Vol. 4 Issue 4 - July/August 2012
Unleashed Delmarva
Complimentary
Wet Dog Shoot
Worcester Humane: They Are Waiting to Be Adopted!
Heartworm Disease
Canine Chiropractic Dock Dogs: Big Air
contents
Delmarva Unleashed
Vol. 4 Issue 4 July/August 2012
Associate Publisher Farin Phillips
3 Heartworm Disease
Editor Lou Ann Hill-Davis
Publisher Sandy Phillips
Creative Sandy Phillips Farin Phillips
4 Bark of the Town 5 Chiropractic 6 Wet Dogs! 9 Dockdogs: Big Air
Congratulations to Kathy Jacobs of Brandywine Assisted Living on her new family addition, Abby.
10 Keeping Your Horse Cool 11 Making a Difference 12 DU Model Search: Pets in the Park
Find Your Best Friend
ish List
• Purina Dry & Wet Food • Mighty Dog Wet Food • Friskies pate, shreds, or treasures wet cat food • Blankets • Cleaning Supplies
Ask about our low cost Spay/Neuter clinics? Adoption Hours Tues. - 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wed. - Fri. - 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Adoption Hours Mon. Tues. Thurs. Fri. & Sat. - 11 am - 3 pm
410-213-0146 Eagles Nest Rd, Ocean City
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July/August 2012
Advertising Info: (410)726-7334 Cover: DU Cover Model Search winner, Peyton, a Boxer/Lab Mix proudly owned by Cindy Singleton of Salisbury. Peyton was also the winner of the popular vote on Facebook. Congratulations!
Cat Palooza!
Kittens <1 yr. $50 Cats 5 -9 yrs. Only $25 10 yrs. & Older $10 Fee includes first set of shot, worming, flea preventative, feline leukemia/FIV test, spay/neuter, rabies vaccination & a microchip!
Shelter W
Contributing Writers Joan Gunby Nicole Lewis John Maniatty, V.M.D. Jaclyn Wolinski, D.M.V.
Sat. - 11 a.m. to 4 p,m,
410-749-7603
www.wicomicohumane.org 5130 Citation Dr, Salisbury, MD
www.delspca.org
Great Listener
Adopt Your New BFF Today
Delaware SPCA
Celebrating 40 years in Sussex County
302-856-6361
22918 Dupont Blvd, Georgetown, DE
Heartworm Disease What Is It? How Do My Pets Get It?
H
by John Maniatty, V.M.D.
eartworm disease is a wide-spread parasitic infection which has been diagnosed in all 50 states with Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia being endemic areas. Heartworms live in the heart, lungs, muscle, skin and blood vessels of dogs and cats, but also are found in foxes, wolves, ferrets, and even in humans, albeit rare. They are most commonly located in the pulmonary artery, the main artery from the right side of the heart to the lungs. Inside this artery, the flat worms bounce off the wall causing damage to the wall of the artery and valves of the heart, associated with this artery. In response to the trauma, scar tissue is laid down and plaques form, on the valves which prevents them from closing correctly. In the pulmonary artery this narrows its lumen and makes it more rigid, hardening of the arteries. This increases the pressure in the blood vessel and makes the heart have to work harder to overcome it. Think about blowing water through a regular straw, then trying to blow through a coffee stirrer. By having to work harder, the heart muscle becomes damaged and less efficient. This, combined with increased pressure, can lead to blood backing up into the heart and vena cava, the main artery into the heart from the body. This leads to congestive heart failure with fluid accumulating in the lungs. It can also increase the risk of throwing a blood clot. At this point, clinical signs such as lethargy, coughing, shortness of breath, reduced appetite, and weight loss are evident. This can lead to death even if treated, due to the damage already done. But if caught early treatment can be quite successful. At the onset Heartworm Disease has no clinical signs present. This is due to the low number of worms, which is why testing is so crucial. Catch it early and prevent irreparable damages. There are two main ways to test. One is an enzyme linked immune assay (ELISA) test which checks for adult antigen.
With this a blood sample is taken, and mixed with a conjugate which contains an enzyme that will combine with the antigen if it is present. This is then placed in a test, which has antibodies that will bind with the antigen. The combination of enzyme/antigen/ antibody results in a color change, (i.e. blue line, dot, or well color change). This is a highly-sensitive test which can detect as little as one heartworm. The second test is a microfilariae test, which requires adults of both sexes and reproduction to have occurred. Microfilariae are the larval stages that are found in the blood. To do this a blood sample is taken, diluted, and passed it through a filter. Then the filter is examined for the larva. There can be false negatives due to unisex colonies or adults not reproducing yet, which is why the ELISA is the preferred test. The life cycle of the heartworm is 7-9 months. It requires a definitive host, one that allows it to reach adulthood and reproduce. Dogs are considered the definitive host, with cats and ferrets to a lesser degree because the microfilariae are not always circulating in them. Dogs are almost 100% susceptible to infection. The adult female releases the microfilariae into the blood stream. They can live as long as two years as a microfilariae. A mosquito will feed on the definitive host and pick up the microfilariae. They will then develop inside the mosquito into a stage 3 larva (L3) that can now be infective. This is required to reach adulthood. The mosquito feeds on a future host, and while feeding, the skin is broken and the larva migrates to the mouthparts. During the feeding, the mosquito drops saliva near the feeding area and this is where the L3 wait. Once done feeding, larva leave the saliva and enter the new host body. They live in the skin as L3 for 7-14 days until they develop into L4, where they continue to live in the skin and muscle as L4 for 3-4 months. At the end of 3-4 months, the larva develops into adults which enter the bloodstream and migrate to the heart. It takes another 3-4 months for adults to be able to reproduce. The adults can live in the dog up to seven years and in the cat up to five years. Heartworm is a preventable disease, and if detected early, even curable. Prevention and treatment of Heartworm disease will be covered in the next issue.
Bark of the Town
Glowdoggie Attention owners of black Labs or any other completely black dogs:Your dog needs a Glowdoggie! When DU adopted Marla, a black Lab/Chesapeake mix, from the Wicomico Humane Society, it had been sometime since we had an all black dog in the family. I had totally forgotten how they disappear into the night. Since we live on a farm, and there is lots of room to run, it can be a bit concerning when they disappear into the dark of the woods. We tried the glowing tags, with some degree of success, but when we discovered Glowdoggie, there was a relief knowing we would always be able to see her. Glowdoggie is a German-engineered, light up dog collar now available in the States. The collars are made of a translucent, heavy plastic material which is embedded with several bright LED lights. They are available in a variety of colors. If you have more than one dog, getting each pooch their own color makes it easy to tell who is where. The construction is extremely durable and the collar simply slips over their head as opposed to being buckled, before heading out the door. Because of the innovative technology, Glowdoggie comes to life when you turn it upside down. No buttons to press or switches to get caught on branches. Because the lighting is so well done, you can see the collar from every angle and it glows with such an aura, you can always see your dog, even on those dark rainy nights. When your dog returns to the house, simply slip it over their head and hang it up, right side up. The collar will slowly dim to the off position. But that’s not even the best part, the collars are totally waterproof! Just perfect for beach doggies or those living near the water. Yes their available in a variety of sizes, they really aren’t just for the big or black dogs. It’s a good idea to measure your dogs neck before heading to the store, or just take them along with you for a fitting. They are still a bit difficult to find stateside, but Paws & Claws in West Ocean City & Ocean City are already on a mission to stock them. 4
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Canine Medic Alert With dogs out and about during the warmer months, the chances of them getting lost increases greatly. Local shelters tell DU that many would find their way home much quicker if they all had proper identification. It’s particularly important if your dog is not micro-chipped. Shelters all scan for a microchip, and look for ID tags. Neighbors can often assist in a dog’s return if there is a name and phone number readily available. It is also important to alert a would-be rescuer of a known medical condition. DU dog Max, pictured above, is sporting his new Canine Medical Alert tag. Very much like a humans Medical Alert Tag, it quickly identifies a medical condition. Dogs with clearly identified medical concerns often receive quick medical care on arrival at a shelter. In many cases, it can save a life.
Pawsitively Interesting • • •
It is a myth that dogs are color blind. They can actually see in color, just not as vividly as humans. It is similar to our vision at dusk. Dogs sense of hearing is more than 10 times more acute than a humans. Dogs can smell about 1,000 times better than humans. While humans have 5 million smell-detecting cells, dogs have more than 220 million. The part of the brain that interprets smell is also four times larger in dogs that in humans.
urinary leakage. Ask your veterinarian for more information on chiropractic care for animals and to find out about veterinary chiropractors in your area. The veterinary chiropractor may need information from your veterinarian about your pet, such as x-rays, blood work and other pertinent medical history, in order to maximize the safety and efficacy of the chiropractic treatment. Dr. Wolinski is a board certified Veterinarian and co-owner of Healing Hands Animal Hospital, in Salisbury, MD. She offers chiropractic care in addition to full veterinary services.
Jaclyn Wolinski, D.M.V.
Chiropractic For those of you who are Jeopardy watchers, a while back, the question was raised about the meaning of the prefix “chiro.” None of the contestants knew that “chiro” meant “hands.” The definition of Chiropractic is “the practice of using the hands to treat and prevent disease.” This involves manipulation of the Your Full Service Feed & Hardware Store spine, muscles and tissue associated with the spine to positively affect the patient's health. In veterinary medicine, the patient Bi-State Blvd. - Delmar, DE is usually a dog, cat or horse, but any animal can be adjusted as www.bryanandbrittingham.com long as the veterinarian understands that animal's anatomy. Veterinary chiropractors use quick, specific, and controlled thrusts with their hands to improve the motion of joints. This doesn't mean that a “bone is out of place” or that they will Mon.-Fri. 7:30-5:00 Sat. 7:30-3:00 “crack the back.” They adjust specific joints based on the animal's symptoms and based on a technique called motion palpation, where they use their hands to feel how the animal's joints are moving. When they find a joint that isn't moving as well as it should, then they adjust that joint to improve its movement and function. That adjustment triggers receptors in the joint capsule, and the resulting information travels through the spinal cord to the brain and back again, and keeps that area of the body “connected and communicating” with the brain and the rest of the body. This communication is “food” for the nervous system, and helps keep the body healthy and functioning properly. The “popping” sounds often heard during human chiropractic adjustments are usually not heard in pets, and if heard, may indicate a joint that has been problematic for awhile. Veterinary chiropractic can be used for a variety of reasons, but the two most comRestrictions may apply mon are older dogs with hind leg mobility issues, and younger dogs who are active in sports (i.e. agility, coursing, dockdogs, etc). It may also be used for cases of unexplained limping, muscle twitching, muscle JetCarpetCleaners.com tension, arthritis pain, and certain cases of July/August 2012 Delmarva Unleashed
Bryan & Brittingham, Inc.
302-846-9500
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410-546-2110
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Wet Dogs Photography by Next Wave Studios
Queen
D
uring the latest heat wave, we headed to the Worcester Humane Society to cool down some dogs, and came away with some really fun photos! Have you ever thought about what your dog really looks like when he shakes water off his coat? Our photographer really captured the essence of what we often miss. We had several volunteers from the Worcester County Humane Society for our “Wet Dog” shoot. They were great sports for us, even though we were strangers with a cold hose! Yes, they are all waiting for their forever home. There will even be a complimentary 5 x7 of their photo shoot waiting for their new adopting family! Call the shelter today; summer is a great time for a new family member! Worcester County Humane Society 410-213-0146. Ask for a DU Wet Dog! 6
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July/August 2012
You weren’t taking my picture?
Cleo
Lucy and Annie ...
Lucy & Annie
...were brought in as an "owner surrender," due to a family illness and were no longer able to care for them. Both girls are just wonderful, loving, yet a little bit shy. They will need a patient and kind owner to help them overcome their shyness. They depend on each other for support, so they will need to be adopted together.
Cleo... ...is a 2-3 year old hound. She was brought in
by an overloaded hound rescue. Cleo is a very happy girl, loves attention and is very sweet. She would do well with a big fenced-in yard where she has plenty of room to run.
Erma...
...is a 3 year old female lab mix. She is a fun
and loving young girl. Erma loves playing with her toys, playing fetch and she loves the water. She is very smart, and if you ask her to get her toy, she will! Erma is very sweet and would do well with an active family. Special note: Erma does like being the only dog.
Queen...
Every event is a success when there are spectators!
Erma
...is a 1 -1/2 year female Shepherd mix.
Queen is without a doubt the life of the party. She loves to play with her toys and romp in the yard. She is very smart, eager to learn and needs someone who will continue to work with her. Queen would do great in a home with a big yard where she can run and play. She also plays well with small dogs too.
The life they could be living...wet. Rembrandt an 8 yr old Bichon Frise rescued by Donna Martin of Kingsville, MD.
July/August 2012
Grand Living Magazine
7
Wet Dogs - Worcester County Humane Society
Frank...
...is a 2 - 1/2 year old male Husky mix. Frank was left at the shelter because his owners no longer wanted him. He is a such a handsome boy, super sweet and is very eager to please. Frank loves to run and play and can't get enough of his toys.
Clyde...
...is 1 - 1/2 years old and a Dachshund/
Frank
Chesapeake mix. Clyde was turned into us as a stray with a right broken femur. After careful examination, we learned that his injuries were a case of abuse. Despite these circumstances, Clyde is a happy-go-lucky, loveable guy and would love nothing more then a warm, comfortable bed to sleep in.
Clyde
Erma
Clyde 8
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Queen
DockDogs:Big Air In the last issue we talked about the three disciplines of Dock Diving, Big Air (the doggie long jump), Extreme Vertical (the doggie high jump) and Speed Retrieve (the doggie version of a drag race). This issue we are going to go into detail on the grass roots discipline of Dock Diving – BIG AIR. Now to be fair, I am going to give you my perspective about Big Air and Geoegi, my chocolate lab, gets her say on it too. Me first. Running down a dock and jumping off of it into a pool of water after a favorite toy is a no brainer for most of the sporting breeds. There is little or no training involved and the results are immediate. If you know your dog (And if you don’t you will after you start competing in this sport, as this a great bonding tool.) you will know what motivates him/her and will be able to give your skills and your dogs skills that extra little bit of tweaking to achieve even better results. Remember when you were younger (or perhaps you still do this) and you would run off of a dock into the river or lake and feel like you were free and flying high just for a few seconds? This is the same fun, exercise and feeling your dog gets when he is leaping off the dock into the water each and every time. What could be more fun and a better way for your best friend to enjoy a hot muggy Maryland summer day?
by Joan Gunby
Let’s just go over some techniques you can use on the dock next time. If your dog has a good sit/stay you can place him/her all the way at the end of the dock at the 40 foot mark, walk to the end of the dock and call him/her while throwing the toy as they near the end of the dock. They get better speed when placed at the 40 foot mark, as they run down the dock and take the leap. They usually get a bigger “pop” or take off at the end of the dock if you use this method. Some dogs do just as well though if you place them closer to the end of the dock. You don’t have to use all 40 feet. Trial and error helps you decide where to place your dog. Now, what if you dog does not ever, ever want to sit and stay when you ask him/her too do so, especially when they are all excited and can’t wait to jump into the cool water after their favorite toy. Don’t give up just yet. You can try another technique called “place and send”. This method allows you to throw the toy into the water, take him/her as far back as you like and just let ‘em go. Keep in mind that no matter how you get your dog to jump off the dock, you and your dog (considered a team) only have 90 seconds to execute your plan. Oh, wait, Geogi has not had her say. Speak girl.
Continued pg. 12
July/August 2012
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Free Feline First Exam* and Cat Transport Kit**
Do you have a cat we haven’t met yet? Call us and well be happy to book a free first exam for your pet. When you make your appointment, just ask about of VCA Cat Transport Kit!
by Nicole Lewis
*Valid for up to two new cat patients per client ** While supplies last
VCA Delmarva Animal Hospital
Please call for an appointment
10311 Old Ocean City Blvd. Berlin, MD www.vcadelmarva.com
410.629.1800
Summer’s In Full Swing Keep it fun with new water toys, summer leashes, collars and all natural treats! New Weekly Website Trivia for Prizes!
www.pawsandclawsETC.com 11805 Coastal Highway North Ocean City
443.664.6261
10
11934 Ocean Gateway (Rt. 50 East )Ocean City
410.213.7490
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Keeping Your Horse Cool B
efore you head to the beach, take a moment to think about your horse standing in the summer sun. The recent heat waves we have experienced, here on the shore, can be just as deadly to livestock as your dog. We blanket during the cold, but it’s not that easy in the summer. Be sure your horse has shade in some form. A run-in is great, but when the sun beats directly into the shelter it’s not all that helpful. Many run-in’s have rear windows for breeze, be sure they are open and free from any weeds that many have grown up the back side and block a breeze. Also, it’s helpful if your horse can get behind the run-in and move with the shade, as the sun moves around the shelter. Many horses love the hose and the cool water helps cool the body. Be sure to run any hot water lying in the hose before you turn the water on your horse. Temperatures in water hoses can reach 200 degrees in the sun and scald your horse instantly. Water cooling is particularly important after exercise and the cool water of the hose helps wash off sweat. Sweat will draw flies and make your horse even more uncomfortable. Use a natural fly spray and apply it after your horse is dry for optimum performance. Summer is also not the best time to roach the mane or dock the tail particularly short. Your horse’s tail should be no shorter than its hocks for best performance. Also, a well brushed mane and tail makes a much better fly swatter than those left ungroomed. Horses with white markings can get sunburn, especially on the face. The white markings get sore and peel, just like humans do. Prevent sunburn before it happens by using human sun lotion with a high UV protection rating. For white markings around the face, consider a fly mask. It will serve sheild white areas to some degree and reduce those pesky flies that like to land around the eyes. Be sure your horse has a constant supply of fresh water. Troughs and automatic drinkers should be rinsed daily. Algae can build quickly in stagnant water, making it much less attractive to consume. Always keep a free choice salt block in the field. Salt encourages a horse to drink more water and should be available in their field all year round. If your horse is stalled during the day, be sure there is enough breeze when the temperature climbs. Perhaps installing a fan, out of reach of your horse, will make enduring the heat and easier task. Remember the fly spray in the stalls too. Nothing is more frustrating than to stave off flies in a small area. Horses enjoy the warm weather too, but rely on us to keep the season as manageable as possible.
by Sandy Phillips
I
Making A Difference
n 2011, Worcester County Animal Control placed 156 dogs in loving homes, up from just 57 in 2008. Many found homes because of the dedication of shelter volunteer, Sue Hoshino. Two years ago, Sue discovered that Animal Control had very few volunteers and offered her assistance in dog care and placement. Sue had gained a wide knowledge of the process while volunteering at the Delaware SPCA, following the adoption of her own dog, and wanted to make a difference closer to home. As she visited the shelter more and more, Sue discovered that Animal Control seemed to have a steady flow of purebred, well cared for dogs. Sue tells DU she’s not sure why those dogs are not claimed, unless people just don’t think to call Animal Control. “Even though they are in Snow Hill, Worcester County Animal Control picks up dogs all over the county. If your dog is missing, you should add them to the list of places to call, in addition to the Worcester Humane Society,” says Sue. Dogs picked up by Animal Control are held for 10 days before they become adoptable. By the 10th day, Sue will already know a great deal about the dogs. They will have been fed, received a veterinary evaluation, been walked, played with, etc... Some will find their way back home, particularly if they are micro-chipped. But for those who are not, Sue’s quest for a new home begins on that day. “It’s really common misinformation that Animal Control “puts down” all the animals it takes in. It’s true, at times they confiscate dogs which are classified as dangerous, or so severely abused that they will not recover, but they do make every effort to find most of the dog’s homes. Sue will network with rescues throughout the Mid Atlantic, particularly breed-specific rescues. They offer an expanded reach and additional options for placing dogs. Sue even keeps a “wish list” for families looking for a new dog. Due to the high number of breed-specific dogs they pick up at Animal Control, you can often find just the dog you are looking for, if you are willing to wait. There are other programs available at Worcester Animal Control, such as a low cost spay/neuter program and a food bank, which is open Monday through Friday for families still struggling with the economy. In turn, Animal Control welcomes all types of donations to keep the coffers full, from dog food and bedding, to collars and leashes, and even toys too! If you find you have spare time to help, you will find Sue and her team most welcoming and appreciative.
Quality, climate controlled lodging with 24 hour care. Flexible hours by appointment only Because your pets deserve the best.
410-835-BARK (2275) www.southpawwillards.com
8004 Burnt Mill Road Willards, MD
Ocean City Animal Hospital & Ocean View Animal Hospital Quality Medicine with a Caring Heart
Available M-Th. 24 hrs. Open Fri. & Sat.
Dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets & pocket pets.
John Maniatty V.M.D. Anne Flood, D.V.M. MaryHelen Staruch V.M.D.
410.213.1170 11843 Ocean Gateway, Ocean City
www.oceancityvet.com
302.539.2273 118 Atlantic Ave., Suite 101, Ocean View, DE
www.oceanviewanimalhospital.com
July/August 2012
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Dock Dogs: Big Air from pg. 9 Georgi’s side: Look Who’s Talking Now! Whoa Mom, is that what Big Air is all about? I thought I was just jumping in the water and swimming and getting the toy back for you; the one you threw into the water for some odd reason. Don’t know why you didn’t want it. It is a perfectly good toy and one of my favorites too. Ha Ha. Just joking with you Mom. But seriously folks, from a dog’s point of view it is a little different from down here on my level. It is really hard for me to stay still for so long when you throw my toy into the water. It seems like forever before you let me go in after it. And waiting in line with other dogs and their humans to get up on the dock and jump after that coveted toy has its downside too. I have had my butt sniffed by dogs I don’t even know that well more times that I care to remember. Should be a law against butt sniffing without asking permission first. But once we get up there on that dock it is just you and me and I love that I have all of your attention. And whenever I don’t jump as big as you want me to you blame yourself for “having a bad throw”. After all, every dog has his day and I can’t fault you a bad throw or two. To be honest with you Mom, those ribbons mean a lot more to you than they do to me but, I’ll keep jumping as big as I can and trying for more of them for you as long as you want me too. That’s my tail and I’m sticking to it. Now you asked me about Extreme Vertical — that’s another story for another time. Love and puppy kisses, Geogi Girl.
Peyton DU Cover Dog
Israel Finalist
Otis Finalist
Max Finalist
Benson Finalist
Pets in the Park There were a few dogs that braved the heat for the Delmarva Shorebirds Annual Pets in the Park event. Even though our models endured the heat of the day for their shoot, they were able to relax in nearby pools provided by the Shorebirds. Of course, the voting took place on Facebook and our DU Cover Dog, Peyton, lead the pack from the very first day of voting. Congratulations to all of our participants...we always find some really great dogs!
Delmarva Shorebirds Annual Pets in the Park Lincoln & Laynie
Willis
Highway Kryptonite LuLu
Marley Publisherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Choice
Dozer
Katie
Roxie
Sunny Charlie Lucky
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