Vol. 6 Issue 2- Spring 2014
Unleashed Delmarva
Complimentary
The Human Dog Connection AKC Agility on Delmarva? Hot dog!
Unintended Consequences Cannabis & Canines Canine Alopecia Tick Wise?
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contents Vol. 6 Issue 2 Spring 2014
pg. 12
Delmarva Unleashed Publisher Sandy Phillips
pg. 32
5 6 10 16 22 24 28 30 34 38
Cannabis & Canines Bark of the Town Choosing a Dog Collar Intestinal Worms Canine Alopecia Yellow Dog Project Tick Wise? Human Dog Connection Doggie Loot Doggie Socials
Creative Sandy & Farin Phillips grandlivingmag@verizon.net Contributing Writers Polly Elliott Margie Klapper Brandon Phillips Farin Phillips John Maniatty, V.M.D. Jaclyn Wolinski, D.M.V.
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Cover: Delmarva Unleashed’s “Zoe,” shown here at her very first photo shoot at about six months of age, on the boards in Ocean City.
pg. 7 Delmarva Unleashed is published six times a year; Winter, Spring, Early Summer, Late Summer, Fall, and Holiday. It is circulated throughout Delaware, Marylands Eastern Shore and onto Virginia’s Eastern Shore and is published by Grand Living Magazine, LLC. Delmarva Unleashed is protected under trademark registration. No portion in whole or part may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. Copyright 2014 ©, 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 speciality 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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Cannabis & Canines W
by Sandy Phillips
hile politicians in the state of Maryland tackle the question of legalizing Marijuana, its potential for an increased appearance in the home, brings up the question of pet safety and pot. The internet is littered with anecdotes of how pet owners have eased the pain of painful, dying canines with cannabis, but veterinarians caution that there are currently no conclusive studies on effectiveness and that we need better science behind use before administering it to our pets. When California vet, Doug Kramer, spoke out about treating his own dying dog with pot the debate gained national attention. Kramer told the Associated Press, “I grew tired of euthanizing pets when I wasn’t doing everything I could to make their lives better. I felt like I was letting them down.” Pot eased his Siberian husky’s pain during her final weeks, as she battled cancer. “Not only did his dog, Nikita, stop whimpering while using cannabis, but she started eating, gaining weight and meeting him at the
door,” the article continues. Kramer feels that it gave him an additional six weeks with his dog and with a much better quality of life for her. However, not all use of cannabis and canines has a successful outcome. The ASPCA Poison Control Center still lists Marijuana as toxic to dogs, listing adverse reactions as; prolonged central nervous system depression, respiratory depression, weakness, ataxia, sedation and sometimes hyperexcitation. Dr. Duncan Lascelles, a professor of surgery and pain management at North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, had considered the study of cannabis use in pets a decade ago, but felt in the long run, that the timing was off and research funding was unavailable. The Associated Press says he has Continued on page 8 Delmarva Unleashed Spring 2014
5
Bark of the Town Labradors Still On Top in 2013 The American Kennel Club announced that its annual nationwide registration statistics show that the Labrador Retriever is once again the most popular breed in America. This is the Lab's 21st consecutive year at the top of the list. The second most popular breed is the German Shepherd, followed in 2013 by the Golden Retriever. Beagles and Bulldogs round out the top five, knocking the Yorksire Terrier to sixth position this year.
Holistic Flea & Tick Spray Looking for an alternative to “spoton” treatments? Try this holistic preparation. Be sure to spray your dog daily for best results. 2 lemons sliced 1/2 cup of dried Lavender (We found a great selection of modestly priced lavender on Amazon.) 2 cups boiling water 6
Delmarva Unleashed Spring 2014
Combine all ingredients and let steep for at least 8 hours before use. Strain through a papertowel or cheese cloth and transfer to a spray bottle. Keep refrigerated. So you don’t forget, consider spraying your dog at his morning meal. Reprinted from Spring 2013 at your request.
Potential Dangers For Your Dog At Easter
Cellophane Easter grass is a lesser known threat to your pets. It’s light weight makes it so easy to settle in little nooks and crannies of the home where it’s easily overlooked when cleaning up the holiday festivities. Even very small amounts can result in life-threatening intestinal obstruction. A safer alternative would be paper grass as it’s much less likely to temp your pet. While Lilies and amaryllis are just a few of the popular flowers we enjoy at Easter, they among others, are on the ASPCA’s list of top poisonous plants for dogs. It’s extremely important to keep spring floral arrangements away from pets and even out of the house if you have pets that climb. In some cases, even the smallest nibble of a poisonous plant can result in cardiac issues, kidney failure and even death.
My Dog Needs Sunscreen? Did you know that pets should have sunblock applied to sun-sensitive areas such as tips of ears, nose, belly and groin areas, which typically have sparse hair coverage and thinner skin? White or thin-coated dogs are at the greatest risk for sunburn. Certain breeds have been identified by research to be at an increased risk for skin tumors, including Boxers, Dobermans, Bulldogs, Bichons, Poodles, Schnauzers and a few others. Even dogs with dark-coat colors have an increased risk, if they have their coats shaved during the summer months. Sunburn is a definite possibility, and groomers should warn pet owners of this possibility before a close clipping is performed. The American Animal Hospital Association and the America College of Veterinary Dermatology both recommend sunscreen protection for dogs. Epi-Pet Sun Protection Sunscreen Spray, developed by Florida-based Veterinarian Michael Fleck, is FDA compliant and is formulated with a dog’s skin chemistry in mind. This product is significantly different from a human sunscreen formula. Check with your vet to be sure this product is right for your dog. Delmarva Unleashed Spring 2014
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Cannabis & Canines Continued from page 5
considered looking into the research again, as more questions are arising on it’s use as pain management for pets. He cautions that it could take another decade to have real scientific answers and to determine safe dosages free from side effects. Part of the challenge in standardization of dosing would be impacted by the fact that not all pain syndromes are the same. This is not all about research and safe use; weed is still an illegal drug under federal law. Although it’s now legal for people in 20 states and the District of Columbia for medical use, possession without proof of medical need, can still get you jail time in Maryland as of our press date. Vets across the country still recommend pet owners wait until testing can confirm the safety of administering cannabis to pets and for use only within the limits of the law. In particular noting that in Colorado, where recreational use is now legal, the number of pets sickened by Cannabis has already increased four-fold. “Animals aren’t making the free choice. We’re making the choice for them,” Lascelles says. “It’s incumbent upon us to have all the knowledge to make the right choice for them.”
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Continued from pg. 34 - Unintended Consequences
or an attack is probable, so the offending animal can be evaluated/obtained for rabies testing if necessary. Again, if your pet is current on it’s shots, it may just be a formality. Your responsibility is to protect your family…furry members too! Everyday your pet is not vaccinated, to protect it from rabies, could be the day they are exposed to that otherwise healthy looking animal, then what? Rabies Facts: American Veterinary Association recommends and Maryland/Delaware/ Virginia law requires, that cats, dogs and ferrets have a rabies vaccination as early as 4 months of age, and again at one year. Thereafter, the frequency is determined by the type of vaccine used, usually one to three years. It’s even more important to be sure your pet has the booster shot that offers multi-year protection, because protection gradually declines over time. The second shot, given at one year, boosts the protection higher, so decline is stretched over a longer time period. Should your pet be exposed, veterinary professionals recommend and Maryland/Delaware/ Virginia law requires, another booster so that the pet’s ability to fight the infection remains high. Lesser Known Rabies Fact: In some counties, if you are feeding a transient animal, for as little as two weeks, you are responsible for that animal’s rabies protection. The law is a little different in each county. Contact your local health department for more in your area. Or, simply don’t feed the cute little kitty that comes around the porch, if you don’t want to be its legal guardian.
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Choosing A Dog Collar
by Farin Phillips 10
Delmarva Unleashed Spring 2014
W
ith the wealth of options on the market today, choosing just the right collar for your dog can be a challenge. Not only do they come in a very wide variety of colors and patterns, there are different materials, clasps, and even collars that glow in the dark. Yes, you want your dog to have the most fashionable collar, but safety for your dog, should still play the most important part in your choice. Choose a collar that your dog will not be able to slip out of easily. If they become lost, you want that collar and tag to stay with them. However, you also want a collar that will release if it were to get caught on something that may strangle your dog. Many collars these days are equipped with a safety release buckle, but it is always a good idea to double check before mak ing your purchase. The older clasp standard, the metal buckle (commonly found on your per sonal belt), does not give way in an emergency. You will want to look a little closer at a collar with this type of closure, the updated vers ions have a “break-away� portion that will offer similar protection. Several brands on the market now include a reflective strip in the collar, so your dog can be better seen during post dusk walks. Keep in mind that with reflective strips, your dog needs an additional light source, like a flashlight or car head lamps to be seen. Continued on page 14
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AKC Agility on Delmarva? Hot dog! by Margie Klapper
Y
ou have seen dog agility on television, you have heard about it from some of your dog friends, but did you know that you and your canine buddy can also participate in the fastest growing dog sport in the country right here on Delmarva? The Blue Heron Agility Association of Delaware (BHAD), is a relatively new group of dog lovers who enjoy the sport of agility. The group run American Kennel Club
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Delmarva Unleashed Spring 2014
(AKC) sanctioned agility trials throughout the year in the Delmarva area. BHAD holds a February and a September trial at Heartland Equestrian in Frederica. In May and July, BHAD hosts trials at the Crown Sports Center in Eden, MD. Another Delmarva area dog club, Salisbury Maryland Kennel Club, also sponsors trials at the Crown Center: in April, June, August and December.
Agility is fun to watch, but it is also a great sport in which you and your dog can work as a team. It requires physical conditioning, concentration and training for both of you to successfully complete an obstacle course, within a designated amount of time. At any given agility trial you will see youngsters, Medicare-cardcarrying seniors, and people of all ages in between, running their registered pedigree or mixed-breed (All-American) dogs that range in size from the tiniest Chihuahuas and Yorkies to Mastiffs and Irish Wolfhounds. Course times and jump heights are adjusted accord-
ing to the dogs’ height to make the competition equal among all entries. Most AKC trials offer at least three types of classes in increasing levels of difficulty to earn titles: Novice, Open, Excellent, Master and the coveted Master Agility Championship (MACH). The Standard class includes contact obstacles like the dog walk, table, A-frame, and teeter (seesaw) as well as weave poles, various styles of jumps, a tire (hoop) and tunnels. The Jumpers with Weaves (JWW) class does not include any contact obstacles. The Fast class tests the handler and dog team ability to
Delmarva Unleashed Spring 2014
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Continued from page 10
Continued from page 17
plan and execute a course, to demonstrate their accuracy, speed and distance handling. You and your dog can compete in any or all of these classes, on trial day. By now, you probably realize that agility is not a simple “walk in the park.” It does require you and Fido to roll off that comfortable couch and get moving! As with all sports, training is the key to success in agility. To prepare for trials, or simply to have a safe and exhilarating time with your dog, BHAD offers group classes in the Georgetown area, for the beginner through the experienced dog and handler, in the spring, summer, and fall. Instructors Sandy Moody and Joy DeSipio also conduct a limited number of private and semi-private lessons and several weekend workshops throughout the year, for intensive handling training. To contact BHAD or to find further information about classes, upcoming events and membership, visit the club’s website www.bhaad.org. 14
Delmarva Unleashed Spring 2014
My concern with these is that the light source has to reflect off the strip at just the right angle to be visible. I think a better choice is a battery powered collar, like the Glowdoggie. These collars offer superior visibility and slip right over your dogs head as they head out the door. For families with multiple dogs, the color choices offered make it easy to determine your dogs identity in the yard. Are you trying to train a puppy, walk a giant breed, or is the collar simply a fashion statement? Consider durability and material when choosing a collar. This will vary depending on your dog’s breed, size, and their level of activity. Collars still come in the traditional leather, and even in leather, the grade varies widely. Quality leather collars are less likely to dry out and crack, but if you have a water dog there are more modern materials that may be better suited for your dog. Waterproof collars are available in everything from neoprene to poly coated webbing with stainless steel hardware. Again review the collar for it’s specific use, while these collars may be great for a day at the beach, they may not be an everyday collar for your particular dog.
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furbabyboutique.com 24 SW Front St., Milford, DE Nylon is a good choice of material for a puppy’s first collar since it is lightweight and washable. As a young pup grows it’s collar needs may change, keep an eye on a growing pups collar to be sure it meets the current level of demand from your dog’s stage of growth. Collars made of webbing comprise the largest part of today’s collar market an offer the greatest selection in colors and patterns. Quality brands can easily be tossed in the washer and will look brand new wash after wash, when drip dried. While a quality collar will last for years, your dog should not wear the same collar for a long length of time. Dirt and grim will collect on the collar and can lead to skin irritations. You wouldn’t expect your human child to
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wear the same cloths for months on end, why should your furry child? You can find lots of queries, on the internet, for “how to remove the odor from your dogs collar.” The answer is to prevent it in the first place. While realizing they will get into things that will present a challenge to clean, a dog in a wet collar needs to have it changed to a clean dry one! By the way, most smelly dog collars can be defunked with warm water and baking soda. For pet owners who simply want their dogs to look their best, there are endless options. Choose your favorite color, choose a color that coordinates with the dog’s coat and eye colors. Have your dog sport some bling. No matter what type of collar you choose, be sure it fits your dogs individual needs. Delmarva Unleashed Spring 2014
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Intestinal Worms, They’re Gross
(Part 1 of 2)
W
orms come in various sizes ranging from up to 2 feet long tapeworms, to as tiny as 1/4 of an inch hookworms. They live in different areas in the body and symptoms vary depending on the type of worm. They all can be deadly if the burden is high enough and left untreated. Some are zoonotic, being able to be passed to people, while others are more species specific. Round worms are the most common worms we come across in veterinary medicine. The three main species are Toxocara canis, Toxacara cati, and Toxascaris leonine. T. canis, dog only, and T. cati, cat only, are species specific in their ability to reach adult hood. While T. leonina can reach adult hood in both dogs and cats, it lives only in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. A high percentage of puppies acquire it transplacentally and are born with T. canis. If not born with it, puppies/kittens contract it from nursing off an infected mother. Once the infective larval stage gets in the body they can migrate out of the gastrointestinal tract (GI) to other organs in the body; i.e. heart, 16
Delmarva Unleashed Spring 2014
by John Maniatty, V.M.D. liver, lungs, muscle, brain, eye. In the case of puppies and kittens, they travel to the liver and further migrate to the lungs. Once in the lungs they become third stage larvae. They migrate up to the throat creating irritation and are coughed up, swallowed and inhabit the GI tract. The adults live in the small intestine feeding on the partly digested food of the host. It takes about 27 days from infection to adult hood. Older dogs and cats contract these worms by eating meat that is infected with larval cyst, such as mice. They also can get it from contaminated soil. A female can lay up to 100,000 eggs in one day. It takes about a month in Continued on page 18
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Continued from pg. 16
Image PLOS
proper conditions for the larval stage inside the egg to become infective for T. canis and T. cati and as short as one week for T. leonina. The infective egg can last in the environment for many years. The larva stages can stay dormant in the host for long periods of time creating no clinical signs. Clinical symptoms seen in dogs and cats range from none to weight loss, poor coat, diarrhea and vomiting with or without the worms being excreted, bloating of abdomen, pneumonia, blindness, and even death. T. canis is the most dangerous for people, usually children, because the larvae stage can live in them for a short period of time. It migrates in the body but gets lost because it is not the intended host and cannot reach adult hood, so it encysts and dies. Once 18
Delmarva Unleashed Spring 2014
dead it stimulates a strong immune reactions and damages the tissue. A common site for this is the eye. This is referred to as ocular larva migrans. This can result in permanent damage and sometimes blindness. It is estimated 700 children a year go blind due to this infection. Hookworms are another common intestinal worm we see that can be passed transplacentally (dog only), through the mother’s milk (dog only), ingestion of contaminated soil, or by eating an infected host; i.e. mouse, bird, cockroach. Hookworms also have the ability to penetrate through the skin or footpad and infect a host. This can also occur in humans and are referred to as cutaneous larval migrans. It usually remains a superficial infection and is very pruritic. In
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dogs/cats you will notice a deformity to the pads, nails, or skin. Similar to roundworms, hookworms migrate through out the body using the lungs as a place to mature before going to the intestines, where they reach adult hood. Hookworms live in the small intestine attaching to the wall and feed on blood. In large enough numbers they can create anemia, which can be severe enough to lead to death. This occurs more commonly in puppies and kittens. From infection to adult can be as fast as 14 days, and the worms can produce eggs on day 14. Hookworms can produce up to 20,000 eggs in a day. These eggs get passed out in the stool and hatch as 1st stage larva. They go through 2 transformations to become 3rd stage larva that are infective. The eggs and larva are not very hardy and only last a few months out
in the environment. They are susceptible to cold and drying out in direct sunlight. Next edition whipworms, tapeworms, and treatment for all four.
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Pooch Palooza
• Delmarva DockDogs Event • Delmarva Unleashed Cover Model Shoot • Agility Exhibition
FRONTIER TOWN CAMPGROUND • WATER PARK HIGH ROPES ADVENTURE PARK • WESTERN THEME PARK Stay right at the event! Bring your camper or stay in a Deluxe Cabin! After the event, enjoy the famous Ocean City Boardwalk and our amazing seafood restaurants near-by. Book NOW at frontiertown.com
Presented by Delmarva Unleashed
• Costume Contest • Tennis Ball Lottery • Seminars, Vendors & More!
Date: October 4, 2014 Venue: Frontier Town Follow us on Facebook for event details as they are available. Save with an Advance Ticket! Get Yours At PoochPalooza.com
..
by Brandon Phillips
Canine Alopecia A
lopecia is defined as a loss of hair in areas that it normally grows. This loss of hair in animals can be partial or complete and has many causes. Unlike Alopecia, shedding is a normal process occurring during the change of seasons, while this shedding can be excessive due to other factors such as stress, shedding does not usually result in isolated bald patches. These bald patches and other abnormal hair loss are more associated with the diagnosis of Alopecia. There are numerous causes for Alopecia in a wide range of severity. The most common causes of Alopecia are inherited disease, metabolic disorders, and basic allergies. Genetic Alopecia is passed from parents to offspring, and can cause color dilution and black hair follicle dysplasia. In certain breeds such as the Chinese Crested, the trait of Alopecia is selected through genetic breeding. On the opposite end of inherited Alopecia there is also acquired Alopecia. The skin condition can be acquired from flea bite allergy, food allergy, sarcoptic mange and folliculitis. Other acquired forms of Alopecia can be caused by acral lick dermatitis, gestational hair loss and calluses. Alopecia can be presented in countless ways. Hair loss can occur in small or large patches, across the entire body or 22
Delmarva Unleashed Spring 2014
by Brandon Phillips simply in certain sections of the body. If your dog experiences excessive hair loss a trip to your vet is imperative for recovering the coat. Expect your vet to take a detailed history, including a breed predisposition as some breeds are more prone to Alopecia than others. Other things your vet should consider are the duration of the hair loss, and it’s progression over a length of time. The presence or absence of itching is also an important component in determining the cause of the hair loss. A skin scraping may also be taken from the suspicious area to help your vet indicate which part of the hair follicle is being affected. The scraping will also offer information regarding the presence of mites or bacteria. Blood and Urine tests are also common to rule out or confirm the presence of metabolic disorders. Treatment of the Alopecia will largely depend on the underlying cause of the condition. If a diagnosis of the underly-
ing cause has not been made yet, it is recommended to give your pet vitamin supplements, under the guidance of your veterinary professional, that promote hair growth and use medicated shampoos. Keep in mind it may take months for the hair to grow back. When caring for dogs with Alopecia it is important to remember that they do not have as much protection from the elements as dogs with full hair coats. Your dog may need to wear a coat or sweater during cold months to keep warm. During summer months you will also need to be viligant about sunburn. Owners should also be aware that when a dog has Alopecia their skin is more susceptible to bacterial and fungal infections. If you notice your dog’s condition getting worse contact your veterinarian right away. The use of Melatonin as a treatment option was successful for my dog. When I noticed that my dog was losing all of
the hair on their underside, I quickly took my pet to the vet to search for both a diagnosis and help in promoting the growth of hair on my pup. To my surprise my vet recommended small doses of Melatonin. Skeptical, I did some research myself and decided to give it a try. To my surprise the Melatonin treatment, after about six weeks of regular use, seemed to be promoting hair growth. While this treatment option could have been specific to this particular case of Alopecia, it did work. Now, a few months later, her coat is thin in the area affected, but fur continues to grow at a steady rate and my instructions are to continue with the Melatonin until a full coat has been achieved. Remember there are multiple possibilities that could be the root cause of canine Alopecia. A trip to the vet for a treatment plan, specific to your individual dog, is a must for the best possible outcome.
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Registration 8:00am or register online at active.com Start time 9:00am Clearview at Horns Point 5650 Clearview Key, Cambridge, MD www.baywateranimalrescue.org
4930 Bucktown Rd, Cambridge
410-228-3090 Delmarva Unleashed Spring 2014
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The Yellow Dog Project by Brandon Phillips
S
tarting in the United Kingdom and making a huge movement worldwide, The Yellow Dog Project’s goal is to make both owners and dogs aware of a “Yellow Dog.” To clear things up a little bit, a “Yellow Dog” is a dog that needs its own “space.” While this sounds very general, there are countless reasons why a dog might need more space than the average dog. Denoted by a yellow ribbon on the collar or other such “yellow” indication, it’s important for people to use extra caution around these dogs and treat them with calm slow actions. These dogs will have more positive outings when allowed the necessary space they need.
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Delmarva Unleashed Spring 2014
“Yellow Dogs” maybe: • Ill • Old • Injured or recovering from surgery • In season • In training • May have a nervous disposition • Have experienced negative life experiences. • Maybe be a dog handled by a nervous owner/handler. • Maybe be a new family member whose personality is still emerging. The Yellow Dog project provides education on some of the best ways to approach or make contact with a dog, with permission of the owner, whether or not the dog is “yellow.” Often people, particularly non-dog people, will approach a strange dog and simply reach out to the dog. This is often true of children. This intrusion into the dogs “space” can result in undesirable behavior simply because the dog doesn’t fully understand the engagement. Tying a yellow ribbon on your dog’s collar can afford more manageable outings where both you and your dog can learn and work through difficult situations, while providing your dog a level of comfort and focus to learn. The Yellow Dog Project also recommends positive reinforcement training to help overcome these challenges either from a local professional or via training for the pet parent to assist the dog.
Having your dog don a yellow ribbon is not an excuse to permit bad behavior. If you have an outright aggressive dog, you should seek proper training from a qualified professional. Some people are well aware that they have a dog with space issues, but see it as an embarrassment. They do not want to tell the world “stay away from my dog,” by sporting a yellow ribbon. Dogs can have space issues for a variety of reasons and you are not the only person with a “yellow” dog. There are probably many people in your community who are hiding their pet issues, rather than working on them. Donning a yellow ribbon and getting training assistance is a positive step for both you and the dog. Because your dog is wearing a “yellow” ribbon, does not mean that people will no longer approach you. It also does not meant that it is now ok to take your dog to a highly populated area, such as a dog park, where many dogs are off-leash. Putting your dog in a highly stressful scenario, when you are working through these issues, is asking for trouble.
Awareness for The Yellow Dog Project and what it stands for is currently being promoted, but it is still very new. Not all people know what it the ribbon means. You cannot assume that you can let your guard down as soon as you tie on a yellow ribbon on. It simply is used as an indicator of a work-in-progress.
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Jaclyn Wolinski, DVM
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Delmarva Unleashed Spring 2014
15th Annual Boardwalkin' for Pets
Saturday April 26 - 9:00 a.m. til Noon
On the Boards, at the Ocean City Inlet • Prizes, giveaways, contest • Gifts for the walkers who raise the most money • Prizes awarded for the cutest cat photo • EJ Foxx & 97.1 the Wave • Refreshments by Harrison’s Harborwatch & Layton’s Family Restaurant,16th St. 12330 Eagles Nest Rd, Berlin
410-213-0146
Rain or shine
Don't have a dog? Shelter dogs are available to be walked. Please contact the shelter to make arrangements in advance. Pledge sheets are available online at worcestercounty humanesociety.org and at the shelter. All donations benefit the Worcester County Humane Society, a no-kill, non-profit shelter. Delmarva Unleashed Spring 2014
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Tick Wise? W
From the CDC
hile adult ticks are the easiest to identify by species, immature stages of ticks may also transmit some pathogens. In addition, male and female ticks of the same species may look different. Of the many different tick species found throughout the world, only a select few bite and transmit disease to humans. This map provides general insight into the expected distribution of ticks that cause disease in the contiguous United States. (Populations of ticks may be found outside noted areas.) Naturally occurring populations of the ticks described below do not occur in Alaska, however, the brown dog tick is endemic in Hawaii.
American Dog Tick American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis) is the most commonly identified species responsible for transmitting Rickettsia rickettsii, which causes Rocky Mountain spotted fever in humans. The American dog tick can also transmit tularemia. This tick is widely distributed east of the Rocky Mountains and also occurs in limited areas on the Pacific Coast. D. variabilis lar28
Delmarva Unleashed Spring 2014
vae and nymphs feed on small rodents. Dogs and medium-sized mammals are the preferred hosts of adult D. variabilis, although it feeds readily on other large mammals, including humans.
Blacklegged Tick The blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis), commonly known as a "deer tick," can transmit the organisms responsible for anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and Lyme disease. This tick is widely distributed in the northeastern and upper midwestern United States. I. scapularis larvae and nymphs feed on small mammals and birds, while adults feed on larger mammals and will bite humans on occasion. It is important to note that the pathogen that causes Lyme disease is maintained by wild rodent and other small mammal reservoirs, and is not transmitted everywhere that the blacklegged tick lives. In some regions, particularly in the southern U.S., the tick has very different feeding habits that make it an unlikely vector in the spread of human disease.
Brown Dog Tick The brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) has recently been identified as a reservoir of R. rickettsii, causing Rocky Mountain spotted fever, in the southwestern U.S. and along the U.S-Mexico border. Brown dog ticks are found throughout the U.S. and the world. Dogs are the primary host for the brown dog tick for each of its life stages, although the tick may also bite humans or other mammals.
Lone Star Tick The lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum) transmits Ehrlichia chaffeensis and Ehrlichia ewingii, causing human ehrlichiosis, tularemia, and STARI. The lone star tick is primarily found in the southeastern and eastern United States. White-tailed deer are a major host of lone star ticks and appear to represent one natural reservoir for E. chaffeensis. A. americanum larvae and nymphs feed on birds and deer. Both nymphal and adult ticks may be associated with the transmission of pathogens to humans.
Tick Illness
A
ccording to the National Capital Lyme Disease Association, animals are in danger of contracting tick-borne diseases, and indirectly exposing humans, by bringing infected ticks into the home. Tick-borne diseases in animals can cause symptoms ranging from lethargy and lameness, to paralysis and death. Tick-borne diseases shared by dogs and humans are Lyme disease, Ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and Babesiosis. There are new tick borne illness’ currently in discovery, as we continue to learn more about the tick as a host. Regular tick checks for dogs and cats are as important as they are for humans. Be sure to examine between the animal’s toes, behind its ears, under its armpits and around the tail and head, as these are common sites of tick attachment. Use a brush to facilitate checks. Check with your veterinarian for tick control products and/or a Lyme vaccine that they consider safe for your animal. Delmarva Unleashed Spring 2014
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The Human Dog Connection M
any dog owners will tell you that their dogs understand them and a new study published in the Journal of Current Biology lends support to the claim. A group of researchers, from the Hungarian Academy of Science, trained eleven dogs using positive reinforcement, to lie still in an MRI machine. The basic training consisted of 12 sessions to prepare the dogs for the non-invasive testing. The procedure itself was to document the brains response to sounds and then compare the canine response to a human response. Twenty-two humans volunteered to participate in the comparison on the same MRI machines. While in the MRI, the dogs and humans listened to sounds ranging from environmental noises, such as car sounds and whistles, to human sounds (but not words) and dog vocalizations. Researchers found that the temporal pole region of the brain, in the most anterior part of the temporal lobe, was activated when both dogs and humans 30
Delmarva Unleashed Spring 2014
by Polly Elliott heard human voices. Dr. Andics, of the research team, says “We do know there are voice areas in humans, areas that respond more strongly to human sounds than any other types of sounds. The location of the activity in the dog’s brain is very similar to where we found it in the human brain. The fact that we found these areas exist, at all in the dog brain, is a surprise. It’s the first time we have seen it in a nonprimate,” she continues. Similar sounds such as crying and laughter also showed a similar pattern of activity in an area near the primary auditory cortex, in both humans and dogs. The same results were seen with “emotionally charged dog vocalizations” like angry barking or whimpering. While the dogs responded to human voices, their overall response to canine sounds were much stronger, and the dogs were less able to distinguish between environmental sounds and vocal noises in comparison with humans.
Professor Sophie Scott, of the Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience at University College in London says, “Dogs are a very interesting animal to look at. We have selected for a lot of traits in dogs that have made them very amenable to humans. Some studies have shown they understand a large number of words and intentional pointing. It would be interesting to see the animal’s response to words rather than just sounds. When we cry and laugh, they are much more like animal calls and this might be causing the response show here.” Dr. Andics says the next step is to focus on the dog’s response to their owner’s speech.
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by Sandy Phillips
Unintended Consequences D
id you know that the MidAtlantic states were free from raccoon rabies until the late 1970’s, when a small group of coon hunters unknowingly brought the virus to West Virginia? They simply thought they were relocating, what appeared to be healthy animals, to increase the number of raccoons to hunt. The disease then spread east and southward, and it arrived on the Eastern Shore in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s, where it has remained. Rabies is now endemic here on the Eastern Shore, and epidemic in some counties. It is a disease of the brain and spinal cord that is caused by a virus, and it’s nearly always fatal. Rabies in humans is very rare in the United States, but rabies in certain animals, especially wildlife, is common in many parts of the country. In 2013, 375 cases were confirmed in the state of Mary32
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land; 234 of those cases were identified in raccoons, 113 on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Those masked bandits are not the only threat to your pets. Cases have been confirmed in fox, skunks, groundhogs, bats and in 24 cats in 2013. Laboratory reports confirm one canine case in Worcester County. Now it’s getting very scary. The rabies virus is typically transmitted to humans or pets via a bite from an infected animal. Less commonly, although very possible, is transmission from contact with infected saliva, which enters an open cut or gets in the eyes, nose or mouth of a person or animal. Vaccination is the best protection for your pet. It’s also required by law in all three states of Delmarva. What if your pet comes in contact with an infected animal? What if you don’t know it came in contact with
that animal? Do you really know what goes on in your yard while you’re at work? Did you know that a raccoon can scale a kennel in just seconds? Animal Control, or your local health department can offer many seemingly fantastic tales of pets that have tangled with wildlife traversing the property when their owners aren’t home. A rabid raccoon can scale a chain-link fence in just seconds, and your pet is faced with defending itself. If your pet is protected with a vaccine, maybe only a booster will be required to offer it additional protection from the disease, and a short period of observation. If your pet is not protected, the consequences can be dire. It is the job of the local health agencies to protect the general public. If a potentially infected animal is loose, there is a greater risk of human contact and infection. The un-vaccinated pet will face a very strict quarantine or even euthanasia. There is no debate… get them vaccinated! Don’t wait for “What if?”
Since all the pets were vaccinated, only boosters were required, and the humans can now say they’ve had their shots too! But this situation could have been much more grim without preventative vaccinations. Particularly since the kitty was apparently in and out many times during the night without anyone aware. It was caught in the house simply by chance.
What about your house cat? Is the kitty that never goes outside really all that safe in the house? What if kitty is exposed to the dog that was exposed while out in the neighborhood? Again, what if you don’t know the dog was exposed? Do you really know what comes and goes through the pet door? I heard the story of a feral cat that was being fed on the porch. Eventually, it was so comfortable with the home and family that it simply invited itself in via the doggie door. Sadly, that healthy looking cat was infected. It not only exposed the family pets and indoor kitties, but the humans as well.
Reduce the possibility of exposure. Don’t feed the wildlife! Don’t leave your garbage out for transient animals looking for a quick meal. Feed pets indoors. If you must feed outdoors, do no leave food out overnight, and clean up any spillage. Infected animals can appear quite healthy in the early stages, but are capable of transmitting the disease and exposing your pets and family during that time. If you see an animal acting strangely, call your local county Animal Control or law enforcement so they can investigate. Be sure to make the call if a person or pet is bitten, and if contact
What can you do? Get your pet vaccinated. Your vet will make this part of your pet’s routine medical care. If you are looking to save a few dollars, visit one of the local rabies clinics. The vaccinations there are less expensive because they are subsidized by the counties in which they are offered. Remember, the booster shots are very important, be sure to go back and get those additional vaccines at the recommended times. Many rabies clinics offer magnetic reminders that will keep you on track. Just post on your refrigerator, so your pet maintains as much protection as possible, throughout its life.
Continued on page 8
Doggie Loot
Two Socially & Environmentally Conscious Companies.
A collection of valued objects
Whole Life Originals In the last 30 years tens of thousands of good, local fishing jobs in America have been lost as small, sustainable, familyowned fishing operations have given way to massive, international commercial trawlers that rake the seabed and ravage the sea. Communities have been decimated, and in some coastal towns a once vibrant way of life has been all but lost. We are proud to support American fishermen by using only Sagamore™ fish in our pet products. This high quality wild fish, which would otherwise be under utilized, comes to us directly from local ports just as the day's catch is going on ice. Because we're focused on sourcing fish exclusively from local fish piers, we are helping to sustain local fishing jobs, fishing culture and fishing community’s right in our back yard.
Puppy Bumpers Patented and award-winning Puppy Bumpers® stuffed safety collars, attach to the existing collar to keep your dog from squeezing between fence or balcony rails -- or under gates! Made right here in the U.S. by STEPS, Inc, a company that employs people with disabilities! Coming soon, Glow Pups bumpers so you can find your furry friends after dark www.puppybumpers.net 34
Delmarva Unleashed Spring 2014
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Louisiana Alligator Biscuits Louisiana Alligator Biscuits Dog Treats are made entirely right here in the USA from natural, quality ingredients. You won’t find common allergens, such as wheat, corn or soy as fillers in these treats – just the freshest, North American sourced ingredients. These biscuits are made from an alternative and renewable protein that your dog will love – real alligator straight from the sustainable family farms and fisheries in the Louisiana bayou. They also come make Jerky! Available in Alligator, Alligator and blueberry, Alligator and sweet potato, crab, crawfish, and shrimp.
Wobble Ball Your pup loves to play, and there is nothing more exciting than when food is part of the equation! The P.L.A.Y. Wobble Ball Toy is a treat dispensing toy which will provide hours of interactive fun and enrichment for your dog. Simply put a treat in and reward your dog for their persistence and intelligence! Uniquely shaped to roll around unpredictably and coupled with the sound and sight of dog treats spinning inside, this toy is sure to tease and captivate your best friend. 36
Delmarva Unleashed Spring 2014
1496 Still Meadow Blvd. Unit A Salisbury, MD 21804 michellesprettypaws.com 410-742-0299 or 410-742-0399
Pamper your pet A happy pooch is a beautiful thing.
Professional Pet Grooming The Wicomico County Humane Society Presents...
20th Annual Cause for Paws
10-1 at Winterplace Park
Saturday May 17 • • • • • • • • • •
food craft vendors pet costume contest raffles K-9 demonstrations live remote from Cat Country Radio Walk with your friends Form a team at work Form a team with your family Collect donations Walk with or without a pet
Pledge sheets are available at the shelter and online a www.wicomicohumane.org
•
• •
Help support 1000’s of animals that come through our door every year! $100 gift card to Olive Garden for the top team $50 gift card to Olive Garden for most creative team t-shirt
5130 Citation Dr., Salisbury, MD
410-749-7603
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Spring 2014 Doggie Socials
Wilbur Hershey
Chloe & Deuce
Rogue
Riley 38
Delmarva Unleashed Spring 2014
Bailey
Ramy Boss
Hannah & Macky
Alfie
Your dog could appear in the Delmarva Unleashed Doggie Socials! Send us high resolution photos of your dog having fun on the Peninsula. Be sure to include your dogs name and the location of the photo to be eligible. Email them to grandlivingmag @verizon.net. Or post your photos on our Facebook page!
This Year Bring Easter to Life
Bryan & Brittingham, Inc. Your Full Service Feed & Hardware Store Mon.-Fri. 7:30-5:00
Sat. 7:30-3:00
302-846-9500
Bi-State Blvd. - Delmar, DE bryanandbrittingham.com