Texas Dogs & Cats – July 2018

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SAN ANTONIO’S PREMIER PET MAGAZINE

FREE TO A GOOD HOME July 2018

Dog Days of Summer ISSUE

Love is now bigger than ever.

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Overnight Lodging Dog Daycare • Spa & Salon

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Treat your dog to a double scoop of fun with sprinkles at our Ice Cream Social Pawty at the Ranch! All pups are invited to enjoy our flavorful festivities including games, fun, a take home goodie bag and delicious ice cream! We scream, you scream, your dog barks for ice cream!

Br i ng yo u r pu p by the Ra nch for an enri chi ng stay & customi zed cani ne c a re .

pawty dates: Schertz Location Wednesday, July 18 Airport Location Wednesday, July 25

{July 2018}

(Drop off by 11 a.m. | $15 per pup)

Call us to book your reservation today.

San Antonio Airport & Schertz Locations.

210.404.9941 weloveyourdog.net

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Advanced Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology Center 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.

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Dr. Patricia Gomez Dinger is a Board Certified Allergist/ Immunologist specializing in allergy care for the entire family.

Dr. Dinger is committed to decreasing the number of pets that are surrendered to local shelters by offering medical treatment and education to families who think they may be dealing with a pet allergy.

If you think someone in your family might be allergic to your family pet, please make an appointment right away!

210-499-ITCH (4224)

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16302 North IH 35, | Selma, TX 78154 (North Bound Access of I35 at FM 1518) www.mybunknbiscuit.com | info@MyBunknBiscuit.com

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THE ARK PET HOSPITAL Offering veterinary medical services for dog, cats, birds and exotic pets.

Now offering online shopping and home delivery of your pet's food and medications! http://tinyurl.com/arkpetpharm

HOURS: Monday, Tuesday Wednesday & Friday 8 am - 5 pm and

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House calls available by appointment.

Services we offer include:

wellness exams, vaccinations, heartworm testing and treatment, spay, neuter and other surgeries, dentistry, radiography/x-ray films, and boarding.

www.thearksa.com | thearksa@hotmail.com www.facebook.com/TheArkPetHospitalSA 21518 Blanco Rd. Ste 103 | San Antonio, TX 78260

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{contents}

COVER PHOTOGRAPHED BY RENEE SPADE COVER MODELS: LILLY & ANNIE (SEE PAGE 8)

10 14 18 07 Doggie Makeover 08 About Our Cover Models 10 About Cover Location Facts of Heartworm 12 False disease 14 Cushing's Disease

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16 Calendar of Events 17 Ask the Vet 18 Swimming Pool Safety for Pets 19 Dog Treats Recipe 20 Ask the Trainer

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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 Barbara Negron

PHOTOGRAPHER Renee Spade Photography Tel: 210-254-4255 renee@reneespadephotography.com

CONTRIBUTING PARTNERS Veronica Araiza Dr. Kristine Hawkins Dr. Lauren Severns

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22 Dog Days of Summer Pics 25 Pet Directory of SA 26 Pet Puzzlers 28 Dog Door Advertorial

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Stephen Frey Dr. Dan Kirby Catherine Laria Valen Leonhart John Moya Shannan Lamb Parker Veronica Perez April Powell Dr. Ahmira Torres

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ADVERTISE WITH US!

Dana.texasdogsandcats@gmail.com or 210-436-9009 Next Issue: August 2018 Equine Edition find us on and at www.texasdogsandcatssa.com

{July 2018}

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contributors LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER Our cover this month reflects the fact that 50% of all pet owners allow their furry children to sleep in bed with them. Just one generation ago, 50% of dog owners didn't allow their pets to even sleep inside their residence. The times, they are a changing.

In order to beat the Texas hot summer, many owners allow their pets to swim in their pools. April Powell, of Keith Zar Pools, provides us with pool safety tips for your furry loved ones.

Because its mosquito season, San Antonio Humane Society Public Relations Associate, Veronica Perez, writes about the false facts of heartworm disease. We have also included a pictorial spread of summer fun pictures of San Antonio pets.

Have a safe & enjoyable 4th of July!

Dana Raimondi

Tell our advertisers you heard about them in Texas Dogs & CatsSan 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 conf irmed the accuracy of information contained in articles.

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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. KRISTINE HAWKINS joined the San Antonio Humane Society in April of 2016. A Louisiana native, she grew up in the capitol of Baton Rouge. She attained her undergraduate degree in neurobiology at the University of Texas in Austin. She then returned home to complete her schooling at Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine and graduated in 2009.

VERONICA PEREZ is the PR Associate for the San Antonio Humane Society and has been with the organization since 2016. She is UTSA alumni and a native to San Antonio. She currently lives under a full roof with her husband, son, two dogs, and cat, Chewie.

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BEFORE

makeover

{dogmakeover}

FEATURED DOGGIE

AFTER

Punkie is our 11 yr old Toy Poodle who loves her spa day at the Hill Country Pet Ranch.

Hill Country Pet Ranch • 518 State Hwy 46E, Boerne • 830-229-5425 • hillcountrypetranch.com

{July 2018}

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covermodels about our

M

Lilly & Annie

eet Annie. Annie is training to be a service dog! She has been living with trainer, Catherine Laria, at K9 Country Club in Bulverde since she was rescued from the Kerr County Animal Shelter in September of last year. Annie is a member of the Veterans Assistance Dogs of Texas, a 501(c)3 organization, which gives service dogs to disabled Texas Veterans suffering from physical disabilities, traumatic brain injuries, PostTraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Military Sexual Trauma (MST) or a combination of these disabilities.

According to the US Department of Veteran Affairs, there are over 90,000 war-time veterans in the State of Texas dealing with physical disability or service related Swagggroup of Veterans who mental illness. This underserved could benefit from a service dog receive no assistance from the Veterans Administration for that need. As a result, a small number of organizations in Texas such as VA Dogs have formed to help.

Annie is a 2-yr old Great Pyrenees mix whose gentle disposition and desire to be right by your side made her a promising candidate. Catherine and her team have taken Annie through numerous tests within the VA Dogs’ four phases of service dog training. Eventually, Annie will meet and work with her new veteran and team trainer and once they are ready will take a Public Access test, completing their certification within the VA Dogs organization.

L

Unfortunately, not all dogs are capable of the pressure and responsibility of becoming a fully trained service dog. It takes a very special temperament that is not always exposed when being rescued from a shelter. But once the evaluations and tests are complete and the dog is fully trained, Service Dogs can assist individuals with mental impairments and/or physical disabilities.

Service Dogs within the VA Dogs of Texas also provide companionship, security and emotional stability during often difficult periods of recovery from the physical and emotional wounds of war.

A fully trained service dog can cost this organization up to $25,000! VA Dogs of Texas are committed to giving them to the veteran completely free of charge.

There are many ways to get involved with this wonderful program. There is always a need for fundraising support.

If you have a company or organization looking for a great cause involving veterans who have served our country as well as homeless dogs looking for a second chance at life… look no further.

You can also volunteer to be a puppy raiser. Puppy raisers take in younger candidates until they are ready for advanced training. It is so fulfilling to have a dog you raised from a pup move on to become a struggling veterans new lifeline and battle buddy.

For more information on how you can support the VA Dogs of Texas, visit their website at www.vadogs.org or Email: Info.VADogs@gmail.com or call: 830-315-4377.

Lilly

BY CATHERINE LARIA

illy is six years old and will be going into 1st grade.

She loves unicorns and has a passion for art. She also loves to swim and is a huge animal lover. She is an amazing dog "mom" to her own dogs Rosie and Jake.

PHOTO COURTESY OF VA DOGS OF TEXAS

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Texas

COVER AND INTERIOR PHOTOS BY RENEE SPADE PHOTOGRAPHY

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Beat the Texas Heat

AT THE NEW SPLASH ZONE!

Dock Diving & Swimming

Lessons Available Located at K9 Country Club 830-980-8476 Reservations

Necessary

WE BELIEVE IN L O YA LT Y T O O.

Frost is proud to support Texas Dogs and Cats.

And we’d be proud to help you along your financial journey too.

Visit us at frostbank.com or call (800) 51-FROST.

MEMBER FDIC

covermodels At Location: Factory Mattress

BY STEPHEN FREY

Factory Mattress is a family-owned and locally operated sleep center that has been proudly serving Austin and San Antonio families since 1977.

When you visit any one of our 22 locations, you’ll find a great selection of all the top brands, including the largest selection of TEMPUR-Pedic mattresses available for you to try out.

Sleep is a personal experience, so why would you let a stranger tell you which mattress is right for you? At Factory Mattress we rely on the science of precision measurements. That’s why we invested in our exclusive RIGHTfit sleep mapping technology. RIGHTfit utilizes 18 statistical measurements and over 1,000 scientific calculations to match you with the support best suited for your particular body type and sleep habits. Its sleep backed by science, and it’s only at Factory Mattress.

You’ll be able to sleep soundly knowing you got the best price because at Factory Mattress you’ll get the guaranteed lowest price on any mattress set. Not only will you pay less, but you’ll also get the longest Comfort Guarantee in the country at 366-nights!

Don’t get bamboozled by the big box stores on every corner. Shop the company you can trust; Factory Mattress is local and family owned with 41 years of industry

knowledge. Our experienced sleep consultants have earned an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and have zero unresolved complaints. Shopping local is shopping smarter with same day delivery, a Lower Price Guarantee, a 366-Night Comfort Guarantee, and our exclusive RIGHTfit technology.

Ensuring you get your best night’s sleep is our only priority, and your input is one of the most important parts of finding you the right mattress.

People over profit is how we’ve always done business – and Abi and Tango, our two family chihuahuas, wouldn’t have it any other way.

ABI AND TANGO

LILLY AND K9 COUNTRY CLUB CREW PHOTO BY RENEE SPADE PHOTOGRAPHY

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366 NIGHT GUARANTEE SAME DAY DELIVERY LOWEST PRICE OR ITS FREE

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For all our locations visit, FactoryMattressTexas.com

thefalse factsof heartworm disease

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very season is the right season to talk about heartworm disease! With so many heartworm positive dogs being overlooked at local shelters, it’s important to debunk the common myths of heartworm disease and stop the spread of misinformation.

BY VERONICA PEREZ, SAHS PUBLIC RELATIONS ASSOCIATE

Heartworms are Contagious: FALSE. Without getting overly complicated, heartworm disease is transmitted from the bite of an infected mosquito. NOT an infected dog bite. Time and again I receive questions from shelter visitors about heartworm positive dogs sharing kennel space with other healthy dogs available for adoption.

Healthy dogs and heartworm positive dogs are free to play, live, and breathe in the same space together without fear—if they are up to date on their heartworm prevention! By the way, every pet at the San Antonio Humane Society is quite up to date! Prevention is covered by each pet’s adoption fee.

Pets only Need Prevention during the Summer: FALSE. If there’s one thing central Texas weather is known for, it’s the persistent heat! No matter the season, the sun is out and our warm climate has a habit of hanging around. Mosquitos thrive in our sticky and humid community, but that doesn’t mean they disappear as soon as cooler weather begins settling in. Though the mosquito population decreases during the fall and winter holidays, all it takes is one infected mosquito to spread the disease. Mosquitos can fly an average of three miles per day, and our shelter receives heartworm positive dogs from every zip code in every season.

Only Dogs can get Heartworm Disease: FALSE. While not incredibly common, cats are just as susceptible of becoming infected with heartworm disease as dogs.

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The biggest difference? There are currently no treatments or products approved to kill adult heartworms in cats.

Heartworm disease can pose serious health risks for cats, like respiratory disease and even sudden death. Every cat at the San Antonio Humane Society receives their preventative while in our care.

Heartworm Disease Only Affects Outdoor Pets: FALSE. Your indoor pet may not go outdoors, but the outdoors is always capable of finding its way in! With the opening of a door, flies, fleas, and mosquitos are all capable of whisking their way into the safety of your home. This includes infected mosquitos. Although the risk may be lower, keep your mind at ease: get your pet on a consistent dose of monthly prevention.

Prevention, Prevention, Prevention Did you catch the theme here? Prevention is key!

Prevention is cheaper than heartworm treatment and it saves your pet from unnecessary pain and discomfort.

Heartworm prevention is available from your veterinarian, your local pet store, OR at a low-cost from the San Antonio Humane Society.

Please visit the San Antonio Humane Society at 4804 Fredericksburg Road or at SAhumane.org to view our preventative prices under our wellness clinic services!

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cushing'sdisease: H

that insatiable appetite might be more than you think

ave you noticed your dog being ravenous lately? Drinking more water than normal?

Asking to go outside more frequently? Are they having urinary accidents in the house?

Do they seem more lethargic? Having skin issues? Those are some of the signs of Cushing’s disease.

BY AHMIRA TORRES, DVM, DACVIM (INTERNAL MEDICINE)

Cushing’s disease is a “catch-all” term for the signs caused by excess cortisol in the bloodstream. Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced by two small bean-shaped glands that sit near the kidneys called adrenal glands.

Cortisol is secreted in times of stress to increase the blood sugar; thus, helping the body cope better with stress. Sugar is a source of fuel readily used by the tissues.

Cortisol becomes a problem when produced in excess by the adrenal glands or when a pet or person (it can also affect humans) is receiving too much from an outside source. Some of the common steroid drugs are prednisone, prednisolone, dexamethasone and hydrocortisone among others. In excess, it causes high blood sugar, depression of the immune system, increased thirst, increased hunger, muscle loss, panting, a pot belly, poor skin and many others.

In addition to drugs, cortisol can be made in excess by the body, as well. The most common way this occurs in dogs is from a small tumor in the brain, specifically on the pituitary gland that tells the adrenal glands to make cortisol. In a smaller percentage of dogs there is a tumor on the adrenal gland that is producing the cortisol excessively even when no more is needed. Cushing's usually affects older dogs, therefore often times the clinical signs can be confused with normal aging changes, as they can be slowly progressive. The typical signs that you might notice at home are ravenous appetite, increased thirst and urination to the point of having urinary accidents in 14

the house, weight gain, pot belly appearance, thin skin, excessive panting, thinning hair and unhealthy skin.

If your pet’s veterinarian suspects Cushing’s disease, he or she might recommend a complete blood count, chemistry and urine analysis to evaluate the overall health of your pet. Additional tests to look specifically for Cushing’s may also be recommended. Obtaining a diagnosis is not always easy and in some cases, an abdominal ultrasound can be a helpful tool in diagnosis.

If your pet is found to have Cushing’s disease, therapy would likely include lifelong medications, as Cushing’s is not curable but in most cases can be medically managed. Be sure to discuss potential side effects from the medications with your veterinarian. Well managed patients with Cushing’s disease can live a normal life for years, however, close monitoring and frequent veterinary visits are needed.

Dr. Ahmira Torres is a boardcertified internal medicine specialist at MissionVet. She was born and raised in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico and speaks fluent Spanish.

Dr. Torres joined MissionVet after working at a four doctor specialty clinic focused only on internal medicine in Northern Virginia where she honed her skills in ultrasound imaging, endoscopies and laparoscopies. Her special interests include autoimmune and gastrointestinal diseases.

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OPEN 24/7/365 FOR EMERGENCIES A true partner in your pet’s health, MissionVet is open 24/7 for walk-in emergencies, in addition to specialty care.

OUR COMPREHENSIVE SERVICES INCLUDE: Dermatology & Allergy | General Surgery & Orthopedics Internal Medicine | Neurology & Neurosurgery | Oncology

EMERGENCY HOURS: 24/7/365 SPECIALTY HOURS: Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Saturday: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.* Surgery and Internal Medicine services only

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{July 2018}

Text PETS to 31996 to have directions sent to your phone 8202 N Loop 1604 W | San Antonio, TX 78249 | (210) 737-7373 | www.mission.vet

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PAWSITIVE SOLUTIONS

calendarofevents Saturday, July 7th Low cost Pet Wellness Clinic at the San Antonio Humane Society (4804 Fredericksburg Rd.) Help your pet stay healthy with preventative low-cost wellness clinics provided by the San Antonio Humane Society! Services are offered on a first-come, firstserve basis as time allows and include vaccinations, microchipping, nail trim, wormer, heartworm test and prevention (dogs), and flea prevention. Find pricing and more at SAhumane.org/wellness-clinic.

Saturday, July 28th Low cost Pet Wellness Clinic at the San Antonio Humane Society (4804 Fredericksburg Rd.) Help your pet stay healthy with preventative low-cost wellness clinics provided by the San Antonio Humane Society! Services are offered on a first-come, firstserve basis as time allows and include vaccinations, microchipping, nail trim, wormer, heartworm test and prevention (dogs), and flea prevention. Find pricing and more at SAhumane.org/wellness-clinic.

Hill Country Pet Ranch dock diving at 12PM (518 State Highway 46E, Boerne) Call (830) 229-5425 to reserve your pup’s spot.

Sunday, July 29th Dock Day at K9 Country Club (31305 Oakview, Bulverde) From 10AM-4PM and it will be a fun filled day of swimming and diving with your pet for a great cause. Only $25 per dog to jump all day and a portion of each participant’s entry fee and all food and drink proceeds will go to the Alamo Search and Rescue Organization.

Wednesday, July 18th Pawderosa Ranch Ice Cream Social at Schertz Location (7 Commercial Pl, Schertz) Treat your dog to a double scoop of fun with sprinkles at an ice cream social pawty at the Ranch. All pups are invited to enjoy a flavorful festivity including games, fun, a take home goodie bag and delicious ice cream. For more information, contact Pawderosa at 210-404-9941.

Wednesday, July 25th Pawderosa Ranch Ice Cream Social at Airport Location (923 Clydeville Rd.) Treat your dog to a double scoop of fun with sprinkles at an ice cream social pawty at the Ranch. All pups are invited to enjoy a flavorful festivity including games, fun, a take home goodie bag and delicious ice cream. For more information, contact Pawderosa at 210-404-9941.

PAWSITIVE SOLUTIONS

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Q: Is the Lyme disease vaccine necessary here in San Antonio? —Thank you! - Sue A: Lyme disease is common in the midAtlantic, northeast and upper Midwest states. We see it here in Texas as well.

There are numerous lyme vaccines available. Your veterinarian will have a recommendation for your pet depending on its exposure to ticks. There are concerns about the vaccine, its effectiveness and possible side effects.

Some of the side effects are related to neurologic symptoms (an abnormal autoimmune response).

Again, these are discussions you will have with your veterinarian.

Q: What age should my puppy get his first rabies shot? —Thank you, Mary A: The rabies vaccine in Texas can be given as early as 3 months of age. In our practice we like to give it at 4 months when we are finishing the series of protective core vaccines given at 8, 12, and 16 weeks of age.

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.

Follow us at

{askthevet}

WITH DR. KIRBY OF ALAMO HEIGHTS PET CLINIC

bluebonnetpetcrematory

210-566-4501

BY MARY PITT

Individual/Private Cremation Memorial/Communal Cremation Distinctive Urns & Memorials

8714 Business Circle | Converse, TX 78109 | www.bluebonnetpetcrematory.com Member of the International Association of Pet Cemeteries and Crematories.

swimmingpoolsafetyforfurbabies

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n Texas, we know summertime is synonymous for pool days. Safety is always a must when playing in the pool, for humans and pets alike! To ensure a worry-free time, Keith Zars Pools recommends following these safety tips.

BY APRIL POWELL, MARKETING FOR KEITH ZAR POOLS

Make sure your dog knows how to swim. Not all dogs are good swimmers, despite their breed, and may drown if left unsupervised. Enlist the help of a dog trainer to teach your pooch swimming basics and ease their fear of water. Life vests and life jackets are perfect for the dog that may never be a great swimmer. They provide extra buoyancy so that your dog can stay afloat and remain highly visible. Just don't rely on the life vest so much that you leave your dog unattended.

Spend time acclimating your pet to the pool exits.

There needs to be an easy exit for when they are done swimming or if they accidently fall in. When designing your pool, keep in mind beach entries, sunshelfs, and steps are great places to exit. We also recommend adding a skamper ramp for smaller animals or wild critters like frogs, who may wander in on their own.

For extra peace of mind, learn how to properly administer pet CPR. This is a vital tool should your pet

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accidently drown.

The pool sounds like a great place for animals to cool off, but remember doggies play hard and will exhaust themselves. They need to stay hydrated and take regular breaks in the shade. Be sure to provide plenty of H20 from a clean source – don’t let them drink the pool water as it contains chlorine and chemicals.

Practice smart pool safety by adding a barrier or enclosure to your pool. This is a great option for animals that spend a lot of his or her time in the backyard. Fences, covers, and netting are a great first line of defense.

Even if you follow all these safety tips, like a child, never leave your dog unsupervised. Your pup could get tired, swallow some water, or other pool hazards may occur and need their human lifeguard (you) to save them. Prior to your day in the pool, confirm with your veterinarian if your dog is healthy enough to swim.

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* EXCERPTED FROM WWW.ROVER.COM

{askthetrainer}

BY VALEN LEONHART/SIT MEANS SIT FACILITY TRAINER 20

keepingyourpetcalm W

ith Independence day just around the corner, a big concern for many pet parents can be how to enjoy this fun holiday with their pet staying safe and calm. The loud sounds and family get togethers are often very overwhelming to dogs. So what can you do to keep your pet safe and calm during the holidays? Here are a few tips and tricks you can try to keep your pet safe and happy.

Before the holiday festivities begin, try having a good long play session with your dog. A tired dog is more likely to relax and sleep versus run frantically around your home. Good games to play with your dog can be tug, fetch or taking them out on a long walk. Not only is a physical game tiring, but a mental challenge can be just as tiresome. Remember those long days of exit exams for school? You might not have physically done a lot, but you still felt tired at the end of the day. Try teaching your dog a new trick you’ve always wanted to do together.

This can be the perfect opportunity to impress any guests who plan to come over with a new trick!

If you plan to have friends and family over, make sure you designate a safe quiet place for your dog to go to take a break. A kennel, quiet room or bed pushed out of the way can help your dog from being tempted to run outside to escape the commotion.

You can also try giving your dog a long term project to keep their mind off the sounds or festivities. A kong toy stuffed with their favorite wet food and then frozen is not only a great escape from the heat, but also a time consuming task. You can also give them a fresh tasty smoked bone or other chew. If time doesn’t allow you to get a new bone, try simmering an old bone in some broth to add flavor and smell back into it. Slow baked sweet potatoes and pumpkin can be a healthy alternative to bones in moderation. You can even take their favorite rope toy and soak that in broth or water and freeze it for a fun cool new toy.

If you plan to be out for the night and your dog has some anxiety, but isn’t able to be crated, try creating a game of hide and seek with treats or their food even!

Start by putting your dog into a room where they won’t see you hiding the treats. Then find some easy and some difficult places to put the treats, much like an easter egg hunt. Get creative and make your dog use their nose!

If all else fails, try going to your local pet shop and see if they have any sort of calming aids available. There are many products from collars, chews, pills, oils, and even wall plug ins. Some work off pheromones while others work off natural plants like chamomile and lavender.

Choose what will work best for you and your pet.

Lastly, don’t forget to check that ID tag! In the event your dog does slip out of your home you want to make sure they have updated and clear information so they can return home. Make sure your pet is microchipped and/or has an easy to read ID tag and well fitted collar. You want the dogs collar to allow room for one or two fingers to slip under and no more. Too loose of a collar can easily slip off and be useless.

Valen Leonhart is a facility dog trainer with Sit Means Sit of San Antonio. He enjoys training his three dogs: Harlow (Standard Poodle), Damien (Pit Bull Mix), and Zelda (American Cocker Spaniel). He has worked in the animal field for over ten years, but found a niche in dog training and enjoys it immensely.

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We have Private Lessons, In Home Training, Board & Train Immersion, and Group Class programs which address such things as: Basic Puppy Manners • Come When Called • Leash Pulling • House Breaking • Control Aggression • Jumping • Basic & Advanced Obedience • Car Manners • Chewing • Digging • Boundary Training • Nuisance Barking

10% off Any Training Package

Cannot be combined with any other discounts.

Must present coupon at consultation.

“Our mission is to provide dog training programs that result in a super happy, confident, and obedient dog, as well as a happy, confident and satisfied owner.”

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Pool Pawty

210-494-0800 | 17427 SAN PEDRO |

KEITHZARSPOOLS.COM

VISIT US! OUR SHOWROOM IS PET-FRIENDLY!

{July 2018}

21

F O S Y A D DOG R E M M U S BEEMO

KOKI BEACH

TILLY BELL

AGUADA DE EL REMATE

DOGMEAT SABODA

PIPER BUCK

ROSIE

SEBASTIAN BARQ LIFEGUARD ON DUTY

NEWMAN

LILLY

COCO

MURPHY

SHINER KELLY

GEARS

PET DIRECTORY OF SAN ANTONIO ANIMAL HOSPITALS &

VETERINARY SERVICES

CAR DEALERSHIPS

OBEDIENCE TRAINERS

North Park Subaru......................IFC

Bluebonnet Bunk n Biscuit............ 2

4 Paws Animal Hospital.............. 23

Hill Country Pet Ranch.................. 7

North Star Animal Hospital.......... 9

DOG DOORS

Penny Paws Animal Clinic............. 3

Alamo Dog Doors...................... 24

The Ark Pet Hospital.................... 3

K9 Country Club & Training Academy................... 9 Pawsitive Solutions..................... 24

GROOMING SERVICES

Pet Galaxy............................ 27, BC

EMERGENCY & SPECIALTY

Barbara’s Canine Clip “n" Bows...... 3

Sit Means Sit............................... 21

Missionvet Specialty & Emergency................................ 15

Bluebonnet Bunk n Biscuit............ 2 Boerne Grooming........................ 3 Grooming by Gloria..................... 3

BANKS Frost Bank.................................... 9 BOARDING KENNELS & DAYCARE FACILITIES Bluebonnet Bunk n Biscuit............ 2

Hill Country Pet Ranch.................. 7 K9 Country Club & Training.......... 9 North Star Animal Hospital....... 9 Pawderosa Ranch (2 Locations).... 1 Pet Galaxy............................. 27,BC

Grooming by Gloria..................... 3 Hill Country Pet Ranch.................. 7

MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS

K9 Country Club &

Dr. Patricia Dinger......................... 2

Training Academy....................... 9 North Star Animal Hospital.......... 9 Pawderosa Ranch (2 Locations).... 1 Pawsitive Solutions..................... 24 Pet Galaxy............................ 27, BC The Ark Pet Hospital.................... 3

MOVING SERVICES Reliable Delivery & Moving.......... 2

PET MORTUARY AND CREMATION SERVICES/HOSPICE Bluebonnet Pet Crematory......... 17 The Pet Loss Center.................. IBC PET PHOTOGRAPHERS Renee Spade Photography.......... 9 POOL COMPANIES Keith Zar Pools........................... 21 RETAIL STORES /PET SHOPS Factory Mattress........................ 11 Walgreens.................................. 11

NOT FOR PROFIT San Antonio Humane Society..... 13

*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.

{July 2018}

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petpuzzlers Word Search

By Shannan Lamb Parker, 635 North Magazine, Tramor Media

Pet Party Crossword Puzzle

MELODY

Questions & Answers Q: What do you call an ant who Q: What do you get when a chicken lays an egg on top lives with your great uncle? of a barn?

A: Your great-ant!

A: An eggroll!

Q: Who was the most famous ant scientist?

Q: What does an alarm cluck A: Coop-cakes! say?

A: "Tick-tock-a-doodle-doo!"

FIND ANSWERS ON OUR WEBSITE AT WWW.TEXASDOGSANDCATSSA.COM

KHALESSI

photo by Renee Spade Photography

If you live in Stone Oak, Encino or any of the adjacent communities, Pet Galaxy’s new coach bus pickup and delivery service may soon be coming to a bus stop near you, or for an additional fee, directly to your home.The new offering is a subscription service customized for each individual family and canine. The company will pick up your dogs every morning and drop off your happy and satisfied best friend every evening. During the day, the dogs will be provided plenty of play time for exercise with all their canine friends, access to playing various fun enrichment games such as “Use Your Nose to Find the Treat” and retriever games such as having a staff member throw a stick, tennis ball or frisbee. If desired, dogs may even participate in formal obedience training instructed by one of the company’s professional dog trainers. Even all-important nap-time is scheduled for each dog at strategic times during the day. Each bus can safely transport over 50 dogs (and cats), which means this is a limited offering on a first come, first serve basis, especially targeting families in the Stone Oak and Encino areas.

Pet Galaxy is located about 20 minutes’ drive north of Stone Oak on Hwy 281, and has been offering daycare, lodging, grooming and training services for almost 10 years running.

The facility occupies almost 6 acres in the city of Spring Branch, and is arguably best known for their huge outdoor doggie play yards, and as Lynn Haegeland, Director of Operations, adds “Please don’t forget our fantastic staff, and our service that we work so hard to ensure is second to none.”

Most facilities located in and around the city of San Antonio offer either tiny indoor-only play areas, or in a few cases, a small outdoor play area. However, common for most of these, is that they are usually much too undersized for any real doggie play to materialize. If you have seen one of these facilities, you may have noticed how the dogs mostly stand around looking at each other, and the only break in the monotony is whenever a staff member decides to take a walk around the area. In the latter case, most of the dogs will simply follow the human to see if he or she has any fun ideas.

PET GALAXY'S NEW BUSES

Pet Galaxy, in contrast, is located in the beautiful Hill Country north of San Antonio. The facility covers almost 6 acres, and provides large outdoor play yards featuring natural ground cover and plenty of oak trees with squirrels and other fun wildlife. The largest of the yards even includes a palm-tree encircled in-ground doggie swimming pool with a 7-foot water fall and a giant oyster with a pearl that spits water. Your furry friends can run, play, swim and just be a dog to their hearts’ desire. A visit would quickly convince you that these are the happiest dogs in San Antonio and beyond, bar none. But don’t simply take our word for it, take a look at some of the videos and many photos on the company’s Facebook page (http://facebook.com/PetGalaxyUSA).

“Many of these canines’ families initially told us that their dogs did not like other dogs, or did not like to play at all.”, Lynn points out. “The reason was that they had previously taken their furry friends to some other facility with much smaller, or virtually non-existent, play yards.

They could not believe their own eyes when we showed them video of their best friends running, swimming and playing uninhibited.”, Lynn affirms with a proud smile.

As all informed dog owners know, it is absolutely essential for canines large and small to get plenty of exercise. Dogs have a vast surplus of energy, referred to by experts as “predatory energy”. This is the energy store originally utilized by the animal in pre-historic times, when dogs had to hunt for their own food just like other predators.

The energy is still there, creating a very strong craving in the animal for running and serious exercise, in most cases much more than a human, even an Olympic runner, can offer. Dogs need other dogs both for socialization and friendship, and for serious play. Otherwise they take out their frustration in some other way; for example, your flowerbeds, your underwear, shoes or furniture.

For more information and to subscribe to the service, call Pet Galaxy at 830-885-5335 or 210-526-9680, check out their website at http://PetGalaxyUSA.com or their Facebook page at http://facebook. com/PetGalaxyUSA.

They All Said I was Crazy for Getting a Pet Door, but Now I Have No Worries!

BY JOHN MOYA

W

hen I first started talking about getting a pet door, friends and family all said I was crazy.

“Think of the animals you will be letting in! Think of the thieves that will have easy access to your home. You will not be able to sleep at night knowing that someone could crawl in and do very bad things to you or your family!”

Between 3:30 AM and 5:00 AM, I could count on being licked in the face with the sound of whimpering in the background. Sebastian, my Golden, was telling me something…. he needed to go out! Being woken up from a good dream like this was not the way I wanted to spend the rest of Sebastian’s life. Sebastian was left inside in the nice comforts of my home while I was away at work. At that time, I worked at the airport and the daily commute was 35 minutes to my doorstep. This was before all the traffic lights and development on US 281. Upon arrival from work, he would run me over on his way to relieve himself. At times, I would find out that something did not agree with his stomach. An expensive call to Stanley Steamers usually occurred afterwards.

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I received a phone call at work, “Sebastian ate the carpet—the whole carpet!” I can’t believe that I lived like this for years. I replaced door jambs from him scratching at the door wanting out. I replaced carpet due to his destruction. I have caught him in Kitty’s litter box (Yuck!). I have tried crating him only to give in to his whimpering.

The loss of sleep was the last straw! Something had to be done! installed one of the best (if not the best) pet doors on the market that had dual security features and the maximum energy efficiency of any pet door on the market. Sleeping until I had to wake up for work was the biggest satisfaction that I got from it. Even Kitty got a pet door. Her litter box was moved to an empty closet and the poop eating contest was over for Sebastian. I never got an animal in the house that wasn’t supposed to be there.

I didn’t have to rush home from work to see if there was a gift waiting for me to clean up. A would be thief would also have to think twice prior to entering. Judging from the pet door size, a German Shepard, Pit Bull, or a Rottweiler could be waiting. My friend’s and family’s concerns never occurred.

If these events sound familiar, and you would like to stop the worries and stress over your pets, you may receive free information on the type of pet door that I installed. You may contact us directly at 210-464-8953 or by email at john@alamodogdoors.com. Some of your neighbors may alreadybe satisfied customers and I am sure that they would speak highly of their pet door and our installation services.

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ADVERTORIAL

29

Happy 4th of July! From PET GALAXY

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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!

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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