus along with educating people, about how important and beneficial it is to adopt a pet rather than buy one.

4 Legs & a Tail - As a country superstar, a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist, how do you manage your time?

ML: I try to live a normal life and take down time at home as much as possible to stay grounded. I truly love what I do for a living and getting to create things that I can be proud of, that also brings happiness to others, animals included! So I purposefully make sure that any work related or hobby projects reflect who I am, so I continue to have a good balance in my life.

4 Legs & a Tail - Two years ago your 50 States/50 Shelters helped fund the Animal Rescue League of NH. On June 2 & 3 you have performances at the Bank of NH Pavilion. Do any of your dogs accompany you on tour?

ML: My smaller dogs, Bellamy, Delta and Cher, go out on the road with me all the time. They are my “road dogs.” It makes 4 Legs & a Tail - The foundation has grown me feel more at home to have them out 4 Legs & a Tail - Can you share your with on-line and retail pet products. Can with me. favorite dog story? you tell us more?

ML: MuttNation Foundation’s main 4 Legs & a Tail - When you’re on the road, ML: So many! One that really stands out is how Jessi and Waylon became mission is educating the public and bring- who takes care of your dogs at home? ing awareness to how important and ML: I have some good people that help part of my family. One day my mom Bev rewarding it is to adopt a shelter pet, and watch over them while I’m gone. With and I went on an errand in town and drove some of the most effective ways to do that seven dogs you need help walking them over a bridge, when I thought I saw something move. It was pouring rain and we stopped and backtracked to see if there was really something moving on the side of the road. Turned out there were these two very soaking wet but beautiful little puppies, and we took them to the vet immediately.

For a couple of days it was touch and go, but luckily both of them pushed through and have been by my side for the past 9 years. They are such amazing and loving dogs, I’m so lucky to have found them.

I love hearing stories about how rescue dogs have become a part of people’s families and changed their lives for the better.

A rescue getting their happy ending is what really matters. Don’t forget, love a shelter pet!

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RAD Girls Club T

he RAD Girls Club is a rescuebased initiative founded and run by Katie Falcone and Chelsea Edson. The girls dedicate their free time giving second chances to rescue dogs across New England and encouraging people across the country to carry out their RAD mission. The RAD Girls Club believes that all dogs and humans alike deserve a second chance at living a better life. Their club is dedicated to raising awareness for discriminated breeds, senior dogs, and dogs who need special emotional or physical accommodations. Not a physical shelter, their approach is unique.

The girls have created a social platform which helps the public perceive these dogs without the stigma that comes with the shelters. They volunteer at shelters and within local foster networks, taking the dogs for day trips to help them both de-stress in nature and let them soak in the VT wilderness.

he is also stoic and inquisitive. A few daytrips have really shown us that he feels comfortable in nature. We know he would really thrive at a home with plenty of property to explore and exercise in.

Denver would be most comfortable in a home with no other pets, fearful of dogs, we don’t want to subject him to anymore psychological trauma. Denver is lucky to be in an amazing foster home who have continued to support him until he finds his forever home. Denver is available through Passion 4 Paws at www.passion4paws.com, his perfect family is somewhere out there. Denver epitomizes that “nothing worth having in this life should be attained easily.”

With loyalty and commitment Denver will be the greatest of companions.

RAD Girl Rescue Story (Winnie): “Thank you, We never would have found her without you and we feel like our Family is complete now that we have How you can get Involved: Tag us her”- Winnie’s New Owner on Instagram at @radgirlsclubvt in a Winnie, formally known as Shania picture with your rescue dog or become Twain, is the perfect example of why we a RAD Girl Ambassador by volunteer- started this group and how community ing at your local shelter or your local Continued Next Page foster networks. Take adoptable dogs on daytrips, spread the word on adoption and share our posts on social media.

Hold fundraisers within your community to help us fund rescue groups and individual dogs through Paypal on our website. The money we raise helps to pay for medical bills, costs associated with the shelter, and any funding care for the dogs we help to highlight!

Denver

Denver: Denver is an adoptable dog who has spent nearly his entire life in a dedicated foster. Denver came from South Carolina at four months old and had a rough start to his short life. Adopted and returned for several reasons beyond his control, he has had significant trauma that makes him fearful of other animals. Despite this, he is a beautiful dog with a real love for humans. Excitable and goofy, Spring 2017

www.4LegsAndATail.com 13

ties and organically talking about what we do in our day to day activities can really pay off. We met Winnie in August 2016, in the process of collecting photos for a campaign with Found My Animal, a Brooklyn based dog leash company which makes leashes and collars for adopted dogs.

We set up a meet and greet with Winnie through Passion-4-Paws in Essex.

When we pulled in a huge Pitbull mix barreled out of her foster’s car and charged at us wiggling and snorting like a pig. We fell in love then and there.

Winnie was deaf, although that never slowed her down or hindered her socialization. She was thriving in her foster home with dogs, cats and human kids but has trouble finding the right owner. Months later, Katie was at the Gym and talked about The RAD Girls club. At the time, we were rallying for a dog named Mitch. A woman inquired about the club, their Pitbull Mix had just passed away and she was absolutely devastated.

Flipping through photos, Maura, spotted Winnie. Long story short, Maura adopted Winnie. We get photos of Winnie thriving in her new home and we couldn’t be happier.

RAD Girl Rescue Story (Pierce): Pierce In the summer of 2016 we began a partnership with Potter’s Angels Rescue. We were running a fun program with the Warren Store in Warren, Vermont- a historic general store with great people and Vermont-based goods. We had reached out to Potter’s asking to take one of their dogs down to meet and greet, the first time we picked up Pierce we fell in love. Porky and cuddly, excitable and so eager to meet people, we couldn’t believe how adorable he was. He loved to stand between us, once he had given each of us enough kisses he would lay down and snooze in the backseat. Pierce was in an incredible foster with dogs and kids who adored him, yet he continued to be overlooked by adopters for 6+ months. We brought him out for day trips to the Warren Store, Sugarbush resort, Ethan Allen Homestead, and even just to hang out with us and our dogs. Loveable and easygoing, he loved to be out in the woods. We were so pleased when we found his adopters had another dog and 30 acres of land in rural Vermont!

Pierce was a case where excitable energy, his pitbull appearance, and not being a young “malleable” puppy worked against him. It took so long for him to find his perfect family.

The girls are supported by a community of makers, rescue advocates, and small businesses that have the same goal as they do: put some good out into the world and bring people and dogs together in a way that saves them both. Every homeless dog has a perfect family waiting for them, regardless of any “negative” characteristics that they have been defined by in the past. Every dog has a story and the RAD girls provide the voice for those animals who can’t speak for themselves and encourage men and women across the country to become a RAD advocate.

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Spring 2017

WHY DIDN’T I GET THE DOG I WANTED? Karen Sturtevant

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elson wiggles his wrinkly, stocky little butt uncontrollably when I approach.

His sweet nature is magnified only by this distinctive display of greeting. Nelson is a five-year-old male English bulldog who was available for adoption earlier this year.

As with all dogs that grace our space at Vermont English Bulldog Rescue, Nelson stole our hearts.

Rocco, a one-year-old male English bulldog, more vocal than Nelson, would make us laugh each time his pitch and volume changed from a mild “I’m ready to play,” to “PAY ATTENTION TO ME NOW!” in doggie language. If dogs could curse, Rocco would get a gold star. Solid and strong with puppy power energy, Rocco quickly became our most popular social media sensation.

Was it his looks? His age? Probably both.

Rocco got over 29,000 clicks on his handsome photos.

When both dogs were ready for adoption, several applications were received for Nelson and hundreds, yes hundreds, for Rocco. Some were stellar, others…not so much.

“I want Nelson because he’s so cute,” “Rocco looks like the pal my other bulldog needs, so when can I come pick him up?”

“Nelson looks like a teddy bear, I want him!” When adoption applications are received, several factors are taken into account based on the needs of the specific dog being considered. Some dogs are outgoing, active, want to be social, some are introverts who prefer to call their bed home and expect visitors to come to them, not the other way around.

The eventual goal at VEBR is to adopt to the right family, into the right dynamic, for life. Our application process is stringent. If we don’t follow our due diligence when screening applications, we haven’t done our job.

Many well-meaning applicants don’t understand why they were not the chosen one. They see a face, fall in love only to be disappointed. Applications range from hastily filled out with incomplete information to thorough explanations with matter-of-fact points for consideration.

Perhaps the person lives in an apartment on the third floor with no green space for play or is gone ten hours a day with no provisions for when the dog is alone.

Some families already have dogs or other pets. As with people, we don’t care to be around everyone we meet, dogs are like that too. We’ve met dogs who are content to be the sole pet, while others want to have a party atmosphere.

Each dog is assessed on their individual merits and inclinations. Every dog’s personality does not fit every family’s way of Spring 2017

life. Our focus puts the welfare of the animal at the forefront.

Some dogs would love to be a penthouse pampered pooch, others would not. An active dog Nelson & Family Rocco & Family usually requires a fenced yard. A meek, quiet dog would unravel being around busyness and multiple active canines and kids day in and out. We don’t compromise placements and sometimes that means losing the popularity contest. If a proper, right-fit home can’t be found, then the dog will stay with us until it can be.

When filling out an adoption application for any rescue or shelter, be candid and forthright, clear and concise with your answers, don’t embellish and most importantly, be honest. The ultimate objective is to unite dog with human, successfully with minimal snags. We never give up hope, even when temporary guests become long-term residents.

I believe that for every dog we are given the task of caring for there is a person or persons for whom that dog is meant to be with.

Wiggly-jiggly Nelson found his forever home with Robbie and Jerome in Massachusetts. He’s happy, well-adjusted and joyfully wiggles his little bulldog butt every day. Rock star Rocco now calls New York his city with humans, Brooke and Stuart. From the updates and pictures we receive from these doggie parents, life is very sweet indeed. Mission accomplished.

Be patient in your search for a canine companion as this is a lifetime commitment (don’t forget the vet bills, chewed new sneakers, boarding arrangements for vacation days, specific food and treats, specialized care and possible compound prescriptions!) which comes with daily doses of drool-spotted floors and buckets of unconditional returns on love.

For information on Vermont English Bulldog Rescue, please visit, www.VermontEnglishBulldogRescue.com and find us on Facebook.

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senses

Mike Robertson - Plymouth, NH

Overstimulation Can Cause Nipping in Cats

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ost cats will simply walk away when they have had enough attention from you. Others, however, will nip at your hand. Why do they do this? You aren’t hurting them, just stroking, it can be confusing.

Some cats become over stimulated easily. The stroking causes a building of nervous tension and the bite relieves some of that ten-

sion. Others just never learned that biting was inappropriate behavior.

With cats that have a tendency to bite, it is good to follow what has been dubbed the “Seven-stroke rule.” Allow yourself to stroke (avoiding the whiskers, see below for information on “whisker fatigue”) your cat only seven times, then stop. This is usually short enough not to create agitation. Eventually you can add another stroke and then another, but do it slowly over time. This will give your cat time to build up a tolerance to, and hopefully enjoyment of, being stroked.

WHISKER FATIGUE At the base of each whisker there is a sensory organ called a proprioceptor whose purpose is to send messages to the cat’s brain and nervous system, related to what is going on around it. With such sensitivity, the cat’s whiskers can easily become stressed by repeated contact with an object. Deep food or water bowls are the most frequent source of whisker fatigue. When the cat moves their head down into the bowl to eat or drink, the whiskers contact the side of the bowl and get pulled pack. A possible comparison of this sensation might be that of repeatedly poking an ingrown hair.

Here are a few signs that your cat might be experiencing whisker fatigue: • Paws food out of the bowl and eats from the floor • Drinks by dipping and licking their paw • Leaves food in the bowl but still seems to be hungry • Avoids food on the perimeter of the bowl • Stands or paces around the filled bowl • Will only eat when the bowl is filled to the very top The solution is very simple; a wider food and water bowl. Ideally allowing a space at least twice the width of the cat’s head, including the whiskers.

Mike Robertson is a certified animal trainer and certified behaviour consultant located in Plymouth NH. He is the owner of White Mountain College for Pets, with two locations: 661 Mayhew Turnpike & 594 Tenney Mtn Hwy in Plymouth NH. View upcoming class schedules or contact him at: www.collegeforpets.com or by phone 603-369-4PET.

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Spring 2017

DOG FIGHTS D

John Peaveler

og fights happen. Just as conflicts arise among humans, dogs too have altercations that sometimes result in physical violence.

I’d like to be clear upfront on this topic that I am not a dog behaviorist. I am a professional animal handler and instructor. Dog behaviorists and trainers should be your first stop if you have a fight prone dog, particularly one who poses a risk to humans or other animals. My job is to give you some options for those hopefully rare occasions when you need to stop a fight in progress. However, the absolutely best way to deal with a fight is to prevent it.

There are a whole host of things we do in our lives which require adequate education, from reading to driving, yet it’s no exaggeration to say that the majority of dog owners have had no formal or even informal instruction on canine behavior.

Barbara Handleman, a certified canine behaviorist based in Norwich, VT wrote an incredible book I recommend called Canine Behavior: A Photo Illustrated Handbook.

This book is quite comprehensive and will prove an excellent reference for anyone wanting to know what their dogs’ behavior means. Once you know what your dog is communicating, it’s much easier to get the root of problems.

Safety is the most important element of fight intervention. Most of us love our pets, so our first instinct is often to get in the middle of a fight in order to stop it at all costs. Those costs, however, can be profound and include emergency and reconstructive surgery for both humans and dogs as well as rabies quarantine and euthanasia depending upon ordinances. Getting into the middle of a fight is simply not an option.

If for instance, as is common, you were to pull two dogs apart by their collars, you may physically pull the animals apart but the farther you pull them the more your face ends up between them. This happens all the time and very often results in severe injury for the person who does it.

Dog fights can be minor altercations or true emergencies, so in controlled settings where fights are likely to occur, such as animal shelters, boarding facilities, and doggy daycares, it’s important to have the same level of preparedness as a you would have for medical emergencies or fires.

Spring 2017

Fight response options depend upon the severity of the fight and preparedness of the people involved. Your first recourse should be sound. In minor fights, a loud clap and shout of ‘hey’ repeated as necessary will often suffice. If this is insufficient, escalate to an air horn or pet deterrent spray (such as Premier brand compressed air or air with citronella). These are great options because they are portable and effective in the average fight. Water is your next best option. A bucket kept ready offers a high volume in a short time, but a hose is more realistic in most settings. Your goal is to soak the heads of both animals and startle them out of the fight and back into voice control. For professional animal care organizations, I recommend that a “Y” pole be an integrated piece of equipment for fight response. This is a passive restraint tool, but it also works very well as a wedge to drive between two dogs. “Y” poles require additional training. Finally, physical barriers are required for some fights, particularly the rare one that doesn’t end after trying everything else above. A livestock sorting panel is great, a piece of plywood will work, and in uncontrolled situations, any item can be used to physically separate the dogs: a chair, cardboard box, crate, bike, table, whatever is present.

The point is to put a barrier other than your body between two fighting dogs.

Now let’s say you’re out for a walk in a field and your dog gets into a fight.

You basically have two options depending upon the severity of the fight and assuming you’ve tried shouting with no success.

Your best option is wheelbarrowing. If there are two owners, work together simultaneously on this. Grab both hind legs of the more dominant dog or the dog that is winning and raise the entire hind end up off the ground, dragging the dog away from the fight. This works well in large breed dogs, but keep in mind a smaller dog like a Jack Russel can likely reach around for a bite. The other option isn’t nearly as nice. Never put your hands or face in a dog fight, but if you absolutely must use your body, use your legs. I’m

not advocating kicking, but your shoe is much more durable than your face.

These are the basics of dog fight response, paired down to fit in 800 words, but the condensed version may not leave you feeling well equipped. If you’d like more information, I regularly teach day long animal handling and capture classes. I would also be happy to write more on this subject for the next issue.

If you’re interested in either of these, just drop me a line at john@animal-care. com. Finally, dog fight intervention is dangerous, and I cannot accept any liability should you attempt any of the techniques I have described.

www.4LegsAndATail.com 17

A Healthy Gut Means a Happy Mutt!

Contributed by ForeFront™ Nutrition

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s pet owners we’re always concerned about what goes into – and comes out of – our beloved dogs. The wrong thing going “in” can certainly have dire consequences on what comes “out”. One ill-gotten meal and you’re either dealing with an unhappy dog at best, a series of terrible messes, or at worst a trip to the vet.

It’s not surprising then, that what goes into a dog can have tremendous impact on their overall well-being. The gut represents the largest immune organ in the dog’s body, roughly 70% of the canine immune system resides in their gastrointestinal tract. When the gut isn’t processing the absorption of food and nutrients, it’s working on blocking bacteria and toxins. But, when the body’s natural defenses in the gut breakdown, like after consuming a food or treat that doesn’t necessarily agree with them, digestive upsets including vomiting, diarrhea and constipation can unfortunately occur.

Having the proper gut flora, both in type and quantity is critical to, not only

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get your dog through these times of gastric stress, but to also reduce the impact of the illness, as well. Though many premium dog food blends claim to include probiotics in their ingredients, there is no way of knowing the type of probiotic that is included, and most importantly, whether it is still viable by the time it gets into your dog’s bowl. Most probiotics used in pet products today are derived from bovine, human or yeast sources. For probiotics to have the desired effect they should be species specific, e.g. canine-specific probiotics.

Even when dealing with premium dog food blends claiming to contain added probiotics, there is no guarantee what the probiotic source is. Furthermore, the natural enemy of probiotics is heat, water and pressure. Most commercial dog foods go through a heating and pressurization process when the kibble is extruded, which essentially kills off the beneficial bacteria. To combat this, some of the brands have begun spraying a probiotic blend on their kibble following baking. However, the quantity of food you buy, the manner in which it’s stored and how long it has been on the shelf are all factors which can all impact the viability of the probiotic contained within the food.

Canine Digest by ForeFront™ is a meatflavored, all natural powder supplement designed to be sprinkled atop your dog’s daily meal. One to two daily scoops are recommended depending on your dog’s size, age, condition and health. Each scoop of ForeFront Canine Digest™ provides a minimum of 500 million CFU’s of Probiotics.

ForeFront’s Canine Digest™ not only contains a blend of four canine-specific probiotics but also includes prebiotics, as well. Prebiotics are the nutrients probiotics

require to stay alive and flourish. Because ForeFront Canine Digest’s™ probiotics are fueled by prebiotics plus are host-specific, they can withstand the rigors of the canine digestive tract. ForeFront’s Canine Digest™ is designed to not only soothe the digestive system, but also to encourage nutrient absorption while simultaneously supporting overall health.

Another key ingredient in ForeFront’s Canine Digest™ is BeneCell®. BeneCell® is a proprietary blend of purified nucleotides, along with other essential nutrients designed to support cellular growth and promote healing and recovery. Simply put, BeneCell® promotes healing by naturally accelerating the dog’s normal cell proliferation process. The production of new cells allow your dog to more quickly recover from a variety of stresses, including those that can come in the form of illness, injury, disease or even as a result to anxiety from emotional or physiological situations.

BeneCell® is particularly helpful for pets in less-than-optimal health or for breeds typically known for having food allergies and sensitive digestive systems.

Remember, not all probiotics are alike. Do your homework and ensure the digestive support you’re giving your dog contains the nutrients they can actually benefit from. For more information on ForeFront and its line of premium canine & equine products visit www.forefrontequine.com About ForeFront Nutrition: ForeFront Nutrition™ is a family owned and operated business out of Vermont who understand the level of devotion and energy it takes to properly care for horses and dogs. By recognizing the increasing need to provide premium quality supplements, ForeFront’s team embarked on a passionate and extensive industry research journey. Since then their team of professionals with over 75 years of animal nutrition experience, have sourced, formulated and manufactured a selection of the highest quality animal supplements available. All ForeFront™ products are independently tested and certified prior to blending and are manufactured from all natural ingredients exclusively in the United States. www.forefrontequine.com, (888) 772-9582 Dealer Inquiries Welcome.

Spring 2017

Spring 2017

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Alternatively Speaking : When What You Need Is More Time Dr. Anne Carroll, DVM, CVA

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llnesses are like accidents, arriving unplanned and at the most inconvenient times. Between family, work and day-to-day needs, we are stretched thin more often than not. On a good day, even the simplest medical issue for our pets can be stressful to handle. Even more difficult, is when that trip to the vet uncovers something serious and suddenly a lot of choices need to be made in a fairly short window of time. Families can suddenly be left with little hope and the possibility they could lose their companion in a very short period of time. Moments like these are difficult, there is no right choice in these situations. There are decisions regarding extensive and expensive testing or whether to seek the opinion of a specialist. Should your pet, who is not feeling great already, have to endure more procedures and office visits. Finally you and your family want answers to justify your decisions, but most of all, you want a little more time.

As a veterinarian that practices alternative medicine I meet patients with families that are hoping for more time. They have received a dire diagnosis, and are not ready to give up or give in. Perhaps western medicine may be too invasive or not offer a therapy at all. They are willing to try any route for that all elusive cure. First we discuss expectations. Of course a cure would be the goal, but realistically when a body has suffered greatly, what I feel I can offer is time. First, holistic is not minimalistic. When we can, we like to do a thorough western work up to maximize integrative medicine.

But in reality we can’t always have a diagnosis. Sometimes tests fail to give us answers, or we chose not to do them due to expense or invasiveness, especially if we will have no better options whether their condition has a name or not. Sometimes there are still Western therapies to try, based on a best guess. But alternative methods rely on their own diagnostic approaches and do not require Western testing. While they too can address acute symptoms, they also are aimed to slow down the root of the disorder that allowed the illness.

Alternative therapeutic options can be much more specific and effective with 20 4 Legs & a Tail

fewer side effects than treating with drugs alone.

Take Nika, a 6 year old Yellow Lab who had breast cancer removed six months before she developed a limp, followed a week later by a swelling on her rib. X-rays suggested she may have a return of her cancer in her rib and leg. Awaiting biopsy results, she went to a veterinary oncologist to discuss options. By her appointment days later, the cancer had triggered an autoimmune destruction of her own blood cells, she would bruise or bleed from the slightest bump like a hemophiliac. The family could leave her in the hospital to try aggressive transfusions and drugs to stop the immune disease if possible. The odds of success were poor, and even if she did stabilize she was facing a terminal cancer with limited treatment options.

They felt they needed more time to say goodbye, so they brought her home. Her family felt that choice was the kindest for Nika. Familiar with alternative medicine, they asked if we could help her feel better until it was time. From a Chinese perspective we started several herbs to address her bleeding, as well as Western herbals, nutritional supplements and a homeopathic remedy. Nika felt better within a day, but what followed was quite unexpected. She continued to feel better.

She stopped having spontaneous bruising, her normal appetite was restored and her limp was much better too. Other than medication for pain, she was not on any drugs. Her follow up blood work showed the bleeding abnormalities, not totally normal, were out of the crisis zone and stable. Nika enjoyed 5 good weeks of quality time with her family before her cancer spread to other areas and her family had to say goodbye.

Olive was an 8 year old Black Lab with the energy and appetite of her breed and routinely would jump her families couch. From end to end! She was brought in acting very uncomfortable and not eating. Her owner thought her seizure condition was acting up. Her x-rays and blood work showed a problem in her liver. An ultrasound revealed extensive cancer in her liver and the specialist offered to do biopsies with the knowledge this disease was likely too Continued Next Page

Spring 2017

aggressive to respond to any Western therapy. Olive’s owners did not pursue such a hopeless situation and just wanted Olive her comfortable to share some more time with her. Open to doing alternative supports, they felt her not well enough to have time to try those. However, when she responded pain medication they reconsidered. She started on Chinese herbs, nutritional supports for the immune system and a homemade diet for her liver. Soon her owners stopped the pain medication, within five days they could not tell that there was anything wrong with her. They enjoyed over 5 months of quality time together before her liver went into failure and they decided it was time to let her go.

As a veterinarian I know some of my patients from puppy or kitten to senior. There are others, though our relationship is short, our bond is just as strong and I am grateful to be a part of that and offer what help I can. Some diseases are not curable, given the state of the patient and their ability to overcome a disease long in the making. The key to providing temporary relief, especially in terminal illnesses, is to address not just the acute condition but also the underlying disorder in the body that allowed the illness to develop. Western medicine is fast and effective for alleviating acute symptoms of illness, but it does not attempt to identify or address the problems that led to the illness’s development. Alternative management focuses on that core issue and sometimes turn around a condition that seems beyond treatment.

Better yet, when that core issue is addressed as part of a wellness program before it has culminated in a life threatening condition, our hope and goal is that we avoid having to say goodbye too early all together.

Dr. Anne Carroll is owner of Chelsea Animal Hospital where she practices both conventional medicine and surgery as well as several alternative modalities including traditional Chinese acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. Her associate Dr. Betty Jo Black brings classical homeopathy to the practice.

For more info on alternative veterinary medicine visit their website at www.chelseaanimalhospital.com

Spring 2017

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Fractured Jaw Fixed with Dental Materials Sandra L Waugh VMD, MS

This young Pug broke her jaw by running into a motorcycle.

There is a complete break in the jaw bone, and the fracture line runs through the socket of one tooth. This tooth will die, but is left in the jaw during the healing phase because if it is extracted it becomes very difficult to keep the jaw in alignment while the wire and acrylic are applied.

This tooth was damaged when the jaw was broken and will die.

Fract ured jaw.

Dental Acrylic

St a i n le s s s t e el surgical wire was placed around the fractured teeth in a figure-eight pattern. The wire is used to help stabilize the fracture and to also give support to the dental acrylic.

Surgical stainless steel wire

The fractured bone must be kept stable on both sides of the fracture in order for the body to build a bridge across the fracture site. This jaw was stabilized using stainless steel surgical wire and dental acrylic.

After placing the wire, the teeth were acid-etched. An acid paste, specially made for teeth, was applied to the crowns. The acid removes some of the mineral within the enamel of the teeth, making the surface of the enamel rough.

This roughness is temporary and is necessary to help the acrylic bond to the teeth. A Primer/Bonder was then applied, again to help the acrylic bond to the crowns. The acrylic comes out of a tube much like caulking. It is flowed over the area and allowed to harden in place.

The dog was able to eat and drink with the splint in place. The acrylic developed a crack over the fracture site 6 weeks after it was applied. At the time of removal the back part of the acrylic was missing. It had done its job and the fracture went on to heal.

The bottom of the root did not close indicating that the tooth had died.

The fracture healed well.

The dead tooth was extracted after the acrylic and wire were removed.

Bone will fill in this area over the next 8 weeks.

The use of dental acrylic and wire provides good stability for the healing fracture, is easily removed once the fracture has healed and is comfortable for the dog. It does require the use of special materials, such as acid etch, Primer/ Bonder and dental acrylic.

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 Veterinary & Dental Services.

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Spring 2017

Bunnies and Chicks for Easter: Buyer Beware M. Kathleen Shaw, DVM

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ith Easter approaching, many pet stores stock up on “hot” items including live chicks and rabbits, which are often purchased and given to young children as presents.

There is no doubt, young chicks and bunnies are impossibly cute, but the fact is they grow into adult rabbits and chickens who have housing, feeding, and handling requirements that many people do not know about.

Many folks think rabbits are low maintenance pets that only require a small cage and some lettuce. The truth is, they have dietary requirements that include a balanced diet of pellets, fresh lettuce and other vegetables, and grass hays. They also require daily exercise and space enough to perform three consecutive hops in a cage.

Young children tend to be rougher and not understand that rabbits can easily break their backs when handled. It is heartbreaking to have a child mishandle that new bunny and accidentally break its back. In addition, rabbits have long toenails that leave deep scratches, especially if handled improperly.

Chicks are another incredibly cute baby, but they ultimately grow into chickens which require care. Roosters, when they hit sexual maturity, have the potential to become aggressive.

Chickens, and all wild birds, can carry the potentially deadly Salmonella and E.coli that can cause serious diarrhea and possibly death to young children.

After Easter, many shelters are overwhelmed by the number of relinquished rabbits and many are euthanized. In fact, rabbits are the third most relinquished pets to animal shelters, (which are usually equipped to handle only a few rabbits and rodents at a time). A serious misconception is that rabbits can be released into the wild to fend for themselves. The fact is they often starve to death or become easy prey for predators in the wild.

So before purchasing that cute bunny or baby chick, remember they grow up into adult rabbits and chickens with their own essential requirements for care, housing, and nutrition for Spring 2017

many years. You must commit to properly caring for them year round.

Talk to your veterinarian if you have questions or are considering buying a bunny or chick for Easter.

If you can’t provide the necessary care for your bunnies or chicks, just say no to live bunnies and chicks: stick to chocolate bunnies and peeps. They are easy to care for and don’t stay around long.

The Vermont Veterinary Medical Association (VVMA), founded in 1898, is a professional organization of 340 veterinarians dedicated to compassionate animal care and quality medicine. For more information, visit www.vtvets.org or call (802) 878-6888.

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Preparing for Spring Training John R. Killacky

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s the last vestiges of winter linger, the pony gets distracted in the indoor arena as the old wooden barn creaks in the freezing wind.

She startles at the unfamiliar noises.

Other days when the temperature warms, she spooks from the crashing of icicles melting or snow sliding off the roof. Crow-stepping and anxious, she wants to flee the scary sounds.

When she’s jumpy, it’s important to stay focused and reassure the pony, with me firmly in charge.

As she pulls me in the cart, we’re a team in sync, responding to each other’s emotions and body language.

Tension from either of us translates through the reins. We circle back to the place where the unexpected sounds happened, letting her know all is fine now - no monsters in this corner. Circling back and confronting our fears is always good, both for the pony and for me.

Other horses and their riders are also antsy this time of year, and one misstep can set off a chain reaction in the training arena. Disruptions are quickly dispelled when riders and horses settle back down with calm intentionality. Soon enough we’re orbiting each other contentedly.

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As the winter wanes, we all look forward to more quality time with our equines. Gone are the frozen water buckets, as well as numb and tingly fingers. Early morning and late afternoon visits are no longer in the dark. And the horses are spending more time outside in the fields, resulting in happier animals with less pent up energy.

Training now ramps up in preparation for spring clinics and summer shows. It’s fun to see all of us, teens to seniors, get more motivated.

Individualized action plans are honed with coaches. The pony and I have been working together for six years now, and I still find it essential to work with someone more proficient, to build on what I know and learn what I still don’t know. My only end-goal is further enjoyment.

As the seasons shift, however, it’s important not to rush getting back into competitive shape. I’m told most accidents happen in the spring with over-eager equestrians and their under-prepared horses. As with marathoners and their training cycles, we have to remember to build upon the basics, cross-train with groundwork, and gradually build up strength and stamina for peak performances from our equine athletes.

John R. Killacky is executive director of Flynn Center for the Performing Arts in Burlington, VT. Spring 2017

Water Safety Tips for Pets Dr. Anne Culp

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ith the warmer weather on its way, our furry friends are eager to start playing in the water. Swimming is a great activity for our dogs in the summertime to keep them active, exercised, and happy, but there are some dangers to be aware of. There are many living things, big and small, that benefit from the water sources in our environment. For example, there are two very tiny types of bacteria that can have a big impact on our pets. Dogs with leptospirosis may show signs of vomiting, diarrhea, a decreased appetite, increased thirst and urination, trembling or abdominal pain.

The Bacteria Leptospirosis, a spirochete, is a bacteria that is eliminated in urine by infected domestic and wild animals. It can survive and remain infectious in our environment for months, mainly in water and soil. Infection can occur when dogs drink water that has the bacteria in it. Slow moving or stagnant water in or near rivers, lakes, or streams are the riskiest water sources. Leptospirosis infection can lead to kidney and liver damage and can even be fatal if untreated. Dogs with leptospirosis may show signs of vomiting, diarrhea, a decreased appetite, increased thirst and urination, trembling or abdominal pain.

Blue-green algae, a cyanobacteria, is found in many lakes in this area. Not all algae is toxic, but there is no way to tell the level of toxicity to the naked eye.

The algae blooms will look like pea soup or spilled paint with foam along the shoreline. Not only can the blooms be blue-green in color like the name, but also purple, brown, or white. The algae produces two types of toxins which can affect the liver and the nervous system.

These toxins are extremely potent and can cause clinical signs (symptoms?) such as vomiting, diarrhea, collapse, difficulty walking or collapse, trouble breathing and even death within minutes to hours of exposure.

What Should You Do? If you notice any of the clinical signs above or know your pet has been exposed to these bacteria you should consult with your veterinarian immediately. If your Spring 2017

dog swam in algae, if possible, wash them off with clean water and soap. Algae can cause illness in humans as well. You must wear protective clothing such as rubber cleaning gloves, an apron, and glasses. If you do not have these materials readily available you should go straight to the closest veterinary clinic. Your veterinarian will perform a physical exam and diagnostic tests. Hospitalization and intensive critical care may be necessary to help treat your pet.

What is Going to Happen to My Dog? Treatment for leptospirosis generally requires hospitalization for a few days.

Intravenous fluids, antibiotics, and supportive care will be provided. Prognosis is generally good for those cases that were diagnosed and treated early. There can be permanent kidney damage following infection which will require close monitoring and more frequent veterinary visits. Your veterinarian may elect to treat other dogs in your household even if they are not sick.

If your pet is showing clinical signs from blue-green algae toxicity the prognosis is poor. A physical exam and diagnostics will help your veterinarian create the proper treatment plan. Emergency stabilization and critical care will be necessary. Exposure to these toxins are almost always fatal even with the proper medical care.

Prevention is the best medicine!

Bacteria can be scary! But there are ways to protect our pups. Yearly vaccines are available that cover the main types of leptospirosis. Although it is still possible for vaccinated dogs to become infected, it is much less likely. Leptospirosis is zoonotic, meaning it can also infect humans. The main carrier of the bacteria is your pet’s urine. After starting antibiotics a very low level of bacterial shedding occurs. If your dog has been infected with leptospirosis, please contact your primary care physician to talk about further action.

One good thing about an algae bloom is that it is visible. Be sure to assess the water before allowing your dog to go swimming. Look for signs posted along the shoreline about possible algae blooms. The Vermont Department of Health website provides weekly summaries of lake conditions, tips, and pictures of the algae blooms.

Although the water can be home to harmful species, being well informed can help keep your family members safe, happy, and enjoying everything that Vermont has to offer! www.4LegsAndATail.com 25

How to Attack Fleas “I

Millie Armstrong, DVM

tried flea medicine, but it didn’t work!” Veterinarians hear this all the time from folks who are battling fleas in their household. In many cases, it is not that the product failed, but that the flea’s life cycle was allowed to progress, leading to hundreds of new fleas in the environment. The key to battling fleas is to understand how fleas reproduce and at what stages in the flea’s lifecycle the flea product is designed to work.

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FLEA LIFE CYCLE Adult fleas lay 25-40 eggs per day in their environment. These eggs are small, white and less than the size of a grain of sand. They will drop off the pet throughout its environment and molt in 2-3 days into small larvae. Larvae are white, legless and blind. They are found in dark areas and feed on flea feces and other organic debris in the environment.

In about 5-10 days, they will begin to form a hard-shelled cocoon, entering the pupa stage. The outer shell of the pupa is made of a hard material, similar to that of a cockroach shell, which cannot be penetrated by chemicals to kill them.

The cocoon is also covered by a sticky substance that allows it to attach to deep carpet fibers and makes it difficult to remove by vacuuming or sweeping. The shell protects the developing flea until the environmental conditions are right for hatching, which can sometimes take up to 6 months. When the young adult emerges, it is hungry and begins to feed on blood from a person or pet within a few hours. The fleas will soon begin to lay eggs, starting the entire process over again.

“My dog is itchy but it’s January; he can’t have fleas.” Adult fleas prefer warm, humid weather and tend to hatch outside in mid-summer. Depending on environmental temperature and humidity levels, they survive outside until late fall. However, those fleas that have gained access to the house have laid eggs in the home and set the stage for the progression of the lifecycle inside the house. These eggs, larvae and pupae stages will survive in the house and hatch into adults during the winter months.

“I cannot see fleas so I know my dog does not have fleas.” It is possible to have a flea infestation without seeing fleas on the pet. Adult fleas only need one blood meal every 6 months.

Once they feed, they may drop off the animal and begin to lay eggs in their environment. Because they are so small and only feed for a short time, it is not always possible to find adult fleas in the hairs of the pet. Sometimes, the only evidence of fleas on the pet is the fecal material they leave behind: small, pepper-like grit. Because fleas feed on blood, their excrement is dried blood.

Initially, this appears black, but when placed in water, it will turn red again.

One way to check for fleas is to use a very fine-toothed comb, a flea comb, to actually catch fleas or their flea “dirt” in the teeth of the comb. Remove the fleas

Hatch in 2-3 Days

FLEA LIFE CYCLE

Go thru 3 stages in 5-10 days before pupating

Emerge and live on 1 host for up to 2 months

Live from 5-10 days to 6 months in a cocoon

from the comb and place them into a small container of rubbing alcohol to kill them before they have a chance to escape and start the process over again.

“Where did my cat get fleas? She doesn’t go outside.” Fleas are mobile; they can jump 4-6 feet at a time. It does not take much for them to jump from the ground outside onto a pant leg and hitch a ride into the house. Also, they can latch onto purses, backpacks, bags, etc. and gain access into the home this way. Pet owning people can transfer fleas when visiting a friend, going to the dog park, or walking through the grocery store. Also, fleas are small; they can wiggle their way through a screen and enter the house.

“How do I get rid of these things?”

With so many different flea products available, it is critical to understand a few key factors: Product Safety: Not all flea products are safe for all animals. Read the package carefully to be sure the product is safe for the species you are treating. NEVER use a dog product on a cat; this could be fatal to your cat. Is it safe for the age of your pet? Certain breeds of animals are more sensitive to different types of flea products. Always consult a veterinarian.

Product Use: Always follow the label instructions to be sure the product is used properly. Is it to be applied topically or given orally? How often should it be used? Will bathing or swimming affect the efficacy of the product? Are there any environmental concerns when using this product? Is it safe if there are young children, tropical fish, birds, or other species in the home? The label should include a phone number to call about safety of the product.

Which stage in the flea’s lifecycle will the product kill? Fleas have 4 different stages in their life cycle, and even the best flea products can only kill 3 of the 4 stages. Most flea products on the market today are designed to kill Continued Next Page

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adult fleas. However, there are 3 other stages that are alive and waiting to become active, hungry adults. Therefore, many flea control products have been designed to kill adults, eggs and larval stages. These interrupt the life cycle and reduce the number of pupae available to hatch into adults.

However, nothing on the market kills the pupae.

WE HAVE TO ATTACK FLEAS WHERE THEY LIVE: ON AND OFF THE PET. “What can I use for my pet?” There are several options for treating pets. Oral products will kill fleas and ticks when they bite the dog. Depending on the product, some will last only 48 hours while others last 30-90 days. Topical products are available that will kill on contact and also last form 30 to 90 days. Some of these topical agents are absorbed through the skin and can create medical concerns in some animals. There are a few flea collars that are effective against fleas and ticks and can last up to 8 months, depending on the product.

“How can I kill fleas in the environment?” There are products that can be used in the house to kill fleas. Again, read the label carefully for safety and try to use a product that kills 3 of the 4 stages of the lifecycle. “Flea bombs” do not tend to work as well because they do not penetrate the areas where fleas like to hide: under tables and behind furniture.

Premise sprays work best because they can be applied directly to the areas where fleas concentrate. Fleas are attracted to high traffic areas like entranceways and hallways; the motion and activity in these areas stimulate the pupae to hatch into adults. Using the vacuum prior to applying the product will stimulate the fleas, bringing them into contact with the product and killing them quicker. Empty the vacuum bag often to prevent fleas from escaping. It is important to treat hard wood floors and baseboard areas because fleas can live deep in small cracks. Wash any bedding pets use, including human blankets, bed spreads, pillows, etc. in hot water to wash away fleas and their eggs.

“Bottom line: what is the best product to use for fleas?” There is simply no easy answer to this question. It is best to consult a veterinarian. Each product works differently and some can have unwanted side effects.

One last word of advice: treat all the pets in the household. It is not uncommon for a family to apply flea control to the dog and neglect to treat the cat, regardless of whether it goes outside. These other pets can harbor fleas and be the silent missing link in flea control.

For more information, visit the American Veterinary Medical Association at www.avma.org/public/PetCare/Pages/Safe-use-of-flea-and-tick-preventive-products.as Dr. Millie was born in Burlington and grew up in Pennsylvania. (Go Flyers!) She worked in pharmaceutical research before going to veterinary school at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. Dr. Millie worked in various small animal clinics in Vermont before settling into Petit Brook Veterinary Clinic in 2000.

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