Houston PetTalk May 2021 by houstonpettalk10

May 2021

THE HEALTH ISSUE:

Caring For Your Pets

Water-Based Pet Cremation and Memorial Services Earth-Conscious. Compassionate. Loving. Innovative. Clean. Green. Warm Water

Senior Paws

Gentle. Better.

Learn More At: https://seniorpaws.vet/gentlewater-based-cremation Founder/Owner Christie Cornelius, DVM CHPV Serving the Greater Houston Area Email Us at: wecare@seniorpaws.vet Call Us: 713-452-0474

Water-Based Cremation Memorial Services Witness Services Memorial Garden Stepping Stones Earthy Urns Clay Paw Prints Paw Print Paintings Ink Nose & Paw Prints

Our Promise to You No plastic bags. No freezers. Gentle handling & transport. Trust. Peace of mind. Empathy. Respect. Love. Honor. Time.

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Houston PetTalk Magazine

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OUR PASSION IS

EMERGENCY MEDICINE

THE TRUSTED CHOICE Emergency Care Services Offered: • Trained doctors & veterinary assistants • Blood pressure monitoring • Cardiovascular monitoring & ECG • Emergency surgery • Emergency examinations • Advanced diagnostics • In-house labwork

• Oxygen therapy • Blood transfusions • Pain management • Traumatic wound care • Pulse oximetry • Digital radiography • Ultrasound, Endoscopy

EMERGENCY CARE 713-941-8460

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

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

ON THE COVER

THE HEALTH ISSUE

KEEPING OUR PETS HEALTHY IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT ROLES WE PLAY AS PET PARENTS. FIND VALUABLE INFORMATION ON HEALTH TOPICS FROM OUR SPONSORS IN OUR FEATURE STORY. A BIG THANK YOU TO HOUSTON HUMANE SOCIETY FOR ALLOWING US TO PHOTOGRAPH THESE CUTIES FOR OUR COVER AT THEIR FACILITY. IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A FUREVER FRIEND (LIKE THE TWO KITTIES ADOPTED AT OUR PHOTOSHOOT BY MY DAUGHTER AND HER FRIEND!), VISIT HOUSTONHUMANE.ORG FOR ADOPTABLES. PHOTO BY ALLISON WILKINS MCPHAIL FOR EVIN THAYER STUDIOS.

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

ne of the privileges of being the editor of PetTalk is that I get to say what I want to say in the Editor's Letter...so I'm going to take advantage of this opportunity to put something out there that has been on my mind for years as it relates to pet health. There are some pet parents (I emphasize SOME) who will go to extreme lengths to avoid taking their pet to the doctor. Reasons are typically money, sometimes the inconvenience. Neither is acceptable. Being able to afford and care for an animal is the responsibility you take on when you make the decision to bring them into the family. I hear from most every pet owner how much their pet means to them, but then I've witnessed some of those very same people try to excuse away their pet's medical issue (i.e., limping, itching, lumps) or try to get their vet to diagnose and prescribe medicine over the phone to avoid the exam fee. And even more frustrating is to hear them say veterinarians are "money-grubbers" that overcharge for services and products. Veterinarians are not psychics that diagnose issues over the phone and no, they are also not "money-grubbers" looking to over-charge for services. They are extremely educated, qualified doctors that spend 8 years or more learning about not just dogs, not just cats, not just horses, but all KINDS of animals. Imagine having to learn about many species that have little in common medically, whereas human doctors only have to learn about humans (and make A WHOLE LOT more money than vets). And did you know that the diagnostic tools and equipment (x-ray, laser, laboratory analysis, etc.) are

the same cost in veterinary medicine as in human medicine? Quite honestly, we are lucky pet medicine doesn't cost more than it does. So no, veterinarians are not getting rich from bloated pricing, but rather, they are trying to deliver quality medicine to the pet you treasure. Pet health comes with a cost and as the person who decided to get the pet, you have a responsibility to provide them with quality healthcare, both preventative and for any illness. I am not talking about shopping for a good price for an ACL replacement; that is a smart thing to do. Rather, I'm talking about ignoring symptoms and allowing your pet to suffer because you don't want to incur the cost of care. Allow your veterinarian to perform the needed diagnostics (because pets don't talk so diagnosis is tougher) and treatment they believe is best for your animal. Your pet will appreciate feeling good and you will also feel better that your pet is healthy and happy. Ok, enough of my soapbox! In this issue, our talented sponsors write about MANY health related topics so I hope you find the content valuable. Our cover story photoshoot with cute puppies and kittens at Houston Humane Society was so much fun! A special thank you to Dr. Mark Silberman for being our veterinary "model". My daughter and her friend came along to help with production and ended up adopting two kitties, "Cairo" and "Mochi" (see photo above). Now I am a grandma! And of course I'm already preaching to her about her kitty's healthcare LOL! Enjoy this issue and be sure to thank your veterinarian for their dedication next time you take your pet to the vet!

© Copyright 2020. 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.

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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.

NICARAGUA

Smart people never travel without a PetTalk on hand for great reading material and looks like we have another smart person to thank, Jeaneth Jimenez! While traveling to Nicaragua, Jeaneth shared this awesome photo with us...we just want to say we appreciate the LOVE!

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Henrietta

f you ever think your life is ho-hum, just come hang out with me and experience the oddballs and nitwits that plague my existence. Here’s an example of what I have to endure on a regular basis. Yesterday, I came home from getting my favorite smoothie at Poochie King and the fire-breathing Dragon Lady, who also portrays mom in my life (DL as I call her behind her back) actually spoke these words in a very hushed tone: “Henrietta, THEY are watching us, so we are going to use sign language in the house until we can learn to speak Korean. I understand you don’t know sign language either but since your vocabulary is so limited, you’ll only need to know how to ask for food, which is this" - she makes a hand movement implying a fat stomach - "and to be let out to potty, which is this" - she turns around and bends over and points to her her butt. WhAaAaAAaaAaAt????? All in one breath she proved that she's nuttier than a squirrel turd, she insulted both my weight and my intelligence, and she clearly has been secretly channeling Joseph Stalin. Ok, I had no choice but to chase this rabbit down a hole, so I replied, “I was just thinking the other day how useful it would be to learn Korean so I’m glad we're on the same page! And, I actually do know some sign language. When you tell me to go to bed on that pathetic piece of square foam in the laundry room while you crawl between your 1000 count cotton sheets on a KING bed that clearly has space for me, I use this finger to respond.” As I started to raise my middle finger, I could see the dragon was about to emit a load

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of fire on me so I used my better judgement and put my digit back where it came from. “HENRIETTA!”, she yelled, “This is a matter of life and death and it would behoove you to take it seriously!” Behoove me? I could tell her what would behoove me, and that would be to have a SANE person as a mother. To try and figure out what in the Sam HIll she was talking about, I pointedly asked, “Who is THEY?” She responds, “Silly girl, you can’t possibly not be aware of THOSE PEOPLE that are watching you through your phone and computer camera and monitoring everything you do on social media. I mean, you’re on that phone all the time so I bet they even know that you lick your behind when you watch NetFleas.” At this point, I felt a familiar feeling ascending from the pit of my stomach to my mouth…it’s called sarcasm. I really wanted to say, ““My imaginary friend says that you need a therapist.” But, I also know that silence is golden and duct tape is silver so I continued to play along. “Well, now that THEY has been revealed to me as to WHO is watching US, I have to say I still don’t see THEM.” DL lets out a big sigh and replies, “Of course you don’t see THEM, they are secret agents. I actually wave to my laptop camera when I leave everyday because I figure if my FBI watcher thinks I’m nice, he will not put my name on THE LIST.” Oh geez, I’m not about to ask what THE LIST is!! So, I respond that I am using my newly found skills of sign language by signaling that I’m lifting a glass to my mouth to drink and then I wave goodbye, communicating that I’m headed to the Salty Dog where I can hang out with the good kind of crazy, my compadres. I”m still shaking my head about DL’s irrational behavior when I hop up on a bar stool and Max already has

my Big Dog martini waiting. My peeps gather around me. Clearly, I have also learned the sign language of I NEED A DRINK!! I relay the psychopathy powwow I have just come from to see if any of my friends’ parents are as paranoid or dimwitted as the two-legger that I live with. Expecting some deep understanding from this group was probably expecting too much as cousin Hortense offers: “Oh my gosh Henrietta, when you learn to speak Korean are you going to visit North Korea?” Oh Lord please help me, I prayed. Harry speaks up and says, “Well, yes I understand what it’s like to have paranoid parents. My mom warned me to NEVER sing in the shower. She said singing leads to dancing, dancing leads to slipping and slipping leads to paramedics seeing you NAKED, so remember, don’t sing!” Ok, that made me feel better and then Felicity offered, “Henrietta, there really is no such thing as paranoia. Your worst fears can come true at any moment.” Clearly her parents are persuasive. Next, Rocket decides to enter the conversation. I brace for the intellect that may come out of a drooling Rottweilers mouth as he says, “I wear a ski mask to bed so if there’s a home invasion, the intruder will thinks I’m part of the team.” I think I’m going to need a second martini. This delusional discussion continues until finally I can’t take it any longer and head for home. I walk along thinking I’m not sure whether to be thankful that the people in my life make me appear to be very smart or if I’ve somehow been cursed. As I resign myself to the thought that it’s true that half of the people in the world are below average, I swear I hear something behind the bushes. I begin to trot towards home…something is definitely watching me!

Illustration by Jim Tweedy, colorized by Desiree Walton

ON BEING PARANOID

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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AT VCA ANIMAL HOSPITALS, WE CARE

UNLEASHED

K9 HEALTH CENTER

a try! Vendors included: Dubber Pet Transport, Butcher to Bowl fresh pet food, Diogenes CBD products, Replenish water supplement for dogs, Natural Paw Healing, The Dragon Cauldron dog-themed masks and scrunchies, Houston Raw Pet Food, and Briggs 'n' Wiggles bandanas. The day was topped off with dog dancing, hula hoops, music, donations for Houston Humane Society and donated treats from Three Dog Bakery. Visit k9healthcenter.com to learn more about their canine hydrotherapy services.

Photos courtesy of K9 Health Center:

9 Health Center opened in September 2020, but due to COVID, they postponed their opening celebration to March 21st, introducing guests to their Hydro therapy “Hawaiian” suite. Demonstrations were offered in the Pool, Hydro Treadmill and Spa, while guests enjoyed goodie bags, limbo competitions, Terry the Toucan, food and more. Outdoors was also festive with a circus theme giving attendees the opportunity to be photographed under the "Big Top" while the training group offered a "beat the trainer" obstacle course for those who dared to give it

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UNLEASHED

LOVE AT FIRST BARK

Photography by Fern De Soto

Dog’s Life HTX, Holler Brewing Co, and Camp Bow Wow Greater Houston Heights held their very first annual Doggie speed dating, where dogs could meet their next best friend or even find love. It was a fun social event where local businesses where able to connect with the community of pet lovers. Find out more about A Dog's Life HTX's dog walking and pet sitting services, as well as more events, at adogslifehtx.com.

Houston PetTalk Magazine

NEWS

FRIENDS FOR LIFE CONTINUES FOOD BANK PROGRAM

riends For Life Animal Shelter recently announced they will continue their free drive-thru vet clinics and pet food banks throughout 2021. This program provides free pet wellness resources and pet food to Houstonians seeking help caring for their pets. Friends For Life started the drive-thru clinics and pet food banks on March 22, 2020, in response to receiving an increasing number of calls for assistance. Many of the callers had never had to reach out for help but were facing pandemic-related income reduction and job losses. Friends For Life has conducted 26 of these clinics since last March and plans are in place to run a clinic each month throughout 2021, free of charge to pet owners.

ONE CLINIC ATTENDEE SHARED HER EXPERIENCE: “My daughter and I live together, and we are both waiters, so our income has been all

but eliminated due to loss of job/business during COVID. We have never had to rely on charity or donations in taking care of ourselves and our animals and it was a very humbling experience to have to do so. It was nothing short of a godsend that I heard about Friends For Life. I LOVED every single lady that worked with me handling my dogs throughout the process. They were able to take care of all three dogs in 45 minutes! The people I interacted with were cheerful, sensitive, and just utterly kind. I left there not feeling ashamed or embarrassed for needing charity, but with tears of gratitude at the sincere kindness they imparted.” As part of this program, Friends For Life will continue to provide services free of charge for each pet, including: vet exams, rabies vaccinations, heartworm tests, FIV/FeLV tests, dewormer, flea preventatives, heartworm preventatives, DHPP2, FVRCP, and pet food. “Thanks to the generosity of partners

FOSTERS NEEDED

ver 40,000 dogs and cats enter our local animal shelters throughout the greater Houston area each year—enough to fill every seat in Minute Maid Stadium. What is the number one reason beloved pets are surrendered by Houstonians? Housing insecurity. This can be due to rental limitations, insurance restrictions, displacement or homelessness. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, housing instability is the greatest we have seen in a decade. The majority of pets at our shelters are not there through any fault of their own, but typically wined up there due to a personal hardship facing their owner. As sad as this may be, through Best Friends Animal Society programmatic work, they are driving change in Houston and across TX to increase lifesaving in our shelters. Join them in making an impactful difference by temporarily opening open your home to a homeless cat or dog in Houston through their free foster program. They will provide you with food, supplies and cover the cost of veterinary care. All you need to do is provide the pets with love. Join them in their mission to save them all and to make Houston a lifesaving community by 2025. Register to foster at BestFriends.org/Houston.

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like Sawyer Yards, Main Street Capital, Alley Cat Allies, Reliant, and H-E-B, we’ve enabled families to keep their pets, avoiding the heartbreaking decision to surrender their animals to a shelter for lack of resources,” shared Salise Shuttlesworth, Friends For Life Founder and Executive Director. “We’ve been met with tears of gratitude from Houstonians bringing their pets to us. This direct service is making a huge impact on keeping animals in their homes, and with their families. And it’s work that we knew needed to continue.” Sawyer Yards has stepped up to provide free event space to accommodate each clinic. To keep attendees and volunteers safe and efficient, the clinic is run on an appointment basis, which helps the team triage more than 100 animals at each event. The sign-up form for the clinic can be found at: friends4life.org/ drivethruclinic.

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Houston PetTalk Magazine

NEWS

VIRTUAL EVENT SUPPORTING ANIMEALS ON WHEELS MAY 8

O Keep the image you want to remember. peale@sbcglobal.net 713 467-8303

n Saturday, May 8, philanthropic animal lovers will virtually “take off” for the 8th Annual Wags and Whiskers Brunch, benefiting Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston’s Animeals program, which provides pet food, toys and preventative vet care to seniors with pets in the Meals on Wheels program. The “Jet Set Pets” themed event, starting at 11:30AM, is hosted by Brunch Chair M.A. Shute along with lead sponsor Fred G. Marshall in loving memory of his wife Linda. The event features a pet fashion show, silent auction and more. Donning their best jet set or vintage attire, guests will enjoy an inspiring program emceed by Casey Curry from the comfort of their home. Boarding passes will give guests access to the virtual program and gourmet boxed lunches will be delivered using Interfaith Ministries’ home-delivery meal expertise.

Animeals was started more than 10 years ago when Interfaith Ministries’ Meals on Wheels drivers discovered that seniors in its Meals on Wheels for Greater Houston program were sharing their limited food and resources with their beloved four-legged friends. Today, Animeals provides free pet food and toys for more than 1,300 dogs and cats. Through continued partnerships with the Houston Humane Society, Emancipet and the Texas Veterinary Medical Foundation, Interfaith Ministries provides preventative medical care for animals in need including vaccinations and spay/neutering. Animal lovers can prepare to take flight by purchasing an entire virtual row sponsorship or flight tickets for international and domestic fares at imgh.org/WWBRUNCH. Contact Brandi Ledet at bledet@imgh.org or call 713.533.4925 for more information.

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Photos by Quy Tran

NOW OFFERING DOORSIDE DOG WALKS & COMFORT VISITS!

Houston PetTalk Magazine

NEWS

PUPPIES FOR BREAKFAST IS BACK!

fter having canceled twice in 2020, Puppies for Breakfast IS BACK and celebrating 10 YEARS of dog festivals in Houston. Neue Creative, the creators of this dog party, has partnered with East River to bring you a massive morning of dogs, food, music, and shopping. The event is presented by: Neue Creative, DogPop, East River, OSO Coffee co, & Frankly Organic Vodka. SPONSORS: Sit Means Sit Dog Training, Camp Bow Wow, Natural Pawz, Meadowlake Pet Resort, Rummy's Beach Club, Segundo Coffee Lab, Poo The Rescue, and Houston PetTalk Magazine. At the event, you will enjoy: » 50+ dog industry vendors, businesses, makers, and creatives » Unique 2500 sq/ft dog play area » Largest dog piñata in the world » Music by DJ DAYTA » Food trucks » Mobile Vet Clinic » Dog Rescues » Dog Costume Contest & Raffles FREE to the public with a suggested $5 DONATION to help local dog rescue. Visit Puppiesforbreakfast.com for details. Follow on Instagram @dogpophtx.

COME TEE IT UP FOR A GREAT CAUSE AT THE 31ST ANNUAL PAR FORE PETS CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT J

imisu and her Beauties, a 501c3 organization, are a group of women of a certain age and through their volunteer efforts and various projects, organize events to raise funds to help homeless animals by helping families with the cost of pet adoption fees. Mission… clear the shelters! They will be hosting their 1st Annual BEAUTIES ON THE GREEN Charity Golf Tournament May 3rd at Wildcat Golf Club beginning at 11am. Only $150 per player or $575 for a foursome team. Chance to win a new Cadillac, meet Houston celebrities, have dinner and a silent auction. So, come join the fun & support a great cause. The organization's motto speaks volumes to the overcrowded pet population… "Adopt, Don’t Shop". Jimisu & her Beauties are seeking Sponsors & Players. 1st, 2nd & 3rd place trophies. Please contact them for information on how you can have your own team. Visit: jimisubeautiesgolf.wixsite.com/tournament for info.

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NEWS

CAP DOGHOUSE COMPETITION

itizens for Animal Protection (CAP) invites you to participate in their 17th Annual Designer Doghouse Competition & Auction this July 19th- 25th at the CAP Animal Shelter. Now is the time to start designing and building your doghouse masterpiece! This is a great team-building service project for families, scouts, and volunteers wanting to support homeless animals. Challenge yourself to make your doghouse special with a "secret" or hidden door! Perhaps you've got an idea that up-cycles old furniture or re-purposes items? Show off your woodworking skills and your love of man's best friend. Painters, quilters, photographers, and crafters of all types, we need you too! Maybe you have an idea for a deluxe doggy daybed that will make any dog feel like royalty. Express your dog devotion through a work of art to be auctioned and perhaps gain a few customers for future commissions. All proceeds benefit the homeless pets at CAP. For more information and to register, visit Cap4Pets.org.

CAMO RESCUE NEW SHELTER UPDATE: DONATIONS STILL NEEDED

AMO Rescue is a nonprofit animal rescue group devoted to rescuing dogs from high kill shelters. Their mission is to save homeless dogs and educate the community. When too many animals are surrendered to open admission facilities, and not enough adopters are coming to alleviate the overcrowding, it leaves the intake facility with no choice other than to euthanize animals to open up space. This is where CAMO rescue can bridge the gap with a temporary kennel until these urgent animals can be adopted or moved to an out of state rescue partner.

Before Building

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CAMO was founded by Holly Dool in 2014 and they strive to save animals in Houston, Odessa/ Midland, and many other surrounding areas. The rescue is comprised of volunteers who span a range of ages, professions, and experience levels. Recently, CAMO Rescue began building a new facility that will have 30 indoor/outdoor kennels, office/reception area, meet and greet room, groom room, vet room, volunteer break room and a large storage/food prep area. The project is well underway and currently the inside walls and flooring are under construction,

New Facility Exterior

however, they are $50,000 away from completion and still need donations. Opportunities for the public to donate include purchasing a “kennel” for $3000 which allows the donor’s name to be on the header of the kennel. Another option is to purchase a paver that will be used to create a memorial area. Funds are needed for outdoor kennels, water retention, supplies and equipment. If you would like to help this hard-working organization help animals in dire need, visit CamoRescue.com for details on donating (and adopting).

Current Construction

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Want To Social Distance With Me?

We connect Great Danes with Great People. They are adaptable and fit perfectly into FOSTER homes. If you want to help Save A Dane, these majestic dogs will be forever thankful.

Learn about fostering, donating, volunteering, or adopting at saveadane.org. Houston PetTalk Magazine

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! NATIONAL PUPPY DAY 1. @leo_1_loveable_dood HAPPY NATIONAL PUPPY DAY, FURIENDS 2. @murphythedancingdood HAPPY #NATIONALPUPPYDAY TO ALL MY FURRY PALS! HERE’S A PIC OF ME FROM 2019, WHEN I WAS JUST A LITTLE TATERTOT! CAN’T BELIEVE I’M GOING TO BE 2 YRS OLD NEXT MONTH! 3. @coffeethedoodle Happy National Puppy Day! I already knew how to pose for the camera when I was a couple weeks old.

SAINT PAWTTI’E DAY 4. @reggie_paws Wishing you happiness and good cheer. Happy #stpatricksday 5. @adventureswithmilliejane feelin’ lucky 6. @dooditsnoil Who’s ready to get lucky today 7. @yoshiwigglebutt Happy St Patrick’s Day from Lucy and me! 8. @murphythedancingdood Have you seen me pot o’ gold? Happy St. Patrick’s Day from Murphy O’Doodle 9. @parkerthecharmer KISS ME, I’M IRISH

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Pets rely on their owners to recognize and care for their ailments. If you’re unsure if something requires critical attention, give us a call.

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More than just a Critical care unit

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Our mission at Sugar Land Veterinary Specialists is to provide the best possible veterinary specialty and emergency care for pets and their owners. That’s why our board-certified, veterinary critical care specialists provide life saving intervention and treatment when it matters the most.

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Help us do more - be more. Our dedicated team created the PAW Grant so pet parents who come to SLVS24EC can afford wellness for their pet. Through PAWtner donations and our compassionate team, the PAW Grant exists to reduce economic euthanasia and pet suffering. And in doing so, the PAW Grant alleviates stressors identified in contributing to veterinary professional depression/suicide, compassion fatigue and burn out.

To learn more: bit.ly/PAWGrant

KEEPING YOUR PETS HEALTHY Intro by Michelle Mantor; Photography: Opening photo, page 41, 42 (bottom), 44 by Allison Wilkins McPhail for Evin Thayer Studios; Special thank you to Houston Humane Society for providing adoptable puppies and kittens for our photoshoot.

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ike children, pets require affection, food and medical care. Paying attention to your pet’s health is one of your primary responsibilities as a pet parent. In this feature story, we have asked our healthcare sponsors to write about topics they view as important or to share trends or tips they feel are helpful. Keeping your pet healthy begins with prevention. Don’t skip those annual exams or dental cleanings or vaccinations, otherwise, your pet may end up becoming very ill. Not only do you want your pet to be healthy and not suffer in pain, you also likely want to avoid the high cost of emergency care. Taking

your pet to the veterinarian regularly is key to finding problems early when the issue is more treatable. For instance, your cat may act fine but routine blood work may show a high SDMA, an early sign of kidney disease, which is manageable if caught early. Cats instinctually hide their pain because in the wild the weak are prey, therefore, their behavior is not always a guide to their health. You may only discover the issue once it’s become so bad your cat can no longer hide it, which means the animal is suffering and it is going to cost quite a bit more to fix the situation, if it is fixable at all. The good news is that animal medicine continues to offer incredible science and op-

tions for keeping our pets healthy and living longer lives than ever before. You can help ensure a healthy pet by feeding top quality food, taking your pet for regular check-ups and dental cleanings, and keeping them secure from external dangers. The veterinary community's goal is to keep your pet healthy, which is why they train and work hard every day so that you can have your pet by your side for many years to come. We hope you find valuable information from our sponsors in this feature story and we have provided the author's websites for those that would like to contact them or learn more about their services and products.

Trust Me, I’m a Doctor! Clara Scott, DVM | My Family Vet | myfamilyvet.com

hen we think of Doctor’s, a veterinarian is not usually the first thing that pops into our mind. Veterinarians are typically not treated with the same respect as human physicians across the globe. Veterinarians, however, encompass so many different types of medicine that it is hard to imagine all they are capable of doing and all they are entrusted with. When you speak to your veterinarian, their thought process immediately goes into an algorithm of organ systems. As your pet’s advocate, every piece of the puzzle matters. We are required to solve problems with minimal to no diagnostics. Withholding any part of the story, no matter how small the detail, can lead your veterinarian down the wrong path to helping find answers. For example, if a client says their pet has been coughing, my mind immediately wonders if it is related to the heart or the lungs. Coughing can be a symptom of allergies, respiratory inflammation, or heart disease, among the many other diagnoses. Veterinarians will ask you very pointed questions to try to figure out what IS going on. Diagnostics always help! When you allow your veterinarian to do blood work or radiographs, you are helping them get closer to finding answers. I tell my clients that I am only going to be as good a doctor as they are parents. The story matters! Furthermore, what most people do not realize is that we do this diagnostic pattern with ALL types of animals. There is no limit to what a veterinarian can do from the

standpoint of species or type of medicine. We are dermatologists, cardiologists, anesthesiologists, oncologists, obstetrics, urologists, proctologists, dentists, surgeons, therapists… and the list goes on. The schooling to become a veterinarian is exactly the same as the schooling required to be a human doctor. Veterinarians are expected to be able to treat most common small and large animal species, such as dogs, cats, pocket pets (rats, guinea pigs, hamsters), rabbits, reptiles, horses, goats, chickens, zebu, donkeys, lama, cattle and so on. While all major organ systems are remarkably similar, there are vast differences to anatomy and treatment

options. Working at a small animal hospital, I am never quite sure what species of animal I will see next or what challenges they may come in with. This is what makes my profession so exciting! The best thing you can do as a pet owner is to come in with a list of symptoms, what you think caused it, and help us make a plan as a team! The ultimate goal is the correct diagnoses to get your fur baby and you more quality time together. Your entire veterinary group has one objective: increase the human animal bond and care for your pet like family. Ps. Love you veterinary professionals. It’s been a rough year!

Houston PetTalk Magazine

Trends In Pet Healthcare SLVS Team | Sugar Land Veterinary Specialists | slvetspecialists.com

uch like human medicine, veterinary medicine is ever changing. There will always be new treatments, new medicine, and new equipment to ensure that the best possible care is taken of your furry friends. At Sugar Land Veterinary Specialists & 24-Hour Care, our 8 specialty sections and 9 board-certified specialists dedicate their time to researching and discovering the latest and greatest advancements in their respective fields during their time between caring for pets. Check out this list to learn few things they’re excited about: Critical Care: With the addition of our new Critical Care team, led by Board-Certified Criticalist Dr. Katie Rhue, we’re adding several new advanced pieces of equipment to the hospital including: » High Flow Oxygen - High-flow oxygen machines deliver heated and humidified oxygen at a faster rate than other traditional oxygen devices, allowing us to treat pets that require more intensive oxygen treatment for longer periods of time. » Mechanical Ventilator - When high-flow oxygen and other breathing equipment aren’t doing the trick, we also have a new mechanical ventilator. Much like the machines helping severe COVID human patients, this machine breathes for pets with respiratory failure giving their lungs a chance to heal and restrengthen. » Therapeutic Plasma Exchange - Although we don’t currently offer this treatment at SLVS, Dr. Rhue is very excited about TPE. It’s a treatment that uses an apheresis machine to remove plasma from a patient and replace it

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with a new donor’s plasma, removing harmful antibodies and toxins. This is particularly useful for pets affected by diseases like immune mediated haemolytic anaemia (IMHA), in which their own immune systems attack their red blood cells. Neurology: On the neurological side, Dr. Emily Davis is excited about the up and coming technological advancements in veterinary medicine such as: » 3D Printing - Using 3d printing technology, neurologists have been constructing brain tumors that are difficult to treat and learning new and effective ways to treat them without the risk of harming a patient. They can also print new skull fragments for pets with cancerous skull malformations, giving their brains some carefully designed artificial protection. » Stereotactic Brain Biopsy - With the help of MRI and CT imagery, neurologists can construct a 3D map of a patient's brain, allowing them to obtain very small pieces of brain tissue for testing with the utmost safety and precision. » Genetic Disease Research - It’s not just humans that struggle with genetic diseases and disorders, pets struggle with them too. New research and advancements in testing neurological disorders in pets have opened up the floodgates for treatments that may help not only our furry friends, but their human counterparts as well. Internal Medicine: In the world of veteri-

nary internal medicine, Dr. Emily Medici and Dr. Jennifer Garcia are excited about new treatment devices as well new research pointing towards an answer to an age old question regarding grape and raisin toxicity. » Continuous Glucose Monitoring - Allows for real time information on your diabetic pets glucose levels without pricking them, and the updates on your pets glucose levels can be sent straight to your smartphone. » New Research On Grapes & Raisin Toxicity - New veterinary research from the ASPCA may have finally revealed the toxin found in grapes and raisins responsible for harming pets. They believe the culprit to be a tartaric acid, potassium bitartrate, also known as cream of tartar. Medical Oncology: Chemotherapy is no walk in the park for humans or pets. That’s why our medical oncologist, Dr. Andrew Novosad, is looking forward to a state of the art software that may help oncologists with treatment plan decisions. » Artificial Intelligence Treatments - Finding the right chemotherapy drug to fight your pets cancer can be rather difficult, that’s where a new veterinary software called Imprimed comes in. It uses artificial intelligence and the affected patient's live cancer cells to predict the most effective chemotherapy treatments for their specific needs. Radiation Oncology: Our PetCure Oncology at SLVS Board-Certified Radiation

Oncologist, Dr. Cassie Wilcox, brings to the table an advanced treatment that has emerged as a standard of care for many human cancer patients because of its unprecedented level of precision. » Stereotactic radiation (SRS/SRT) - Using advanced imagery and 3D software to isolate a pet’s tumor among the various critical organs of the body, Dr. Wilcox uses a linear accelerator to deliver a prescribed dose of radiation directly to a patient's tumor while sparing the critical organs and surrounding healthy tissue as much as possible. This high-precision treatment is delivered to a patient in just 15-20 minutes. Surgery: It may not be traditionally surgical, but our board-certified surgeons, Dr. Loretta Bubenik and Dr. Matthew Sherwood, are looking forward to implementing a new osteoarthritis treatment for dogs. Synovetin OA - Synovetin is an injection that uses radio-isotopes to target and break down the inflammation-producing cells that cause the joint damage and pain of osteoarthritis. Coming soon to SLVS, just one minimally-invasive injection can relieve pain and inflammation for up to a year and your pet gets to go home the same day! *The following technologies are not yet available at SLVS: Therapeutic Plasma Exchange, 3D Printing, Stereotactic Brain Biopsy, Continuous Glucose Monitoring, Artificial Intelligence Treatments

Houston PetTalk Magazine

The Top 5 Dog & Cat Health Issues A Jennifer Hennessey, DVM | Animal ER of NW Houston | animalernwh.com

s precise and perfect as we try to be as pet parents, our dogs and cats are going to experience health issues at some point in their lifetimes. Cats and dogs have their obvious distinct differences, but also are unique in their top medical conditions seen at veterinary visits. While our pets enjoy their best quality of life, exploring the world both indoors or outside, accidents and illness can happen. Pets who are unsupervised outdoors may have more risks of diseases from injury and trauma or higher exposure to infectious disease and parasites, yet even protected inside a home their health can change. Any pet with signs of lethargy, vomiting, changes in appetite, diarrhea or other “not normal every day for them” symptoms should be seen by a veterinarian for an examination. Many medical issues are more easily cared for or even cured when a diagnosis can be made early. To assure your pet’s best health, plan regular veterinary wellness check-ups as well as remember to keep an emergency veterinary hospital plan on standby.

TOP 5 FELINE HEALTH ISSUES Health Issue

Common Diagnostic Test*

Therapies**

Renal Disease

Blood work, Urinalysis

Diet, fluid therapy

Lower Urinary Tract Disease

Urinalysis, Imaging +/- Culture

Reduce stress, diet, oral medications, laser therapy +/- catheter and hospitalization

Upper Respiratory Disease

CBC, Imaging of head and chest, secretion testing

Symptomatic and supportive, lysine and oral medications, humification are a few

Hyperthyroidism

Blood work for thyroid function

Oral medication, radioactive iodine therapy

Intestinal Issues (diarrhea or constipation)

Blood work, Abdomen Imaging, Fecal testing

Fluids, oral medications

Health Issue

Common Diagnostic Test*

Therapies**

Parvo Viral Disease

Fecal test for parvo

Symptomatic with fluids, anti-nausea medications, antibiotics often with hospitalization

Pancreatitis

Blood work, Imaging

Symptomatic with fluids, anti-nausea medications, pain medications often with hospitalization

Arthritis

Imaging (x-rays)

Anti-inflammatory care and pain medications, laser therapy

Allergies (skin/ear disease)

Symptoms paired with some allergy evaluation testing or trials

Parasite prevention, oral and topical therapy, allergy targeting diet

Obesity

Exam with weight and body condition scoring (BCS)

Diet, exercise, treatment of underlying health issues such as underactive thyroid

TOP 5 CANINE HEALTH ISSUES

*Testing may include additional recommendations than the basic initial evaluation listed above for full assessments of health and disease status. **Therapy may include a variety or combination of recommended therapeutics depending on severity of disease symptoms or veterinary protocols being applied by your veterinarian.

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Houston PetTalk Magazine

When Is it An Emergency? Shana D. Richardson, PhD | Vergi 24/7 | vergi247.com

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hen should your pet be brought to an emergency hospital? Here is a list of the most common reasons: Suffers any type of trauma (hit by a car or blunt object, falls more than a few feet, attacked by another animal, burned) Is non-responsive (won’t wake up or appears dazed) Is bleeding significantly Has vomiting or diarrhea for more than 24 hours, or immediately if the vomit and/or diarrhea is bloody. Is straining to urinate or defecate, making multiple trips to urinate with little to no urine output Has a seizure or seizures/tremors Has trouble breathing (e.g., noisy breathing, stretching the head and neck out while breathing, seeing the abdominal body wall moving a lot while breathing, panting cats, dogs panting more than normal, increased or decreased respiratory rate) Suffers heat stroke or heat exhaustion Is choking Is in extreme pain (shaking, moaning, cry-

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» »

» » » » » » »

» » » »

ing, aggressive when touched) Becomes disoriented (tilts head, becomes uncoordinated, bumps into things) Becomes paralyzed (can’t stand or move) Has pale, yellow, blue or grey gums, weak or rapid pulse Runs extremely high or low temperature Has avoided food or water for a full day Swallowed a foreign body Has distended, abdominal bloating Is lethargic or collapses Seems anxious or restless Is constantly coughing or has the inability to rest through the night Is coughing up pink, frothy, foamy liquid (or blood) Experiences non-productive retching (symptom of gastric-dilitation volvulus or “GDV”) Is wounded Is bitten by a venomous snake Suffers anaphylaxis for any reason Is not able to move or walk, or is dragging the back legs Is poisoned or ingests a toxic substance

Has abnormal vaginal discharge (females) Develops an abnormal odor from the body » Feels very hot or cold to the touch » Is squinting or has bulging, discolored or painful eyeballs » Is suffering and euthanasia becomes necessary While this list isn’t all-inclusive, it gives you a good general idea to work with. When in doubt, bring your pet in. Because you know your pet better than anybody else, you may pick up on a change that alarms you and may end up saving the life of your pet. Some emergencies can wait to see your regular veterinarian the following morning (like diarrhea, itchy skin, even urinary tract infections, etc.), and that is something we can help you decide. If you are worried or unsure, your best bet is to get your pet to the hospital to be evaluated. Not only will this give you peace of mind, our veterinarians can make sure nothing more significant is going on health-wise. If it is, we can admit your pet and begin immediate treatments to help them feel better. » »

Nutritional Nuts and Bolts Jennifer Hennessey, DVM | Wonder Pet Rehab | animalernwh.com

o nourish is to nurture but what are we feeding, exactly? Let us take our furry family member’s dietary details down to the basics, making nutrition more “digestible”! Much like a delicious baked dish is the summary of its ingredients, a balanced diet starts with a combination of key components, called nutrients, that initially are combined in a specific “recipe.” Nutrients are the power and energy supply for overall wellness. Essential nutrients are those specifically needed to be provided in food or via supplementation as the body is unable to internally manufacture them on its own. They are vital for overall health, growth and disease prevention. Specifics such as species and life stage can dictate unique nutrient needs. The calories of a meal, as we relate to familiarity within our own menus, are derived from 3 primary nutrient categories: protein, fat, and carbohydrate.

PROTEINS

Protein is digested into amino acids, which are important for tissue health such as muscle building, injury repair, hormone manufacturing, and a healthy immune system. Animal sources of diet protein can commonly include chicken,

beef, fish, lamb; plant sources might be oats.

FATS

Fats are digested into fatty acids. Fats are important sources of energy for both dogs and cats. Fatty acids are crucial for cellular health and function and help the body control inflammation. Higher fat diets are important for feline health and are utilized for extreme energy needs such as for military working dogs and endurance work as with sled dogs.

CARBOHYDRATES

Carbohydrates are an additional energy source and provide the body with iron, minerals, and fiber when the “carb” ingredients are grains. Carbohydrates are broken down into glucose for energy. While carbohydrates are not essential nutrients in our pets, using carbohydrates can spare protein for other grand purposes within the body and still provide added nutrition.

WHY CATS ARE NOT SMALL DOGS

Cats and dogs share unique differences in their nutrition which is why you buy food

labeled specifically for each species. Let us look at who may be less demanding for personal attention but is more needy in the way of nutrition: » Higher diet protein requirements? Cats! » Higher needs for fat intake and essential fatty acids? Cats! » Higher needs for certain additional amino acids such as taurine? Cats! Our feline friends, even though small furry family members, require more fat and protein than dogs in their diet for optimum health. Dogs can develop diarrhea and pancreatitis if high fats are consumed, which can occur with routine intake of cat food. To overcome the challenge of the smaller bite sizes and meal portions for cats, their food is more “condensed” and is considered “indulgent” compared to their canine companions’ kibble. Cats also need taurine and arginine for wellness which are amino acids unique to them as extras within their commercial diets. More information on pet food labeling and official regulations for cat and dog dietary details can be found at www.AAFCO.org.

Dr. Hennessey assessing body condition. Houston PetTalk Magazine

Conservative management of hip dysplasia Sandra Wilson | K9 Health Center | k9healthcenter.com

allace is an Old English Sheepdog, who at 14 months decided he didn’t like his daily walks. Next, he refused to go up-stairs and found it difficult getting up after exercise. Obviously, his owners were very concerned and took him in for X-rays. The diagnostic testing revealed Hip-Dysplasia. A treatment plan was developed for Wallace that included dietary supplements, antiinflammatory and pain medicine, and he was also referred for hydrotherapy by his veterinarian for conservative management. Whilst hip dysplasia is a progressive disease, the condition can be influenced by external factors. The main feature of the disease is excessive, uncontrolled joint movement leading to unwelcome muscular-skeletal changes, abnormal wear and subsequent osteoarthritis. Hydrotherapy is a planned, managed and controlled therapy program, utilizing the dynamic and static properties of water. To ensure safety and positive treatment outcomes, hydrotherapy must be carried out by appropriately trained and qualified specialists with the expertise and competency to support improvement in properly designed and correctly operated hydrotherapy equipment. Best practice encourages the hydrotherapy practitioner to be hands-on throughout the process, support the patient and use the feedback of direct touch to monitor and adapt treatment response.

BEFORE

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When Wallace was first observed, he exhibited an altered gait pattern, intermittent reduced weight-bearing load on his hind limbs and weakness of gluteal muscles. After assessment, a rehabilitation treatment plan was created. The aims were to: » strengthen the affected muscles, » improve and maintain soft tissue flexibility, » improve and maintain range of movement (ROM), » enhance gait pattern and create new muscle memory. This ‘tailor-made’ approach is critical. No two patients are ever the same, even if they present with identical problems. Each patient will respond with subtle differences which a good hydrotherapist will pick up and be able to adapt the treatment plan instantly to get the best from the patient. The hydrotherapy pool encouraged Wallace to exercise in a non-weight bearing environment which relieved pressure on his joints, diminished pain and discomfort, subsequently encouraging correct movement. Controlled and guided by the

AFTER

in-pool therapists, this built muscle and encouraged a better range of motion. The natural cushioning and resistance characteristics of the water meant Wallace had to increase effort and work output while undergoing hydrotherapy, resulting in increased muscle strength and

bulk. In the underwater treadmill, water height was adjusted to precisely control the amount of weight bearing on joints. The therapist applied a range of different techniques to enhance gait, balance, coordination and support hind-limb muscle strengthening Within the Hydro Spa, the plan called for massage and basic stretching for pain relief purposes and to improve flexibility. Per the X-Rays' shown here, you can see the complete transformation of the joint. At the time, Wallace was a young dog, still growing and developing. This was an ideal opportunity to address the problem and deliver a ‘nearperfect’ outcome. Because each patient presents with specific peculiarities in their conditions, and although the success rate is very high, there is still a chance this may not be the outcome for all dogs diagnosed with Hip Dysplasia. Surgical intervention may be the best long-term option. Ultimately, discussions with your veterinarian will help you decide on the best course of action and outcome for you and your pet.

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Houston PetTalk Magazine

The Do’s and Don’ts of Home Dental Care A Andrew Tesh, DVM | Bingle Vet | Binglevet.com s animal healthcare shifted between reactive intervention (treating diseases after they happen) to proactive wellness (preventing diseases), a clear relationship emerged between good hygiene and overall health. We know that chronic bacterial overgrowth in the mouth can lead to serious tooth and gum diseases, but also systemic health issues. A critical part of overall oral healthcare for pets revolves around diligent tooth maintenance by owners. Here are a few Do’s and Don’ts to ensure you are giving your pet the best home dental care possible: 1. Do brush your dog’s teeth. Nothing is better at cleaning the teeth than good brushing. Brushes vary in shapes and sizes for all pets. If started while the pet is young, you will have a better success rate. Please only use paste designed for dogs/cats. Human toothpaste is very caustic if swallowed. 2. Don’t wait until it’s too late to start home dental care. By the time you can clearly see and smell the dental disease, the calculus and bacteria have most likely become an issue far too evolved for anything short of a professional veterinary cleaning. 3. Do start home care while the teeth are

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clean. The goal is to prevent plaque (soft like butter) from becoming calculus (hard as a rock). Plaque can be removed easily; calculus requires metal instruments that could do more harm if not used correctly. 4. Don’t assume that because your pet eats hard food, that’s enough to clean the teeth. Dogs and cats on soft food will develop plaque faster, but only by a few days. In the long-run, dental disease will happen to all pets unless you intervene. 5. Do consider using dental chews- especially if your pet does not allow brushing. If you are unsure which chew to use, consider looking at products with the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal. The VOHC requires the products to be tested in real-world trials to ensure they are effective in reducing plaque. 6. Don’t use metal scalers on your pet’s teeth unless it is part of a complete oral health treatment supervised by a veterinarian. Metal scalers will definitely take the plaque off (remember it’s soft) and can even remove calculus. While this makes the teeth look pretty, it can increase the risks for oral health problems. Scaling without proper

polishing makes grooves and scratches in the tooth’s enamel. These scratches allow plaque and bacteria to stick to the tooth and build-up even faster than normal. Also, home scaling does not address the bacteria lurking under the gum line that can lead to tooth root disease and gum recession. 7. Do practice a slow and steady approach to oral health care. Rather than the shock and awe approach of using metal to scrape the teeth every few months, diligent brushing and/or dental chew use is much better your pet’s mouth. If started early (while the mouth is already clean) and done 2 or more times a week, home dental care will dramatically increase the overall health of your pet. 8. Finally, Don’t hesitate to talk to your veterinarian about all of the options for home dental healthcare. And, if you know that your pet’s mouth is not a clean slate to start on – ask about a professional cleaning to remove the plaque, calculus, and bacteria. Starting your home care after a professional cleaning is the best way to see how rewarding your diligence can be.

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Top 5 Things Owners Can Do For Optimal Senior Pet Health Julia Spade, DVM, cVMA, CHPV | Senior Paws | seniorpaws.vet

amilies want their pets to maintain a happy, healthy quality of life through their senior years. Below is listed some simple daily changes that owners can do at home to ensure this is the case.

1) EXERCISE

It is important to keep up with your pet’s exercise routine, allow them to set the pace, and take time for walks. If you have concerns that they will not set limits for themselves, circle the block to decrease how far away from home you are if they do tire and need assistance. If they are unable to walk due to mobility decline, illness or have never been before, such is the case for many cats, taking a stroller ride or wagon ride can greatly improve their wellbeing by allowing a change in scenery and introduction to other smells.

2) MENTAL STIMULATION

When pets are unable to walk or exercise, have lost their ability to play with toys, or have lost vision or eyesight, it is important to promote mental stimulation via alternative routes. Cats enjoy food/treat puzzles, snuffle mats, scratch pads and play with toy strings/ lights close to beds where they do not have to move around and can simply bat at the object. Dogs enjoy food/treat puzzles, rolling ball games, gentle tug a war games from their beds, licky mats with frozen treats, and/or swimming/floating (via floatation devices) in a pool which is easy on the joints.

3) HOUSEHOLD MODIFICATIONS

As pets age, mobility becomes a big limiting factor in quality of life. A decline in mobility can be due to arthritis, pain, loss of muscle or

weakness. Family’s can make some simple household modifications to improve a pets quality of life with movement around the house. In high traffic areas that have a slippery surface, owners can simply add a rug or yoga mat allowing more traction. Another difficult spot for traction is slick stairs. Try adding removal carpet squares you can purchase from home improvement stores. They will give your pet extra confidence and traction when going up and down. Elevating bowls from the floor can help a dog to not have to lean so far forward and put excess pressure on their front legs when eating, and lowering bowls from counters for cats to reduce the amount of jumping are modifications that can help with osteoarthritis pain and weakness. Check for any areas of the house that have a small step up or lip that may be difficult for an older pet to navigate and add on a small ramp to alleviate the need for a jump. If cats are having difficulty getting in and out of the litter box, buying lower boxes which require less jumping or substituting long, under the bed tupperware containers as litter boxes can help.

4) HYGIENE

As pets age, many cannot keep up with their hygiene. Cats will stop grooming themselves due to pain or as progression of a disease process. Owners can use a warm washcloth to wash a cat’s face mimicking normal grooming behavior. Some even like having the warm washcloth rubbed down their back. Instead of using a brush, owners can use latex gloves to remove the undercoat of fur which can be less painful for many pets with arthritis. For bathing, there are gloves with multiple small nubs on them that allow brushing while bathing, removing one of the grooming steps to help with comfort. Waterless shampoo can also be used for a quick clean up that requires less time.

5) HANDS ON AT HOME

Lastly, at home it is important for pet owners to routinely rub and palpate their pets for any sore areas (especially around joints) or any new lumps and bumps. Some of these things when caught early can have a treatment plan, helping improve pain at the beginning stages, or have surgery to remove small masses before they grow too large to be able to treat appropriately. If you notice any problems, please seek veterinary care.

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The Case For Spay & Neuter H. Carl Halliday, DVM | Emancipet | emancipet.org

t is estimated that nationwide, at least 70,000 puppies and kittens are born each day. Millions of cats and dogs end up in shelters every year, because unwanted litters are born, unanticipated costs of caring for young pets are incurred and health problems arise. Having your pet spayed or neutered will help decrease the number of animals in need of shelter, decrease risks of health issues and will lead to pets living longer and happier lives. Technically speaking, the term “neuter” means reproductive sterilization of either a male or a female animal, but in common, everyday language, “neuter” is usually used to refer to males only. The term “spay” refers to the surgical sterilization of females only. There are many behavioral benefits to getting your pet spayed or neutered. Neutered male dogs and cats are much less likely to fight with other animals, thereby decreasing risk of injury. In cats, this also decreases the chances of becoming infected with Feline

Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV). Un-neutered (or “intact”) male dogs and cats urinate often and everywhere to mark their territory. Neutering greatly reduces this behavior, and the urine won’t smell as strong! The surgery also decreases the “humping” behavior for male dogs. Both sterilized male and female pets are much less likely to wander away from home and get lost looking for a mate. Dogs reproduce 15 times as fast as humans. Cats reproduce 45 times as fast. There are also many health benefits to getting your pet spayed or neutered:

FOR FEMALE DOGS AND CATS: »

Breast tumors are fairly common in older, non-spayed female dogs, and are much less likely to develop if the animal is spayed. Tumors are malignant or cancerous in about 50% of dogs and 90% of cats. If surgery is done before the first “heat” cycle, the risk of tumors is as low as .05%

The occurrence of pyometra, a life-threatening infection of the uterus in dogs and cats, would be impossible once they are spayed.

FOR MALE DOGS AND CATS:

Neutering reduces the risk of at least three types of cancer (including prostate cancer) » Neutering decreases the chance of acquiring benign prostate gland enlargement, and enlargement of the circumanal glands. » Neutering male cats decreases fighting, which decreases injuries/abscesses, and the likelihood of becoming infected with Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV). Many studies have shown that on average, spayed/neutered dogs and cats live longer than intact dogs and cats and they just make better, more enjoyable pets with fewer health concerns. There is really no good reason NOT to have this surgery done on your pet, and the benefits are immense! »

Dr. Silberman assesses a male dog neuter surgery at Houston Humane Society. Houston PetTalk Magazine

Itchy Paws? Get Relief! I Rachel Walsh, DVM | Replenish Dog | replenishdog.com tchy Paws? A Deeper Issue with an AllNatural Solution Pet parents frequently bring their dogs to the veterinary clinic to be treated for red, itchy, infected, and painful paws. What were signs of mild foot licking will commonly turn into a full-blown paw infection in a matter of days. But why do dogs do all this paw licking and cause themselves to develop painful infections and what can we do to help them? The most common underlying cause of paw licking is allergies. If you have ever seen your dog’s paws turn a reddish-brown color, that is a discoloration from the licking that we refer to as ‘saliva staining’ and can be a sign of an underlying allergy. These allergies can be from the environment, the food they are eating, or a combination of both. Obviously, dogs do not wear shoes and they do not take daily baths, so wherever they walk (even in

the house) they are picking up pollens and environmental allergens which stay in between their paw

pads and cause skin irritation. Food allergies can also cause the skin to become inflamed and itchy. The resulting inflammation from either underlying allergen then causes your dog to lick their feet to try

Puppy Vaccinations by Age

By Michelle Mantor

aking your puppy for vaccinations to the veterinarian is very important. There are a number of deadly diseases their young immune systems are susceptible to but thankfully, through vaccines, they are preventable. I personally have known several people in just this last year that lost a puppy to parvovirus. These diseases can kill quickly so protect your pup by getting the recommended vaccines (and discuss the optional vaccines with your vet who will help you decide if they are a good idea for your pup based on their exposure risk). Also, vaccines are quite fragile and can break down and be ineffective if they are not handled and refrigerated properly. To ensure efficacy, go to your veterinarian for puppy vaccines to make sure you are getting an effective vaccine (as opposed to the DIY version from the feed store). » 6-8 wks: Distemper, Parvovirus; Optional: Bordatella

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» »

10-12 wks: DHPP (distemper, adenovirus (hepatitis), parainfluuenza and parvovirus; Optional: Influenza, Leptospirosis, Bordetella, Lyme disease 16-18 wks: DHPP, Rabies; 12-16 mths: DHPP, Rabies; Optional: Coronavirus, Leptospirosis, Bredetella, Lyme disease Every 1-2 yrs: DHPP; Optional: Influenza, Coronavirus, Leptospirosis, Bordetella, Lyme disease Every 1-3 yrs: Rabies as required by law

to soothe the irritation. The more they lick, the more the skin cells become inflamed, and the protective cellular barrier is impaired. When the skin barrier is broken down this allows naturally occurring bacteria and yeast to invade underneath the skin and cause an infection. So, what can we do to help our itchy fur babies’ feet? You can follow a proven treatment regimen called “Foot Soaking” that can cure irritated skin and help treat infection. This simple technique which was pioneered on horses to help cure hoof infections and involves soaking your dog’s paw(s) in a medicinal solution usually filled in a bowl or a low filled bathtub for 5-10 minutes. This can be done as often as needed to treat discomfort and infection but usually owners will see some healing effects after the first treatment. To help you create your own medicinal solution, I have developed a new homeopathic mixture called Replenish Natural Paw Healing Solution which is a combination of several scientifically proven natural ingredients that are both antibacterial and antifungal as well as a natural anti-inflammatory. Additionally, my product does not contain any added fragrances which can irritate your dog’s extremely sensitive sense of smell and quickly dissolves in water. The best part of using my foot soaking solution is it can prevent the need for a vet visit or the use of strong medications which ultimately saves you both time and money. Please visit www.replenishdog.com to read more about this Natural Paw Healing Solution and learn about my Replenish Dog Water Supplement to keep your dog hydrated, healthy, and feeling great!

Houston PetTalk Magazine

Optimizing Bone Health In Canines Christopher Clarke | Clarke Bioscience | clarkebioscience.com

he decision to bless your family with a new addition of a canine companion is one of the most exciting choices one can make. A sometimes overlooked factor when searching for the perfect new family member is the potential health problems that could arise with certain breeds. Common issues that can present, include but are not limited to: eye diseases, ear infections, skin conditions, hip and elbow problems common to large breeds, and accidents involving impacts. Some of these can require very expensive surgical interventions to repair. Our first foray into canine bone and joint health came from a little Cairn Terrier who was hit by a car. Our office manager asked if the OsteoBLAST® that we use for human bone and joint health would work on the little dog. We know the biology of how bones and joints work on a cellular level, however we checked with some veterinarians about whether the dosing would be safe for an 11 pound dog. The vet suggested that we use half of what we give people. Four weeks later, the little terrier went in for his follow-up X-Rays to check his inoperable pelvic fractures. I received a phone call from the vet asking how his pelvis was seemingly able to mend in such a short

amount of time. That was when we knew that we had found something special. Dogs that are engaged in high impact sports or have active lifestyles are susceptible to joint problems, ligament tears, and stresses on the bones. Glucosamine, Chondroitin, and MSM have been used successfully for joint comfort, however the need to address both bone and joint health is the reason Canine OsteoBLAST® was created. It’s a dietary supplement specifically formulated for dogs that addresses these concerns.

THE BONE HEALTH OPTIMIZERS

Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus from food, the raw minerals for bone-making. Low levels of Vitamin D can contribute to bone demineralization. Inclusion of this vitamin in a dog's diet is highly advised for both puppies and adult dogs. Vitamin A helps to maintain healthy skin, eyes, teeth and fur, as well as reproduction, and immune response in dogs. Vitamin A plays an essential role in the development of osteoblasts, the bone-building cells that lay

Caring For Kittens

By Michelle Mantor

our young kitten should go to the veterinarian for a check-up and vaccinations as soon as you become the kitty’s caretaker. 98 to 100% of all kittens are born with intestinal parasites. Kittens are normally checked for parasites and de-wormed twice between the ages of 6-16 weeks. Thereafter, the stool is checked regularly for infection. It is important to know that intestinal parasites can be detrimental to your kitten

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and contagious to your family with serious consequences. After cats reach adulthood, the CDC recommends testing for intestinal parasites every 6 months. Your kitten’s first veterinary visit should include: Vaccinations (FVRCP #1 - feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia vaccine), Intestinal Parasite & Giardia Examination (stool), Deworming, Feline Leukemia blood test, Start Heartworm Prevention.

down new bone. Vitamin K2 helps to pull calcium out of the bloodstream and transports it to where active bone remodeling is taking place. It also exerts a powerful influence on bone building.

THE JOINT COMPOUNDS

Glucosamine helps by stimulating the growth of cartilage and protecting it within the joint. Dogs with a predisposition to joint problems later in life can be given glucosamine as early as 8 weeks old. Chondroitin protects cartilage by inhibiting the destructive enzymes that break down cartilage. Chondroitin is a component of cartilage that helps it retain water, and therefore increases its lubricity. Strontium Citrate is an element similar to calcium. An interesting effect of strontium supplementation is that it shows the ability to stimulate the natural re-calcification of bone. We all want the best for our four-legged companions and to provide for them a comfortable, well-adjusted life. As they age, we long to alleviate their aches and pains. Canine OsteoBLAST® contains all of the ingredients I mentioned earlier, and is specifically designed for optimal bone and joint health in our beloved fur-babies to give them the best lives possible. “The love of a dog is a pure thing. He gives you a trust which is total. You must not betray it.” – Michel Houellebecq

Healthy Ears + Healthy Skin = Happy Pet! Purchase these natural products from local charitable organization, Emancipet.org.

What To Expect At An Emergency Hospital Shana D. Richardson, PhD | Vergi 24/7 | vergi247.com

e love our pets and when a pet emergency arises, we can often feel a mixture of panic, fear, and sadness. At Vergi 24 Hour Emergency & Critical Care Hospital, we care for our clients as well as their pets. The collaboration between our clients and the veterinary team is invaluable and can help put your mind at ease, whether you are just arriving or have a pet who needs to be hospitalized. Hopefully, armed with a bit more knowledge and preparation, you and your pet will make it through without too much anxiety should you ever have to visit our hospital with a pet emergency.

BEHIND THE SCENES AT VERGI 24/7

Vergi operates much like a human ER. Since animals cannot tell us how they are feeling, a technician will perform a basic evaluation upon your arrival to determine the critical nature of the emergency. They will also ask you a number of questions that will help further evaluate and treat your pet. Please be honest with them and be patient in answering the questions. Following this evaluation, we will triage your pet. This means that the more severe cases are seen first and less severe cases (not life threatening) will often have more of a wait but will always be seen. Clients are offered the choice of going home to wait.

Once your pet is inside our hospital, we set them up in a kennel and make sure they are comfortable. One of our doctors will evaluate your pet, based on his or her triage status, and determine the care needed. You will be contacted by the doctor or the doctor’s assistant to go over your pet’s medical plan. Once you approve this plan, meaning you are giving your consent for the care of your pet, we will begin the necessary treatments as soon as possible. While your pet is staying with us, we will provide updates, photos, and are always here for you and aim to answer any questions or concerns you may have while your pet is hospitalized. Once your pet has been treated and ready to go back home, we will contact you to come pick them up, which is always a happy time! A technician or doctor’s assistant will go over discharge instructions and send home any medications that have been prescribed. People often ask why our prices are more than their regular veterinary clinics and we understand the financial concerns many people may have. Due to the specialized services we provide, the fees to have your pet evaluated and treated are higher than they might be at your regular veterinarian. Our mission at Vergi 24/7 is to save lives. We are here for you to help keep your pets healthy and happy when emergencies arise!

EAR CLEANER

Keep ears healthy and clean with Otic Ear Wash, a water-based ear cleansing and drying solution infused with eucalyptus extract. OK for use in dogs and cats.

SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER

Aloe & Oatmeal Shampoo and Conditioner is infused with cucumber essence and ripe melon extract, leaving your pet so fresh and so clean! OK for use in dogs and cats. Houston PetTalk Magazine

MOM ALL ABOUT

FOR THE FELINE FANCIER COASTING WITH MOM

Make the dog mom in your life smile on Mother’s Day with a personalized gift! These coasters come in a set of 4 (2 of each design, personalized with initial), measure 4” square, are made of neoprene with no slip back. Get yours on Etsy.com by visiting TheJHStudio.

A classic fitting shirt designed for ultra softness and comfort that will have your cat believing you are purrfect. Get your claws on this adorable shirt to save the cats right meow! Shirt is hand painted in the USA, 100% cotton, portion of sales goes directly to helping cats in shelters. Find yours at meow.com.

GIVE A GIFT AND GIVE A HELPING HAND FOR MOTHER’S DAY By: Sherry Wemple, Andy's Paw Prints In May 2011, Joplin, Missouri was struck by an EF5 tornado. The destruction was unimaginable, and the number of animals displaced and in need was overwhelming. I started volunteer-

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ing at the Joplin Humane Society to try and help, but realized the need was far greater than me and the many selfless volunteers could meet. My husband Tim and I wanted to do something that could be sustained and provide

more than just what I could offer as a volunteer. I asked my husband, who loves art, if he could do pet portraits. He said YES and that is how Andy’s Paw Prints was born! The namesake of our business is a rescue himself, Andy, from that very shelter. Fast forward to today and what started out as a small endeavor to help the Joplin Humane Society has grown into helping almost 300 rescues and shelters. Our business grew from one custom style to now seven different styles. Andy’s Paw Prints is an online business that creates custom pet portraits from your pet photo. We help rescue and shelter animals by donating 25% of our profit from every portrait sold. We also realized we were providing great comfort to our clients who had lost a beloved pet. It is so heartwarming hearing from customers after they receive their portrait and the tears of joy it brings. Andy’s Paw Prints is a small husband and wife business that loves pets, and we love bringing joy to people who love animals as much as we do. If you have a good photo of your pet, we can create a masterpiece for you or as a keepsake for the pet lover in your life! Check us out at AndysPawPrints.com and follow us on Facebook at Andy’s Paw Prints.

BLING it! CALLING ALL DOG DIVAS

We love our pets...and our accessories! Celebrate your love for man’s best friend by customizing a Beaded Cross Body Bag. Or, wear these stunning earrings in classic blue and white. From jewelry to handbags and more, there's bling for every style! Find Elanna Atelier at: Instagram @ elanna_atelier OR elanna-atelier.com.

STRUT IN STYLE

Why adorn your pup in a boring collar when they can strut their stuff with fancy rhinestone neckwear from Purrs N Barks? Make your dog the envy of the neighborhood by fetching a different color for every day of the week! Find yours at purrsnbarkstx.com, located 7710 Cherry Park Drive, Suite Q, Houston, TX, 77095.

ADD A LITTLE SPARKLE

Just a tad of bling will make your precious pooch feel special when they're adorned with this rhinestone bone charm. It's a great addition to any pet collar...find yours at Purrs N Barks, 7710 Cherry Park Drive, Suite Q, Houston, TX, 77095.

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In honor of CAP's 1st spokescat, Magoo.

BAYOU CITY EVENT CENTER

June 27th, 2021 2PM - 5PM

Family friendly! Kids & Pets Invited!

Houston PetTalk Magazine

HAPPY TAILS:

OREO'S ADOPTION STORY How League City Animal Care never gave up on an extreme abuse case, and paved the way for a happy ending. A FRIGHTENED DOG

In November 2019, League City Animal Care (LCAC) discovered a heartbreaking case of animal abuse. “When we found him, he was outdoors in a kennel several sizes too small. He couldn’t stand up all the way, he was hunched over, and there was a blanket over the cage. He was completely isolated,” said Jasmine O’Keefe, Animal Services Manager at LCAC. The dog was a one-year-old male German Shepherd mix—the staff named him Oreo. It was clear he'd had very little human interaction and was frightened. It took Jasmine and two other employees 90 minutes just to get a collar and leash on him. “He was our first dog with really intense behavioral issues. Anything new or unfamiliar would set him off, and I knew it would take someone advocating for him to give him a chance at rehabilitation.” That’s when Julie Hoover, an Animal Technician at LCAC, stepped in.

Julie Hoover and Oreo

OREO FINDS AN ADVOCATE

“I noticed nobody wanted to take him out and knew he couldn’t live in a cage forever,” said Julie. However, her first interaction with Oreo wasn’t exactly an easy one. “I was told to give him wormer and didn’t know how aggressive he was. He almost bit my face off,” she recalled with a fond laugh. “After that I started sitting in front of his cage three to four times a day, feeding him hot dogs.” Julie wanted Oreo to understand he didn’t need to be fearful of her. “I had to win his trust.” Julie watched YouTube videos by animal training experts to get advice on how to help Oreo. She spent time with him every day, hoping that her efforts would pay off. A

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glimmer of hope shined through after four weeks of sitting beside his cage. Oreo let Julie pet him. “I cried the first time he let me touch him.” From target stick training, to walks, to even taking him home with her, Julie continued to work with Oreo. “He’s very smart. He picked up 'shake' in a minute. He really wants to please and be good,” she said. Julie also emailed Sonya Fitzpatrick, a pet psychic who at one time had her own show on Animal Planet. “I was trying to figure out why he would be so aggressive, so I emailed her a picture and video, and explained that he’d been here a long time.” The email worked, and Sonya actually called Julie to offer her a free reading on Oreo.

A PERFECT MATCH

Following a strict training schedule for months on end, Oreo began to make some major improvements. He let other volunteers work with him, something that had previously been impossible. Then one day, someone came to the shelter expressing interest in adopting him. “I was shocked someone was here to adopt,” Jasmine said. “Then I was afraid. I wasn’t sure the potential adopter really understood that Oreo has special needs.” It turned out Jasmine had nothing to fear. Ray Dixon came to League City Animal Care on several occasions to spend time with Oreo. He learned how to handle him and understood the challenges involved with caring for him. Finally, after 16 months living at the shelter, Oreo left for his forever home on March 2, 2021. Jasmine attributes Oreo’s happily ever after to the time Julie and the staff committed to training and caring for him. “We have a lot of animals in the shelter to allocate time to. Julie made time to work with Oreo—even on her days off—and that made the difference,” said Jasmine. Now Oreo goes by the name of Brody and spends his days in the comfort of his new home, with Ray. “I’m a little piece of a very big story,” said Ray. “I know a lot of hard work and love went into this guy, and I’m reaping that reward. He’s my best friend.” Brody now spends his days keeping Ray company and playing outside. Oh, and there’s no longer a tiny crate keeping him confined. “He sleeps next to me, stretched out in his spot. His cold wet nose is my alarm clock.”

Ray Dixon and Oreo

Visit LeagueCity.com/animaldonations to help support animals in need.

Seated left to right: Gwen Norman, Jasmine O’Keefe, Sean Fanti, and Lynette Bodmer

THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT FOR LEAGUE CITY ANIMAL CARE

Jasmine and the League City Animal Care staff learned a lot from their time spent with Oreo, and even had help from animal care experts across the country. Tucker Eurman—a professional canine trainer out of Colorado—created Oreo’s training plan, including the target stick training that Julie implemented. “This experience raises the bar for us. We know that we can work successfully with these animals. When another Oreo comes along, we’ll be prepared, and we know who we can reach out to for help.” Having an exceptional team in place—from shelter staff to volunteers—enabled Jasmine, Julie, and other employees to rehabilitate Oreo to the point where he could be safely adopted. “I’m beyond proud and grateful for the staff and volunteers. I can’t ask for a better team. We have so much potential, and I can’t even say with words how proud I am.” Houston PetTalk Magazine

TAIL END

he Capturing the rich, detailed perfection of God’s creatures in the wild through an artistic oil painting is no easy task, but famed artist Randy McGovern has perfected his ability and become on of the most celebrated, collected wildlife artists in America. Known for his utmost attention to detail, rich use of light and ability to capture each animal in its natural habitat, Randy also throws in the unexpected by hiding smaller animals within the portraits of larger ones. Definitely a conversation piece! Growing up in New Orleans, Randy’s talented was discovered by his elementary teacher who prompted his parents to give him art lessons. He went on to study under acclaimed master portraitists and launch a career that would earn the praise and respect of sportsman and collectors alike, both nationally and internationally.

NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED ARTIST Randy McGovern Working in a precise realistic style in oils, Randy feels compelled to portray animals in their most noble character which requires adding a dimension beyond merely duplicating photos of animals in sometimes awkward compositions. "I love to create moods, the use of dramatic light sources, and rich colors tastefully mixed. I feel compelled to count feathers or scales and to feel the fur on live wolves before I paint them. The perfectionist in me sleeps a little better - even if a little extra accuracy goes unnoticed. You have to be more than disciplined; you have to be driven." Over the course of the decades, Randy has accomplished unparalleled success as a wildlife artist, resulting in his art being featured on the cover of magazines (Outdoor Life, Bass and Striper Fishing, Texas Outdoors) and him being honored with numerous awards. He has even been

byline By: Michelle Mantor

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commissioned to design the Arkansas Wild Turkey Stamp, the Texas Saltwater Fishing Stamp and the Coastal Conserva-

tion Association Stamp. Whether you want to adorn your walls with prints or originals, framed or un-

framed, Randy can accommodate most anything you desire…even a custom oil portrait of your beloved pet. From prints of deer, birds, landscape, fish to exquisitely capturing the essence of dogs, cats and horses, Randy’s vast repertoire has something for everyone at reasonable prices. For example, a 9”x 12” portrait of your pet, with or without family, is only $700, which would make a memorable keepsake from one of the world’s leading artists. Learn more about Randy’s unique style and view his vast gallery of prints at McGovernWildlife.com or Fish-Prints.com. You can even receive a FREE catalog of Randy’s limited edition wildlife prints or email Randy photos of your pet so he can get started creating your one-of-akind portrait!

DOGGIE H

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PET SITTER & DOG WALKER Servicing Central West Houston from Memorial City to the Heights

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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.

To Donate Please Visit

www.HCVMF.org Houston PetTalk Magazine

TAIL END

Consider Helping These Local Animals

BELLE: NEEDS A MONETARY SPONSOR

eet Belle, a lovely Great Dane who is in the care of Great Dane Rescue of Southeast Texas and is in need of a sponsor. Due to her past experiences and extreme anxiety, Belle does better living in a boarding facility environment and is looking for some “fur-iends” to help with her daily living expenses. A little about Belle’s situation: She was used for breeding most of her life and then dumped. Thankfully, a caring organization like GDRST is working to give her a better life! Because of her traumatic background, she developed extreme storm anxiety to the point that should would destroy a crate (and a house). She can be social and plays well with other dogs and loves kids, but her storm fears necessitate that she live in a boarding facility where she is most comfortable, given that is what she was used to. She has medication prescribed by her veterinarian for her anxiety and she is currently boarding at The Kennel Club in Cypress where she can be social and also safe during thunderstorms. Belle’s

expenses are $10 a day + cost of food + medications, equaling $20 per day. GDRST would like to thank Cori Moreno of The Kennel Club for taking great care of Belle and they would be most appreciative of any donations or a sponsor to help with Belle’s expenses. If you would

like to learn more or donate, please email Judy Jones at doggydane@aol.com. To learn more about GDRST, visit them online at SaveADane.org where you will also find other dogs in their adoption program, learn about fostering for their organization or to make a general donation.

COOKIE MONSTER: LOOKING FOR A LOVING HOME

t was the Fall of 2019 when a stallion, injured and extremely emaciated, was rescued by the Houston SPCA. Despite his serious condition, their award-winning equine team was able to get this special stallion they affectionately call ‘Cookie Monster’ back on the road to recovery after surgery. “We immediately put this sweet boy on our refeeding protocol and he gained great weight in just a couple short months,” said Kaycie McCarthy, equine and farm animal manager for the Houston SPCA. “He was also a doll to handle and seemed to know we were going to take good care of him,” added McCarthy. They soon began evaluating the 14-year old gaited paint under saddle, and according to McCarthy, a really fun

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trail horse. Cookie Monster is now ready for a loving home who ideally would have a pasture buddy. He will need special attention that calls for his hind-end and tail to be washed 2-to-3 times a week due to penile amputation and creation of a new

urethra. If you are looking for a light riding horse to mosey the trails on the weekend, Cookie Monster may be just your kind of horse. Please email barn@houstonspca.org if you want to learn more about Cookie Monster.

FIND SOMETHING

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Houston PetTalk Magazine

Conservation Corner As appreciative supporters of nature and wildlife, we at Houston PetTalk want to promote education and conservation of the world’s animal population. Each month we bring you information on conservation efforts that are of special interest or have some connection to Houston through the Houston Zoo or the TWRC Wildlife Center. This issue, we highlight endangered sea turtles. Look for other up$coming conservation stories so that you too can help save a species.

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ast December, 120 sea turtles flew south to Texas after being found on Cape Cod, Massachusetts beaches suffering from hypother-

By: Lauren Wappler, Houston Zoo

Photos, courtesy Houston Zoo

Caring for Cold-stunned Endangered Sea Turtles

mia and other complications. Sea turtles are cold-blooded and rely on heat from their environment to maintain their body temperatures. When water temperatures drop rapidly, they become lethargic

and unable to swim. They require expert care, but with so many turtles, the rehabilitation facilities were filling up in New England. Hence, the turtles were sent to seven facilities in Texas, including the Houston Zoo, to receive treatment and care. The Houston Zoo Sea Turtle Hospital keepers have been responsible for daily care of 19 Kemp’s ridleys and a single loggerhead turtle. The Zoo’s veterinary team has overseen their treatments. The Houston Zoo’s medical team have also assisted the Texas A&M University at Galveston team with veterinary care. “Such a large number of endangered species to care for at one time is a great responsibility,” said Cody Macon, Houston Zoo Sea Turtle Hospital keeper. “So, while we enjoy helping so many of these wonderful turtles, we also recognize that it takes many exhausting hours of care to do so. In the end, seeing them being

released back into the wild makes all the work worth it!” Over Spring Break, the Zoo participated in two sea turtle releases on back-to-back weekends, releasing a total of six green sea turtles and 14 Kemp’s ridley sea turtles. Several of the turtles released were part of the sea turtle rescue flight from Cape Cod back in December 2020. Over the past few months, these turtles received expert treatment and care by the Zoo’s veterinarian staff before being cleared for release back into the wild. Their treatment included physical exams, antibiotics, blood work, and X-rays. “It is a job we are proud to do,” continued Macon. “Seeing an animal go from near death to thriving and being able to watch them excitedly swim off into the horizon is a rewarding feeling!” There are five species of sea turtles inhabiting the Gulf of Mexico, all of which are either threatened or endangered. They

include the Kemp’s ridley, green, leatherback, Atlantic hawksbill, and loggerhead sea turtles. Sea turtles face several threats in the wild, including becoming entangled in or ingesting plastic trash, entanglement in and encounters with fishing gear, and development of beaches and light pollution. Sea turtle populations are

slowly recovering thanks to the collaborative effort of the Zoo, scientists, other non-profits, universities, grass roots organizations and many dedicated people. People are urged to protect sea turtles by calling 1-866-TURTLE-5 if they find an injured or stranded individual or accidentally catch a sea turtle while fishing, so that an expert, like Houston

Zoo staff, Cody, can assess the turtle and provide care if needed. People can also prevent entanglement threats and protect sea turtles and their ocean home by eliminating single-use plastics and replacing them with sustainable items such as reusable water bottles, bags, and straws.

WILD ABOUT ANIMALS

By Michelle Mantor photographybyprudence.com

Wild About Animals is a monthly feature written by our Editor with the mission of educating the public on the value of all species.

t’s hard to think of Brazil’s wildlife and biodiversity without the Amazon Rainforest coming to mind, which constitutes the largest collection of living plants and animal species in the world. But did you know that Brazil has another amazing natural beauty, the Pantanal, in her midst? Smack in the middle of South America, the Pantanal is the world’s largest tropical wetland, covering over 70,000 square miles (approximately the size of Washington State). Part national park, part UNESCO World Heritage site, Brazil lays claim to the majority of the area, with parts flowing into Paraguay and Bolivia. Boasting the highest concentration of wildlife on the continent, the ebb and flow of nature are never more apparent than in this region. Each year, torrential rains fill the Pantanal’s giant basin, flooding the landscape which then subsides leaving behind fish and other creatures for the many birds to feast on. You can also imagine the lush flora and fauna that grow abundantly in this environment. But…there is more! Animals such as jaguars, alligators, wild pigs, dear, massive

Capybara

Roseate Spoonbills

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Zoo keeper John Scaramucci describing the Pantanal habitat with Editor Michelle Mantor snakes, giant anteaters, piranha, monkeys and more call the Pantanal their home. Given the abundance of this beautiful place that epitomizes wildlife, it’s no wonder the Houston Zoo created a version of this South American landscape for zoo visitors to enjoy. Recently unveiled and titled South America Pantanal, the habitat highlights the animals the zoo is working to protect in the wild including the giant anteater, green anaconda, black-and-gold howler monkey, giant river otter, jaguar, tapir, blue-throated macaw and more. Guests can meander a trail and view the many animals in their natural habitat and learn all about them through well-placed and informative signage. During our visit, I was quite impressed with the free-roam-

ing nature of multiple species living together, as they would in nature, such as the capybara, tapir, and river fowl. All of the animals were so intriguing! Hopefully you read our March issue wildlife section and learned all about the giant anteaters at the zoo, including mom and baby! Of the many animals we saw that day, I have to say one of my favorite was the blue-billed curassow . To be honest, birds are not typically my favorite (I am more of an ape and sea lion fan) but I have to say this little fellow caught my attention. Most likely my fascination was with the brilliant blue on his deeply black furry head but what really got my attention was how little of these creatures are left on the planet…approximately 250! Yes…only 250! Given the beauty of this habitat and its diverse residents, a trip to the zoo to check out South America Pantanal is definitely worth it. You will enjoy the walk and learn a great deal…I know I did! Tickets to the zoo range from $18 to $22 or you can save nearly 50% on admission through the CityPASS. Enjoy!

Blue-Billed Curassow

Photo credit, Houston Zoo

The Houston Zoo's South America Pantanal is the first of its kind in the US. The exhibit offers a glimpse into the landscape and animals in the world's largest tropical wetland. The exhibit opened in October 2020.