Delmarva Unleashed Fall 2021

The Newest Dog Food Dog Myths Busted

Ear Infections A Nose for Adventure

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Dogs As Gods?

The Egyptians were one of the first civilizations to keep household pets. In Ancient Egypt some animals were seen as incarnations of the gods, and family pets had a special place in the home. They were often mummified and buried with their owners after they died. Remaining human family members would often shave their eyebrows to express their grief.

While the Ancient Egyptians fondness for cats is well known, they also revered hawks, ibise, dogs, lions and baboons. The Egyptians are also among the first to use canines to assist in Police work.

Bark of the Town

The Way The Tail Wags

Findings reported in the Cell Press

Journal of Current Biology show that dogs recognize and respond differently when their fellow canines wag to the right than they do when they wag to the left. This new finding shows that dogs, like humans, have asymmetrically organized brains, indicating that the left and right sides of the brain play different roles. This study was conducted by the same group of Italian scientist that have observed that dogs will wag to the right upon seeing their humans, for example, indicating a positive emotion and to the left when meeting an unfriendly dog, expressing negative emotion. The studies continue to determine if there are practical uses of tail wagging observation in communicating better with our pets.

Dog's feet smell like corn chips?

Some pet owners might notice the faint scent of corn chips or popcorn lingering around their dog. This is called "Frito feet," and it happens when sweat and bacteria build up in the paws. In most cases, a quick bath will remedy the problem, but if the odor persists, a yeast infection may be present and warrants a trip to the vet.

Do Dogs Dream?

If you've ever noticed your pooch twitching in their sleep, this probably means dreaming is occurring. Researchers found that dogs have similar sleep patterns and brain activity as humans, and small breeds tend to dream more than large ones. Psychology Today suggests they're probably imagining familiar activities, such as playing outside or chasing their a ball.

Warning The Sidewalk Is Hot!

Hot asphalt and hot sidewalks can pose a real danger to our fur-kids even in the Fall. When the temperature soars, surfaces heat up and a dogs pads can burn quickly. “Dogs have fibrous pads, so they are able to tolerate more heat or cold that we humans can on our own feet,” says Dr. Carol McConnell, Vice President of underwriting and Chief Medical Officer for VPI Pet Insurance. “That being said, it’s best to pay more attention to your pet’s behavior than to the temperature outside: Is your dog prancing while standing or being light-footed, raising one paw at a time in quick succession?” She continues. You could equate the dance to how you feel when at the beach trying to reach the surf on hot sand. It’s not a pleasant feeling for feet or paws. Take extra care to be sure your dog doesn’t suffer burns or choose an alternative route for everyone’s safety.

Attention Beach Going Dogs! Did you know that salt water can be dangerous?

Dogs don’t know that excessive intake of salt water can cause severe hypernatremia or salt poisoning. Initial signs include vomiting and diarrhea, but it can progress into lack of coordination, seizures, depression and in severe cases brain swelling. The condition requires veterinary attention and is typically treated with IV fluids. Pet parents can avoid this warm weather health hazard by being sure to provide plenty of fresh water while at the beach, near the bay or simply on the boat. But beware, your pooch doesn’t need ice water, that can trigger other health concerns. Tepid water is best.

Research Tidbits

Researchers from Austria, Israel, and Britain determined that seeing a pet parent versus a stranger activated a dogs’ brain region of emotion and attachment much as it does in the human mother-child bond.

Other European researchers shows that negative-reinforcement training (like jerking on a leash) causes lingering emotional changes and makes the dog less optimistic overall.

Dementia, also known as canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CCDS), is common in older dogs.

Dr. Brian Gray Barnett, a veterinary research follow at Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Science says that he estimates 28% of 11-12 year old dogs and 68% of 15-16 year old dogs suffer the condition.

by Sandy Phillips

The Newest Dog Food

TThere always seems to be a new dog foods entering the market. The trend is now toward small-batch foods for many dog owners and even prepared fresh diets delivered right to your door. However, we noticed a new entry into the market by a company called "Side by Side." What's interesting about them? They are positioning their food from an Eastern Food Therapy perspective, addressing the Yin & Yang of your dog's health.

Side by Side notes that 1 in 2 dogs will get Cancer, 53% are obese, and that dogs can live twice as long by getting back to basics with nutrition. According to research at Purdue College of Veterinary Medicine, they are right.

Over 50 years of scientific data on dog food and canine health conditions tells us that there is indeed a link between obesity in dogs, cancers, and diet. Of course, all cancers are not diet-related. Some have environmental sources, some dogs have a genetic predisposition, etc...but there is solid evidence, in multiple studies, that a poor diet opens the door for serious health conditions to develop; in humans too!

Using Eastern Food Therapy, the company seeks to address characteristics in our dogs we have not noted before, calling attention to perspectives used in Chinese Medicine. For example, there is a short quiz on their website to determine if your dog should be eating "cooling" or "warming" foods based on physical observations. I.e., does your dog seek warm areas (even in the warmer months)? Does your dog have seasonal allergies, a red or pale-colored tongue?

In Chinese Medicine, the tongue's color is linked to blood and circulation health, the color and clarity of the eyes, linked to the liver and gallbladder. If these are out of balance, then perhaps the appropriate food, warming or cooling, will return harmony to the body. Of course, they offer a "neutral" food to maintain homeostasis, keeping an already healthy body in superior condition.

While the company itself caught our attention; high-quality whole foods, no GMO's, fillers, no synthetic vitamins, and more, the purpose of this article is to note that dog food is entering a new dimension.

This type of food is so very far from the swill in the grocery stores today. The dog chow of 40 years ago on the grocery store shelf is not remotely the bag of by-products that occupies the same shelf space today.

With prepared diets available, delivered right to your door, and now diets based on Chinese Medicine more than 1000 years old, our dogs don't have to eat junk anymore. Together with regular exercise and annual veterinary check-ups, feeding quality food can allow our dogs to live full, healthy lives with few health challenges. There will be less obesity and diabetes; fewer dogs will go blind as they age; I could go on here.

The last year has brought our health to the forefront, as we have washed hands much, much more and many of us spent more time with our dogs. Their part in our lives and mental health should be crystal clear and motivate us to strive to provide them with the healthiest life possible, and it all starts with their diet.

I know you can argue with me that these diets are expensive and many are. So it is the treatment for years of diabetes and other serious health conditions. The upside to a quality diet is that your dog is healthy and not constantly battling an ongoing health problem in discomfort.

While we think Side by Side is worth a closer look for your dog, there are still many high-quality foods, and I would strongly suggest

that you visit a local boutique pet store and explore the higher quality options. Staff at Concord Pet are great resources for you. Many have extensive dog food training across a wide variety of brands; they aren't just pushing the one or two brands they sell, and can offer you suggestions within your budget from the wide variety of brands they stock.

Make the transition slowly to avoid stomach upset. Feed 1/2 old food and 1/2 new food, moving towards the complete switch over the course of a week. To support the digestive track during the transition, it can be a good idea to add a little canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling) during the change to high-quality food.

Healthy diet = healthy dog.

“53 percent of dogs will die from cancer.”

Image Courtesy of Side by Side

Pooch Palooza

Pooch Palooza was a much smaller event this year with the ongoing COVID environment, but the attendees seemed to enjoy their day, running the lure chase, the FastFetch qualifiers, eating pie, and more. As we look to a brighter future, the annual Pooch Palooza dog festival will return to the Spring. Unfortunately, the Fall event proved to be way too warm on the dog's paws during the games in the sand, and we watched many seek shade during FastFetch runs and take breaks during lure chase. Nevertheless, the festival is their day, so we will do what is best for them, and we need a cooler environment for the canine fun.

We want to thank our sponsors, Gateway Subaru, Precious Paws Animal Hospital, Concord Pet, and Frontier Town Theme Park & Campground. We could not produce the festival without you.

Pooch Palooza returns Saturday, May 14, 2022! As of press, we are still awaiting images from our photographer, but we do have a few sneak peeks for you to enjoy.

The FastFetch Qualifier

by Larry Bowersox

The Greyhounds Are Coming!

Twenty-seven years the first greyhound gathering was held in Dewey Beach, Delaware, on Columbus Day weekend in 1995. Again this fall, the greyhounds will be a common sight in town as they return to the Dewey and Rehoboth Beaches the same fall weekend.

While that first gathering was just a small group of friends with greyhounds who met up in Dewey Beach, today, the event fills the entire Rehoboth Beach Convention Center for four consecutive days. The event has been managed by The Grapehound Wine Tour, Inc., a Delaware-based non-profit for the benefit of greyhounds, since 2015. Greyhounds Reach the Beach® (GRtB )is the fourth largest event staged all year inside the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center.

As I speak with strangers about our love for greyhounds, they will often tell me of an unusual sight they came upon one fall day when traveling down Route 1 through Dewey Beach.

They drove through Dewey, surprised to see the streets filled as far as the eye could see with hundreds of greyhounds on leashes and their owners.

Shop keepers have opened their stores yearly, and restaurants have opened their decks and patios to the greyhounds. The breed’s remarkable calm make these large, gentle dogs a welcome addition to those businesses where dogs can be allowed, as they usually just come in, lie down on the floor, and snooze.

During Columbus Day weekend, dozens of Greyhound vendors travel to Rehoboth Beach for festival doggie shopping from all over the country. They come from Florida, Vermont, Virginia, New York, South Carolina, and even as far away as Kansas. You can find custom dog coats, collars, leashes, beautiful original artwork, portraits, decals, car magnets, decorative greyhound T-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, and other human apparel too.

Experts on all things greyhound also come to Rehoboth to speak about dog topics of interest. Veterinarians

present talks on greyhound health, including topics such as whether grain-free diets are unhealthy and more. There are general “Ask the Vet” sessions to ask specific questions about your pets too.

All dog lovers in the area are welcome to come and shop the doggie vendors in the Convention Center on October 7th, 8th & 9th. You only need to register for the event if you wish to attend, listen to the speakers on dog-related topics, or participate in other events like the Delaware Bay boat tours with your dog. (Your registration helps greyhounds find loving, forever homes.)

Other speakers at GRtB include celebrated greyhound authors, who write on all sorts of topics related to the history and adoption of greyhounds. In The Reign of the Greyhound, Cynthia Branigan, one of this year’s speakers, explains that greyhound images adorn the ancient Egyptian pyramids and appear on Greek vases from 5,000 BC, that the greyhound is the only dog mentioned by breed in the Bible (Proverbs 30: 29-31). Who knew that Christopher Columbus brought greyhounds with him on his voyage to the New World? Or that Queen Elizabeth of England wrote the rules for hunting or coursing with greyhounds? Or even that General George Custer, of Little Bighorn infamy, traveled the western plains with a pack of greyhounds?

While many people think greyhounds are racing dogs, they have been bred for centuries as hunting dogs. They run to catch the mechanical rabbit lure that runs around the racetrack. Gentle while in the home, greyhounds are ferocious hunters. Over the years, they have been used

to capture and kill all sorts of prey, from large stags to nimble rabbits.

Ms. Branigan will be speaking at this year’s event about her newest book, The Last Diving Horse in America, telling the story of the last diving horse at Atlantic City’s Steel Pier.

Other speakers at Greyhounds Reach the Beach ® include talented dog trainers who use humor to provide tips on getting our greyhounds (or any dog) to behave the way we want.

Many states have closed their dog racing tracks in recent years, and racing greyhounds, a breed beloved by many, have been harder and harder to find and adopt. Some worry that these unique racing greyhounds may become very rare. They worry that the cottage industry of greyhound

vendors selling all manner of greyhound goods, or even large greyhound events themselves, may disappear.

But through the ages, greyhounds have always found a way to continue on. They bring their own majesty and elegance to their owners and to the world of dogs.

We hope to see you at the beach this October!

continued fro pg 27

Dog Myths Busted Part 2

where it can be tough to adjust to a new food or a food you don’t like. Sudden loss of appetite in a dog is and should be concerning. If a new environment causes the change, you need to look at all parts of the environment to see what is causing the problem. As far as a hunger strike because they aren’t getting their way? Well, dogs tend not to be as petty as humans, so I tend to keep that idea waaaaay in the back of my mind behind all of the logical, plausible explanations.

Article images courtesy of GRfb

Dog Myth Busted Part 2:

by Amanda Abresch, B.S., ABCDT, APDT, CPDT-KA

WWelcome to part 2 of dog myths busted! Again, I am dispelling some myths that I have heard from other pet professionals or that clients have heard from other pet professionals and have asked me about. I will say again, just like last time: veterinarians who have actually studied behavior do exist, as do groomers who see the benefits in gradual conditioning to the grooming experience, breeders who consider the importance of breeding for health and disposition, have great puppy raising protocols and place pets responsibly in homes, and trainers who use scientifically proven, non-harmful methods for training and

behavior modification. They are out there, and you can find one locally or virtually to help you and your pup. Unfortunately, many in each profession are stuck in outdated methods and insist that there is no need to change. There are professionals in the dog industry who will say that the only way to train is using coercion and compulsion and that dominance is the answer for everything. I’m here to tell you that they are wrong, and that isn’t just a matter of opinion. Based on research, this is a fact that is mounting in recent years to show everyone that there are better ways to train.

In human behavior modification, we have made leaps and bounds over the past few decades. In zoo animal training and husbandry, we teach elephants, tigers, and whales to be active participants in procedures to avoid stress, anxiety, and fear. In our best furry friends, we need to all start doing the same. Then, we can all evolve to be better humans to our canine companions.

Today’s myths:

“My vet told me that the reason our 3-month-old puppy humps toys and sometimes our older dog is because he thinks he is alpha, and we need to punish him for that, so he doesn’t grow up thinking he’s in charge.”

I hear this from veterinarians, trainers, and breeders alike, which is so disheartening since they can be such a valuable resource for pet parents. First, the idea of dominance in a three-month-old puppy is a stretch at best. That is like saying that a 2-yearold human wants to be in control of everything. Look, I have had threeyear-old humans (and three-monthold puppies), and the things they want control over are toys, playtime, and food- not necessarily in that order. A puppy that age will very, very rarely show any attempts at being the boss because their brain isn’t thinking big picture like that! He isn’t plotting his scheme to take over your house, just as my daughter was not planning to take over the world as a toddler. Your puppy is being a puppy with some socially awkward, out-of-context behavior. I am not insinuating that

puppies are dumb, but that they are concerned with eating, playing, and napping- not dominating anything at that age. It is true that a puppy that age can (rarely) show aggression. This is really serious at such a young age, but humping toys and an older dog are not inherently aggressive. Most often, a puppy this young who is humping is just getting excess energy out. I know it sounds weird, but the vast majority of the time, that is all! Your pup is too excited and/or too tired.

The second part of the advice is just as simple— you will not make things better by escalating the situation. This is just as true with dogs as it is with humans. If a dog is trying to control things and is being a bully about it, and you are a bully right back, it will escalate, guaranteed. If you leap into the situation ready for a fight, you will indeed find one. Even if you don’t, you will absolutely damage your relationship with your puppy. Please, please, don’t punish your dog with any physical force— you will just teach him that next time, he needs to move faster to get ahead of you, which means you or someone else will get hurt down the road. Instead, when you notice your puppy is humping a toy:

-ignore it or leave the room

-redirect him to a game of tug or fetch (though this may just increase excitement in some dogs)

-let him go outside and play in the yard with you (fetch, tug)

-go for a walk to sniff around (no specific distance in mind, just walking to smell things- this will help provide some mental stimulation and enrichment)

-when your older dog is the unsuspecting object of desire, and they are not correcting the puppy, calmly separate them and provide a time out in a crate or behind a gate for a puppy.

Whatever you do, please do not yell, scream, hit, or try any of that “alpha roll” junk you may have seen on tv. It makes for exciting television and creates dogs with serious behavioral issues. If you want to be a good leader for your pup, be fair and consistent and do your best to remain calm. If you remember one thing here, remember this: your dog does not feel the need to be alpha over you, just as it would not feel the need to be alpha over a squirrel. Of course, it will chase a squirrel because it runs, and that’s fun, or it looks like a tasty treat, but inter-species dominance is something unique to humans. Nobody else in the animal kingdom cares because it’s pointless.

the situations that we generally see with this scenario. If your dog did not eat for a day but then did eat, as usual, that is probably alright. The excitement and stress of a new place with new people and different dogs can be enough to make our pups forget about food. Check with your vet, but typically, most dogs that are not toy or mini breeds will be ok for 24 hours without eating. Toy and mini breeds simply do not have enough energy stored for that long without meals and can have a dangerous downward spike in insulin levels. Always check with your vet if you are concerned about your dog’s eating habits.

If your dog was there for a week and did not eat the whole time or only ate small portions of their meals, I would be concerned. But, again, we do have excitement to think about when kids go to a birthday party, they typically spend the whole time playing and don’t even think about eating because of all the fun. The thing is, they usually make up for it by suddenly feeling hungry as soon as you get in the car to leave! So not eating well for a day or two, especially if they are getting treats in training, is not necessarily concerning, but the situation should be watched closely. And there are questions you can ask to get more information.

This is a little concerning, but I think some context can help. Here are

If your dog usually eats everything in sight and loves new people and food and other dogs and food but did not eat while at this trainer’s place, I would be concerned. This could indicate a few things, none of which are a tantrum:

“When my dog was staying with a trainer, she did not eat, and I was told that this is just my dog having a tantrum and she will eat when she is hungry.”

1. Your dog is so stressed and/or anxious that she is not thinking about food; her body is in or close to fight or flight, and digestion is literally shut down. This dog should not be at that training facility because no good training can happen at this point. Either this dog does not know how to cope with being away from home, and a more gradual transition to the new environment is needed or the people, tools, methods, etc., are too harsh, and the dog is terrified. Think about it, if you were at a new place where you felt too uneasy about eating, would you want to stay there? Would you characterize your decreased appetite as a “tantrum”?

2. Your dog is so excited about friends and fun that she doesn’t care about food and just wants to party! See if they use extra special treats in training and if she is eating in training sessions. If so, they could try to mix in some of her daily food with the treats used in training.

3. Your dog is getting lots of treats in training, so there isn’t room for her regular food in her tummy (it may be fine, as long as the treats are high quality). Talk to the trainer about meals being incorporated into training. Still, if they aren’t already doing that and think that your dog is having a tantrum, the trainer is probably using outdated training methods, and you and your dog deserve better.

4. They are feeding a different food than you feed at home, and your dog

continued pg 20

TheTear canal anatomy in a dog and cat starts with the outer flap called the pinna. The pinna can either cover the ear canal or stand up. Its functions are to protect from things going in or when standing up allow airflow and oil evaporation. The pinna meets the outer ear at an area referred to as the ear base.

The outer ear canals have several functions. One is to conduct sound to the tympanic membrane (eardrum) and protect the tympanic membrane (TM). The canals are lined with hair, sebaceous glands, and ceruminous glands, and epithelial cells. The hair catches debris and keeps insects from being able to crawl in. Sebaceous and ceruminous glands produce oils that coat the epithelial cells and protect them from water and bacterial damage. Airflow through the canal leads to evaporation of oil and carries the oil out. If the canal is obstructed

Ear Infection: Why & What to Do

by John Maniatty,

V.M.D.

by the pinna, hair, or debris, the oil is not removed and builds up.

Excess production occurs in response to infection, parasites, and irritation due to allergies. Too much oil leads to the transformation into wax that builds up and acts as a growth medium for bacteria and yeast. Studies have shown 65-80% of dogs with food allergies will develop ear infections; the technical term is otitis externa (OE). Epithelial cells line the ear canal and exfoliate, starting at the TM and work their way up the canals to the opening at the top of the canals. This is referred to as epithelial migration. This allows wax and other debris: i.e., dirt, pollen, dust, and exfoliated cells, to be removed. If obstructed, then wax and debris accumulate, further clogging the canal. Obstructions can consist of plant material, hair, tumors, polyps, swelling of clogged glands, and scar tissue.

The tympanic membrane is made of skin covering fibrous tissue. It separates the outer ear from the middle ear. When sound waves hit it, it vibrates and passes the vibration to 3 tiny bones that conduct the vibrations to the vestibule window in the inner ear, creating movement in the cochlea fluid. This leads to sound receptor activation. The middle ear consists of the bulla, a thin-walled boney structure that houses the incus, malleolus, and stapes; three tiny bones previously mentioned.

The middle ear connects to the Eustachian tube. The eustachian tube connects the middle ear to the throat. This maintains air pressure and prevents the TM from rupturing when going up and down elevations. It also allows drainage from the middle ear helping to control pressure in the middle ear again. It’s also is a way to drain an infection from the middle ear or allow fluid to pass if theTM ruptures.

There are three main categories that cause OE: Allergies, Mechanical obstruction, and Trauma. Allergies can be caused by either one or all three reasons: food, contact, or inhalant. Allergies can lead to excessive epithelial production along with excessive oil production. In the case of contact, we see hives or swelling in the canal. This can lead to mechanical obstruction. As previously mentioned, obstruction can lead to blocked epithelial migration, causing a build-up of material in the canals and resulting in infection. Trauma can be induced by excessive cleaning, which can irritate or with allergies cause itching and scratching that can lead to a break in the skin of the ear

and open it to infection. Parasites such as ear mites can induce trauma and lead to infection. Fleas can cause scratching and trauma to pinna or allergic reactions and waxy build-up.

Otitis externa can consist of either bacterial or fungal or a combination of both. The most common bacteria are staphylococcal psuedointermedius, a cocci bacteria, and pseudomonas aeruginosa, a rod bacteria. Pseudomonas aeruginosa can be very difficult to treat because of its ability to change DNA and become resistant to antibiotics. The most common fungal is Malassezia, which is an overgrowth of the normal inhabitant of the skin.

Now that we know the causes, how do we treat? We do it in steps. The first step is finding the underlying cause. A detailed medical history will help tell if allergies are involved, if activities such as swimming or bathing have led to the problem, there is a hormonal problem such as hypothyroid, and if this is a chronic versus acute ear infection.

A second step is a thorough exam of the ear canal. This will help determine if a mechanical obstruction is present; a growth, foreign material, excessive waxy build-up, glandular swelling, or scar tissue. We sometimes can see mites moving. Also, noting if the ear canal flow is narrow or makes a sharp bend like an "L" or a soft bend like an "S" and acts like a sink drain trap. This can inhibit airflow and lead to impaired oil evaporation; hence chronic waxy ears. A lot of times, we find one good ear and one bad ear.

The third step is microscopy, Looking under the microscope at oil preps and stained slides. Oil preps

will allow us to see ear mites and eggs. Stained slides make it possible to see the type of bacteria—cocci versus rod and if Malassezia (fungi) are present in higher-than-normal numbers. We also see white blood cells and red blood cells telling us weeping and bleeding in severe cases.

Treatment can be done based on history, exam, and microscopy. If inhalant or contact allergies are suspected, we treat them with an antihistamine, steroid, or janus kinase inhibitor such as Apoquel. For food allergies, if the dog is not on one, change to a hypoallergenic diet. I always recommend hydrolyzed food since studies have shown that 100% of commercial diets have contamination that is not listed on the label.

Clean the pinna and ear canal with an appropriate ear cleaner. Your veterinarian can dispense one this to you. Most veterinary ear cleaners have some astringent to them to dry the ear canal out. Therefore, after a bath or at the end of a day of swimming, we recommend cleaning the ears out.

Sometimes with severe excessive waxy build-up, a cerumenolytic ear cleanser is needed to be used first to soften wax, then follow with ear cleaner. With the cerumenolytic cleanser, leave in 5 minutes, then clean afterward. Cleaning can be irritating; doing so too frequently can lead to soreness and being vulnerable to infection.

To clean the ear, position the bottle to squeeze a portion of the cleaner into the ear canal opening at the ear base. Be sure not to touch the bottle

tip to the ear canal because it can contaminate the bottle with bacteria. Message the ear canal moving the fluid up in down. You should hear a swishing noise. Do this for 30- 60 seconds. Let the pet shake the head. Then using a cotton ball, remove the fluid and debris. Repeat till clear. I recommend cleaning the ear every one to two weeks if it's not infected but prone to waxy build-up. If treating an ear infection, I will have clients clean the ear(s) every three days during treatment then go to every 1-2 weeks.

Treat with appropriate antiparasitic or antibiotics based on microscopy. For mild cases, topicals may be all that is needed, but for severe infections, a combination of oral and topical are usually required. Culture of the ear is an optional fourth step that the use of antibiotics can be based on.

Antiparasitics consist of flea and tick control and ear mite meds. Flea medications can be either oral or topical. One topical used to treat both fleas and ear mites is selamectin (Revolution). It works by being absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream then distributed systemically.

Topical antibiotic medications without culture can be done initially. A general first-line medication usually consists of an aminoglycoside (gentamicin or neomycin) in conjunction with steroid and antifungal. We must be sure the eardrum is intact, or this can cause deafness if not. Even with what was thought to be intact eardrums, I have seen some dogs go

acutely deaf with it. Common orals are in the cephalexin family for cocci and fluoroquinolones for rods. A culture is needed for those that have had chronic issues to see what the bacteria is and what it is sensitive to. Treatment with orals can be up to 4-6 weeks.

If severe inflammation and excess wax build-up are noted, oral steroids should be added in and weaned down over time. The length of time they are used is based on the severity of irritation and infection. Steroids work by decreasing oil secretion and inflammation. Taking down inflammation helps provide relief for those tender ears. Also, with glandular swelling, it helps take that down and reduce obstruction.

If a growth is present, surgical

removal can be done to open the canal. A total ear canal ablation can be performed if severe scar tissue has built up, filling the whole ear canal. Only IF in the vertical canal, a lateral ear canal resection can open the horizontal canal to breathe better.

OE can be a frustrating disease process, but taking these steps will give you the best chance at success and prevention of OE in the future.

Your Smart Pup with Amanda

Abresch

Reader Submitted Questions

“A trainer told me that the only way to show my dog that I am boss is to use a prong/shock/pinch, choke collar, and that will help my nervous dog to realize their place and calm them down.”

This one drives me crazy, folks. Now I don’t know what trainer you spoke with, but let me start by telling you that you need to stop taking advice from them. They are wrong and illogical. They combine some words they have heard, like “nervous” and “anxiety,” and simply placed those words in their dominance-based training protocol. They are wrong and have clearly not read any scientific articles on dog training in years, possibly decades.

Part of that statement is not illogical: you could certainly show your

dog that you are the boss by using those tools, but they would not see you as a fair boss or a good leader. Instead, they would see you as someone to not mess with. Maybe you want that from your dog. I feel sorry for your dog if that is the case because nobody deserves to live in what is essentially an abusive relationship. If your boss offered out-of-proportion punitive punishments for even minor infractions, you would certainly “keep in-line,” but I imagine you would find a new job as soon as possible. I know I would; I have worked for people like that, and living with that kind of stress is awful.

Now the rest of the statement, which is simply nonsensical. If a dog is nervous, adding in a physical punishment like a prong/ shock/choke/pinch collar will NOT make them calm down. Think in human terms if it helps: if you were nervous with limited defenses, and then someone hit you or threatened

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you, especially with physical pain, you would suddenly feel calm? That’s just not how the brain works— not your brain or my brain or your dog’s brain. When an additional stressor, pain, or fear is added, it will only increase the fear and anxiety in a nervous state. It will not result in calm. Do you know what it can result in that gets mistaken for calm? Learned helplessness. This is what many, many trainers will label as a calm, submissive dog. I’ve told you before about how much of an oxymoron that term is, but the fact that people still use methods that result in learned helplessness weighs heavy in my heart. I have seen dogs who have gone through this, I have spent months and years working with pet owners and their dogs to get past it, and it is heartbreaking. So what is

learned helplessness? It is a phenomenon accidentally discovered in the 1960s and 1970s when there were much fewer regulations on what could be done to dogs in scientific studies.

In the experiment, dogs were placed in a chamber where one side of the floor was electrified, and the other was not. There was a small barrier between the two sides. Initially, the dogs panicked, ran around, and stumbled over the barrier. After just a couple of episodes of electrocution, the dogs learned to leap quickly over the barrier to escape. There were other dogs placed in the same chambers and exposed to the electrocution, but they were restrained and could not escape. Their initial reactions were identical—panic, defecation, vocalization in the form of howling and/

or whining. After repeated episodes of this, the dogs would whine while it happened but make no attempt to escape since it was clearly a wasted effort. Then, once that set of dogs was placed in the chamber but not restrained, they still made no attempt to escape. All they had to do was jump that small barrier, and they could stop it. Time had taught them that it was worthless; they had no choice but to endure the shocks.

This is what happens when a dog is repeatedly shocked and then is quiet or stops jumping only to lay down flat as a pancake. This is what happens when a dog gets collar pops repeatedly, especially if the trainer has unrealistic training goals. This is what happens when a dog is physically threatened, alpha rolled, or hit. This is what happens when

we humans deliver punitive, out-ofcontext, physical corrections to our dogs. They learn that the world is unpredictable, and they can’t control anything. When they can’t control anything and cannot predict or change anything in their environment, they will not feel calm or trust you. They will hunker down and endure even if they shouldn’t have to.

Camping with Dogs

by Brandon Phillips

AA good canine camper is well-behaved around others, including adults, children and animals too. Their owners understand camping etiquette, such as activity time, quite time and everyone gets along beautifully. While a campsite may be lively during the day, once evening falls, it’s time to settle down. Your dog will need to understand when playtime is over and how to be quiet (no barking). If your dog has never been to dog school, consider enrolling them before you head into the great outdoors. The cost is minimal, and it will make you a better, more responsive dog owner, as well as a better camper with a dog.

Preparations

Vaccinations and Licenses: It is of absolute importance that your dog’s vaccinations be up-to-date or they should show positive titers, as dogs can encounter unvaccinated animals

while camping, even if they are leashed at all times. Dog licenses should also be current and can vary somewhat by state. Be sure you check in advance so you have minimal problems, should you become separated from your dog. Get a vet check-up before camping season begins, and be sure to ask about the areas where you will be traveling, as some carry different health risks for dogs which may warrant additional precautions.

Chip Your Dog

Your dog should be micro-chipped, and remember to make sure your contact information is up-to-date with your vet and in the manufacturers database.

Know Your Dog

What excites your dog? What puts your dog “on guard?” What makes your dog bark, growl or whimper? How does your dog deal with chil

dren? How does your dog deal with large dogs, small dogs, female dogs, male dogs, and certain breeds? Know your dog’s language; know what sets him off, and know how to calm him down. Learn to read his tail, eyes, ears and body posture. These are all good things to know about your dog during any social outing, and you may just find more opportunities to experience these things with the growing number of dogs visiting campgrounds across the country.

Start with Short Day Trips

Dogs tend to stress out when their routine changes. Too much stress can lead to erratic, aggressive behavior, or even illness. Getting your dog used to the many scenarios he’ll encounter while camping, in the weeks before your trip, is easy and fun for both of you. Try to replicate the situations your dog will experience during a camping trip: a long drive, exploring a new area, playing time and quiet time, and even having a meal away from home. If you’re staying in a tent, put up your tent in the back yard a week before you camp. If you have a camper, be sure your dog is familiar with it inside and out. They should have a meal in the camper and would even benefit from the familiarity of a nap in the bed they will sleep in while traveling.

Packing For Your Dog

Leash: Be sure you have a leash, collar and buckle that are in good condition. Old collars and harnesses can break if the dog suddenly lunges. Carry an additional collar and leash,

just in case. I suggest two leashes and collars per dog. Perhaps one style which is tough, such as a thick leather or rope leash. Use this one when your dog needs to be kept in absolute control, such as when there are lots of other strange dogs around Then maybe use a lightweight leash if the opportunity presents itself to explore in a relaxed atmosphere.

Bedding: If you’re sleeping in a tent, bring bedding to keep your dog off the ground. If it’s a cloth bed, use something under the bed, such as a tarp, to keep the dampness from the ground coming up through the bedding and chilling your dog. This is particularly important if your dog is older.

Water: Because clean drinking water can be a concern, your dog should drink bottled water while camping. It’s easy to carry and you don’t have to worry about contaminated streams, ponds etc. If your dog is very particular about his drinking water, begin the change- over to bottled a week or so before you leave for your trip. By then, they will be familiar with the taste.

Dog Food: Take two extra days of dog meals beyond our planned stay, just in case. Whatever you use for food storage, it should be sturdy, water proof and critter proof.

First-Aid kit: There are lots of commercial first-aid kits on the market. Make sure you have one on hand especially if you plan to stay away from “civilization.” Also, be sure to pack any regular medictions your pet may take, again, with a few extra days worth.

A Nose for Adventure

with Seal, Bogey & Huckleberry

Alaska Stand

What’s better than a delicious burger on a warm sunny day at the beach? Nothing! Luckily, we have just the place for you. Alaska Stand, located at 9th street on the boardwalk, it’s an Ocean City staple and has been so since 1933! For over 90 years, Alaska Stand has been a favorite among locals and tourists alike, and we can pawsonally guarantee you will never be disappointed with anything off of the menu! The BEST pawt about Alaska Stand, of course, is that they are dog furriendly!

While dogs are not allowed on the boardwalk from May 1st through September 30th, Alaska Stand is in the PAWFECT location with a direct path off of 9th street that leads straight to their private pup furriendly patio (so you do not need to walk on the boards to get to there).

As soon as we arrive at Alaska Stand, our mouths are already watering from the aroma of burgers and hot dogs on the grill. We are always greeted with a warm friendly smile from all of the staff, especially owners Dennis, Jodi, and

their daughter Sadie. They always bring us special treats while we are waiting for our order. This place is not only family owned and operated, but their hospawtality makes you feel like you are pawt of the family. Aside from the food, our furriends at Alaska Stand are our favorite people to visit.

Alaska Stand offers breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert! Our pawrents always get burgers with all the toppings (Dad’s favorite is the Big Alaska), and we get our very own cheeseburgers! Their burgers really are the BEST in town! If you’re in the mood for a sweet treat, their menu offers ice cream, milkshakes, funnel cakes, and fried Oreos. They even have pup-a-lattes (whipped cream in a cup) for us pups! Yum!

Our favorite thing to do is to grab a table on the patio, and people watch. We always get lots of pets and attention from people walking the boards. It is so much fun to be pawt of the action and enjoy everything that the boardwalk has to offer.

Alaska Stand closes after the summer season, so if you haven’t been there yet, do yourself a favor and grab your pup and go visit our furriends. We pawmise you will enjoy your entire experience! When you go, say hi to Jodi and Dennis and let them know Bogey and Huck sent you! Don’t furget to share your experience with us and tag us #GoldenPawtyUnleashed so we can share your adventures on our Instagram @ItsAGoldenPawty!

Harborside Bar & Grill

Now that summer is in full swing, and we all want our bellies full of some yummy food, you should go and check out Harborside Bar and Grill in West Ocean City. As a food connoisseur, I can say that the steamed shrimp are extra yummy to my tummy. You can tie up your boat right at their docks; they have plenty of slips.

The staff was very friendly and helpful in finding me a nice shady spot to sit and watch the boats go in and out of the harbor while listening to some great music. They even asked if I’d like some water, but my parents make sure I have everything I need for an excursion packed in my bag. I hope everyone is having a fun summer and are staying safe. You can follow more of my adventures at The Adventures of Seal, the Silly Havanese, on Facebook.

Always supervise your dog with food, particularly frozen treats, bones or anything that could pose a choking problem!

Bone Appetite

Beef Stew, Doggie Style

This recipe is loaded with fresh protein and can be stored in your fridge for five days (or frozen and heated up later).

Ingredients

1 pound of beef stew meat

1 small sweet potato

1/2 cup of carrots, diced

1/2 cup of green beans, diced

1/2 cup of flour

1/2 cup of water

1 tablespoon of vegetable oil

Total: Makes approx. 4 cups (32 fluid ounces)

Multiply the ingredients for larger dogs.

Directions

Cook the sweet potato in a microwave for 5 to 8 minutes until firm but tender. Set aside.

Slice the beef into small chunks, about the size of a nickel or smaller for toy breeds.

Cook the beef stew pieces in a tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat for 10-15 minutes or until well-done.

Remove the beef chunks from the pan, reserving the drippings.

Dice the sweet potato. Heat the drippings over medium-low heat. Slowly add organic flour and water into the drippings while whisking to create a thick gravy.

Add the meat, sweet potato, carrots, and green beans into the gravy and stir to coat.

Cook until the carrots are tender — about 10 minutes.

Let it cool and serve. Store remaining stew in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Try to resist snitching from your dog!

Doggie Socials

Reader Submitted Photos

Would your dog like to be a part of Doggie Socials? Submit your quality photos to creative@grandlivingmag. com or simply post it on our social media. You can find us on Facebook and Instagram.

Otis - Salisbury, MD

Chewbacca - Ocean City, MD

Piper - Berlin, MD

Jax - Hartly, DE

Taz & Dixie - Snow Hill, MD

Blue - Harrington, DE

Scout - Whaleyville, MD

Kylo - Salisbury, MD

Harley Quinn - Centerville, MD

Rosco - Jenkins, MD

Lily - Chester, MD

Freyja - Salisbury, MD

Canine Perspective