Vol. 6 Issue 4 - Holiday/Winter 2019-20
Unleashed Delmarva
“Seal”
Parvo Virus Annual Holiday Doggie Loot
Stress-Free Handling & the Vet Wuff Is Me - The Holidays are Here! 1 Delmarva Unleashed Holiday/Winter 2019-20
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Don’t Sit. Don’t Stay. Never roll over. Dog tested. Dog approved.
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contents Vol. 6 Issue 4 Holiday/Winter 2019-20
Delmarva Unleashed Publisher Sandy Phillips Associate Publisher Farin Phillips Edited by Nelson Griffin
Bark of the Town Holiday Doggie Loot The Warm Paleolithic Family Parvo Virus The Dangers for Unvaccinated Dogs
Contributing Writers Amanda Abresch, B.S., ABCDT, APDT, CPDT-KA Polly Elliott John Maniatty, V.M.D. Carol McConnell, DVM, MBA Stephen Murphy Didi Cordero-Figeroa Office (410)726-7334
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20 Stress-Free Handling & the Vet 24 Your Smart Pup 26 Wuff is Me The Holiday Are Here! 32 At Waht Price Love? 36 Bone Appetite Keep Pet Cost Down
Delmarva Unleashed is published four times a year; Spring, Summer, Fall, and Holiday/Winter. It is circulated throughout Maryland’s Lower Shore, Mid Shore and onto Virginia’s Eastern Shore. The magazine can also be found throughout Delaware and is published by Grand Living Magazine, LLC. “Delmarva Unleashed” is protected under trademark registration. No portion of this publication, in whole or part, may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Copyright 2019©, Grand Living Magazine, LLC. All rights reserved. Content in Delmarva Unleashed is intended to provide information only and is in no way meant to treat or diagnose. Always consult with a specialty professional to address your own personal needs. The company makes every effort to ensure that all information presented is correct, however, we do not make any representations or warranties as to the accuracy of the information, and reliance on information provided, is solely at your own risk.
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From Our Family to Yours Warmest Holiday Wishes — Delmarva Unleashed 38 Doggie Socials 42 To the Rescue 44 Canine Perspective On the Cover:
“Seal” Proudly owned by Stephanie & Chris Montross of Chincoteague Island, VA.
Submissions: Please email all editorial material to creative@grandlivingmag. com. We welcome previously unpublished articles and high resolution color images in jpg format. We cannot guarantee that either will be printed or returned. All articles are subject to editing and fact check. We reserve the right to publish all letters received. You may also mail submissions to Grand Living Magazine, 12610 Murray Rd, Whaleyville, MD 21872.
Bark of the Town Coffee Table Dangers Holiday pet hazards are numerous, from strings of holiday lights to broken glass ornaments. The vigilant pet owner can avoid many emergency vet visits during holiday festivities. Although it’s prudent to pet-proof your home on a year-round basis, it seems even the most responsible pet owners can let their guard down during the holidays. Unfortunately, that’s when the unexpected happens. The most overlooked holiday dangers are plates, casually left on the coffee table or near the edge of a counter, where big dogs surf for a treat. Take the extra moment to place the plate away from the edge or on a table high 6
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enough to not tempt fate. While there are “safe” holiday treats for your pet, it only takes one unsafe one to create a disaster. According to PetMD, poisoning is one of the most avoidable holiday mishaps. It can all happen so quickly when that slice of rum-soaked cake is left unattended on the coffee table. You can’t resist a slice, and surely your dog won’t be able to either. Many people think that the alcohol cooks entirely out of most recipes, and in many cases, it does, but rum cakes are soaked in the spirited libation; AFTER, the cake is baked, making it a real danger for your pet.
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Uncooked yeast breads are another serious hazard. Left to rise in a warm place where your dog could see it as a snack, yeast doughs will continue to rise in the dog’s stomach, leading to a life-threatening problem as the dough expands in the gut. Alcohol is also a by-product of the dough fermentation, setting the stage for a simultaneous poisoning too. Many humans indulge in baked goods this time of year, and dogs don’t do well with large amounts of sugar either. Of course, chocolates are popular items over the holidays, providing an ever-present danger for chocolate toxicity too. There are lots of safe, adorable holiday dog treats available on the market. Be sure to pick up a few at your local pet store and limit your dog’s holiday goodies to those meant for canines.
Dogs & Your Social Life A poll of 2,000 dog owners found that nearly half of respondents have made new friends while their dog was at their side. Simple activities like walking with your dog can lead to new friendships. According to the survey, dog owners can attribute an average of four relationships that began while engaged in an activity with their dog. "Training classes are great for both you and your dog, it can provide confidence for both of you," says Nick Jones. Health, stress levels, and love-life were all reported to have been improved by dog ownership.
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Holiday Doggie Loot Dogs across the shore are making their lists for Santa! What does your dog want for Christmas this year? A new bed, sweater, the latest toy or maybe some treats? We have a few items here we have tested over the last year, and some new products from manufacturers that always impress.
images by respective manufactures
“Our favorites!”
Bessie & Barnie Beds While this particular Bessie & Barnie bed is excellent for small dogs, they make beds of all sizes. Delmarva Unleashed has had a version of this cuddle pod for months, the little dogs adore it, and it washes beautifully. You can even lengthen the draw string and have the bed lie flat. If you choose 2 fabrics you can have 2 looks, one more wintery and one for warmer weather. The construction is superior, making it a bed that will last for years. Some of their models are more expensive, depending on size and the fabric you choose, that's right you can choose if you order online, but we have also seen them in nice boutique stores offering lots of options you can touch. They are soooo soft; you will be asking your dog to move over! MSRP: Prices vary with size and options.
Pooch Paper We recently introduced you to Pooch Paper, and we continue to think something that decomposes with poo is just great. A stack of papers or one of their new “carry” pouches makes a great gift humans will use over and over again, particularly earth-conscious friends. MSRP: Prices vary
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MetroPaws Metro Wipes “Metro Wipes are all-natural pet wipes that are made of detoxifying and natural ingredients that are non-toxic and pH friendly for skin. They are designed to naturally and safely cleanse paws, ears, nose, and tushies as well as your own hands. These wipes are alcohol and paraben-free as well as cruelty-free. Here at Delmarva Unleashed, they are the brand we now reach for when the pups return to the office with soiled coats. Available in both regular and in peppermint scented charcoal wipes. The charcoal wipes are great for most of those pesky things pups love to roll in! MSRP: $16.99
Baydog Outdoor Gear Baydog continues to impress. Their gear has expert craftsmanship to last for years, yet comes with a reasonable price tag. From collars and leashes to offshore lift jackets and hunting vests, Baydog has the performance gear you can count on. MSRP: Prices vary
Airy Vest Touted as the “world’s lightest dog jacket,” the Airy Vest doesn’t disappoint. We can’t say enough good things about this jacket. It is indeed light, packable, made with meticulous detail, and is reversible to boot! A small dog jacket will fold small enough to fit in your coat pocket, yet expand to offer warmth when your pup needs it — fashion and function, available in a wide variety of sizes and several color combinations. MSRP: Prices vary 10
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Pooch Palooza Tickets! Totally the “must have” holiday gift— tickets to the annual dog festival! Your dog waits all year for a day all about the him; the day where you hang with him while he participates in: Pie Eating, Tower of Temptation, FastFetch Cup, Lure Chase, competes for a chance to be on the Cover of Delmarva Unleashed and so much more canine fun! Order your tickets in the “shop” on our website at PoochPalooza.com
My Pet Pail We were impressed with "My Pet Pail." Awarded "Best in Show" by business peers, we also love so much about it. The feeding station has room for food, water, including removable bowls, and containers that fit neatly inside. There is room for a leash, poop bags, cold packs, and more. It all closes nicely for travel and is dishwasher safe. MSRP:$49
Planet Dog’s Ringo Orbee-Tuff® Ringo is royal blue, and at 3”, it’s perfect for most dogs. It rates 5 out of 5 chompers on our Durability Scale. Its unpredictable bounce will have avid star-chasers flying high. Non-toxic,BPA and phthalate free,FDA-approved material,Infused with natural mint oil. MSRP:$11.99 Delmarva Unleashed
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Roam Dog Treats Vets often suggest “novel” proteins and Roam strives to meet that challenge with unique and sustainable meats. From the manufacture...The energetic, wideeyed ostrich is native to the grasslands of South Africa. Bred and fed a pure and balanced diet in their natural environment, breathing clean air and free to roam through vast areas of territory, the meat of these agile birds is a novel protein, uniquely lean, healthy and very tasty which poses a low risk of food allergies to pets. MSRP: Prices vary
Raw Coconuts Looking for that unique holiday gift you won’t find in a pet store? A coconut, from you local grocer, is a great toy for heavy chewers! Consider the size of the fruit when you make your purchase - that it’s a good size for your pup that will not pose a choking hazard. Simply add a bow for gift giving. MSRP: Varies
No Hide™ Chicken Chew A healthier, better alternative to Rawhide! Our No-Hide™ Chicken Chew is a long-lasting, easily digestible chew, created for your dog’s enjoyment and your own peace of mind. The chicken has been carefully rolled, cooked, and uniquely dried for a one of a kind chew your dog will love! MSRP: Varies with size 12
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The Warm Paleolithic Family
SS
by Sandy Phillips
cientists have long debated the time in history when dogs were first domesticated. In 2008, the remains of what is believed to be the oldest dog to date, were discovered in a cave in Belgium. The dog was part of a burial group of European Aurignacian people from the Upper Paleolithic period, approximately 29,680 BC. This discovery pushed back the timeline on another dog discovered in Russia which dates to around 11,980 BC, some 17,000 years earlier. Both dogs appeared to have been domesticated because of the diet analyzed from the jaw bone. Scientist identified horse, musk ox and reindeer; the same foods humans of that period are said to have consumed. Perhaps the dogs received handouts from the humans for protecting the home or assisting with hunting? After all, there is much documentation that dogs have hunted beside man for millennia. Adding to the debate, there have been footprints discovered in a cave 14
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in France of a child and a dog. There was an accompanying torch wipe (ash on cave walls) that indicates the child carried the light and was accompanied by the dog. These findings date to approximately 23,980 BC. Some of the most compelling evidence for very early human-canine bonding is supported by a discovery, in 1914, of a grave in the suburb of Bonn, Germany. Here the remains of a man, woman, several decorated objects and a dog were discovered. This find dates again to the Paleolithic era, but only 14,000 years ago. A study published in the Journal of Archaeological Science indicates that the puppy likely died of canine distemper at about 28 weeks of age. Tell tale signs suggest that the pup contracted the illness at about 19 weeks and maybe suffered a few periods of illness before succumbing to the disease. According to scientist Liane Giemsch, of Leiden University, “Since distemper is a life-threatening sickness
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continued pg. 43
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Parvo Virus & the Dangers To Puppies & Unvaccinated Dogs.
anine Parvo Virus (CPV) is a highly contagious virus seen in young dogs and unvaccinated adult dogs. Prevention is as simple as getting the puppy it series of puppy vaccines and for adults updating their vaccines. CPV has two forms CPV -1, also referred to as the canine minute virus and CPV-2. CPV-2 has three strains A, B, and C. The majority of parvovirus infections are caused by CPV -2. Rarely do we see clinical signs of infection with CPV-1 unless the dog is less than five weeks of age. CPV-1 affects the respiratory system more than the gastrointestinal system; symptoms present like bronchitis or pneumonia; coughing, sneezing, and difficulty breathing. Carriers are seen in older dogs, but rarely does it affect them. CPV-2 is a hearty virus that can live in the environment for years. It can be passed transplacentally from mother
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to puppy, also fecal-oral, vomit or other bodily secretions, contaminated fomites, i.e., clothing, bowls, toys, bed, and/or aerosolized virus particles. Puppies, in general, are more susceptible due to the immaturity of their immune system. Adult dogs that have not been vaccinated are also vulnerable. Certain breeds have an increased risk for CPV infection such as the Rottweiler, Doberman pinscher, Labrador Retriever, American Staffordshire terrier, and Arctic sled breeds. The virus enters the body and is taken up by the lymphatics in the mouth, throat, chest, and intestines. It stays in the lymphatics 1-5 days before entering the bloodstream and where it invades rapidly dividing cells in the bone marrow, intestine, and the heart in dogs under 15 days old. The total incubation period from exposure to clinical symptoms is 7-14 days.
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Clinical symptoms can present as lethargy, coughing, abnormal breathing, decrease appetite or anorexia, profuse diarrhea- can be extremely bloody, vomiting, fever, dehydration, elevated heart rate, mental changes, seizures. If untreated can lead to severe dehydration/ hypovolemia, sepsis, shock, thrombocytopenia (extremely low platelets), leukopenia (severely depressed white blood cell (WBC) count), and possibly death. Left untreated mortality rates are extremely high. If treated in the hospital, some studies have shown survival rates as high as 90%. If treated at home, some studies have shown success rates as high as 80%. The first 72-96 hours is the most critical. If the dog survives, then the prognosis is much better. Other things that affect the mortality rate are how long the dog has had it and overall health before infection. If the dog is malnourished or has endoparasites, intestinal worms, lungworms, or coccidia, or ectoparasites, fleas, mites, or ticks, the overall prognosis is poorer. If you wait too long, thinking it will pass, the virus and secondary infections that come with it will have a more significant effect on the body. This leads to a higher mortality rate. The diagnosis is based on clinical symptoms and confirmed with positive testing. Testing can either be done in the hospital or sent out to the lab. In house, testing is done on feces using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test that looks for viral antigen. False-negative tests can occur early on in the disease if low antigen levels or if the mother’s maternal antibodies have bound to the virus preventing the test antibodies from binding to the virus. For ELISA, the
test has antibodies to the virus- in this case to CPV2-a, CPV-2b, and CPV2c. They adhere to a plastic base, and when an antigen is added, it becomes bound to the antibodies. Then another antibody adhered to a color marker binds to the antigen-antibody complex and creates a color change. Testing that is sent out to the lab is a Polymerase Chain Reaction test, which is more sensitive than the ELISA test. This test replicates the viral DNA at such high quantities that it can be identified. So if the viral load is low or antibody-bound and the ELISA would be negative, this would be positive. It can be run on blood, feces, or tissue. The only drawback is it takes longer to get results since we have to send it out to the lab. In house blood testing helps support the diagnosis and make a treatment plan. As previously mentioned, we can see if we have leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, or anemia. Blood chemistry will tell us if we have low blood albumin, low potassium, and/or low glucose. Low potassium, albumin, and anemia are due to loss through the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Low glucose is due to limited stores in young animals and not eating or keeping food down for extended periods. We need to slow the losses and replace what has been lost. Treatment will consist of anti-emetics to counter vomiting — intravenous fluids to rehydrate and keep up with fluid losses. In the fluids, potassium or glucose or both can be added if theses values are low. Antibiotics are used to fight off secondary bacterial infections. The WBC count can be so low the body cannot control bacteria that it usually fights off. Antiviral medications
have been studied, but benefits have not been substantiated. So use is not recommended at this time. Dogs are in moderate pain due to GI ulceration and cramping. The use of opioids like fentanyl, morphine, or buprenorphine, can help manage this. There is also blood monitoring of the red blood cells, WBC, and platelet count; glucose; potassium; and albumin. Treatment can be adjusted based on results. Feeding with a recovery formula such as Hill’s A/D or Purina CN can be done once the dog is keeping food down. Over time you can switch to a gi diet like Hill’s I/D. If in-hospital treatment is not an option due to the cost or if the dog is stable and early in the disease, then outpatient treatment can be done. Prior to leaving the hospital, IV fluids need to be given to replace potassium, get glucose levels back to normal, and rehydrate. Then patients can be given injectable meds before leaving the hospital and sent with oral meds and subcutaneous fluids that are administered 3 x a day. Unfortunately, if they do not respond or are so moribund on presentation Euthanasia is a merciful option. Post recovery, the patient is still shedding the virus for up to 2 weeks. A bland diet needs to be fed for seven days, then gradually mix in regular food. The dog’s gi tract may always be sensitive to gi infections, and change in diets can lead to upset stomachs and diarrhea. Remember, the virus can live months to years in the environment. It is impossible to clean the outside, but in the home 30% bleach solution can be used to clear it on hard surfaces. Quarantining your dog from heavily trafficked areas will protect him/her from picking up other infections.
from pg. 25 -Your Smart Pup of the night to go out and sniff around for deer/squirrels/cats. With that, I recommend staggering when you take her out, so you gradually push back that 3:00 am potty break: If your dog typically wakes to go out at 3:00, wait until 3:45 or 4:00. Take her out at this new time for 5-7 days. Next, push the time back another 15-30 minutes (making it 4:00 or 4:15 in our example), keeping that new time for 5-7 days again. Keep up this pattern until you have your pup getting up to go out at a more reasonable hour. When you do these late night/early morning potty breaks, be really boring, so your dog isn’t getting attention and a chance to smell all the smells. Keep in mind when your dog last ate or drank and consider the size of your dog when anticipating all the uninterrupted sleep you will now get. A chihuahua has a smaller bladder capacity than a boxer, so you may need to adjust your expectations slightly based on your dog’s size. If you are not having luck, you may need to consult your veterinarian to rule out a urinary tract issue or a certified trainer to help with behavioral causes.
John Maniatty, VMD Fantasia Maniatty, DVM Anne Flood, DVM Ali Lovins, DVM Ocean City 410-213-1170 Bethany Beach 302-539-2273
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Stress-Free Handling & the Vet by Amanda Abresch, B.S., ABCDT, APDT, CPDT-KA
TT
’ is the season...to finally get your dog into the vet for their annual checkup. I know you have been putting it off for a while because it’s going to cost money, and your dog goes nuts at the vet, and it’s just too much hassle. Admittedly, I have delayed going to the vet before, lucky for my dog it’s just because her humans are incredible slackers because she really, really loves the vet. It is second only to being at home with her people... it is a close second though. She gets to smell all the smells in the parking lot and on the way in the building, and there are all the smells in the waiting room, and there may even be a cat that may just hiss at her, which is the BEST EVER (don’t ask me, my dog is a bit of a masochist).
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But the best part of going to the vet? TREATS! And belly rubs. And ear scratches. But… So many TREATS! In the waiting room, she gets treats for sitting politely as other dogs and cats come inside. In the room, she gets treats from the technician and the vet, and just about every time they do something (check her temperature, pull blood, give an injection, look at her ears, listen to her heart and lungs), she gets a little treat. Sometimes she has to skip lunch because of all the treats she will get at the vet. As someone who worked as a vet tech for seven years, I am more than happy to
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have her get her lunch in treats when she has to go to the vet if it means she is happy and is a great patient. I know some of you hate me right now because you would love to have a dog who enjoys the vet, and I don’t blame you. The good news is that you can have a dog who likes the vet or at least tolerates it better. Medical attention and even routine husbandry should not be scary or stressful for your dog; when it is, they go without necessities like grooming, nail trims, teeth brushing, ear cleaning, etc. This only worsens the problem as it will result in your dog having to go to the vet when there is something more serious going on, which is more stressful. The thing is, it doesn’t have to be this way. Your vet and the technicians do not have to rush through the exam. Only emergencies necessitate speed in treatment- routine care can be slow. If
•
your vet or the staff do not see it that way, find yourself a more pet-friendly vet. If they do not have the patience to go gradually, your pet deserves better. When anyone balks at the idea of going slow with care or teaching pets to be “active participants,” I ask them how they would approach care for an elephant- you can’t (safely) physically restrain an animal that weighs a few thousand pounds. If a sedative is used, you cannot get a true heart or respiratory rate. Then there is the issue of giving a sedative to an animal and then dealing with them as they go to sleep, awaken and recover from itsometimes this is just as dangerous as no sedation (I’m not against sedation when it is necessary, though). Did you know that many zoos have adopted techniques that allow animals to be active participants in their health care? These behaviors include
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elephants who lift their feet or turning and aligning themselves with a fence to get toes and ears checked, and hippos opening their mouths on cue to get teeth checked, and many, many more. Did you know that this actually works better than old techniques of chaining them, holding them down, or sedating them? The animals are actually doing these things because they want to, not because they have no other option. It is impressive to watch an elephant or whale offer behaviors that make their care easier for humans, even more so when the animal is happily doing what is asked, and the humans can feel safe while doing their job well. I know what you are thinking.. “He just does it because there is a treat!” Yeah, I hear you. You may be right. He probably is participating because there is something in it for him. You know what? That is fine. If that animal is choosing to offer a behavior that gets a treat and the alternative is chaining, sedating, or otherwise forcefully restraining the animal, you can be sure I think that “doing it for treats” is a much better option. If you cannot see the sense in that, I worry for any pets you may ever have. There are some things you can do with the help of the staff at the vet clinic and your dog: Ask if there is a time of day or day of the week that tends to be slow so you and your pup can go sit in the lobby or in a room and just have your dog get treats. These treats can come from you or any of the staff. Your dog may be especially nervous, so be prepared with really good treats like cooked chicken, cut up hot dog, cheese, canned dog food, etc. While
you are there, put a handful of treats on the scale to encourage your pup to step onto it. They may not be able to predict exactly when there will be slow times, but there is typically a time of day that is slower, and you are more likely to be able to get in without causing much distraction or getting your dog over-stimulated. Ask your vet/technicians what restraint methods they use- you can ask them to demonstrate with a toy dog that you bring along, so you know what they will do to hold your pup still. This is going to be useful to allow you to train your dog to accept the handling they will encounter at the vet. With this information, you can practice desensitizing your dog to those restraint methods at home, so it’s not something scary that happens at that place with all the weird smells. Remember that proper desensitizing is gradual and involves treats or something else your dog loves. I highly recommend contacting a fear-free or low stress certified professional or at least a reward-based trainer to demonstrate these methods, so you don’t inadvertently make matters worse. In general, I prefer to use minimal restraint when possible. This should be the view of your veterinarian and the technicians as well. Obviously, there are times when more restraint may be necessary, but if we can do more to help our pets be active participants in their healthcare, the better off they will be. I bring this up because your vet and the technicians should want to use the minimal restraint necessary. It is easier on the patient, which reduces stress and likelihood that the dog will react adversely. If the dog is less stressed and less likely to respond neg-
atively, it means the dog is less likely to bite anyone. I can tell you without a doubt that every veterinary technician and veterinarian would love fewer attempted bites in their life. I can also tell you that a dog who loves the vet will do better if there is an emergency, and you will have one less reason to delay annual check-ups. One other reason to care about how your pet views vet visits is that many times, a dog who is uneasy at the vet and who has a very stressful visit is worse the next time, becomes reactive or aggressive at home, or both. I have seen this happen. I have seen dogs who are scared and nervous become terrified at the vet after rough handling and then go home and bite a visitor or bite the veterinary staff immediately the next visit.
If you want to find a pet-friendly veterinarian, groomer, or trainer, you should start by asking your vet about restraint techniques they use. If you are not sure or unhappy with their response, or your dog is stressed by every visit, you can search for FearFree Certified or Low-Stress Handling Certified pet professionals near you ( websites listed below). These are also great resources for more reasons why you should help your pup find all the pet-friendly professionals you can to have in their life. https://lowstresshandling.com/ https://fearfreepets.com/
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Your Smart
Pup
with Amanda Abresch
Reader Submitted Questions
Q: My puppy just started marking things in the house. What can I do? He has been with us for eight months, he is almost a year old, and he just started it- will get him neutered help? Why is he doing this? A: I have to say; I feel your pain.. at least your disgust in finding your couch or table suddenly has pee stains. Here you were, trucking along thinking your pup was past potty training woes, and it has snuck up on you. First of all, make sure you are using an enzymatic cleaner on any pee or poop in the house. You can’t just use a plain old floor or carpet cleaner- it will not help to prevent future accidents (or “intentionals” as I like to call marking). The problem with using a conventional carpet or floor cleaner for 24
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pee or poop in the house is that it does nothing to get rid of the proteins left behind when a dog soils in the house. What smells clean to us only smells like fragrance and pee (or poop) to your dog, so they have no problem finding that spot to go again if they are doing it out of habit or marking. Second, it is vital to be sure your dog is not actually peeing because of a UTI or other physical reasons. Therefore, your first call should be to your veterinarian. Next, let’s review why your pup may be marking: 1. He wants to be a “big boy” and do what he sees other dogs at home or around the neighborhood. Technically, we would call this mimicking behavior. 2. He wants to label things as “his” or cover the scent left by another animal.
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3. If there have been any changes in the home, around the home or with people/pets in your pup’s life. These can be stressful and can lead to marking. 4. Your pup may have forgotten to completely empty his bladder while outside and is just finishing up the job indoors, where it’s easy! This is not as common with a puppy who is closer to a year, but new distractions can be outside at any time. Now, what to do about this? Regardless of why your dog is marking, you must resist the urge to “punish” him by rubbing his nose in it or telling him he is a “bad dog” while pointing to a pee spot on the rug. This will only result in your dog finding a place to hide and pee. It also makes potty training more difficult when your pup is afraid to urinate in front of you, even when outdoors. Yes, that really happens. Please do not punish your dog for accidents or marking in the house. You will need to treat your dog like a little 8-week old puppy all over again and use all the management techniques you did when he was that age. This means confining him to a crate, a room with you, or on a leash and tethered to you so you can watch for signs of peeing. The most obvious is sniffing and circling. When these happen, take your pup outside to a potty area and give him 5-10 minutes to potty. When back inside, he may need to be supervised again if he did not pee outside. If you catch your dog in the act, say “no” but don’t carry on yelling and swearing (tempting as it may be), but do try and get your dog outside to try marking outside instead.
While on walks, point out things your dog can mark- trees, fire hydrants, light poles- the usual fun places. Praise your dog for going potty outdoors- treats are ok too, as long as it’s a potty approved area. I like to reward a pup with marking or potty training issues every time they pee or poop outside, even if it’s not the marking.
Q: We have a four and 1/2-month-old puppy, and we got into the habit of taking her out to pee in the middle of the night when we first got her to keep her from having accidents in the house. Is she old enough now to hold it all night? A: She should be old enough, but she may like those late-night visits to the yard! Very generally, dogs at her age should be able to go about 8 hours at night without issue. I would recommend first that you take away her water dish about 2 hours before bedtime so that the last time you take her out before bed, she essentially empties what she has in her bladder! Once you can be sure she doesn’t have to actually pee, you may notice that she still wants to get up in the middle continued pg. 18
Canine Travel
Wuff is Me, the Holidays Are Here! (May I Hemp U ?)
by Adiris (Didi) M. Cordero-Torres de Figueroa
AA
nother few months and we will be taking down pumpkins and costumes off our unicorns (OK, you got me, Joplin is Unicorn this year!) Some of us are busy planning ahead for the holidays, with a mixture of anticipation and dread: how will my fur baby fare this year with travel, boarding, and fireworks? There are a few things at play herethe very real anxiousness that all the variables introduced into the mix by the very nature of how unpredictable things can be: last-minute cancellations, illness, weather... things beyond our control. Then there’s the additional tension we project onto our bubbies by how we handle these variables. JaggyJops (Jagger and Joplin, my
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Parson Russell Terriers) are keenly aware of changes in routines that let them know events are in the works... when they see the suitcases come out, they immediately pace around it and sniff it and look at me, as if to say, “Mama, are we going?!” Thump thump thump go their tails; they LOVE to travel! They have been since very little used to long car rides. Jagger, my daughter’s Autism service animal, in particular, has been in many travel situations and is unfazed by airports, cars, trains, even a boat when my Nani went parasailing! Not all pet parents have a smooth time. CBD can help take the edge off an anxious pet (and a pet parent!) and offer pain relief from achy joints and
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other signs of normal aging... and let’s face it, assist in balancing mood to curtail disruptive behaviors that can keep our bubbies on the “Naughty” list! As you have come to realize from the previous issues, CBD brings balance to all vertebrates by supplementing what our bodies naturally produce, but for whatever reason (be it age, health, accident or environmental factors) we may have deficits in our internal synthesis of cannabinoids or are lacking in our production of sufficient cannabinoids to create the necessary neurological signaling for optimal health. We can choose to supplement our intake of naturally occurring cannabinoids with cannabinoids from our plant friends (such as are present in dark leafy greens, black pepper, wild oregano, wild rosemary, sage and hemp for example) and provide relief to our fur babies too, either with tinctures, topicals, treats or a combination of all, depending on the method of delivery that is most convenient to address their particular situation. As we move forward making plans for the season, here’s a few ways CBD supplementation may be of aid by supporting your physiology (and your efforts to keep things rolling smoothly for you and your furry dudes and dudettes) as well as THEIR physiology as they cope with the many stressors of the holiday season: Traveling with (or without) our fur babies · Separation blues from them staying behind while you travel (whether they stay home or are boarded in a kennel) can happen to you and/or to
them. Supplementation may help you both! · Anxiousness from being in new places, away from comforting smells, sounds, and sights. · EEEK, a “Stranger”! – some pups just don’t do well meeting new people. (Some people don’t do well either!) Supplementation can alleviate the inevitable exposure to new people when you are in a new place. · Kennels – From ruling the roost at home to being one of many barking and demanding attention, it can be unsettling for our bubbies who are not used to (or don’t enjoy) being in a facility. · Upset tummies – CBD is an antiemetic and supports healthy digestion. · Mood – We transmit our feelings to our kids; in particular, our four-legged ones are like fine-tuned antennas picking up our nuances. While you decide to supplement your babies, consider consulting with a provider to see if your own body, mind, and mood could benefit from being in homeostasis. Aging & Pain · Stiff joints, aching muscles and mobility concerns due to natural aging or injury · Weather-related muscular or skeletal discomfort · Mental acuity, focus and memory/ recall · Energy levels that affect performance and play Fireworks & Extreme Weather · Some dogs abhor fireworks, thunder, and scary loud noises of any kind...
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rustling of a garbage bag! The year starting out with a bang doesn’t have to be a bust for your sweet one. Adoption & Loss · Who’dis?! – introducing a new member to the family can be quite unnerving to our pets. CBD can support the transition by keeping things calm while they get to know each other, addressing aggression, destructive behavior, marking, and even focus while the new member learns the ropes! · Rescues may benefit from being set up for success by having an extra bit of help keeping them calm, focused, and balanced, making them more adoptable and adaptable in the face of evolving routines. We don’t always have the “full” story of where our res30
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cues went through. Giving them a paw up to allow them to shine and show their best selves can be the difference between a smooth transition and a rough one. · CBD treats and tinctures can support focus and healthy sleep patterns that may benefit training sessions. · The sadness of having our bubbies go over the rainbow bridge can be devastating. We feel it, and so do the other members of our family – including other pets. They can show their grief in many ways, including behavior, night terrors, inability to sleep and eat, and loss of interest in play. I wish you all a happy, healthy 2020 and hope these tips help you in planning for the holidays, with the peace of mind that knowing you are able to call upon plant-based, holistic alternatives if needed! As always, my friends, I offer these tips as an independent consultant and PRT parent and do not claim to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any condition or disease. I do not intend to replace the advice of your medical or holistic provider, rather to offer suggestions that may be incorporated into the care and lifestyle plan you deem best for yourself and your family! If I may be of service to you, please consider emailing me at MayIHempU@gmail.com and mention “Grand Living” in the subject line, so that I know you are a reader and Pet Parent VIP! See you next year, friends!
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At What Price Love? by Julie Reardon
II
have the dubious distinction of owning the largest bill in the history of the Life Center, a Leesburg emergency and critical care veterinary center. In just 30 days, costs of surgeries and care to repair the injuries of a young dog that was hit by a car in a freak accident have exceeded $55,000. Yes you read that right. In some places that sum would buy you a house. Here, it wouldn’t, and as I keep telling myself, you can’t take it with you. And although my injured pup is out of critical care and now home, she still faces one more major surgical procedure to repair the worst of her injuries. But because the costs dribbled in $5,000 at a time over the initial estimate of approximately $20,000, and a fierce fighting spirit that never backs down from a challenge (the pup’s, not mine), she is still here. I, however, have had to liquidate a retirement fund, go back to work from
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a well planned retirement, and am now facing the soul searching of asking myself if it would have been better to let her go. Had I known going in what this would cost, the multiple painful surgeries the pup would face as well as the likely outcome, I would have opted for euthanasia. But 5 weeks into her rehabilitation, it’s not an option: I would still be out that hideous amount of money, and for nothing. The Poltroon, the injured pup, is a young Chesapeake Bay Retriever, the 9th generation of my own small breeding program begun in 1985. For the past 10 years, I’ve been actively campaigning my Chesapeakes in AKC hunting tests and field trials, along with the occasional show and obedience trials; the 4 generations before the Poltroon titled in all 3 venues. At 18 months, the Poltroon showed great promise and had just come back home from spending a few months with the
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nation’s top young dog field trial trainer. There, she had been prepping to run derbies in hopes of starting a field trial career. Further, in a breed with small numbers and an even smaller gene pool for champion dogs, hers is an unusual and scarce bloodline that has produced some very good dogs. But she will never be sound enough to compete; her broken body would never hold up to the training needed. Emotionally, I have a strong attachment to the Poltroon as well. She is the product of a highly anticipated breeding that resulted in a one-puppy litter. As is the case with most singleton puppies, she had to be delivered via C section. And from the moment her dam woke up from the anesthesia, she viewed her pup as the spawn of the devil and wanted nothing to do with her. In fact, she had to be forcibly restrained so the pup could nurse. By the second day, her milk dried up, out of meanness I guessed, although it’s a common occurrence with a single puppy litter. So I bottle raised her—that meant taking her everywhere with me the first six weeks of her life. Because she had no mother or siblings to teach her important social skills, she was a willful and difficult pup. Not mean, but nippy and challenging. If she was a person, she’d probably have a police record for juvenile delinquency. Her basic training took twice as long as most pups I’ve raised. She was and continues to be a fighter, and that is the reason she is still alive. The Poltroon’s worst injuries included several pelvic fractures, dislocation of both hips, a broken femur and a large hernia from a tear in her stomach wall along with a badly damaged hock. 34
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Within 5 days, she’d had four major surgeries: a plate put in her left femur to repair that break, two more plates and screws to fix the pelvic fractures, all held in place with a toggle rod stabilization gizmo. The stomach wall tear and hernia was repaired with mesh. Through all these surgeries she has shown a fierce determination to recover and get back on her feet; she rebounded from the accident and each surgery amazingly quickly. But the right side pelvic fracture was worse than it initially appeared, since it was a compound fracture of the socket. Unfortunately, after this was repaired, the femur would no longer fit in the socket and kept dislocating—the Poltroon was a victim of her own excellent hips, deep sockets with perfectly fitted femoral heads. So the repair to her right socket meant she’d need a femoral head osteotomy, or FHO, where the ball of the femur was cut off. Otherwise, she would not be able to stand. Of all her procedures, this one was, perhaps, the hardest to accept. Many small dogs and cats are fine after an FHO, but it is rare a large breed dog can return to full function after this procedure. So the Poltroon’s FHO meant there was now no hope of ever being able to compete or probably even hunt. At this point, the aim is for a moderately normal life as a farm pet. She is home now, and attacking her rehab the way she has attacked everything else in her life: head on and with gusto. Fortunately I do not have children nor any other financial dependents and am healthy enough to go back to work; some of the money was a nest egg for a new truck to replace
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my 2002 Chevy that, with 240,000 miles, is on borrowed time. I’ll just have to hope to borrow more time and hope for the best. My crippled dog and I wish you all a Merry Christmas; we’ll be serving oodles of noodles and Ole Roy. Publisher’s update: This story was written and originally appeared in a regional publication in December of 2017. The author shared that the Poltroon at age 3 hobbles around as if there’s nothing wrong and has to be supervised because she gets sore (she has no quit in her). She’s scheduled for a 7th surgery, this one a femoral head osteotomy in lieu of amputation, to help ease her discomfort.
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Bone Appetite
Always supervise your dog with food, particularly frozen treats, bones or anything that could pose a choking problem! And consult your veterinary care provider before making dietary changes.
Canine Gingerbread Men A Holiday Tradition
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour 1 tbsp ground ginger 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon 1/4 tsp ground cloves 1/4 cup molasses (check to be sure it's plain and with no xylitol) 1/4 cup water 2 Tbs coconut oil
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 325° F In a large bowl, mix dry ingredients: flour, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. In a separate bowl, stir together the molasses, water and coconut oil. Pour the molasses mixture into the dry ingredients.
Roll out the dough to about 1/2 inch thickness, and cut into gingerbread man shapes. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange cookies about 1 inch apart for baking. Bake for approximately 15- 20 minutes. Cool completely on a wire rack. Cookies will stay fresh for about two weeks in a container. You can also freeze them for three months. They make wonderful treats to thaw and pop in a warm oven for just a couple of minutes and serve on a cold winter's day. This recipe yields about 30 cookies.
Mix well. 36
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Dehydrated Beef Liver Most any store-bought freeze-dried or jerky treats are expensive. If you're looking to save a little this holiday season and make a homemade treat that will impress both your human and canine friends, make homemade liver treats! If the thought of handling squishy calves liver is a deterrent for you, freeze the liver before you begin. Then thaw slightly before you prepare to dehydrate the snack. Cutting the liver into strips is easier too if the meat is partially frozen. We suggest you slice the liver into one-inch strips, but any size is just fine. It is better to maintain a thickness so that all of the liver strips will dry in a similar time. Arrange them about 1/2 an inch apart on a parchment-lined cookie sheet and place them in the oven on the lowest possible setting. Because the lowest setting on all ovens can vary, you will need to monitor them for doneness; however, you are looking at a time of at least 2 hours for most ovens set on a temperature of 200 degrees. My oven will go as low as 170 degrees, and it takes about 3 hours for a full cookie sheet to dry. Slower is better as higher temperatures cook as opposed to dehydrating. Move to a rack to cool before serving. These make wonderfully simple and yet classy gifts to share with your doggie friends. Fill a ball jar with your goodies, add a festive ribbon and tag and your friends will think your a dog treat gourmet! Delmarva Unleashed
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Doggie Socials
reader submitted images
Ash - Bishopville
Loki - Hurlock
Asher - Denton Bandit - Dover
Neco - Cambridge
Rhodie - Felton
Jax - Arlington, VA
Samson - Laurel, DE
Indie - Felton Jade - Denton
K9 Sancho - Hartly
Cooper - Berlin
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Benny - Salisbury
Leonidas - Hebron
Taffy & Frankie - Ocean City Annie & Jacob - Pocomoke
Kailyn - Ocean City
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Delmarva Unleashed Holiday/Winter 2019-20 Bailey, Roxie, Oakley & Kiki - Salisbury
To the Rescue
American Black &Tan Coonhound Rescue coonhoundrescue.com Baywater Animal Rescue Baywateranimalrescue.org 410-228-3090 Brandywine Valley SPCA Georgetown bvspca.org 302-856-6361 Caroline County Humane Society carolinehumane.org 410-820-1600 Chesapeake Cats & Dogs chesapeakecatsanddogs.org CVC New Beginnings Vizsla Rescue cvcweb.org/rescue DASH (Dachshund & Small Hound Rescue) DashRescue.net Delaware Humane Association delawarehumane.org Wilmington 302-571-0111 Rehoboth Beach 302-200-7159 Dogs Deserve Better-Eastern Shore dogsdeservebetteresva.org/ Dogs Deserve Better- Blue Ridge dogsdeservebetterblueridge.org/ Dogs Deserve Better- Smithfield dogsdeservebetter.org
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Golden Retriever Rescue of Southern Maryland goldenretrieverrescueofsouthernmaryland.org 855-477-3728 GRREAT (Golden Retriever) GRREAT.org Harnessed to Hope Northern Breed Rescue nbrescue.com 866-657-3728 Hill Hounds Animal Rescue hillhounds.org 410-714-3677 Homeward Bound Schnauzer Res. Hbschnauzerrescue.com Kindness Matters Rescue shoshino@aol.com K-9 Rescue of the Eastern Shore K9RescueES.org Labs4Rescue Labs4Rescue.com Lu’s Labs Labrador Retriever Rescue luslabs.org 703-888-2612 MaPaw Siberian Husky Rescue sibes.com 610-369-0055 Mid Atlantic German Shepherd Rescue magsr.org 410-644-7763
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Wicomico Humane wicomicohumane.org 410-749-7603
Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League magdrl.org Mid Atlantic IG Rescue midatlanticiggyresuce.com
Worcester Cty Animal Control 410-632-1340
Mid Atlantic Jack Rescue majr.org 908-963-3465
Worcester Humane worcestercountyhumanesociety.com 410-213-0146
One More Dog onedogmore.org 302-632-6680 Operation Paws for Homes ophrescue.org Playa Animal Rescue (Mexico) playanimalrescue.org
continued from pg. 14 The Warm Paleolithic Family
Renee’s Rescues reneesrescues.org Sgt. Peppers Friends (Aruba) sgtpeppersfriends.com Somerset County Dog Control 410-651-0986 Sussex County Animal/Whimsical Animal Rescue DelawareRescue.com Talbot Humane talbothumane.org 410-822-0107One The Sato Project (Puerto Rico) thesatoproject.org Wags & Wishes wagsandwishes.org 410-476-8629
with very high mortality rates, the dog must have been perniciously ill between the ages of 19 and 23 weeks. It probably could only have survived thanks to intensive and long-lasting human care and nursing.” Keep in mind that care may have merely been comprised of keeping the puppy clean and warm while providing a constant supply of food, water, and love. The dogs survival for several weeks clearly indicates a genuine bond and affection for the dog; that it was clearly a “pet.” As paleontologist continue to explore the Earth, the first canine-human bonding will likely continue to change, but evidence of more than 30,000 years tells me we have been partners through many phases of Earth and always constant companions. I would venture to say that 30,000 years from now that story will remain the same.
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Canine Perspective
“I’m just going to lie right here.”
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“Bond”
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