Lcdmaugsept2014web

volume 10, issue 5

magazine

TM

august/september 2014

animal advocate diane straney local veterinary facility earns top certification sc pet protective orders law ask the trainer: chase drive

Seaside Sully Meet our 2014 Cover Model Contest Winner

Publisher Leah England (843) 478-0266 leah@lowcountrydog.com

contents

Advertising Information (843) 284-3094 Communications Gillian Nicol gillian@lowcountrydog.com Guest Writer Kelly Rae Smith Teri Errico Photographer Laura Olsen Accounting Carrie Clark Financial Services (843) 367-9969 carriecl@comcast.net Lowcountry Dog Magazine PO Box 22 Mt. Pleasant, SC 29465 Web: lowcountrydog.com Twitter: www.twitter.com/leahengland Facebook: facebook.com/lowcountrydog

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august/september 2014 animal advocate diane straney 4 local veterinary facility earns top certification 8

This magazine is printed on 100% recycled paper.

Continue the green process by recycling this copy.

Lowcountry Dog’s mission is to be the leading local resource for dog owners regarding regional events, health and wellness information, trends, style and lifestyle choices. We also strive to be a mouthpiece to the public for various dog related non-profits and promote pet adoption and other responsible pet care practices.

Dog lovers can pick up the bimonthly magazine for free at most area veterinarians and pet stores throughout the lowcountry, as well as numerous restaurants, coffee bars and retailers. A full distribution list is posted to the magazine’s web site, lowcountrydog.com. Subscriptions are also available. Please call 843-478-0266 for more information.

sc pet protective orders law 10 seaside sully 14 calendar of events 21 health & wellness 20 Hip Dysplasia and Osteoarthritis training 22 Chase Drive

The entire contents of this magazine are copyrighted

by Lowcountry Dog Magazine with all rights reserved.

Reproduction of any material from this issue is expressly forbidden without permission of the publisher.

Lowcountry Dog Magazine does not endorse or guarantee any product, service, or vendor mentioned or pictured in this magazine in editorial or advertising space. Views expressed by authors or advertisers are not necessarily those of the publisher.

Cover photo and Table of Contents photos by Laura Olsen Imagery.

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Lowcountrydog

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Animal Advocate

TEXT BY KELLY RAE SMITH

PHOTOS BY LAURA OLSEN

Diane Straney answered the call of the wild when she decided to become an advocate for feral cats back in 1995. While most of us have had to make that tough decision before — to feed or not to feed a poor stray — Straney didn’t hesitate. She helped the little guy out and then some.

“I retired and decided to move back to Charleston,” Straney, a Charleston native, remembers. “My first day back I was at the house we’d bought, and there was a stray cat on the porch. He was full of mange and starving. I started taking care of him, and the next day we had gone to the marina and I looked over at the dumpster, and there were 15 cats there starving. And so I started feeding them. I just became very aware once I retired at how many homeless cats there are, and so I started feeding cats in Mt Pleasant and getting them spayed and neutered.”

Before retirement, Straney was a successful computer programmer and systems analyst who worked at the Jennifer and Salty.

4 Lowcountrydog

Diane Straney

Harvard Medical School Epidemiology Department. In 1995, she decided to sell her small software company that designed Wall Street trading systems for the likes of Charles Schwab and head back home to Charleston. Little did she know a whole new path lay ahead that would dramatically change the future of Charleston animals.

Straney’s incredible compassion for cats began on her porch that day and continued for 20 years. She’d eventually found the Feline Freedom Coalition, a nonprofit organization that has successfully reduced the feral cat population, helped pass the Free Roaming Cat ordinance, and is the only facility in the south dedicated to work specifically with ferals. “She has helped lead the way to the development of all the major programs that have saved the lives of thousands of the homeless dogs and cats in the Charleston area,” says Julie Reynolds, a colleague of hers at the FFC who has nominated Straney for the

Top: Diane walks Loki through the 20 acre Feline Freedom Coalition, which now also welcomes adoptable bully breeds with medical and behavioral issues. Below: Midnight gets some love, and a brighter future.

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Lowcountrydog

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Lowcountry Dog Animal Advocate Award.

“She has dedicated her life to ending the euthanasia of all adoptable cats and dogs by not only making significant financial donations but by working daily, handson, giving unlimited time, blood, sweat, and tears,” Reynolds says. “She has been the only leader who has focused her laserlike energy on the plight of feral cats who historically were the most at risk animals in our community.”

Straney used her own funds and whatever grants she could find to start up the FFC facility. That was over 10 years ago now. With 20-acres at her disposal, Straney has been able to build a sixbuilding sanctuary for animals in need.

Fenced-in cat houses were created by converting old building containers into air-conditioned-and-heated rooms with access to the outdoors, too. Today, she has around 200 cats that are properly cared for at the Ravenel-based facility.

Straney has also been working with a group of volunteers recently called Rescue Charleston that is dedicated to specifically helping with pitbulls who are medically and behaviorally challenged. No matter how much good is accomplished, for this animal advocate, also a board member of Pet Helpers, there is still more work to be done. And she’s already done a lot.

For instance, Straney, along with the help of PetHelpers and the Charleston Animal Society, was key in making Charleston the only no-kill community in the Deep South. Straney developed the Free Roaming Cat Program, a new approach to feral cat population control. Under the ordinance, feral cats can be trapped, neutered, and returned (TNR) to their original location, preventing them being otherwise picked up by animal control and euthanized. Though this wasn’t allowed before, that didn’t stop Straney.

“TNR was not legal in Charleston County at that time Diane began her efforts,” Reynolds says. “She did all of her feeding and trapping at night and took great care not to be seen. She crawled under fences, snuck onto offlimit areas, and went into situations that required stealth in order to care 6

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for the cats. Today, she is the only person I know who will take these same kinds of risks in contentious situations… When something like this needs to be done, they call Diane. She has never been caught!”

Now, thanks to Straney’s persistence to change the laws and the lives of cats, 90 percent of all animals in Charleston County leave shelters alive.

“There are less than 75 communities in the country that can make this claim,” Reynolds says, “and none of them are in the South. The live release rate for Charleston felines is now overall 84 percent with 91 percent of cats and 76 percent of kittens being saved (including neo-nates and kittens under six weeks). Our community saves almost 50 percent more cats than dogs, making it one of safest places in the country for cats to live.”

Straney’s mission seems to be going better than she could have ever hoped.

The FFC has also teamed up with PetSmart in finding homes for socialized kittens that have been nurtured in the sanctuary. Straney and company are the sole cat providers for the Mt. Pleasant, West Ashley, and Summerville PetSmart stores. And her focus remains firmly on doing more. Straney continues to fulfill her calling by spreading the word and gathering more saviors. It’s important for her that people understand the mission.

“We’re not trying to save feral cats; we’re trying to prevent feral cats,” Straney says. “TNR really is the most effective way to reduce the feral cat population.

Trap-and-kill doesn’t work. Animal control does not have enough resources to trap these cats quickly enough to ever

get it under control — whereas, with TNR, there are many individuals who are willing to do that. With trap-and-kill, you’re not going to be able to get the public involved in that, so it doesn’t work. With TNR you literally have an army out in the public helping to maintain and reduce the size of these colonies. And that’s the real secret weapon.”

This is the third article in our series on Animal Advocates of the Lowcountry. After all nominees are featured, we will open online voting and one winner of the Animal Advocate of the Year will be recognized for their outstanding work.

Top: Diane cuddles Hannah, with Midnight by her side. Both are looking for forever homes. Below: Diane checks a kennel with Ryan, a Rescue Charleston team member.

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Local Veterinary Facility Earns Top Certification The Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society (VECCS) has awarded its highest certification to West Ashley’s Charleston Veterinary Referral Center, making it one of only six Level I Certified Veterinary Hospitals in the nation and the only facility in the Southeast to attain this designation. David B. Sachs, Emergency Veterinarian and Medical Director of Charleston Veterinary Referral Center, upon receiving the certification, said its purpose is “to recognize those hospitals that meet the extremely high standards and guidelines published by VECCS with goals of raising the standard of veterinary care while also increasing public and professional awareness of emergency and critical care providers.”

Chief of Critical Care Kristin Welch, DVM, DACVECC, explained that the certification program identifies three levels (I through III) based on operating hours, equipment and personnel. “A Level I emergency and critical care facility must have the resources and specialty training necessary to provide sophisticated emergent and critical care using the attendant technologies.

Second, it must be open to receive small animal emergency patients 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Finally, a Level I facility must have a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care on staff full-time and available or consultation 24/7.”

Electrochemotherapy

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Speaking of sophisticated technology, the center now offers yet another weapon to fight cancer in animals. It recently began offering a revolutionary new treatment option called electrochemotherapy (ECT).

Electrochemotherapy delivers trains of electrical pulses to cancer cells shortly after injection of chemotherapeutic drugs.

The pulses open pores in the tumor cell membranes making them more permeable and enabling better penetration of anticancer drug molecules to increase tumor cell kill. Patients will undergo very light, short (5-10 minute) anesthesia for the procedure and typically require two or three treatments (depending on tumor type and size). Because ECT makes tumor cells more sensitive to therapy, this allows lower doses of chemotherapy making systemic side-effects very unlikely. CVRC is pleased to be the first and only veterinary practice in the Southeast to offer ECT. Dr. Kerry Rissetto, DVM, DACVIM, the center’s oncologist, traveled to Rome for training in electroportation and chemotherapy under Enrico Spugnini.

Canine and Feline Physical Rehabilitation Center Dogs and cats that have sustained injuries, undergone orthopedic or cardiac surgeries, and those that are overweight can all regain mobility, agility and fitness more quickly

and safely in the Charleston Veterinary Referral Center’s Animal Rehabilitation & Fitness department. Led by Jennifer Au, DACVS, CCRT, who is board-certified in surgery and rehabilitation, CVRC has just opened a newly-designed rehab facility complete with underwater and land treadmills, laser therapy, electrostimulation, therapeutic ultrasound, hurdles, balance balls and boards, and a cushioned floor surface that protects healing muscles, tendons and joints from the jolts of exercise. The room is long enough for dogs to gallop in, and even has see-through windows so owners can watch their pets’ progress.

Founded in 2011 by Dr. Alan Green, Chief of Staff and Dr. Sachs, the Charleston Veterinary Referral Center is on Shelby Ray Court, just off Glenn McConnell Parkway in West Ashley, and is the only veterinary facility in the Southeast that fulfills all the criteria set by the Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society to be called a Level 1 Emergency/ Critical Care Center. Its 17 staff members are designated according to their areas of expertise, predominantly with dogs and cats. Clinical services include cardiology, dentistry, emergency and critical care medicine, diagnostic imaging (X-Ray, Ultrasound, CT, MRI, Fluoroscopy), internal medicine, neurology, oncology, physical rehabilitation and surgery, including orthopedic, soft tissue and minimally invasive.

Dr. Sachs concluded that “Being a VECCS Level I facility affirms that this respected society recognizes us among the best of the best. It enables us to offer a level of care and service unparalleled in the Southeast and virtually the same as human trauma care facilities. We are able to treat the most critical patients and give comfort and confidence to their owners.”

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SC Pet Protective Orders Law

By Kimblerly Kelly

There is an undeniable link between human violence and animal cruelty, which is perhaps more apparent in homes where domestic violence is present than in other human-animal violence situations. For some victims of domestic violence, a relationship with a beloved pet may be the only positive connection in their lives, making that pet especially vulnerable as a mere pawn in a dangerous environment. Abusers will frequently harm, torture, or even kill an animal in a brutal manner – sometimes in front of the victim – to display control and to manipulate the victim into either staying in the home, or coercing her to return.

Unfortunately, the perpetrator frequently has an additional advantage in these scenarios as most women’s shelters are not equipped to accept pet animals, and many victims cannot afford to board their pets for an unspecified time. Furthermore, the perpetrator may have ownership rights to the pet, which can interfere with a victim’s ability to remove the animal from the home. Law enforcement officers and courts have been reluctant to intervene with a pet’s placement because such situations are frequently considered a marital property dispute. Consequently, many women delay or refuse to leave a dangerous relationship out of fear of initial or escalating violence towards their pet, which continues to put both the woman and animal in harm’s way. This problem is not the exception to the rule. Multiple studies indicate that between 48% and 71% of battered women report that their pet had also been threatened, harmed, or killed by their partners, and in a national survey of women’s shelters, a staggering 85% reported incidents of women seeking safety who described pet abuse in their homes.

This situation is particularly dangerous in states like South Carolina where domestic violence rates are consistently high and animal cruelty laws are relatively weak. Last year, the Violence Policy Center in Washington ranked the Palmetto State the worst in the nation for men killing women. At more than double the national average, it was the third time in ten years that South Carolina earned the top spot. The domestic violence crisis in South Carolina is so severe that the state Attorney General has challenged the state’s General Assembly to consider legislation that would help protect victims of domestic violence, calling the current statistics “inexcusable.” What’s more, The Humane Society of the United States ranked South Carolina an abysmal 46th in its 2013 humane state rankings, which scores each state’s animal protection laws. When considered collectively, it’s readily apparent that a key component to minimizing both human and animal violence in the home includes measures to protect both victims of domestic violence: people and animals.

In an effort to reduce crimes committed against women and animals, state representative, Gilda Cobb-Hunter, introduced 10

Lowcountrydog

legislation referred to as a “Pet Protective Order” bill, which would extend legal protections to pets involved in domestic violence disputes. After repeated attempts to pass the legislation through multiple sessions of the South Carolina General Assembly, lawmakers finally recognized its importance, and the bill was signed into law by Governor Nikki Haley on June 6th, 2014. The law, which has already gone into effect, allows judges to include pets in orders of protection granted to victims of domestic violence disputes. In essence, not only will a judge be able to order an alleged abuser to refrain from harming a human victim, but under the new law, he can also specifically order him to refrain from harming a pet. Furthermore, judges can now grant the temporary legal possession of pets, and order assistance from law enforcement officers in removing the animal from the family home if the perpetrator has not been evicted by court order. Should an abuser violate the new law, he could be subject to penalties under both the state’s domestic relations laws as well as state animal cruelty laws.

The new protections afforded women and pets by the legislation are a tremendous victory and an important step for combatting domestic violence in South Carolina, but that isn’t the bill’s only achievement. Thanks to a late amendment offered

by Senator Greg Hembree, the bill also increases maximum fines and jail times for those convicted of misdemeanor animal cruelty, with significant increases for repeat offenders. Previously under state law, a first-offense misdemeanor cruelty charge carried a maximum penalty of 60 days in jail or a fine ranging from $100 to $500. For a second offense, the penalties previously included up to 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $800. It wasn’t until the third offense that convicted abusers could face up to two years in jail and a $2,000 fine. Under the new law, first time offenders could face up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. Second and subsequent offenders are subject to a maximum of two years imprisonment and up to a $2,000 fine. Punishments for felony animal cruelty, including imprisonment ranging from 180 days to five years and a fine of $5,000 remain the same.

Domestic violence and animal cruelty are serious crimes that will continue to require additional attention from our state legislators, judges, and law enforcement personnel. The pet protective orders law, coupled with increased animal cruelty penalties, are not solutions to the complicated and widespread incidents of human and animal related violence across the state.

However, with new laws in place, our legal system now has additional tools to help protect victims– both human and pets– in domestic violence situations and that’s an important victory all South Carolinians should celebrate.

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Lowcountrydog

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rico r E i r e

By T

d n u o F m I o d w e or Ho egged Fre L r u o F Part 2

My boyfriend and I adopted our puppy 10 months ago, and we joke it’s a tough life owning the sweetest, goofiest, most adorable dog ever. Whenever we take him out, people stop us to gasp and coo at him. The people we know best gasp the hardest though—at me. “I still can’t believe you have a dog!” That’s because I have spent 30 years terrified of every canine in vicinity, be it Collie or Shitzhu. My fear stemmed from a bad encounter with a stray as a child bookended by an attack as an adult. But when I met the man I wanted to marry, a dog lover to the extreme, I knew I had to work to get over my fear. And now here I am almost a year later loving my own four-legged furball.

When I finally conceded to my boyfriend Kyle that we could adopt a dog, the first thing we did was research. While his family has always had large dogs, he met me halfway in considering what I wanted, and needed, too. For starters, big dogs that could overpower me or outweigh me were out of the question. I’m of petite stature and it terrified me to think I could enter the house when Kyle wasn’t there and the dog might bowl me over leaving me helpless against it. Another factor was barking. While the sound may be both good and bad, it made me jumpy all the same and I hoped for a quiet pet. Additionally, I wanted a smart breed that’s easily trained, and most of all, one that’s good with children. Kyle accepted my insecurities and we moved ahead with our checklist.

It was a random search during my lunch break that yielded a unique but ideal breed for our needs: Toy Australian Shepherd.

The smaller breed of Aussie grows to about 20-25 lbs., which was just right. Famously loyal creatures, Australian Shepherds are easygoing and can entertain themselves, which was beneficial if I got overwhelmed and needed to step back. Australian Shepherds 12

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are also intelligent, quiet and good with children. It was a perfect match. Kyle and I decided to adopt a puppy so that I could be with it from the start of its life and help it develop good habits, and we picked up newly dubbed Luke Bryan Skywalker on November 6, when he was two months old. I knew he was the one the moment I met him, but when he peed on me for the third time on the car ride home, he stamped my role as his momma.

While I adored looking at Luke, my six pounds of adorable fluff, I knew I still had a long road ahead of me. He was innocent and clumsy, but I was nonetheless terrified of getting too close, of his constant nipping and his jump puppy energy. So off to training class we went at PetSmart in West Ashley, under the tutelage of Dog Trainer, Emily Gallow. Emily has spent her life training hunting dogs on her family’s 120-acre farm in Ladson and trained her first pup at the age of 8. She has taught at PetSmart for two years and she is incredibly knowledgeable, patient and always willing to stop and answer questions, even if you just bump into her walking down the aisle.

To Emily, training is the most important bonding experience a new dog owner can have with his pet. “Dogs are pack animals so there has to be somebody in charge,” she notes. “Training is so important because you’re working with your dog to show them who is in charge and also to build confidence in them. You’re teaching positive reinforcement for good behavior so they’ll want to keep doing it to please you.”

PetSmart has four six-week classes new dog owners can take: beginning, intermediate and advanced training, as well as a trick class to teach dogs fun things such as grabbing their leash or cleaning up their toys. Emily showed us how easy it is to train a dog, thanks to simple techniques and repetition. Kyle and I saw

a vast improvement in Luke immediately and signed up for every class. “Every dog can sit, but it’s important to take that training further,” Emily says. “Not only is your dog going to behave if you properly train it, but it’s going to be a dog you can take with you anywhere and introduce to anyone.”

The three most important commands you can teach your dog, according to Emily, are: come when called with major distractions; strict leash training, including heel and turns; and stay. But while you may train your dog endlessly, Emily cautions that dogs will still be dogs.

“No matter how well trained they are, dogs are still perpetual three year olds in the human world,” she explains. So never take your pet off its leash in public settings, and always be aware of your surroundings.

I had spent my life afraid of dogs and no advice or therapy worked until Emily came along and suggested the best way to learn to be around dogs, or any fear in fact, is in a controlled where I would be happy and comfortable—and also could

walk away. That setting for me was Emily’s class, a fun atmosphere with my boyfriend and our puppy in a room that I could easily exit.

But Luke and I successfully made it through all four levels of classes, and this summer, after almost 10 months, I survived (yes, survived!) five days alone with him when Kyle went on his yearly hiking trip. I never thought that would be possible with any dog. I now play with my puppy and let him climb all over me, I scratch his head and don’t fear he’ll bite me, and I kiss him, too, when he cuddles up on my chest with his favorite toy. I understand he just wants to be near me when he jumps. That he paws at me or emits a tiny bark because he wants to play.

And it’s all because he has been trained well by Emily, and so have I. I am so very lucky he, Kyle and Emily finally were able to help me overcome my 30-year fear of dogs—otherwise I never would have been able to understand what true puppy love really is.

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Seaside Sully Meet our 2014 Cover Model Contest Winner

PHOTOGRAPHY BY LAURA OLSEN

Eric and Allison Swanson welcomed German Shorthaired Pointer litter mates Sully and Stella into their lives 13 months ago. Both dogs enjoy pointing birds, chasing squirrels in the local dogs parks, and scent training, but being in the water is clearly their favorite pastime. Sully and Stella are truly in their element when dock diving, running in the surf, and swimming in lakes. Thrilled with her pooch winning our annual cover model contest held at Pet Fest each year, Allison exclaimed, “We believe Sully is the perfect Lowcountry dog because he is as friendly as a puppy can be and is never happier than when he is on the beach running among the birds.�

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Charleston's Dog Friendly Beaches Dogs must be on leash, except during the following hours: 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. from April 1 through September 14 and 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 a.m. from September 15 through March 31. Owners must clean up after pets.

SUMMER HOURS (May 1 – September 30) Off-leash: 5:00am – 10:00am • No dogs: 10:00am – 6:00pm On-leash: 6:00pm – 5:00am WINTER HOURS (October 1 – April 30) Off -leash: 5:00am – Noon • On-leash: Noon -5:00am All dogs must be curbed. Pet waste bags may be found near the entrance of each beach access path.

Sullivan's Island:

Folly Beach:

Isle of Palms:

All dogs must have a valid Sullivan’s Island permit – residents and visitors. Dog permits are available at Town Hall. $35.00/dog permit. Resident Discount $10 ($25.00) $2.00/license discount available if proof of an American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizenship Certificate is presented at time of permit purchase.

See www.sullivansisland-sc.com/Files/DOGS/2013%20dog%20 application%20full%20packet.pdf for full application packet and requirements.

Dogs are not allowed on the beach from May 1 to September 30 between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

In the off-season, though, from October 1 through April 30, your dog is welcome on Folly’s beach. Your pup must stay on a leash and under control, but running, walking, fetching, and swimming are all allowed. There are pet waste bags at beach access points, please use them to keep the beach clean for everyone on Folly, whether they have two or four legs.

Kiawah: Dogs must be on leash on all of Kiawah Island year round, except for 5 areas on the beach. There are 2 dog use areas in which dogs can be off leash year round as long as they are under voice command. The first area extends from Beachwalker County Park for 1,000 yards to the west (towards Captain Sam's inlet). The second area is located between the Beach Club and the Ocean Course pedestrian beach access. Dogs may also be off leash during the winter months (December 1-March 15) on the central portion of the beach between Beachwalker County Park and the Beach Club. In addition, there are 2 Dog Leash areas where dogs can be present year round but must always be on a leash.

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happy hounds

copper, katie rose, jake & abby

dottie

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wesley

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adalia

Upload photos of your happy hound at www.lowcountrydog.com/share/photo All breeds and mixed breeds accepted.

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Lowcountry Lowcountrydog dog

upcoming events recurring every saturday & sunday pet helpers adoptions at petco, west ashley. www.pethelpers.org

5-sunset, September 18th 4-sunset, September 25th 5-sunset. Visit www. charlestoncountyparks.com for more info.

special events

is $15 per dog. Charleston County residents may purchase advance tickets for $12 per dog. All tickets purchased on site will be $15. Owners are free with their pets. Spaces are limited, so sign up today! For more information, call (843) 795-4386 or visit CharlestonCountyParks.com

every saturday cas adopt-athon at petsmart mt pleasant. august 25th public court hearing for hound dog cruelty www.charlestonanimalsociety.org case. This court hearing is for the september 13th francis r. lowcountry lab rescue adopt-a Animal Cruelty Case involving 45 Hound willis spca 11th annual pawker -thon at whole foods mt p. dogs seized on 2/11/13. This hearing is run. It is time for the 11th Annual Adoptable Dogs are usually at Whole Foods every third Saturday of the month from 11 - 2. Please visit www. lowcountrylabrescue.org for more information.

yappy hours and pups, yups and food trucks by charleston county park and recreation commission at charleston county parks. Pick up man’s best friend after work and join the fun at events held this summer and early fall especially for dog owners! Pups, Yups and Food Trucks offers on-site food trucks and live music in the meadow at Palmetto Islands County Park in Mount Pleasant, just adjacent to the dog park.

Yappy Hour features live music and beverages for sale, directly in the offleash dog park at James Island County Park. The next Yappy Hour will be on Aug. 7 with a performance by Dreamland Band.

Both events are free with general park admission ($1 per person or free with Charleston County Parks’ Gold Pass)!

Beverages and food are available for an additional fee. Outside alcohol and coolers are prohibited.

Event Dates: Aug

7th

4-8pm

,

August

21st

open to the public and we are asking for YOUR support. We would like to see the courtroom and courthouse parking lot packed with individuals that are against animal cruelty! In order to clearly show that we are a unified group, we ask that everyone wear SOLID BLACK shirts. If you want to contribute towards the anti-cruelty work done by Animal Rescue & Relief, you can mail contributions directly to Animal Rescue & Relief at PO Box 13477, Charleston, SC 29422.

“Paw”ker Run to benefit the Frances R. Willis SPCA of Dorchester County, SC. Our first ten “Paw”ker Runs were very successful for the nearly 3,140 lost, abandoned and abused animals that we care for each year. Those numbers are rising in 2014 with the poor economy and housing foreclosures. However, 2014 promises to be a much better year; in January, February and March our live release rate matched that of no kill shelters across the country!

We are projecting over 600 bikers to

Sept. 7th noon - 5:00 pm x 6th participate and we are hoping to raise annual dog day afternoon at over $25,000 or more for the SPCA. whirlin' waters. Humans can cool down at beaches and waterparks, but how does man’s best friend beat the heat? On Sunday, Sept. 7, dogs will have free reign at Whirlin’ Waters for the 6th Annual Dog Day Afternoon!

On that special day, Whirlin’ Waters Adventure Waterpark at North Charleston Wannamaker County Park will be open to canines and their owners from 12 – 5 p.m. Dogs can splash around the 27,000-sq. ft. Big Kahuna wave pool and the Rollin’ River lazy river. The refreshing Otter Bay kiddie pool area, recommended for smaller pooches, will also be open for frolicking.

Admission to Dog Day Afternoon

Entry Fee is $20 per person and includes collectible T-Shirt. Registration begins at 10:00 am or sign up online in advance. Run time is at 11:00 am. Hwy 61 E. / .5 Miles off ALT 17 S. Dorchester Shrine Club. Live music by Double Nought Spies. BBQ Lunch, Door Prizes, cash prizes and 1st, 2nd and 3rd place prizes.

More info at www. summervillespca. org Questions? Comments?

Call 843-478-0266.

Want to submit event information?

Visit www.lowcountrydog.com and click on Add an Event. We will do our best to include your event as space allows. Our online calendar lists all events in full.

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Medical Management of Hip Dysplasia and Osteoarthritis

By Jennifer Au, DVM, DACVS, CCRT Osteoarthritis affects animals and people alike. Osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip joint in dogs is common. Different studies show 30% of German Shepherd Dogs have hip OA and 52% of various dogs have hip OA in another study. One study in people showed the risk of developing hip osteoarthritis in a lifetime is 1 in 4 or 25% of the population. Interestingly, a lot of the medical or conservative treatment options for managing hip osteoarthritis, or osteoarthritis of any joint for that matter, is very similar between people and out pets. Maybe while you are working to reduce the risk of development or the discomfort from current OA you can do the same for your pet, making it a team effort.

While there are surgical options for dogs, and cats, with hip dysplasia or other diseases of the hip joint resulting in OA, the good news is approximately 70% of dogs with appropriate medical, also termed conservative, management can have a good quality of life, never needing surgery. There is no cure or single treatment for OA, but in combination, the various medical treatments can be very effective. Basic medical management consists of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID’s), supplements, activity modification and weight control. More advanced options include additional drug therapies, physical rehabilitation, laser therapy, shockwave therapy, acupuncture and regenerative medicine therapies along with other options. Weight control is actually one of the most crucial components to managing OA in animals and people. Since I already stepped on my soapbox regarding weight control in pets 20

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in a previous article I will concentrate on some of the other forms of conservative management today.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, also referred to as NSAIDs, are one of the most effective drug classes used to control OA pain and inflammation. While NSAIDs can be a godsend for both people and pets they should be used correctly and under a veterinarian’s supervision, for the pet that is. Any drug has potential side effects; NSAIDs are not alone in this category.

NSAIDs can cause gastrointestinal issues such as ulcers, bleeding or perforation and have deleterious affects on the liver and kidneys. Ideally blood work should be performed on your pet prior to starting NSAIDs to evaluate for underlying liver or kidney problems and have a baseline for monitoring, especially if the plan is for extended use of these drugs. While the number of dogs that have side effects related to NSAID use is very small, the results of the side effects can run the gamut from very mild and easily controlled to severe or life threatening.

Any dog on NSAIDs should be monitored for decreased or absent appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, blood in the stool or melena (black, tarry stool indicating digested blood). If these signs are seen you should contact your family veterinarian for assistance. Nonsteroidals should always be used within the appropriate dose range (ask your veterinarian) and never be used with other NSAIDs or steroids as this can increase the risk of side effects.

Use of nonsteoidals in animals with underlying liver and kidney disease should be avoided if possible. I am not

harping on the risks or side effects of NSAIDs to keep you from using them; I am trying to make you a smart pet owner.

As I said, NSAIDs are very effective in controlling pain and inflammation from OA but use your smarts when using them for your pet and consult your veterinarian for more information. Ideally your dog should receive a nonsteroidal specifically for dogs. Aspirin in dogs can cause an increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding compared to other dog-specific NSAIDs and they affect platelet function that can result in an increased risk of bleeding.

Tucker Daniel Tylenol (acetaminophen) is toxic to cats.

Did you know, on average, 10,000-15,000 people die every year from NSAID related complications? Again just trying to make you a smarter, more informed pet owner.

Nonsteroidals are useful and effective in controlling signs of OA, just be smart when using them or giving them to your pet. I think I might have stepped on another soapbox there too.

Nutraceutical is a combination of the words ‘nutrition’ and ‘pharmaceutical’.

The origin comes from foods or parts of food that provide medical or health benefits, including the prevention and treatment of disease, but also applies to specific nutrients, dietary supplements and even herbal products. Another term is DMOAS or disease modifying OA supplements. Whichever term you prefer, there are several options available to help with OA. Omega 3 fatty acids, commonly derived from fish oils, have been shown in multiple studies to reduce inflammation in osteoarthritic joints along with improving comfort and limb

use in dogs. Glucosamine is another supplement people have commonly heard about, and may even be taking for their own joints, that may be effective in aiding joint comfort and function.

Glucosamine with chondroitin is reported to be more effective than glucosamine alone, allowing for a synergistic action.

There are various studies, both on the human and veterinary side, reporting varying degrees of efficacy. One week a paper comes out saying glucosamine with chondroitin works, the next week a paper comes out saying it doesn’t. Personally I feel it is a supplement with very little risk or side effects and may help in the battle against the signs of OA so I recommend it for my patients. If or when there is definitive evidence one-way or the other my recommendations may change.

By now you have probably seen the Celebrex commercial with the tag line ‘A body in motion, stays in motion’ regarding OA and NSAID’s on the human side. This adage also rings true on the animal side.

We want pets with OA to stay active.

Being a ‘couch potato’ increases the risk

of weight gain, allows joints to stiffen up and results in muscle loss that causes more work for the osteoarthritic joints. Of course the activity needs to be reasonable.

Low-impact activities such as walking or swimming are ideal for pets and people with osteoarthritic joints versus higher impact activities such as running and jumping. Shorter, more frequent activities are better than one single long activity.

You should always monitor your dog for signs of discomfort such as slowing down, reluctance to walk, limping during the activity and the following day or two.

Similar to us working out, we may not feel the aches and pains until the next day.

Any activity that results in your dog being stiff or sore during the activity or after should be reduced or eliminated from the routine or until additional OA treatment options are added into your pets routine.

Next time we will talk about something near and dear to my heart, physical rehabilitation. In the mean time, get out side and get moving with your pet.

SANDRA BRETT Fine Pet Portraits

The Perfect Gift!

sandrabrett1@gmail.com 910.616.6119 www.zhibit.org/sandrabrett

Animal Antics, LLC is a company dedicated to providing products that are of the highest quality, made from all natural ingredients and are environmentally friendly. As well as services, that exceed expectations and deliver value.

Pet Care • Behavior & Training • Grooming • Accessories

We view ourselves as ambassadors for a better planet; fostering compassion and respect in animal welfare and training, while understanding the science behind nutrition and animal behavior; our focus is on the health and wellness for all pets; to treat our customers with courtesy and gratitude, as well as, being partners in the community.

Animal Antics training philosophy is part of our holistic focus on good mental and physical health for pets.

Our cooperative approach teaches socialization skills, modifies problem behaviors, and is the basis for our entire training curriculum.

843-284-8903

1964 Rivera Drive, Suite J Mount Pleasant www.animalanticsllc.com Check out Charleston Animal Society’s Puppy Parties, socialization classes with a professional dog trainer for puppies 7-24 weeks. Free with donation to the shelter. Registration required.

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Ask the Trainer: Chase Drive The Problem: How can I teach my dog not to chase people running by or on bikes? -Andy Infante The Solution: Dogs chase moving objects for many reasons, but all of the reasons are instinctual. Whether it is prey drive, hunting, herding, guarding/protection or even a defense out of fear…..the chase is initially triggered by the dog’s instinct. Couple that with how much fun and rewarding your dog has learned this behavior is and you find yourself competing with not only instinct, but a self-rewarding behavior. Based on the dog’s trigger for the chase, the rewards can vary between each dog and each instinct. Since I haven’t observed the dog’s behavior, it’s difficult for me to determine exactly why your particular dog is chasing the moving objects, however I have some tips for you to help teach him an alternate behavior.

Before expecting your dog to learn the desired (new) behavior with a biker speeding by, you must practice with him in a setting with little to no distraction. You’re going to start with the “Leave It” command in a controlled setting, such as inside your house.

Start out by making it really easy, then slowly increase the level of difficulty. For example, have him ‘Leave’ a piece of dry kibble for a soft yummy treat. When he’s good at that, teach him to ‘leave’ the soft treat for a piece of cheese, and so on. As mentioned in a previous response when addressing a dog chasing the resident cat……this is worth repeating: When I teach Leave It, I never ever let the dog have the item I have asked them ‘Leave’. In other words, don’t have him ‘Leave’ the dry kibble on the floor, then turn around and say ‘Take it’. You want to instill that ‘Leave It’ means ‘Leave it’, don’t ever ‘Get It’. Always reward with something different, and better, than what you are asking the dog to ‘Leave’. You would slowly but surely work up to levels of increased difficulty by having him ‘Leave’ a rolling ball that will serve as a moving object, a piece of cheese you toss, someone walking by, and eventually work up to ‘Leaving’ the bikers and joggers.

When you are ready to begin working around bikers and joggers, it is important that you start out at the easiest level for him to succeed, as well as desensitize him to the bikers’ and joggers’ movement. You will need to recruit the help of a friend or family member for this.

Have your dog on leash and have your recruit pass by at a faster pace than walking, but not a full jog. Continue to work that ‘Leave It’ command and reward heavily for the correct response. If your dog is having trouble giving the correct response, you’re moving to quickly for him – go back to an easier step in which he can be successful so you can reward. You’re not looking to keep having him fail so you can ‘correct’. Do the same thing with the bike, but start out with the person walking past you with the bike, not riding by at full speed.

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The two things that are going to set you and your dog up to succeed is starting with slow speeds of the joggers and bikers as well as setting distance away from the bikers and joggers. For example, before your dog can resist the urge to chase, and comply to your ‘Leave It’ command with a biker speeding by 3 feet away, he must be able to give the correct response 15 feet away and the biker slowly walking by. Find the threshold at which your dog can successfully comply with the ‘Leave It’ command then slowly have the joggers and bikers increase speed, and you slowly decrease the distance from the moving objects. Don’t increase speed and decrease distance at the same time. An example of this would be if the dog can comply with the Leave It command 15 feet away and the biker slowly riding by, move in to 13 feet, but keep the biker at the same speed. Then, go back to 15 feet away and have the biker slowly increase his speed and so forth. Don’t be tempted to increase difficulty at the level in which you think your dog should be progressing, but at the level your dog is progressing. And as with any training, don’t progress too quickly in a way that will set your dog up for failure.

If you have a young dog that has not practiced chasing for very long, you should see progress and results fairly quickly. If your dog has practiced the chasing behavior for quite some time, it will more than likely take a little more time and energy to extinguish the rehearsed behavior and implement the new behavior. Be consistent and patient and always set your dog up for success. The more he rehearses the desired behavior and is rewarded for it, the better he will get at it. Just remember, rehearsing behaviors and getting better at it work with any behavior…..so the more he rehearses the undesired behavior and is rewarded for it, the better he will get at that also. As mentioned above, the chase itself is rewarding, so even though you don’t personally reward it, if he completes the action, he is rewarded.

Please don’t hesitate to enlist the help of a Certified Positive Reinforcement Trainer if you find yourself needing assistance implementing these tips. Your investment will be well worth it for both you and your dog. Follow this advice from Dr. Ian Dunbar, a world renowned trainer, behaviorist, teacher, and who I like to refer to as the Grandfather of Positive Reinforcement Training: “When I’m training a dog I develop a relationship with that dog. He’s my buddy and I want to make training fun. Training a dog to me is on a par with learning to dance with my wife or teaching my son to ski. These are fun things we do together. If anyone even talks about dominating the dog or hurting him or fighting him or punishing him, don’t go there.”

Kristie Allen, CPDT The Learning Canine, LLC

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