The Herald-Sun • August 4, 2013
August 4, 2013 | A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO
Keeping Fido Fit
How to get your dog in shape
Pairing kids with pets
Safety tips to protect youngsters and pets
New Family Member
Adjusting to life with your newly adopted dog
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The Herald-Sun • August 4, 2013
Can’t Decide What
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The Herald-Sun • August 4, 2013
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03 Simple ways to keep your pet healthy 04 Pairing kids with pets 05 Causes and remedies for bad dog breath 06 Veterinary checkups for cats a necessity 07 Adjusting to life with your newly adopted dog 08 Hypoallergenic pets more hype than fact 09 Pet care can be eco-friendly 10 These dogs love laid-back living 11 How to help your pet survive a sizzling summer 12 Lighten Up 13 Savor the moment of mealtime with your pet 14 Recognizing rabies in animals
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DID YOU KNOW?
If you are welcoming a new dog to the family but have yet to pick a name, you might want to consider “Max.” Max has been a popular name for male dogs in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia on and off for years, many times topping the list as the most popular male dog name. Although names that described dog’s traits, such as Spotty or Dusty, were popular more than 50 years ago, today’s dogs (and cats) have decidedly human names. Dogs named Max have starred in movies (think Max in “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas,”) and have also broken records. A dog named Max lived to be the oldest dog at age 26. Max has been a name given to pampered Yorkies as well as roughand-tumble mutts. If Max is not the name for you, Buddy, Jake and Rocky are a few of the other popular dog names.
The Herald-Sun • August 4, 2013
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Simple ways to keep your pet healthy A
healthy pet is a happy pet, and responsible pet owners know that their beloved pets’ health rests largely on the owners’ shoulders. Ensuring a pet is healthy over the long haul can be quite simple. While some pets may develop medical conditions that require more attention, the following are a few simple ways pet owners can keep their pets healthy. • Don’t skip visits to the veterinarian. Unlike humans, pets can’t speak for themselves, so it’s quite possible that a pet could be hurting or dealing with a medical condition while its owner has no idea. Annual veterinary checkups can help avoid such situations, and the vet might notice a developing condition before it becomes anything serious. If a pet’s behavior suddenly changes, then schedule a veterinarian visit as soon as possible, as this behaviorial change could be indicative of a medical issue. • Prioritize vaccinations. Vaccinations can protect a pet from a host of ailments, including rabies, distemper and Lyme disease. New pet owners who adopted a pet from a rescue organization should get documentation about the animal’s past vaccinations (certified kennels typically provide such documentation at the time of adoption). If there is no such documentation or if there are documents showing the pet
received certain vaccinations but not necessarily all of its vaccinations, take the pet to the veterinarian and have the animal receive those vaccinations that aren’t documented. • Spay or neuter the pet. The ASPCA notes that spaying or neutering a pet is a preventive measure that can help a pet in the long haul. Spaying, or removing the ovaries and uterus of a female dog or cat, can prevent diseases, such as breast cancer and pyometra, as well as infection and keep the animal from going into heat. Neutering a male a dog or cat before it reaches six months can reduce the likelihood that the animal will behave aggressively while helping to prevent testicular cancer, diseases of the prostate and hernias. • Help the pet fight heartworm. Heartworm isn’t easy to treat, but it is easily prevented. Cat owners should speak to their veterinarian about heartworm and the best course of action, as cats are less likely to develop heartworm than dogs, who are natural hosts for the infection. Dogs should be tested for heartworm annually in the early spring, and the veterinarian might prescribe a preventive medication the dog will take once per month. How long the dog must take the medication depends on the dog and the veterinarian, but dog owners should heed the vet’s advice.
• Get your pet off the couch. Humans should not be couch potatoes, and neither should their pets. Regular exercise burns calories while increasing muscle mass and improving cardiovascular strength. Dog owners should know that how much exercise
their dog needs depends on its breed, age, sex and physical condition, so discuss a proper exercise regimen with your veterinarian. Cats need exercise, too, and cat owners should also discuss the specifics with their vet.
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The Herald-Sun • August 4, 2013
Pairing kids with pets     Safety tips to protect youngsters and pets Kids and pets will develop a stronger bond if they learn to respect each other’s space.
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n many families, kids and pets get along famously. Many youngsters are natural born animal enthusiasts while pets tend to respond to kids’ gentle and loving nature. But the bond between kids and pets is one that develops over time, and parents welcoming a new pet into their home should know that this transition is not always easy. Teaching kids to treat pets with love and respect and watching pets to ensure kids are
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safe in their company can help calm parents’ nerves. The following tips, courtesy of the ASPCA, can ensure both kids and pets stay safe while building a strong bond and a healthy relationship. • Teach kids to protect themselves from overexcited pets. Pets, especially puppies, can easily become overexcited. This can be mistaken for aggressiveness, especially by kids who might be scared.
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Teach kids to protect themselves from overexcited pets, including dog bite prevention. If kids fear their dog might bite them, then teach them to roll into a ball, protect their hands and face and call for help. Running and screaming might upset the dog, who then might go on the defensive. • Teach kids to recognize signs of aggression. Sometimes dogs will use body language to let people know they do not wish to be approached. Adults and kids alike should familiarize themselves with these mannerisms as a safety precaution. If these signals are ignored, then the dog might bite to protect itself. Signs of defensive aggression include: • ears back, pupils dilated • tail down and tensed • posture mildly crouched, weight over rear legs • muzzle tense, wrinkled and snarling, and teeth exposed When a dog is exhibiting any of these signs, adults and kids should not approach the dog and let it cool down. • Keep kids’ toys away from pets and vice versa. Kids’ toys are not always pet-safe and pets’ toys are not always safe for kids. Separate the two and explain to kids that they should not use their toys when playing with pets. • Teach kids to respect a pet’s “safe spot.â€? Pets may need a “safe spotâ€? to which they can retreat and be sure no one will follow them. These spots are safe havens for pets, especially those adopted from shelters who might need more time to adjust to a new environment than a puppy or kitten. Teach kids to respect these “safe spots,â€? which might be a crate or
a sleeping area, leaving pets alone when they retreat to such areas. Pets react defensively when others try to access their safe spots. • Teach kids and pets rules for each game. When playing reward games, such as those when a pet gets a treat or toy if it behaves correctly, teach pets to sit in order to get their reward, and teach kids that the pet must be sitting in order to earn its reward. This can keep kids from being jumped on or accidentally bitten when a pet gets overexcited by the sight of a toy or treat. It also teaches pets that they can’t get what they want simply by being physical. If the pet won’t sit, then adults and kids should walk away without giving the pet its treat or toy. Parents who bring a new pet into their home often find the pet quickly becomes an irreplaceable member of the household. But parents should still take certain precautions to protect kids and pets alike.
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The Herald-Sun • August 4, 2013
Causes and remedies for bad dog breath
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ou may have once looked forward to sitting and petting your new puppy and the excited sloppy kisses that he or she would lavish on your cheek. Now that your dog is older and bad breath has set in, you may run and hide from that once-precious pooch. Many changes take place as a cute puppy becomes an adult dog. Many pet owners notice that some dogs gain weight, become sluggish and develop foul breath as they age. This bad breath not only can be a nuisance, but also it can be a health problem for otherwise healthy dogs. Bad breath, medically termed “halitosis,” is a condition commonly reported by dog owners. There are many different causes of doggie breath, but the primary contributor is a dental problem. Some pet parents are not aware that dogs need to have their teeth brushed just like their human family members. Food particles can become lodged between teeth and eventually rot, causing
an odor. What’s more, this food may cause bacteria to grow, which can decay teeth and lead to gum inflammation. If left untreated, plaque buildup and sore gums can progress to periodontal disease. According to veterinarians, plaque clings to the base of your dog’s teeth, causing the gums to recede and become inflamed. Once the gums are inflamed, they tend to leak blood serum, which blends with the plaque, increasing the amount of bacteria in the dog’s mouth. This appears as a yellowish coating on the dog’s teeth. Some dogs affected by serious plaque buildup will eat less. Routinely brushing the dog’s teeth can minimize plaque buildup. Feeding hard kibble, which can further dislodge any other food, and offering chew toys and bones will also help keep plaque problems at bay. If plaque is a major problem, a veterinarian may suggest a thorough cleaning under sedation. In addition to periodontal causes, bad breath may be a symptom of other
serious conditions. Diseases of the kidneys, gastrointestinal disorders or even stomach cancer can cause bad breath. Diabetes and liver problems are also culprits in halitosis. In other cases, foreign objects that become lodged in the teeth, including the pet’s own fur, can decompose and form a foul odor. The foreign objects also may irritate the skin and the gums. An infection that forms may produce an unpleasant odor. A pet with bad breath should be examined by a veterinarian, unless it is obvious that it is the result of something the dog ate, including stool or spoiled garbage. The following methods also may keep bad breath at bay. • Brush your dog’s teeth regularly. This helps prevent plaque buildup and will keep the gums healthy. • Change the dog’s food. Some canned foods may produce foul
breath, as can feeding a dog raw meat. • Prevent access to garbage if your dog is a routine scrounger in the trash. • If your dog isn’t eating much and looks frail, the breath may be a sign of a serious illness. Visit with a veterinarian promptly.
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The Herald-Sun • August 4, 2013
Veterinary checkups for cats a necessity S
ome people prefer cats, while others’ loyalty lies with dogs. Dogs and cats have different personalities, which is what draws people to them for one reason or another. Though different, cats and dogs alike need to visit the veterinarian for routine checkups. Still, it seems dogs head to the vet more frequently than cats. Organizations like the American Association of Feline Practitioners and others have uncovered the disparity in care among dogs and cats. Cats are less likely to receive veterinary healthcare than dogs, as research shows that cats make up about one-quarter of patients at small animal veterinary clinics.
Cats have long been second to dogs as the most popular pet. But cats may be edging out dogs as the preferred pet, particularly because they seem to need less attention and maintenance. But these same qualities that make them attractive pets could be putting their health at risk. Cats that tend to fend for themselves act aloof and may not give their owners any indication that they are sick. As a result, pet owners can become complacent about cat care, simply because they don’t spend as much time with cats as they may with a dog. Dr. Katy Allen, a veterinarian and owner of Canterbury Tails Veterinary
Services, has said dogs are an “in-yourface” kind of pet. People tend to interact more with their dogs by taking them for walks and playing with them. So it’s more noticeable when something is not right with a dog. Cats, however, are more stoic. When they don’t feel well, cats will run away and hide. Changing vaccine schedules for many animals may also affect how often cats visit the vet. Immunizations have changed so that some shots can be offered every two or three years instead of annually. Therefore, pet owners may not see the need to visit the vet unless the animal is due for a shot. This can put a cat at risk because it is usually during routine exams when vets uncover something that the pet owner may not have noticed on his or her own. The American Animal Hospital Association urges cat owners to remember that every year that passes for a cat is equivalent to several years for a person, making it imperative for cats to receive wellness examinations, including laboratory testing, once a year. Healthy senior cats should be examined once every six months, as illnesses and changes in an older cat’s health can progress quickly. What to expect at a cat’s wellness exam A veterinarian will go over a number of things at an annual wellness visit. Here is a list of some things to expect. • discussion of the animal’s medical history • testing of the cat’s stool • examination of the cat’s nose and nasal passages for signs of infection • examination of the gums, teeth and tongue • examination of the ears to check for mites or any discharge • examination of the eyes • examination of the body for parasites or skin disease • examination to determine if there are
any abnormal growths or tenderness. • examination of heart and lung sounds • collection of blood to test for heartworms, feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus. If any abnormalities are suspected, more intensive testing may be prescribed.
Compassion When A Beloved Pet and The Family Need it Most All pet owners realize that there will come a day when they have to say goodbye to their beloved pet. A compassionate and dedicated veterinarian that makes home visits can help patients move on to a place with no tears during this difficult time. Neither the family nor the pet should be in an anxious position at the pet’s end of life. Dr. Dana Lewis, a local veterinarian, says “I try to create an experience so that it’s the very best that a bad moment can be. If the pet can be kept comfortable and his or her quality of life maintained through nursing care and pain management, then pet owners may be able to extend the quality time they have with their cherished companions.” Every being deserves a comfortable end. Having the pet at home enables the animal maximum comfort, hospice care allows the pet to enjoy the last days of life in familiar surroundings in the company of loved ones, and it allows the family to have more time with their pet and prepare for the loss of this beloved family member. Dr. Dana Lewis, owner of Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice, comes to your home for your pet’s end of life care needs. She is a small animal veterinarian here in the Triangle and a 1997 graduate of NCSU College of Veterinary Medicine. She is married, has two growing boys, one dog, three cats, and a snake. www.lapoflove.com
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The Herald-Sun • August 4, 2013
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Adjusting to life with your newly adopted dog
ringing a new dog home from an animal shelter is an exciting experience. Dogs can bring a lot of joy and energy into a household, quickly becoming a treasured member of the family. Adjusting to life with a newly adopted dog is not always smooth sailing, as members of the household often deal with a transition period as they grow more acclimated to the responsibility of pet ownership. Sometimes this transition is easy, while other times it can be more complicated. The following are a few tips to help new dog owners make their transition to pet ownership go more smoothly. • Emphasize routine. Routine makes dogs more comfortable, and this can make things easier on new dog owners. Get up and go to bed at the same time each day, and schedule walks and play time at the same time each day as well. As the dog grows more acclimated to your home, you can gradually vary your own schedule, but try to stick to the walking and playtime schedule for your dog as much as possible. Anxiety is a significant issue for many shelter dogs, but sticking to a routine can help lower that anxiety significantly. • Visit the veterinarian within days of the adoption. A visit to the vet is necessary even if your dog has received all of its necessary vaccinations. The vet can examine the dog and give advice
on diet and exercise, which is especially valuable information for those owners who have never before owned a dog. In addition, a vet might direct men and women who adopted a purebred to a colleague who specializes in that particular breed. Such vets may be more specific when recommending a diet or exercise regimen, which can help the dog’s long-term health. • Gradually alter diet. Many shelter dogs were on poor diets before they came to the shelter, and the shelter or your veterinarian might suggest changing that diet. Adapting to a new diet won’t necessarily be easy for your dog, but gradual changes often ease this transition. For example, if the dog’s diet must change completely, don’t change it all in one day. Gradually mix old food with the new food over the course of several days, adding more new food and substracting more of the old food each day. By the fourth or fifth day, the dog’s diet should consist entirely of the new food recommended by your vet. • Behave yourself. The first few days with a new dog can go a long way toward making the pooch feel comfortable or uncomfortable in its new home. If you have never owned a dog in the past, expect the dog to have some anxiety in the first few days. This anxiety can manifest itself in a variety of ways, including chewing furniture, going to the bathroom indoors or general
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restlessness. It’s easy to overreact to such manifestations, but control your temper and manage to discourage inappropriate behavior without getting angry. If you can successfully manage a dog’s initial anxiety as it transitions to its new home, the dog is more likely to behave properly as time progresses. But if you allow your disappointment or temper to get the better of you in those first days after the adoption, your
chances of successfully transitioning the dog to your home will decrease significantly. Adopting a shelter dog is a great way to add a new and loving member to your family. Though some transitions are more difficult than others, owners who keep calm and work to reduce their dog’s anxiety are likely to treasure their new addition for years to come.
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The Herald-Sun • August 4, 2013
Hypoallergenic pets more hype than fact
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llergy sufferers are often advised to steer clear of pets, as brushing up to a cat or dog can trigger an allergy attack or a rash. Those with pet allergies may be willing to spend any amount of money to get a pet that is dubbed “hypoallergenic.” Although there are some breeds of dogs and cats
that are less likely to trigger an allergic attack, some research indicates that a hypoallergenic pet is a myth. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, one out of every four people struggles with allergies and asthma on a regular basis, and 15 to 30 percent of these cases are dog or catrelated. Those with allergies may think a hypoallergenic pet will be the answer to their watery eyes and sneezes. But a study published in the American Journal of Rhinology & Allergy raises issues about hypoallergenic dogs. People who spend hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars on a dog purported to be hypoallergenic may just be wasting their money. Researchers at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit took dust samples from 173 dog-owning households, where 60 breeds were represented, including 11 breeds that are considered to be hypoallergenic. What they discovered was that homes with allegedly
hypoallergenic pets contained just as much of the prime dog allergen, known as Can f 1, as those of the other breeds. According to senior author and epidemiologist Christine Cole Johnson, “There is simply no environmental evidence that any particular dog breed produces more or less allergen in the home than another one.” That doesn’t mean that all dogs produce the same amount of allergen as others. In fact, genetics and environmental factors, including how often a dog and a home is cleaned, can contribute to the dander and allergens produced by a particular dog. Dogs within the same breed may vary as to how much Can f 1 one dog creates compared to another. In essence, one labrador may induce an allergic reaction, while the other doesn’t even cause a person to sneeze. The hypoallergenic label is often given to dog breeds that have short fur or do not shed much. But allergens are
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not attached to the fur. They are actually a secretion from the skin that produces an allergic reaction from dogs and the saliva of cats. Unless a geneticist is able to create a cat without allergens in saliva or a dog that does not secrete allergens from the skin, no pet will be hypoallergenic. That isn’t to say choosing a dog that sheds less may be beneficial, since dander with allergens is generally attached to shedded fur. Here are a few dog breeds that may be better for people with allergies. • Poodle • Bedlington Terrier • Bichon Frise • Chinese Crested • Portuguese Water Dog • Schnauzer • Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier • Irish Water Spaniel • Maltese
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The Herald-Sun • August 4, 2013
Pet care can be eco-friendly M
any pet owners take caring for their pets very seriously, carefully monitoring their pets’ diets, making visits to the veterinarian a part of their routine and ensuring their furry friends get plenty of exercise. In return, those pet owners get unconditional love and loyalty from their pets. Though pets and pet owners can benefit from proper pet care, there’s a third party that can benefit as well. When pet care is conducted in an ecofriendly way, the planet reaps as many rewards as pets and their owners. The following are a few ways pet owners can incorporate some ecofriendly practices into their pet care.
• Use biodegradable bags to scoop waste. Biodegradable bags are a much more earth-friendly option than reusing a plastic bag from the grocery store. That’s because, unlike a plastic grocery bag, a biodegradable bag naturally decomposes, significantly
Nearly 4 million pets are euthanized each year in the United States.
reducing landfill waste. While no pet owner enjoys picking up after their four-legged friends, doing so in a way that’s more eco-friendly can give conscientious pet owners more peace of mind. • Go organic. The organic food movement has become more popular at dinner tables across the globe, so why not let pets get in on the trend as well? Organic pet foods are typically free of artificial flavors and colorings and are produced without the use of hormones or chemicals. • Don’t take the outdoors inside. Many homeowners use products like pesticides in their yard in an attempt to make their lawns appear as lush as possible. When possible, avoid the use of such products so pets can roam and play in a chemical-free environment. If you simply must use pesticides or insecticides, be careful not to track them indoors. Remove any footwear you wore in the yard when entering your home so you aren’t tracking potentially harmful chemicals inside where they can put your pets’ health in jeopardy. • Groom in a green-friendly way. Pet owners can even use green grooming products when cleaning their pets. Natural products can be just as effective as more
Spay. Neuter. Adopt. Find your next friend at Orange County Animal Services, or at one of the many local rescue groups and shelters. 1601 Eubands Road, Chapel Hill, NC 919-942-PETS (7387) www.OrangeCountyNC.gov/animalservices
traditional pet shampoos, but natural products are not made with chemicals that can harm the environment and even harm your pet if the products are ingested. • Take a stroll rather than a drive to the dog park. Many communities now have dog parks, where dogs can be let off their leashes and freely play with other dogs from the neighborhood. Rather than driving to the dog park, walk there to reduce your fuel consumption. If the dog park is a bit too far from home for you and your pet to walk there and back, determine if it’s possible to take your dog via bicycle instead. Riding a bicycle is great exercise, and it’s a much more ecofriendly way to travel than driving.
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The Herald-Sun • August 4, 2013
These dogs love laid-back living
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hoosing a pet isn’t about choosing the breed that is the “in” pet of the moment. Instead, the right pet should be a companion who will be comfortable in your household and amenable to your lifestyle. While there are plenty of people who envision romps in the park with their pooches or an active game of fetch, some people would prefer a dog that is happier lounging on the sofa. While some dogs may be boisterous animals full of unending stores of energy, there are plenty of placid breeds that fit better in a laid-back environment. Dogs with low energy still exercise, but this exercise may mean a short walk or some time spent playing indoors. Here are some breeds that require less daily energy expenditure and may be happy spending most of their time lounging around. • Basset hound: Placid and slowmoving, basset hounds are direct descendants of bloodhounds. They were raised to hunt various game, but they can be good with children and other animals. Their stubbornness can make them difficult to train. However, they are food-motivated, and this could be their inspiration to learn. • Bulldog: The English bulldog is a medium-sized, compact dog with a pushed-in face full of skin folds. It is one of the most gentle dogs and is generally well behaved with children and other household pets. Because of their short muzzles, they may have breathing problems and intolerance to extreme temperatures. • Bullmastiff: Said to be a cross between the mastiff and the bulldog, a
bullmastiff is an excellent choice for a guard dog. Bullmastiffs crave human attention and like to be indoors. • Clumber Spaniel: One of the least known members of the spaniel group, this heavy-boned pooch will romp outside but is generally inactive indoors. Keep in mind that they tend to shed and drool. • Great Dane: This breed is known for its giant size and gentle personality. Danes take to training well and are fairly low-maintenance. They need less exercise than their size might indicate. One thing to note is that their large size contributes to their shorter life expectancy. • Great Pyrenees: A large, white dog that has a reputation of being calm and patient. A pyrenees may be low energy, but it needs daily grooming attention to keep fur from matting. • Italian Greyhound: Although they are known as racing dogs, greyhounds do not need constant exercise to remain happy. Daily, moderate walks will be effective, and these dogs prefer a quiet household. • Irish Wolfhound: Known for their height, Irish wolfhounds are tall as well as rugged and heroic. Though powerful, Irish wolfhounds have a docile temperament and are familyfriendly. • Pug: This little, stocky dog rarely seem to be in a bad mood. They love to follow their owners around and crave attention. Because of their short snouts, pugs also may have breathing issues and tend to snore. Owners must make efforts to keep them cool in the summer.
How to help your pet survive a sizzling summer
H
arsh weather conditions can threaten the health of anyone, including the family pet. This is especially so in the summertime, when animals can easily and quickly get dehydrated. Extreme temperatures in the summer force many pet owners to keep their pets indoors during the daytime. But there are ways pets can survive a sizzling summer and still enjoy some fun in the sun. Pet owners can take the following precautions as the mercury rises so their favorite four-legged friends are not confined to the house when summer hits full swing. • Be attentive at all times. Pets do not hide their emotions well, and a pet that is struggling with the heat is bound to exhibit some symptoms. According to the ASPCA, symptoms of heat stroke in pets include: ■ Excessive Panting or Difficulty Breathing ■ Increased Heart Rate ■ Drooling ■ Mild Weakness ■ Stupor ■ Collapse Each of these indicates a pet might be overheating, and a pet might also suffer from seizures, bloody diarrhea and vomiting when its body temperature is too high. When taking a pet outdoors in the heat, people should be mindful of these symptoms and be attentive to the animal’s condition at all times. • Trim the animal’s coat. Long hair in the summertime can make things very uncomfortable for your pet. Hair cut to about one inch can help prevent
overheating. When trimming the animal’s coat, do not cut closer than one inch, as anything less than an inch likely won’t provide any protection from the sun. • Only visit areas with ample shade. Areas that are without shade, such as a beach or wide open park, are not good spots to walk a pet in the summertime. Pets can easily overheat when exposed to hot summer sun, even if it’s only for a few minutes. Only go for walks in areas with ample shade so pets can still get outdoors but get only limited exposure to the hot summer sun. • Don’t take pets on chore runs. Many pet owners like to take their pets with them when they’re doing chores, such as dropping mail off at the post office or picking up a prescription at the pharmacy. Such chores may take just a few minutes, but those few minutes in a hot car can prove deadly for pets. Pets should never be left alone in a car on a hot day, when the car can quickly reach extreme temperatures. Some regions have even made it illegal to leave pets in unattended cars on hot days. • Steer clear of asphalt on hot days. Pet owners know enough not to walk on hot asphalt without shoes on, and they should take the same precautions with their pets. The padding on pets’ feet can suffer considerably from hot asphalt, and this can prove very painful to animals. When walking pets on a hot day, avoid asphalt, which can cause pets’ body temperature to rise considerably, especially smaller pets whose
The Herald-Sun • August 4, 2013
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Keeping pets on cool surfaces, such as grass, when the temperatures are hot can help pets avoid overheating and dehydration.
bodies are closer to the ground. Stick to the grass or other surfaces that don’t get so hot under the summer sun. Pets can overheat quickly and easily in the summertime. But pet owners who take a few precautionary measures can still take their pets out for some fun in the summer sun.
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The Herald-Sun • August 4, 2013
Article by Thor Wendland, owner of The Pet Pantry, feedyourpets.com
I
s your 4-legged companion at a healthy weight? Today in the USA about 17 million+ dogs or 40% of the dog population is overweight. Right now cats are facing an epidemic of obesity as well. So don’t forget to look at your cats with a discerning eye too. One of the reasons for the ever increasing waist lines of our 4 legged friends is their owners’ perception of their dog’s proper weight. When dog owners are asked if they think their dog is overweight only 17% of dog owners believed their dog had a weight issue vs. approximately 40% who do have an overweight dog. It is important that you talk with your Veterinarian to determine your dog’s ideal body weight and then weigh your dog(s) frequently to make sure it is maintaining a healthy weight. As with people, weight gain in dogs can occur slowly and go unnoticed until you have a real health issue. Do not compare your dog to other dogs you see because 40% of them are overweight! Why is our pet population experiencing such a rise in obesity? It boils down to calories in versus calories out. We are over feeding our pets with food and treats and not exercising them enough. Did you know that one pig ear is the equivalent to six 12 oz. sodas for a 40 lb. dog? That little piece of pizza crust that you fed to your Chihuahua could be the equivalent to 3 slices of pizza for you! We need to make smart treat choices for our pets. For many dogs a piece of carrot is a very welcomed treat. We all know the effects of excess weight on people. Many of these health problems will also occur in dogs. Heart Disease, Diabetes, Respiratory Disease, Back & ACL problems, Premature Arthritis and Cancer are just a few of the more common problems.
Lighten up! Exercise is also important. To start burning fat a dog needs to have an elevated heart rate, from activity, for a minimum of 20 minutes. Just think about
how much he/she enjoys taking a long walk or chasing a ball. The next time you feel the urge to feed them a treat, take them for a walk instead. How do you determine how many calories your dog needs in a day? Again, your Veterinarian can help you with this and should be consulted before any big changes are made in their diet and to make sure that their weight issue is not the result of a medical condition. As a very general guide I tell people that most adult dogs with moderate activity need about 17 calories per day per lb. of ideal body weight. This varies by age, breed, activity level, not being spayed or neutered and many other factors. So with this general guide in mind if your dog currently weighs 50 lbs. and should weigh 40 lbs. , you would multiply 40 lbs. x 17 calories = 680 calories per day. You would then divide the 680 calories by how many calories are in each cup of dog food you are feeding to determine how much to feed each day. You must also make sure to subtract food to compensate for any treats that you are giving throughout the day. Keep in mind that this is a guideline only, every dog’s need will vary and you will need to adjust it accordingly. Unfortunately dogs that are overweight are becoming the norm in this country. Do your best to make sure that yours is not one of them. Below are a few tips to help you on this path. • Carefully measure the food you are feeding with a real measuring cup. Not a coffee mug, McDonald’s cup or anything else. Feed the amount of food your dog needs for its ideal body weight, not its current weight. (A trick that works well is to measure out all of their food in the morning along with the treats they will get throughout the day. This helps you to better control how much they are getting.) • Tough love – they may look at you like they are starving but you need to make smart choices for them. • Watch the treats. Everything you feed them has calories. • Exercise – dogs need to raise their heart rate for 20 minutes to get in the fat burning mode • Weigh your dog on a regular basis. Good Luck!
The Herald-Sun • August 4, 2013
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Savor the moment of mealtime with your pet
P
ets live in the moment, greeting every meal, every belly rub and every minute of playtime with unbridled excitement. Since your pet is always there to greet you with that loving enthusiasm when you come home, we think it’s time to return the favor. Pets look forward to mealtime. And, when you feed your pet a premium, optimally nutritious food, they feel great, but you feel even better. Here are three tips to make sure that you’re feeding them the best quality so you can savor the moment of mealtime together: • Give your pet the best. Look for a pet food that provides the highest quality, healthiest, most flavorful and least-processed ingredients available.
The Herald-Sun • August 4, 2013
Is Your Pet
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Puzzled By Your Food Choices?
Serve Them the Best & Give Yourself More Time • Look for the little extras. A high quality pet food will provide important extras such as pre- and probiotics, digestive enzymes and antioxidant rich fruits and vegetables. Premium pet food companies list their ingredients and provide an online guide about what is found in their food. • Appreciate your pet’s mealtime. Life is busy, so why not make your pet’s mealtime an opportunity to enjoy, relax and spend some time together? Pets seem to have it all figured out and can certainly teach us a thing or two about living in the moment. And, did you know that pet ownership can also help decrease our blood pressure and cholesterol levels?
DID YOU KNOW? According to the American Kennel Club, the Labrador retriever was once again the most popular dog in the United States in 2012, marking the 22nd consecutive year the breed has earned the top spot on the annual list. While the lab might have the top spot on lockdown, the rest of the top five was not so stable. While the German shepherd again came in second, the golden retriever pushed the beagle, which fell to fourth, out of the top three, while the bulldog became the fifth most popular dog in 2012, displacing the Yorkshire terrier, which fell to sixth. Rounding out the top 10 were the boxer, poodle, rottweiler and dachsund, which fell one spot while the rottweiler moved up one spot. Many of the same breeds atop the AKC list are just as popular in Canada, where the Canadian Kennel Club noted that the Labrador retriever, German shepherd and golden retriever were the most popular breeds in 2011, the most recent year for which the CKC has released statistics. The Shetland sheepdog (fifth), Bernese mountain dog (seventh) and miniature schnauzer (tenth) were dogs that cracked the Canadian top 10 but not the American top 10.
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The Herald-Sun • August 4, 2013
Recognizing rabies in animals
P
et owners go to great lengths to treat their pets like members of the family. The days of dog houses in the backyard are largely a thing of the past, and many pet owners are more careful about what they feed their four-legged friends, placing a greater emphasis on a nutritious diet that promotes pet health. Being a proactive pet owner also means taking preventive measures to protect your pets. This includes learning about rabies, which can help protect pets as well as members of your household and your community. Pet owners who learn about rabies, including its causes and symptoms, are better equipped to recognize a rabid animal and will know to keep their pets and their children indoors until it’s safe to go outside. What is rabies? Rabies is an infectious disease that can spread from animals to humans. When an animal has rabies, the virus travels through the nerves inside the brain, where it reproduces and then
travels back through the nerves to most parts of the body, including the salivary glands. When the rabies virus reaches the salivary glands, brain damage has likely occurred and the virus has infected the saliva, where it can enter a person’s body through a bite or broken skin. What causes rabies? Humans who contracted the rabies virus in the past did so after being bitten by a dog. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention note that more and more causes of human rabies have been linked to bats and raccoons. In Canada, the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety notes that, among domestic animals, dogs account for between 2 and 6 percent of rabies infections, while cats are responsible for between 1 and 2.5 percent of rabies cases. Thanks in large part to the rabies vaccination, there have not been any reports of rabies caused by dog bites in the United States in years. What are the symptoms of rabies? Rabies can appear in animals in
various ways. When an animal has furious rabies, it will change behavior, grow restless, wander aimlessly and bite any animals, people or objects that get in its way before eventually becoming paralyzed in its throat and hind legs. Once that occurs, the animal will most likely die. Some animals with rabies, however, will not become violent. These animals will change their behavior, which may become withdrawn or more affectionate. Animals may try to hide and will find it difficult to swallow. Their behavior will not become violent, and they are likely to die after a few days. The CCOHS notes that cats infected with the rabies virus typically become extremely vicious, while dogs also become excitable and may become vicious and bite for no reason. Though rare, human beings can be infected with the rabies virus as well. Drooling, convulsions, exaggerated sensation and/or pain at the bite site, loss of feeling in an area of the body, loss of muscle function and difficulty swallowing
are a few of the symptoms humans may exhibit when infected with the rabies virus. What should I do if I am bitten? Should humans or their pets be bitten by an animal, they should try to gather as much information about the biter as possible and contact animal control so the animal can be safely captured to determine if it has rabies. If there is a risk of rabies, humans will be given a series of doses of a preventive vaccine and a treatment called human rabies immunoglobulin, or HRIG, which is administered the day the bite occurred. Vets will often quarantine a bitten pet that has received the rabies vaccine prior just to monitor behavior and be safe. If you are bitten by an animal, report the incident right away and contact your physician immediately. It’s also good to do so if you haven’t been bitten but were exposed to a bat, fox or skunk, all of which can carry the rabies virus. Incidences of rabies have dropped dramatically in recent years, but pet owners should still take a proactive and preventive approach to protect themselves, their loved ones and their pets.
Fran Crook Frantastic Fundamentals 1325 Valley Run Dr. • Durham, NC 27707 Tel: 919.489.2255 • Toll Free: 1.800.367.7986 fransfun@aol.com • www.francrook.com
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The Herald-Sun • August 4, 2013
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