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SAN ANTONIO’S PREMIER PET MAGAZINE
COMPLIMENTARY March 2015
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THE BLUEBONNET BUNK’N BISCUIT is the realization of a decade long dream to provide quality, pet supportive boarding, exercise and interaction for the San Antonio community. We believe that the human-pet bond is one that should be nurtured to maximize the benefits to both human and pet.
• Boarding with Doggie Daycare Play Included! • 1 Acre Outdoor Playscape/yards • 9000 sq. feet indoor play area
• Covered drop off/pick up • Eco Friendly Pet Care • Luxurious private Dog Suites • Raintree Cat Condos • Grooming & Training • Open 7Days/Week 6:30am-6:30pm • Pet Taxi
210.655.2865
16302 North IH 35, | Selma, TX 78154 (North Bound Access of I35 at FM 1518) www.mybunknbiscuit.com | info@MyBunknBiscuit.com
In-Home Pet Euthanasia San Antonio & Austin HOURS OF OPERATION: MONDAY - SATURDAY 10AM - 6PM | SUNDAY - NOON - 4PM Website: www.pawbasics.com | Facebook: facebook.com/pawbasics 2602 North Loop 1604 West, Suite 104 San Antonio, TX 210-479-1545
Comfort & Privacy www.PetLossAtHome.com
877-219-4811 8am - 8pm, 7 Days/Week
Dr. Phil Whisnand Veterinarian
Two Locations To Serve You and Your Pets!
24200 IH-10 West
701 South Main Boerne, Texas
210-687-1122
830-331-BONE
(Five minutes outside 1604 next to Willie’s in Leon Springs. Exit 550)
(2663)
Every doggone thing you need under one ruff. Open Every Day. Shop with your pets.
www.fetchandfriskers.com
{contents}
COVER PHOTOGRAPHED BY RENEE SPADE COVER MODEL ADDIE (SEE PAGE 14)
12 22 23 08 Pet Proofing your Fence 09 Calendar of Events 10 Rescue Organizations 11 Advertiser Spotlight 12 Spotlight Rescue 14 About Cover Model 16 Doggie Makeover
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17 Pet Friendly San Antonio 18 Vestibular Patient 20 Feline Dental Advice 22 End of Life Decisions 23 Rainbow Bridge 24 Foster a Pet in Need 26 Teach a Dog New Tricks
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PUBLISHER/EDITOR
Dana Raimondi Tel: 210-436-9009 dana.texasdogsandcats@gmail.com
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
advertising inquiries to Dan Greenhouse (630) 220-2911 or dana.texasdogsandcats@gmail.com
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Fran Sherman 314.275.2208 fran@shermanstudios.com
DESIGNER Eric Null
PHOTOGRAPHER
Renee Spade Photography Tel: 210-254-4255 renee@reneespadephotography.com
CONTRIBUTING PARTNERS Emeline Lakrout Seamus Nelson Mikael Persson Andrea Yanase
3 24 32 27 Adoptables 28 Senior Pet 30 Caring for Senior Pets 31 Ask the Vet 32 Pet Puzzler 34 Pupperazi 35 Pet Directory of SA
{March 2015}
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Chelsea Arch Mike Barnard Dr. Courtney Bridgeman Glennda Bruce Dr. Jocelyn Cooper Marie Crabb Diana Farrar Andrew Hoing Dr. Dan Kirby Valerie Lacayo Dr. Pat Mims Felicia Ni単o Shannan Lamb Parker Dr. James Peterson
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ADVERTISE WITH US!
Dana.texasdogsandcats@gmail.com or 210-436-9009 Next Issue April 2015: Fiesta with your pet
5 find us on
and at www.texasdogsandcatssa.com
LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER As pet parents, all of us are facing or will face the fact that our furry family members are aging. New challenges for our senior pets require better education on our part. To this end, we address this issue with tips on how to help overcome this old age hurdle. We hope our articles by Dr. Mims & Andrew Hoing sheds light on these obstacles. One topic that is difficult for all pet parents “end of life care” for your loved one. Valerie Lacayo of Pawsitive Memories Pet Hospice has written a very instructive article that will hopefully help us all cope with this heart wrenching subject. We feature a memorial to our reader’s pets who have crossed the Rainbow Bridge. We hope all of your pets have the “luck of the Irish” this month just like our cover ‘Lucky Dog’ Addie this month. Hope you and your pets find that pot of gold…
Sincerely,
Dana Raimondi Tell our advertisers you heard about them in Texas Dogs & Cats-San Antonio! The opinions of authors of articles in this Magazine are those of the writer or contributor and are not necessarily endorsed by the publisher, and the publisher has not confirmed the accuracy of information contained in articles. 6
contributors DANA RAIMONDI is the publisher of Texas Dogs & Cats Magazine. She is a recent transplant to San Antonio from “the Windy City” but has become an admirer of the San Antonio cultural scene. Although a CPA, her true passion in life is the caring and welfare of animals. FRAN SHERMAN has been a freelance creative director/graphic designer since 1985. Throughout these years, she has designed a myriad of materials for a staggering number of companies, and she has won numerous graphic design awards for her work, many of them for magazine/publication design. RENEE SPADE is the owner of Renee Spade Photography. She has been spreading furry joy to pet parents with her photography/graphic design services and super-fun pet product line, The Jack & Spade Collection since 2005. DR. DAN KIRBY, DVM, graduated Cum Laude from Texas A&M with a degree in Biomedical Science in 1979 and earned his DVM in 1984. Dr. Kirby has been the owner and director of Alamo Heights Pet Clinic since 1997. He uses both a conventional and a holistic approach to medicine. DAN GREENHOUSE , Sales Director, graduated from the University of Missouri School of Journalism and has been in magazine advertising sales his entire career. He currently is the “daddy” of two Bearded Collies and “grandpa” to an Italian Greyhound.
contributing partners DR. COURTNEY BRIDGEMAN joined the San Antonio Humane Society as their first fulltime veterinarian 5 years ago and has worked to create a healthy and happy environment for all the animals there. FELICIA NIÑO is the Communication Associate for the San Antonio Humane Society. She has been with the SAHS for over 5 years and absolutely loves spending time with her 2 Dachshund Chihuahua mixes, Browny and Duke, and 2 Pembroke Welsh Corgis, Sherlock and Brutus Beefcake “Beefy”, all SAHS Alumni.
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Natalie Duran • Comfort care for terminally ill pets • In home euthanasia • Pick up and transport 10730 Potranco Road to crematory Suite 122-212• Grief support Memorial services San Antonio, TX •78251 • Specializing 1-830-538-3PET (3738)in pet sitting for elderly and special needs pets. info@pawsitive-memories.com
Making Your Real Estate Dreams Reality www.pawsitive-memories.com
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540 Madison Oak Dr. #210
petproofingyourfence
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t’s coming up on the time of year when folks start thinking about spring cleaning and home maintenance. One of the top items pet parents should look at is the sturdiness of their fence to ensure that their beloved furbabies don’t get out and into some trouble. Every year hundreds of pets get out of their yards, and many of them are never returned (or worse). Here are tips from a fencing professional, Mike Doherty, owner of Black Pearl Custom Painting & Staining, who also specializes in fence repair and maintenance: • A site survey/fence assessment needs to be done to assess and analyze your particular fence, figure out what the weaknesses are and what it would take to repair or reinforce it. • What type of pets are you pet proofing it against? Little or big? Are they diggers? For me it was a Chihuahua, mini poodle, Great Dane and a Great Pyrenees. Different types of dogs can find different ways to get out a fence. The poodle could get out from under the gap or in between the ground and the pickets, and the Pyrenees could easily knock an old fence picket out with her paw.
BY MARIE CRABB, GRI
Mike says the most effective way to pet proof is to create a barrier at the bottom of the fence with stones. On his own fence, he took the stones his home was made of, trenched beneath the fence and lined them up between the fence posts, with part of the stone below the ground, part above. • Is there a budget? If so, some budget friendlier options would include: • Creating a barrier of field fence or wooden pickets (as opposed to stone or brick) that run horizontally along the bottom of your existing fence, placing part of that barrier beneath the ground, and part above. • Pet proofing the smaller area between the side of your house and your fence to create a pet proof dog run instead of pet proofing your entire fence • Will this be a permanent or temporary fix? Temporary options include lining the fence with embedded large rocks or bricks to prevent escape through dig8
ging and critters coming in from outside the fence. A permanent option would be what I did on my own fence at home – having concrete poured 12 inches down and 6 inches above, with metal fence posts. These kinds of permanent fixes are more expensive, but they are investments that will add value to your home when you are ready to sell it and will make it attractive to other caring pet parents. For ongoing maintenance, you should always check for loose boards or holes under the fence every time you are poop-scooping or put it on your To-Do list for when you change the AC filters. This is a simple thing you can do to prevent a potentially disastrous situation and the feeling of helplessness a pet parent experiences when they come home and Fido isn’t in the backyard. To help pet parents with fence maintenance concerns, Mike is offering a site survey for $55 for which he will provide a list of reinforcements/repairs and measurements along with the amount of material you would need if you want to DIY (or if you decide to have him to do the repair, he’ll credit toward the work). If you want Mike’s help in pet proofing your fence, give him a ring at: 210.687.8971. Marie Crabb is a San Antonio native and animal rescue advocate with 8 furkids of her own, plus numerous rescue fosters. She is a Realtor with Exquisite Properties, has a Master’s Degree in International Relations from St. Mary’s University and is a trained Mediator.
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calendarofevents SATURDAY, MARCH 7TH The San Antonio Humane Society will offer pet adoptions at the MS Walk from 8am-11am. Join in on the walk and bring your canine companion along to the AT&T Center (One AT&T Center Pkwy, 78219). Visit SAhumane.org/events for more details! MARCH 9-13 Spring Camp Humane at the San Antonio Humane Society - this is the place for animal loving kids, ages 9-12, to learn about pets! The camp is $150 and takes place from 9am-3pm (optional extended care from 8am-5pm for an additional $50). Visit SAhumane.org/springcamp for more info! SATURDAY, MARCH 14TH Pet Wellness Clinic at the San Antonio Humane Society (4804 Fredericksburg Road) from 8am12pm. First-come, first-serve basis as time allows. Various vaccinations, microchipping, nail trim, heartworm test (dogs), Advantage Multi, and much more will be available. Visit SAhumane.org for more info. SATURDAY, MARCH 14TH SA Farmers BARKet at Random (11 Upper Cibolo Creek Rd, Boerne, TX) from 12-5PM. There will be many vendors, farm to market, arts and crafts and plenty of pet centric vendors. SATURDAY, MARCH 14TH Fest of Tails Kite Festival & Dog Fair at MacAllister Dog Park (13102 Jones-Maltsberger) from 9AM4PM. There will be a Pooch Parade, contests, pet products & pet adoptions. Kite flying and demonstrations, food, music and fun. Admission is free to the public.
THURSDAY, MARCH 19TH SAPA! adoption and donation drive atThe Reserve at Live Oak apartments (20005 Liedecke Rd) from 11-3PM.
SATURDAY, MARCH 21ST San Antonio Pet Expo from 10AM-6PM at the San Antonio Event Center. Free parking & admission and bring your pet. TUESDAY, MARCH 24TH Pet Loss and Grief support hosted by S.A.P.P.Y. at the English Tea Shoppe at 6877 Bandera Rd. The gatherings are free to the public and meant for support. They are held every 4th Tuesday of the month from 6:30-8PM. SATURDAY, MARCH 28TH Bark in the Park at Woodlawn Lake Park (1103 Cincinnati St) from 10AM-3PM. Guests will have access to various pet services offered at the pet fiesta including free spay/ neuter, low-cost vaccinations, micro-chipping and pet adoptions. The family-friendly event also features pet contests, food trucks, entertainment, a children’s activity zone and a variety of vendors and exhibitors. SATURDAY, MARCH 28TH Pet Wellness Clinic at the San Antonio Humane Society (4804 Fredericksburg Road) from 8am-12pm. First-come, first-serve basis as time allows. Various vaccinations, microchipping, nail trim, heartworm test (dogs), Advantage Multi, and much more will be available. Visit SAhumane.org for more info. SATURDAY, MARCH 28TH SAPA! Stella and Dot trunk show at PJAC, 210 tuleta dr. from 12-4PM.
IF YOU HAVE A PET EVENT IN SAN ANTONIO, THAT YOU WOULD LIKE ADDED TO THE CALENDAR AND/OR ON OUR WEBSITE, PLEASE EMAIL DANA.TEXASDOGSANDCATS@GMAIL.COM FOR CONSIDERATION
{March 2015}
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RESCUE ORGANIZATIONS/NON-PROFITS O F
S A N
ALAMO AREA PARTNERS FOR ANIMAL WELFARE (AAPAW) aapaw.org
HILL COUNTRY ANIMAL LEAGUE 830-249-2341 hcaltx.com
ALAMO RESCUE FRIENDS alamorescuefriends.org
HOMES FOR PETS/SCHERTZ HUMANE SOCIETY homesforpets.org
ANIMAL DEFENSE LEAGUE 210-655-1481 adltexas.org ANIMAL FRIENDS HUMANE SOCIETY 830-981-2300 animalfriends4ever.org ANIMAL RESCUE CONNECTIONS 830-438-0398 animalrescueconnections.org APPLICATIONS 4 RESCUE www.gsdrescuectx.com BEST FRIENDS ANIMAL SOCIETY 210-306-6126 BULVERDE AREA HUMANE SOCIETY 830-980-2247 bulverdeareahumanesociety.com CANYON LAKE ANIMAL SHELTER SOCIETY (CLASS) 830-899-2527 canyonlakeanimalshelter.com CITY OF SAN ANTONIO ANIMAL CARE SERVICES 210-207-4738 saacs.net CONVERSE ANIMAL SHELTER 210-658-4821 casi.petfinder.com CRESSIE ANIMAL REFUGE AND ENRICHMENT (C.A.R.E.) 210-313-3600 caretx.org
HOTK9RESCUE 830-981-2300 animalfriends4ever.org HUMANE SOCIETY OF KERRVILLE 830-367-7722 humanesocietyofkerrville.com HUMANE SOCIETY OF LIVE OAK See Humane Society of Live Oak on Facebook HUMANE SOCIETY OF NEW BRAUNFELS 830-629-5287 hsnba.com JUST ADD LOVE DOG RESCUE justaddlovedogrescue.com KATIE’S ROADSIDE RESCUE
www.krrtx.org
LAS LOMOS K9 RESCUE & ADOPTION FOUNDATION dogsrus.org LOST PAW PATROL 865-742-1151 lostpawpatrol.com LOVE FOR PAWS RESCUE 210-639-4039 loveforpawsrescue.com MISSY’S HAVEN CANINE RESCUE 210-788-7420 missyshaven.org
CUTE AND CUDDLIE ANIMAL WELFARE SOCIETY 210-647-3529
ORDINARY MIRACLES CANINE RESCUE www.omcr.org
DELTA PET PARTNERS OF SAN ANTONIO (210) 858-8351 www.deltappsa.org
PAUSE FOR PAWS, INC. 210-378-5373 pfpsd.org
FRIENDS OF ANIMAL CARE SERVICES (FACS) 210-826-4831 friendsofanimalcare.org GOD’S DOGS’ RESCUE (210) 916-1332 www.godsdogsrescue.weebly.com
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A N T O N I O
PAWS FOR SERVICE Therapy Dog Organization www.pawsforservice.org PAWS 4 HEARTS WORKING THERAPY DOGS 210-325-3019 www.paws4hearts.net
HANDS4PAWS hands4pawsrescue.org
PAWS N CLAWS RESCUE 210-360-9933 PawsNClawsRescueSATX.com
HELOTES HUMANE SOCIETY 210-422-6242 hhsanimals.org
RESPONSIBLE PET OWNERS ALLIANCE 210-822-6763 responsiblepetowners.org
SA K9’S SERVICE DOG CLUB 210-214-0182 SAN ANTONIO FERAL CAT COALITION 210-877-9067 www.sanantonioferalcats.org SAN ANTONIO GUARDIAN ANGELS 210-379-9034 sanantonioguardianangels.com SAN ANTONIO HUMANE SOCIETY 210-226-7461 SAhumane.org SAN ANTONIO PETS ALIVE (SAPA) sanantoniopetsalive.org SAN ANTONIO R.O.C.K.S. (REAL OPTION FOR CHANGING KILL SHELTERS) sarocks.org SCHERTZ ANIMAL SERVICES 210-658-5321 SOUTH TEXAS ANGEL PAWS RESCUE 210-632-9111 SouthTexasAngelPawsRescue.com SOUTHERN ANIMAL RESCUE ASSOCIATION 830-401-0280 SPAY-NEUTER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SNAP) 713-862-3863 snapus.org SpaySA 210-351-7729 spaysa.org SPAY-NEUTER-INJECT-PROJECT OF SAN ANTONIO (SNIPSA) 210-576-3497 snipsa.org TALK ABOUT IT! SA 210-242-4720 talkaboutitsa.org TEJAS RESCUED PET ADOPTIONS 210-416-3947 tejasrescues.org TEXAS GSP RESCUE texasgsp.org THERAPY ANIMALS OF SAN ANTONIO 210-614-6734 therapyanimalssa.org WAGS Across Texas Therapy Dogs wagsacrosstexas.com/ Please email dana.texasdogsandcats@ gmail.com if you are a rescue organization or a Non Profit Pet Organization of San Antonio that would like to be added to this list. All breed specific rescue groups are listed on our website.
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A D V E R T I S E R
S P O T L I G H T
Fifi & Fidos Pet Boutique
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tchy dog? Picky cat? Tummy issues? Then you want to visit Fifi & Fidos Pet Boutique. Founded in November 2005, Fifi & Fidos is one of the oldest independent pet retail stores in San Antonio. Originally established as strictly a pet boutique with a wide variety of clothing, accessories, toys, collars and other dog & cat items, the focus shifted to nutrition when Diana Farrar purchased the store in 2008. "Sadly, many of the commercial foods out there consist primarily of fillers such as corn, wheat, soy, by-products and other 'iffy' stuff that can have adverse effects on our dogs and cats." she said, "So I really have to research to make sure what I carry is made responsibly, and with quality ingredients." As a member of a group of about 90 other independent holistic retailers, she's able to call on their expertise to find solutions for many unique problems. "Their collective knowledge has allowed me to be able to help so many more of the pets I see. It's truly a blessing." she added. And pets are always welcome at the store!
BY DIANA FARRAR
"We specialize in helping dogs and cats with allergies, skin conditions and digestive issues." Farrar says. "We offer a variety of high quality foods and supplements that can alleviate many of the problems caused by food allergies and reactions to the filler ingredients found in many processed commercial foods", she continued. "People are often surprised to find that because they feed less of a high quality food, they end up spending about what they were on low quality grocery store foods, and many of their pet's problems go away." She not only is concerned with the ingredients in the foods, treats, and supplements she offers, but looks deeper to get to the source of those ingredients.
We are a complete boutique, but also provide the best in foods, treats & supplements to keep your pet beautiful inside and out!
210.822.2525 www.fifiandfidos.com {March 2015}
5120 Broadway San Antonio, TX 78209
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blanketsforpets
BY GLENNDA BRUCE
{spotlightresue}
handmade
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Program brings Comfort to Homeless Pets
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omfort for Critters (CFC) is a 100% volunteer program that creates handmade blankets to comfort homeless pets who, for no fault of their own, have found themselves in animal shelters. The group was started in Illinois in 2007 by Linda Kastiel Kozlowski, who made 100 blankets in that first year. The group has since grown and has provided over 24,000 blankets to shelters/rescues in almost all 50 states.
In January 2014, Glennda Bruce saw an article in a Woman’s World magazine about things individuals could do to help shelter animals. CFC was profiled in this article. Since 2005, Glennda has been a volunteer for Small Paws Rescue (a nation-wide Bichon rescue group) and is a member of their Blanketeers who make blankets for every dog that is adopted from that group. She immediately recognized this as an opportunity to do the same for animals in San Antonio shelters and the San Antonio branch of Comfort for Critters was born. San Antonio’s Animal Care Services (ACS) was contacted by the national CFC coordinator and Jeanne Saadi, ACS Volunteer Coordinator, enthusiastically agreed to help. The group is currently 25 strong and in 2014 we made 1000 blankets that were given to dogs and cats. Because of the large number of animals at ACS and the challenge of washing large number of blankets, the decision was made to give the blankets to the animals that go into foster care with ACS volunteers. Then, when they get adopted the blanket goes with them to their forever home.
In addition to making blankets at home (sewing fleece, crocheting, or knitting), various volunteers meet the fourth Sunday of each month at ACS to make blankets. We also use the scraps and other items to make toys for the critters. At our Sunday Sewing Day, we can use all kinds of skills. Some people cut the fleece, others sew, and still other make the toys. As fast as the blankets come in the front door, they go out the back door so we are always trying to find people who want to volunteer to make blankets. There are always more animals than there are blankets. If you love to knit, crochet, sew, or work with fleece and have a special place in your heart for animals, we would love to have you become part of this group. If you are part of a group that needs a volunteer opportunity, we would welcome your participation. Another one of our needs is for donations of fleece and yarn for the volunteers to use. We will gladly accept any yarn (full or partial skeins) and fleece in any amounts. These can be dropped off at ACS or we will make arrangements to pick them up at your convenience. If you are interested in volunteering or have a donation, you can contact Glennda Bruce (glbruce@att.net) or Jeanne Saadi ( Jeanne.Saadi@sanantonio.gov).
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Walgreens is your one stop shop for basic Pet Foods, Pet Supplies, & Pet Medications. We can now Flavor your pet’s medications Walgreens offers the Prescription Savings Club which can save you hundreds of dollars on your pet medications We regularly stock the most common pet supplies and frequently prescribed pet medications Let us help you and your furry friends Get Well, Live Well, and Be Well…at your neighborhood Walgreens!
Find Your Local Walgreens: 1-800- WALGREENS or www.Walgreens.com
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210-878-7743 • www.maidaffordable.com
{March 2015}
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about our
covermodel Meet Addie!
BY MIKE BARNARD
She's a four year old French Bulldog and the Canine Relations Manager at Lucky Dog Pet Grooming, Luxury Boarding, and Doggie Daycare. Addie's daily duties include greeting clients, organizing daycare play groups, getting boarding dogs settled in, and providing moral support to dogs coming in for grooming. Aside from her Canine Relations duties, she also keeps the Lucky Dog staff in line, making sure that they provide the best quality of care around. Addie makes sure that every dog is a lucky dog when they visit us for any of our services. Addie is quite the lucky dog herself after a recent case of pneumonia that had her in the hospital for over a week. Thanks to Dr. Lucia Alvarez and the wonderful, caring staff, Addie is back on her feet and back to her daily duties here at Lucky Dog. Addie wants everyone to know how awesome it is to be a Lucky Dog. Lucky dogs get the best care throughout the day and enjoy the finest facilities in Texas. From daycare to boarding, grooming and nail trims, everyone is a treated like family. Addie can't stress enough how important daycare and socialization is to dogs. In order for family pets to be wellrounded and well-adjusted they need the social attention provided by other dogs. Some dogs have more energy than others and daycare is a great way to provide both social skills and energy expediture, allowing you to pick up a happy and tired dog at the end of the day. Addie also understand the importance of regular grooming for all types of dogs. Even if it's just a bath and nail trim, bringing your dog in on a regular basis gives the staff a chance to keep an eye out for developing conditions that owners may not notice and also to keep their nails at a healthy length to prevent foot and leg problems. You don't have to have the luck of the Irish to be a Lucky Dog like Addie. Come visit us at Lucky Dog Pet Grooming, Luxury Boarding, and Doggie Daycare and see how lucky your pup can be.
Luxury Boarding and Doggie Daycare Lucky Dog is the top dog- groomer, boarding and daycare facility in San Antonio. We love our doggie clients and make sure that their time in our care is a fun filled positive experience. Contact us today 2267 NW Military Highway • Suite 115 Castle Hills, TX 78213 (210) 592-7648 • www.petgroomerssanantonio.com
COVER AND ABOVE PHOTOS TAKEN BY RENEE SPADE PHOTOGRAPHY
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You Lucky Old Dog! Your Next Vacation is at
Maria Deosdade Gonzales, DVM Teresa Sanders, DVM Heather H. Wright, DVM Holly Pappas, DVM
Phone: 210.349.9393 1806 NW Military Hwy, San Antonio, TX 78213 www.petsfirstvet.com
Indoor/Outdoor Climate Control Boarding Kitty Kennels • Doggie Day Care Beach Club • Rental Facilities Award Winning Training in: Agility, Obedience, and Herding
Check ou our new t K9 Healt h Gym!
830-980-8476 • Bulverde, TX • k9countryclub.net
DOGGIE STYLEZ
{dogmakeover}
FEATURED DOGGIE
BEFORE
makeover
AFTER
Meet Nona. Nona is a Miniature Poodle who got pampered and pretty at Grooming by Gloria. Her makeover was on January 31, 2015. Grooming by Gloria, 10811 Perrin Bietel #102 (210) 654-1350
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PET FRIENDLY DIRECTORY S A N A N T O N I O PET FRIENDLY APARTMENT COMPLEXES SUNSET RIDGE APARTMENTS Sunsetridgeapartments.com
POISON HOTLINE ASPCA ANIMAL POISON CONTROL CENTER 888-426-4435 • aspca.org/apcc
PET FRIENDLY HOTELS OMNI SAN ANTONIO HOTEL AT THE COLONNADE 9821 Colonnade Blvd. San Antonio, TX 78230 (210) 691-8888 • Omnihotels.com
THE WYNDHAM SA RIVERWALK 111 E. Pecan Street San Antonio, TX 78205 210-354-2800 www.wyndham.com
PHIL HARDBERGER PARK WEST 8400 NW Military Highway
PET FRIENDLY RESTAURANTS
MCALLISTER PARK DOG PARK 13102 Jones-Maltsberger Road
RITA'S ON THE RIVER THE HANGAR TYCOON FLATS
DOG PARKS CHRIS DOG PARK 111 Camp Street PHIL HARDBERGER PARK EAST 13203 Blanco Road
MADISON SQUARE PARK 400 Lexington Ave.
PEARSALL PARK DOG PARK 4700 Old Pearshall Road STONE OAK DOG PARK 20395 Stone Oak Parkway TOM SLICK DOG PARK 7400 HIghway 151 UNIVERSAL CITY DOG PARK 134B Athenian Dr. Universal City, TX
IF YOU ARE A PET FRIENDLY APARTMENT, HOTEL, OR RESTAURANT AND WOULD LIKE TO BE INCLUDED IN THIS LISTING, PLEASE CONTACT US AT DANA.TEXASDOGSANDCATS@GMAIL.COM OR AT (210) 436-9009.
{healthbeat}
thevestibularpatient CLINICAL SIGNS AND CASE APPROACH
T
he vestibular system is responsible for controlling balance, posture and eye movements. Vestibular disease is a relatively common neurologic emergency in dogs and cats and the sudden-onset signs can be extremely upsetting to both clients and patients. It is important that these patients are quickly presented to a veterinarian or a veterinary neurologist so that a neurologic examination can be performed. The Vestibular Patient – Clinical Signs and Case Approach
The vestibular system is responsible for controlling balance, posture and eye Neurologic Abnormalities in Vestibular Patients: movements. Vestibular disease is a relatively common neurologic emergency in Differentiating Central vs. Peripheral Disease dogs and cats and the sudden-onset signs can be extremely upsetting to both When examining a patient suspected have clients and patients. It is important that these patients are to quickly presented to a veterinarian or a veterinary so that neurologic examination vestibular disease it is neurologist important to atry to determine can be performed. whether the problem is central (brain involvement) Neurologic Abnormalities Vestibular Differentiating Central or peripheral (theinbrain is Patients: OK but the nerves arevs. Peripheral Disease affected after exiting the brainstem). Answering this question will helpsuspected prepare thevestibular pet owner recWhen examining a patient to have disease for it is important to try to determinediagnostic whether the problem is central (brain involvement) or ommended testing, possible underlying peripheral (the brain is OK but the nerves are affected after exiting the causes and prognosis for their pet. Below is a quick brainstem). Answering this question will help prepare the pet owner for chart reference clinical that might be seen recommended diagnosticfor testing, possiblesigns underlying causes and prognosis for theirvestibular pet. Below is apatients quick chart reference for clinical thatlocalize might be seen in and how they signs help the in vestibular patients and how they help localize the vestibular issue. vestibular issue. Assessment Mental status Body position Gait
BY JOCELYN COOPER, DVM, DACVIM (NEUROLOGY)
Awareness of foot position Reflexes Cranial nerves
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Central Disoriented, demented, obtunded Head tilt or turn Ataxia, weakness, falling, rolling, circling Decreased
Peripheral Usually alert, can be disoriented Head tilt or turn Ataxia, falling, rolling, circling Normal
Normal or increased Any abnormality detected in nerves that supply the face and/or eyes in addition to the peripheral signs noted here
Normal Facial nerve paresis (drooping face or eyelid), Horner’s syndrome, abnormal eye position and movement (nystagmus)
Diagnostic Tests to Consider: • Complete blood count, biochemical profile, urinalysis, thyroid testing • Chest x-rays, otoscopic (ear) examination • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) & spinal tap • Infectious disease testing • If middle or inner ear infection is identified on MRI, then myringotomy, culture and sensitivity, and deep ear flush may be performed Things to Keep in Mind… The specific treatment plan and prognosis for the vestibular patient varies significantly between cases and in many cases may be very good. Many diseases that cause vestibular signs can respond well to targeted therapy (for example low thyroid, meningitis, ear polyps
and infections). Vestibular patients can also quickly learn to compensate for their clinical signs and traumatic, toxic, and vascular causes of vestibular disease can often improve significantly just with time and supportive care!
Dr. Cooper is the boardcertified small animal neurologist at Mission Veterinary Specialists. She graduated with her DVM from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine & then completed a one-year small animal rotating internship at the University of Missouri. Dr. Cooper completed a three-year Neurology/Neurosurgery residency at Texas A&M in 2012 and was awarded the neurosurgery certificate in 2013.
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Surgery ● Neurology & Neurosurgery ● Internal Medicine ● Diagnostic Imaging ● Cardiology ● Dentistry & Oral Surgery
8202 N Loop 1604 W | San Antonio, TX 78249 P: 210-737-7373 | F: 210-737-7372 MissionVetSpecialists.com {March 2015}
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{petsafety} BY DR. JAMES PETERSON 20
what'swrongwith mycat'smouth? A
sk any cat owner about how they care for their feline’s teeth and most will reply that “he eats dry food” or, more commonly “I really don’t clean her teeth”. While most veterinarians will acknowledge that brushing a cat’s teeth is a challenge for many owners, they will stress the importance of routine oral assessment of your cat’s mouth. These exams help find preventable problems and even some very concerning issues. One of those concerns we are seeing more frequently is called Feline Tooth Resorption. Tooth Resorption, or “TR” as it is commonly called, is a condition seen in a growing percentage of cats over the age of six years. The same strange condition is also seen in dogs and in people, but it is not nearly as common. In the past, this disease has been called “neck lesions”, “cervical line lesions” and even the cumbersome “Feline Odontoclastic Resorptive Lesions (FORLs)”. Whatever the name, we know that this condition is seen in cats who often appear normal. The process will continue to develop, causing extreme pain because of the exposure of the root canal. This can even lead to behavior changes and lack of normal appetite. Clinically, most cats will appear normal, but observant owners may note that their cat prefers to chew food on just one side or that the cat stops grooming. They may “toss” dry food into the back of their mouth. As TR progresses, some pets will even develop sullen or aggressive attitudes, as if they are mad at the world! Dental x-rays are the only way to diagnose TR. When the radiographs are taken, if TR is present, your veterinarian can see changes in the density of the roots and crowns of the teeth. Some teeth can be partially affected, while others may have completely dissolved away leaving a “ghost image”. Unfortunately, there is no effective treatment that can save the pet’s teeth. Veterinary dentists have even tried root canal therapies (endodonics), but they fail, as this resorption occurs on a microsopic basis.
A tooth that is showing any signs of resorption needs to be extracted. Some cats will need full mouth extractions. The good news in all of this is that once your veterinarian knows about the disease, several things can be done to keep your cat comfortable. Experience has shown that cats who were once not eating well or even aggressive will often have a positive behavior change in just a matter of weeks. It is surprising how the removal of these painful teeth can often bring back your affectionate feline friend. Owners are often unaware that their pets are experiencing such discomfort. But, regular visits to your veterinarian can help identify the issue and start work that will make your cat feel better. Contact your veterinarian to have a comprehensive oral examination for your pet, including dental x-rays and regular dental cleanings. Dr. James Peterson is a 1992 graduate of Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine. He began his career in Emergency Veterinary Medicine in San Antonio, and has practiced both Emergency and Small Animal Medicine in San Antonio for over 20 years. He is currently a director of Mission Pet Emergency in Northwest San Antonio and owns Hill Country Animal Hospital & The Palms Pet Resort in Helotes, TX.
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Directed by veterinarian owner
DEFINING QUALITY PET CARE THROUGH FOCUSED EFFORTS WITH AN ATTITUDE OF EXCELLENCE.
Mission Pet Emergency Formerly I-10 Pet Emergency
Our Mission is to be your Premier Emergency Care Provider • Urgent/Critical Care • Major and minor injury and illness treated • Caring and experienced staff
www.missionpetemergency.com N
Boarding Certified staff around the clock every day of the year. We focus on nurturing our guests by maintaining their physical, emotional, and behavioral health. Grooming 5 professional groomers available to pamper your dog or cat, from basic bathing to specialized groom and the latest styling techniques. Doggie PlayCare Exercising the mind and body of your social animal with consistent direction and correction from our certified staff. Training Basic skill classes for young puppies, advance skill classes, private lessons, board and train, and interactive “fun” groups for you and your dogs.
BULVERDE
8202 N Loop 16043 W San Antonio, TX 78249
BOERNE
281
210.691.0900
I-10
HELOTES
W. Hausman Rd.
1604 410
Located at Loop 1604 and Hausman Road
DropCOLOR by for GUIDES a tour LOGO
12410 Bandera Road @ Loop 1604 Helotes (San Antonio), Texas 78023
(210) 695-1166
info@thepalmspetresort.com www.thepalmspetresort.com
theseniorpet end of life decisions in
I
believe that those who are lucky enough to have earned the love of a senior pet are indeed lucky enough. Whether you have had your pet from a baby or adopted a senior pet you bond with them will grow even stronger as you adjust your home and life to accommodate the needs of their aging bodies.
BY VALERIE LACAYO, R.N.
When our pets age they begin to experience many of the same ailments that senior humans do, such as incontinence, aches and pains from arthritis, and they can even develop dementia. Many of these issues can be managed with medications and by making simple modifications in your home to accommodate their physical limitations. However, at some point their aging bodies are going to give out, and you may have to make the heartbreaking decision to help them cross over to the Rainbow Bridge. As your pet ages and their bodies begin to shut down, you will see them slowing down, their appetite will decrease, they will lose weight, get tired quicker and sleep more. Arthritis and joint pain is common in aging pets. Signs that they are in pain include getting up slowly, their back legs give out on them, groaning when getting up, reluctance to go up stairs or jump up on the furniture and they will stop playing. When the pain becomes severe, you may see panting or restlessness exhibited by getting up and down repeatedly, acting like they don’t want to lie down or not get up at all, and they often stop eating. Senior pets lose their eyesight and hearing. You may notice that they wander aimlessly and get lost or stuck in corners. These are classic signs of dementia in animals. Your pet will start to withdraw, meaning they will no longer engage in activities they once enjoyed; they do not seek your attention, they go off and sleep by themselves, and they no longer greet you when you come home. The question then becomes, how do you know when it is time to make “the decision�? As a human and pet hospice care provider I have learned that quality of life is the most important factor to consider. 22
Everyone, animals included, have their own definition of quality of life, but there are some basic factors that are important to all living creatures. One is to be free from pain, another is to be able to participate in activities that we find enjoyable. Make a list of 5 things your pet enjoys doing. Are they able to do at least 3 of the 5? If the answer is no, then you know your pet is losing or has lost their quality of life. If medications are no longer controlling symptoms such as pain, then your pet is no longer having quality of life. It is at this point you should consider alleviating their suffering through euthanasia. While it is a difficult decision to make, no one wants to see their beloved pet suffer, and relieving their pain and suffering through euthanasia is truly the final act of love. Valerie Lacayo, R.N., has a bachelors degree in Science and Nursing with 14 years experience as a hospice nurse and is the owner of Pawsitive Memories Pet Hospice and Memorial Services. The death of her own canine companion,Marty, convinced Valerie of the need for hospice care for animals as well as grief support for their human family members. Pawsitive Memories is a realization of nearly two decades of health care experience, specific understanding of comfort care and a desire to help others through the grieving process of a pet with dignity, empathy and understanding.
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M E M O R I A M
therainbowbridge rainbow This month we pay special tribute to the beloved pets of San Antonio that have passed away.
TOOTIE (12/19/99-1/20/15)
HANZ (5/10/14)
BUDDY (12/1/14)
SUNDAY (12/21/14)
THALY (1/21/15)
ELI (3/15/14)
BOO BOO (5/11/14)
BUBBLEGUM (5/26/14)
CUPCAKE (2/15/15)
{March 2015}
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fosterapetinneed S
pring has sprung and that means the weather is steadily growing warmer here in Texas. By the end of March and beginning of April we will kiss the temperate spring goodbye and welcome in the sultry summer. With the heat and the humidity, we will also see a resurgence of an old enemy in our pets: skin disorders.
BY FOSTER PROGRAM SUPERVISOR, CHELSEA ARCH & DR. COURTNEY BRIDGEMAN SAHS
In the home, these ailments are only a nuisance. Nasty skin rashes like Ringworm and Sarcoptes (also known as Mange or Scabies) can mean itchy redness for your pup, a yucky looking skin rash and hair loss, and a trip to your vet with some medication and a warning to beware your children. In a shelter environment, however, contagious ailments like these can have a much more significant prognosis for the four-legged afflicted.
That’s where a good Foster Program comes in. Chelsea Arch, the Foster Program Supervisor at the San Antonio Humane Society, knows a lot when it comes to fostering pets with skin disorders. Before she was the Foster Care Coordinator she was a long time foster herself and was one of the rare, willing people who takes in the animals with these vilified bugs. When asked what she would like the public to really know and understand about the
DUKE AND DARLA, CAME TO THE SAHS WITH BOTH TYPES OF MANGE AND SPENT 4 MONTHS WITH THEIR AMAZING FOSTER FAMILY UNTIL THEY WERE READY FOR ADOPTION. ONCE THEY RETURNED TO THE SHELTER, THEY WERE HEALTHY, HAPPY, SOCIALIZED AND WITHIN JUST A FEW DAYS, BOTH WERE ADOPTED INTO LOVING HOMES. PHOTO COURTESY OF CINDY VARGAS, SAHS FOSTER/VOLUNTEER
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big baddies she says, “I’d love to tackle the misconceptions and the fears associated with the skin disorders. Because, although they are potentially contagious to people, when you are following the treatment protocol to help them get healthy and get back into the shelter, the likelihood that you or your family will actually catch the bug is miniscule.” It’s true. The three major skin ailments that most shelters need fosters for are Sarcoptes infection, Ringworm, and Demodectic Mange. The first two are potentially contagious to, not only other animals, but also to people, which is why most traditional fosters shy away from them. In a shelter environment, where most animals are kept in a high density (read as lots of animals in adjoining space), with lots and lots of people acting as “fomites” (definition: object that spreads germs from cage to cage, and animal to animal) the possibility of spreading these skin ailments (neither of which is deadly) is quite high even with good treatment protocols. However, in a home environment, with a family who is following the treatment protocol of an experienced veterinarian, the chance of passing it to a family pet or even to a family member is incredibly small. Unlike the two mentioned above, the third, demodex mites, are not contagious. All mammals already have them on their body, including humans! The little mites live in the hair follicle and seldom cause issue. In animals who are stressed or who have lower immune systems, demodex mites can sometimes have a population explosion and cause itchiness, secondary skin infection, rash, and hair loss! So why can it be hard to find these guys a foster? It’s a time thing. In most cases, the pets with demodex sent to foster are the truly bad cases with lots of hair loss and who may potentially need lifelong management, so getting them presentable for adoption, can take quite a bit of time in a foster home. So what have we learned so far? Let’s break it down. Myth: If I have an animal with ringworm or sarcoptes in my home, I’m going to get it (or one of my kids/pets). Fact: An animal in the home with ringworm that is being managed by an experienced veterinarian and treated by loving fosters as instructed is an incredibly small risk. Myth: Sarcoptes and Ringworm are easy and nonfatal bugs. Shelters can deal with them without fosters. {March 2015}
Fact: While it’s true that the ailments themselves are non-fatal, the ability of shelters that are known to adopt out animals with these conditions to maintain good adoption rates is not good. Adopters rely on shelters to adopt out healthy pets and most do not look favorably on a facility that adopts out animals with contagious disease. Fosters are absolutely REQUIRED to save the lives of animals with these “easy” illnesses as in a high density environment, they are the boogeyman. Myth: Well, ok, I agree to foster these guys. I want to save a life, after all. My timeframe is what? A week? Fact: Unfortunately, no. This is the one part of the foster world that is unknown and can be a commitment. While letting a puppy or kitten get bigger is generally a set time frame of a couple weeks to a month, and letting a broken animal heal from its wounds, six weeks to 2 months, skin disorders are “until the hair grows back”. This can be short in the case of a single ringworm lesion that cooperates (2wks) or as long as 4 months for a chronic case of demodex. This doesn’t mean you have to cover the whole time on your own as multiple fosters are often found for animals in extended care, but the rewarding act often brings with it the desire to see it through till the end. So what did we learn? Fostering animals with skin issues is not only a heartily needed service, but ultimately a low-threat, highly-rewarding, life-saving activity. Who wouldn’t want to get involved? If you’re interested in fostering a pet in need, please contact our SAHS Foster Program Supervisor, Chelsea Arch, at foster@sahumane.org or one of the other San Antonio shelters to see how you can help!
DR. COURTNEY H. BRIDGEMAN, CHIEF VETERINARIAN FOR SAN ANTONIO HUMANE SOCIETY, SAHS FOSTER PROGRAM SUPERVISOR, CHELSEA ARCH AND FRIENDS
Dr. Courtney Bridgeman attended Texas A&M school of Veterinary Medicine (‘07) as well as College of Animal Sciences (‘02). She joined the San Antonio Humane Society as their first full-time veterinarian 5 years ago and has worked to create a healthy and happy environment for all the animals there. Dr. Bridgeman enjoys her small ranch of race bred Quarter Horses and raising her 2yr old twin daughters, Evellyn and Jaedyn. 25
teachadognewtricks I You Can Always
f you’re in the market for a loving, intelligent, and people pleasing pooch, consider a Canine In Training (C.I.T.) at the San Antonio Humane Society. There are a rare few who enter our shelter and for reasons beyond us, don’t find their forever family until 6, 7, 8 months or even 1 year later. Of course while they are with us, our staff and volunteers feel for them, fall for them hard, and want to help them in every way possible.
BY FELICIA NIÑO
Whether you have a We all see their great 5 month old Chihuahua attributes, silly antics, and puppy or a 10 year old genuine love that they Great Dane, all are welexude and often wonder, come to join our 6-week “Why hasn’t Maxx found long training sessions at the a home? He has been SAHS. If you have a puppy with us for too long. If 4-6 months of age, they will people only understood be in our Little Learners how loving, affectionate, Puppy Class where socialand smart he really is, ization and basic training they’d snatch him up in techniques will be enforced. a heartbeat.” Because of ADOPTED PUPS, ADDISON & EGG-ROLL, WERE LONG-TIME RESIDENTS If your companion is 7 Maxx, Addison, EggRoll, Ziv, etc., our C.I.T. AT THE SAHS WHO JOINED OUR CANINES IN TRAINING PROGRAM AND months of age or older, they LEARNED TO BE HAPPY, ATTENTIVE, AND WELL-BEHAVED COMPANIONS. can be a part of our Basic program is extremely Manners For Dogs Class where they will learn numerous important and rewarding to us, as it should be to future commands, as sit, down, stay, watch me, leave it, and will adopters as well. As a result of the multiple hours dedipractice polite-leash walking. These skills will not only cated to our C.I.T.’s by our Animal Program Supervihelp at home but also in your everyday life where distracsor and our Volunteer Behavior/Training Team, these tions occur often – when you are out on daily walks, adoptable dogs are learning more than just commands, playing at your local dog park, eating at a pet-friendly they are learning to trust humans, to feel confident in restaurant, etc. Another exciting opportunity for you and themselves, and are experiencing that special bond that yours is our Canine Good Citizen (C.G.C.) Prep Class we hope will continue once they are in their forever designed to help you all pass the American Kennel Club’s home. To meet our Canines In Training, visit the widely recognized certification – the C.G.C. test. And for SAHS and give them a chance to show off their skills. I those pups that need one-on-one attention from a trainer, think you’ll be quite surprised! possibly due to destructive behavior or reactivity towards Now I’m sure many of you have heard the saying “you people or other dogs, private consultations are available. can't teach an old dog new tricks.” But for those of us For information regarding requirements, pre-requisites, who know dogs, of all ages, we know this saying is false. and pricing of our dog training classes/private consultaAs a pet parent, it is imperative to socialize our canine tions, please visit SAhumane.org/dogtraining. companions, understand their needs, and be there to help them in a variety of situations. At the SA Humane Society, dog training classes are Felicia Niño is the Commuoffered to pet parents and their intelligent pooches. nication Associate for the San Our training philosophy focuses on building a strong, Antonio Humane Society. She healthy bond between a dog and his/her person through has been with the SAHS for positive reinforcement. We do not promote the use over 5 years and absolutely of fear or intimidation-based tactics and our Animal loves spending time with her 2 Behavior Program Supervisor believes that reward-based Dachshund Chihuahua mixes, techniques and education on canine behavior is the best Browny and Duke, and 2 way to promote a trusting and respectful relationship Pembroke Welsh Corgis, Sherlock and Brutus Beefcake between individuals and their dogs. “Beefy”, all SAHS Alumni.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF ANDREA YANASE
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Find your
canineintraining at the San Antonio Humane Society! ZIV
MA XX
hua mix Chihua , wait, le a h me old - m 3 year , down, watc shake it s d n s know spin, a , fetch, leave it
DELIL A
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3 year o ld - ma le knows sit, dow - Retriever m ix n, watc well on h me, a a leash nd walk s
K ATNISS
it erican P ale - Am down, m fe ld , 2 year o mix - knows sit n a leash ll o ier Bull Terr , and walks we e watch m
GYPSY Visit SAhumane. org to see more adoptable pets!
2 year o ld - ma le knows sit, dow - Smooth Coll ie mix n, watc well on h me, a a leash nd walk s
{March 2015}
Pei and e Shar- wn, watch s e in h sit, do old - C 2 year mix - knows a leash r e v o ell n Retrie walks w d n a , me
All pets adopted from the SAHS receive their spay/neuter surgery, microchip, first set of vaccinations, a starter bag of Hill’s Science Diet pet food and much more!
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seniorpet...already?! A s humans, we sometimes can hardly believe how rapidly the years go by. Now accelerate that by the more rapid aging process exhibited by our pets and you can start to understand why we have to be aware of the changes associated with aging.
BY DR. PAT MIMS
Though there are too many variables for us to use a simple 1 dog or cat year = x number of human years, there are some generalizations that can be made. For example, a 1 year old cat or dog is similar in physiology to a 15 year old person, while a 7 year old cat or small dog would likely have a human equivalent of a 45 year old person. There are even differences between large and small dog breeds, as a 7 year old large breed dog might be more similar to a 60 year old person. Giant breeds can age even more rapidly than that. The good news is that our pets are living longer than ever before because of better care and nutrition, but because of that we’re faced with more age related problems to deal with as the years go by. Part of the challenge is recognizing what is happening, the other part is managing the changes that accompany aging. It’s important to realize that our pets are susceptible to the same diseases and conditions that befall us, such as diabetes, kidney disease, heart disease, arthritis and cancer, and the more vigilant and attentive we are, the earlier we can detect problems and the more successful we’ll be in managing them. Early detection is key as it allows us to manage many conditions with medication or a change in diet, while management in a crisis situation might be much more involved, less successful and more expensive. A comprehensive physical examination by your veterinarian, often accompanied by some basic lab tests can be invaluable in finding problems that have not yet become evident. We’re familiar with this process when it comes to our own health care, but we need to factor in the more rapid aging process in our pets to fully appreciate the importance of having this done annually, or even more often as they become ‘super seniors’! A 10 year old dog having a physical exam every year is much like a 60 year old person going to the doctor only every 6 or 8 years, so we can’t rely 28
solely on that evaluation to find problems in the early stages! Careful observation at home can yield numerous clues to changes going in with our pets health, but since the changes often occur slowly over time, we have to be careful to pay attention to the ‘new normals’. For example, increased thirst or frequency of urination can be an early indicator of many diseases, including diabetes or kidney problems, while heart or lung disease can often be accompanied by coughing or difficulty breathing. The list goes on and includes unexplained weight loss, exercise intolerance, difficulty rising or walking, loss of appetite, etc., etc. The point is to watch for changes and seek the advice of your veterinarian when they first occur. You and your veterinarian are both part of your pet’s health care team, and together you can add many happy, healthy years to your friend’s life. Our senior pets deserve a little extra attention and often benefit from better nutrition, softer bedding, fewer steps, shorter walks, help with grooming and less stress in their lives. Consider a house call visit by your veterinarian if transport and travel is difficult or stressful for your pet - or for you. Dr. Pat Mims received his DVM degree from Texas A&M University (’81) and has been practicing in the Leon Springs area for over 30 years, both as a practice owner and as a Medical Director for a multi-doctor hospital. He has started MobileCare Veterinary Clinic, a full service house call practice providing complete care, including x-ray, surgery and dental procedures, as well as routine wellness care.
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www.pawsitive-memories.com
• Comfort care for terminally ill pets • In home euthanasia • Pick up and transport 10730 Potranco Road to crematory Suite 122-212• Grief support Memorial services San Antonio, TX •78251 • Specializing 1-830-538-3PET (3738)in pet sitting for elderly and special needs pets. info@pawsitive-memories.com
www.pawsitive-memories.com info@pawsitive-memories.com
{March 2015}
1-830-538-3PET (3738) 29
yourseniordog 5 H tips for caring for your
ave you noticed that your dog doesn’t chase after the ball with as much enthusiasm as he once did or that he seems a bit sluggish on his nightly walk? It’s sad but inevitable. Eventually, your dog is going to get old, but that doesn’t mean you won’t love him all the same. Every dog ages differently depending on their size and breed. Typically, larger dogs age more quickly than smaller ones. On average though, most dogs reach their senior years between the age of 7 and 10. As dogs get older, they may require extra attention and care to make sure they stay happy and healthy. Here are 5 tips you can follow to care for your senior dog. Schedule Regular Checkups for Your Senior Dog Just as you should see your doctor every year for a physical, it is also important for a dog to get regular wellness checkups. As dogs age, this becomes even more important. The ASPCA recommends that older dogs see the vet every six months for a thorough exam. This ensures that if any problems should arise they can be detected early and have a better chance of being treated.
BY ANDREW HOING
Feed Your Senior Dog a Nutritious Diet Diet becomes increasingly important in a dog’s later years. Proper nutrition will help your dog stay healthy and active. For example, dogs with arthritis or other joint problems may require a diet with more fatty acids like DHA or EPA while a dog with heart problems may need food that is lower in sodium. Talk to your vet to determine the best diet for your senior dog. Keep Your Senior Dog at a Healthy Weight It is critical for senior dogs to maintain a healthy weight. Overweight dogs run an increased risk of developing conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or skin disease. Further, excess pounds may add stress on your dog’s body and lead to joint pain and mobility issues. A healthy weight will help your dog 30
fight off some of the effects of aging. Regularly Exercise Your Senior Dog Even though your dog might not be as mobile and agile as he once was, it is still important for him to get regular exercise. Physical activity will help maintain healthy joints and muscles as well as an appropriate weight. Regular exercise is also important to your dog’s mental health, which is critical to his overall well-being. Take Care of Your Senior Dog’s Teeth Dental health is important for all dogs; however, it is extra critical for senior dogs, as they are more susceptible to developing dental diseases. Dental disease can be very painful and may cause your dog to have difficulty eating or stop eating all together. This may result in weight loss and an unhealthy coat of fur. Additionally, certain dental diseases, like gingivitis, may cause bacteria to get into the bloodstream and harm your dog’s internal organs. Make sure you brush your senior dog’s teeth regularly and give him teeth cleaning treats and toys. It can be difficult to see your dog age, but that doesn’t mean his senior years still can’t be filled with happiness and good health. He might just require a little extra care and proactiveness from you. Andrew is a Content Strategist at Tribu, a marketing and advertising agency in San Antonio. He helps Pawderosa Ranch with their online marketing efforts including blog writing, e-mail marketing, and website management. He loves the opportunity to work with Pawderosa and getting to talk about dogs all the time! You can follow all the blogs under www.pawdersaranch.com under blog where Andrew is listed as The Doggie Expert.
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Q: Do you recommend giving any natural supplements to help with my older dogs worsening arthritis? Is this stuff that I can buy over the counter or does it need to be prescribed by a veterinarian? —Thank You, Dawn
Dr. Kirby graduated Cum Laude from Texas A&M with a degree in Biomedical Science in 1979 and earned his DVM in 1984. Dr. Kirby has been the owner and director of Alamo Heights Pet Clinic since 1997. His veterinary interests are surgery, internal medicine, ultrasonography, and rehabilitation therapy. He uses both a conventional and a holistic approach to medicine. Dr. Kirby treats dogs, cats, birds and exotics. Alamo Heights Pet Clinic: (210) 821-5544. Please email all questions for Dr. Kirby to Dana.texasdogsandcats@gmail.com.
uneral Home & Cremat F t o Pe
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A: I do recommend natural supplements for the treatment of osteoarthritis in dogs, cats and birds. We use a veterinary supplement called Dasaquin®. It is FDA approved for effectiveness in treating osteoarthritis and works very well. We also use a veterinary product called Cartilage Ligament Support made by ANT Laboratories. Both Dasaquin® and Cartilage Ligament Support contain Glucosamine Chondroitin which aid in maintaining healthy joints. Biost® made by Standard Process is another good
supplement I recommend for treating osteoarthritis. Biost® works well because it contains Protomorphogens. A protomorphogen is a cell secretion given off by all living cells at all times in small amounts that promote the synthesis of protein for cell repair and maintenance. Over the counter products made for animals and humans that contain glucosamine and chondroitin can be okay to give. However, those products are usually not tested for efficacy nor are they developed/manufactured with strict controls so your pet may or may not benefit from them.
{askthevet}
WITH DR. KIRBY OF ALAMO HEIGHTS PET CLINIC
Serving South & Central Texas Since 1992
Individual/Private Cremation Memorial/Communal Cremation Distinctive Urns & Memorials “The final care for your faithful companion and family member... offering pet owners uncompromising service and choice.”
800-299-2210 www.pawsinheaven.com
{March 2015}
2106 Sattler Road | New Braunfels, Texas 78132. Mailing address: PO Box 2109 | Canyon Lake, Texas 78133
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petpuzzlers Word Search
By Shannan Lamb Parker, 635 North Magazine, Tramor Media
Crossword Puzzle
Questions & Answers Q: How did the little Scottish dog feel when he saw a monster? A: Terrier-fied! Q: Why did the dog cross the road? A: To get to the "barking" lot! Q: What is it called when a cat wins a dog show? A: A CAT-HAS-TROPHY! Q: What do you call a dog magician? A: A labracadabrador. Q: How is a dog and a marine biologist alike? A: One wags a tail and the other tags a whale. Q: What do you get if you cross a dog with a frog? A: A dog that can lick you from the other side of the road!
Dog Problems? We Can Help! •Socialization Training •Obedience Training
•Behavior Modification •We work with even the most difficult cases.
Pets need (and deserve) vacations too — Whether it’s for daycare, or for a longer stay! Follow the fun through our daily updates on Facebook:
www.facebook.com/PetGalaxyUSA
Call us today for a free consultation with an expert dog trainer, or to customize your pet’s daycare schedule or perfect dream vacation!
g Large Groomin ith Department W Experienced Pet Stylists! -Sat) (Available Mon
13060 US Highway 281 N, Spring Branch TX 78070, Phone: 830-885-5335 33
{spotted by the pupperazzi} 34
hillcountrypetranch
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ill Country Pet Ranch, 518 State Hwy 46E, Boerne, spread Valentine cheer at the ranch with holiday themed pictures . This is a tradition they enjoy doing every year.
urr-tastic or flea infested! The Pupperazzi is on the scene and has your tail covered!
sanantoniopetsalive
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an Antonio Pets Alive celebrated three years of saving the lives of animals in danger of euthanasia in San Antonio this year at the Aloft Hotel on February. First Connect insurance sponsored a day of fun that included a silent auction, pet vendors, guest speakers, and food and drinks. SAPA! supporters made the event special by joining in on the celebration of the 20,000+ lives saved in the last three years and the 50% increase on the live release rate in San Antonio!
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PET DIRECTORY OF SAN ANTONIO ANIMAL HOSPITALS & VETERINARY SERVICES 4 Paws Animal Hospital................ 36 Callaghan Road Animal Hospital.......................... 2 Penny Paws Animal Clinic............. 36 Pets First Veterinary Center.......... 15 Pleasonton Road Animal Hospital........................ 36 Towne North Animal Hospital........ 7 MOBILE VET MobileCare Veterinary Clinic........ 29 EMERGENCY Mission Pet Emergency................ 21 SPECIALTY Mission Veterinary Specialists................................ 19 BOARDING KENNELS & DAYCARE FACILITIES Bluebonnet Bunk n Biscuit.............. 2 Four Paws Inn of Converse........... 36 Grooming By Gloria..................... 16 Hill Country Pet Ranch.................. 15 Kara's K9 Retreat.......................... 29 K9 Country Club & Training Academy.................... 15 Lucky Dog Pet Grooming............. 14 Pawderosa Ranch (2 Locations)............................. 1 Pawsitive Solutions......................... 2 Pet Galaxy.............................. 33, BC The Palms Pet Resort & Spa........ 21 CAR DEALERSHIPS North Park Subaru....................... IBC CLEANING SERVICES Maid Affordable........................... 13
GROOMING SERVICES Barbara’s Canine Clip “n Bows...... 29 Bluebonnet Bunk n Biscuit.............. 2 Doggie Stylez............................... 15 Grooming By Gloria..................... 16 Hill Country Pet Ranch.................. 15 K9 Country Club & Training Academy.................... 15 Kara's K9 Retreat.......................... 29 Linda’s Pet Grooming................... 13 Lucky Dog Pet Grooming............. 14 Pet Galaxy.............................. 33, BC The Palms Pet Resort & Spa......... 21 Towne North Animal Hospital........ 7 Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming............................. 13
PET MORTUARY AND CREMATION SERVICES/HOSPICE Bluebonnet Pet Crematory........... 36 Paws in Heaven............................ 31 Pawsitive Memories Hospice....... 29 Pet Loss at Home........................... 3
MOBILE GROOMING Bark N Bubblez............................ 29
REALTORS Exquisite Properties, LLC.............IFC Natalie Duran-Realtor..................... 7
MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS Dr. Patricia Dinger........................... 7 OBEDIENCE TRAINERS Bluebonnet Bunk n Biscuit.............. 2 Hill Country Pet Ranch.................. 15 K9 Country Club & Training Academy................. 15 LoMa Pet Behavior Training.......... 15 Pawsitive Solutions......................... 2 Pet Galaxy.............................. 33, BC The Palms Pet Resort & Spa......... 21 PET BOUTIQUES/PRODUCTS/ SPECIALTY/STORES/SUPPLIES Bo Jangles...................................... 7 Fetch & Friskers (2 Locations)........ 3 Fifi & Fidos Pet Boutique............. 11 Paw Basics...................................... 3 Tulane's Closet............................. 36 Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming.............................. 13
PET PHOTOGRAPHERS/ART Renee Spade Photography.......... 17 PET SITTERS & DOG WALKERS Waggs & Purrs Pet Sitting............... 7 PET WASTE REMOVAL SERVICES Bark-Yard Bomb Squad Pooper Scooper........................ 3
RETAIL STORES Walgreen's.................................... 13 RETAIL SERVICES Alamo Pet Fences........................... 2
OZZY FROM GROOMING BY GLORIA
*ALL BUSINESSES IN OUR DIRECTORY/MAGAZINE ARE PET FRIENDLY AND HELP SUPPORT THE ANIMAL COMMUNITY OF SAN ANTONIO PLEASE PATRONIZE THESE PET FRIENDLY SA ORGANIZATIONS.
{March 2015}
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COMFORT
Remembering the years of love and care given to our pets and the lifetime of companionship, devotion returned, we cherish the memories long after their brief lives have ended. They were more than just our pets, they were our best friends and are now eternal members of our families.
You Won’t Get with an E-Collar
The Cover Me by Tui, Now with adjustable fit, protects surgical sites, anxiety and discomfort of an e-collar.
MON – FRI: 9 A.M. TO 5 P.M. 8714 Business Circle Converse, Texas 78109 Phone: (210) 566-4501 Fax: (210) 566-4899 www.bluebonnetpetcrematory.com
Learn more at www.tulanescloset.com
Four Paws Inn of Converse DOG AND CAT BOARDING
Low Cost Mobile Vaccinations CONVENIENT SATURDAY CLINICS IN A NEIGHBORHOOD NEAR YOU. LOW-COST PET VACCINES & MORE. NO APPOINTMENT NEEDED.
VETERINARY COMMUNITY OUTREACH
helping people, helping pets
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®
Visit PennyPaws.com For More Info
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2015 Crosstrek XV Hybrid starting at $25,580
2014
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has recognized Subaru with more 2014 Top Safety Picks than any other brand. In fact, Subaru is the only manufacturer with IIHS Top Safety Picks for all models for the last five years (2010-2014).
2012
Purchase or lease any new (previously untitled) Subaru and receive a complimentary factory scheduled maintenance plan for 2 years or 24,000 miles (whichever comes first.)See Subaru Added Security Maintenance Plan for intervals, coverages and limitations. Customer must take delivery before 12/31/15 and reside within the promotional area. At participating dealers only. See dealer for program details and eligibility.
SUBARU (Located at San Pedro)
SUBARU AT DOMINION
9807 San Pedro 800.280.5780
21415 IH 10 West 210.816.8000
NPSUBARU.com
NPSUBARUDOMINION.com
Direct Service (210) 426-3246
{March 2015}
Direct Parts (210) 341-8846
Direct Service (210) 426-3246
Direct Parts (210) 341-8846
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Vehicle Art For Illustration Purposes Only. Purchase or lease any new (previously untitled) Subaru and receive a complimentary factory scheduled maintenance plan for 2 years or 24,000 miles (whichever comes first.) See Subaru Added Security Maintenance Plan for intervals, coverages and limitations. Customer must take delivery before 12/31/15 and reside within the promotional area. At participating dealers only. See dealer for program details and eligibility.
HAPPY ST. PAT'S DAY FROM PET GALAXY
Socialization Training Obedience Training Behavior Modification We work with even the most difficult cases
Pets need (and deserve) vacations too — Whether it’s for daycare, or for a longer stay! Below are some samples of what our guests have been up to lately. Follow the fun through our daily updates on Facebook:
www.facebook.com/PetGalaxyUSA
www.PetGalaxyUSA.com
Large Grooming Department With Experienced Pet Stylists! (Available Mon-Sat)
Call us today for a free consultation with an expert dog trainer, or to customize your pet’s daycare schedule or perfect dream vacation!
& 13060 US Highway 281 N, Spring Branch TX 78070, Phone: 830-885-5335 38
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