Livesmartsummer14

summer

2013

| issue no. 2

Moving with a pet in tow How to conserve water Pairing kids with pets Bryan trauma center gives local residents comprehensive care Brazos Valley Area July 4 events

getting the most out of

orthopedic surgery

5 8 10 12 20 6 22

Brazos Valley AREA July 4 Events

Picking the right pet

How to conserve water

Veterinary checkups for cats a necessity

F E AT UR E

getting the most out of orthopedic surgery

Help dogs cope with separation anxiety

How to help your pet survive a sizzling summer

1729 Briarcrest, Bryan, Texas 77802 Publisher, Crystal Dupré Director of Sales and Marketing, Ron Prince Display Advertising Manager, Joanne R. Patranella 979.731.4719  joanne.patranella@theeagle.com Creative Services Manager, Jim Bob McKown 979.731.4706  jimbob@theeagle.com

Next publication: Thursday,Sept. 26, 2013 Advertising Deadline: Thursday, Aug. 29, 2013 To get your advertisement in Bryan-College Station’s most distributed Health and Lifestyles magazine, e-mail livesmart@theeagle.com or call 979.731.4738

Special Projects Editor, Shauna Lewis 979.731.4704  shauna.lewis@theeagle.com Special Section Coordinator, Dawn Goodall 979.731.4738  dawn.goodall@theeagle.com Publication Designer, Courtney Lewellen For questions or comments, please call: 979.731.4738

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CELEBRITY style Find your glow with the right products for your

skin type

Melissa Tumlinson

Licensed Aesthetician Spa Director Dermalogica Certified

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here are thousands of anti-aging creams, moisturizers, lotions, serums, exfoliates, and cleansers available, and you can spend hundreds of dollars and time not knowing if you are making the right choice. Consult with a professional to help decide the right treatment for your skin type.

Dermalogica® is the number one choice of skin care professionals and consumers worldwide offering products that deliver powerful results with at home use. These products can help minimize the signs of skin aging and age spots with maximum skin smoothing and brightening. Dermalogica® products are available from a professional skin therapist.

While cleansing is the first step in any skin care ritual, it is often overlooked. Healthy skin is smoother, more radiant and more beautiful. Used and recommended by spas and dermatologists, Clarisonic® Sonic Skin Cleansing Systems gently, yet thoroughly remove makeup six times better than cleansing by hands alone, evens skin tone and exfoliates. It is even gentle enough for rosacea skin.

The Clarisonic® Opal Sonic Infusion System is a breakthrough in caring for the area around your eyes. The combination of their specially formulated serum with sonic application, work together to give you immediate and amazing results.

Jane Iredale® would be a good selection for anyone looking for a quality mineral make-up. Summer beauty is so simple with their multi -purpose products, formulated to smooth, brighten and enhance your natural beauty with needed skin protection. All foundations provide full coverage and protection and can be worn all day with no need for touch ups. The foundations are base, concealer, powder, and sunscreen all in one. All skin types can wear Jane Iredale® makeup, including the most sensitive skin.

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Brazos Valley Area

July 4 events L ocal families will have many choices for outdoor, family-friendly activities in the Brazos Valley this Fourth of July -from live band performances to arts and crafts in the park, museum displays and picnics, concession sales and more.

Among the biggest and longest-standing events for ringing in the holiday is the 27th annual Independence Day celebration at Bryan’s Heritage Park, sponsored by the Brazos Heritage Society.

Featuring patriotic activities for adults and children of all ages -- including live music, flag raising and a toast, a children’s parade and a classic car display -the event runs from 9:30 a.m. to noon on July 4, at the intersection of East 30th and Hutchins streets.

“This event is really about the children,” said Randy Hilliard, events co-chair for the society. “We have games, music and a live musical performance from Proud Country.”

A new event this year, Hilliard said, is a building project sponsored by Home Depot, which has donated up to 200 building kits for children. The project will be similar to those the store hosts for parents and children monthly.

Last year the Heritage Park event had about 150 participants; Hilliard said he hopes to see more this year. Refreshments will be sold for 50 cents each.

For more information, visit heritagebrazos. blogspot.com.

More Brazos Valley July 4 events: • College Station Noon Lions Club’s “I Love America” Fourth of July Celebration – The event will be held at George Bush Presidential Library and Museum, 1000 George Bush Drive West. The museum will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 8:15 p.m., with free admission for everyone all day. Concessions and games for children begin at 5 p.m., and live music entertainment at 6 p.m., including The Docs and Clayton Gardner. The evening will end with a performance by the Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra, presented by H-E-B and Wells Fargo.

Listen live to the event and musical performances on KAMU-FM (90.9 FM) starting at 5 p.m. For more information, visit bushlibrary.tamu.edu/ museum/events/2013/614.

• Chappell Hill 37th Annual 4th of July Parade - The parade, themed “Happy Birthday America,” begins at 10 a.m. at the intersection of Main and Poplar streets. For more information, visit https:// chappellhilltx.com • Kurten Fireworks Show - The Brazos County District 2 VFD will put on a free fireworks show 30

By Holli L. Koster Special to The Eagle

minutes before sunset at the Kurten Community Center, located at 13055 State Highway 21 in Kurten. Gates will open at 5 p.m.

• H-E-B Fireworks on the Brazos – The annual July 4 celebration, sponsored by H-E-B, will be held at Washington-on-the-Brazos State Park, 12300 Park Road 12 in Washington. The event includes a fireworks show in the park, food vendors and arts and crafts booths. Visitors can also tour the historic sites within the park during the day, including the Star of the Republic Museum (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.), Barrington Living History Farm (noon to 8 p.m.) and Independence Hall. Regular admission fees apply. For more information, visit www.starmuseum.org/calendar.

• College Station pools Independence Day Celebration - All pools will operate from noon to 6 p.m. Special events include an Itsy-Bitsy-TinyCutie Bathing Beauty and Handsome Summer Boy Contest, games every hour, duck derby, noodle races, $1 hot dogs and more at Adamson Lagoon.

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summer 2013 issue no. 2

|5

Getting the MOST out of orthopedic surgery

New program at College Station Medical Center aimed at helping patients to recover more quickly

G

iddings resident Rhonda Hinkley said her second total knee replacement in May went much smoother than the one she had two years ago – done by the same doctor and at the same hospital – because of College Station Medical Center’s new program for orthopedic patients.

The My Orthopedic Solutions Team (MOST) launched on May 15. MOST, which uses a group approach, is a comprehensive program to educate, assist and support patients having hip or knee replacements, said Joe Brown, College Station Medical Center’s former public relations officer. Special rooms are reserved for joint replacement patients, so they are in a setting with other patients undergoing similar surgeries. Patients exercise and eat together, and encourage each other during their hospital

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stay.

“The program is aimed at giving these patients the knowledge and the tools to make the transition from hospital to home as smooth as possible,” Brown said.

The Marshall | Steele firm invented the concepts of the MOST program, and the College Station Medical Center started using the services of Marshall | Steele about seven months ago. The company walked the hospital though the steps of starting the program, and provides ongoing guidance. The company has helped more than 185 hospitals, so College Station Medical Center benefits from the feedback of other hospitals that participate in the program, said Jeffrey Spaw, orthopedic surgeon and medical director of the MOST program.

Patients were typically in the hospital three or four days before the MOST program started,

the eagle • theeagle.com

By SHAUNA LEWIS The Eagle

and now, patients in the program are in the hospital for about 2.5 to three days, hospital officials said.

Spaw did total knee replacement on Hinkley’s right knee two years ago and again on her left knee on May 14. Hinkley, 62, said her second surgery went much better than the first because of the MOST program. Hinkley said she was in the hospital four or five days during her first operation, but the second time, she was in and out within three days. She said she was up and walking around about two hours after she came out of recovery in May. “The recovery process goes so much smoother, and the pain is so much better,” Hinkley said.

Hinkley said the support she received in the MOST program aided in her recovery.

“I think it helps anybody to have people around to help you stay motivated,” Hinkley said.

Left: Dr. Jeffrey Spaw. Right: Dani Fallon

MOST Spaw said the process starts when a patient signs up for the program. The hospital staff coordinates with a patient to have the patient evaluated and have blood tests about a month before surgery, so that any possible problems that could prohibit orthopedic surgery can be identified.

About a week or two before surgery, patients attend an approximately hour-long preoperative class, where they receive information on what to expect before, during and after their joint replacement surgery. They are asked to have a family member or friend act as their “coach” to provide encouragement, starting with the pre-operative class and continuing through the recovery process.

Dani Fallon, joint care coordinator, oversees the MOST program, and said the pre-operative class is a time when hospital staff members give patients information and answer questions.

The group setting is good, she said, because one person will ask questions that another didn’t think of or was afraid to ask. Often, people who attend the same pre-op class also have surgery on the same days. Spaw said people having surgery often feel alone, and the program provides a support system.

“There’s so much misinformation about this, and there’s so much anxiety,” Spaw said.

The pre-op class is meant to alleviate fears before surgery, which should also lessen pain, Fallon said.

“Pain and anxiety go together,” she said.

Fallon, a physical therapist, encourages patients to walk and get exercise before surgery. Patients are given a guidebook before surgery, which includes exercises they can do.

“The stronger you are before surgery, the better you are after surgery,” Fallon said.

Most orthopedic surgeries are on Mondays and Tuesdays, so people who have surgery on those days go through the MOST program together and are in the MOST wing of the hospital during the same time period. Spaw said the most common orthopedic surgery is total knee replacement.

The MOST program emphasizes wellness.

Patients wear their normal clothes so that they feel as normal as possible and don’t feel like they’re being treated as if they were sick, Fallon said. They also have group physical therapy together and eat lunch together, along with nurses, doctors and their “coach.”

The program is also good because patients are out of bed in the morning, and have a schedule that keeps them busy throughout the day, Spaw said. The busy day and a lack of time for naps should help patients have a good night’s sleep.

“Their days are very scripted,” Spaw said.

After surgery, the cumulative amount each patient walks is marked on an ambulation board in the MOST wing. That encourages patients to walk more, Fallon said.

“It’s very competitive for the patients,” she said.

Hinkley said the chart helped to motivate her.

“I think it’s another incentive to keep you motivated and keep you mobile,” Hinkley said.

When a patient is up and walking for the first time after surgery, a big, red button is hit, and the theme from the movie “Rocky” plays throughout the MOST wing.

“It really helps promote the team spirit of the program,” Fallon said.

Besides how far patients walk after surgery, other data doctors track during their hospital stay includes how much patients are able to bend and straighten their leg and their blood transfusion rate. After their hospital stay, hospital staff members continue to give patients a survey every time they return for check-ups to monitor their progress – at about two weeks, two to three months, six months and a year, Spaw said.

That way, doctors can see how patients are doing and how well doctors are doing at their job, he said. Plus, doctors can compare their data with other doctors’ at College Station Medical Center, so they can learn from their colleagues about possible ways to improve.

Hinkley Hinkley said part of what made her second

surgery significantly better than the first was a direct injection in her knee for pain. During her first surgery, she had an epidural for four days, which made half her body numb and made her feel lethargic. Fallon said the direct injection, given while the knee or hip joint is open, is an advancement in medicine that happened to come along when the MOST program started.

Hinkley said it also helped to have her husband, Bruce Hinkley, at the hospital as her “coach” during her second surgery.

“I think it makes a big difference,” she said. “It helps to have someone there to motivate you.”

It also helped that nurses all seemed more educated about orthopedic surgery and “on the same page” as far as what she should be doing during recovery this time, she said. Hinkley said she also enjoyed the staff’s encouragement and attitude.

“They’re all happy and lively,” she said. “They’re pushing everyone to do good.”

Besides having people around, Hinkley said the emphasis on keeping mobile at the hospital aided with her recovery. After her hospital stay, she was having two physical therapy sessions a week, and after eight treatments, medical staff would check to see if she needed to continue treatment.

“I’m healing a lot better,” she said. “I’m definitely getting around a lot better than I was the first time. It’s like a 90 percent difference.”

For more information on the MOST program, contact Fallon at 979-680-5462 or Danielle.

Fallon@csmedcenter.com.

summer 2013 issue no. 2

|7

Picking the

right pet

By Holli L. Koster special to The Eagle

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A

s summer approaches, many families will look toward acquiring a pet.

However, choosing the right pet for your household is essential to the success of the relationship.

“One of the most important things people need to understand is that getting a new pet is a big-time commitment,” said Mark Stickney, clinical associate professor at Texas A&M University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.

Among the considerations new owners need to keep in mind, Stickney said, is that they will need to set aside time for training the pet – or housebreaking, if they are getting a new puppy or kitten.

For cats, it is important to secure a litter box and a scratching post, to give cats an appropriate place to sharpen their claws, Stickney said.

Owners need to decide early on whether the cat will be an indoor house pet or a cat that is indoors and outdoors.

“If it is going to be an indooronly cat, you want to make sure it does not become accustomed to being indoors and finding ways to escape,” Stickney said. “You don’t want the cat to get lost when it doesn’t know what to do when it’s outside.”

If it’s an outdoor cat, be sure to keep it indoors for the first two weeks – long enough for it to learn

that the home is its base, Stickney said. After that, owners can start feeding the cat outside by the back door so it knows where to return for food.

For dogs, indicating what items are appropriate for chewing and which are not is important.

“A dog is not going to necessarily recognize what is an appropriate toy and what is not,” Stickney said.

“So, you should remove things that might be sitting around, like kids’ toys, shoes or paper. Instead, leave out an appropriate chew toy or a toy it is OK to play with.”

Also, if you already have pets in your house, the introduction of a new dog should be slow and gradual, he said.

“Choose the room that the pet is going to be in and put him in there so that he can get accustomed to the smells and the safety of the environment,” Stickney said. “The other dogs will come by and smell the dog through the door. Then slowly introduce the new animal to the new pets.”

Stickney also suggested that owners prepare their home with food bowls and pet food and that they walk around the yard to make sure there are no holes along the fence line through which pets can escape.

Selecting the right pet Kathy Bice, executive director of Aggieland Humane Society in

Bryan, said would-be pet owners should always conduct research to learn about breeds before investing in a pet.

At an animal shelter or humane society, owners can get a feel for different animals by visiting the shelter on more than one occasion and taking the pets into visitation yards. Aggieland Humane Society, a non-profit charity on Leonard Road, cares for pets until they are placed for adoption. Another option is the Bryan Animal Center, which is run by the city and located on Finfeather Road.

Bice said if making time to establish a routine with an animal isn’t possible, a cat may be the best option.

“Cats are not as driven by a schedule as a dog,” Bice said. “It’s important to keep your work schedule in mind, as well as the time you would have to socialize an animal.”

Older, adult dogs often are surrendered, and for individuals looking for a dog or a cat that will just “hang out with you,” these pets are a great option, Bice said.

Some dog breeds are considered working breeds – dogs that are going to require plenty of exercise, Bice said.

“These dogs need owners who are committed to activity,” Bice said.

Some working dogs also are accustomed to – for example – moving cows around by nipping at heels. Bice said these are not the kinds of dogs you want around 3-year-olds.

The shelter also receives a number of so-called “Texas dogs” – dogs derived from a number of mixed breeds.

“The benefit to adopting some of these dogs is that you do not see as many health problems,” Bice said.

Stickney said keeping in mind space constraints – bigger, more active dogs need more space – is important, as well as considering your neighborhood and how loud certain dogs may bark.

Families with small children, he said, might want to avoid very active dogs could knock the children over. Also, older individuals with mobility problems may not want a dog that is big and strong.

For allergy concerns, Stickney said would-be owners should consider avoiding dogs that shed excessively.

“Smaller breeds, like poodles and terrier breeds tend to shed a whole lot less,” he said.

For more information on breeds, visit the American Kennel Club website at www.akc. org.

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Adoption Pet adoption offers some key advantages over purchasing from a breeder, Stickney said.

“One advantage is that you can get a dog that is going to be a wonderful pet. It is not as time consuming or as expensive as adopting a purebred dog from a breeder,” said Stickney.

“And you can get some sense from playing with the dog at the shelter of how the pet will fit with your family.”

He added that while shelters have plenty of wonderful dogs, occasionally some are dropped off for behavioral issues. Owners, he said, should ask about them to learn why the dog was turned over – for example, maybe it was aggressive toward other pets or had trouble getting housebroken.

Both the Aggieland Humane Society and the Bryan Animal Shelter offer adoption packages, including microchips, vaccinations and deworming. Spaying and neutering are available at the Aggieland Humane Society.

For more information, visit Aggieland Humane Society at www.aggielandhumane.org or Bryan Animal Shelter at www.animals.bryantx.org.

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summer 2013 issue no. 2

|9

How to conserve water W

ith an abundance of spring rains in much of the state, it would be reasonable for Texans to think the devastating drought is over and that the need to conserve water is less critical.

Protecting water resources and utilizing water conservation practices is essential to sustain the state’s water supply-and-demand balance. The demand for water in Texas is projected to increase by 22 percent over the next 50 years, due primarily to projected population growth.

Water facts Water is a limited resource. In the hydrologic cycle, water moves, it changes location, availability, quality and form. Population growth and drought have escalated withdrawal of water from aquifers, which used to be a reliable source of water in times of drought. The quantity of available water is shrinking.

Simply put, we are potentially taking water out faster than traditional sources of water can recharge. Recharge refers to the replenishment of an aquifer's groundwater.

An aquifer is a layer of underground sand, gravel or spongy rock where water collects.

Natural recharge takes place when rainfall, stream flow or melting snow percolates into the ground.

Conservation strategy Agricultural, municipal and industrial water users rely on innovation and technology to reduce their water demand. While governments deliberate various methods to increase the amount of high, quality water, there is no debate that conservation is the simplest and cheapest strategy.

That, fellow Texan, means that small changes by every person adds up to big water savings and just might leave a little more money in

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your pocketbook.

Through simple conservation, individuals can help meet increased water demands.

It doesn’t mean sacrifice; it just means improving your efficiency to ensure a supply of high quality water for our families and future generations.

Conserve water outdoors In urban areas of Texas, about 25 percent of the overall water supply is used for landscape and garden watering. Eight small things that can help to conserve water are: • Water once a week and at the best time – 4 a.m. to 8 a.m. Use a cycle-soak method to avoid runoff and achieve a deeper, wellrooted lawn that efficiently uses water stored in the soil.

• Use drip irrigation. In this efficient method, water flows under low pressure through emitters placed near each plant. Water has little chance of waste through evaporation or runoff.

• Collect rainwater for landscape use. It is great for plants and can save you water and money.

• Inspect your in-ground watering system make sure sprinkler heads are operating and adjusted properly. Don’t water your street, sidewalk and driveway.

• Adjust seasonally the clock or timer on your irrigation system. Every system has an on/off switch – use it.

• Conserve water by grouping plants with similar moisture needs together, reducing turf areas and watering in the early morning when it’s cooler to avoid evaporation.

• Cover bare soil with a two to three inch layer of mulch. This conserves water by significantly reducing moisture evaporation from the soil.

• Collect and store rainwater for home

DID YOU KNOW? METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

By Charla Anthony Special to The Eagle

landscapes. Rainwater capture systems can also be used in community landscapes for schools, municipal facilities and parks.

Conserve water indoors Make water conservation a whole family activity.

If everybody's saving 10 gallons of water a day, then that adds up to hundreds and thousands of gallons. Seven small changes: • Replace your showerhead with a water-efficient model and take 4-minute showers. Homes with high-efficiency plumbing fixtures save about 30 percent of indoor water use.

• Turn off the faucet while brushing your teeth or shaving to save up to 4 gallons a minute • Replace older toilets with water-efficient models and save up to 4,000 gallons of water a year. Toilets are the largest water user in your home.

• Wash full loads of laundry and save an average household more than 3,400 gallons of water a year. Conventional washing machines use 32 to 59 gallons of water per load and are the second largest in-home water user.

• Repair a running toilet and save about 73,000 gallons a year • Fix faucets that leak or drip and save up to 3,000 gallons of water a year.

• Run the dishwasher only when full. Scrape dishes instead of rinsing. Your dishwasher will take care of the rest.

What is your water IQ? What is the source of your water? Who provides your water? What incentives to conserve does your water provider offer? Get informed, live smart, heed the call and conserve water. Make every drop count.

Charla Anthony is the horticulture program assistant at Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Brazos County, 2619 Texas 21 W., Bryan, Texas 77803. Her e-mail address is charla.anthony@theeagle.com.

If you are welcoming a new dog to the family but have yet to pick a name, you might want to consider “Max.” Max has been a popular name for male dogs in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia on and off for years, many times topping the list as the most popular male dog name. Although names that described dog’s traits, such as Spotty or Dusty, were popular more than 50 years ago, today’s dogs (and cats) have decidedly human names. Dogs named Max have starred in movies (think Max in “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas,”) and have also broken records. A dog named Max lived to be the oldest dog at age 26.

Max has been a name given to pampered Yorkies as well as roughand-tumble mutts. If Max is not the name for you, Buddy, Jake and Rocky are a few of the other popular dog names.

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422 Tarrow Street, College Station summer 2013 issue no. 2

| 11

Veterinary checkups

METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

for cats a necessity

S

ome people prefer cats, while others’ loyalty lies with dogs. Dogs and cats have different personalities, which is what draws people to them for one reason or another. Though different, cats and dogs alike need to visit the veterinarian for routine checkups. Still, it seems dogs head to the vet more frequently than cats.

Organizations like the American Association of Feline Practitioners and others have uncovered the disparity in care among dogs and cats. Cats are less likely to receive veterinary healthcare than dogs, as research shows that cats make up about one-quarter of patients at small animal veterinary clinics.

Cats have long been second to dogs as the most popular pet. But cats may be edging out dogs as the preferred pet, particularly because they seem to need less attention and maintenance. But these same qualities that make them attractive pets could be putting their health at risk. Cats that tend to fend for themselves act aloof and may not give their owners any indication that they are sick. As a result, pet owners can become complacent about cat care, simply because they don’t spend as much time with cats as they may with a dog.

Dr. Katy Allen, a veterinarian and owner of Canterbury Tails Veterinary Services, has said dogs are an “in-your-face” kind of pet. People tend to interact more with their dogs by taking them for walks and playing with them. So it’s more noticeable when something is not right

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with a dog. Cats, however, are more stoic.

When they don’t feel well, cats will run away and hide.

Changing vaccine schedules for many animals may also affect how often cats visit the vet.

Immunizations have changed so that some shots can be offered every two or three years instead of annually. Therefore, pet owners may not see the need to visit the vet unless the animal is due for a shot. This can put a cat at risk because it is usually during routine exams when vets uncover something that the pet owner may not have noticed on his or her own.

The American Animal Hospital Association urges cat owners to remember that every year that passes for a cat is equivalent to several years for a person, making it imperative for cats to receive wellness examinations, including laboratory testing, once a year. Healthy senior cats should be examined once every six months, as illnesses and changes in an older cat’s health can progress quickly.

What to expect at a cat’s wellness exam A veterinarian will go over a number of things at an annual wellness visit. Here is a list of some things to expect: • discussion of the animal’s medical history • testing of the cat’s stool • examination of the cat’s nose and nasal passages for signs of infection • examination of the gums, teeth and tongue • examination of the ears to check for mites or

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any discharge • examination of the eyes • examination of the body for parasites or skin disease • examination to determine if there are any abnormal growths or tenderness.

• examination of heart and lung sounds • collection of blood to test for heartworms, feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus.

If any abnormalities are suspected, more intensive testing may be prescribed.

Cats are prized for their ability to be selfsufficient and not need the same level of attention as most dogs. However, these traits should not preclude them from receiving routine medical wellness exams.

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summer 2013 issue no. 2

| 13

Buppy Simank, owner of Buppy’s Catering in Bryan, was a patient at St. Joseph’s Trauma Center in 2011. The center was recently designated as a Level II trauma center.

Bryan trauma center gives

By SHAUNA LEWIS

local residents comprehensive care L

ocal resident Buppy Simank said he wouldn’t have survived after a trailer rolled on top of him in 2011 if he wasn’t sent to a nearby trauma

center.

“Having a good trauma center is why I’m here,” Simank said. “And the good Lord didn’t want me to go yet.”

On March 13, 2011, Simank was trying to unload a car off a trailer when the trailer rolled on top of him, pinning him underneath. His wife, Jennifer Simank, jacked the trailer up and got him out from underneath it, he said.

Simank said he had been under the trailer “several minutes” and wasn’t breathing by the time she got the trailer off him. A doctor next door performed CPR; an ambulance arrived three or four minutes after a 911 call; and he was in surgery at St. Joseph Regional Health Center's Trauma Center in Bryan about 45 minutes later, Simank said. He had a crushed kidney and crushed colon, and was losing a lot of blood.

Simank said the operating room and CAT scan machine were ready when he arrived.

“They had everything ready,” he said. “They

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The Eagle

were just amazing.”

Earlier this year, St. Joseph’s Trauma Center became the highest-level trauma center in the region. St. Joseph’s Trauma Center received a Level II verification from the American College of Surgeons in February, and from the Texas Department of State Health Services in May. It is the only Level II trauma center between Houston, Austin, Temple and San Antonio, said Sherry Jennings, trauma program manager at St. Joseph. The highest level for a trauma center in Texas and the United States is Level I. “Trauma centers are classified by their level of staff, equipment and care provided to trauma patients,” Jennings said. “A Level II trauma center provides comprehensive trauma care, while providing 24-hour coverage of all essential specialties, personnel and equipment.

Level II trauma centers in the state of Texas are required to successfully complete not one, but two different surveys - one by the American College of Surgeons (ACS), which is a national verification and one by the state of Texas, which is a state designation.”

Jennings said people often think of a trauma

the eagle • theeagle.com

center as involving only an ambulance system and an emergency department, but being a trauma center means that a hospital provides all the resources needed to care for patients from the pre-hospital phase through the rehabilitation phase. Additional traumaspecific education is required for physicians, nurses, EMS and other clinical staff who care for injured patients, Jennings added.

“We are able to care for patients across the spectrum of trauma -- from major and severe, needing massive resuscitation to a small fracture requiring a splint or cut that requires sutures,” Jennings said.

She said caring for trauma patients involves every department in the hospital, and is a team effort.

“Our trauma surgeons have a 15-minute response time for the highest level of trauma activation,” she said. “Other specialties are required to be at the patient bedside within 30 minutes. This expedited response ensures patients receive definitive care quickly.”

Level II trauma centers can decrease the likelihood of fatality from trauma by 25 percent, according to the Trauma Center Association of America.

For Simank, his accident meant an approximately one-month stay at St. Joseph.

Dr. Bryan Parrent performed surgery on him the day he arrived at the hospital and again the following two days. He had surgeries on his colon and kidney, and had another operation to close up his stomach.

After about two weeks in the critical care unit, he took twice-daily physical therapy for two weeks.

“Basically, I had to learn to walk again,” he said.

By the time he left the hospital, he could walk a little with the use of a walker. Then he took physical therapy for an additional nine months to fully restore his ability to walk.

Jennings said trauma can happen to anyone, and it’s important to have a trauma center in the region to give local patients quality care “for the best possible outcome.”

For more information on St. Joseph’s Trauma Center, visit www.st-joseph.org/ TraumaandEmergencyCare or call 979-7764917.

4

Protect pets from pesticides When using pesticides or other chemical-based products around the house, prevent pets from accessing treated METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION areas after application.

H

omeowners use pesticides in their yards for a variety of reasons. Some utilize pesticides to make their lawns appear lush and healthy, while others must use pesticides to address issues like insect infestations.

Applying pesticides is often frowned upon by environmentalists, but it’s not just Mother Earth who can suffer from the use of pesticides.

If your family pet loves to get outdoors and run around in the yard, you might be putting your four-legged friend in danger if you’re not careful when applying pesticides. Exposure to pesticides can make pets sick and, in some instances, prove fatal. But pet owners can reduce that risk significantly by adhering to the following tips.

• Remove pets and their items from the lawn before applying pesticide. It’s a no-brainer to move Fido inside before applying pesticide to your lawn. But homeowners should also scour the yard for toys, bedding and feeding dishes and move them inside or into the garage before applying a pesticide. Pet health could be at risk if such items are left in the yard and get even a drop or two of pesticide on them.

Therefore, carefully scour the yard for your pet’s belongings, raking high grass to find toys or bones when necessary, before applying pesticides.

• Adhere to the instructions on the pesticide label. The label on the pesticide you choose should have specific instructions as to how much pesticide you should apply and how long you must wait before allowing anyone, including the family pet, to gain access to the

treated area. If you let your pet back in the area too quickly, the animal could be poisoned.

• Be careful inside, too. Chemical products are not only used to treat lawns. If you need to use a chemical product like a bug bomb indoors, keep pets in mind before application.

Remove bedding, feeding dishes and toys, and cover your fish tank to prevent liquid and vapors from getting into the tank and threatening the lives of your fish.

• Keep areas treated for pests off limits to pets. If you have a pest problem in your home, be it insects or rodents, keep any areas you treat with chemical products off limits until the issue has been successfully resolved. Even if pets aren’t in the room during or after application, they can still be poisoned if they eat poisoned insects or rodents. This is called secondary poisoning, and pet owners concerned about their pets but still in need of a way to eradicate pests should look for a product with a low risk for secondary poisoning.

• Keep bait products out of the reach of your pets. Bait products are often effective because they’re attractive to insects or rodents.

Unfortunately, the same properties that attract pests might also attract your companion animal. When using bait products around the house, be sure to place them beyond the reach of your pets. If you’re using bait products that you must bury outdoors, keep in mind that dogs and maybe even cats can often dig these products up rather easily. So once the bait is planted, make the area off limits to your pets.

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summer 2013 issue no. 2

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METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

Pairing kids with pets Safety tips to protect youngsters and pets

I

n many families, kids and pets get along famously. Many youngsters are natural born animal enthusiasts while pets tend to respond to kids’ gentle and loving nature.

But the bond between kids and pets is one that develops over time, and parents welcoming a new pet into their home should know that this transition is not always easy.

Teaching kids to treat pets with love and respect and watching pets to ensure kids are safe in their company can help calm parents’ nerves. The following tips, courtesy of the ASPCA, can ensure both kids and pets stay

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safe while building a strong bond and a healthy relationship.

• Teach kids to protect themselves from overexcited pets. Pets, especially puppies, can easily become overexcited. This can be mistaken for aggressiveness, especially by kids who might be scared. Teach kids to protect themselves from overexcited pets, including dog bite prevention. If kids fear their dog might bite them, then teach them to roll into a ball, protect their hands and face and call for help. Running and screaming might upset the dog, who then might go on the defensive.

• Teach kids to recognize signs of aggression.

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Kids and pets will develop a stronger bond if they learn to respect each other’s space.

Sometimes dogs will use body language to let people know they do not wish to be approached.

Adults and kids alike should familiarize themselves with these mannerisms as a safety precaution. If these signals are ignored, then the dog might bite to protect itself. Signs of defensive aggression include: • ears back, pupils dilated • tail down and tensed • posture mildly crouched, weight over rear legs • muzzle tense, wrinkled and snarling, and teeth exposed When a dog is exhibiting any of these signs, adults and kids should not approach the dog and let it cool down.

• Keep kids’ toys away from pets and vice versa.

Kids’ toys are not always pet-safe and pets’ toys are not always safe for kids. Separate the two and explain to kids that they should not use their toys when playing with pets.

• Teach kids to respect a pet’s “safe spot.” Pets may need a “safe spot” to which they can retreat and be sure no one will follow them. These spots are safe havens for pets, especially those adopted from shelters who might need more time to adjust to a new environment than a puppy or kitten. Teach kids to respect these “safe spots,” which might be a crate or a sleeping area, leaving pets alone when they retreat to such areas. Pets react defensively when others try to access their safe spots.

• Teach kids and pets rules for each game. When playing reward games, such as those when a pet gets a treat or toy if it behaves correctly, teach pets to sit in order to get their reward, and teach kids that the pet must be sitting in order to earn its reward. This can keep kids from being jumped on or accidentally bitten when a pet gets overexcited by the sight of a toy or treat. It also teaches pets that they can’t get what they want simply by being physical. If the pet won’t sit, then adults and kids should walk away without giving the pet its treat or toy.

Parents who bring a new pet into their home often find the pet quickly becomes an irreplaceable member of the household. But parents should still take certain precautions to protect kids and pets alike.

METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

Causes and remedies for bad dog breath

Y

ou may have once looked forward to sitting and petting your new puppy and the excited sloppy kisses that he or she would lavish on your cheek.

Now that your dog is older and bad breath has set in, you may run and hide from that onceprecious pooch.

Many changes take place as a cute puppy becomes an adult dog.

Many pet owners notice that some dogs gain weight, become sluggish and develop foul breath as they age. This bad breath not only can be a nuisance, but also it can be a health problem for otherwise healthy dogs.

Bad breath, medically termed “halitosis,” is a condition commonly

reported by dog owners. There are many different causes of doggie breath, but the primary contributor is a dental problem. Some pet parents are not aware that dogs need to have their teeth brushed just like their human family members. Food particles can become lodged between teeth and eventually rot, causing an odor. What’s more, this food may cause bacteria to grow, which can decay teeth and lead to gum inflammation. If left untreated, plaque buildup and sore gums can progress to periodontal disease. According to veterinarians, plaque clings to the base of your dog’s teeth, causing the gums to recede and become inflamed.

Once the gums are inflamed, they tend to leak blood serum, which blends with the plaque, increasing the amount of bacteria in the dog’s mouth. This appears as a yellowish coating on the dog’s teeth. Some dogs affected by serious plaque buildup will eat less.

Routinely brushing the dog’s teeth can minimize plaque buildup. Feeding hard kibble, which can further dislodge any other food, and offering chew toys and bones will also help keep plaque problems at bay. If plaque is a major problem, a veterinarian may suggest a thorough cleaning under sedation.

In addition to periodontal causes, bad breath

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may be a symptom of other serious conditions.

Diseases of the kidneys, gastrointestinal disorders or even stomach cancer can cause bad breath. Diabetes and liver problems are also culprits in halitosis.

In other cases, foreign objects that become lodged in the teeth, including the pet’s own fur, can decompose and form a foul odor. The foreign objects also may irritate the skin and the gums. An infection that forms may produce an unpleasant odor.

A pet with bad breath should be examined by a veterinarian, unless it is obvious that it is the result of something the dog ate, including stool or spoiled garbage.

The following methods also may keep bad breath at bay.

•Brush your dog’s teeth regularly. This helps prevent plaque buildup and will keep the gums healthy.

•Change the dog’s food. Some canned foods may produce foul breath, as can feeding a dog raw meat.

•Prevent access to garbage if our dog is a routine scrounger in the trash.

•If your dog isn’t eating much and looks frail, the breath may be a sign of a serious illness. Visit with a veterinarian promptly.

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summer 2013 issue no. 2

| 17

METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

Automatically keep track of pets’ health Not every animal exhibits obvious signs of physical suffering.

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the eagle • theeagle.com

I

t is not always easy for pet owners to recognize when a companion animal is feeling sick. Dogs and cats can both be stoic when dealing with illness, and unless there is something physically apparent like a limp or a wound, pet owners may have a sick four-legged friend on their hands without even knowing it. But a new technology is aiming to change the way pet owners are informed about their pets’ health.

At least two different innovators have developed devices that continuously monitor a pet’s health and alert its owners when there is something amiss.

The Japanese information technology firm Fujitsu announced its launch of an innovative new device called the Wandant in 2012. This device can be affixed to dogs’ collars, where it can monitor their level of activity, number of steps taken and other health-related data. The data can be uploaded to a cloud or read by a phone or computer. Transitions in pet health can be monitored to make it easier to understand any changes that could be indicative of a health problem.

Similarly, a start-up company called PetPace is developing a collar that can monitor your pet’s health and send an early warning to you and your vet when something doesn’t add up. The Massachusetts-based company will produce a collar and base station that collects the data. There will be an initial cost for the equipment and then a monthly subscription fee for ongoing monitoring service. According to the company, the sensors in the collar can track the animal’s movement, temperature, respiration and pulse. There’s also a microphone that listens for sounds like drinking, barking or stomach gurgling. Positioning and movement sensors, like those found in many smartphones, can even tell when the animal is running, laying down or taking a bathroom break.

The data is compared to what’s normal for the breed and the animal’s past behavior. Anomalies may alert pet owners to something that is wrong.

According to chairman Avner Schneur, the company has already been testing its technology at several pet hospitals. Although hospitals will be the company’s initial focus, PetPace will eventually sell the collar to consumers.

If your dog or cat may not be feeling well but is not exhibiting any abnormal behavior, then some new devices might be able to alert you to the problem to take action sooner.

Hypoallergenic pets more hype than fact METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

A

llergy sufferers are often advised to steer clear of pets, as brushing up to a cat or dog can trigger an allergy attack or a rash. Those with pet allergies may be willing to spend any amount of money to get a pet that is dubbed “ h y p o a l l e r g e n i c .”

Although there are some breeds of dogs and cats that are less likely to trigger an allergic attack, some research indicates that a hypoallergenic pet is a myth.

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, one out of every four people struggles with allergies and asthma on a regular basis, and 15 to 30 percent of these cases are dog- or cat-related.

Those with allergies may think a hypoallergenic pet will be the answer to their watery eyes and sneezes. But a study published in the American Journal of Rhinology & Allergy raises

issues about hypoallergenic dogs. People who spend hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars on a dog purported to be hypoallergenic may just be wasting their money.

Researchers at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit took dust samples from 173 dog-owning households, where 60 breeds were represented, including 11 breeds that are considered to be hypoallergenic.

What they discovered was that homes with allegedly hypoallergenic pets contained just as much of the prime dog allergen, known as Can f 1, as those of the other breeds. According to senior author and epidemiologist Christine Cole Johnson, “There is simply no environmental evidence that any particular dog breed produces more or less allergen in the home than another one.”

That doesn’t mean that all dogs produce the same amount of allergen as others.

In fact, genetics and environmental factors, including how often a dog and a home is cleaned, can contribute to the dander and allergens produced by a particular dog. Dogs within the same breed may vary as to how much Can f 1 one dog creates compared to another.

In essence, one labrador may induce an allergic reaction, while the other doesn’t even cause a person to sneeze.

The hypoallergenic label is often given to dog breeds that have short fur or do not shed much. But allergens are not attached to the fur. They are actually a secretion from the skin that produces an allergic reaction from dogs and the saliva of cats. Unless a geneticist is able to create a cat without allergens in saliva or a dog that does not secrete allergens from the skin, no pet will be hypoallergenic.

That isn’t to say choosing a dog that sheds less may be beneficial, since dander with allergens is generally attached to shedded fur. Here are a few dog breeds that may be better for people with allergies: • Poodle • Bedlington Terrier • Bichon Frise • Chinese Crested • Portuguese Water Dog • Schnauzer • Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier • Irish Water Spaniel • Maltese

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summer 2013 issue no. 2

| 19

help

METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

dogs D

cope with separation anxiety

og owners are typically bewildered when man’s best friend exhibits destructive or disruptive behavior. Chewing furniture or urinating or defecating indoors is upsetting for dog owners, who might feel they need to discipline their pooch to ensure it does not happen again. But discipline might not be the remedy for destructive or disruptive behavior, which might be a sign of separation anxiety.

Separation anxiety can occur when a dog is upset after it is separated from its owner or other members of the household. Dogs may become agitated or depressed when their owners are getting ready to leave for the day or the pets may begin barking within minutes of their owner leaving. Upon the owner’s return, the dog might behave as if their owner was gone for days and days.

Understanding separation anxiety can help dog owners and their dogs overcome the condition, which can be overwhelming for dogs.

What are the symptoms of separation anxiety?

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Destructive or disruptive behavior is not always a byproduct of separation anxiety.

However, the following symptoms may indicate separation anxiety.

• Urinating or defecating while no one is home: Dogs who urinate or defecate when left home alone might be suffering from separation anxiety. If a dog does this in the presence of its owner, then chances are it has not been trained properly and is not suffering from separation anxiety.

• Destructive behavior: Door frames, furniture, window sills and other objects around the house are common chewing targets for dogs suffering from separation anxiety. Such behavior is done while owners are away, and it can harm the dog, causing damage to its nails, paws and teeth.

• Escape attempts: Some dogs dealing with separation anxiety may try to escape from their confines when left alone. Dogs might attempt to dig or chew through doors. When a dog has separation anxiety, its escape attempts are limited to those times when it is separated from its owner.

• Coprophagia: Some dogs suffering from

the eagle • theeagle.com

separation anxiety will defecate and then consume some or all of their excrement.

Why do dogs develop separation anxiety?

The ASPCA notes that there is no conclusive evidence as to why dogs develop separation anxiety. But the organization also notes that dogs adopted from shelters tend to exhibit behaviors associated with separation anxiety more than dogs who are with the same owner since birth, suggesting that dogs might feel a sense of abandonment when their owner leaves for the day that is similar to the abandonment they felt when their initial owners or someone else brought them to the shelter.

Those feelings of abandonment may be triggered by certain situations, such as when a dog gets a new owner or the dog’s schedule changes or the family moves to a new residence.

In addition, when a member of the household is suddenly absent, whether that person has passed away or moved out, then this absence may also trigger separation anxiety.

How can a dog with separation anxiety be helped?

Helping a dog cope with separation anxiety involves teaching the dog to enjoy or learn to tolerate its time alone. But before that can be done, the ASPCA advises dog owners to visit their veterinarian to rule out other medical issues with similar symptoms.

The aforementioned symptoms of separation anxiety might be indicative of a different medical issue, and the vet can determine if that’s the case before dog owners go forward with treating separation anxiety. Once the vet has ruled out other medical issues, then dog owners can consider the following ways to help their dog cope with its anxiety: • Associate being alone with something good. A dog suffering from separation anxiety associates being alone with a negative. If dog owners can turn that negative association into a positive one, then the dog’s condition might improve. When leaving the house, give the dog a treat or a food-dispensing toy so it associates your departure with something positive. This might be most effective with

Nolita

dogs suffering mild separation anxiety.

• Work to make the dog more accustomed to being alone. Dogs who suffer from severe separation anxiety may benefit from more frequent yet shorter periods of separation.

These shorter periods of separation are not likely to produce anxiety. Over time gradually increase their length. The dog may gradually become more comfortable with being alone.

• Control your own emotions. Control your emotions when leaving for the day and when arriving home. Give the dog a good-bye pat when you leave in the morning, and then be mellow when you arrive home, allowing the dog time to relax and calm down before paying him or her any significant attention.

This is difficult for many dog owners, but it can help your dog overcome separation anxiety.

• Do not punish the dog. A dog does not engage in destructive or disruptive behavior while its owner is away out of spite or to be disobedient. In many cases, the dog does so because it is suffering from separation anxiety, so punishing such behavior will likely only worsen that anxiety and the bad behavior that comes with it. Be patient and understanding when a dog exhibits behaviors associated with separation anxiety and resist the urge to punish the dog.

Separation anxiety can occur in varying degrees and manifests itself in various ways. Dog owners who react calmly and thoughtfully to separation anxiety are more likely to be successful in their attempts to help their dog overcome the condition.

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You Really Can Turn Back the Clock Y

Simply Stylish Nancy Pride

ou can look years younger by exfoliating regularly with high tech exfoliators, using state-of-the-art anti-aging moisturizers, blocking sun damage, and using makeup that protects while giving a smooth, youthful appearance.

The biggest mistake most women make is not exfoliating. When we are young, our skin exfoliates every 16 days. As we age, it exfoliates every 24 days.

By getting rid of dead skin cells that cling to the skin, the newer, fresher looking skin is visible. Skin care products also work better since the dead skin cells don’t absorb the products and then fall off. There are two types of exfoliators—chemical and manual. The chemical loosens the cellular “glue” that keeps the dead skin cells attached. Once the cells are loosened, the manual exfoliators rub the dead cells away, making the new cells ready for anti-aging moisturizers.

Look for moisturizers that have peptides. Peptides are shortened amino acids that signal the skin to produce more collagen. Increased collagen reduces wrinkles and gives the skin a smoother appearance.

Other anti-aging ingredients include argireline that relaxes the muscle that holds the wrinkle in place, hydresia that provides time-released moisturization, and resveratrol known for having antioxidant properties that also reduce fine lines and expression lines.

Moisturizers can come with and without sunscreen.

Daytime moisturizers should have a broad spectrum sunscreen. Broad spectrum means that it protects against UVA rays (those that age) and UVB rays (those that burn). The SPF (sun protective factor) number indicates the amount of time it protects. For example, if you are out in the sun for 15 minutes before you start to burn, an SPF of 30 would allow you to stay out 30 times that ( 7 1/2 hours) before burning. The skin repairs itself at night and needs a rest from sunscreen; do not use a nighttime moisturizer with sunscreen.

Some foundations also have sunscreen.

Layering foundation with sunscreen over moisturizers with sunscreen does not give twice the amount of sunscreen.

However, foundations do improve the appearance of the skin by evening skin tone and providing light diffusers that make the skin appear smoother. By using slightly darker foundations, bronzers, or blush as contours, the cheek bones can appear to be lifted, sagging jawlines tightened, and noses shortened or narrowed.

If you are serious about turning back the clock, it can be done. Choose the correct products and use them regularly.

Nancy Pride owns Morgan Fitzgerald’s and Merle Norman Cosmetics, www.fitzyou.com.

summer 2013 issue no. 2

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METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

How to help your survive a sizzling

pet summer

Keeping pets on cool surfaces, such as grass, when the temperatures are hot can help pets avoid overheating and dehydration.

H

arsh weather conditions can threaten the health of anyone, including the family pet. This is especially so in the summertime, when animals can easily and quickly get dehydrated.

Extreme temperatures in the summer force many pet owners to keep their pets indoors during the daytime. But there are ways pets can survive a sizzling summer and still enjoy some fun in the sun. Pet owners can take the following precautions as the mercury rises so their favorite four-legged friends are not confined to the house when summer hits full swing.

• Be attentive at all times. Pets do not hide their emotions well, and a pet that is struggling with the heat is bound to exhibit some symptoms. According to the ASPCA, symptoms of heat stroke in pets include: - excessive panting or difficulty breathing - increased heart rate - drooling - mild weakness - stupor - collapse

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Each of these indicates a pet might be overheating, and a pet might also suffer from seizures, bloody diarrhea and vomiting when its body temperature is too high. When taking a pet outdoors in the heat, people should be mindful of these symptoms and be attentive to the animal’s condition at all times.

• Trim the animal’s coat. Long hair in the summertime can make things very uncomfortable for your pet. Cutting hair to about one inch can help prevent overheating.

When trimming the animal’s coat, do not cut closer than one inch, as anything less than an inch likely won’t provide any protection from the sun.

• Only visit areas with ample shade. Areas that are without shade, such as a beach or wide open park, are not good spots to walk a pet in the summertime. Pets can easily overheat when exposed to hot summer sun, even if it’s only for a few minutes. Only go for walks in areas with ample shade so pets can still get outdoors but get only limited exposure to the hot summer sun.

• Don’t take pets on chore runs. Many pet owners like to take their pets with them when

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they’re doing chores, such as dropping mail off at the post office or picking up a prescription at the pharmacy. Such chores may take just a few minutes, but those few minutes in a hot car can prove deadly for pets. Pets should never be left alone in a car on a hot day, when the car can quickly reach extreme temperatures. Some regions have even made it illegal to leave pets in unattended cars on hot days.

• Steer clear of asphalt on hot days. Pet owners know enough not to walk on hot asphalt without shoes on, and they should take the same precautions with their pets. The padding on pets’ feet can suffer considerably from hot asphalt, and this can prove very painful to animals. When walking pets on a hot day, avoid asphalt, which can cause pets’ body temperature to rise considerably, especially smaller pets whose bodies are closer to the ground. Stick to the grass or other surfaces that don’t get so hot under the summer sun.

Pets can overheat quickly and easily in the summertime. But pet owners who take a few precautionary measures can still take their pets out for some fun in the summer sun.

Moving with a pet in tow M

METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

oving can be stressful. If the process of finding a new place to live wasn’t difficult enough, then the task of getting everything packed and out of your current residence on time is sure to complicate matters.

For pet owners, the moving process can be even more difficult. Renters often find the rental market is less than enthusiastic about pets, and even landlords who allow pets might require a larger security deposit. But once that deposit has been made, it is time to move, a process that can be difficult for renters and buyers alike. Pets are often averse to change, and few changes are as significant as changing residences. But there are ways that pet owners can make moving easier on themselves and their pets.

• Spread things out. Sudden changes can increase pets’ anxiety levels, which can alter their behavior. When getting ready to move, spread things like packing out over time, gradually packing items away so pets won’t panic as their environment changes. Avoid packing pets’ comfort items, such as bedding and toys, until the last minute.

• Arrange for travel well in advance of your move. If you’re moving relatively close by, then your trip to your new home may be no different for a pet than a standard road trip. In such instances, pack toys and snacks in the car to keep your pet occupied throughout the trip.

If flying will be a part of your move, then arrange for travel as soon as possible.

Doing so increases the chances you can get a nonstop flight, which will be easier on you and especially your pet, who won’t be as used to the changes in air pressure on an airplane as his or her owners are. Flying can be uncomfortable for pets no matter how considerate an airline is, so limit your move to a single nonstop flight when possible.

• Stick to your routine. Pets thrive with routine, so while the days leading up to a move can be hectic, stick to your pet’s routine as much as possible. This includes feeding times, morning and evening walks and even the time you set

aside for play each day. If problems arise with your mood, don’t allow your pet to see you lose your temper or succumb to stress, as this can cause a spike in pets’ anxiety levels that can make the move more difficult.

• Give pets their own spot on moving day.

Moving day can be hectic, especially when pet owners hire professional movers. It can be difficult for pets to adjust to strangers in a home, and movers will be in and out of your home all day on moving day. Designate a room in your house for your pet, and make sure the movers know not to enter that room. Place feeding dishes, water bowls and toys in the room so pets can eat, drink and remain occupied until the time comes to leave the house. On a nice day, consider letting the dogs play in a fenced-in yard or use a tree lead that allows pets to play in the yard without the freedom to run away.

• Visit the veterinarian before making your trip. Pet owners should take their pet to the veterinarian one last time before moving. Ask for the animal’s health records, including documentation of its vaccination history as well as any past illnesses or conditions the pet might have experienced. The vet visit is also a good time to get the animal one last checkup so the vet can ensure that the pet is healthy enough to travel.

When visiting the vet, discuss any past travel issues your pet might have had.

In some cases, the vet might prescribe an anti-anxiety medication if the pet has a history of anxiety when traveling.

When getting ready to move, pet owners should take all the necessary precautions to ensure their pet has a safe and comfortable move.

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979-776-WALK (9255) ~ BrazosVein.com summer 2013 issue no. 2

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