Delmarva Unleashed Spring 2015

Vol. 7 Issue 2 - Spring 2015

Unleashed Delmarva

FLEAS Dog Food Second in a Six-Part Series

Camping With Dogs What’s In A House Call?

Microchip Myths

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Delmarva Unleashed Spring 2015

Complimentary

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Delmarva Unleashed Spring 2015

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We survived the first article in our series on dog food. We even received accolades from veterinarians both on the Shore and across the bridge, as well as positive feedback from boutique pet stores who are finding that more people are asking questions about what to feed their dogs. We are glad to have inspired readers to look more closely at their dog food. Many dogs will lead healthier lives because their pet parents are genuinely interested in gaining more knowledge about good food choices. Healthy choices in nutrition are all the rage in the “human” world, so don’t our dogs deserve the very same? It’s time to sort out the canine junk food from the healthier choices. We are still getting calls, emails, etc.. asking about what particular brands to feed, and while we are more than happy to do research and share particulars, we will not be suggesting any specific brands. I will tell you that, of the five dogs belonging to Delmarva Unleashed staff, only two are on the same brand of food and those are not two dogs living in the same household. Two are on a raw diet, but different brands; three are on kibble, yet one has kibble with a raw topper. The only commonality is a grain-free diet. There is no one perfect food for every dog. We do have standards from which we choose what to feed and how we choose are part of the ongoing series we are sharing with you. You will find it time well spent to make an informed choice for your dog as you are rewarded with a healthier pet.

As we prepare this issue, the national media have reported that a class-action lawsuit has been filed against Nestle Purina/Beneful Dog Food. The content states that “the dog food is responsible for making thousands of dogs seriously ill or causing them to die,” certainly is reason for concern. However, this does not mean that Purina does not make any quality dog food. Like many pet food companies Purina makes different grades of food, from Beneful to Proplan and other even more complex/advanced formulations. Some of these are simply not sold in your grocer, so you may not be familiar with them. Irregardless of how this turns out, it’s valuable information that tells us we need to constantly be vigilant about changes in the pet food industry. Unfortunately, recalls do occur, some manufacturers are “caught” making unscrupulous decisions, or perhaps an “honest mistake.” In the mean time, as pet parents, we need to stay up-to-date and make informed choices so that we are stacking the odds of a healthier life for our dogs.

They do so much for us, it’s something big we can do for them.

Sandy

From our Snail Mail...

This is “Lady,” a 2 & 1/2 year Goldendoodle sent in by 9-year old Lauren Dickerson of Magnolia, DE. She tells us that Lady is her “best buddy.”

Thanks, Lauren!

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Delmarva Unleashed Spring 2015

contents Vol. 7 Issue 2 Spring 2015

6 Bark of the Town 8 Dog Food Second in a Six Part Series

14 Microchip Myths 18 Fruits & Veggies 20 New DE License Plates 22 Fleas 28 What’s In A House Call 32 Dirty Bowl?

32 Doggie Loot 34 Camping With Dogs 38 Spring Doggie Socials

Delmarva Unleashed Publisher Sandy Phillips Editor LouAnn Davis Creative Farin Phillips creative@grandlivingmag.com Contributing Writers Polly Elliott Brandon Phillips John Maniatty, V.M.D. Jaclyn Wolinski, D.M.V.

Advertising Info: (410)726-7334

On the Cover:

“Maggie” proudly owned by DU photographer, Kyle Hughes, of Next Wave Studios.

Delmarva Unleashed is published six times a year; Winter, Spring, Early Summer, Late Summer, Fall, and Holiday. 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 in whole or part may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.

Copyright 2015©, 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.

Delmarva Unleashed Spring 2015

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Bark of the Town

Do Dogs have a "Sixth Sense?"

In a 2010 poll, 67% of pet owners reported their pets acting strangely right before a storm, and 43% said their pets behaved oddly immediately before something bad happened. The top clues include whining, erratic behavior, or trying to hide in a safe place. Maybe we should all pay attention when our dogs behavior is out of the ordinary.

Planting Herbs with Canine Appeal Wheat and oat grass are good for dogs, but in moderation. They will naturally graze on it when they need the nutrients it contains, rather than browsing through your flowers or garden this Spring and Summer. Seeds are very inexpensive and they are easily grown in a container, if you’d prefer.

Second-Hand Smoke Dangers According to studies performed at Tufts University’s School of Veterinary Medicine in Massachusetts, Colorado State University and other schools. Second-hand smoke can cause lung and nasal cancer in dogs, malignant lymphoma in cats and allergy and respiratory problems in both animals. “The number of pets which die each year from tobacco exposure isn’t available, but vets know from lab tests and office visits, that inhaling smoke causes allergic reactions, inflammation, and nasal and pulmonary cancers in pets,” said Dr. Kerri Marshall, Chief Veterinary Officer for Trupanion Pet Insurance.

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Delmarva Unleashed Spring 2015

Do Dogs Dream?

Canine Intelligence

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

According to canine researcher and author Stanley Coren, your toddler and pup are about on par when it comes to their brains. He also explained that man's best friend can count, understand over 200 words, and even trick people (or other dogs) to get treats.

Intelligence varies based on breed— Border collies are reported to be the smartest, according to his study.

It’s All in The Nose

Dogs can smell thousands of times better than humans. Their noses have millions more scent receptors—for example, a human nose averages 5 million while a Dachshund's has 125 million—making them useful in sniffing out drugs, dead bodies, bed bugs, explosives, and more.

A dog's nose is also the equivalent of a human fingerprint, with each having a one-of-a kind pattern of ridges and creases.

Dog's feet smell like corn chips?

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

Delmarva Unleashed Spring 2015

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Dog Food Second in a Six-Part Series

I

n our ongoing series about dog food, we still need to shed some light on the things that are not good choices for our dogs. However, as we continue please keep in mind there really are honest people making kibble and raw commercial diets which our dogs can and will thrive on. The unfortunate part is the overwhelming number of articles which offer so much misinformation. I read one recently which touted questionable brands, not only sourced in China, but manufactured there and brought to the U.S. The article described them as they were top-of-the-line brands. Actually they were heavily-promoted brands. This was an article obviously written by a public relations firm promoting the products themselves and not truly the topic of “quality dog food.” It went on about how great they are, but oddly didn’t site any real scientific information, just hype.

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Delmarva Unleashed Spring 2015

by Sandy Phillips Beware of hype where dog food and treats are concerned! There is a growing movement in the pet industry toward quality dog food and treats.

Unfortunately the wrong hype makes things all that much more confusing.

It’s also worth mentioning, while we are talking about China, even though the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has issued warnings regarding jerky manufactured in China on a continuous basis, it is still readily available at many big box retailers and discount stores. With that being said, one wonders how Chinese dogs make it through the day. The good news for them is there are reputable pet food manufacturers in China as well, they need more positive press. As our

government sorts out the good, the bad and the ugly from out of the country, buy “Made in the U.S.A!” It’s good for our dogs and good for the country. Then again you still need to sort the U.S. brands, and our goal is to help you with that. By the end of our series, we hope you will feel confident in the choice of food you leave the store with.

One reader mentioned to me that it’s really easy to choose a quality dog food, “simply purchase the most expensive one on the shelf and you’re good to go!” While you typically get what you pay for in dog food, most of us have financial obligations requiring us to put choose something that fits our budgets. And truth is, overpriced dog food, can be just that “overpriced” for what you find actually in the bag.

Let’s start with the protein in the food. A protein should be the very first ingredient listed on the bag of a quality dog food. You’re looking for chicken, beef, venison, lamb etc...

If a grain is listed as the first ingredient, corn, wheat, maybe oats, it’s a less desirable choice in food. While your dog can get some protein from whole grain, the question becomes, “is it whole grain or a by-product?” Manufacturers are not required to clarify, and if so, how much protein exactly is coming from that grain? We would suggest you look for named meats as the first ingredient every time. It minimizes the next debate on protein source.

Now may also be a good time to mention that chicken is a meat some dogs are sensitive or allergic too, beef can also be an offender. Be sure that your search for the right dog food for your individual pet began with a consultation with your vet, particularly if your dog has allergies or other health concerns.

Scientist suggest your dogs diet should be 50% protein. It is often said that “meals” can be less desirable, however, as one manufac-

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turer told me, “if you place a whole chicken in a pot and cook it down completely, until the meat falls from the bone. Then you grind up everything in that pot, including meat, bone and liquid, the end product would be called “meat meal.”

Let’s talk about “meat by-product.”

This is far less desirable no matter the protein source. Generally,a “by-product” is something normally not intended for human consumption.

Back to that same “whole” chicken example, the by-products can include feet, heads, feathers, all things that are really the “waste” of the bird or other protein source. I can’t see any of us cooking that on the stove, we simply toss it in the garbage and it shouldn’t be in our dogs food. In Part One of this series we discussed the “leftovers” from manufacturing and how they find their way into poor quality kibble, under the guise “by-product.”

“Rendering” is often the term used by the dog food industry to describe the “by-products,” or leftovers before they are actually added to the dog food. They arrive at dog food manufactures in a liquid form which is then added to the batch. Yes, it does serve as a protein source, but in our opinion, it’s far from a quality one. This is where the dreaded “DDD” can come in. DDD stands for Dead, Dying, and Diseased. Sadly, animals, even other dog carcasses, can find their way into a rendering plant. We apologize to paint this image in your head, but it’s a reality. Industry has to dispose of the animals and it apparently makes sense to those in charge that it’s okay to do it in this. This alone explains why poor quality dog foods can have high levels 10

Delmarva Unleashed Spring 2015

of phenobarbital, a drug often used to euthanize animals. The long term effects of low-dose phenobarb on your dog are a topic for another article For simplicity, if “meat by-product” is on the label, put it back on the shelf and move on.

For dogs that eat diets complete with grains, they are said to get protein from soy and feather meal (because the cartilage is ground with the feathers). Current scientific research indicates that our dog’s bodies only benefit from animal protein. For dog food manufacturers adding the soy protein, increase the protein level on the bag at a very affordable cost. As we read the label, we think we are getting more protein for our dogs. Science is still studying this topic and it’s currently “inconclusive.”

Grain Free would come in here, however we will leave that for another issue. Some people think it’s a fad, but science suggests different; again they are still working on a clear answer.

Today’s modern dog has evolved to digest grains and carbs and while you hear a great deal about the “ancestral” diet, it’s still being debated.

Fillers: Common fillers include corn bran, rice bran, oat hulls, any type of cereal by-products, feathers, soybean hulls, and mostly any type of “hulls,” pulp, modified corn starch, anything that has the word “gluten.” In short fillers are there solely for the benefit of the manufacturer, not for the animals who will be eating the food. There are oodles of fillers in human foods, and we learn more everyday that they are not healthy for us. We can stay ahead of the curve here, but simply avoiding them in our dogs food.

Another indicator there are fillers present, just in case you missed them, is the lengthy list of vitamin additives.

If the manufacturer adds a variety of fillers the nutritional value goes down.

To meet Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) standards they need to add the vitamins back in. This is often in the form of a “premix.” And yes of course there are issues with premix’s, but we do know of two companies that source their own premix’s from pharmaceutical grade ingredients, so again there are very reputable manufacturers who sleep very well at night knowing they have done their due diligence by putting only the best in your dog’s food.

The extra good news here is that they are not the most expensive brands on the shelf. Why are we not telling you which brands? Remember, we want you to chose which food is right for your dog. What is right for my dog or your neighbor’s dog may not be right for yours. The premix is not the only thing to consider when making your choice.

While vitamins and supplements will be addressed in an upcoming article, I want to touch on the subject of fish and fish oils, as you will often find them in dog food, and it’s a great marketing tool for the manufacturer.

There is a growing controversy surrounding fish and fish oils and the mercury content in many. Does it mean that you shouldn’t feed “fish” dog foods? Absolutely not. Again just do a little digging. If there are not “red flags” that they are adding other cheap ingredients, they are probably sourcing their fish properly. You can easily contact a fish oil company and ask if

they have mercury levels tested. When we did, we even asked for printed verification, (a magazine thing).

I will tell you that my dogs rotate between quality coconut oil and Wholistic Pet’s Deep Sea Salmon Oil. Yes this company tests for mercury levels in the fish they process, and yes they make every effort to source fish the correct way. I shared a brand and only because I have had a few very candid conversations with the manufacturer and done my homework there.

Not that I haven’t with dog foods, but again there is no one food perfect for all dogs. Of course there may be other brands that test too, but I found what I was looking for in this product. Talk to your vet to see if your dog may benefit from an oil before you add it to their diet. Some dogs benefit from a kibble or food with fish as the main source of protein, which may be a better option for your dog. DU Dog, Zoe, has some coat issues and the fish oil plays a part in her overall dietary plan.

Let’s summarize this article; As you’re reviewing dog food labels, look for a named meat protein source ie, venison, lamb, chicken, fish and “meat-meal” is most likely ok. Stay away from the words “by-product,” in any form, and check that the label is comprised mostly of protein. The manufacturer is required to tell you the percentages of protein, fat, etc., on the label. (We will update you on fats in another article.) Please note that we are not pushing high-protein diets, again, you should have this information directly from your vet.

In the meantime, we can also provide you with a very, very simple rule of thumb, while you’re learning about Delmarva Unleashed Spring 2015

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Seven Characteristics of Quality Dog Food from DogFood Advisor A great resource for you!

Find them at dogfoodadvisor.com

• Higher in quality meat-based protein • Higher in natural fats & oils • Lower in carbohydrates • Formulated from a named animal source • Free of animal or vegetable by-products • Free of artificial flavoring, coloring or preservatives • Complete in all essential vitamins and minerals 12

Delmarva Unleashed Spring 2015

all the little nuances surrounding dog food. Look for a label with minimal ingredients. Remember, if they use fillers, they have to add the vitamins back in, and hence the long list of things you probably can’t pronounce.

While we think having “the talk” with your vet is the starting place for all of this, we also want to direct you to some knowledgeable people at your local pet store. Yes, they will push something they have in the store, but with the huge competition, from big box stores, the “little guys” have to have an edge, and many of them require their employees to attend nutritional seminars to stay up-to-date on their products. In this instance, your growing knowledge, coupled with their training, can result in your dog reaping more health benefits. To me the best pet stores have done their due diligence in choosing high-quality dog foods, and they simply don’t let the junk food in the door. You can simply shop the store with confidence and know your quest just got that much easier. We would also like to direct you to our advertisers and not just because they support us, and help us to get valuable information to you, but we tend to attract people of like minds.

More next issue, so stay with us!

By this time next year, you will know more than you ever wanted to about your dogs food!

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Delmarva Unleashed Spring 2015

Microchip Myths

by Brandon Phillips

D

id you know that according to a study conducted by the American Veterinary Medical Association, (AVMA) dogs are two and one half times more likely and cats are an astounding 21 times more likely to be returned to their home, from a shelter, if they have a registered microchip? Micro chipping your pet is recommended by the AVMA, the American Animal Hospital Association, and the Humane Society of the United States.

There are many myths about micro chipping, and we would like to help clear-up any confusion. The following are the top six things you probably didn’t know about microchips.

1. A microchip is about the size of a grain of rice.

2. A microchip does NOT store any of your personal information. The only information a microchip contains is a unique nine, 10, or 15-digit number.

Think of it as your pet’s social security number. For your pet to actually be connected to you, YOU MUST REGISTER with a microchip registry.

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Delmarva Unleashed Spring 2015

It’s a very simple process which can be completed online at places like HomeAgain, Pet Key, Found Animals or another microchip registry. Without registration, the microchip is useless.

An unregistered microchip in a pet is extremely hard to trace back to the owner, and a busy shelter may not have the time or resources to track down that information. When your pet is physically microchiped, you will receive information on how and where to register, but it’s YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to complete the process.

Remember too, that the registration needs to be updated if you ever move or change your phone number.

To check if your pet’s microchip is registered, and has your current information, you can use American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) pet microchip lookup tool. This useful tool identifies if/where a microchip is registered. If AAHA’s website points to one of those suppliers, we recommend calling those registries directly to see if your pet’s microchip is registered with them.

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3. A microchip is not a GPS. You cannot locate or “track” your pet with its microchip. Microchips are “passive transponders,” meaning they don’t contain any power source. In fact, the chip doesn’t do anything until a scanner is passed over it. A microchip uses the energy produced by the scanner to emit a unique code, which then appears on the scanner. That number is checked in the registry data bases to find your contact information. Pet GPS collar tags are completely different devices altogether.

4. Not all microchips and scanners are “universal.” Microchips in the United States operate on one of three frequencies: 125 kHz, 128 kHz, and 134.2 kHz. Some manufacturers provide microchips in more than one of these types. The 128 kHz is the rarest frequency and has only been distributed by the AKC. The 134.2 kHz is the ISO International Standard chip, which is the frequency Europe, Canada, Japan, and most parts of the world are already using, which the U.S. is slowly moving towards. Most U.S. suppliers now provide ISO standard 134.2 kHz microchips, including Found Animals, Datamars, ResQ, HomeAgain, AKC, 24PetWatch, Bayer, and 911 Pet Chip.

A “universal” scanner must pick up all three frequencies. Some shelters and vets assume that if their scanner picks up three different “brands” of microchip, it is “universal.” However, some brands are on the same chip frequency, and some brands make several different types of microchips. Unless the scanner picks up all three frequencies (the 125, 128, and 134.2), it is not 16

Delmarva Unleashed Spring 2015

universal. Unfortunately, many organizations are unknowingly still using non-universal scanners, which means they are missing chips and unable to reunite lost pets with their families.

This explains why rate of return is not higher. If your pet is lost and chipped, ask if your local shelter uses a scanner which can pick up all three frequencies, not if it’s “universal.”

5. You CAN register any brand of microchip with any registry, AND you can register a microchip in multiple registries. For example, if your pet has an AVID microchip, you can register it with HomeAgain, AKC, and Found Animals. However, it’s not a perfect solution. Say your pet’s microchip is an AVID chip, and you register it with HomeAgain. If the shelter sees that your pet’s microchip is an AVID chip, they may call AVID to see if it is registered. If they stop their search there, the other registrations may never be found. Unless they use AAHA’s pet microchip lookup tool to expand their search, your pet might never make it home, even though you kept your registration up-to-date.

Pet identification is still an emerging science. Registries in the United States are not required to “speak” to each other or share owner information, so shelters that don’t search microchips online would theoretically have to call every single microchip supplier, one by one, to determine where it may be registered. Most organizations do not have the time or resources available to wait, on hold ,with all of the common microchip companies.

Because there is no singular national database in the United States, some continued pg. 21

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N

othing is more perplexing to pet parents researching raw diets than the great debate over fruits and vegetables. Once the decision to feed a raw diet has been made, most people are completely overwhelmed by all the conflicting viewpoints on carbohydrates. The general public is quickly realizing that grains are not necessarily a healthful addition to a dog’s diet.

This is something that most, if not all, knowledgeable raw feeders have known for some time, and it’s great to see the growing number of pet food companies adapting to this. However, there’s more to the carbohydrate puzzle than grains.

Fruits and vegetables are also carbohydrates, and this is where some raw feeding ideologies take different paths. Some commercial raw pet food companies and Biologically Appropriate Raw Food (BARF) feeders believe that fruits and vegetables belong in a dog’s diet. On the other paw, Prey Model feeders advocate that as true carnivores, dogs have no need for plant matter and it isn’t a biologically appropriate food. How do you get to the bottom of this ongoing argument?

There may never be a clear winner.

Science continues to evaluate the discussion. In fact they have now identified genetic markers which have shown that dogs have evolved to digest carbohydrates and starches.

A study published in Nature Magazine proved that “dog’s domestication compliments environmental and geographical changes associated with

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Delmarva Unleashed Spring 2015

by Brandon Phillips

Fruits & Veggies?

their role as human companions. Ten genes with key roles in starch digestion and fat metabolism show signals of selection,” or being turned on.

Many holistic vets will recommend feeding whole foods for best overall health and this includes fresh fruits and veggies. However, you should keep in mind that fruits and veggies often found in commercially-prepared diets lose nutritional value during the heating process, so fresh offers more bioavailability to your pet.

Dr. Craig W. Beck, author of the book Phytochemcials: Health Protective Effects, “Vegetables, fruits, whole grains, herbs, nuts and seeds contain an abundance of phenolic compounds, terpenoids, sulfur compounds, pigments and other natural antioxidants that have been associated with protection from and/or treatment of conditions such as cardiovascular disease and cancer.” Statements like this add even more to the confusion but do have some degree of merit. Again, take note of “whole fruits and veggies.”

Holistic vets often suggest a diet which is 50% meat, so what should the other 50% be comprised of? As

you’re reviewing your commercial kibble, how much of it is actually meat? What percentage of carbohydrates are present and what are the carbs comprised of? According to the National Research Council, your dog needs zero carbs to sustain life, which means they don’t need wheat, barley, rice or potatoes. However, if you add fruits and veggies into the carb category, you’re making the wrong assumption. Current science does indicate they do offer nutritional benefits for your dog. Again, note we are talking about whole fruits and veggies, not processed ones.

This is also a good time to mention fruit/veggie pomaces which you will find in commercial diets on occasion.

A pomace is the left over parts from commercial food processing. Things like blueberry skins, tomato skins, etc. have no nutritional value for your dog. While they may appear on a dog food label, it’s only there because the manufacturer must let you know it’s present; more label “puffery” than anything.

Introducing new foods into your pet's diet may cause upset stomach issues such as vomiting or diarrhea.

Be cautious by introducing only one new fruit or veggie at a time so that you can be aware of any health changes. Be sure to wash all fruits and remove rinds, inedible skins, seeds, and pits before feeding to pets.

Consider steaming or boiling cruciferous veggies such as broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage, as they are much easier to digest when they are cooked. Note though, that cruciferous veggies can cause gas! We would not suggest adding large amounts of these to your dogs bowl.

Safe Fruits Oranges Apples Apricots Pears Bananas Pineapple Blueberries Raspberries Cantaloupe Strawberries Watermelon Mango

Safe Veggies Asparagus Bell Peppers (red, green, yellow) Broccoli (Cruciferous) Cabbage (Cruciferous) Carrots Cauliflower (Cruciferous) Celery Cucumber Green beans Lettuce Pumpkin Spinach Sweet potato

Un-safe Never feed your pet onions or garlic as they are toxic in all forms: Cooked, raw, and even onion powder. These cause damage to the red blood cells, ultimately causing them to burst.

Rhubarb and wild mushrooms also contain toxins, we suggest avoiding corn as it is a common allergen among pets. Grapes and raisins can cause kidney damage for both cats and dogs, so avoid feeding these entirely. Citrus fruits, such as lemons, limes, grapefruit, as well as persimmons, can cause an upset stomach too.

e s n e c i New L ailable! v A s e t Pla A

nimal-friendly Delaware drivers have a new option to show their affection for dogs and cats: a redesigned animal welfare license plate.

Delaware Health and Social Services Secretary (DHSS), Rita Landgraf, joined by Wilmington Illustrator, Andy Lendway, unveiled the new license plate at the Delaware Society for the Prevention and Cruelty of Animals’ (SPCA) Stanton shelter. Lendway, 55, of Wilmington, created the winning design featuring a dog and cat touching noses, on a yellow background with paw prints.

Lendway’s artwork won the First State Paw Draw Contest hosted by the Delaware Division of Public Health’s Office of Animal Welfare (OAW). OAW Executive Director, Hetti Brown, said the Animal Welfare License Plate Contest Committee considered several strong contenders.

“We are thrilled to offer this new design to the public,” Brown said. “This license plate allows drivers to show their love for animals, while supporting services to reduce the overpopulation and homelessness of Delaware cats and dogs.”

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Delmarva Unleashed Spring 2015

The plate sells for $50 at the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles, and $35 of each sale is allocated to the Animal Welfare License Plate Fund.

Revenue is used to provide spay and neuter surgeries for community cat colonies or specific breeds, to offer low-cost or free spay and neuter services for those who do not qualify for the State Spay & Neuter Program, and to supplement spay and neuter funds for Delaware shelters or for other special programs.

In fact, the Animal Welfare License plate’s unveiling occurred on OAW’s first State Spay Day, which offered more than 75 free spay and neuter surgeries for Delaware cats and dogs at seven statewide locations. While several low-cost spay and neuter services are available in Delaware, the procedures can be cost-prohibitive for some citizens.

“Spay and neuter stops unwanted litters before they start and safeguards the health of cats and dogs,” Brown said. Spaying female cats and dogs reduces their chances of developing pyrometra (a fatal uterine infection), uterine cancer, and other reproduc-

tive system cancers, according to the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). Neutered pets have less risk of getting testicular cancer and possibly prostate cancer. In addition, dogs and cats which are spayed and neutered are less likely to mark their territories with urine, bite, roam, bark and howl, and have less aggression.

The Delaware General Assembly created the Animal Welfare License Plate and its associated fund in 1995 through legislation sponsored by Sen. David McBride. The State Spay & Neuter Program, created through legislation in 2006, allows income-eligible applicants to have their cat or dog spayed or neutered for a $20 co-pay per pet and reimburses veterinarians for their services. The Animal Welfare License Plate Fund supplements that program and is used for pet populations not served through the State Spay & Neuter Program.

To purchase an Animal Welfare License Plate, visit dmv.de.gov and click on “Online Services,” then “Special Plate Sales.”

For more information about the animal welfare license plate or OAW services, call 302-255-4620.

continued from pg. 16

Microchip Myths

owners choose to register their pets with multiple registries as an added safety net. Some for-profit registries will charge a fee to register or update your pet’s info, but as long as all registrations are kept up-to-date, there is no harm in registering in multiple registries. The Found Animals Microchip Registry is a free non-profit service and will never charge a fee to register pets or update your information.

6. A microchip is NOT the way most pets get home. Yes, a microchip is your pet’s only form of permanent ID, and it’s a great way to protect your pet. However, statistics show that the quickest way for your lost pet to get home is with a collar and tag with your phone number on it. This tag should also have the pet’s name.

The concern with an external ID is that it can still fall off or be damaged.

However, pair the external tag with a permanent microchip ID and your pet will have the best possible odds of returning home.

Worcester County Animal Control has great adoptable dogs. ...and offers low cost spay/neuter!

Dogs $100 Cats $50 Even Microchipping for $25!

410-632-1340

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Fleas

by John Maniatty, V.M.D.

F

leas are the most common parasite on the skin of companion animals.

Most people don’t even know their pet has them until it is too late and an infestation has occurred. Pets get them from going into contaminated environments, or we unknowingly carry them in ourselves and they hop onto your pet. To understand how this happens, you have to know the lifecycle of the flea.

Fleas have four life stages: Eggs, larvae, pupae, and adult. Eggs are laid on the host and drop off into the environment. The highest concentration tends to be where pets sleep or lay most often. The eggs hatch into the larvae stage, after two to twelve days.

The larvae primarily feed on adult flea’s feces that have fallen off into the environment. They can also live on organic debris, such as skin dander or food particles. The larvae need moist, shady spots to live in, which prevents them from drying out. For this reason, they can likely be found under and inside furniture, in pet beds, and in human beds. The larvae go through three molting stages. This can be as short as nine days or last as long as 200 days. After the third molt, the larvae spin a cocoon, and in this cocoon, they 22

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go from the larvae to the adult stage.

While in the cocoon, they are called pupae. The cocoon is a strong barrier that protects them from temperature changes, pesticides and drowning. The adults can hatch in as short as seven days or live in the cocoon for up to one year. Hatching is stimulated by vibration; a human or an animal walking by; carbon dioxide, and/or heat/body temperature. After hatching, fleas need a “blood meal” within one to two weeks to survive. This is why some people come back to open their condo in the spring and feel like they are being eaten alive. After the first blood meal, the female flea can start laying eggs after two days. They can lay up to 50 eggs per day and eat 15 times their body weight. The adults spend most of their life on the host and can live over 100 days on, but only 2-4 days off the host. The average lifespan of a flea is 6-24 months.

The ideal environment for a flea is 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit and relative humidity 70 to 90 percent. If the temperature is less than 46 degrees for 10 days, or 37 degrees for five days, or ground temperature is over 95 degrees Fahrenheit, the flea eggs will die.

The PlaidDog.com SOON Delmarva Unleashed Spring 2015

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Humidity, less than 50 percent, will kill flea larvae and eggs. In the home, dry heat in winter and air-conditioning in the summer, help keep the humidity below 50%, and lessen the burden in the home.

Treating the home environment is as important as treating the pet. It is fact that 95% of the fleas live in the environment, and only 5% on the pet.

One of the easiest ways to treat the home is vacuuming. In clinical studies, vacuuming removes up to 30% of larvae and 60% of eggs. During an infestation, vacuuming should be done daily for two weeks, then 2 -3 times a week. When vacuuming you must focus on areas where they are most present (i.e. under furniture, under cushions on furniture, by base boards, in closets, and other dark areas in the home). Placing a flea collar in the vacuum cleaner bag will help kill fleas sucked up during vacuuming. Vacuuming also lifts the pile in carpets, making it easier for premise sprays to penetrate and to come in contact with larvae and eggs in the carpet. I prefer the premise spray to a flea bomb, because bombs spray up, and settle. They don’t get into those areas where fleas hide. A quality premise spray should have an Insect Growth Regulator (IGR) in conjunction with an adulticide.

IGR’s, such as methoprene, nylar, and precor, inhibit the adults from reproducing, eggs hatching, and larvae from molting. If you don’t feel comfortable with spraying insecticides yourself, a licensed exterminator can do a thorough job. Follow-up treat24

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ments should be based on residual kill of the spray used, and remaining fleas you see in the environment or on your pet. Some topical applications on your pet will help clear the environment because they stay in the oils of the skin, and where they lay, the pet will leave an oily residue.

In treating your pet you can use either topical or oral medications or a combination of both. Topicals can be broken down into flea shampoos, powders, sprays, and spot-on. Shampoos do a good job for a quick kill but have very limited residual kill.

When making a product selection there are some old adages that fit, (1) You get what you pay for; (2) If it is too good to be true, it probably is; (3) Just because they say it, does not make it fact. With this last one, many people will do testimonials over true clinical testing and there is often little success with most of these products. When doing clinical testing, the placebo helps a few people, even though it is not true medicine.

Continues pg.29

1496 Still Meadow Blvd. Unit A Salisbury, MD 21804 michellesprettypaws.com 410-742-0299 or 410-742-0399

Pamper your pet 2014

A happy pooch is a beautiful thing.

Professional Pet Grooming

Delmarva Unleashed Spring 2015

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Sprouts Reaching families in Worcester, Wicomico & Sussex New from the publishers of Delmarva Unleashed, a bi-annual magazine for parents.

Offering resources for after-school activities, summer camps, family-oriented things to do, and so much more!

Look for “Sprouts� this fall in the tri-county area.

Contact Andrea at 443-880-0067 to be a part!

Humane Society of Wicomico County Presents...

21st Annual Cause for Paws

10 am - 1pm at the Shelter

Saturday, May 16 • • • • • • • • •

Food Craft Vendors Pet Costume Contest Raffles K-9 Demonstrations Walk with your friends.

Form a team at work.

Form a team with your family.

Collect donations.

Walk with or without a pet.

•

• •

Help support 1000’s of animals that come through our door every year!

Prizes for costume contests & teams.

Limited quantity of t-shirts for donors.

Pledge sheets are available at the shelter 5130 Citation Dr., Salisbury, MD and online at www.wicomicohumane.org

410-749-7603

Everything For Your Pet!

MILLVILLE’S

PET ST P

302-539-9382 Open 7 Days a Week Mon.-Fri. - 9:00a.m. to 7:00p.m.

Sat. & Sun. - 9:00a.m. to 6:00p.m.

302-539-9382

35167 Atlantic Ave/Rt 26, Millville, DE

millvillepetstop.com

Grooming Services Available 7 Days a Week Millville Location

Let Us Help You Choose A Healthy Food!

Open Daily

1200 Coastal Hwy., Fenwick, DE

302-581-0046 Delmarva Unleashed Spring 2015

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“What’s in a House Call?”

by Jaclyn Wolinski, DVM

S

ome of you may be familiar with a TV show called “Royal Pains,” which chronicles the activities of a concierge doctor who makes house calls to care for his patients. While concierge medicine is a new concept, house calls are not. In fact, many veterinarians have been providing house calls for years, and they’re not just for horses and farm animals anymore.

House calls for small animals are beneficial for many reasons. One of the most popular benefits is convenience. Having the veterinarian come to you saves travel time to and from the clinic, and saves the struggle of getting some unruly dogs in the car or some uncooperative cats in their carriers. Also, it generally reduces the stress level of your pet. Some pets still get a little nervous or cranky when they realize the new visitor is not there to be their new best friend and playmate for the afternoon, but is in fact, their veterinary nemesis in disguise. However, once the necessities of the veterinary house call, (i.e. physical exam, vaccinations, blood work, etc.), are over, pets tend to relax back into their daily routine very quickly.

There are many services which can be provided by a house call veterinarian:

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Delmarva Unleashed Spring 2015

Physical exams, vaccinations, and blood work (as mentioned before), also chiropractic, acupuncture, physical therapy, massage, and laser therapy, to name a few. Unfortunately, most mobile or house call small animal veterinarians cannot provide surgical services, dental cleanings, X-rays, or hospitalization (unless of course they have a fully-appointed mobile services van). This is where standard “brick and mortar” practices shine.

A “brick and mortar” practice, or your regular stand-alone veterinary practice, has some advantages to having a fully equipped facility. They have surgical and radiographic (X-ray) equipment and they typically offer some degree of hospitalization, if your pet needs fluid therapy, I.V. medications, or observation throughout the day. They also have the advantage of being in a stationary location, so if your pet has an emergency, they will

likely be able to fit you in between regularly-scheduled appointments.

A house call vet, by nature of being mobile, may not be able to get to you in an emergency.

The moral of the story is this..both practices have their advantages and disadvantages, but they can work extremely well when paired together.

If you are interested in house call veterinary services for your pet, ask your “brick and mortar” practice if they offer these services or look for a house call vet in your area. Either way, the veterinarian you choose should be one with whom both you and your pet feel comfortable and who maintains a good working relationship with a “brick and mortar” practice, and is comfortable referring you back to them when the need arises.

Continued from pg. 22 Fleas Before choosing a treatment regimen for your pet, it is best to talk to your Veterinarian. Using the wrong one can be harmful to your pet and a waste of time and money. Using a treatment as a preventative medication will most likely keep your pet happy and healthy.

Room for the whole family, but cuddle up if you prefer!

itsjustabetterhouse.com

Delmarva Unleashed Spring 2015

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April 26, 2015

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Delmarva Unleashed Spring 2015

Dirty Bowl?

Doggie Loot

by Polly Elliott

Y ou wash your dishes on a daily

basis or at least, regularly.

However, statistics show that many pet parents overlook the fact that their pet’s bowls need to be cleaned as well. Did you know that bacteria left in a dirty bowl, can cause skin problems particularly on the face? Some skin infections can even spread to humans. The most common illness caused by unclean pet bowls is salmonella, yet, the unclean bowl also offers opportunities for a host of organisms to take up residence, including E. Coli, yeast, mold, fecal coliform and staph, among others.

If you have more than one pet eating at feed time, and there is a bit of bowl browsing occurring, you put the entire pack at risk of spreading germs from bowl to bowl. It only takes one unclean bowl to start a problem.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that pet parents wash their pet’s food and water bowls on a daily basis with hot, soapy water.

Running their bowls through a dish washer provides even more protection, as the high heat of drying provides for an exceptionally clean bowl.

If you are feeding a raw diet, cleanliness is priority to protect both you and your pet from a stray bacteria. Everyone should wash their hands well, both before and after canine meals are served.

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Have you heard? From the Quaker Pet Group comes the ultimate squeak toy YOU don’t have to listen to! Now there is an alternative to the continuous squeaking your dog loves, but can be a bit annoying for you, particularly in the middle of the night. “Hear Doggy” toys take advantage of the dogs ability to hear at a frequency humans can not and offers all the same enjoyment they get from traditional squeaky toys. It’s even constructed from ChewGuard technology that provides a super tough, durable mesh liner inside as well as reinforced, doublestitched seams. They are available in a wide variety of colors and shapes and also surprisingly reasonable priced.

We’ve found them as low as $5.59.

Recommended for moderate intensity chewers.

Jaclyn Wolinski, DVM

Chiropractic Acupuncture Full-Service House Calls

By Appointment Only 410-726-4145 www.drwvet.com

Saturday April 25 9:00 a.m. til Noon On the Boards, at the Ocean City Inlet Rain or shine

16th Annual Boardwalkin' for Pets

• Prizes, giveaways, contests • Gifts for the walkers who raise the

most money • Prizes awarded for the cutest cat photo

12330 Eagles Nest Rd, Berlin

410-213-0146

• Refreshments by Harrison’s

Harborwatch & Layton’s Family Restaurant,16th St.

Pledge sheets are available online at worcestercountyhumanesociety.org and at the shelter.

All donations benefit the Worcester County Humane Society, a no-kill, non-profit shelter.

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Camping with Dogs

by Brandon Phillips

A

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

Preparations Vaccinations and Licenses: It is of absolute importance that your dog’s vaccinations be up-to-date, as dogs can encounter unvaccinated animals while camping, even if they are 34

Delmarva Unleashed Spring 2015

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

Chip Your Dog Your dog needs to be microchipped, and you need to make sure your contact information is up-to-date with your vet and in the manufacturers database.

Know Your Dog What excites your dog? What puts your dog “on guard?” What makes your dog bark, growl or whimper?

How does your dog deal with chil-

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Delmarva Unleashed Spring 2015

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

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

Packing For Your Dog Leash: Be sure you have a leash, collar and buckle that are in good condition. Old collars can break if the dog suddenly lunges. Carry an additional collar and leash, just in case. I suggest 36

Delmarva Unleashed Spring 2015

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

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

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

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

First-Aid kit: There are lots of commercial first-aid kits on the market. Make sure you have one on hand especially if you plan to stay away from “civilization.” You can also prepare one yourself.

(See our suggestions on the next page.)

Also, be sure to pack any regular medications your pet may take, again, with a few extra days worth.

Canine First Aid Kit As suggested by the Humane Society of America Pet-specific supplies • Pet first-aid book • Phone numbers: Your veterinarian, the nearest emergencyveterinary clinic ASPCA Poison-Control Center 1-800-426-4435 • Paperwork for your pet (in a waterproof container or bag): proof of rabies-vaccination status, copies of other important medical records and a current photo of your pet (in case he gets lost) • Nylon leash • Self-cling bandage • Muzzle or strips of cloth to prevent biting (Do not use this if your pet is vomiting, choking, coughing or having difficulty breathing.)

Basic first-aid supplies • Absorbent gauze pads • Adhesive tape • Antiseptic wipes, lotion, powder or spray • Blanket (a foil emergency blanket to retain body heat.)

• Cotton balls or swabs • Gauze rolls • Hydrogen peroxide (to induce vomiting—do this only when directed by a veterinarian or a poison-control expert!)

• Ice pack • Non-latex disposable gloves • Petroleum jelly (to lubricate the thermometer)

•

Rectal thermometer (your pet's temperature should not rise above 103°F or fall below 100°F) • Scissors (with blunt ends) • Sterile non-stick gauze pads for bandages • Sterile saline solution • Tweezers • A Pet carrier Other useful items • Diphenhydramine (Benadryl®)for allergic reaction. If approved by a veterinarian for your individual pet, your vet will tell you the dosage based on your pet’s size.

• Ear-cleaning solution • Expired credit card to scrape away insect stingers • Nail clippers • Non-prescription antibiotic ointment • Penlight or flashlight • Plastic eyedropper or syringe • Rubbing alcohol (isopropyl) to clean the thermometer • Splints and tongue depressors • Styptic powder or pencil • Towels Common-sense advice In addition to the items listed above, include anything your veterinarian has recommended specifically for your pet.

Check the supplies in your pet's firstaid kit occasionally and replace any expired items. For your family's safety, keep all medical supplies and medications out of the reach of children and pets.

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Doggie Socials Spring 2015 Lambert

Coco Chanelle

Bella

Sierra

Annie Jacob

Leggo

Zoe

Jade

Scooby

Duke & Homer Colby

Bella

Jake Your dog could appear in the DU Doggie Socials!

Send us high-resolution photos of your dog having fun on The Peninsula.

Be sure to include your dog’s name to be eligible and email them to creative@grandlivingmag.com, or post your photos on our Facebook page. Show us your doggies!

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too!

Pie-Eating Contest Canine Photobooth

Frontier Town / West Ocean City

Saturday, Oct.3 Advance tickets can be purchased online at PoochPalooza.com Follow us on Facebook for details, as they are available.

Helping Support the Worcester County Sheriff’s K-9 Unit

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Delmarva Dock Dogs Microchip Clinic Delmarva Unleashed Cover Model Search

Costume Contest Tennis Ball Lottery

DOG Festival vents E & t s Conte w e N

Seminars Vendors & More!

Pooch Palooza