May 2019 by houstonpettalk10

JOIN US AT PETTALKGOFETCH.COM FOR EVENTS, CONTESTS,

& PET DIRECTORY

The Definitive Source for Houston Pet Lovers

May 2019

GULF COAST VETERINARY SPECIALISTS POST HARVEY:

BIGGER & BETTER!

ALSO INSIDE: FELINE CYSTITIS SKIN ALLERGIES LASER THERAPY + MORE

G N I P E E K S T E P R YOU Y H T L A E H

Houston PetTalk Magazine

www.houstonpettalk.com

Houston PetTalk Magazine

www.houstonpettalk.com

Editorial May 2019

or all of the love and hugs we give to our pets, (plus fun toys, yummy treats, belly rubs, games of fetch, long walks, luxury grooming, etc.), there is one thing that ultimately is the biggest necessity and the one thing you can do to keep your pet in your life longer: provide them with quality healthcare. Veterinary care might not be as fun as posting your pet’s photos on social media or taking your pet to a restaurant patio to enjoy an outing together, but it’s essential for their wellbeing and that’s why PetTalk is here to empower you with valuable information. In this month’s medical issue, we are featuring our veterinary sponsors, each writing about a topic of their choosing. As Houstonians, we often hear how fortunate we are to live in one of the top cities in the world for human healthcare. Our “medical center” is renowned for its innovation and capabilities. But did you know that we also are among the top cities when it comes to specialty care for our pets? Many of you are probably familiar with Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists,

one of the first specialty hospitals in Houston. Unfortunately, GCVS was dealt a major blow during Hurricane Harvey they lost the entire hospital on the 610 loop! Read about their recovery and how they persevered through this very tough time and came out on the other side with a truly state-of-the-art hospital with amazing medical equipment and great doctors in every specialty from oncology to radiology to dermatology and more. In this medical issue, you will also learn about the benefits of laser therapy, what it means to be designated as a “fear free” clinic, what to do for ear and skin infections (which are common in our climate), the latest techniques in chiropractic care and much more. Of course there is a plethora of information that can be written about pet healthcare and technology innovations than we can discuss with limited space, so I encourage you to pose your questions to our sponsors via phone, email or social media. I also hope you will utilize their services for your pets - our sponsors are the reason PetTalk can be published! Plus, look for our upcoming

We're Back! That's the mantra of Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists, including Dr. Brian Beale and Kate Lawrence of GCVS, who shared a friendly hug during our photoshoot. As one of Houston's most extensive healthcare providers for our pets, GCVS suffered a devastating loss of their hospital during Hurricane Harvey but they are back with an impressive new hospital. Learn more about their recovery, plus hear from our other medical sponsors on an array of topics in our feature story. Photos by Evin Thayer Studios.

issue this Fall about the latest innovations from one of the top institutions in the world - Texas A&M Small Animal Hospital (and now that I'm an Aggie mom, this is going to be an exciting feature story for me to produce!). Speaking of motherhood, May is the month we celebrate all types of mothers, including those of furry ones. Check out our gift ideas for Mother's Day plus our monthly gift guide celebrating Cinco de Mayo. And, don't miss our recap of PetTalk's 10th Annual Doggy Party on the Plaza featuring Houston Texan's Whitney Mercilus, Mayor Sylvester Turner, KHOU's Deborah Duncan, David Paul (who brought good weather) and Lisa Hernandez. It was a party to remember with over $35K in pet food donated by Zignature Pet Food going to the rescues who bow-wowed the crowd with their competitive float entries. Enjoy the photos and join us next year the first weekend in April. Have a marvelous May!

HOUSTON PETTALK MAGAZINE 14781 Memorial Drive, Ste. 510, Houston, Texas 77079 281-556-6560 www.HoustonPetTalk.com Design and layout by: ANDREW BURWELL www.andrewburwell.com

© Copyright 2019. Reproduction or use without written permission of articles, editorial or pictorial content in any manner is prohibited. Houston PetTalk does not knowingly accept false or misleading advertising or editorial, nor do the publishers assume responsibility should such advertising or editorial appear. Houston PetTalk does not endorse any specific product or service contained herein; we do encourage you to support our advertisers whenever possible. All photos ©copyright depositphotos unless otherwise stated.

Tell our advertisers you heard about them in Houston PetTalk! Houston PetTalk Magazine

WHERE

IN THE

WORLD IS PETTALK? Catch someone reading their PetTalk as they travel the globe? Snap a pic and send along with place and name: info@houstonpettalk.com.

Costa Rica Dr. Robin Robinette and Jerri O'Donohoe-Robinett relax in Costa Rica with just the right issue of PetTalk - our Body, Mind & Spirit Issue! Looks beautiful girls..thanks for sharing!

www.houstonpettalk.com

Ft. Lauderdale Lori Bale catches some rays at a beautiful Florida beach while enjoying her issue of PetTalk. Now that is some Fun in the Sun!

TRAIN, PLAY, SLEEP, REPEAT.

Tour Our Modern Training Resort Today! We have expanded our home with a beautiful, one of a kind, new training resort. Your pup will love our new luxury suites, where our expert trainers will reinforce good manners and proper play throughout their stay. Stop by for a tour of our new state of the art boarding facility. We are accepting reservations now!

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Houston PetTalk Magazine

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Unleashed CHEFS FOR PAWS FUNDRAISER

leven top Houston chefs collaborated for a multi-course dinner with plates that appealed to all at the 3rd Annual Chefs For Paws. Refreshing cocktails, beer and wine were sponsored along with auction items ranging from private chef dinners to private art gallery tours. The event at Jonathan's the Rub raised $36,000 for Rescued Pets Movement.

Woodford Reserve whiskey flight

Rita Vallet and Susan Rice

Alyssa Pettigrew, Janiz Frago, and sponsor Southern Star Brewery

The PetTalk table

RPM Board members Dana Jo Blankenship, Julie Brookshire, Laura Carlock, Cindy Perini, Timothy Lambert

2030 West Alabama St, Houston, TX 77098 We are a small-animal practice focused on preventative medicine. • Wellness Care • In-House Diagnostics www.westalabamaanimalclinic.com • Dental Care • Surgery • Hospitalization • Separate Cat/Dog entrances

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Photos By Michelle Marlette

Ara Malekian, Felix Flores, Kevin Naderi

Laser therapy for dogs is proving to be one of the most beneficial, safe and painless treatments for a wide variety of canine health issues. AFFORDABLE SESSION PACKAGES AVAILABLE TO CHOOSE FROM Call 713.468.1676 to Learn More

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PEACE LOVE DOGS

10th Anniversary Celebration!

The Best Doggy Party In Town - Paws Down!

he 10th Annual Doggy Party on the Plaza went down in epic history April 6 at CityCentre, even snagging a Proclamation from City Hall! It's a oneof-a-kind event with over 90 vendors, contests and the unique Rescue Me! Parade featuring this year's Grand Marshal, Whitney Mercilus of the Houston Texans. Plus, over $35k in pet food prizes for the rescues was donated by Zignature Pet Food. PetTalk

could not throw such a doggone good event and help the rescue community without our gracious sponsors. We have given a shout out to sponsors and in-kind donors, so please shop with them when you can. Enjoy the memories with us and a big paws up to the celebs who made the party Egg-stra special including the Easter Bunny, who made a surprise appearance in the parade! Photos by Nature Dog Photography.

KHOU's David Paul held off the rain and made the 10th anniversary a sunny day!

the costume K out of judging Celebs get at KIC an. nc Du rah bo De e contest with emce

LOOK WHO'S AT DOGGY PARTY rcilus #59 Whitney Me Houston Texans' al. rsh Ma parade as Grand

Look - we synced our wardrobe colors for the day! Thanks Mayor Turner for making the party special!

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leads the

Mayor Turner en joying his ride in U is all smiles M the Sterling cCall VIP Service Emcee Lisa Hernandez of KHO s BMW as our pa y's Lorena Padron. rade guest. with Nature Dog Photograph

TITLE SPONSORS: HOUSTON DOG RANCH...

Rescue Row sp onsor VERGI 24 /7 helped make party possible the - thank you for saving so many doggies!

Co-Title Sponsor Houston Dog Ranc

h partied down with a Luau theme and plenty of info about their luxu doggy facility in Spring Branch (inclu ry ding a bone-shaped pool!).

...AND PEACE LOVE DOGS DogWatch Hidden Fences sponsored the Photo Booth providing FREE professional images to all 4-leggers!

am to share info pen and brought their A-Te helped make the party hap s Dog e Lov ce Pea r s. nso Co-Title Spo y and specialized program about their Canine Academ

Stage sponsor Rover's Romphouse enjoys their festive booth.

Premier Sponso r Patti's Pet Depo Pawesome prod t shows off their ucts...shop with them at Dairy As hford & Memorial!

Parade Sponso r Sterling McCa ll VIP Services brought two su per-hot vehicles for the parade and one "mini" super-hot vehic le for photos op s!

Costume Contest Sponsor James Coney Island Grill - a dog of a different kind! Houston PetTalk Magazine

RESCUE ME! PARADE

SPONSORED BY STERLING MCCALL VIP SERVICES

Golden Beginnings Golden Retriever Rescue Bow-Wowed the crowd agai n this year with an incredible float entry - the cake celebrati ng our 10th Anniversary grabbed 2nd Place!

Best Friend's promotes saving dogg

y lives.

Honoring Hope & Faith Rescue gave a prehistoric performance!

HPD Mounted Patrol

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Harris County Shelter's float - the ultimate DOG!

BARC & Mayor Turner promote adoption at the BARC Shelter.

Photos By: Nature Dog Photography

Parade Winner: Huts 4 Mutts

Cyclone Anaya's lounge was the perfect spot fo Margarita while ra enjoying the do ggy watching.

IT'S THE BEST DOGGY FUN IN HOUSTON!

Perfect in Pink

Unstoppable K9's - puttin' on a show

Kaia Mantor shows off the commemorative T-shirt, sponsored by Bingle Vet (and check out our proclamation to the right!).

"Rain, rain stay away" says David Paul of KHOU and it worked! He's a weather wizard!

I got skills!

nny!

g...a peacock bu

of do It's a new breed

We love all dogs, including James Coney Island Grill Hot Dogs!

Houston PetTalk Magazine

ZIGNATURE PET FOOD DONATES $35K IN PET FOOD!

e cannot say a big enough THANK YOU to Zignature for their epic donation of $35K in food that was distributed to the 13 rescues and shelters competing in the Rescue Me! Parade. Zignature's philosophy is to provide meat first, limited ingredient recipes for a Physiologically Tunedâ&#x201E;˘,

nutritionally correct diet for our canine companions. Their generous donation will provide awesome nutrition to many pets who are waiting for their forever home. For anyone who wants to check out Zignature for their dogs, feel free to visit their website to find a store near you: www. zignature.com/ where-to-buy.

In-Kind Donors

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Pallets of Zignature Pet Food awai

t the winners!

Rescues fill their trucks with Zignature food as they collect their parade prizes.

PARADE & PROGRAM SPONSORS

Advantage BMW and Sterling McCall Ford provided snazzy autos for our Grand Marshal and Mayor Turner.

District G Council Member Greg Travis, lovin' on his BARC rescue "Chloe", kindly sponsored the Doggy Party Program - so we gave him the Easter Bunny!

Photos By: Nature Dog Photography

Texas Pet Waste Solutions Esquivel & Fees Hotel ZaZa Memorial City The Tasting Room Kendra Scott Taste of Texas Houston SaberCats Studio Movie Grill Susan Parish - Origin Bank International Smoke Sand N Sea Galveston Properties Lucy Goo Pet Sitting Patti's Pet Depot/Nulo Lone Star Pet Lodges Rover's Romphouse Peace Love Dogs Club Canine Believe in Dog Unstoppable K9's Haven Veterinary Clinic Sunset Animal Hospital Mercy Pet Clinic Petworks Express Southwest Animal Clinic Fur & Feather Veterinary Hospital Bingle Vet Brixton Pet Hospital & Resort St. Francis Animal Hospital & Resort Yuppie Dog Miss Daisy's Dog Camp Natural Pawz Sadie's Select Three Dog Bakery Country Style Pet Spa John Andrews Pet Spa Perfect Pet Cuts Mobile Grooming Pooch in the City Meadowlake Pet Resort Unwound Hounds

The Dish

FOR A FULL LIST OF EVENTS, DOWNLOAD THE FREE APP OR VISIT: WWW.PETTALKGOFETCH.COM 05.18.19

Turn Up With Your Pup Truck Yard 2118 Lamar St. Houston 77003 1:00pm-6:00pm See page 24 or visit turnupwithyourpup. com for details.

05.25.19

7007 Old Katy Rd. Houston 77024 10:00am-6:00pm Check out the beautiful horses and tour the new facility at Houston SPCA. See details on page 26.

05.29.19

OPA Fiesta & Fajita Cook-Off! 2018 Turn Up With Your Pup

Events 05.04.19

BARC Walk Rice University 8:30am See page 23.

05.04.19

Yappy Hour Three Dog Bakery 2402 Rice Blvd., 77005 5pm-7pm Bring your pup for some delicious doggy treats and socialize with fellow dog lovers!

05.09.19

PetSet Happy Hour 77 Degree Rooftop Bar 6:00pm-8:00pm Join Houston PetSet for a happy hour to raise money for their transport program. Free drinks and light bites.

www.houstonpettalk.com

05.18.19

Pet Rally At NettBar 4504 Nett St, 77007 1pm-3pm Join supporters of Mayoral candidate Tony Buzbee for a pet rally to raise money for homeless animals. This free event includes food, drinks, swag bag, music, rescue pets, as well as Tony’s views about Houston’s pet overpopulation problem. Learn more at pettalkgofetch.com.

05.18.19

Pull For Puppies Festival CITYCENTRE 800 Town and Country Boulevard Houston 77024 9:00am-2:00pm Bring your pup to the CITYCENTRE plaza for the Pull for Puppies Dog Walk and Pet Festival. Enjoy a dog walk, a tug-of-war tournament, face painting, and an adoption station from Friends for Life.

500 Collins Street, Conroe 77303 1:00pm-7:00pm Let’s Pawty for our homeless pets! Join this family and fur-friendly FIESTA & FAJITA Cook-Off, at Heritage Place Park in Conroe. Meet adoptable pets, enter your pet in the Fiesta-themed Pet Costume Contest, enjoy live music and more. Proceeds go to support Operation Pets Alive’s life-saving work in Montgomery County.

Save the Dates: 06.01.19

Kriser’s Pawzup Summer Social

06.02.19

Pearland Pets Wags to Riches Gala sponsored by Pearland Animal Cancer Center

06.22.19

CAP Summer Gala "We Are The Champions" at Bayou City Event Center

Photo by: Purpose Photography

The Houston SPCA “Open Barn”

FUND RAISING

BARC Walk - May 4 Photo by Jie Wiley

ARC Animal Shelter and Adoptions and the Houston BARC Foundation invite all Houston area pet owners and pet lovers to the 4th Annual BARK for BARC Pet Walk at Rice University on Saturday, May 4 at 8:30 A.M. Funds raised through the walk will help complete construction on BARC's new adoption campus and will support BARC initiatives such as onsite and community adoptions, pet fostering, pet transfer and rescue as well as free and low-cost spay and neuter programs. All animal lovers, with or without pets,

are invited to attend this fun, family event featuring food trucks, dog-agility demonstrations, music, and vendors. For additional information and to donate or register for the BARK for BARC Pet Walk, visit houstonbarcfoundation.org.

Beach Bum Photo Contest Launches June 1 ❖

❖

earland Animal Cancer & Referral Center is Greater Houston’s first specialty veterinary hospital dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of dogs and cats with cancer.

CANCER Q&A

PHOTO CONTEST

Patient of the Month: Quigley

ummer is here and we're ready to hit the beach! Submit a photo of your pet on a Galveston beach, and you could win a fabulous prize from our sponsor, Sand N Sea Galveston Properties.

Upload entries June 1st to June 24th via the contest link on our Facebook page or houstonpettalk.com Public voting begins June 25th & ends June 30th Sand 'N Sea will determine the winner Winning photos will be published in the August issue of Houston PetTalk Photo submissions must be high resolution (1 MB or larger) and must be taken at a Galveston beach.

2018 WINNER

How might we be able lower the risk of cancer or possibly prevent it in our pets? There is no certain way to prevent cancer, however, some actions may lower the risk. These may include: ❖ Avoid repeated exposure environmental tobacco smoke, pesticides and herbicides ❖ Avoid direct sunlight ❖ Spay female dogs and cats before first heat ❖ Minimize inflammation from trauma, vaccination ❖ Increase physical activity, feed vegetables ❖ Regularly check for lumps and bumps. Send your questions to info@pearlandvetreferral.com to be considered for next month’s Q&A! 10100 BROADWAY ST, STE.102 PEARLAND, TX, 77584 832.669.3800 PEARLANDVETREFERRAL.COM

Making Life Better. Longer.

G A LV E S T O N I S L A N D VA C AT I O N R E N TA L S 409.797.5500 I sandnsea.com

SINCE 1974

The Dish PET ADOPTIONS

Turn Up with Your Pup May 18 at Truck Yard

Photo by Taylor Brown Film and Photography

t's goin' down May 18th! Turn Up with Your Pup is back for a second time and it’s better than ever! A party with your dog and FOR your dog, this is an outdoor festival you and your furry friend can enjoy together. Come have a drink, chow down at the food trucks, play games, and have a “GREAT Dane” time! Don't miss the on-site pet adoptions for those looking to expand their pack from the Houston SPCA. Interested in helping this event? Sponsorship opportunities are available and you can learn more by visiting TurnUpWithYourPup.com. All net proceeds support the operational expenses of the Houston SPCA—Houston’s leading animal shelter. The event is brought to you by Wet Noses, a local non-profit organization.

CHARITY

Shelter Dogs To Help Military Veterans

www.houstonpettalk.com

Photo provided by Houston SPCA

ouston SPCA’s rescue dogs Bear, Emily and Chester were among the first “cadets” to be selected for a rigorous training program and earn their vests as highly-trained medical service dogs for Houston Veterans suffering from PTSD. The initiative is part of Justin Verlander’s Wins for Warriors Foundation and Valor Medical Service Dogs, in sponsorship with Papa John’s Houston. The ‘graduates’ were officially presented to their new owners in a pre-game presentation with the Houston Astros in West Palm Beach, Florida on March 20, 2019. Last fall, Emily and Bear were brought into the care of the Houston SPCA after their owners could no longer keep them, while Chester, a stray, was brought in by a caring Houston SPCA employee. No matter how an animal finds themselves homeless or abandoned like Emily, Bear and Chester, adopting a rescue can make a world of difference in the lives of both humans and canines.

NEWS

Doggy Party Proclamation

veryone was all smiles at PetTalk's Doggy Party on the Plaza Proclamation ceremony at City Hall on April 2. The event, which takes place on the first Saturday in April, celebrated it's 10th year of helping promote rescue, entertain the community and help area businesses showcase their products and services. The proclamation was initiated by District G City Council Member, Greg Travis and signed by Mayor Sylvester Turner. Pictured L to R: Greg Travis, Desiree Lonsway, Michelle Mantor, Gabriela Garcia and Mayor Turner. Photo by Nature Dog Photography.

NEWS

Lone Star Pet Lodges New Ride For Clients

one Star Pet Lodges is excited to update the ride for their 4-legged clients! For almost 13 years, Lone Star has provided transportation for canine and feline guests and they now have a ride that makes the journey a bit more comfy and stylish. On a busy Friday, the van will have up to 15 dogs riding around from either lodging or daycare to grooming or home and possibly even to their veterinary care. Life can be hectic so a little help in getting our pets to their destination is sometimes needed. No worries...Lone Star Pet Lodges can help you out!

EXPERIENCE

CRITTER CAMP! HoustonSPCA.org Houston PetTalk Magazine

The Dish PET ADOPTIONS

Barn Day at Houston SPCA May 25

www.houstonpettalk.com

Photos by Houston SPCA

he Houston SPCA is well known for the rescue, care and adoption of thousands of animals each year, but their lifesaving work with animals began with rescuing horses nearly 100 years ago. Today, the new Campus For All Animals serves a vast array of species, but their care of abandoned, abused and neglected horses continues to expand. The new Dr. Amy Alexander Equine Care Center includes a covered arena, round pen, seven paddocks and a 26-stall barn. Horses and farm animals have access to staff veterinarians, farrier care, proper nutrition and individualized rehabilitation and training. The Houston SPCA operates solely on 100% donations and does not receive any tax-funded support. The Houston SPCA will host an “Open Barn” on Sat., May 25; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. , 7007 Old Katy Rd, Houston, TX 77024, to showcase adoptable equine and farm animals ready for a new, loving home.

Lockets of Love

Custom locket tags that fit you and your dogâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s personality. facebook.com/badgepops

Houston PetTalk Magazine

The Dish TRAINING PROGRAM

PetSet Launches Scholarship Program for Critical Vet Training

By: Miller Friedman

n Houston, the animal over-population crisis has shown no signs of slowing down according to a local 501c3 organization, Houston PetSet. Even with the $67+ million dollars and countless hours that Houston PetSet rescue partners poured into saving as many animals as possible in 2018, there are still thousands of animals dying in local shelters, and there are hundreds of thousands more roaming the unforgiving streets of Houston. Moreover, Houston PetSet has found that the animal homelessness crisis has had a measurable impact on our community’s residents. According to the 2018 Rice Kinder Houston Area Survey more than one in four Harris County residents say that stray dogs and cats are a very serious problem in their neighborhood. A 2010 UT Health of Houston Survey identified that nearly 40% of residents list stray dogs and cats as the most significant problem in their neighborhood, outranking crime, drinking water, air pollution and water pollution. Due to Houston’s topography and warm climate, these roaming cats and dogs continually breed, adding to the animal population. Research conducted by multiple institutions, including Rice University, has shown that a key factor in minimizing the homeless animal population is to spay

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and neuter more animals. Based on this research, Houston PetSet has determined that, in addition to the estimated 75,000 spay and neuter surgeries performed in Houston each year currently, an additional 22,500 spay and neuter surgeries must be performed each year in order to see an impact on the animal over-population. In order to perform these additional 22,500 spays and neuters each year, more vets must be trained with the skills needed to safely and effectively execute a large number of daily surgeries. To achieve this goal, Houston PetSet’s partner, Texas Litter Control, has developed a training program, taking place at their Spring location, to teach high-volume, high-quality spay and neuter techniques to veterinarians. These classes also fulfill 14

hours of CE credits for veterinarians. Because Houston PetSet believes that more veterinarians need access to this type of training, they are offering a select number of scholarships to cover the cost of the two-day program at Texas Litter Control. Texas Litter Control’s Executive Director, Deana Sellens, says attendees can expect the class to focus on high-volume spay and neuter best practices and techniques as outlined by the Association of Shelter Veterinarians Standards of Care. “The goal of the class is to increase efficiency in spaying and neutering cats and dogs by teaching high-quality, high-volume surgical techniques and protocols,” said Sellens. “The class offers students a oneon-one, hands-on wet lab, and students will learn various surgical methods to improve their efficiency.” To apply for this free training through Houston PetSet and Texas Litter Control, please email Miller@HoustonPetSet.org or visit HoustonPetset.org/Vet-Training.

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Houston PetTalk Magazine

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#ShareWithUs!

FEATURED THIS MONTH:

ST. PAWTRICKS DAY, I LOVE MOMMY & BEST FURIENDS

Is there anything cuter than your pet? Of course not! We agree, so we make it easy for you to prove it... PLAY with us on Instagram and look for our themed contests. You share with us, we share with our readers. Everybody wins! 1. @j_inhtownHope errbody having a great Saint Pawtrick’s Day! I likes da green beer! 2. @stewie._.boo Happy St. Pawtrick Day #pamperedpooch #dailydoseofcute #worldofcutepets #dogstyle #dogsinclothes #shihtzu #shihtzusofinstagram 3. @fluff_bros Top knot bros chillin with @miapomeranian #stpatricksday #stpawtricksday #htowndogs #dogsofhouston #kissmeimirish #stpatricksday #oes #oldenglishsheepdog #lhasaapso #buzzfeedanimal #usatoday 4. @wembleyyyy I love my mommy because she encourages me to be an independent Golden Guy. Photo credit Starlic! 5. @lazospringers I love my mommy because when she looks at me, I smell bacon. 6. @sammylynn55 We love our mommy because she puts up with all of our shenanigans! Her love for us is unconditional! We make her want to rip out her hair but she still keeps us around. Most importantly she took a chance on us when everyone else saw our flaws. We are a forever family no being taken back to the shelter! Oh and did we mention we all have a killer smile! 7. @ dukeandroxygirl Sweet & Salty 8. @ houston_airedoodles Sisters & Best friends 9. @ fourleggedfurcrew OMG Mama brought my furiends @ cocoandlucy_ over to play today!! We had so much fun!!!

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 

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Houston PetTalk Magazine

KEEPING YOUR PETS HEALTHY Intro By Michelle Mantor Photos By Evin Thayer Studios

t's not what we have in life, but WHO we have in our lives that matters and for many of us, that special soul bringing us daily joy is our pet. We give them quality food, yummy treats, belly rubs, toys and lots of love but one of the most important things we can do for our pet is provide good, consistent healthcare. Did you know that without regular teeth cleaning your pet can get infections in their mouth or other organs from bacteria that builds up in their mouth? Or, that by

www.houstonpettalk.com

taking your senior pet for wellness testing and blood tests can help detect early or hidden disease in pets that appear to be healthy? These are just a few examples of preventive care and health maintenance that are very important to help your pet live a longer, healthier life. Fortunately for Houstonians, pet healthcare is accessible and plentiful. We have some of the nation's top specialty doctors and hospitals, as well as caregivers that focus on everything from chiropractic

care to end of life comfort and hospice care. In this medical feature, we reached out to our sponsors and asked them to share thoughts on a medical topic of their choice. We hope you find this information valuable for your pet's wellbeing and that we have provided resources to help you find the medical professional your pet needs. Feel free to email or call these clinics and hospitals with additional questions. As veterinarians, their purpose is your pet's health!

Veterinary surgeon Dr. Wayne Whitney performs an arthroscopic-assisted TPLO surgery, one of the many minimally invasive procedures GCVS is equipped to perform.

The spacious new GCVS lobby featuring colorful photographs of patients, a coffee bar and plenty of room to roam!

GULF COAST VETERINARY SPECIALISTS POST HARVEY:

BIGGER & BETTER!

By Kate Lawrence and Alex Whitney GCVS.COM

On December 28, 2017, Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists (GCVS) opened the doors of one of the largest, most advanced veterinary specialty and emergency hospitals in the country. The 50,292 sq. ft. hospital brings together fourteen departments and over fifty veterinarians – including thirty board-certified specialists – and more than two hundred support staff under one roof. It was an incredible and exciting moment for both the GCVS family and their clients, and the joyful culmination to a story that began with tragedy on the night that Hurricane Harvey swept through Houston. On Saturday, August 26, 2017, the staff at 1111 West Loop South, the main GCVS location for over 20 years, prepared with sandbags and water pumps, ready to weather the hurricane heading their way. But no one could have predicted how historic and

devastating Hurricane Harvey’s unprecedented rainfall and subsequent flooding would be. When the floodwaters of Buffalo Bayou began to pour in, the GCVS staff members reacted with professionalism and absolute heroism as they focused on their patients and evacuated the hospital. One of the surgery department supervisors, Karen, said of that night, “I really didn’t expect Harvey to hit us so hard. The night it really started raining, my husband told me he thought things were going to be really bad by morning. I didn’t give it much thought other than, ‘Sure, we are probably going to be squeegeeing up the floors at work.’ The next morning, I was on a conference call with the rest of the supervisors, and I remember hearing the words ‘we lost the building’ and being utterly shocked.” In the days immediately following the Houston PetTalk Magazine

began seeing a record number of patients out of its secondary location on Highway 59. Through the creative use of space and hard work of the staff, this small space, only 6,000 sq. ft, was able to be “home base” while the GCVS leadership team worked with the Houston veterinary A tortoise is examined by Avian & community to find temporary Veterinary radiologist, Dr. Michelle Fabiani, reviews imaging. Exotics specialist, Dr. Sue Chen. satellite locations within other veterinary hospitals and secure devastating loss of their hospital, the entire help one another however, whenever, a temporary hospital location. The GCVS GCVS team truly came together as a famwherever. You need hay for your rabbits? family was overwhelmed by the response ily – as did the greater Houston veterinary – I’ll bring it. You need a place for your disof the veterinary community – over fifty community. Staff members volunteered placed horses and cows? – We’ve got dry hospitals offered space in their hospitals to to care for animals at local shelters, took land. You need a ride to take your mom to displaced GCVS departments. To this day, animal refugees into their own homes, and the hospital? – I have a working car and I’ll the staff and doctors at GCVS are humbled one even paddled a giant tortoise through be there. We were one another’s glue. We and grateful for the outpouring of support flood waters on a surf board. One of the helped each other, and we made ripples from the Houston veterinary community. Avian & Exotics technicians, Danielle, said it of positive change wherever possible Ultimately, GCVS staff worked out of nine best, “The GCVS family formed a scaffoldthroughout Houston.” partner veterinary hospitals across the city ing of compassionate support to uphold As soon as roads were passable, emerwhile their temporary hospital space was one another. We formed a group-text to gency services were set up and GCVS secured and built out to meet the needs

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of a high-volume veterinary specialty and emergency hospital. Additionally, the network of Compassion-First Pet Hospitals, of which GCVS is a member, created a relief fund for GCVS employees who were personally affected by the hurricane. Even before the GCVS team moved into their temporary hospital, the GCVS and Compassion-First leadership teams worked around-the-clock to transform the warehouse right next door into GCVS’s permanent home. Staff members were asked for input on hospital layout to ensure that providing exceptional patient care was front and center at every turn. For example, it made sense to position Surgery directly next door to Diagnostic Imaging so that patients who needed an x-ray, ultrasound, CT, or MRI taken prior to surgery would be under anesthesia for the least amount of time possible. With the help of an architecture and design team, every detail was considered. The Diagnostic Imaging suite, for example, has blue lights throughout the

suite and behind every imaging station to allow for the best possible lighting to see minute details on black and white images. It is this attention to detail, coupled with their compassionate medical expertise, that sets GCVS apart. While the loss of their former hospital was difficult, many of the employees who have been with GCVS for many years had to find a balance between grief at the loss of a building where they had spent so much time, and the excitement of moving forward with the next chapter of GCVS. Cherie, a GCVS supervisor who had worked at the West Loop building location for seventeen years, recalls how she felt, “I would drive past the old 1111 West Loop building on my way to the temporary Wirt Road hospital, and see that the place where I started my career and worked for seventeen years was dark and vacant. Then the building was torn down day by day until it was gone. It was a sad thing to witness – there were a lot of memories in that old building. But

when I arrived at our temporary space on Wirt Road, right beside it was the new GCVS building, being built grander and bigger than ever – being built up even as the old hospital was being torn down, it was like seeing the final completed step to our wild and challenging journey.” Hurricane Harvey will always be a defining time in GCVS history. After feeling that they had lost everything, the doctors and staff of GCVS were steadfast in their work to rebuild and gained more than they could have ever imagined. While their new hospital is beautiful and state-of-the-art, and unlike anything else in Texas, it is the people – the GCVS family – that truly puts it in a league of its own. Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists has proudly served Houston for the past 30 years and is excited to continue the GCVS tradition of exceptional and compassionate care in its new hospital for the next 30 years…and beyond!

WEIRD LITTER BOX BEHAVIOR: OR IS IT FELINE LOWER URINARY TRACT DISEASE? By Renee Poche, DVM, VCA Animal Hospitals

t’s known by multiple names: FLUTD, idiopathic cysitits (FIC). What may look like a urinary tract infection, or even just strange urinary habits, may actually be something more. Most commonly occurring in young to middle-aged cats living in multi-cat households, this disease is known for its signs that make owners think their cat is having a UTI, or urinary tract infection. This usually isn’t the case. Cats with FLUTD exhibit either new or repeated signs of strange behavior: straining to urinate, urinating outside of the litter box, blood tinged urine, urinating frequently, or vocalizing while urinating. Signs can even be as subtle as “acting differently,”

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decreased appetite, hiding, or being less active. When you bring your cat to your veterinarian, they will likely run some tests to rule-out any other causes of these signs (urinalysis, blood work, X-RAYs to check for urinary stones). What the condition all boils down to is stress. Some examples of stress that your cat could be experiencing are: conflicting space between other pets or children; feeling unsafe where the cat likes to eat, drink, or use the litter box; not having a personal space or hiding space to retreat to; moving into a new environment; severe weather, or any change in routine. What scientists suspect is that cats have an “aberrant neuro-hormonal” response to stress that causes changes in their bladder inflammatory pathway. The treatment for this condition is complex and multimodal. A big factor in controlling this issue is diet (Example: prescription Hill’s c/d, Royal Canin SO). Diet alone can reduce crystals that are made during

inflammatory periods, preventing pain and stone formation. Feeding these specialized diets in canned form can also help to increase water intake to help with hydration and diluting crystal packed urine. Other treatments that your veterinarian may prescribe include anti-inflammatories, pain medications, antibiotics (if there is any sign of infection), and even antianxiety medications. How to prevent these episodes: ❖ Feed the appropriate diet as prescribed or recommended by your veterinarian ❖ Make sure your cat is drinking plenty of fresh water (provide water fountains, offer bottled or distilled water instead of tap, leave some water in the sink. with a slow drip, flavor water with a small amount of fish broth). ❖ Most importantly, reduce stress. ❖ Make sure your cat has plenty of environmental enrichment (toys, cat trees, scratching posts and pads). ❖ Pheromone therapy sprayed to

bedding, as a collar, or as a room diffuser (Fel-i-way). ❖ Keep litter boxes clean, stick to the same type of litter that your cat seems to prefer, choose the types of box that they gravitate towards (covered top versus open with low entrance), and always make sure that you have the appropriate number of boxes using the litter box rule (number of litter boxes equals number of cats in household plus one!). ❖ Make sure feeding/drinking areas are separate from other pets (especially dogs). This condition can lead to emergency situations in male cats that can become blocked by inflammatory debris, crystals, or stones. Never ignore these signs, and always take your pet to your veterinarian.

CHIROPRACTIC: AN OPTION FOR CHRONIC PAIN TREATMENT

By Anna Costin, DVM, CVA, CVSMT Veterinary Chiropractic and Rehabilitation Clinic

nimal Chiropractic, or Veterinary Spinal Manipulative Therapy, is a field of care that focuses on the health of the neuro-musculo-skeletal system by finding areas of decreased mobility within the spine and restoring the motion to potentially improve function within the body. Why is this of interest? The nervous system is how the body communicates to cause a wide variety of activities to support life. Nerves branch off from the spinal cord, which is housed in the spine, to connect with other nerves to create a network of reactions. The spine is a complex system of bone, ligaments, tendons, muscles, nerves and vessels that work together. When there is a restriction in the movement of the vertebrae, the muscles and surrounding tissue become inflamed. This causes a cascade of reactions leading to pain, muscle tension,

scar tissue, and decreased blood flow. The outcome is a decrease in ability of nerves to function properly. Depending on where the restriction is located, there are different effects that can occur in the body. A few examples that may occur are musculoskeletal pain, decreased gastrointestinal motility, variations in heart rate and incontinence. What should you expect when going to a properly trained professional for an evaluation? When a patient is presented for an evaluation, a complete examination and diagnostic work up is conducted to determine a diagnosis. When warranted, each joint in the body is then motion palpated to determine where the areas of decreased mobility are located. Motion is then reestablished by a high velocity, low amplitude thrust on a specific contact point. Example? Kaela is a wonderful example of how chiropractic can aid in alleviating pain and improving quality of life. She is a 13 year old, female, spayed Greyhound that was rescued from a racing track. Due to the demands of the body to perform, she had a lot of arthritis and pain from old repetitive injuries. Her main area of concern was pelvic/sacral pain causing difficulty getting up and down, walking, and playing. After using chiropractic to restore the movement in the area, along with laser therapy and acupuncture, she started to become her playful self again.

She now gets up from laying down easier, wants to go for longer walks, and plays in the backyard. The owners are ecstatic with the results! She was also able to come off long term medications that were previously used to control her pain. Summary? Chiropractic is a wonderful tool that can help a wide variety of ailments and conditions. The modality should be considered when determining the best course of treatment for your pet.

WHAT CAN A FEAR FREE CERTIFIED CLINIC OFFER YOU AND YOUR PETS? By Meghan Bingham West Alabama Animal Clinic

an you imagine telling your dog, "Let's go to the vet!" and seeing their tail wag? How about getting out your cat's carrier and seeing them come running towards you instead of away from you? You won't need to imagine it if you bring your pets to a Fear Free Certified Clinic! Fear Free is a relatively new initiative sweeping veterinary medicine; it’s designed to ease the stress, fear and anxiety so many pets AND owners experience while at the veterinarian. Becoming a Fear Free Certified Clinic Houston PetTalk Magazine

is a lengthy and intense process, but it’s so important for your pets! Anytime a veterinarian can help take the PET out of petrified is a win! Fear Free is about making small changes that have a big impact on the stress levels of the pets and their owners. Fear Free Certified Professionals are dedicated to caring for your pet’s emotional well-being as well as their physical well-being; they want to give your pet the best care possible in an environment that will encourage your pet to be happy and relaxed, not fearful, anxious or stressed. By using gentle control techniques, innovative tools and medications when necessary, Fear Free trained professionals ensure your pet’s emotional health isn’t sacrificed for the sake of medical care. The more information you can provide in advance about your pet’s behavior and likes/dislikes, the more successful the visit will be. Is your pet showing signs of stress or anxiety before arriving at the clinic? Ask your veterinarian for pre-visit supplements that might take the edge off and keep

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your pet happy and relaxed. Would your pet be more comfortable waiting in the car rather than the waiting room? Just let the clinic staff know and they should be happy to accommodate you. And, unless it’s medically inappropriate, your pet should be receiving lots of treats during the visit so they can start associating a trip to the veterinarian with good things, which will keep stress levels low.

FOR PET MEDS, AAPEX PHARMACY OFFERS FREE DELIVERY & COMPOUNDING SERVICES By AAPEX Pharmacy

ou wake up one day and realize that something is missing from your life. What could possibly fill this void? Could it be the perfect pet? With a bit of research online and perhaps visits to local animal shelters and pet

rescues, you finally find the pet that fills the void. And, the love you receive from your pet is infinitely greater than the effort required for pet care. Your new adventure begins when you bring your pet home. Immediately you must acquire pet food, a leash and collar, toys, a bed, and a crate or kennel. Having a pet requires education and attention to foods, health products, exercise, and grooming. But animals, like our children, sometimes require medications as part of their healthcare, for a long and healthy life. You will need a veterinarian for immunizations and recommendations for a health care regimen to keep your pet in optimal health for a long and joyous life. Your veterinarian will tell you which products are the best for your pet, considering breed and age. And if your pet is not well, the veterinarian is the professional that you turn to seek advice. At times, your veterinarian is able to provide medications at the clinic from their limited stock. For a wide variety of prescription medications including compounded prescriptions, AAPEX can

provide what your pet needs. AAPEX Pet Pharmacy was established due to the many requests of their clients to help with their pets. They stock most compounded medications as well as commercially available products. AAPEX has been licensed by the State of Texas Board of Pharmacy for over 20 years and they only dispense FDA approved drugs. If you have a need, give them a call to discuss availability. To get a prescription filled at AAPEX, have your veterinarian call or fax the pharmacy. AAPEX provides FREE local delivery in the Houston area and can ship medications if you live outside of Houston. For more information or to contact AAPEX Pharmacy, visit aapexpetpharmacy.com or call 800-314-6499 or 713-270-7771.

EASE YOUR PET'S PAIN WITH LASER THERAPY By Amanda Seemann, DVM Bingle Vet

hough a relatively new treatment option for pets, laser therapy is gaining popularity for its ease of use and effectiveness in improving healing several common conditions in pets. Most laser units carried by veterinary practices are class IV lasers which allow pets to safely receive a therapeutic level of light within minutes without heating or damaging the pet's skin. The light emitted from a handheld laser unit penetrates the animal's tissue where it has a non-thermal cellular reaction. The main reaction happens in the mitochondria of the cells where metabolism is increased. A protein in the mitochondrial membrane called cytochrome c facilitates electron transport, allowing the production of energy in the form of ATP. Other helpful reactions include the production of nitrous oxide and reactive oxygen species. Nitrous oxide is a vasodilator, increasing blood flow to diseased tissues while the reactive oxygen species act to inhibit the inflammatory pathway as well as stimulate other

signaling pathways. Laser treatments, used as added therapy to standard treatments, can decrease swelling and inflammation, alleviate pain and discomfort, and speed up healing. One of the most common applications of laser therapy in general practice is to the musculoskeletal system. Many of our older pets have long-term conditions like arthritis or joint disease while younger pets experience short-term sprains and strains. A prevalent musculoskeletal disease that occurs in Dachshunds and other short-legged, long-backed dogs is intervertebral disk disease (IVDD), which can be painful and debilitating enough to require surgery. Another broad category where laser therapy can be helpful is infections such as hot spots from allergies, wounds or lacerations, abscesses, or even ear infections. Cats often experience feline lower urinary tract disease like cystitis and can benefit from just one treatment to aid in relief of urinary discomfort. These treatments can even be used on incisions post-operatively to increase comfort, decrease scar size, and lessen the amount of time your pet has to wear the "cone of shame". For disease processes that are shorter in duration, like a hot spot, your pet may only need a few short sessions, while other conditions like arthritis require continual treatment. Laser therapy sessions are quick,

painless, and often can be performed with you holding you pet. Next time you are at the vet, ask about how laser therapy can benefit your pet.

FIGHT CANCER! SCREEN YOUR PET FOR ALL LUMPS AND BUMPS By Melissa Parsons-Doherty, DVM, DACVIM ( Oncology) Pearland Animal Cancer and Referral Center

pproximately 40% of pets over 9 years old will be diagnosed with cancer but we can improve outcomes in our pets with early detection. This is best accomplished by routine veterinary evaluations and regular assessments by owners at home. This is important for both dogs and cats. Dogs commonly form ‘lumps and bumps” that are benign, non cancerous masses but these must be tested to differentiate between non cancerous, and cancerous (benign or malignant) lesions. The most common lumps found on dogs are “fatty tumors” known as lipomas. These do not have malignant potential but can grow to interfere with the dogs ability to move or rest comfortably. Others

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include benign skin cysts and dermal melanoma. Common malignant skin nodules or masses include mast cell tumors and soft tissue sarcomas. These have the potential to grow quickly and become locally invasive, making removal difficult. They can also metastasize. A definitive diagnosis of these are best obtained using a biopsy which is removal of a piece of the tissue or the entire lesion. The extent of the removal (a piece of vs. the entire tumor) can be determined based on the ease of removal, size and location of the lesion. Additional testing to determine if there is any evidence of metastasis is called staging and may include thoracic radiographs, abdominal ultrasound, fine needle aspiration of local lymph nodes and other lumps ( patients can have more than one!) and blood and urine testing. Importantly, lymphoma often also can appear like “lumps”, but these may be enlarged lymph nodes under the jaw and not in the skin as with the others. Cats on the other hand, do not commonly form benign, non-cancerous lumps and bumps, and for this reason, all new lesions should be sampled as soon as they are noticed. One lump that may be non cancerous is a post vaccine reaction. This may be a swelling that forms days to weeks post vaccination. Sometimes it may be difficult to differentiate this from an injection site sarcoma which is a malignant and very difficult cancer to treat if not detected early when it is small. Cats also can form mast cell tumors which tend to be less aggressive than those in dogs, but are still considered malignant. Lymph node swelling due to lymphoma can also occur as in dogs. Female cats that are spayed later in life also have an increased risk of mammary cancer so lumps on the abdomen should be assessed for mammary cancer. Watch it means “ watch it grow”. It is always important to monitor and test all lumps and record on a body map. Ask your veterinarian for a the body map diagram to keep track of all your pets lumps and bumps.

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A TRUTH ABOUT EUTHANASIA: WHY YOU SHOULD STAY By Dr. Stephanie Malmquist, DVM and Founder of VetPet Box

elping a pet owner navigate the difficult decision to euthanize a pet is one of the most important roles a veterinarian has. Pet parents are usually faced with decisions they have never considered before and often look to their vet for guidance. Some of the most common questions pet owners have are: Is it the right time? What will my pet feel? Should I stay for the euthanasia procedure? What will be done with the remains? While the answers to most of these questions vary on a case by case basis, the decision “to stay” applies to most of all euthanasia situations. When it comes to being present for a pet’s euthanasia, some pet owners can’t imagine leaving their pet’s side. Others cannot bear the thought of what’s about to happen, so they leave and let their vet “handle it.” While many veterinary professionals will be just that…,professional and supportive of whatever decision you need to make during this difficult time, they often also have an opinion about whether you should be present for your pet’s euthanasia. You want the blunt truth? Yes. Many pets DO know if you're not there. They DO notice when the door closes behind you and you walk away because "it’s too hard for you." Don't let your pet's last memory be of you walking away. They know you're upset and they know if you've left. It's also not fair to your vet or their staff to leave them to comfort your pet in its final moments...that's your responsibility. No one can bring peace to a pet in its final moments like its owner can. Period. So, just do it....Be brave. Be selfless. And if you truly cannot bear to be there for the euthanasia, talk to your vet about staying for just the sedation. This is a good "middle ground." It allows you the

opportunity to say your goodbyes and offer them the comfort of your voice, touch and familiar comforting scent as they drift off under sedation. Once sedated, your vet can excuse you before injecting the final euthanasia solution. If you do decide to leave your veterinarian to say the final goodbye...please make sure you let them know they’re appreciated. Many vets dread this type of euthanasia because it adds yet another layer of difficulty to an already tough part of the job. It’s emotionally draining to be the last person to kiss the nose, give a belly rub or attempt to provide comfort as someone else's pet takes its last breath... while looking back into the eyes of a stranger.

THE FACTS ABOUT EAR INFECTIONS By Steve Chen, DVM Brixton Pet Hospital & Resort

ar infections are one of the most common reasons for dog owners to visit their veterinarians. This condition can certainly be a source of frustration for many dog owners. Unfortunately, ear infections usually become a chronic (long lasting) condition. Factors causing chronic ear infections are: ❖ Anatomy ❖ Humidity/Swimmers ❖ Allergies ❖ Endocrine diseases

ANATOMY: The ear canal of the dog is much deeper than that of people, creating a better funnel to carry sound to the eardrum for heightened hearing. The ear canal is roughly in the shape of the letter “L”, meaning you can routinely only see the top portion of the ear canal. Debris and water tend to trap deep inside the ear canal, predisposing the pet to an ear infection. Certain breeds (i.e. Shar-Pei) can naturally have a narrow ear canal, but chronic infection can also cause the ear canal to become narrowed. Breeds

such as Schnauzers and Poodles can also have long aberrant hairs, trapping moisture and dirt in the ear canal, causing an ear infection.

HUMIDITY/SWIMMERS: In a humid environment, the moisture and dirt from digging and playing outside, along with a floppy ear pinna (outer part of the ear) and/or excessive irregular hairs can create a perfect environment for an ear infection. Dogs that swim on a regular basis are also more likely to suffer from chronic ear infections as well.

ALLERGIES: Allergy-suffering dogs typically have a chronic ear infection as part of their symptoms. If the allergy is not treated properly, chronic ear infection will always be present. The most common allergies are flea allergies, atopy (due to pollens, mites, grasses, etc.) and food allergy.

Dog owners should use one of many flea prevention options on their pet to lessen flea bite allergy. For atopy, the options are using an antihistamine, allergy testing followed by immunotherapy, steroids, Apoquel, and/or Cytopoint injection. Food allergies can be diagnosed and treated with a proper prescription-grade diet such as limited ingredient diet and/or hypoallergenic diet.

ENDOCRINE DISEASES: Chronic ear infections can also be recurring due to underlying endocrine diseases such as hypothyroidism or hyperadrenocorticism. Certain routine blood testing panels can give clues to both conditions, but additional testing will be needed prior to starting on appropriate treatment for both conditions. During your visit to the veterinarian for the ear infection, your veterinarian will perform an ear cytology to determine the

type of infection present and choose the appropriate topical ear medication and ear cleaning solution. Proper ear cleaning technique is very important in the treatment process. If your dog is painful, pain medication may be warranted as well. If you have difficulty cleaning the ears and applying medication, ear packing with a medication (by your veterinarian) may be an option for your pet. A recheck visit with an additional ear cytology is also important to make sure the infection is gone. In severe cases of chronic ear infection, antibacterial resistance from bacterial species (such as Pseudomonas) can be a problem. Your veterinarian may recommend sedation for a deep ear cleaning and obtaining a proper sample for Culture and Sensitivity to find out the actual bacteria causing the problem and the appropriate antibiotic choice for your dog.

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PET ALLERGIES

By Melinda D. Luper, DVM Fur & Feather Veterinary Hospital

appy Spring! If you have experienced itchy eyes, runny nose, and congestion you know all about the wonderful air of Houston that causes these allergy symptoms often. Houston environment provides a plethora of pollens all year round but tends to be the worst at this time of year. Our pets suffer right along with us but instead of the respiratory symptoms, they tend to express allergies as red, itchy skin. If caught early, the itching can be resolved fairly easily with proper veterinary care. But we humans love to procrastinate until our pets are one red, oozy, smelly mess! When this occurs, then we must treat the allergy AND the secondary infection that is now causing even more itching. Secondary infection can be due to either bacteria or yeast, sometimes both.

Skin cytology is needed to determine what type of infection is plaguing the pet. Medicated shampoo and oral medication will resolve these infections. Do not skip out on your pet’s recheck because some of these infections need longer periods of treatment. If we stop the medication too soon, we have a greater chance of developing resistant infections that then take cultures and more expensive medications to resolve. But we must not forget about what caused all that infected, oozy grossness in the first place...the allergy. Allergy treatment comes in many forms. Over-thecounter antihistamines work in approximately 15% of cases. Usually the bigger guns of corticosteroids or an immunomodulator like Apoquel or Cytopoint are needed. Corticosteroids are cheap but have a lot of side effects making them a poor choice if needed for long term control. Allergy testing with Immunotherapy is more of an all-natural approach. We take the specific allergens a pet reacts to and

develop a desensitization protocol just like in humans. The goal is to introduce specific allergens in small amounts the body will not react to. Then we gradually increase so that the body then does not overreact once pollen season is present. Other natural therapies include fish oil supplementation, herbals, and nutrition based around cooling proteins. If you feel like you have tried all of the above but your pet is still suffering with hot, red skin, we may have a compounding factor on our hands. Remember we could have a resistant infection that a culture would help determine a different antibiotic is needed. Hypothyroidism, liver or adrenal issues, or other metabolic disease can cause poor response to treatments. Lab work, especially older pets, is highly recommended to make sure the rest of the body is functioning properly. Proper parasite control is also a must. One flea bite is enough to set sensitive pets off on a foot thumping, self-biting tangent! Once everything is under control and the skin is back to normal, we may not be able to rest. Just like with our own stuffy heads, skin allergy symptoms can be managed, but rarely cured. If the allergy control methods are stopped, guess what? We are back to that itchy, miserable mess complete with another secondary infection. So make sure to talk to your veterinarian about continuing allergy control protocols.

4 THINGS YOU CAN DO RIGHT NOW FOR YOUR SENIOR PET Christie Cornelius, DVM, CHPV Senior Paws-Last Wishes

SAY IT WITH ME, “I LOVE MY SENIOR PET!” A lot of animal lovers naturally gravitate toward the snowy-faced ones, and it is this population who deserve to be given more options when it comes to comfortable, stressless care. Veterinary professionals recognize that pets are living

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3. DO NOT WAIT... ADVOCATE! When you begin to notice changes, communicate them to your veterinarian. Early intervention will result in better outcomes almost all of the time.

4. ASK FOR HELP Don’t be afraid to let your close friends and family know if you’re going through a hard time with your pet. Support is so important during moments like these - don’t go it alone! Ask someone to sit with you through a difficult appointment if needed. If you find another human trying to navigate through a tough situation with their pet, be there for them if you can. We are all in this together!

longer lives because families are able to provide a stable, nurturing environment and proper care for them as they age. The aging pet population is generally more painful and less mobile and tend to have higher rates of intolerance to some veterinary care environments. The senior lifestyle is different, so veterinary professionals must work to develop stronger programs and compassionate teams to meet the needs of older pets and their families. Here is what you can start doing right now for your senior pets:

1. CAREFUL OBSERVATION Work to understand your senior companion. Spend a few days observing baseline behaviors like eating, walking, jumping, going to the bathroom, interacting with others, facial expressions, breathing patterns, sleeping, playing, and general mood. These are the things that will start to change or may have already started to change over time. Use a calendar or journal to jot down your observations - keeping a daily or weekly log in your smartphone or on paper is helpful. Pictures and short videos are useful to document changes that occur over a longer period of time. Create

a Senior Pet folder on your computer and place these files here to reflect back on and share with your veterinarian. Be sure to include changes that not only affect your pet physically, but mentally and emotionally as well. It doesn’t hurt to include your thoughts about your pet’s health in these observations.

2. BE AWARE OF YOUR OPTIONS FOR CARE Many current veterinary practices offer medical treatment programs geared toward senior pets that also include non-pharmacological modalities such as therapeutic massage, therapeutic laser, and medical acupuncture for pain and other illnesses. Specialty practices and veterinary schools are implementing more advanced diagnostics and treatment methods in the clinic setting such as computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and radiation oncology. For families who prefer home care for their senior pets, tech-savvy, well-connected mobile veterinary teams function to provide better outcomes for pets and families by working with other mobile providers, referring veterinarians and specialty hospitals to enhance care options.

PREVENTIVE HEALTHCARE AND HEARTWORM DISEASE By Stephen Pappan, DVM PetWorks Express Preventive care, including spaying and neutering, are a few of the key basics highly recommended by your veterinary team for pets to have a long healthy lifestyle. Heartworm prevention is another mainstay that should be included in a good overall plan, along with your pet's yearly healthcare checkups (including heartworm and parasite testing). The American Heartworm Society states that heartworm disease can occur anytime, anywhere and is prevalent in all 50 states. Mosquitos are the cause and seasonality is not in question due to the natural environmental changes and the mobility of pet owners across the nation. Although treatable in most cases, the lasting underlying damage of the disease is irreversible. Thus, year-round heartworm prevention medication is the safe, simple solution and less expensive than disease treatment. Pets can be started as early as 6 weeks of age and most medications will also treat and prevent internal parasites. To learn more, visit heartwormsociety.org.

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24/7 Staff on Site…..24/7 Onsite Cameras 5 OFF LEASH walks a day * last walk 9pm – 10pm No additional charge for Meds, Hugs or Kisses Discounted PLAYCARE rates with Boarding Weekends and Holiday Pick-Ups (till 8:30pm) (we do not hold pets hostage as we know how badly they are missed)

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Lifestyle

Fiesta Fun! 1. PARTY LIKE IT'S CINCO DE MAYO: Or at least have a party for your dog! Find a huge variety of decorations, toys, supplies and gifts at Arne's Warehouse and Pet Supply Store, 2830 Hicks St, Houston, TX 77007. Photo by Jaron Moore. 2. PLAY DEAD: Get your pup ready for Dia de los Muertos with this fun embroidered toy with puncture-proof squeaker, available at Patti's Pet Depot, 14618 Memorial Drive, pattispetdepot.com. 3. MEXICAN FIESTA FOR FIDO: Celebrate the Mexican culture this May with a plethora of plush toys from Patti's Pet Depot, pattispetdepot.com.

2 3 50

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DON’T LET OSTEOARTHRITIS PAIN

KEEP YOUR DOG DOWN HAVE YOU NOTICED ANY OF THE FOLLOWING IN YOUR DOG? Easily gets tired or lags behind on walks

Has trouble getting up from a resting position

Is reluctant to run, play or climb stairs

Has gained weight in the past year

Limps or appears stiff after exercise

Inflammation in the joints causes pain and cartilage damage which can lead to stiffness and decreased mobility.

Ask your veterinarian to evaluate your dog’s joints today.

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Cypress VCA TELGE ROAD ANIMAL HOSPITAL 11430 Telge Road Cypress, TX 77429 281-955-9797 VCAtelgeroad.com store.VCAtelgeroad.com Houston VCA ASHFORD ANIMAL HOSPITAL 12633 Whittington Houston, TX 77077 281-497-3917 VCAashford.com store.VCAashford.com Houston VCA COUNTRYSIDE ANIMAL HOSPITAL 2211 FM 1960 East Houston, TX 77073 281-443-7297 VCAcountryside.com store.VCAcountryside.com

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Health

PET BLOOD DONORS

By: Dr.Laura Noaker, VERGI Emergency and Critical Care Hospital, vergi247.com

WHERE DOES BLOOD COME FROM FOR PET EMERGENCIES?

ost people don’t think about it, but every day hundreds of pets need blood transfusions. Without dog blood donors, veterinary surgeons could not undertake important and often life-saving operations. Much like humans, dogs and cats actually do have blood types. In fact, there are five major canine blood types, and yes, one is a universal donor, like the human “O negative”. However when dogs need a blood transfusion, they must rely on other dogs to donate and save their lives.

HOW DOES IT WORK? Typically, when an animal donates blood, they are typed and checked for

blood-borne infectious diseases. The actual process of donating blood is pretty simple. It takes about 20 - 30 minutes and based on the pet’s temperament. The process may require anesthesia. The actual blood is taken from the jugular vein – the large vein that runs along the neck. Dogs can donate as often as every 3 weeks, but typically an average is 5 or 6 times per year.

WHEN DO PETS NEED TRANSFUSIONS? Dogs need red blood cells when they suffer severe blood loss from traumatic injuries or conditions such as acute or chronic hemolytic disease or chronic anemia. Dogs may also receive transfusions

of fresh-frozen plasma to treat or control bleeding disorders such as Von Willebrand’s disease or to provide other plasma proteins and globulins in the event of illnesses or infectious diseases such as pancreatitis or parvovirus.

WILL IT HURT MY PET? Giving blood will not hinder your pet’s normal activities, but you may want to let them rest that day. Not every dog is cut out to be a donor. They need to have a universal blood type and a calm demeanor. There are a few things to keep an eye on when donating blood: they may incur a slight swelling at the site where the blood was taken, and if your pet is timid or afraid of doctor visits, it may be stressful. The big benefit however is helping save another animal’s life.

WHERE CAN I DONATE? Many veterinary schools have set up blood donor programs. There usually are requirements that the donors must meet. For example, some require that a donor dog be healthy and friendly, weigh more than fifty pounds (cats at least 10 pounds), be between one and eight years old, be current on vaccinations and free of parasites. The animal must be free of any medications except for heartworm and/ or flea prevention drugs. Their heart must be sound (no murmur). If a pet meets these requirements, their blood will be drawn and sent out to a lab to test for infectious diseases, and then they’ll be given a general health profile. It’s important to note that donated blood is only good for about 30 days so there is always a need. If you're interested in having your dog become a blood donor, ask your veterinarian for information on screening.

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Houston PetTalk Magazine

Tail End

ANIMALS &

HUMANS

HELPING EACH OTHER By Mara Soloway Photos By Beverly Buchanan

andy Scherer has been caring for animals since her early childhood when she rescued every stray animal she found. Sandy thrives on taking responsibility for animals and for recognizing their innate abilities. During various periods in her life, the Houston-area native has successfully shown American Saddlebred and Tennessee Walking

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horses, trained Australian shepherds in herding and obedience trials, and used her Bloodhounds in the search and rescue of humans and the occasional lost dog. She and her husband Robert share their home with her three Bloodhounds, three Border Collies, three Collies, a Corgi and any number of dogs she is boarding and fostering. Out in the barn are a Tennessee Walking horse, two Quarter horses, two zebras, a miniature pinto Paint horse and a miniature donkey. Sandy has been an active member of All Border Collie Rescue (ABCR) since 2011 and Houston Collie Rescue (HCR) since 2012, and has worked since 2013 with Special K-9s, a search and recovery group that trains cadaver dogs to detect human remains when called out by law enforcement agencies. Her weeks are filled with veterinarian appointments, transporting rescued dogs, training, tending to her boarders, and working with

her experienced cadaver dog Layla and the one in training, Cowboy. Both Layla and Cowboy came to Sandy from ABCR. Sandy adopted Layla in 2012 when she was a year old. “I went through a lot of foster dogs to find Layla,” Sandy said. “She’s the greatest dog.” Within a few years Layla became a certified search and recovery dog for land, vehicles and water (for drowning victims). Sandy and Layla joined Special K-9s together. The group meets once a week to train in different locations to keep the dogs in working mode and socialized, which invaluable during a search and recovery event. “During a search they’re going to be around a bunch of commotion – detectives, ambulances, helicopters, the media – and they’ve got to be able to handle all that,” Sandy said. Layla has had various successful finds of human remains on official searches. “I’m proud of my dog and happy that I could help the family find their loved ones. It’s a really good feeling,” Sandy says. Because Layla is eight and will retire soon, Sandy is training one-year-old Cowboy to be a cadaver dog. Attending

multi-day training seminars is a big part of the training regimen for Sandy and her dogs. At recent ones in Florida and Tennessee that Sandy and Cowboy attended, trainers told her that he is going to be a great working dog. Each Special K-9 dog has a log book detailing the specifics of each training session, including how the dog performed on each challenge, location and weather conditions. All handlers and dogs also have a resume showing the locations and the law enforcement agency involved in for each working search. This information is important in case any evidence is called into question in court. Sandy was inspired to become involved in animal rescuing about 15 years ago by Cesar Millan. “He started me paying attention to how many shelter dogs need homes and how many were being brought in each day. I switched my focus to rescue. This is my passion,” she says. Sandy came up with a way to help the Border Collie and Collie rescues save the expense of keeping dogs at boarding facilities: in 2014 she sold two of her horses and used the proceeds to create indoor/

outdoor dog pens with runs attached to her barn and garage. Construction workers created the sheltering spaces with fans, swimming pools, wood shavings and dog houses lined with hay. “I told ABCR and HCR that their incoming dogs can come to my house.” They bring Sandy dogs that owners relinquish when no fosters are available and all dogs from shelters, which require a quarantine period to determine that they are free of any contagious diseases. The separate pens are also useful when Sandy trains dogs in good behavior. Sandy feels it was divine intervention that she had just developed the space for so many dogs when, in August 2014, Houston Collie Rescue was called upon to take possession of 156 Collies seized from the home of an animal hoarder in Tomball under a federal court order. HCR initially took them to Sandy’s for processing. It took eight weeks until HCR found all the dogs foster homes or adoptions, and during this time Sandy coordinated volunteer shifts for each day, including HCR volunteers, other local animal lovers and those from national rescues. Sandy’s pet dogs get the opportunity to live up to their athletic potential. She will be showing one of her Collies in obedience and in rally, and another Collie and a Border Collie in agility trails. Even the Corgi Scooter has his time in the spotlight, winning third place in the Corgi races in March at Sam Houston Racetrack. “I can’t imagine my life without animals. If I didn’t have them, I’d be a lonely, depressed person,” Sandy says.

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Tail End

DOGGY

DAY CARE

GOOD FOR SOCIAL

DEVELOPMENT

n our opinion, doggy day care is the best innovation in pet care since the creation of the leash. Yeah, we said it, and we know what you might be thinking — “Aren’t they a little biased?” Admittedly, we may be, but there’s so much good that comes out of bringing dogs to Camp that we’re willing to bet we can convert you into a believer, too. Take social development for example. Doggy day care can have a profound impact on the way a dog socializes with other dogs and humans.

WHY IS SOCIALIZATION IMPORTANT FOR DOGS? Well for starters, learning how to socialize will make communicating better — between Fido and other dogs, as well as between Fido and you. Not only that, but a well-socialized dog will also be less likely to show aggression and become anxious in social situations. If you keep a dog cooped up at home alone, it only makes sense that he’ll be skittish when it comes time to interact with new people and fur pals. A properly socialized dog will: ❖ Be able to adapt and handle everyday

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LEARNING HOW TO SOCIALIZE WILL MAKE COMMUNICATING BETTER — BETWEEN FIDO AND OTHER DOGS, AS WELL AS BETWEEN FIDO AND YOU. ❖

stress more easily. Demonstrate self-control and selfcalming skills in unfamiliar situations.

HOW CAN CAMP BOW WOW HELP SOCIALIZE YOUR DOG?

We’re so happy you asked! There are so many great ways that our Campers can become socialized, all while having fun with furry friends. Some of these include: ❖ Alleviating boredom and loneliness, which can often manifest as anxiety that causes unruly behavior over time. ❖ Facilitating socialization with people and pups of all types. That way, he or she becomes used to being friendly with the unfamiliar. ❖ Providing the necessary exercise to

❖

keep your dog healthy, while also teaching him or her how to assimilate as a member of the Pack. Offering the opportunity to prevent and correct destructive behavior that can occur when a dog is home alone and unsupervised.

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Houston PetTalk Magazine

RESCUE REVEALED

TEXAS CATTLE DOG RESCUE

t started 10 years ago at BARC with one very thin, unhealthy, sad-looking Australian Cattle Dog (also known as a blue heeler). That dog, Sunshine, became the inspiration to form Texas Cattle Dog Rescue Inc. (TCDR). One thousand rescued dogs later, TCDR is still going strong, rescuing this smart, active breed out of less-than-optimal situations and helping them find loving forever homes. TCDR rescues and adopts in the Houston area and around the state. While TCDR’s primary focus is rescue, spaying and neutering is key to reducing the number of unwanted heelers that end up in shelters or on the streets. This year they launched TCDR’s Heeler Fix, offering free spays and neuters for heelers and heeler mixes in Texas. This service is available to pet owners with financial hardship. To learn more about adopting, fostering, donating, or Heeler Fix, visit TexasCattleDogRescue.com.

MEET SUNNY

SUNNY

How is your throwing arm? Sunny loves a game of fetch and will bring the ball back to you and wait for another throw. Sunny is an active and very friendly and full of heeler smarts—eager to learn and a good listener. She picks up new commands in a snap—with the help of a few treats!

MEET SY His coat may be a little frosty and he moves around a bit slowly, but Sy is super sweet and wants to be your shadow. He is a quiet senior that just wants to be petted. He doesn’t need long walks but enjoys a daily 30 ft. trip to the mailbox. He’s looking for an awesome retirement home. Each issue, we highlight a local 501(c)3 animal charity in hopes that our readers will find their true love with one of these rescue groups! Charities are chosen from PetTalk GoFetch, our pet directory website and free mobile App, www.pettalkgofetch.com. To be listed as a rescue group, please email info@houstonpettalk.com.

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PET PORTRAITS by Kristel Peale Make great gifts!!!!!

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Houston PetTalk Magazine

Thank you to Club Westside for allowing us to photograph these beautiful flamingos and have a bit of fun with the shot. If not for the flamingo poop on my bare feet, it would have been perfect LOL!

WHY I LOVE ANIMALS

By: Michelle Mantor PhotographyByPrudence.com

Why I Love Animals is a monthly feature written by our PetTalk Editor with the mission of educating the public on the value of all species.

ave you ever stopped to intently study a flamingo? Perhaps they get taken for granted because they are seemingly ubiquitous in yard art, home decor, clothing and even Las Vegas Hotels, to the point we don’t really think about them as an interesting and beautiful species. I write this column on Why I Love Animals because there truly are so many reasons to love them, and hence protect them. Each species is quite fascinating and it’s fun to go a bit deeper in studying their abilities, characteristics and function in the animal kingdom. I chose flamingos (spanish for “flame-colored”), this month because of their BEAUTY in color and form. If you observe a flock of flamingos, you’ll see the variance in the color of feathers as well as the black color under their wings. You'll also notice their ability to turn their neck in many directions and most famously, stand on one leg. The habit of standing on one leg while tucking the other out of sight is something many people are curious about. I was looking forward to finding the answer as I researched this wading bird, but alas, no one really knows the answer. There are a number of theories that focus on energy expenditure that seem more credible than the theory they are conserving body heat, but the answer is unclear. I know, it’s disappointing that we don’t have the one-legged answer! But as a consolation, the other curiosity most prevalent with flamingos is their coloration and for that topic, we have some answers. Young flamingos hatch with greyish-red plumage, but adults range from light pink to bright red due to aqueous bacteria and beta-carotene obtained from their food supply. A well-fed, healthy flamingo is more vibrantly colored, thus a more desirable mate; a white or pale flamingo,

however, is usually unhealthy or malnourished. Captive flamingos are a notable exception and they may turn a pale pink if they are not fed carotene at levels comparable to the wild. As omnivores, flamingos filter-feed on brine shrimp and blue-green algae as well as larva, small insects, mollusks and crustaceans. Their bills are specially adapted to separate mud and silt from the food they eat, and are uniquely used upside-down. Socially, flamingos form strong pair bonds, although in larger colonies, flamingos sometimes change mates (presumably because there are more mates to choose from). As a pair, they establish and defend nesting territories. Typically the female chooses the place...of course! Together, they build a nest and they both take part in protecting the egg. So, male flamingos are apparently good dads and don't just run off after mating! The pair is typically monogamous and the female produces one egg per year. Now, here is something bizarre... both the male and the female feed their chicks with a kind of crop milk, produced in glands lining the whole of the upper digestive tract. Next up, you might be wondering what flamingos do all day. They spend 15-30% of the day in cleaning their feathers: oil produced in a special gland will be spread over feathers with the help of their beak. When it's time for a rest, flamingos stand on one leg. The visible "knee" of the flamingo is actually an ankle joint. Amazingly, these beautiful birds fly up to 37 miles per hour and travel distances of over 300 miles to reach their new habitat. Living in colonies, the flamingo population in a colony can reach over one million...now that's a sight to see! The lifespan of this unique animal is between 20 and 30 years. In the wild, their biggest threats are predators like eagles and even

baboons. It depends on where the flamingo residesâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;their habitat is diverse and is spread over several continents. Their ability to adapt to climate and habitat is why this species has survived millions of years. It would be a tragedy to lose these elegant creatures for future generations. Currently, flamingos are not considered endangered, although many scientists believe their numbers are dwindling. For example, one of the biggest threats right now to their natural habitat is in Tanzania around Lake Natron. This is due to a factory in the area that produces soda in this part of Africa. The amount of salt in the water changes often due to this plant and that makes it hard for the flamingos to always find enough food or enough fresh water to survive. Essentially, any pollution of the waters or global warming will pose a threat to their survival. Keeping our waters free of chemicals and being environmentally responsible is a call we must all heed and spread the word...which is my primary reason for writing this column each month: to preserve our vast and impressive animal kingdom. So, here's a toast to the pretty pink birds that for some reason always make me think of Palm Beach! I enjoyed our photo session and although I knew the birds wouldn't let me get near them, it was still fun to be up close and personal and watch their behaviors, study their fabulous color variations and marvel at their unique bodies. And...given their monogamous relationships, I thought it was apropos that our photographer, Prudence, captured the two birds making a heart... way to go Pru! Houston PetTalk Magazine

CONSERVATION CORNER As appreciative supporters of nature and wildlife, we at Houston PetTalk want to promote education and conservation of the world’s animal population. Each month we bring you information on conservation efforts that are of special interest or have some connection to Houston through the Houston Zoo or other local organizations. This issue, we are highlighting whooping crane conservation efforts. Look for other upcoming conservation stories so that you too can help save a species.

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his summer, the Houston Zoo is proud to open the first major exhibit of the Keeping Our World Wild centennial campaign–-Texas Wetlands. Texas Wetlands at the

By: Lauren Wappler, Houston Zoo

Photos Stephanie Adams, Houston Zoo

SAVING WHOOPING CRANES IN THE WILD

Houston Zoo brings together three native Texas species-- bald eagles, whooping cranes, and American alligators-- in a lush coastal wetland habitat. Thanks to the Endangered Species Act and the efforts of Texans, these

three species, once close to extinction, now thrive in the state. While bald eagles and alligators have been ambassadors to the zoo for years, the opening of Texas Wetlands brings a new species-- the whooping crane. Weighing around 15 pounds, and standing at nearly five feet tall, the whooping crane is hard to overlook. Adults are easy to spot with their bright white feathers and accents of crimson red on the top of their head. It may be hard to believe that such a big bird could have lived near a busy city like Houston, but a long time ago whooping cranes could be found right here in Houston’s backyard. As efforts increase to protect them, they will come back! To help save whooping

cranes in the wild, the Houston Zoo partners with the International Crane Foundation (ICF). The zoo supports and trains wildlife professionals that work to increase awareness and empathy for protecting wild whooping cranes by leading educational programs at community events and nature festivals around the whooping crane wintering grounds in Aransas. Earlier this year Houston Zoo staff traveled to Port Aransas, Texas, to attend the Whooping

Crane Festival, hosted by ICF. This section of the Texas coast is the only place to see the world’s last naturally-occurring population of whooping cranes. Festival-goers gathered to celebrate an enormous wildlife victory; an increase in the world’s whooping crane population! In the 1940s the whooping crane population dropped to below 15 birds. Thanks to many dedicated individuals and protection efforts this number has climbed to more than 500. While at

the Whooping Crane Festival, zoo staff saw family groups of wild whooping cranes foraging for blue crabs and wolf berries in their winter wetland habitat. Guests, too, can see this iconic species up close at the zoo in the new Texas Wetlands exhibit when it opens this summer and learn what steps to take to help save this native Texan. Simply by visiting the zoo to see whooping cranes, visitors help save whooping cranes in the wild.

Houston PetTalk Magazine

SNIFF THE SCENT We all know our pets occasionally sport some body odor that’s less than inviting, so help mom keep the house smelling pawesome with this scented candle from amazon.com.

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