all about PETS Spring 2015
a day in the life of a VET
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All About PETS | Spring 2015
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Spring 2015
all about PETS
What’s inside... 4 6
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welcome
a day in the life of a vet clinic
do this before your cat goes missing 10
ALL ABOUT PETS is published and distributed by The Tri-Cities NOW Newspaper, a member of Glacier Media Group. Reproduction prohibited. Copyright protected.
dogs in the city
facebook 12 pet contest
PUBLISHER Shannon Balla EDITOR Leneen Robb
15
CONTRIBUTORS Jeremy Deutsch Lisa King John Kurucz ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS James Corea Kerri Gilmour Daaniele Sinclaire Sanjay Sharma, Bentley Yamaura
17
nail-trimming fears
coping with the loss of a pet
GRAPHIC DESIGN Robyn Moores THE TRI-CITIES NOW NEWSPAPER 216-3190 St.Johns St. Port Moody, BC V5C 1A2 Ph: 604-492-4492 Fax: 604-492-4493 www.thenownews.com
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common cat ailments 20
Photo credits: Lisa King/NOW (Pages 4, 6, 7, 9, 16 & 17) Thinkstock (Pages 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 10, 11, 14, 15, 17, 19, 20, 21 & 22)
For advertising information in the Summer 2015 edition, please contact Shannon Balla at 604-492-4229.
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exotic pets
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For more information: advertising@thenownews.com. Spring 2015 | All About PETS
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Welcome to All About Pets, our first-ever magazine focusing on the animals we call family members and the people who love them.
e! m o c w el
Whether you own a dog, cat, bird or fish, our aim is to bring you useful, locally based information to help you make the best choices for your pet.
In this issue, we go behind the scenes at a vet hospital, explore the importance of microchips for cats, chat with the BC SPCA about exotic animals, and look at the state of dog parks in the Tri-Cities: where they are now and where future ones might be. And don’t miss our pet photo contest. The photos on Pages 12 and 13 are just a small sampling of the dozens sent in by readers. Through May 15, anyone can vote by going to Facebook.com/thetricitiesnow, liking our page and naming the pet(s) in their favourite photo in the comments section of the post, which we’ll keep near the top of the page. We’ll pick the photo with the highest number of votes, and give the sender a $50 Coquitlam Centre gift card. We’ll award another $50 Coquitlam Centre gift card to a contest voter, chosen at random. To learn more about entering your pet in our next contest, which runs in conjunction with our Summer edition of All About Pets, keep an eye on our Facebook page and
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Twitter feed (@ thetricitiesnow). We’ll be looking for our next batch of photos a couple of months from now. Most of all, let us know what you think of our first edition, and the types of stories you’d like to see in future ones. As a pet parent myself — we adopted our orange tabby, Bobbie, from the SPCA when he was five years old and have been entertained by his “lion roaring” and other antics for two years now — I understand the passion pet owners have for their animal companions. E-mail me at pets@thenownews.com with your thoughts, and happy reading!
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A Day in the
Life
of a Vet Clinic: By Jeremy Deutsch, Tri-Cities NOW
Kobe lies sedated on the table, while a pair of vet technicians prep him for surgery.
Vet tech Jennifer Day gives French bulldog Gucci laser therapy
a look inside the eagle ridge animal and bird hospital
Animal and Bird Hospital in Coquitlam is buzzing. For vet technician Jennifer Day and the rest of the staff, it’s a pretty typical day for the hospital, which averages 1,000 to 1,500 visits a month.
They shave the golden retriever’s leg, and cover his paws with little booties to keep them warm.
“It’s a [real] hospital,” she said of the work and attitude of staff at the facility.
Kobe was hit twice by a car a month ago and is now having surgery to repair his knee. He’ll be X-rayed and then carried into the operating room for a surgery that will take at least a couple of hours.
Day, who’s been with Eagle Ridge since it opened, will spend the better part of the morning bouncing from one case to another.
Nearby, a chirpy cockatiel is getting ready to get his wings clipped, while a 17-year-old tabby named Maggie is looking a little bit better after being treated overnight for kidney disease. It’s only 10 a.m., but the treatment area at the Eagle Ridge 6
All About PETS | Spring 2015
As she explained, it’s a lot of fun working in an animal hospital, but also sad at times, especially when it comes to trauma patients. Fortunately, so far today, it’s been routine work with the animals. Shnugg is a six-year-old Newfoundland retriever. His owner
has brought him in for a urine test. He has a skin condition and before they treat him, they need a sample to make sure he can handle antibiotics.
Vet tech Jennifer Day clips the wings of a cockatiel
So Dr. Allan Stockley, with the help of a technician, keeps Shnugg on his back in the ultrasound room while he looks at the dog’s kidney, before drawing the urine sample with a needle directly from the bladder. He explains the cost of machines like ultrasounds have dropped dramatically over the years, allowing practices like his to offer diagnostic testing. That’s just one of the changes Stockley has seen in animal medicine since he and a partner opened up Eagle Ridge in 1984. At the time, there were only a couple of vets in the area, but now there are more than a dozen. The hospital started with just two vets and two staff members, but has grown to four doctors and 21 staffers.
“In my generation, pets were secondclass citizens,” Stockley said.
that’s allowed for his practice to grow.
But as he points out, pets are now treated like part of the family and
continued on page 16
A less-thanhappy feline in the exam room
continued on page 16 Spring 2015 | All About PETS
7
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Bring Home a Lost Cat By Jeremy Deutsch, Tri-Cities NOW
There’s no doubt cats and dogs are different, and that’s especially true in the way they’re treated by their owners. While dogs need almost constant companionship, cats have no problem spending stretches of time on their own. Though the differences can be comical, there’s nothing funny when a beloved pet gets lost. And the situation becomes especially bleak when that pet is a cat. According to the BC SPCA, in 2014, 72 per cent of dogs turned in as strays were reunited with their guardians, but only 14 per cent of cats found their way back into the arms of their owners. That’s a massive difference the animal welfare organization is trying to fix by urging cat owners to have their pets outfitted with identification microchips. When a missing pet with a microchip shows up at a shelter or veterinarian’s office, a quick check with a scanner will reveal the owner’s name and contact information, making it easy for the pet to be reunited with its family. In the case of cats, the chip is implanted with a needle at the scruff of the neck, something that takes about a second to do. The chips are available through veterinarians.
8
All About PETS | Spring 2015
Amy Morris, a policy and outreach officer with the BC SPCA, explained part of the issue involves a difference in the way dogs and cats are treated. She said dog owners are likely to look for their pet if it’s
been missing for a few minutes, while days might go by before a search for a cat gets underway. Morris also noted dog owners tend to take their pets in for annual visits to the vet, while a cat may only go once so there’s less opportunity to get information about microchips. “People just don’t know — it’s such a huge benefit,” she said, pointing out the chip also stores information about the animal, like any medications it might need in case it gets turned into a shelter. Since weeks can go by before a cat is turned into a shelter, with the owner often giving up on their pet, Morris said it’s even more important for a cat to have a microchip than for a dog. That’s especially true for indoor cats, which often go missing during a major move or life change. The SPCA also noted animals with a chip are 20 times more likely to be reunited with their guardians. Last year, the SPCA offered microchip clinics on Vancouver Island, and more are being considered at a number of locations around the province for 2015. Morris believes eventually, the difference in chipping between dogs and cats will be made up through greater awareness. “While we tackle overpopulation, abandonment and cats not being wanted, we tackle at the same time permanent identification and in the end, what we’ll see is a drastic change in that rate,” she said.
PETS HAVE ALLERGIES TOO We have sprung into allergy season early this year. While the sun is much appreciated, the watery eyes, itchy skin and sniffling nose of allergy symptoms are not. Both cats and dogs are affected by environmental allergies as well; and the symptoms may vary not just by species, but also by individuals.
Respiratory signs of allergic pets include sneezing, wheezing, reverse sneezing, watery nasal discharge, Dr. Jangi Bajwa, DVM Veterinary Dermatologist watery eyes and even eye infections. By far the Hastings Veterinary Hospital most common signs of allergies in dogs and cats is itchiness. Itchiness is not simply a pet scratching itself using its paws (and nails), but it is also licking of the paws, rubbing of the face on the ground (or an indoor carpet), licking of the belly, scooting the bum and nibbling of the skin. And because ears are an extension of the skin, ear infections are also common in allergic pets. Ear itchiness usually includes head shaking and scratching in the general region of the ear base. Currently a lot of pets are being affected by spring allergies but a number of treatment options exist. The fact is that a lot can be done for pets suffering from environmental allergies. The only treatment known to stop the progression of allergies is desensitization immunotherapy (or allergy shots). It is also the most natural treatment for seasonal allergies. Other treatment options also exist such as repairing an allergic patient’s skin barrier function which involves the use of hydrating shampoo therapy, skin oils, ceramides, dietary recommendations and appropriate grooming protocols to name a few. These are also a very natural way to treat allergies in pets without the risk for side effects caused by medications. Medications that help with therapy include steroids, cyclosporine and other immunosuppressive medication. Often, a combination of these approaches may be needed to bring relief to an allergic pet. Dr. Bajwa is a Veterinary Dermatologist with expertize and specialized training in treating skin problems, allergies and ear problems in pets. Dr. Bajwa is the only practicing Veterinary Dermatologist in the Tri-Cities, Burnaby and New Westminster areas.
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9
Dogs in the City
off-leash parks serve a growing canine population
By John Kurucz, Tri-Cities NOW
The number of dog licences being issued in the Tri-Cities is surging, to the point that double-digit increases are being seen year over year. Given that steady growth, the Tri-Cities NOW has compiled a list of dog-friendly parks in the region, as well as the regulations in place to manage those areas. Coquitlam boasts five off-leash dog parks spread across the city, at Bramble, Glen, Miller, Mundy and Ridge parks. A sixth location at Leigh Park is in the planning phase. While regulations and hours differ from park to park, some overarching principles are applied at each site. “The current Coquitlam approach is to provide ‘destination’ dog facilities distributed across the city — Miller, Mundy, Bramble, Glen and soon Leigh parks,” said parks manager Kathleen Reinheimer. “Mundy Park has both a fenced dog area and off-leash trails until 10 a.m. every morning. Suitable locations need to provide enough well-drained flat area to be sustainable and be buffered from adjacent residences.” 10
All About PETS | Spring 2015
While user statistics aren’t kept for the city’s off-leash facilities, dog licensing numbers are tracked. Based on the last four years alone, the numbers show steady growth year over year: 3,403 licences were issued in 2011, compared to 4,149 in 2012, 4,920 in 2013 and 5,920 last year. Further stats from the city’s bylaws department suggest that, by and large, dog owners generally abide by the rules posted at off-leash parks: 130 warnings have been issued in the last few years, along with 63 dog-at-large tickets. Reinheimer noted efforts are undertaken to ensure all park users get along and get the most out of the city’s parks, regardless of pet ownership: outside of bylaw officers patrolling the areas, Adopt-a-Trail volunteers monitor the condition of the trails, pick up litter and report any issues to staff. “Dog parks are as much about people as dogs in that they provide an opportunity for social interaction and physical activity for both the pets and their owners,” she said. “As dog parks are being developed, consideration is given to including social gathering spaces to promote connections between dog owners in order to instill a sense
of community and invite stewardship. This also increases compliance with rules and diminishes conflicts.” Port Coquitlam has two off-leash parks. Opened in 2011 in the 3300 block of Shaughnessy Street, the first features a 290-metre (950-foot) long forested trail circuit and is open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. The downtown off-leash area — located at Maple Street and Bury Avenue — is roughly 0.3 acres in size and is open from dawn to dusk. While there are no plans to increase the city’s off-leash park network, some guiding principles are applied when looking at a site. “We look for areas underserved, then find a logical location in one of our parks in the area,” said city spokesperson Pardeep Purewal. “[We] ensure this area will serve the needs of the dog owners — stick-throwing area, walking trails, parking — [and] check the effects of the park on the nearby neighbours.” As in Coquitlam, dog licence numbers are growing exponentially: 2,012 licences were issued in 2009 in PoCo, compared to 5,159 last year. The city relies on public feedback to help regulate activity at its dog parks. A Facebook group has been set up — one that includes city staffers — to monitor questions and concerns, while a review of the city’s animal control bylaw was set to get underway as this story went to press. Port Moody is also poised to re-examine its off-leash dog park inventory. City spokesperson Leslyn Johnson noted
that need was identified in a survey conducted for the city’s draft parks and recreation master plan, which will be completed later this year. The same survey noted dogs are owned in more than 25 per cent of all households in the city. The city currently has three dog parks, on Hugh Street and at Bert Flinn and Westhill parks. A fenced dog run is also located at Rocky Point Park, adjacent to Slaughterhouse Creek. All are open during regular park hours, from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. And like in Coquitlam and PoCo, the number of dog licences keeps on rising in Port Moody: 1,183 in 2011, 1,450 in 2012, 1,919 in 2013 and 2,179 last year. “As with all forms of recreation, staff look for options to improve our services and activities,” Johnson said. “With respect to off-leash areas, staff are aware of the desire and need for the city to increase the number of offleash areas for dogs.”
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photo by: Janice Fryatt
Charlie
photo by: Sharon De
Ber ry
l Bianco
Vote for your favourite in our Face
is the feathered nine-year-old Indah, in Coquitlam. Berry, Seen here with and family, who live o nc Bia l De on ar Sh baby of d the house is singing, flying aroun ity tiv ac e rit vou fa ’s Berry from crows four ds. She was rescued blin the on g kin pec d an , now 12. and her brother Elyjah years ago by Indah
Molly
Charlie, who’s two-and-a-half years old, likes to chase a ball in the backyard and look for critters hiding under the compost bin. He also likes to plant himself in the flower box, reports owner Janice Fryatt.
photo by: Anita & Vern Simson
photo by: Connie Lambert
Max
Molly, who lives with Vern and Anita Simson in Coquit lam, will be five years old in June. She was adopted from a shelter, and her favourite daily activity is her one-hour walk in Mund y Park. She also loves stuffed toys, cookies and camp ing.
12
All About PETS | Spring 2015
Meet Max, owned by Connie Lambert of Coquitlam. Max is eight years old, and his favourite toy is his dangling birdie/mouse on a wand. His favourite activity is trying to catch it.
Pon e e
Beinder
Contest! ebook Pet Contest photo by: Rajeev Gopinat h
Russ photo by:
Gold ie
er cross lyde/Quart C d ol rea ho reports 10-y of PoCo, w Ponee is a er d n ei B s Rus g. owned by ity is eatin ourite activ v a f is h t tha
is six Hannon of Port Moody, Chester, owned by Brent g walks. activity is going for lon years old. His favourite
: Alexi Za wadzki
Sti ggy
photo by
Ch es te r
n photo by: Brent Hanno
Goldie, owned by Rajeev Gop inath of Coquitlam, is a four-year-old yellow La brador retriever. She loves to play fetch.
Meet Stigg y, a twoyear-old w Owner Ale ho lives in xi Zawad Coq zki reports is “taking that his f uitlam. selfies and avourite a chasing m ctivity ice, often concurrentl y.”
The pets on these pages represent a small sample of the entries we’ve received for our Facebook Pet Contest. To vote, go to Facebook.com/thetricitiesnow and “like” your favourite pet. Everyone who votes will be entered to win a $50 Coquitlam Centre gift card, and the owner of the pet who receives the most likes will also win a $50 Coquitlam Centre gift card. Voting ends May 15, and we’ll announce the winners on Facebook. Visit Facebook.com/thetricitiesnow for all the details. Spring 2015 | All About PETS
13
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All About PETS | Spring 2015
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Trimming pets’ nails can test the nerves of pet owners, who might be worried they will cut too much nail off or hurt their dogs or cats. Long nails can be a nuisance for pets and may hamper their abilities to get around comfortably. To help maintain a consistent nail-trimming schedule, pet owners can practise ways to keep calm and apply techniques to make nail grooming easier on the pet. The first step to making nail trimming a calm and comfortable experience is to understand the anatomy of your pet’s paws and nails. Dogs’ nails remain extended beyond the pads of the toes, while cats’ nails retract back into the folds of the toes. In both cats and dogs, nerve endings and blood vessels called “the quick” lie within the centre of the hard nail. The quick is easier to see in animals with light-coloured nails. It can be harder to distinguish in dark-nailed pets. If you trim too close to the quick, it can be painful for your pet and cause bleeding if nicked. This is why many pet owners are apprehensive about trimming nails on their own. However, the longer the nails are left to grow, the further down the quick will extend. Some pets are amenable to nail trimming, while others may fear the clippers or simply do not like having their paws handled. It may take time, but pet owners can work with their companion animals to assuage fears and make nail trimming go more easily. The Humane Society of the United States says trimming pets’ nails every few weeks is an important part of maintaining their health and can protect family and visitors from scratches. Before attempting to trim pets’ nails, pet owners should acclimate their pets to being handled. Begin by practising touching the paws and nails. Reward pets for jobs well done with small food treats or other incentives. Eventually progress to touching the feet with the trimmer.
the nails, while the other reassures the pet with soothing tones and caresses. Larger dogs may require two people for the job simply because the animal may be too large to wrangle on your own. The right tools of the trade also can make a difference when trimming nails. Nail trimmers come in a few varieties. Many have a scissoring action that brings two blades together to cut off the nail. Another type is like a miniature guillotine. The pet’s nail is placed within a hole in the tool, and one blade comes down to shear off the nail. Newer nail trimmers employ a sanding or grinding action to wear away the pet’s nail without actually cutting. Some cat owners use human nail clippers or small scissors to cut cat nails, which tend to be thinner and softer than dogs’ nails. Ultimately, find a tool your pets finds comfortable and one you can handle properly. Keep a container of nail styptic powder at the ready just in case you do happen to cut a little too low and cause bleeding. In a pinch, Wahl pet product manufacturer suggests using corn starch, rubbing a clean, scent-free bar of soap across the nail, or even applying ice to slow down the bleeding. If bleeding cannot be controlled after 20 to 30 minutes, proper clotting is not taking place and a veterinarian should be consulted immediately. Pets owners especially worried about nail trimming can leave the task to a professional groomer or veterinarian. Metro Creative
A tired or distracted pet can be easier to handle. According to dogtraining expert Cesar Millan, dogs that are especially anxious or wired may need to get tired out before a nailtrimming session. Millan suggests an exercise like swimming to relax tense and anxious pets. A pet that’s especially anxious or fearful may only be able to tolerate trimming one nail per day. Sometimes it can be helpful to trim pet nails with a buddy. One person can take care of Spring 2015 | All About PETS
15
continued from page 7
While most of the patients this day are of the cat and dog variety, the hospital treats all types of animals, including exotics like snakes and lizards. And when a family member is hurt or sick, there’s little we won’t do to help them feel better. Just ask Coquitlam resident Chris Marcellus. Today, he’s brought in his fouryear-old French bulldog, Gucci, for companion laser therapy. A few weeks ago, Gucci was bouncing up the stairs with a bone in his mouth when he hit his knee, causing soft-tissue damage. The laser therapy stimulates blood cells and promotes healing. After a bunch of visits with Day for treatment, Gucci is starting to get back to his normal self. Gucci is the third generation of dogs Marcellus and his family have been bringing to the animal hospital for the last 30 years. “The things we do for our animals,” he joked.
Dr. Allan Stockley and a partner opened Eagle Ridge in 1984
Marcellus said he continues to bring his four-legged friends to the hospital because of the compassion from the staff over the years, especially
when it comes to end-of-life care. As the morning turns to afternoon, the treatment area continues to be a busy place.
There’s a dental exam underway for a white Maltese, a procedure that pretty much mirrors what humans go through, and a few cats waiting to be neutered. Dr. Allan
Stockley clips the nails of Winston, a French bulldog
But behind a door leading away from the bustle of the treatment area, Ashley McMillan is in her own little sanctuary.
She been in the hospital’s grooming department for 14 years. Today, Bonnie, a six-year-old Shih Tzu is getting a bath and a haircut. McMillan spends up to a couple of hours with each furry client, and her workspace looks pretty similar to a traditional barber shop, with the addition of a few cages in the back. While turning pets from shaggy dogs to prim and proper has its ups and downs, the experienced groomer loves nothing more than working with her dogs. She’s even had a few strange requests, including being asked to 16
All About PETS | Spring 2015
give a dog a Mohawk. After years on the job, McMillan offers her insight into why people care so much about how their pets look. “They’re part of their family and they want them to look nice,” she said.
Coping with the Loss of a Pet
Day shares a similar view when it comes to the overall health of people’s pets: “I think everybody who comes here cares about their animal.”
A sedated Maltese has some dental work done
The strong bonds many people share with their pets can make the death of those pets, be it sudden or expected, difficult to handle. It’s not uncommon to be traumatized when a pet dies, and such grief may be influenced by the pet’s age at the time of its death, the circumstances surrounding that death and the nature of the relationship between the owner and pet. Different pet owners deal with the death of a pet in different ways, but the following are some ways to cope with the loss of a companion animal.
Vet tech Laura steadies a cat undergoing a procedure
• Recognize that everyone feels differently. Grief is expressed in many different ways. What one person experiences may not be the norm for another. You may go through a variety of emotions, from anger at the circumstances and being left without your pet, to guilt if you believe there may have been something more you could have done to prolong the animal’s life. Mourn in your own way, and afford others the same opportunity. • Reach out to others. Grief often can turn a person inward, and your feelings may be bottled up. Talking about your emotions, whether it’s with a trusted friend or even a therapist, may help. Online message boards that cover grief and pet loss may provide the support you need. Leaning on others who have been in your shoes may help you recover more quickly. • Create mementos or a legacy for the pet. Creating mementos may help children who are having their own difficulty dealing with pet loss. Work with your child to create a photo album or plant a tree to honour your pet. Dealing with a pet that must be euthanized can be especially difficult. Pet owners can choose to be in the room during the procedure, and that decision should not be made lightly. If you think you can handle it and you want to be there to comfort your pet, then you might be more comfortable being in the room. But being present when a pet is euthanized can be emotional, so give this decision serious consideration. Once a pet has died, many owners debate whether or not to bring a new pet into their homes. Another animal around the house can fill the void created when your previous pet passed away, and some people adopt or buy a new pet before an old or sick pet passes away to make the transition as smooth as possible. A new pet should only be brought into the home when you’re ready to build a new relationship. Metro Creative Spring 2015 | All About PETS
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Common Cat
Ailments
Cats are widely considered low maintenance pets, but even the most independent feline can use a helping hand from his owner every now and again. That helping hand is perhaps most necessary when cats find themselves facing a health issue they can’t overcome. The following are a handful of common cat ailments and what cat owners can do to help their furry friends go back to living life to the fullest.
Feline lower urinary tract diseases Many things can cause a cat to get a feline lower urinary tract disease, or FLUTD. A collection of clinical symptoms that can be caused by a host of factors, FLUTD can prevent a cat from fully emptying its bladder and may even lead to a fatal block of the urethra, which is the tube connecting the bladder to the outside of the body. Cats that are overweight or obese might be susceptible to urinary tract problems, and those suffering from FLUTD may experience frequent or painful urination, bloody urine and frequent licking of the urinary opening. Other indicators of urinary tract problems in cats include a hard, distended abdomen, prolonged squatting in the litter box and possibly fear or avoidance of the litter box that leads to soiling in inappropriate places. Cat owners who suspect their cats are suffering from FLUTD should bring their cats to the veterinarian immediately. The veterinarian will conduct a complete physical examine and order a urinalysis, and the results of these tests will determine treatment, which varies depending on the cause of the problem and the doctor’s prognosis.
Fleas Fleas may be most associated with dogs, but cats commonly get fleas as well. Cats with fleas may be constantly scratching at their skin, which can be covered with tiny black dots. Such dots are flea dirt. In addition, cats with fleas may suffer hair loss and their skin may be noticeably red or irritated. Fleas pose a serious threat to cats, as they can live on felines for more than a year and increase cats’ risk of
anemia, a condition in which cats have less of the red blood cells they need to carry oxygen to the tissues in their bodies. A veterinarian can design a course of treatment for cats suffering from fleas, and that treatment plan may include medication (oral or topical), powders and foams.
Tapeworms The most common internal parasite found in cats, tapeworms can live inside a cat’s small intestine, and cat owners may be shocked to learn that these parasites can grow as long as two feet. Cats fighting a tapeworm infection may vomit or lose a noticeable amount of weight. But it’s important that cat owners recognize vomiting is very common in cats, and not necessarily indicative of tapeworms. The best way for cat owners to determine if their cat’s vomiting and/or weight loss is the result of a tapeworm is to examine the feline’s feces and the areas around its anus. Small white worms that may look like grains of rice may appear in the feces or around the anus of a cat with tapeworms. Cats often get tapeworms as a result of fleas. Cats may bite or eat fleas that harbour immature tapeworms in their intestines, so it’s important that owners of cats with fleas address the flea issue first before addressing the tapeworms. If a flea issue is allowed to continue without treatment while a tapeworm issue is addressed, the tapeworms are likely to return when the cat eats or bites another flea. Veterinarians will likely prescribe medication to treat tapeworm infections.
Diarrhea Diarrhea is another common ailment in cats and can be the result of an allergy, spoiled food or infection. Some cases of diarrhea are indicative of a more serious problem, such as cancer or liver disease. Diarrhea that lasts longer than 24 hours should be brought to the attention of a veterinarian. Cats whose stools appear dark or bloody also should be brought to the veterinarian immediately. Cats have independent streaks that may result in cat owners missing certain signs that their cats are having health problems. Cat owners should always be on the lookout for signs that their cats are unhealthy and take immediate action if any such signs appear. Metro Creative Spring 2015 | All About PETS
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Exotic Pets: why the BC SPCA believes they’re not a good idea
By John Kurucz, Tri-Cities NOW
Imagine being carted off to Antarctica with little more than the box you arrived in — there’s no food anywhere, companionship is non-existent, and the climate is anything but what you’re used to. It’s not a stretch to liken that comparison to a kangaroo ending up in Kelowna, a tiger dying while in captivity in Aldergrove, or a serval cat wandering the streets of Sooke. Those instances represent a fraction of the examples the BC SPCA cites when speaking to the dangers of exotic pet ownership. “It’s really a challenge and there are some people who get upset when we say that you shouldn’t have any exotic animals,” said Dr.
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Sara Dubois, the BC SPCA’s chief scientific officer. “But the reality is that we’ve seen and investigated way too many cruelty cases where everything’s gone wrong. And there are too few people who really know what they’re doing and can really provide for these animals.” The issue of exotic pets is loosely legislated by the province and regulated to an extent by some municipalities. Legislation introduced in 2009 made B.C. the first province in Canada to prohibit the import, sale and breeding of more than 1,000 non-native species. The list was based almost exclusively around concerns for public safety, and includes everything from crocodiles and cheetahs to various type of pythons and elephants. Locally, the City of Coquitlam is the only municipality in the Tri-Cities with a bylaw specific to exotic animals. Enacted in 2009, the bylaw prohibits the sale, display or ownership of a host of animals, including crocodiles and alligators, most venomous reptiles and elephants. PoCo’s animal control bylaw stipulates that residents can keep up to four non-venomous snakes, rats, mice or other rodents. All venomous snakes are prohibited. Port Moody’s bylaws speak almost exclusively to regulations for cats and dogs. “It’s really confusing because you can live in one municipality, but then move 10 minutes away and it becomes a different set of standards,” Dubois said. “We would prefer to see provincial regulations at a much more
restrictive level. With the loopholes that are present, we can try and block those leaks in the dam with our thumbs, but the reality is that we need a much bigger, comprehensive approach.” Adding to those challenges is the oversight for pet stores, pet trade shows or online pet sales. Dubois acknowledged the pet store industry does a fairly good job of policing itself, but gaps can exist in terms of employees knowing all the bylaws in the municipalities they’re located in. “There’s no one responsible, or no body that regulated the pet store industry in terms of where they’re sourcing their animals, what car they provide,” she said. “We react when there’s an animal cruelty complaint about a store, but it’s not our role to monitor pet stores and how they acquire these animals.”
Sara Dubois is chief scientific officer for the BC SPCA
For more information around exotic pet ownership, see www.spca.bc.ca.
Spring 2015 | All About PETS
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Create a Healthy, Safe Environment for Pet Birds
Metro Creative
Although birds may not be as popular as other companion animals, avian pets still make wonderful additions to many families. Pet birds can run the gamut from larger parrots to small lovebirds and finches.
Birds may be more compact pets, suitable for smaller living spaces like apartments, but they’re not selfsufficient. Birds may need less daily attention than cats or dogs, but birds have specific needs to be met to keep them healthy and happy.
Household Dangers Captive birds that will be allowed out of their cages from time to time are susceptible to potential dangers around the house. Numerous things can be dangerous to birds. Their small stature makes birds especially vulnerable to household cleaners, even small amounts of which can result in illness. Avoid the use of aerosol sprays or other chemicals around the bird. Other pets can also be potentially harmful to birds, who cannot defend themselves against cats, dogs and even ferrets. Something seemingly innocent, such as a source of open water, also can be dangerous. Birds easily can drown in water bowls, buckets or open toilets. In addition, any hot surface can be threatening to active birds, as fireplaces, boiling water, hot light 22
All About PETS | Spring 2015
bulbs, radiators and candles can cause serious burns. Birds that are allowed free run of the house should be carefully monitored, and every effort should be made to remove potential hazards from the home. Keep doors closed so that the bird cannot escape to another room where windows may be open or safety measures to protect the bird were not taken.
Cages The cage will be the bird’s primary home and the place he or she will spend the most amount of time. Provide the bird with the largest cage your home can accommodate. Pet professionals recommend stainless steel and powder-coated cages for their safety. Avoid galvanized wire cages that can be coated with zinc and make the bird sick. Outfit the cage with natural branches or perches of varying diameter to prevent painful worn spots from forming on the bird’s feet. Keep the cage as clean as possible, removing papers daily and rinsing the bottom of the cage with soap as necessary. A weekly disinfecting with a mild bleach-and-water solution can keep bacteria from taking root and prevent odour in the cage.
Controlled light Beyond providing food, shelter, exercise and water, bird owners also should consider the physical and psychological benefits of giving caged birds access to full-spectrum lighting. Wild birds are accustomed to many hours of sunlight, and indoor birds
may not be privy to such conditions. According to Everything Birds, bird owners should provide a full-spectrum of light, including UVA and UVB light, to caged birds for 15 to 40 minutes per day, up to three days a week. Exposure to UVA is important for the bird’s vision, while UVB rays aid in the production of vitamin D. Too much UV exposure can be harmful, so exercise caution. Adjusting exposure to light can help birds develop healthy sleep-wake cycles that mimic their behaviours in nature. When the weather is warm, bird cages can be rolled outdoors or birds with properly clipped wings can be given outdoor exercise.
Temperature Birds easily get cold and cannot sufficiently warm themselves, so keep bird cages located in a room with a stable temperature and away from drafts. Do not locate cages close to windows or in the bathroom where temperatures can fluctuate.
Kitchen When heated, non-stick pans may produce fumes that can be toxic to birds. Coffee pots and toasters also can give off fumes, especially when they are new, so keep birds away from these appliances. Birds also have a much lower tolerance to the toxins in cigarette smoke, so avoid smoking near a bird after a meal. Pet birds are seemingly an easy pet to have, and one that requires much less work than a dog or cat. However, birds have unique needs, and they require specialized care not everyone is capable of providing.
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