Houston PetTalk June 2020

June 2020

Meet Miss Earth USA Libby Hill

LOVE YOUR PET

Naturally » chemical free products » essential oils 101 » all natural food

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Senior Paws aims to fill the growing need for improved client engagement and exceptional care. We exist to improve the health and quality of life for older pets while putting family values and preferences at the heart of important decisions.

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

ON THE COVER

SAY HELLO TO LIBBY HILL, MISS EARTH USA, AND HER PUP LOUIE WHO GRACIOUSLY POSED FOR OUR COVER PROMOTING A HEALTHY, TOXIC-FREE LIFESTYLE WITH OUR PETS. A BIG THANK YOU TO RPM LIVING FOR ALLOWING US TO PHOTOGRAPH AT ONE OF THEIR LUXURY LIVING COMMUNITIES, THE DAWSON. PHOTOGRAPHY BY PRUDENCE ALLWEIN.

HOUSTON PETTALK MAGAZINE 14781 Memorial Drive, Ste. 510, Houston, Texas 77079 281-556-6560 Art Director: ANDREW BURWELL

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f there is one thing that seems to be on many people’s minds, it's health. Given the pandemic, it’s no wonder that health concerns pervade our minds and conversations but even if we weren’t facing this terrible virus, protecting our bodies from illness and disease is a primary concern. I will say that when I was young and I would hear people say “if you don’t have good health, nothing else matters”, I let that adage go in one ear and out the other but now that I’m older and my body is aging, health takes center stage. I find myself looking for lifestyle changes, supplements, quality foods, lotions, serums…basically anything to fight aging and disease. Adding to this, seeking good health is not limited to just ourselves but also to our children and pets.

Specifically as it relates to pets, we are their stewards and caretakers and it’s up to us to make all of their choices relating to health and safety because they have no ability to make those decisions for themselves. Our dog has no choice in the strong chemicals we mop the floor with and he has to inhale it all day as he lays on the floor.

Our cat has no choice but to breathe in the chemicals used to clean the kitchen counters. Our pets also have no choice in the quality of food they eat or even the emotional stress we may unintentionally inflict upon them with our lifestyle and actions.

I don’t think I have to make the argument that our pet’s lives literally are in our hands and dependent on our decisions and that’s the very reason we are focusing on finding toxic free, all natural solutions for our animal’s health. The primary impetus to

choosing this topic for our feature story this month actually has to do with my horse. At his boarding facility, there are several ladies as well as a veterinarian that use essential oils for a myriad of physical and emotional health purposes and as I’ve observed the healing power of using something other than strong chemicals, I became more drawn to the entire subject of how many toxins we are exposed to in our daily lives.

As I’ve learned more about natural solutions, I’ve began making changes in my own home. I’ve started using Young Living essential oils (due to their superior quality) plus I have switched from toxic cleaning solutions to their Thieves brand of natural cleaners.

As I began working on the topic of healthy living with our pets, the opportunity to have Miss Earth USA appear on our cover popped up. It was quite serendipitous! Libby Hill was crowned Miss Earth USA in 2019 and as a spokesperson for a healthy planet, she is the perfect fit for over cover to represent the tenets of less toxins in our life. She and her dog Louie were photographed at a beautiful, modern luxury residential community, The Dawson, an RPM Living property.

We are so grateful to RPM Living for their generosity and time to help us get just the right photos for our feature story!

We also salute Dad’s this June for Father’s Day. Check out our celebration of DAD on page 38, plus don’t miss the feature on the beautiful cheetahs. I had a blast watching their “fun run”! Enjoy this issue, enjoy June, and give a shout out to all the wonderful Fathers that you know!

© Copyright 2016. 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.

Houston PetTalk Magazine

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s long as there has been man, there has been good and evil, freedom to choose right actions or wrong actions, to be kind and giving or to be mean and vindictive.

Then there is the canine world. As long as there has been dog, there has been good dogs and bad dogs. And, as long as there has been cat…well… don’t get me started.

The difference between good man vs. bad man and good dog vs. bad dog is extraordinary. Unfortunately the biggest differences are on the bad side. Man that is bad or evil will look to inflict damage on other men based on jealousy, hatred of self, greed, coveting and possessiveness. I really have a hard time wrapping my canine familiaris brain around these character flaws.

In the dog world, we are not jealous or looking for underhanded ways to undermine others. We are very straightforward. If you are petting my compadre and I also want you to pet me on the head, I will just plainly nudge the other head out of the way.

Very simple.

Next there is greed. Greed is defined as an intense selfish desire for something like wealth, power or food. The only thing we relate to is number 3 on that list. You can buy us a cardboard doghouse or a $1000 Taj Mutt Hal bed and we really don’t care.

We don’t need to be President of the Neighborhood Fire Hydrant Preservation Committee. But try to take our food and that’s a serious infraction.

Moving on to possessiveness or being controlling and wanting to keep all of your “toys in your toybox” so others can’t have them. To me, that’s just a big “grow up”. Do you really have any possessions that are so valuable that sharing them would damage you?

I can’t imagine being in a self-imposed

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doghouse for life just standing by watching over my possessions waiting to pounce on anyone that dare come near them. Perhaps my disdain for this childish behavior springs from the Dragon Lady who watches over the cupboard lest I go on an eating

binge.

In the dog world, we define this as being a bone-head.

Twoleggers need to realize that selflessness and goodwill make for a much better party in life.

We spend all day trying to figure out how to have fun… we sniff for great smells, chase balls, gobble down food, take a nap, bark at the mailman, play some more, roll over for belly rubs. We spend no time thinking of how to make other 4-leg-

gers miserable.

And that brings us to coveting. Man is prone to coveting others possessions or spouses and will go to extraordinary lengths to hide, cheat and steal to have them. We understand none of this. If we have a possession we don’t want you to have, like a well-aged bone, we stand our ground and fight straight up to keep it. We don’t say “Hey, Huie, look…there’s one babe of a beagle trotting by” and then steal your bone when you’re not looking. And, we don’t sneak around with mates we desire. As a species, we are happy to share.

We don’t care if the one we are attracted to was enjoying a moment with another yesterday.

Actually, we don’t even care if it was 5 minutes ago. We just want our minute and off we go.

Man may think he is the superior species but perhaps that’s just a self-indulged precept supported by the theory that man’s brain is more highly evolved for decision making and strategy skills. I humbly submit that if those highly evolved skills are used to accentuate the bad, i.e. greed, jealously, possessiveness, then I will happily remain a dumb but good dog.

P.S. I couldn’t think of anything to say about bad dogs.

Author’s prerogative.

Perhaps this quote sums it up: “Dogs are great.

Bad dogs, if you can really call them that, are perhaps the greatest of them all.” ~ John Grogan, author of Marley & Me: Life and Love with the World's Worst Dog.

Illustration by Jim Tweedy, Colorized by Desiree Lonsway

Henrietta

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WHERE IN THE WORLD IS PETTALK? SEND YOUR TRAVEL PHOTOS FEATURING PETTALK

You never know where on this planet you might find a PetTalk reader enjoying their copy! If you’ve snapped a travel pic of one of our readers, send your photo to info@houstonpettalk.com.

ENJOYING THE EMERALD COAST OF FLORIDA IN DESTIN

Practicing social distancing and reading the latest issue of PetTalk, Kaia Mantor is soaking up the sun in Destin. Thanks for sharing Kaia...and we LOVE the military plane in the background!

DOGGIE DAYCARE | OVERNIGHT SLEEPOVER | SPA TREATMENT

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CALL TODAY!

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You can join our pack in a few ways:

We Need you

to join our pack

Raise awareness for the PAW Grant. Share it with your friends, family, and coworkers Donate to the PAW Grant In-person. Ask our client care team to round up your bill to the nearest dollar when checking out. SLVS24EC saw almost 20,000 new pets in 2019. If every pet owner rounded up to the nearest dollar, those pennies would have generated more than $10,000 On-line. You can donate to the PAW Grant through the bit.ly link, then join our online Facebook Group for PAWtners to get updates on when grants are released, what the PAW Grant is doing, and insider information to all of SLVS24EC

A pack is an extended family group and the great thing is, you get to choose your pack.

When a pet is brought to SLVS24EC, we know it is one of the darkest days of that pet’s life and in the life of their family. When you choose SLVS24EC to help you at that time, you become part of our pack- our extended family group. Our goal is to get that pet well or to extend the time that pet feels well until it’s time to say goodbye.

For all of our diagnostic capabilities, talented specialists and emergency doctors, advanced veterinary nurses and support staff, we cannot achieve wellness for pets on our own.

Pet parents who come to SLVS24EC are good pet parents but there are times that the cost to achieve wellness is higher than they can afford. We offer payment plans through Scratch Pay and Care Credit, accept every single major credit or debit card, and take donations from family or friends over the phone to help cover the cost to achieve wellness.

Sometimes, that’s still not enough and pet parents need additional help. Our dedicated team, tired of having their hands tied by these situations outside of their control, wanted to do more. They wanted to be a different kind of veterinary specialty and emergency hospital. That’s how the PAW (Packs Achieve Wellness) Grant was created, from our dedicated teams burning desire to do more- be more. But we can’t do it alone.

Join our pack and donate to the PAW Grant by going here:

© 2020 Lakefield Veterinary Group

THE DISH THE HOUSTON HUMANE SOCIETY GIVES BACK

HHS GIVES OVER 115,00LBS OF PET FOOD TO THE COMMUNITY T he COVID-19 pandemic has shaken the entire world and its shock waves have unfortunately hit the homes of many pet owners in the city of Houston. With over 2 million people filing

for unemployment in Texas, the struggle is real for thousands of families. Keeping a roof over their heads and bringing food to their human table has become a monumental challenge for many, and thus for pets the situation can seem even

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more grim. “When humans suffer, pets also suffer and even more at times. We at the Houston Humane Society want to help our community get through this tough time by alleviating some financial stress and providing free pet food, both dry and canned, to them through our Pet Pantry program”, says Executive Director of the Houston Humane Society, Gary Poon.

The Pet Pantry Program of the Houston Humane Society was created in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

The first Pet Pantry occurred on March 20th and was set up as a drive-through. Individuals were instructed to stay in their cars. The pet food was pre-packaged in plastic bags and given to them according to their specific need.

On opening day, cars began lining up 2 hours before the event opened and continued coming for over four hours.

Mr. Poon explains that after that first day it was evident that the Pet Pantry program had to grow in order to keep pets fed and together with their owners.

With an unwavering vision to keep pet tummy’s warm and full, the Houston Humane Society has since partnered with several community organizations, Precincts, City Council Members and Harris County Commissioners to make feeding thousands of pets a reality.

Through HHS' various partnerships and hardworking staff and volunteers, the Houston Humane Society has held a total of 28 Pet Pantry drive-thrus and given out 116,750lbs of pet food to the Houston community and surrounding areas. Six events were offsite in different community locations and in total over 5,000 households have obtained pet food through this program. One woman that attended the Pet pantry at Harris County Precinct 2 with Commissioner Adrian Garcia stated, “I think this is such a great idea, you are helping so many families because many have little animals and we also love them, and we are very appreciative of what you are doing.”

By helping families feed their pets, the Houston Humane Society helps people take care of their furry children properly and more importantly helps keep them with their loving owners, reducing the number of pets abandoned during the pandemic.

NEW ADDITION

SUGAR LAND VETERINARY SPECIALISTS ANNOUNCE ADDITION OF PETCURE ONCOLOGY

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ugar Land Veterinary Specialists (SLVS) is excited to announce that their hospital's specialty family is growing by one! Led by boardcertified Radiation Oncologist Dr. Cassie Wilcox, the new PetCure Oncology at SLVS team specializes in treating pet cancer with advanced radiation therapy.

Along with chemotherapy and oncological surgery treatments, PetCure's targeted radiation treatments allow their hospital to offer completely comprehensive cancer care to all pets.

And with their 3,000 sq ft expansion nearing completion as well as a new Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine dialing up their imaging abilities, SLVS is able to offer more advanced and more compassionate care than ever before. Come see why pets love the SLVS vets! Visit Sugar Land Veterinary Specialists at 1515 Lake Pointe Prkwy in Sugar Land or learn more online at slvetspecialists.com.

EVENT NEWS

ANNUAL HOUSTON WORLD SERIES OF DOG SHOWS CANCELLED

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he Houston World Series of Dog Shows, the member clubs and the show committees regrettably announced the cancellation of their shows, July 15-19, 2020 at NRG Center.

In a message from the show President, Tom Pincus noted, “We have studied all aspects of the current public orders, social distancing rules as well as the AKC guidance.

We tried to incorporate best practices suggested by many to ensure the health and wellbeing of all in attendance. We thank the many people who have shared suggestions with their in-depth knowledge of large indoor shows. After considering all of these ideas and discussing the challenges with our facility’s manager, we agreed our series could not provide the appropriate social distancing requirements.”

The decision was clearly a tough one and left many Houstonians disappointed but understanding the reasons. The show is an icon in the Houston dog community, originating in 1977 with two Show of the Year awards by Purina and Dog News. The show would like to thank all of the exhibitors, judges, vendors, sponsors and guests who have supported them in the past. We all look forward to an even bigger, better event in 2021.

The show is always scheduled for the third weekend in July so be sure to mark your calendar for next year’s doggy extravaganza!

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THE DISH HORSE NOW SAFELY WITH HOUSTON SPCA EQUINE RESCUE TEAM

POLICE SEEKING INFORMATION ON SEVERELY EMACIATED HORSE ABANDONED IN BROOKSHIRE W

E NEED THE PUBLIC’S HELP: A severely emaciated horse who witnesses say was dumped on the side of the road off 11th Street and Hwy 359 in Brookshire is now safely with the Houston SPCA’s Equine Rescue Team. Equine veterinarian, Dr. DeChant, said the 16-year-old mare is tough and showing a strong will to live. “Considering the horrible condition she is in, and how much she has apparently suffered, she is one tough girl,” said DeChant. In addition to starvation, Dr. DeChant adds her coat is matted with manure and the lack of farrier care has been causing a tremendous amount of pain to her feet and tendons. The rescue organization has already introduced a slow re-feeding plan, and will provide a therapeutic hoof treatment during her rehabilitation.

The Brookshire Police Department and Houston SPCA Animal Cruelty Investigations are asking anyone with information to please email the Houston SPCA at info@houstonspca.org or call Brookshire Police Department at 281-375-5000.

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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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Lake Jackson VCA LAKE JACKSON ANIMAL HOSPITAL 210 That Way Lake Jackson, TX 77566 979-297-3044 VCAlakejackson.com store.VCAlakejackson.com Pasadena VCA ANIMAL MEDICAL CENTER OF PASADENA 5018A Fairmont Parkway Pasadena, TX 77505 281-487-8233 VCApasadena.com store.VCApasadena.com

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Spring VCA SPRING ANIMAL HOSPITAL 1811 Spring Cypress Spring, TX 77388 281-353-5167 VCAspring.com store.VCAspring.com

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Management Services Provided by VCA Animal Hospitals • Animal Healthcare of Texas, P.C. Rocky McKelvey, DVM - owner

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Spring/The Woodlands VCA WOODLANDS ANIMAL HOSPITAL 428 Rayford Road Spring, TX 77386 281-367-7553 VCAwoodlands.com store.VCAwoodlands.com

Texas City VCA MAINLAND ANIMAL HOSPITAL 3015 Palmer Highway Texas City, TX 77590 409-948-8401 VCAmainland.com Shop store.VCAmainland.com

Tomball Sugar Land VCA TOMBALL VCA SOUTHWEST FREEWAY VETERINARY HOSPITAL ANIMAL HOSPITAL 28800 Tomball Pkwy 15575 SW Freeway Tomball, TX 77375 Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-351-5441 281-491-8387 VCAtomball.com VCAswfreeway.com Shop store.VCAswfreeway.com Shop store.VCAtomball.com

AT VCA ANIMAL HOSPITALS, WE CARE

PHOTO CONTEST!

CELEBRATE RED, WHITE & BLUE IN THIS AMERICAN-INSPIRED PHOTO CONTEST

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s America pulls together and stands strong in a time of difficulty, the true grit of our nation shines through. We are blessed to be Americans and we want to celebrate the Red, White & Blue showcasing pets and patriotisim.

Take a photo of your dog, cat, horse, ferret or any other furry friend in their best American-Inspired ensemble and enter the Pets & Patriotism Photo Contest sponsored by our friends at VERGI 24/7. Upload photos from June 1 to June 10, public voting will take place from June 11-17. The winner will be chosen by VERGI’s staff and will receive a Gift Basket full of goodies and a VIP card for services at VERGI’s 24/7 Animal Hospital. ALL participants will be printed in our July Patriotic Issue of PetTalk. To ENTER, visit houstonpettalk.com and click on the banner or visit our FACEBOOK page facebook.com/houstonpettalk for links to the contest. All photos must be original, no

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stock photos please. Photos should be at least 1 MB to be printed in the July issue.

ABOUT VERGI 24/7

VERGI is a 24-hour 7-days a week emergency and critical care facility located at 8921 Katy Frwy, providing emergency and specialized veterinary care for companion animals. As a cohesive team of dedicated doctors, technicians and client support services, they collectively offer advanced knowledge in critical emergency care with honor and integrity. VERGI is also a great resource to the community and consistently “gives back” through programs such as VERGI To The Rescue, which supports the local pet rescue community, and through the H.O.P.E. Fund, which utilizes donations to assist critical care clients in pursuing treatment that might otherwise be unaffordable for their beloved pet. Learn more about VERGI 24/7 at vergi247.com.

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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!

#SHAREWITHUS! HI

1. @maceyandmax Boop the snoot 2. @camithebunny I’ve done a lot of exercising today! All day I’ve exercised my God-given right to do nothing.

3. @snooptheddog @chickfila was having a two for one special today guess I got lucky guys and snagged me this pretty gurl “Eat Mor Chikin guys #dogsofinstagram #dogsofhoustonheights #twinsofinstagram #dogtwinslife #happypuppy #pettalkmagazine #houstondog #dogsofwashingtonheights #chickfila

MY BARKDAY

4 @ thepawsfamilyy May the Fourth Be With You! Celebrating that I am T W O today with lots of birthday cookies and a Star Wars movie marathon!

5. @bailey_and_gracie_the_ tzus Happy Monday everyone!

Bailey here and I just wanted to say thank you so much for all of the wonderful birthday wishes, posts and stories!

6. @buckley_the_dalmatian S potted.Turning.One . Today’s my very FIRST BARKDAY!!! I had a woof-tastic day with lots of cake!

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PUPS OF INSTAGRAM 7. @louiedabully2020 Happy Sunday PUPS! After potty time I enjoy exploring our front yard.

Beautiful day #englishbulldog #englishbulldogsofinstagram #dogslife #dogsofinstagram #puppylife #puppiesofinstagram #3monthpuppy #kinglouie #pettalkmagazine 8. @bernedood.beau Happy Monday! Puppuccino anyone?

9. @maximus_the_palace_pup My adopted mommy likes to hold me like a baby and sing me to sleep and I really like it if you can’t tell #htown #baby #furbulousearsclub #pettalk

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MEET MISS EARTH USA LIBBY HILL:

LOVE YOUR PET

Naturally

By Michelle Mantor and Contributing Writers Photos: PhotographyByPrudence.com unless otherwise noted.

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t's become a fact of our reality that we are barraged with harmful chemicals everywhere we look–processed foods, hair and body care products, beverages, household cleaners, pest control, paint, flip-flops, yoga mats, the foam in your sofa, teflon pans, toothpaste, plastics, mercury in fish, candles, aluminum foil, swimming pools and yes, even your mattress and pillow. It's terrifying that the list could fill up this entire magazine! I am aware that our environment and daily life is surrounded by toxins but I had no idea the extent until I began my research for this feature story. It's a sad state of the human living condition that society has created so many chemicals, many times to make life more convenient, but ultimately we are harming ourselves...and our animals.

With research, commitment and a change in shopping and lifestyle habits, we can minimize our toxicity exposure but our pets cannot unless we do it for them. We are their stewards, hence, it is our responsibility to keep them healthy and safe. I figured if I was unaware of some of the things I do that expose my pets to harmful chemicals, you might be unaware as well and welcome some helpful information on the things you can do to provide a more natural-focused lifestyle. For instance, my choice of household cleaning products was atrocious! My pets lay on the very floor that is cleaned with strong, toxic chemicals and they are breathing the air that it permeates as well.

That really isn't fair to our animals at all. I have now switched to the Thieves line of all natural

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cleaners by Young Living, on the advice of my equine vet (see her article Is Your Home A Safe Zone on page 24). There are options but you need to research the ingredients. Just because it says "natural", isn't always the case.

Back in 2008, the Environmental Working Group conducted a study that found that pets are polluted “with even higher levels of many of the same synthetic industrial chemicals that researchers have recently found in people, including newborns.” The study adds that “the results show that America’s pets are serving as involuntary sentinels of the widespread chemical contamination that scientists increasingly link to a growing array of health problems across a wide range of animals—wild, domesticated and human.”

Yikes! So, with my newfound knowledge, I have changed my household cleaners, thrown out toxic candles and Febreze, diffuse only 100% certified pure essential oils, purchased chemical free toys and biodegradable waste bags, switched from tap to filtered water, purchased a Gorilla Dog Bed (the foam is certified as safe and it's the BEST bed I've ever purchased from a quality perspective ) and switched to a new brand of dog treat (I was already feeding all natural food). I'm not done yet as I know there are other changes I can make, but I'm happy that I got started. I hope this feature story will give you food for thought about healthy choices for your family and pet and that you too can find ways to provide a natural, toxin-free environment for your loved ones!

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ay hello to LIbby Hill, MIss Earth USA 2019-2020, and her dog Louie, who graciously modeled for the cover in our Go Natural feature story focusing on healthy living solutions with our pets. The mission of Miss Earth USA is to provide a platform for America's women to be a voice for environmental responsibility while featuring them in fashion, media, and leadership. Some of the projects they promote include tree planting, children's education, clean-ups, water distribution, among others.

Libby holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology and is pursuing a second degree in Nutritional Sciences/Dietetics at the University of Texas at Austin.

She is currently completing her dietetic internship through the University and belongs to the Golden Key Honor Society. She is a member of the Academy of Dietetics and Nutrition and spends her time volunteering with various organizations that focus on environmental advocacy, animal welfare, and veteran communities. She is using the platform of Miss Earth USA to promote coastal preservation and educate future generations about the importance of sustainability. She was also selected as the most recent Jovani “It Girl” and enjoys modeling assignments in runway, print and commercial campaigns with Jovani and other national brands.

PetTalk would like to thank our sponsor RPM Living for the use of one of their luxury living communities, The Dawson, for our photoshoot. The property was the perfect setting! RPM LIving communities are very pet friendly and even have dog parks too!

Find out more about RPM Living on page 52.

Libby’s dog Louie patiently waits for his all-natural, no preservatives, US-sourced meat treat from Papa Psuka, available at Carter’s Pet Market, located in the Echo Lane Shopping Center on Katy Frwy.

By: Libby Hill, Miss Earth USA 2109-2020

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he choices we make for our animals directly affect their health and the health of our planet. As Miss Earth USA, I’m always looking for ways to live more sustainably, including how I care for my pets. To ensure the lowest “carbon paw-print,” I build my shopping list based on the waste generated by each purchase or action, and the products or ingredients used. My dog, Louie, can vaporize a chew toy in two seconds flat, so choosing toys made of recycled materials and natural fibers instead of plastic or synthetic components goes a long way. If you’re on the DIY train, you can also opt to make your own toys from repurposed household items.

Next on the topic of waste is properly handling the waste our four-legged friends generate. My cat, Tubbs, uses a clay-based

litter, which is naturally biodegradable and doesn’t contain harsh chemicals or perfumes associated with clumping or scent control.

If you’re a dog owner, please be responsible about cleaning up after your dogs—pet waste can wash into the city drainage system and the natural waterways and negatively affect water quality. I highly encourage the use of biodegradable bags for walks, and if you have a private yard, you can compost the waste.

While dogs and cats probably shouldn’t go vegan for the sake of sustainability, as a pet owner you can choose foods that are natural, organic, free of preservatives, and sourced from animals with smaller environmental impact. Instead of beef, pick a chicken or sustainably sourced fish-based food for your pet. The same goes for treats; I’m constantly remind-

ing Louie that “love is a treat,” but when it’s deserved, he gets mostly freeze-dried and dehydrated treats while Tubbs gets refrigerated raw cat treats to cut down on additives and preservatives. If you’re feeling lost in all the available options, research the pet brand you’re considering. If a company is environmentally conscious, they will most likely share this in the mission statement on their website.

Lastly, I urge all animal lovers looking for a new furry friend to adopt, not shop. Shelters do amazing work for the community, but many don’t have the option to choose sustainable food or toys because they operate from donations. Donating sustainable options to your local shelter or rescuing an animal allows you to save a life and make more environmentally conscious decisions for that pet.

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IS YOUR HOME

O

A Safe Zone?

By: Dr. Lori A. Miller, MS, All About Equine Veterinary Services, PC

Photo courtesy of YoungLiving.com

ur homes should be a safe place, or a sanctuary, for us and our pets. It should be a healthy environment, but is it? Unfortunately the statistics would say no! As cancers, allergies, and autoimmune diseases continue to increase in humans, these diseases are also increasing in our pets.

Ironically these diseases are not increasing at the same rate in animals that don’t live in our homes. I am an equine veterinarian and I do treat a significant amount of skin cancer in horses, mostly due to their sun exposure.

However, other forms of cancer are still uncommon in horses and other livestock. This would lead one to believe the environment is actually healthier outside than in our homes. So what is in our homes that is toxic to us and our pets?

VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS

The first thing that comes to my mind is VOCs or Volatile Organic Compounds. That doesn’t sound too bad but they can cause headaches, respiratory disorders, cancers, and liver, kidney and nervous system disorders.

The first things I think of are air fresheners, candles, and wax burners. We all want our homes to smell good, but we need better options. We utilize essential oil diffusers in our home that not only smell good but also purify our air of bacterias, molds, and viruses.

Another way to minimize exposure is proper ventilation. When the weather is nice, open the windows and let some fresh air in.

PESTICIDES

Pesticides are another common toxin found in most homes. Pesticides cause eye, nose, and throat irritation, damage our nervous system, and increase our risk of cancer, Parkinson’s disease, miscarriage, and birth defects.

Most fruits, vegetables, and commercially raised meats contain pesticides. Washing your food with a fruit and veggie wash is so important. We utilize Thieves fruit and veggie soak for our fruits, vegetables and even our meats.

Pest control products and chemical lawn treatments don’t just kill pests. There are safe alternatives to pest control like diatomaceous earth that kills a variety of insects, including fleas, but are not toxic to humans and animals.

FUNGUS AND MOLD

Fungus and mold is a big problem in our part of the country, especially after all of the hurricanes and flooding in the past few years.

Mycotoxins are the toxins released from mold.

They have been linked to irritation of mucus

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membranes, suppression of the immune system and cancer. Running a dehumidifier to keep the humidity in our home below 60% can reduce the amount of mold and mycotoxins.

Melaleuca Alternifolia, also known as Tea Tree, is a powerful anti-fungal agent. Tea tree oil can be diffused or sprayed on location to kill mold.

Changing your filters in your heating and cooling systems and installing a UV light in your system can greatly reduce your exposure. If you suspect you have mold in your home, have it tested.

PHTHALATES

Phthalates are industrial compounds that are found in fragrances and plastics. Phthalates are endocrine disruptors because they can mimic hormones. This is especially concerning in pregnant or developing humans and animals. Our culture has decided that everything has to have a fragrance. Unfortunately 99.9% of the fragrance used in home care, personal care, and pet care products is synthetic, and it contains phthalates and other toxic chemicals.

Companies do not have to tell you what the “fragrance” is in their products. It is considered proprietary. When we went through our kitchen, bathrooms, and laundry room and detoxed our home, it was a game changer. We use the entire line of Thieves home care and oral care products. What you clean your floors with really matters, especially for your children and your pets. Our skin is our largest organ and it absorbs everything it touches. Everything that is absorbed through our skin goes into our bloodstream. If a product is not safe

for internal consumption, then you shouldn’t be putting it on your skin.

It is estimated that most babies are born with over 200 chemicals in their bodies. Adults have between 400 and 800 chemicals in their bodies, mostly stored in fat cells. We can assume that the same is true for our pets. There is no way that this constant bombardment of toxins is not going to eventually take a toll on our bodies. It is impossible to eliminate our exposure to all chemicals, but we can make better choices for ourselves and our pets.

SIMPLE STEPS FOR IMPROVING HEALTH

M

At the same time that I was dealing with these health struggles, I had two horses and a dog that also had inflammatory issues. I studied and experienced both successes and failures along the way. I studied nutrition. I utilized laboratories to test hay, grass, blood, hair, and saliva. The more natural my protocols and diets were for the animals, the healthier they became. I wish I could say they were all simple fixes, but we are all individuals with different underlying causes.

However, there is a great way to trouble shoot and simplify the process of improving health in a few steps.

BREATHE HEALTHY AIR

Being aware of the quality of the air you and your pets breath is definitely a start, as well as increasing lung capacity with exercise. There are several nutritional supplements such as anti-oxidants that help in this area, but did you know that utilizing essential oils of plants increases oxygen throughout your body? For many years, I had been utilizing essential oils for things such as infections, but I never realized the benefit of daily use to oxygenate the body and provide anti-inflammatory assistance.

WATER CONSUMPTION:

It is important to be hydrated to help move toxins out of your body. It is of course very important to also keep pets hydrated, especially in the Texas climate. Given the level of toxins in our diets and environment, hydrating properly, is an easy (and cheap) fix for improving health.

FOOD INTAKE

The final focus should be on the food and supplements we put into our body and feed our animals. My body was so overwhelmed that I couldn’t even tell which foods were the problem. After doing an elimination diet for myself, my horses, and my dog, I could tell what foods made us fatigued, gassy, caused headaches, etc. Given time, our guts can heal with the right assistance.

Trouble shooting and diagnosing is not an easy task because every body is different.

My intuition has improved with each new situation that arises. The body is a combination of many complicated systems. I strongly believe that God has designed us to be able to heal with the correct support of those systems by utilizing His creation of plants, clean water, exercise, and using lots of caution with the products we use.

Photo courtesy of YoungLiving.com

y animals and I struggle with food allergies and health issues and given that I have about a million pets, poor health can be debilitating. When I say a million pets, I promise I’m not exaggerating.

I have 14 bee hives with 100,000 bees each, which puts the number of critters pretty high at this ranch. Then there are the ducks, cats, rabbits, dogs, horses, and miniature donkeys to attend. Keeping up with my health as well as my animal’s care can be overwhelming.

I am an avid learner and love delving into the “why” of the health issues. The tendency to put a “band-aid” on surface issues is very frustrating to me and I’ve never wanted a temporary health fix; I want to know how things work and why parts of the body quit working. Thanks to my quest for knowledge, the severe allergies I once had are gone. I also had an accident that triggered autoimmune tendencies throughout my body, but thankfully my inflammatory issues are under control now and the extreme fatigue and brain fog are gone as well.

By: Shannon Birkelbach, Five Horses LLC

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Essential Oils By: MIchelle Mantor

To purchase or learn more about the Young Living products mentioned in this feature, including the Thieves product line, Animal Scents or other essential oils and products, visit: myyl.com/furtheloveofhealth

our family or our pets, it is of utmost importance to choose quality oils. When I first began using essential oils in a diffuser, I had no idea about quality and purchased some oils at a big retailer. After a couple of uses, there was golden-brown “gunk” in my diffuser that

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was sticky and required cleaning. I stopped taking the time to use the oils because I didn’t want to clean the diffuser with alcohol every other day so I just let the practice die away. Then I began hearing the ladies at the barn where my horse boards discuss the essential oils they were using on their horses, dogs, themselves, husbands, etc. and as I listened to their stories of success in treating various ailments or enhancing overall wellness and state of mind, I started asking questions and learning more. I was truly impressed by the “naturalness” of the approach because like most people, I want to learn how to get rid of toxins, chemicals and other bad actors that are unfortunately part of our everyday lives. I relayed my experience of the “gunky” oils and quickly learned that I was using synthetic substances rather than 100% pure essential oils. I thought to myself, “Well that is really crazy. I’ve been diffusing chemicals into my household which is the exact opposite of my intentions.”

I then went on to investigate how to determine the quality of oils and found there are a number of factors to consider: » Botanical origin » Part of the plant used » Cultivation and harvest techniques » Time of harvest » Method of oil production » Length and method of storage after production.

One of the primary factors that is super important is the quality of the actual plant.

Does the manufacturer know if the farm is truly organic? What is the quality control?

In the essential oils industry, there is scientific testing that can determine exactly what is in the bottle or if other elements have been added (like almond oil or other carrier oils for example) and reputable companies will have their oils third party tested and release the results.

Determining quality through the factors above is important so that you know you are working with a pure product that will have the properties of the plant from which they are derived, so do your homework before choosing a brand.

After researching the subject and trying a few different oils from some of the mosttrusted, best reviewed brands, I settled on Young Living because of their Seed to Seal promise. They literally own their farms all

over the world and have 100% control over quality. I will say that the high quality oils are not cheap (if an oil is inexpensive, you are most likely getting what you pay for) but these oils are going in my body and my pet’s body so it’s worth paying for the quality. Plus, they are pure enough that only a drop or two is needed in most situations. So, I’m happy to report no more gunk in my diffusers!

USING OILS WITH ANIMALS

Anytime you use a product on your pet that will be given orally or go into the body via air, you need to know that what you are doing is safe. Some oils are appropriate for topical only, while others are fine for ingestion. Safety also varies by species, by the size of the animal, etc. When I diffuse Lavender at bedtime, I can tell my dog settles down right away and relaxes but I always leave the bedroom door open so that she has a way out if the smell becomes too strong for her.

I also have a “senior”dog that was abused before I adopted her, so she is very fearful.

I use a blend called Stress Away and I put a drop on my hands, rub them together and then rub just the essence of the oil on her fur each morning. She curls up in her bed next to my feet as I’m working and relaxes. I believe it’s important for her immune system that I do what I can naturally to relieve her fear and anxiety.

I am definitely not an expert on using oils with animals, although I’m learning day by day and I have several really good mentors.

As I’ve watched successes with the oils at the barn, I’ve become very interested in how to incorporate this ancient tradition of using the incredible plants that God gave us to live a healthier life. If we just look around, the answers to so many things are right in front of us…nature!

In an effort to learn more for myself and for any of our readers that are interested in learning about Oils With Animals, PetTalk is hosting a number of classes over the coming months at various locations around Greater Houston. To learn more and sign up for classes (they are limited due to social distancing and safety protocols), visit myyl.com/furtheloveofhealth to sign up in the events section.

I would love to meet you and discuss great ideas for keeping our pets healthy…naturally!

Photo courtesy of YoungLiving.com

T

apping into the earth’s most powerful botanicals can benefit not only ourselves, but our pets too. Extracted through careful steam distillation, resin tapping, and cold pressing, the purest essential oils are far more powerful than the botanicals from which they come. Traditionally, essential oils have enhanced lives for thousands of years and this ancient tradition has made its way into modern uses with great success.

For those seeking health solutions, natural living, emotional wellness and spiritual enhancement, the use of essential oils in everyday living can unlock a whole new lifestyle filled with many benefits.

Whether we are using oils for ourselves,

OILS FOR ANIMALS CLASSES:

If you would like to learn more about oils for animals and even participate in making DIY blends, join PetTalk’s Oils For Animals classes, taught by a veterinarian, over the coming months in various locations in Houston. Register at myyl.com/furtheloveofhealth and go to Events. If you have questions, email us at info@houstonpettalk.com.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE COMMON REASONS FOR USING ESSETINAL OILS?

1. Healthy recovery from minor scrapes 2. Immune system support 3. Calming anxieties 4. Insect repellent 5. Soothing dry, flaky or itchy skin 6. Mood elevation 7. Massaging sore muscles or other minor aches and pains

TJ Stewart and her pup Diesel enjoy diffusing oils in the common area at The Dawson, an RPM Living community in West Houston.

HOW DO I GET STARTED USING ESSENTIAL OILS?

Animals are highly sensitive to essential oils because of their olfactory abilities. What smells like a faint hint of Lavender to a person can smell like an entire field of lavender to a dog.

Go very gradual to learn what is good for your pet. Introduce oils by using them on yourself first. As a “human diffuser”, you can note your pet’s reactions. Do they want to be near you?

Do they run to the other room? Less is better when starting out. As you learn what oils your pet seems to prefer, you can diffuse them in a room but make sure your pet can leave the room when desired.

Always check with your Veterinarian first! I can't stress this enough. Every pet is an individual and may have a health history that

factors into decisions. Or, cats and dogs are not the same and tolerance is different. There are lots of factors to consider so your trusted Vet is the first place to start in making sure you are choosing safe oils, safe quantities and safe methods of application.

WHAT ARE COMMON APPLICATIONS OF ESSENTIAL OILS FOR PETS?

Oils can be administered by diffusing, topically and even orally. Remember, the oils are pure and strong, so when it comes to animals, oils may need to be diluted with a carrier oil.

Some brands actually have diluted blends specifically made for animals, like the Young Living Animals Scents collection, but you can easily make your own as well.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MOST COMMON ESSENTIAL OILS THAT ARE USED FOR ANIMALS?

1. Lavender 2. Frankincense 3. Geranium 4. Patchouli 5. Copaiba 6. Chamomile 7. Peppermint (often used in flea repellent) This list barely scratches the surface of the many, many oils available. You can purchase or learn to make DIY blends for diffusing, or make ointments and sprays. It’s a whole new adventure to learn about the properties of essential oils and how to use them effectively and safely for your family and pets!

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HOW DO I CHOOSE A HEALTHY DIET? W

hen Destin joined the Wag Tantrum team we were all so excited! But our joy couldn’t match his when he realized his days of abuse and neglect were behind him. A warm, dry comfy bed, tons of hugs and kisses from his new family and a steady, healthy diet worked wonders on the special-needs guy (Destin was born deaf).

As animal lovers, we all understand how important it is to provide a safe home for our furry friends.

And, by nature we are happy to shower them with love.

But diet is another story.

We all want to feed the right food, but its so confusing to know just what that is. Slick advertising by large pet food companies make all kinds of claims. So what is really true?

Animal nutritionists have long suspected that better food for our pets would result in healthier lives. And now the science is backing that up. A 2005 Purdue University study showed that a diet of fresh, leafy green vegetables slowed the development of cancer (bladder) in Scotish Terriers by 90 percent! And dogs that consumed yellow-orange vegetables reduced their cancer risk by 70 percent. (Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association) A 2019 study by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign found that “dog foods formulated with human-grade ingredients are

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highly digestible.” This is SUPER important because it means that your precious pooch is getting a high proportion of nutrients with every bite of her special diet. According to the study, “foods that use these

premium ingredients may improve coat quality or stool volume above and behond hte basic requirements.”

Good news all around!

What to feed? First, read those labels before you buy new food for your pooch.

But, read carefully. The very first ingredient should be a protein. Protein is the most important nutrient to your dog excluding water. Do not be fooled by protein meal (chicken meal, beef meal, pork meal). These are not high quality proteins. In 2015, the Enforcement Issues Committee under the Association of Animal Control Feed Officials (AAFCO) found that nearly 50 percent of pet foods on the market are mislabeled. Dry dog food seems to be the worst offender.

Next, carefully consider what your dog’s nutritional needs are.

There’s a big difference between the 60-pound hunting dog who is bred to run all day and a five-pound poodle who is content to hang around the apartment for hours at a time.

We HIGHLY recommend you then find a fresh food option for your pup. Even if your budget doesn’t allow for you to use it all the time, consider supplementing the kibble with the fresh. Research shows that every little bit counts.

Today, Destin is a happy-go-lucky guy who loves long walks, helping in the Wag Tantrum test kitchen and hanging out with the rest of the Wag Tantrum team. And with his nutritious diet, we’re confident we’ll have him around for a long time to come!

Photo courtesy of Wag Tantrum

By: Barbara Marshall, Wag Tantrum Organic Dog Food, wagtantrum.com - A Locally Based Business

THE EFFECTS OF

CBD on Pets

By: Mike Burns, CBD HealthClub, cbdhealthclub.com, A Locally Based Business

Photo courtesy of CBD HealthClub

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BD affects pets just like it does humans.

Both pets and humans have the endocannabinoid system, which runs from the brain down through the rest of the body.

This system is a very important element for improving and maintaining human and pet health.

When CBD is introduced into the pet’s system, the endocannabinoid system uses it to help control the immune system as well as other systems in an effort to maintain homeostasis. This keeps the pet’s body in a more calm and relaxed status, strengthens the pet’s ability to fight off infection and works on various maladies that pets tend to have.

Through both scientific experiments and anecdotal evidence, CBD has shown to help pets with certain ailments including: Anxiety – CBD has been used to help both dogs and cats reduce their fear and lower their anxiety against other pets, loud noises such as fireworks and lawnmowers, strangers, trips to the veterinarian and ringing doorbells.

Aggression – Loud barking and biting dogs have been controlled in some cases with CBD. Dogs that chase cars and cats can be treated with CBD on a regular basis and get results, reinforced with verbal commands during the incidents.

Seizures – Scientific studies have shown how the introduction of CBD into a pet’s systems has significantly limited the number and frequency of seizures.

Pain Relief – CBD has been used with success in reducing pain in both dogs and cats from joint or muscle pains to pet arthritis. Both CBD pet tinctures as well as topical pain cream can be used together in treating pet pain.

Antiemetic – CBD can be used to help with nausea and vomiting. A daily regimen of CBD tincture should be used with the benefits improving over time.

Allergies – There is some anecdotal evidence that CBD can help with allergies in dogs and cats. Again, an ongoing regimen of pet tincture seems to work the best.

Homeostasis – Both dogs and cats tolerate CBD oil very well. It has been shown to mellow them out and reduce their aggression by improving their homeostasis and immune system.

You might be wondering how to know the right amount to administer to your pet. First of all, you should use only THC free CBD. THC is

the element that gets humans and pets high. CBD Isolate is the right product to use, which is only made up of CBD. Next, you should always start out on the lower side of CBD strength. With smaller dogs and cats, you should treat them with a pet tincture of 500 MG, which is a dosage of 16.6 MG per day. If the animal will not take the CBD orally with a dropper, then you can put the dropper full on their pet food or treats each day. Note that this should be CBD extracted from the hemp plant, not hemp seed oil. Hemp seed oil contains very little CBD. If 500 MG does not seem to get results, you can give your pet a dropper and a half or two droppers per day and measure its effectiveness. Again, this should be a daily dose with the benefits improving over time. You should avoid pet tinctures with less than 300 MG CBD in them. That’s only 10 MG per day, which is probably too small of a dose to be effective.

When evaluating the quality of CBD oil, look for the following benchmarks for top quality oil: Certificates of Analysis (COA’s) – These are third party laboratories who analyze of all of

the elements in the bottle of CBD and they should be posted on the manufacturer’s website. If you can’t find it, then you should ask to see it to verify that the CBD is the level as promised on the labels.

Isolate, No THC – This is very important for dosing pets. Avoid full spectrum CBD oil because it contains THC. cGMP-Certified – Look for this logo on the bottle or website. It is the FDA’s guidelines for Good Manufacturing Practices and certifies that the product was made with the highest quality.

ISO-9001 Certified – This international standard provides for quality management by the manufacturer and its ability to meet regulatory and customer requirements.

Kosher Certified – This stamp of approval is by a rabbinic agency that has checked the products ingredients and the facility where it was produced to insure that it has no trace of non-kosher substances.

Additionally, you can look for Health Department Approved and Environmental Safety Approval as well.

If you follow these guidelines, you will insure that your pet receives the finest quality CBD and that they will be receiving the maximum benefits to improve their health and wellness.

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Top 3 Toxicities

SEEN IN DOGS & CATS RELATING TO

GARDENING PRACTICES

By Dr. Andrew Tesh, Bingle Vet, binglevet.com, located in Spring Branch and Katy

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reating a beautiful yard using our favorite landscaping choices of flowers, plants and shrubs is a common undertaking in Houston. Given our weather, colorful landscaping is abundant year-round but in the spring and summer in particular, we tend to see more bugs and parasites that are also enjoying our plants and flowers. So, what do we do to save our investment? The choices range from toxic chemicals to safer environmental solutions. If you have pets that have access to your yard and landscaping, it's important to be very careful in the choices you make in gardening.

Let's look at the top three toxicities seen in dogs and cats relating to gardening practices:

COMMERCIAL FERTILIZER INGESTION

Fertilizer is only toxic if eaten in large amounts (straight from the bag). If consumed in large amounts, it can cause iron poisoning.

Symptoms include GI distress and liver/ kidney failure if a large dose is ingested.

Natural Alternatives: Natural replacements are compost, earthworm castings and manure.

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GENERAL PURPOSE PESTICIDE INGESTION AND CONTACT

Pesticides are chemicals that may be used to kill fungus, bacteria, insects, plant diseases, snails, slugs, or weeds among others. Insecticides are a type of pesticide that is used to specifically target and kill insects. Although these chemicals are designed to kill insects and the like, they can be very harmful to pets. Dogs are especially at risk of inhaling or ingesting debris left on grass, eating a treated plant, or eating an undissolved pellet of water-soluble insecticide. The list of dangerous pesticide ingredients include substances such as acephate, diazinon, fenoxycarb, malathion, terbufos, just to name a few. Many pesticides contain a synthetic permethrin chemical which is especially bad for cats and small dogs. Toxicity signs include vomiting and drooling with low doses and muscle tremors and depression in higher doses.

Natural Alternatives: neem oil, garlic (oil or whole), and hot pepper spray.

COMMERCIAL SNAIL & SLUG BAIT INGESTION These critters love to munch on leafy plants so most gardeners want rid of them but beware of using slug bait. This is the most severe toxicity associated with gardening products! The products contain a chemical callled metaldehyde which causes severe GI distress and attacks the nervous system creating seizures. Ingestion is as easy as your pet walking on the bait, then licking their paw, which could result in a serious illness.

Natural Alternatives: There are natural slug baits available that contain iron phosphate, which is much safer. Other natural remedies are recycled wool pellets and copper barriers – both of which are uncomfortable for the slug or snail to move over. There are many ways to control insects safely without harming plants or animals.

The use of other plants and insects is one way to help control these pests. There are many other DIY sprays or organic solutions available so that you can have a beautiful yard as well as healthy pets!

Shop Local

FOR ALL NATURAL PRODUCTS

TOUGHEST BED, LOCALLY MADE, CERTIFIED SAFE

GO AWAY PESKY FLEAS & TICKS

With warm weather comes the unwanted pests that plague our pets: fleas and ticks. There are many products that contain harmful chemicals so be sure to select an all-natural solution like Vet's Best, which contains peppermint oil and clove extract. Get yours LOCALLY at Carter's Pet Market, 9333 Katy Fwy.

Gorilla Dog Beds, a local Houston company, is proud of their safe and durable foam inserts that are 100% Certified by Certi-PUR-USÂŽ and do not contain arsenic, lead and other harmful chemicals. Many foams in big box pet stores are Chinese made and are not certified, which can be potentially dangerous for your pet. Gorilla Dog Beds are highly durable too! Order online at gorilladogbeds.com.

NATURAL STRESS RELIEF

Bach Flower Remedies are all natural essences used in healing. Rescue Remedy is specifically for animals who are impatient, fearful, and have been through traumatic situations. With July 4th around the corner, it's also good for animals who fear fireworks.

Purchase at Believe In Dog Training, believeindogtraining.com, 1029 W. 26th St. 77008.

100% SWEET POTATO

You can't get any more natural than 100% sweet potato, which is why Sam's Yams Bichon Fries are so popular with pet parents who know the harmful ingredients in some pet treats, chews and foods. Dogs love them and you can feel good about giving your pup a healthy treat! Available at A Dog's Life Pet Salon, 7812 Louetta Rd, Spring, 77379.

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CHILL OUT Keeping it Cool, when it 's Hot! CYPRESS CUSTOM POOLS

There is no better way to keep cool in Texas weather than a pool like this!! You don't have to leave home to have a great time. A pool can help you spend quality time with family and make awesome memories!

CHILL OUT DUDE!

Perfect for Houston, this cooling jacket absorbs water quickly, but releases it slowly.

Using water absorbing, polymer crystals, the evaporative process allows heat to physically transfer from the dog to the jacket, similar to our bodies cooling through perspiration.

Available at koashouse.com.

BRAIN FREEZE

Boss Dog Brand Greek Frozen Yogurt treats use 100 percent human grade, non-GMO ingredients. The peanut butter and banana, cheddar and bacon and pumpkin cinnamon flavors contain protein, prebiotics and live and active cultures. Lactose free. Purchase at one of many locations in Houston. Find a location at bossdogbrand.com.

LOVELY BUBBLY

Designed to prevent stagnant water, this unique bubbling pet fountain is ideal for cats and small dogs.

The continuous bubbling stream attracts your pet, encouraging them to drink more water throughout the day for improved health. Fill the removable dome with water and plug in! Find yours at idealpetproducts.com.

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Keeping it Beautiful and Safe...

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Houston PetTalk Magazine

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FUR Fathers Day J une brings an appreciation of Fathers and the Houston Zoo has several animal fathers to celebrate this month. One notably large and popular father is Asian elephant Thailand, also known as Thai. At 55 years old, Thai is the oldest breeding male elephant in North America. He is also the father to all the young elephants in the herd, except for Tucker. Although male Asian elephants separate from the herd as they mature, Thai appears to be sweet and gentle in nature with how he interacts with the rest of his elephant family.

Happy Father's Day Thai!

BLESSED INDEED IS THE MAN WHO HEARS MANY GENTLE VOICES CALL HIM FATHER! —Lydia M. Child

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get him something special RELAX & UNWIND

Help DAD unwind and let stress float away with an organicinspired diffuser and a starter kit of essential oils at myyl.com/furtheloveofhealth

MAKE A MEMORY

Surprise the pet DAD in your life with a memorable keepsake...his favorite photo with his furry friend! Get yours at doggiedesign store on etsy.com.

CUP OF LOVE

TEE IT UP

JUST COASTING

SAY IT PROUD

What DOG DAD wouldn't want a constant reminder of his buddy? Personalize yours at mugsbeforedrugs at etsy.com.

If you are looking for a unique gift for the feline lover on your Father's Day shopping list, check out these knit coasters from RAWANART on etsy.com.

Make the feline father in your life smile with this unique tee from Happy You Apparel, etsy.cojm.

No explanation needed. Get yours at Sterling Print Shop, etsy.com.

Houston PetTalk Magazine

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1ST

PLACE WINNER!

Stabler

Wildflower Photo Contest

C

ongratulations to this year's winner Jennifer Rames who entered her super-cute dog Stabler. We love getting all of the fun entries in our biggest contest of the year, PetTalk's Annual Pets in the Wildflowers Photo Contest sponsored by Sunset Animal Hospital. Our tradition is to print ALL entries because they are adorable and they make us

Finalist

Ansel

smile! Finalists were chosen by public voting and the winner was chosen by Sunset's staff, in both novice and professional categories. Sunset Animal Hospital, located at 2959 SW Frwy, is open 24/7 offering top quality medical treatment for your pet. Thank you Sunset for your generous sponsorship!

Finalist

Jasper

Finalist

Jesse

Professional Division Winner

Pawfect Pawtraits

Professional Finalist

Simba, Pogo, Nova, Thunder, Cookie Monster, Liza

Professional Finalist

Leah & Nilla

Esther

2020 Finalist

Finalist

Nickel

Sweet Clementine

Finalist

Finalist

River

Snax

Finalist

Princess Zelda

Apache

Bella Renae

Billy

Buddy, Gunnar and Finn

Domino & Charlie

Duke & Darla

Gypsy

Jazz

Lida Rose

Lincoln

Maple & Malibu

Parsons Pearl

PorkChop

Remy

Truffle

Whitney Bear

Willow

Khushi

Oliver

Toby

Chancaux

Cody

Daisy Mae & Duke

Darla

Joplin Rose

Justice & Roger

Justice

Kenzo

Mason Bartholomew Barajas

Novalee

Oliver and Olivia

Olivier

River

Sundance & Cassidy

Sydney

TJ

Don't miss your chance to show off your pet! Watch For Regular Contests On HoustonPetTalk. com & FaceBook.com/houstonWinston

Zena

pettalk

HEALTH

THE HEAT IS ON! PROTECT YOUR PET

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Heat Stroke Prevention

s dog people, we love our dogs. We love them so much that we want to take them for walks and play outside with them.

We want them by our sides as we do yard work. However, there are times we need to love them enough to leave them home in the air conditioning.

As the temperatures are heating up here in the Houston area, we are seeing more and more dogs coming in to our hospital needing emergency treatment for heatstroke. (And while this article will focus on dogs, please be aware that cats can experience heatstroke as well. Never

byline Shana D. Richardson, PhD Vergi, Vergi247.com

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leave cats in vehicles or anywhere that they will not have adequate ventilation, shade and water.)

Your dog does not have words to tell you that he or she is hot. Your dog wants to please you and will generally keep going along until they can’t. There are cues a dog’s body will display that you need to be aware of and play close attention to: » excessive panting » a tongue, gums, inside of ears that are bright red » slowing down or stopping on walks/runs » drooling/salivating » signs of general discomfort » rapid heart rate » wide, stressed eyes » anxiety » seeking shade and water sources like puddles As distress from heat exhaustion pro-

gresses to heat stroke, you may note: » gums that have turned pale » mental dullness » loss of consciousness » vomiting » diarrhea (may become black in color) » dark or red urine » seizures » uncoordinated movement (stumbling, dizziness) » collapse Some dogs are more prone to heat exhaustion and stroke however, be aware that ALL dogs can suffer from the heat. Dogs who are older, overweight, or brachycephalic (the flat faced breeds) are often the first to suffer in the heat. Dogs with thick fur, short noses or those with pre-existing medical conditions are also more susceptible. By the way, your dog’s fur actually serves as an insulation from the heat and protection from sunburn so please do not shave them.

Dogs cannot sweat like humans do.

In order to stay cool, dogs pant and use vasodilation (their blood vessels dilate to provide rapid dispersion of heat.) As a dog’s body temperature rises above normal, heat exhaustion will set in and as it continues to rise and the mechanisms for cooling become overwhelmed and fail, heat stroke, a serious medical emergency, occurs.

If your dog suffers heat exhaustion or stroke: » get your dog to a cooler area immediately » lower the body temperature by wetting your dog thoroughly with cool water, paying close attention to keeping it on their ears, paws, stomachs and inner thighs. Do NOT use cold water as this causes the blood vessels to constrict and we need them to be rapidly circulating to disperse the heat. (For very small dogs and/or puppies, use lukewarm water instead of cool.) » provide small amounts of cool or lukewarm water » Even if your dog seems to be recovering, make a call to your regular veterinarian or emergency veterinarian for advice and maybe a visit to be sure your dog is indeed safely out of danger.

If your dog has suffered a heat stroke, lower the body temperature as best as you can as get them to an emergency veterinarian immediately.

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HEALTH

I

magine a world in which you, a pet caregiver, could obtain trusted, accurate veterinary advice virtually with the help of a licensed and credentialed veterinary professional. “Do I need to bring Leo in to see my veterinarian for this?” “Does Daisy need 24-hour care right now?” “Is it time to choose euthanasia for Tailor?” “Bo hasn’t eaten in two days - what should I do?”

Imagine having forty-five minutes to explain everything going on with your pet.

Imagine speaking with a veterinarian who has the ability to refer you to other trusted providers near you? What it comes down to is, that at the very least, virtual visits will allow veterinarians to open up a trusted channel of communication to every pet parent in their community.

Licensed veterinarians can help you catch your pet’s suffering sooner. They can talk about what’s going on with your

doing so - I can assure you will appreciate their expert opinion and time.

It is important to note that I, myself consider Telemedicine and Telehealth at Senior Paws as two different services.

My team utilizes TeleMEDICINE to access patients and families already in our senior and palliative care program - those who we’ve recently established a valid VCPR (Veterinary-Client-Pet Relationship) in the home. We’ve examined these pets inperson in the recent past. We are allowed to make specific recommendations and prescribe medications based on a visualaudio meeting. In may states, including Texas, veterinarians are not allowed to establish a valid VCPR over a virtual platform.

TeleHEALTH, on the other hand, is a type of virtual consultation with a pet owner offered by veterinary professionals

VIRTUAL VETERINARY MEDICINE

How to use and benefit from teleheath

byline

pets in detail; veterinarians can view your pets, observe the pet’s mobility (or lack thereof), and they can survey your home environment and search for ways to increase comfort. Veterinarians can teach you how to obtain a respiratory rate or pulse rate on your pet; if you need to know if your pet possibly had a seizure or what a new symptom your pet is experiencing might indicate; and what pain can look, sound, smell and feel like in your pet.

You can now consult with Telehealth professionals about your pet not eating, the diarrhea explosion, the bloody nose, the limping, the whining, the restlessness at night, and the urine on the floor. You can also send medical records and lab results for providers to look at and discuss.

Veterinarians who offer virtual visits LOVE

Dr. Christie Cornelius, CHPV seniorpaws.vet

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(preferably certified-credentialed individuals) without a valid VCPR. Information and advice provided must be general in nature.

Specific diagnoses, medical advice, and medical prescriptions are not allowed by law in a Telehealth consultation. Discussions/advice that falls under this category includes quality of life consultations, going over quality-of-life forms, going through animal pain scales, descriptions of our in-person services, disease information and disease trajectories, providing links to resources, medical record review, and exchanging digital information.

Popular platforms for both Telemedicine and Telehealth include: Zoom, Google Duo, Skype, FaceTime, and specific softwares developed for use in the virtual veterinary industry. Our team primarily utilizes Zoom through our veterinary practice software, EvetPractice. It allows virtual visits to be recorded for inclusion into a pet’s digital medical record. Virtual visits average $50-$250 depending on the provider, length of communication, and the research involved in providing trusted, accurate, and up to date professional advice and service.

For more information about our Virtual Vet Visits at Senior Paws, please e-mail us at wecare@senorpaws.vet or connect with us at seniorpaws.vet, as well as through Facebook at facebook.com/seniorpawslastwishes

Fostering 411

Temporary - But no set time frame. Some dogs are adopted in a matter of weeks while others take months, even years.

Emotional - There is no denying that you will become emotionally attached to the foster dog. That’s ok.

We invest ourselves in the wellbeing of these animals. Knowing that they’re going to the perfect home makes it worth it.

Medical - All medical care is covered by GDRST. We do ask that foster families help with transportation.

Already have pets No problem; as long as your current pets are up to date on their vaccinations and wouldn’t mind having a “new kid” in the house.

Cost - GDRST provides everything necessary for the fosters care.

Help with food expenses are appreciated but not required.

Email us at foster@saveadane.org to answer any questions you might have or to start the process.

SAVEADANE.ORG

Connecting Great Danes with Great People

Happy Father’s Day!

Esquivel & Fees Shop on-line, by phone or at our store by appointment only 2368 Rice Blvd in the Rice Village

www.efsterling.com

713•521•1544 Houston PetTalk Magazine

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TAIL END

SWIMMING POOL SAFETY Tips From Cypress Custom Pools

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n this warmer weather, being outside by the pool is where most of us spend our days and that’s no different for our dogs! There are so many details to consider when making an investment like a swimming pool and pet safety is definitely one that needs to be added to the list. Here’s some water safety advice to make sure you and your pup have fun!

Some breeds are more excited about swimming than others. Notice your dog’s reaction to the pool and be aware of their skills and abilities in water. Regardless of your dogs initial reaction, all dogs can become fond of the family pool especially when they see everyone else having fun.

To help encourage that your dog has a safe and happy experience in the family pool, here are some helpful tips: » Don’t assume your dog can swim: Familiarize them with water from a young age (if possible). For some dogs,

Celeste Curiel cypresscustompools.com

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»

carrying them into the pool and gently lowering them into the water is the first step to get them swimming.

Familiarize them with the pool: The first few times your dog gets in the pool they won’t know where they can safely exit. Smaller dogs as well as older dogs, are especially at risk of drowning if they

cannot find proper exits. Swim with them and show them the exits. It’s helpful to put them in from different points of the pool and show them where all the possible exits are. » Always supervise: No matter how strong of a swimmer your dog might be, you can never know when an emergency situation might come up! This holds especially true for older dogs that might have health issues such as arthritis or vision loss, and smaller dogs. Take the necessary precautions such as fences or barriers for when you aren’t around. » Chlorine Ingestion: Chlorine could be harmful or make them sick. Make sure to always have fresh water readily available at all times, especially during hot days when they are swimming with the family. » Post swim care: Be sure to rinse off your dog after taking a swim! Chlorine along with other pool chemicals can lead to a dry coat and skin irritations. Be especially mindful of areas such as their ears or under their collar, they tend to remain damp and could lead to ear infections or further skin irritation.

If you are starting the process of designing your custom pool, this is a great time to add details around the pool to make it accessible for your dog.

Sunshelves are especially popular for dogs! Make the shelf as deep as your dog’s legs, if you have a smaller dog opt for an even shallower sunshelf.

More benches and steps offer added areas to rest as well as more options to exit the pool.

Extra tip: installing a Cyclone prefilter, like we use in our pools, helps catch dog hair before it ever reaches the filter. This keeps your filter cleaner for longer!

Make a Difference

By Honoring A Wonderful Life!

HONOR A LOST PET by making a tax deductible donation to the Harris County Veterinary Medical Foundation in their name.

Your gift helps provide valuable information on pet medical and humane issuesto other pet parents.

Make great gifts!

To Donate Please Visit

www.HCVMF.org Houston PetTalk Magazine

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BARK PARK

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RPM Living Welcomes All Sizes & Breeds

byline

id you know here at Roscoe Properties, aka RPM Living, we not only love pets, but we welcome them by creating a pet friendly and welcoming environment.

There are a few things that set us apart from other communities, however one of our greatest assets is we pride ourselves in welcoming all dog breeds by offering no breed restrictions… One might ask, how is this possible?

There are so many different breeds that have a stigma of being aggressive.

We have found a way to overcome this by conducting pet interviews with our furry friends. Therefore, we welcome any dog breed and its owner as long as they meet the qualification criteria and pass our pet interview.

One of the featured amenities you will find at most all our community’s is our Bark Park. Our furry residents can run and play without a leash while in the pet park.

The agility equipment provides a sense of adventure and while strengthen their muscles.

TJ Stewart, RPM LIving. Visit rpmliving.com to find a luxury apartment community near you.

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You do not have to have a show dog to enjoy time on the agility course, it’s a great way to provide exercise and stimulation to build a trusting relationship with your dog. Our residents are able to reserve our travel agility kits at the office to play with their dogs. These are easy to assemble and include things like a jump set, weave poles, tire jump and a tunnel. The dogs absolutely love it and I have to say, it’s pretty entertaining to watch!

And after all of that running and playing its time for a nice bath. We have select locations that offer a dog wash station near the pet park and if there’s not one available, no worries... we can schedule

a mobile boutique that provides anything from a quick wash, scrub a dub dub or even a paw-icure.

If you are thinking you need a pamper day too as many of us humans tend to do, you’re in for a treat. Our teams have partnered with a variety of service providers to offer resident services at an exclusive rate just for being an RPM resident. So not only do we pamper our furry friends, we pamper our valued residents as well.

We welcome anyone to visit one of our communities with their furry friends. Who knows, you might just fall in love and find the perfect home that fits your lifestyle.

TAIL END

WHY IS MY AQUARIUM CLOUDY? The Nitrogen Cycle

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ooking at a crystal-clear fish tank is very peaceful and relaxing. But it does not start out that way. To be able to keep fish in a glass box, there is a lot of science going on in the background. I am going to explain how the cycling of an aquarium works and what is happening for fish and other inhabitants to live a healthy life.

Fish produce waste which gets broken down as ammonia. In a new aquarium there is not any bacteria to eat this waste, so a bacterium called Nitrosomonas begins to form and multiply to consume ammonia into another form, called nitrite.

Ammonia and nitrite are very toxic to fish, and in order for nitrite to be removed from

byline John Wright-Ibarra wrightaquariumservices.com

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the aquarium, a second bacteria called Nitrobacter starts to reproduce and con-

sume the nitrite, turning it into a less toxic chemical called nitrate.

While all these bacteria are growing and consuming its respective foods, you are likely to see a bacterial bloom or cloudy water. First ammonia will spike, causing milky looking water. Then when enough bacteria are produced ammonia will level out. Next, nitrite will spike and the bacteria that eats it will increase.

Finally, nitrate will be left, and the bloom will start disappearing. With regular water changes nitrate gets removed and does not usually affect fish unless it can reach very high levels.

Cycling a tank can take 2-6 weeks.

There are a lot of bacterial products available today that can quick start the nitrogen cycle and reduce the time needed for the cycling progress. I recommend using a fish free cycling by adding ammonia directly to the aquarium then adding the nitrifying bacteria. This avoids using fish to add ammonia and prevents any deaths or stress to the fish.

Investing in proper filtration will save you headaches in the long run and keep your biological filtration at optimal levels.

You will want to make sure your filter has chemical, biological, and mechanical filtration for best results. Canister filters are great for this and once set up very efficient.

To monitor the ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels you will need a quality test kit. By testing at least every week you will be able to see the levels rising and falling and know exactly when your aquarium is ready for fish. When ammonia and nitrite read zero your aquarium will be cycled and ready for fish to move in!

The Nitrogen Cycle Ammonia—NH3 Toxic to Fish

Produced from fish waste and other organic matter. Maintain 0 ppm

Plants use nitrate, reduce algae, produce oxygen for fish and help balance pH.

Nitrite—NO2 Toxic to Fish

Aerobic Nitrosomonas bacteria convert to nitrite through oxidation.

Mantain 0 ppm.

Nitrate—NO3 Non–toxic in Low Concentration Aerobic Nitrobacter bacteria convert nitrite to nitrate through oxidation. Maintain < 50 ppm.

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Houston PetTalk Magazine

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LITTERBOX LINGO What You Need to Know

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eline house soiling is the number one reason pet owners give up ownership of their cat.

It can be a frustrating situation to deal with and challenging to solve the problem. First, we need to determine if the inappropriate elimination is behavioral or pathological. Once this information is determined, we can begin to treat the problem.

Veterinarians approach problems by a series of “rule outs”. In other words, we find out what it isn’t, first. In the case of inappropriate urination, we initially run a urinalysis to determine if the cat has a bladder infection. Sometimes the problem has to do with defecating outside the box.

In this case, we check stool samples, anal tone, lower back arthritis, etc.

If all tests are normal, that leaves a behavioral cause. Keep in mind, however, that some cats start with a pathological condition that feeds the inappropriate behavior. In such cases, we will need to treat the condition and modify the cat’s behavior. Cats will completely or partially stop using the litter box for a number of reasons.

If you follow these guidelines, you have a great chance of resolving the problem.

Your veterinarian can address any questions. We all have our own “tricks of the trade” and your veterinarian may suggest additional alternatives.

byline Dr. Mark Silberman Southwest Animal Clinic

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Pathology Bladder Infections

Urinalysis. Treat with appropriate antibiotics.

Colitis

X-ray of abdomen. Enemas. Appropriate motility medications.

Lower Back Arthritis

X-ray of lumbar spine. Treat with anti-inflammatories. Move litter box closer to where cat spends most of his time. Use a cooking sheet instead of a standard litter box so it becomes easier for the cat to get in and out.

Heart Problems

EKG, Ultrasound. Treat with appropriate heart medication.

Hyperthyroidism

Thyroid test. Treat with anti-thyroid medication, surgery or radiation therapy involving thyroid gland.

Behavior Dirty litter box

The rule of thumb is a litter box per cat plus one. If you have two cats, you need three litter boxes. The boxes should be in different locations. This helps to ensure at least one box will be clean at all times.

Type of cat litter

There are many kinds of cat litter. The favorite among cats polled is sand type clumping litters. Deodorant type litters should be avoided and a change in litter should be done gradually over a two-week period.

Location of litter boxes

Cats have earned the reputation as “finicky” for a reason. As an example, a cat may decide they no longer like the litter box in the kitchen. Why? Perhaps the cat is in the box urinating when someone slams a door. Startled, the cat blames the box location.

Multiple boxes with multiple locations provide more opportunity for cats to use a litter box.

Stress

The environment can change such as moving to new house, adding a new cat or dog to the cat’s household or something as simple as adding a new piece of furniture to the living room can stress a cat. Remove the stress. Explore anti-anxiety meds.

Houston PetTalk Magazine

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Conservation Corner Saving Cheetahs in the Wild

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Photo credit, Stephanie Adams/Houston Zoo

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 organizers such as the TWRC Wildlife Center. This issue, we are highlighting cheetah conservation. Look for other upcoming conservation stories so that you too can help save a species.

By: Lauren Wappler, Houston Zoo

T

he Houston Zoo is home to four cheetahs: Kito, Kiburi, Dash, and Dinari.

When at the zoo, visitors will see the cheetahs in two sets of pairs with Kito and Kiburi together in one habitat and Dash and Dinari together in their own space.

Kito and Kiburi are 12 years old and have grown up together since they were cubs. Kito and Kiburi are brothers originally from White Oak Conservation Center in Florida. Their mother left the den and showed no interest in them, so they were hand-reared.

At the Houston Zoo, Kito enjoys napping in the shade and rolling around in his habitat. He is always willing to trying new things during training or while out on walks.

Kiburi is known as the great rabbit hunter, catching the wild rabbits that find themselves in his habitat. Kiburi shows his affection through allogrooming, and like all cats, his tongue is very rough like sandpaper.

Dash and Dinari both came to the Houston Zoo in summer 2017.

Dash was born at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo, on June 4, 2017. His mother did not show interest in him or his littermates, so the decision was made to hand-rear the cubs. Like most cheetahs, Dash is a very visual animal. He enjoys watching zoo staff and guests from a comfortable spot in his habitat and while out on walks or runs. He is very attentive to training, picks up new behaviors quickly, and tries to anticipate what’s coming next. Dash was soon paired with a male cub,

Dinari, from another litter that was also being hand-reared for the same reasons. Dinari was born at Fossil Rim Wildlife Center in Glen Rose, TX on June 11, 2017.

Dinari is an easy-going cheetah; his calm personality allows him to feel comfortable around his keepers with his favorite snacks. Dinari can often be seen at the front of his habitat when itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time for a

keeper chat.

Kito, Kiburi, Dash, and Dinari are ambassadors for their counterparts in the wild, and the Houston Zoo animal and veterinary care teams dedicate their lives to provide them the highest quality of care. Houston Zoo staff is also committed to providing protective care for wild cheetahs in Africa.

The Houston Zoo protects wild

cheetahs by providing support for a team in Tanzania that trains domestic dogs to guard local community livestock, protecting them from wild cheetahs and other predators. The Zoo also provides training, salaries, and support for wildlife rangers in Africa who remove traps set for wildlife and arrest illegal hunters to protect cheetahs. Lastly, the Zoo supports

Kiburi is known as the great rabbit hunter, catching the wild rabbits that find themselves in his habitat. Kiburi shows his affection through allogrooming, and like all cats, his tongue is very rough like sandpaper.

several African villages to watch over wildlife like cheetahs with special camera traps set in areas where cheetahs live. Currently, 32 local community members from 16 villages monitor cheetahs and other wildlife using these hidden cameras.

Houstonians and others visiting Houston also play an important role in the conservation of cheetahs. When guests visit the Houston Zoo, they not only see the cheetahs, they also save cheetahs in the wild. A portion of every admission ticket and annual membership is donated to conservation organizations around the world.

Next time you visit the Houston Zoo or donate funds to the Zoo, know that you are not only providing for the care and feeding of the animals living there, but youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re also supporting conservation efforts across the globe.

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Wild about Animals By: Michelle Mantor Top Photo: Gloria Meszaros; Bottom Photo: Matthew Griffiths

Houston Zoo’s Cheetah “Fun Run”

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xperiencing a wild animal in their habitat at the Houston Zoo totally fascinates me, so imagine my flat out euphoria at being in the presence of two beautiful young male Cheetahs outside the environs of the zoo! I had the incredible privilege to go along for the “cheetah run”, which is a fun opportunity for the cheetahs to visit a large, fenced athletic venue to stretch their legs and run at full speed. The run takes place periodically and there is no doubt that Dash and Dinari were excited for their adventure. The boys came to the zoo about two and a half years ago as 3 month old cubs who were bottle fed due to their respective moms not feeding them. As they stepped out of the van, I literally gasped at their graceful beauty with perfectly marked spots, the famous “tears” of the cheetah species, and they definitely seemed taller up close than viewing them at the zoo. It is a bit inexplicable but seeing them in this setting was breathtaking.

We took a few photos and then the boys were off to the run, which consists of chasing a lure with zoo staff at both ends of the field. The lure spurs the cheetahs prey drive to kick in and they chase the lure to the other end where some meaty treats await them…thus making them stop! The speed is amazing to see and the gratification the cheetahs get from the exercise and mental stimulation was, from an animal lover’s perspective, a true joy to witness!

MEET DASH AND DINARI

Meet Dash: Of the two boys, Dash is known to be more outgoing and active and will typically be the one looking around and moving about in their

Editor Michelle Mantor admires the beauty of DASH while keeping the required distance.

enclosure. Dash can be distinguished by his more wide-open eyes and brownish-black color at the end of his tail.

Meet Dinari: This handsome fella is the more reserved of the pair and can be distinguished by having a larger face with more squinty eyes, according to his keepers.

Both Dash and Dinari enjoy daily walks through the zoo prior to gates opening and one of their favorite experiences, in addition to the Fun Run, is their once a month treat: a bone in chunk of meat that is meant to mimic the gorge in the wild. It’s like Thanksgiving monthly! Next time you visit the zoo, see if you can pick out which cheetah is Dash and which is Dinari.

Plus, keep up with them on the zoo’s social media platforms!

Cheetahs are the fastest land mammals, and can reach speeds of up to 70 mph over short distances. The cheetah faces many threats to its survival, including a high mortality rate for cubs, loss of habitat, a reduction of its prey base, conflict with livestock farmers, and a reduced ability to survive in parks and reserves due to the presence of larger predators.

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